Fashion Rules To Break: Neons For Fall

You know those universal fashion rules, like "Don't wear white after Labor Day" and "Shoes and bags should always match." I don't know who came up with them, but honestly, they're ridiculous. Being the non-conformist that I am, I do just the opposite, and encourage you to do so, too.

Neons were a summer staple, who says you need to retire your fluorescents in the fall and winter? 

Neons can act as accent pieces against Fall's darker, rich tones. Case in point, my outfit.

Outfit Details:

Striped Pocket Tank - Victoria's Secret

Pleated Maxi Skirt - c/o Urban 1972

New Bond Street Florence - Kate Spade New York

Peep Toe Suede Platform Pumps - Nine West

Necklace - Ideeli.com

Vintage 1950s Blue Rhinestone Bracelet - bought in Philly

Simple Statement Bangle - Forever 21

Grey Crystal Bangle - Givenchy Fashion Jewelry (Macys)

You probably looked at the neon first, then the rest of my outfit. And think of what that pop of color can do for your Fall looks. Sure, they're eye catchers, and a little out there, but there's no need to retire bright pieces just because it's colder out. If anything, play em up. Plus, think of how cool neon will look against the snow?!

My rule of thumb for incorporating neon into my Autumn wardrobe:

Use bright colors in small doses. 

While my Kate Spade New York New Bond Street Florence bag isn't very subtle, my use of brights is limited to just two elements of my look - my makeup and accessories. 

And if someone else tells you you can't wear neons in the Fall - tell em House Of Jeffers said you could.

Sorta makes me wanna do the hustle...

Girls' Night Out at Bobbi Brown

Last Thursday, I headed to Montclair after work and met up with some of my closest gal pals to indulge in a little girl time in one of the chicest, stylish, places in town: Bobbi Brown's freestanding store, The Studio! 

This Girls' Night Out event was sponsored by local charity Kessler Foundation, which helps improve the quality of life for disabled persons, and featured a night of prizes, makeup and a little bit of shopping. 

But don't let the word "studio" fool you. If this is what studios look like, I'm moving in. It's filled with Bobbi's amazing makeup line, and personal flair throughout such as a small collection of tiny perfume bottles and 

Throughout the night, Bobbi Brown makeup artists gave complimentary mini makeovers, and Stella & Dot was on hand to tempt our wallets.

I ended up coming home with a few Bobbi Brown goodies of my own that I've been wearing non-stop!  Keep an eye out for an upcoming post featuring my favorite makeup picks!

Color Story: Cobalt Blue

I admit I favor black over any other color to wear 99 percent of the time. The majority of my shoes, handbags and tops are black, but since I've been on a color kick inspired by this summer's influx of richer hues, Im leaning toward cobalt blue.

Hence, the peplum top I wore to the Lucky Fabb Conference. And the galaxy print leggings I nabbed a few weeks ago.

While I'm among a gaggle of others who love the whole rainbow denim/pants explosion, I have a theory on shopping for these color wonders. 

What I'm Wearing:

Grey Peplum Top - Cotton On (similar top here)

Cobalt Blue Skinny Pants - Marshall's (similar pants here)

Patent Leather Oxfords - Forever 21 (similar shoes here)

Irridescent Floral Statement Necklace - Forever 21

My tip for buying bright colored pants is simple: 

Don't spend over $40 or ANY pair of pants where the color/print isn't a wardrobe staple. 

Why? Let's break it down:

We all own jeans. And you might spend a little more for a quality jean you'll get continuous wear out of.

But when it comes to printed pants and bright jeans, limit what you spend. You might not get the bang for your buck with polka dot pants and fluorescent colors that you paid $90 bucks for as they can limit your shirt options. Plus, pants like these should be rotated wisely. You don't want to wear them to the point that everyone gets sick of seeing them - and trust me, people pick up on you wearing cobalt blue pants and those galaxy print leggings if you rock em all the time.

House Of Jeffers shopping tip:

Save on color trend pants that you'll wear frequently. 

Splurge on pants you know you'll wear constantly.

