Fantastically Spastic

New changes in my life call for a "happiness investment." I landed a new job, so to celebrate I took the plunge...

Outfit:

Cross & Effect Neon Yellow Dress - c/o Lulus.com

New Bond Street Florence - Kate Spade New York 

Carina Wedges - c/o Michael Antonio

Rhinestone & Leather Stud Bracelet + Pyramid Stud Bracelet - Forever 21

Black Mosaic Necklace - gift from my mom 

Black Round Sunnies - Urban Outfitters (similar style here)

... and bought this AMAZINGLY PINKTACULAR New Bond Street Florence bag by Kate Spade! For weeks, I've been coveting and gazing at it's beauty, contemplating whether or not I should buy it. But, I made a promise to myself that if I did get this job, I would get it. And so now it's mine!

While the outside features a pyramid stud closure, and the pink is well... just rad, and the interior boasts a black and white Japanese floral print by the late artist Florence Broadhurst.

Oh, and I'm equally obsessed with my Exclamation Point ring designed by Wendy Brandes, jewelry designer/fashion blogger extraordinaire. If you haven't seen her designs, then something is wrong with you. Check out her fantastically fashionable jewelry on her site as well as her blog!

Yup... all types of happy in this outfit. 

CLOSED: Win A Dress From Smak Parlour

Hope ya'll had a fantastical Memorial Day Weekend! I'm back, and uber excited to share my very first GIVEAWAY! I'm teaming up with the lovely ladies of Smak Parlour, my favorite store in Philadelphia, to bring you an amazing prize!

Enter for a chance to win the Pop Art High Low Dress (seen above) from Smak Parlour! 

To enter, you must:

CONTEST IS CLOSED

Contest is open to residents in U.S. & Canada. Contest ends June 5. 

Winner will be announced June 7.

Be kind and don't forget to sign up for their mailing list on their homepage as well! Good luck!

CONGRATULATIONS TO happygrape2@gmail.com!

Color Menagerie

Outfit:

Queen Of Hearts Blouse - SpottedMoth.com

Blue April Skinny Jeans - c/o Urban1972.com

Etienne Aigner Coral Vision Wedges - Marshall's

It's no shocker that when it comes to my hair, I'm on the straight and narrow with it. My bangs and locks being in a poker straight formation is nothing revolutionary, but it's the hairstyle I rock 99% of the time. 

But sometimes, you gotta change it up. I don't curl my hair often because it normally takes me about an hour or more to do so. However, when I do take the time to gussy my hair up, I like the results. What do you think?

Makeup:

Lipstick: Giorgio Armani Beauty Rouge d'Armani Sheer Lipstick - 501 (pink) - c/o

Eyeshadow Giorgio Armani Beauty Eyes To Kill Intense Eyeshadow - Bronze 2012 Summer Collection in shades Obsidian Grey and Madre Perle - c/o

Accessories:

Right Hand: Hook-Leather Bracelet - Wanderlust + Co

Heart Cuff Bracelet - purchased at a craft fair

Pyramid Stud Bracelet - Forever 21

Light Hand - Purple Wool-Diamante & Chain Bracelet - Wanderlust + Co

I've also added some freshness to my beauty routine. I usually opt for a nude lipstick, but I've taken a leap of faith in Giorgio Armani's Rouge d'Armani Sheer Lipstick in pink. I have to say - this lipstick stays on for hours and the shades give a subtle impact, which I love.

Sea Of Jewels

Some people collect souvenirs as memories. Me? Jewelry is my fashionable symbol of a time and place I can revisit over and over.

My weakness for shiny baubles with a huge punch is no secret. Once I set eyes on Sorrelli's baubles, I was hooked. Their chic and sparkling jewelry reminds me of my grandmother's jewelry box, but with a modern twist. Making a statement in this jewelry is effortless - the sparkle does all the work! Just think of it as wearable memories... 

