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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Cat Scratch Fever

Two things about cat scratch fever references...

First, Ted Nugent in a loin cloth. Google that up.

Second, since I've moved, the amount of feral cats in my neighborhood is crazy. Every morning when I walk out my door on the way to work, there's a black cat starring me down. I think it's because I'm more of a dog person that I get a little wigged out by it. At least I can pay homage to thuggish felines in this cat print top. And since I'm required to wear dressier clothes to work, I figured I could get a way a button up blouse with cats on it.

Outfit:
Cat Print Pleated Blouse - c/o  Urban1972.com
Black Skinny Pants - ?
BCBGeneration Secret B Leopard Shoes - Macys
Bracelets 
Spiked Bracelet - Forever 21
Polished Brass Bangle - J Crew
Chain Link Bangle - Forever 21

I love that the pattern is slightly abstract... and that'd you'd have to get all up on it to really tell it's kitties.



So, creepy black cat... this outfit's for you. Please stay away from my breath and my car's under carriage.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Need. Want. Love. - Spring Shoes: Neons

Unless you've been wearing blinders, neons are officially a part of Spring's biggest trends in 2012. While denim is embracing our favorite colors from the 80s, and it's easy to pull off shocking pink on your nails, neon isn't for everyone. While I'm definitely a fan of fluorescents, not everyone enjoys looking like glow sticks.

Fear not! Your wardrobe can still participate. Check out these shoes that pack just a powerful punch as the pants you're sure to see hipsters (myself included) and fashionistas rockin' this year!



Spring 2012 Trends - Neons


J.Crew round toe pumps, $198
ALDO wedge heels, $81
Dollhouse wedge heels, $38
Chinese Laundry wedge heels, $90
High heels, $99
BDG oxford shoes, $39
Secretwpon, $99

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Putting On The Ritz

At a very young age, I learned that a little bit of extravagance never hurt anyone.

Outfit:
Abstract Print Blazer - Forever 21
Black Tee - Target
Cigarette Skinny Jeans - Urban Outfitters
Luscious 23 Heels - Lulus.com
Leather Satchel - Zara

This was an unspoken credo I picked up from my grandmother, who is the biggest influence on my take on personal style.

Regardless of how minimal or monumental the occasion, she ALWAYS wore jewelry. Big pearls the size of silver dollars for earrings; her hands stacked with emeralds and diamonds glistening off her fingers... chic overcoats in the winter that when removed, would reveal her stylish attire. And her favorite perfume (the name is no coincident to her jewelry collection): White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor.

 
Accessories:
Petite Hinged Pave Bow Bangle - Henri Bendel
Rivet Wrap Bracelet - Henri Bendel 
Chunky Heart Ring - Urban Outfitters


It was my complete awe of the beautiful things she wore that made allowed me to sit on her lap as a child and stare at her baubles. Her love of costume jewelry and beauteous gemstones absolutely rubbed off on me - as I started wearing rings on every finger as a teenager.

And presently, 19 years after her passing, I still can't leave the house without wearing jewelry... and a little sparkle... no matter how insignificant a walk in the park or lunch date may be.


Her extravagance was elegance... and that's the pinnacle of what personal style is all about to me today.

So, don't be afraid to be a little over the top sometimes. Because a little extravagance never hurt anybody.



Friday, February 17, 2012

A Space To Call My Own

Since my blog is called House Of Jeffers, I figured it sorta makes sense give my readers a peek into where everything I put into my blog goes down. 

And just like many of you, there's one treasured place - besides your closet - that every blogger needs: a workspace.

The one thing I didn't have in my old place was an office. My desk was in my bedroom, and I always wanted my own space to be productive. So, when we moved into our new home, I  mapped out what my "blogspace" decor would look like.

Outfit:
Colorblock Striped Shirt - Zara
Black pants - ?
C Label Patent Leather Wedge Boots - Lulus.com

At my desk, I need a lot of organized clutter - whether it's a collage, knick knacks that I treasure (like my vintage robot and platform shoes that look prettier off than on) and things that inspire me. For a couple of years, I've collected Blythe dolls - which I went through hell trying to get (Ebay anyone?). She's fashionable and from the 70s, so this doesn't truly count as playing with dolls.