Accessories:

Spiked Brass Bracelet - Forever 21

Spiked Rhinestone Bracelet - c/o T+J Designs (from my LuckyFABB gift bag)

Blue Jean Dream Snowflake Cocktail Ring - c/o Sorrelli

Studded Black Satchel - Zara

Nail Polish 

Trina Turk Fall 2012 Collection: Alma (yellow) (from my Julep Maven box)

Zoya Fall 2011 Collection - Dree (camoflauge green)

Fall Booties That Kick Ass

A wardrobe without ankle boots isn't worth having. And while a basic black or a neutral brown goes with everything, I love non-conformist ankle booties. One's with a little pep in their step. 

Although black is my go-to color for shoes, these season, I'm thinking my shoes should match my personality. I always need a touch of leather somewhere, and I'm all for a bold ankle boot .... Plus, a functional wedge sneaker that not only looks dope, but is killer with a pair of black skinny jeans - Sold.

Fall Booties That Kick Ass by houseofjeffers featuring lace up boots

Michael Antonio platform boots
piperlime.gap.com

High top sneaker
dsw.com

DV by Dolce Vita lace up boots
asos.com

Studded boots
lulus.com

High heels
threadsence.com

G by guess
dsw.com

Leather boots
indressme.com

Waterproof boots
indressme.com

MiaShoes — BRIGHTON
miashoes.com

A Change Of Scenery

Normally, I dread Fall due to the chilly weather and to my inability to stay warm. Mornings are starting to get colder here in New Jersey, and at night the temperature dips into the 50s. You'd think I'd like fall since I'm born in November... 

What Jen's Wearing:

Cut-Out Collar Top - Lulus.com

Neon Floral Print Skirt - HeReJ.com

Platform Mary Janes - Forever 21

Kaleigh Vanston Striped Handbag - Kate Spade New York

Pink Leather Bracelet - Gap

Jade Bracelet - purchased in Chinatown, NYC

But the disdain I once held for the chillier months has taken a turn toward fondness. Moving in January kick-started a lot of positive things in my life. I needed a change of scenery, and while in the beginning I was scared to move to a town where I knew no one, and away from all of my family and friends, I've grown to love my new home. 

I had a cheesy moment Sunday afternoon while I was walking Harley. No one was around, and it was completely quiet on my walk... and I was able to kind of just look around and take it all in. My first Fall in a town other than the one I grew up in since I was a child. I'm looking forward to seeing how it all turns out.

Sure, it's just a another season, and many more will come. But I feel like perhaps this year will be a little different. So many good things have happened to me this year that I'm very thankful for. I'm absolutely a dreamer, and hopefully, all the dreaming I've been doing will pay off.

And it doesn't hurt if you have clothes that you love on while spacing out...

Galaxy Print Leggings

Holy milky way! To say that I love these galaxy print leggings is not doing them justice!

What I'm Wearing:

Colorblock Top - Naked Zebra

Galaxy Print Leggings from Romwe.com (buy em here!)

Multi-Buckle Open Toe Wedges - DSW (BUT! You can buy the Surface to Air ones here!)

Quilted Chanel-type Bag - c/o Urban Expressions Handbags (buy it here!)

Rhinestone Tassel Necklace - Urban Outfitters (similar style here)

They are just BEYOND ANY type of printed pants I own. I love how there's so many variations of the galaxy print legging right now - cloudy prints in dark black and blues, shocking pinks and purples like tripped out meteor showers... They sorta remind me of something a hippy would wear if they hated hippies.

I'm aware that makes no sense whatsoever, but in the context of me... Well, I'm definitely not a tree hugger, but I am a hipster hugger so I guess these are apropos.

I took the liberty of annoying my husband by asking him to take photos of both angles of the leggings. Just for you.

Accessories 

Friendship Bracelet - Urban Outfitters - $3!

Vintage 1950s Watch - My grandmother's 

Silver Rhinestone Givenchy Bangle - Macys (get it here!)

Rings - Craft fair finds

I love a pair of comfortable leggings, and yes I am aware of the "cover your ass" rule if you wear them as pants. But since the print legging trend is huge right now, and so is galaxy print, I'm gunna wear these babies while they're hot.