My grandmother was my very own Elizabeth Taylor. Her collection of earrings, rings for every finger in emeralds and diamonds, and necklaces with oversized faux pearls and glimmering beads was exquisite.

I didn't realize it when I was young, but her jewels, which were passed on to me, really are wearable memories. Most are simple memories of laughing and her smile... and some are of times when we'd open every box, and lay out her jewelry, turning her dresser into a sea of jewels. To be able to look at my hand and carry those times with me today is irreplaceable.

Outfit:

Elegant Crystal Fan Necklace - c/o Sorrelli

Tessellation Cuff Bracelet - c/o Sorrelli

Prank Collar Mint Green Top - Lulus.com

Polka Dot High Low Skirt - Forever 21

Platform Mary Janes - Forever 21

Kristen Satchel - Coach

Rings - my own

Donning a faceted Swarovski Elements crystal necklace with a classic feel and a chunky silver cuff bracelet from the MiMi EOS Collection is my homage to my grandmother - a little bit of her glitz and a dash of my boldness.

Things I'm Afraid To Tell You

Everything isn't as rosey as it seems in the world of blogging, and while we like to talk about our favorite designers and outfits, let's be honest: Life happens.

When I came across Make Under My Life's post, Things I'm Afraid To Tell You, I was thrilled. Finally, someone is stepping outside the fashion/decorating comfort zone and getting a little more real. Other bloggers have come forward and shared their fears and honest worries, and I think it's awesome that the lines of communication are opening up to show that we are all human.

I rarely divulge much about my personal life on my blog, but I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to do so... since we're all being honest. I'm a couple days late, but here goes...


- I have a weakness for cheese. At least once a week, I come home with a new block of it along with crackers. Obsessed is an understatement.


- I often feel left out of the fashion blogging world, and wish my blog was bigger than what it is. Having a blog where I can express myself has been a blessing. Where else can I climb on a soapbox and put my thoughts and opinions out there freely and openly? But there are times when I see other bloggers achieving success, and am a little jealous and discouraged. I tend to judge myself against their accomplishments, and view my own achievements as insignificant when I should be celebrating them. Since I started House Of Jeffers, each year I gain more knowledge, more friends and perhaps more life experience when it comes to the politics of blogging, and while I can be social, I'm probably not social enough. Writing has always been my biggest passion in life, and there are times when I feel like if someone would give me the chance to show what I can offer, I'd be able to accomplish more.

- I worry in advance to the point where it stresses me out.  I'm constantly thinking ahead to the future, and trying to take measures to avoid certain stresses in my life... which backfires and causes me more stress. I have to learn to mellow out and take things with a grain of salt.

- I'm catholic, but going to church makes me uncomfortable. I think I associate going to church with funerals more than places of worship. While I did get married in a church, and I practice religion on my own turns, church reminds me of those who've passed away. I don't go unless I have to... which means it's been a while.

- I've have road rage. Yes, I am that person who honks the horn and has given a not-so-friendly gesture to others. My bad.

- I'm not shy, but I tend to be when I meet new people, especially other bloggers. I think it's that initial "What do I say?" that gets the best of me. But once the conversation kicks off, I'm fine. But I do think this has prevented me from having more friendships in the blogging community.

- I'm afraid I'll need surgery for a cyst I had removed a couple years ago. I've NEVER spoken about this on my blog, and it's something that I struggled with for many years, but in 2009, I had surgery to remove a cyst near my tailbone which I had since I was 16. The recovery was rough and for a year, I didn't heal. Everyday, I had to bandage myself up because I was bleeding and I knew something wasn't right. After 6 months of not healing, I had a second surgery in 2010. I remember being in the operating room, as I was about to be put under and crying because I just wanted the whole ordeal to be over. I wanted to heal and go on with my life. I couldn't sit, driving was painful and sleeping was even worse. The second surgery caused the scar I already had to be even bigger...  and again, I wasn't healing. By this point, I had been to 3 specialists, wound care centers and my last resort was a plastic surgeon. I was told in October of 2010 that if I didn't heal soon, I'd have to have a third surgery, which was planned for January 2011. But by November, I saw signs of less pain and my scar healing. Luckily, it healed and I've been doing great since then. But I still fear that someday, it might return and I might have to go through it again. 