My Blythes, stone cold chillin in my version of a grown-up Candy Land for 30-somethings, on my shelf.

I love the photo of my dog, Zoey, when she was a lil pup. And the drawing of myself was done at LuckyFabb by Lauren of My Closet in Sketches. All the stuff on my desk has been aging away in boxes, and now that I have more room to spare, I've proudly displayed em, and enjoy glancing at them every time I sit down to blog.

Oh, and all desks need a little eye candy. That's where Adam Levine (the Maroon 5 poster in the right corner) comes in handy. 





My own little slice of non-corporate heaven... and I don't even have to put on makeup to do this kind of work. 

Come on, full-time blogging - happen for me someday!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Top 3 New York Fashion Week Designers I'd...

Even though I couldn't attend New York Fashion Week shows in the flesh for February, that didn't stop me from catching live shows or presentations online.

My biggest inspiration are designers who stick to prints and take huge risks in a way that celebrates being ladylike and girly... but with a little bit of bad ass appeal.

Here's my top 3 New York Fashion Week's Fall 2012 designers picks that I'd donate my eggs for.


A gal who's not afraid of bold prints and a mixture of colors is my kinda lady and... that would be Stacey Bendet of Alice and Olivia. Not scrimping on the stripes, neons, and embellishments done with careful consideration of not crossing over the gawdy line, this collection is right up my alley... and should be in my closet. I've never met a stripe I didn't like, and this two-piece suit is all types of fab. Darn, I'll even take the haircut, too.



Hmmm... let's see what else on my list of loves Ms. Bendet included.

Sequins?

 Check.

Parisian chic meets good girl gone bad - on the weekends?


 Check.

Mod meets Modern?


Oh yeah. Double check.


The mother of prints. Although her Fall 2012 "Rendez-Vous" collection featured some prints, the centerpiece was color blocking and celebrating the art of seduction. And what better way to do that than with impeccably tailored dresses, draped bodices and variations on her infamous wrap dress?






I've long admired Betsey Johnson... she is THE designer who turned me on to fashion. Her voice, always vibrant and unabashedly free spirited, spoke to me from a punk rock P.O.V.  when I was 13. Simply put: No one can do what she does the way she does it. She's constantly pushing the fashion boundaries, and I can count on her collections to expose me to a new inspiration from hers. This year, it was a dash of British culture and her traditional "If it's pink, it's probably Betsey" mentality.




Who were some of your favorite collections this year?



* ALL photos via www.Style.com

Monday, February 13, 2012

Lulus, Bloggers Night Out, New York Fashion Week - Oh My!

One of the best parts about blogging are the friendships I've made. So when events come along that gather all us under one roof to mix and mingle, I'm all about it.

And New York Fashion Week is definately an excuse for us fashionable dames to get together!


So on Friday, I planned to hit up two events. The first was the Lulus.com Style Studio event, held at the pop-up park, OpenHouse Studios, in the heart of Nolita. Boasting a whimsical surrounding of garden flora, the event gathered the best of the blogging world, plus beauty, prizes, and of course, their awesome array of clothes! Since I'm a huge fan of the site, I knew this event was going to be uber fun and of course, have some adorable duds to scope out.

Outfit:
Polka Dot Blazer - Forever 21
Sheer Dot Jacquard Top - Forever 21
Pleather Tights - Zara
Evade shoes - Jeffrey Campbell
Bracelets - Henri Bendel


My partner in crime for the night, Nicole of Black Shoes Diary.

Each attendee was given a style map to follow, which led them to a Style Destination where Julia of Orchid Grey, Jen of JenLovesKen, Bonnie of Flashes Of Style, Laura of On The Racks & Bethany of Snakes Nest were waiting to giving style advice. Oh, and everyone picked something to take home! My my style matched Spider Mum Edgy, Laura's rack, which ranged from bold prints to vixenish dresses. Can't wait to show you what I got!