Oh, and hope you like the new layout!

Copious Style Blogger Meetup

During New York Fashion Week, the lovely people of Copious.com invited me to their Style Blogger Meetup at Elk Studios. I know I don't make it into New York too often, but since I knew one of my Twitter buddies, Suma, from The Fashion Beauty Junkie was going to be there, I had to go.

Suma is an absolute doll, and we clicked automatically. We become fast friends, and it doesn't hurt that Suma's obsession with Hello Kitty and Sanrio characters is just as big as mine. Plus, I chatted with some other bloggers visiting New York for the Lucky Fabb Conference, too.

I think it's so important to have a blogging buddy whose friendship transcends beyond the blog and Twittersphere, and that's something I've felt for a long time I didn't have. Being that I live in New Jersey, I don't run into too many fashion bloggers that I can connect with. But when I do, it's peaches. And I can say because of blogging, I've met a plethora of fabulous ladies who have a passion for blogging.

It's exciting to be a part of a community where you can have friends across the country. While I wouldn't say that I'm Captain Social, I'm working on it. = )

I think the mustaches definitely helped... 

Thanks to Emma over at Copious.com and elk studios for the photos!

Lucky FABB Conference September 2012

Lucky Fabb Conference

Last Wednesday, I hopped on a train and headed to New York for Lucky Magazine's Lucky FABB Conference. The buzz leading up to the conference had me beyond exerburant to get there. Plus, as I attended last September, I knew that this year Lucky was going to up the ante - and they absolutely did not disappoint.

Here's what I wore, in case you were curious...

What I Wore:

Cobalt Blue Peplum Top - Forever 21

Striped Skirt - I'm Your Present via Etsy.com

Hopee Heels - Steve Madden

Kristen Leather Satchel - Coach

Triple Threat Bib Necklace - c/o Sorrelli

Deco Strap Bracelet - Henri Bendel

Rivet Wrap Bracelet - Henri Bendel

Handmade Friendship Bracelet - The Pulsera Project

And let's not forget about the fashion bloggers. Homegirls brought the style - arms stacked with bangles and baubles, dope shoes, and printed pants like whoa. Plus, after months of talking to some of my blogging buddies on Twitter, I finally met these fashionable dames in the flesh! 

From left to right: Kim of Penny Pincher Fashion, Alyson of The Average Girls Guide, Tiffany of Beijos Tiffany,  Me and a friend.
Photo courtesy of Lucky Magazine.

With a theme of "making it on your own", speakers, panelists and industry insiders, including Raman Kia, who gave us the low down on traffic and analytics, to everyone's favorite arm partier, The Man Repeller, shared tidbits on all things fashion, as well as words of wisdom to give us bloggers the kick in the arse we need to make our blogs bigger and better. 

Check out some of my favorite moments from the Lucky FABB Conference!  

Aliza Licht, Senior VP and the voice behind DKNY PR Girl & the crafty Erica Domesek of P.S. I made this... dish on the importance of staying true to your voice. 

Lauren Conrad looking ballerina chic in her Paper Crown dress and LC Lauren Conrad stems from Kohl's. 
Loved how she was so genuine and humble.

Funky arm swag courtesy of BCBGeneration!

Ran into the sweet and shoe-lovin Julie of I Heart Heels!

Brandon Holley, Lucky Magazine's Editor in Chief, and "Shut it down" stylist Rachel Zoe doing the powerful women thang during their conversation. I don't know whose accessories I want more: Brandon's shoes or Rachel's necklace.

"You have to keep looking forward. Nothing will just fall in your lap," 

Rachel Zoe said of her success.

Reunited! My LuckyFABB partner in crime last year, Amy of I'm Gunna Fly!

Simon Doonan of Barneys New York and the always cool Anna Sui gabbed about how

 she got started. Their quirky convo discussed Anna's life, loves and influences,

 which includes nods to punk music and glam rock growing up in Detroit.

Plus, I was thrilled to hear both Anna and Simon dislike the topknot. 

I guess blue was in this year... ya think? Gina of Here Come's Gina and I.

Bangs power! Me and Nicole of Manners and Moxie.