Bloggers Who've Also Shared The Things I'm Afraid To Tell You:

Cassie: Coco + Kelley / Christine: Court & Hudson / Caitlin: Sacramento Street / Roxy: My Cup of Te / Crystal: Blog / Meg: MIMI+MEG / Ashlina: The Decorista / Katie: Modern Eve / Erin: Apartment 34 / Erica: Design Blahg / Victoria: Vmac & Cheese / Christine: Miles to Style / Franki: Life in a Venti Cup  / Sue: The Zhush / Erika: Radiant Republic / Gabrielle: Savvy Home / Monika: The Doctor's Closet / Naomi: Design Manifest /Tobe: Because It's Awesome / Becca: {extra}ordinary wonders / Lynzy: Sparkling Footsteps / Hitha: Hitha On The Go / Sarah: Note To Self / Liz: So Much To Smile About / Sarah: Blogstar / Alissa: The Goods Design / Jessie: Style & Pepper / Erika: Small Shop Studio  / AV: Long Distance Loving / Maggie: Maggie Rose Blog / Nicole: The City Girl In Me / Priscilla: The Best Laid Plans / Jen: Concrete Jungle DC / Janelle: Food Fashion Fitness / Natalie: East Coast Chic

Here Comes The Sun

What I'm Wearing:

Neon Roll-Sleeve Blouse - Old Navy (similar style here)

Neon 80s Abstract Mini Skirt - Forever 21

Black Studded Tote - Primark UK

Etienne Aigner Coral Vision Wedges - Marshalls

Oh neon... how I love thee. Let me count the shirts in my closet...

This year, I've really done my best to expand my wardrobe in terms of colors or prints I might not usually pick. My strategy is simple: keep an open mind, and perhaps try garments that I think might look strange on the hanger. Turns out the theory is proving to be successful. I've been using to find new wardrobe options and the results: sometimes things look better on YOU than on the hanger.

Accessories:

Rings - my own

Necklace - ?

Polished Brass Bangle - J. Crew

Gold Chain Bangle - Forever 21

Hammered Geometric Neon Pink Bracelet - Charming Charlie

Take neons for example. Obnoxious? Maybe, but they are great investment pieces. My shirt, from Old Navy, can be worn during multiple seasons due to the roll-tab sleeves, to work or for a night out... and can transition into my winter wardrobe during those blah weather moments.

This is not the last you'll see of these neon colors revived from the 80s. Now that I think of it - this is rather age appropriate being that I'm a child of the 80s.

Style Crush: Juliet Simms

I'm not big into a lot of competition shows, but for obvious Adam Levine reasons, I watched The Voice this year. 

Contestant and second runner-up Juliet Simms, singer of Automatic Loveletter, was my absolute favorite. Her voice is a combination of old soul meets gypsy rock, with killer style to match. I think she could be the next modern day Stevie Nicks as her looks go from classic rock n'roll leather and lace vixen to etherial couture. She's outright beautiful, and isn't afraid to be a little gritty, two of my favorite combinations to mix. I'd classify her style as Florence and the Machine meets Joan Jett.

And let's not ignore the fact that she has bangs!

Some of her looks absolutely inspired. Take a look at how you can mimic this siren's style!