Next, was the Blogger's Night Out event at The Caufield (yes, as in Holden Caufield from Catcher In The Rye). Another fab event showcasing jewelry, trends, contests, and of course, bloggers! This joint was packed like whoa - style to the umpteenth degree.

I FINALLY got to meet my girl Jasmine from WebHauteJas (photo below) with her dope metal gold nails! She's a doll (which I really already knew), but getting to met her in person was even better!



Talk about bling bloaw, Sorrelli's Sparkle Spot reminded me of why glittery things rule.
Yup, I'll take one of everything.

I also met Wendy Brandes, jeweler blogger extradioner. No joke - this lady is the bee's knees. While admiring her chunky jewelry, we talked about... let's just say, "adult" stuff... like being the old, I mean, odd one out at concerts, husbands and lady bits. In that order. Such a sweet and sassy lady with killer jewelry to match her bubbly personality.


Wendy Brandes and I... channeling our love for neons.
Marisa, one of the Blogger's Night Out, organizers, emceeing.
The stylishy chic ladies of DailyBuzz Style. 

Two awesome events that let me re-connect with some of my favorite NYC blogger gals! Although the commute into the city might be exhausting, in the end, it's worth it!

Friday, February 10, 2012

Seriously, Stop - Topknot Hairstyle Needs An Intervention


Seriously? Stop! returns! A couple of months ago, I wrote a blog about trends in the fashion world that I think seriously need to stop. And since there are always fads that don't quite hit the mark, I have plenty to choose from.

I've come across another one that inspired a vlog. Just consider it a PSA to the fashion blogging community. Enjoy!

Oh, and hope to see you at Blogger's Night Out tonight!


Wednesday, February 8, 2012

English Roses

I've seen many gals sporting sweaters with skirts - and I so dig that look. I had yet to try it out myself before this outfit. In an attempt to break away from some of my fashion habits I've established (i.e. only wearing skirts in the summer, putting on the same shoes with my dresses instead of digging through my acquired purchases, jeans on the weekend), this year, I want to take what I already own and push it a little further.

Outfit:
Knit Sweater - The Gap
Red Roses Skirt - Urban Outfitters
Green tights - Spanx (c/o of LuckyFabb Conference gift bag)
Leather Oxfords - Forever 21

The other look I want to try out is button ups with sweaters. Perhaps I'm mixing sweaters that are too long with a shirt of equal length, but I can't get this one down yet. Give me some time, though.

I donned this outfit on a trip to downtown Westfield on Saturday. You ladies would LOVE this place. It's a quint little town with shopping galore - Esprit, The Gap, Anthology, Ann Taylor and other speciality shops and restaurants -  to discover. I can already tell my new locale is going to get my wallet in trouble.

Accessories:
Gold-toned Spiked Bracelet - Forever 21
Polished Gold Bangle - J.Crew
Black Stone Cocktail Ring - Mango

Monday, February 6, 2012

Rolling Out The Welcome Mat

I'm back! After a hectic week of moving boxes, packing furniture and literally, moving house, Mike and I are finally living in our new home. There's still boxes throughout the place, but we're so glad to have a fresh start in a new place for 2012. 

But while I was away, many of you sent me well wishes, and I truly appreciate it. I also have to thank Jasmine of WebHauteJas and Adiel of It's Because I Think Too Much for filling in for me with their guest posts. Please be sure to visit their blogs, and give them some love!

But back to blogging! Finally!

After living in pants and jeans for about three weeks, I wanted to put on a dress and get back to being girly. Plus, it was the first opportunity I had to scope out my new grounds for potential photo ops. My bracelet, from LYLIF, matched perfectly and is fast becoming one of my favorite accessories!

Outfit:
Purple sheer dress - Forever 21
Ribbed grey tights - JCPenney
Grannie Shoes - Bakers
Rose Garden Bracelet - c/o of LYLIF
Vintage mood ring - My mother's

We've done some exploring in the nearby towns, and I can't wait to show you some photos. Eventually, I'll make may way into town and embarrass myself with blog photos. Thanks for hanging in there while I moved!