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Monday, December 30, 2013

House Of Jeffers Year in Style: Top 12 Outfits of 2013

As 2013 comes to a close, I look back on it and finally feel like in the end, things come together. Sure, there are many bumps in the road, but I can't completely say good riddance to 2013... considering all of the good things that have come my way. The opportunities I've had with House Of Jeffers to expand myself and step outside my comfort zone have been so rewarding. So 2013, I liked you... not all the time, but you redeemed yourself in the end.

As for my style, I think this year I achieved all the things I wanted to do. Take more risks, try new things, track down the J.Crew Heart Sweater, buy a couple of Kate Spade New York bags, wear a lot of gold-studded anything, and of course, keep my bangs blunt.

Here's my top 12 outfits of 2013. Hope you liked them!

See you in 2014! Happy New Year!

xo,

Jen



jcrew heart sweater on house of jeffers blog | www.houseofjeffers.com

what to wear on valentines day on house of jeffers blog | www.houseofjeffers.com

house of jeffers blog | www.houseofjeffers.com

cambridge satchels on house of jeffers blog | www.houseofjeffers.com

charlotte russe cut out dresses house of jeffers blog | www.houseofjeffers.com


polka dot crop tops | www.houseofjeffers.com

modcloth dress, shoemint shoes, sole society bag on house of jeffers blog | www.houseofjeffers.com


3.1 phillip lim for target handbags | www.houseofjeffers.com

jcrew emery flats, as seen on House Of Jeffers | www.houseofjeffers.com

house of jeffers wearing a lulus coat and striped jeans | www.houseofjeffers.com


nj fashion blogger, Jen of House Of Jeffers, wears a plaid shirt from Gap, faux fur vest from Express


Sunday, December 22, 2013

Love Life

graphic sweaters old navy | www.houseofjeffers.com

Lately, I've been feeling like a completely new person. I've seen changes in myself for the better, and honestly, it's an overwhelming feeling when you finally get to a place of no stress, less worries and just more happiness. I'd say that's enough to make you want to love life and jump for joy!



And more good things are to come. I can't wait to share it with you, and hopefully, you'll be just as excited to read about them as I am to blog about them.

graphic sweaters old navy | www.houseofjeffers.com

knit beanies for women, as worn by jen of house of jeffers | www.houseofjeffers.com

how to layer button down shirts over sweaters | www.houseofjeffers.com
Chambray Button Up Shirt - Old Navy / Love Life Sweater - Old Navy / Faux Leather Leggings - Forever 21 / Suede Grey Wedge Booties - Mia Shoes / Knit Beanie - Zara

And so, nothing can break my stride. Not even 6 inches of snow... This is what I looked like after being cooped up in the house on a Saturday due to a crazy storm. The result? Leather leggings, a knit beanie and the most chipper sweater I had in my closet. I'm not usually a chambray over sweater gal, but I've always loved the look on others, and I think I finally figured it out.


With Christmas just two days away, I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas wherever you are! I hope Santa is good to you, and if you happen to get Adam Levine under your tree, feel free to send him my way.


Happy Holidays!
xo,

Jen
 

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Make It A Very British Christmas

My love for UK culture isn't limited to just fashion. Oh yes, we have a very British Christmas in the Jeffery household. This is a result of being married to a Brit...


If you have an anglophile heart, or just think British accents are hot, then you too can bring a little of England into your flat, too. Here's how I do it:

ways to have a british christmas with christmas crackers | www.houseofjeffers.com


1. Christmas Crackers
I never heard of these until I celebrated my first UK Christmas in Poole in 2010. You can find them in the U.S. but as far as I'm concerned, the Brits came up with the idea. Christmas Crackers, aka bon-bons, look like giant candy rolls - and tiny goodness of all sorts inside. 

The idea:
Each person (2 people) holds an end, pulls, and the one with the larger end wins the prize inside. Among the prize is a tissue paper crown that reminds me of Where The Wild Things Are (random).

Christmas Crackers are everywhere; I found mine at Marshalls, but drug and party stores also sell them.
Or, make your own using a toilet paper roll, place confetti inside with a small trinket,
and wrap with wrapping paper. 


british desserts and recipes | www.houseofjeffers.com


2. Spotted Dick

Oh yeah, I'm going there.

If you haven't had spotted dick... Okay, I'm just going to stop with the dirty jokes as I can go on for days. 
But this one time, I did bring Spotted Dick to my Christmas gathering... and no, that isn't a joke.

Many think of SD as the cake in a can, but if you can't find it at the store, here's a recipe for it. "Spotted" refers to the dried fruit inside the cake, and no, do not compare it to fruitcake... because fruitcake is what you give people you hate.

It's best served with warm custard like Bird's, which I'd never heard of until my husband came home with a box of it. Break this dessert out and not only will your family think you have a dirty mouth, (terrible jokes included), but they'll ask you for it again next year. 


british christmas ornaments | www.houseofjeffers.com

3. British Themed Ornaments

Find UK-themed ornaments like a double-decker bus, tea pot or Union Jack flag and hang them on your tree. The ones above are from my tree... you might have seen them on Instagram.


This is really a no-brainer.
No British family gathering is complete without tea. English Breakfast or PG Tips is preferred. 