Photo courtesy of Billboard.com

Stage Style: Juliet Simms by houseofjeffers featuring a heart shirt

Oasis fringe dress, $130
Wildfox Couture heart shirt, $119
Old navy vest, $30
Miss Selfridge legging, $30
Jane Norman faux leather shorts, £15
Lace up booties, £46
Lace up military boots, $20
Belle Noel by Kim Kardashian rock jewelry, $79
Cuff bangle, $28
1928 black necklace, $24
Dorothy Perkins stretch jewelry, $11
Forever 21 spike jewelry, $5.80
Butter london nail polish, $14

Peplum Pride

There's times when I think to myself "This is a very Jen outfit." Funny how I say that now, considering I used to have the same sentiments when I was younger about clothing I wore. But this outfit, especially the peplum striped top, is very "me."

Outfit:

Striped Peplum Blouse - Love Culture

Black Riding Pants - Zara

Patent Leather Red Bow Pumps - Zara

Henri Bendel Bow Bracelet

Throughout my life, I've gone through various stages of personal style. The first true moment I can remember being in tune with my own sense of style was when I started going to concerts. I always took an active interest in the clothing I'd wear, but when I became aware of defining myself through fashion, my clothing choices became more conscious.

Outward self expression via clothing is highly underrated in New Jersey. So back in 2004, at the start of me getting into the local New York/New Jersey music scene, my look changed. I had blonde hair (and no, I'm not sharing a photo of my blonde years), and was interested in creating looks that were a bit edgy, but always feminine. Plus, I was a freelance music journalist and photographer, and it was very important to me to maintain my femininity in an industry where women were considered groupies, but be taken seriously as a professional because I was doing a job.

Now that I'm older, and don't make it to as many concerts as I used to, my "adult" responsibilities have shifted,  and the way I am now is the way I'll probably remember myself when I look back on myself.

When I thought of who I'd be today years ago, I definitely didn't think I'd have bangs, like pink or even have my own blog. But that's the beauty of the unknown.

What Would You Wear: Vote For Your Favorite Minty Fresh Choice!

I need something green in my wardrobe, but with so many minty fresh options, I can't decide.

The competition is fierce as these delectable items from Lulus.com, Dorothy Perkins & NastyGal.com are all adorable!

But I need your help! Which one would you wear?

Leave a comment below with your pick for which one you'd love to wear, or the item you think I should purchase!

Then, keep an eye on House Of Jeffers.com to see which one is the winner!

Minty Fresh by houseofjeffers featuring a ruffle dress

Ruffle dress
$48 - nastygal.com

Dorothy Perkins polka dot dress
$44 - dorothyperkins.com

Low top
$32 - lulus.com

Betsey Johnson: Style Icon

I was really bummed to hear that Betsey Johnson filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week. While many have been saying they "saw it coming", the news was unexpected to me. For years, she's been cranking out style unlike anyone else, and has never been afraid to be in your face with her out-there offerings. I'm not only grateful for her, but the fashion industry really needs to give Betsey the credit she deserves. 

Betsey Johnson is THE designer who, in my eyes, was the first to really not give a hoot what anyone thought of her. She was gonna do her thing and do it loud, wacky and weird. And for me, Betsey is my style icon.

To find a designer who wasn't doing what everyone else was, and wasn't afraid to be a little out there was something I personally could relate to. In high school, I walked to the beat of my own drum, and leaned more toward punk-rock/music influences and the style surrounding it. I wasn't a freak by any stretch, but I had my own style that sometimes didn't follow what everyone else was wearing. So when I came across her, I felt a sense of someone else "getting it". I  became a long-time admirer since then, and even wore one of her dresses to my bachelorette party.

My motto has always been to not do what everyone else is doing, and Betsey Johnson's clothes represents that to the fullest. She did things her way when others thought she was nuts, and not only was she successful at it, but her talent speaks for itself.

Her runway shows are infamous. Her clothes match her bubbly and outrageous personality. There's only one Betsey, and the way she's made being a bit freakish hip and cool, I thank her for. 

So while the brand may be going through some troubles, I don't think we need to count her out completely. 

I've read in numerous articles: "The cartwheels are over." Relax. I hope I'm half as cool as her when I'm her age.