Serve tea in mis-matched tea cups and saucers for added charm. I collect tea pots, so I like to use a few to keep tea water warm should guests want a lovely cuppa. 


Sunday, December 15, 2013

Moody Blues

new jersey fashion blogs house of jeffers | www.houseofjeffers.com

plaid shirts winter 2013 | www.houseofjeffers.com

gap button up shirt marshalls pants forever 21 shoes | www.houseofjeffers.com


Faux fur vests can be very hit or miss. It's all in the material. Too fuzzy and it looks like you're smuggling teddy bear. While I was looking for a black vest, I stumbled upon this purple one from Express last year. It was heavily marked down, so for the price, I went for it. 

Since there's now 6 inches of snow on the ground, I'll probably be wearing pants a lot more. I myself get bored with wearing pants, but with statement pieces like this faux fur vest, I can inflect a bit of eye-catching interest into my ensembles. 

faux fur vest express | www.houseofjeffers.com

gold studded bags forever 21 #f21xme | www.houseofjeffers.com

Plaid Button Front Shirt - Gap / Faux Fur Vest - Express / Blue Skinny Jeans - Marshalls /
Tortoise Shell Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters / Studded Leather Crossbody - Forever 21 /
Maroon Bangle - Gap / Silver Ring - Forever 21


Lately, I've been struggling with my style. I have a complex about sometimes feeling as though an outfit is to... boyish. Admittedly, I love a lot of menswear turned womenswear pieces, but I'm starting to wonder if I have too much of the same thing in my closet. Sure, the only men that would probably wear a fur vest like this are pimps... I'm blaming the weather for the questioning of my aesthetic. I truly miss wearing skirts and feeling uber girly. 

I'll take cold weather without the snow part... so I can free my legs from pants and slap on a pair of tights. Or, I can stop being a baby and put on a dress. 

Don't forget: The Scarves.net $50 gift card giveaway ends Tuesday! You still have time to enter!

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Giveaway: Win a $50 Gift Card to Scarves.net!


house of jeffers blog nj fashion blogger | www.houseofjeffers.com

I absolutely love the look of a cowl neck, or infinity scarf. This winter, they're absolutely on trend, as knits, pashminas and what I call "hipster necklaces" look chic paired with outwear, yet, give instant cool appeal to your every day look. I wear mine without a jacket layered over sweaters and tees since they're light, and keep me extra toasty. 

scarves dot net giveaway on house of jeffers blog | www.houseofjeffers.com

scarves dot net giveaway on house of jeffers blog | www.houseofjeffers.com

house of jeffers #ootd leather and wool coat forever21, houndstooth infinity scarf | www.houseofjeffers.com
Lena Houndstooth Infinity Scarf - c/o Scarves.net / Moto Inspired Trench - Forever21 / Snakeskin Print Jeans - Gap / Peplum Sweater - ASOS (purchased last year) / Black Ankle Booties - Forever21 / Oversized Textured Leather Satchel - Forever21 (sold out, but here's a similar style)



One website that has an awesome selection of infinity scarves, plus, wraps, shawls and good ol'fashioned neck scarves is Scarves.net. From solids to colorful prints, scarves compliment jackets in a way that makes my outerwear feel less like a burden. I'm rocking the Lena Houndstooth Infinity Scarf with my birthday present to myself: a leather and wool jacket from Forever 21... Tis the season to give yourself a little something, too.

And since it's the season of giving, Scarves.net and I want to give one lucky House Of Jeffers a $50 Gift Card to shop the site! 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Simply enter by leaving your name and email address!
For extra entries, follow me on Twitter/Facebook, too! 

Contest winner will be announced on Wednesday, December 18. Good luck!


Monday, December 9, 2013

Behind Bars... Stripes, That Is

house of jeffers blog | www.houseofjeffers.com

alex and ani bracelets new jersey stores | www.houseofjeffers.com

#ootd striped sweatshirt purple jeans polka dot shoes from house of jeffers | www.houseofjeffers.com

I believe there are a couple of absolutes when it comes to wardrobes:

1. Everyone should own stripes.
2. Everyone can look good in stripes, it all depends on the kind of stripe (wide, bar, thin, vertical, horizontal).
3. Stripes go well with other prints.

Yes, I am self-proclaimed stripe-aholic, to the point that I purchased these polka dot pumps in May, wore them once, and then forgot about them. There was a plan for them (another LuckyFABB contender that didn't make the cut), but also, I own so many pair of wedges that I figured it was time for a pair of big girl heels... that happen to have a wedge on them.

kate spade new york bags black and white striped kaleigh | www.houseofjeffers.com

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season! New Jersey is getting hit with it's first snowfall as I write... and while I'm usually a hater when it comes to weather that messes with my hair, I'm okay with living in a winter wonderland for a couple of days.

Speaking of winter, I'm hosting a contest starting Wednesday that is absolutely weather appropriate! 

Be sure to check back then to see what you can win!

how to mix stripes with other prints | www.houseofjeffers.com

alex and ani bracelets stacks on house of jeffers | www.houseofjeffers.com


Thursday, December 5, 2013

Best UK Shopping Sites For The Fashionista


Being the anglophile that I am, I do, of course, shop at UK sites. While some apparel sites have become common knowledge (ASOS), I have a couple of sites that I think you'll absolutely love. There's just something about shopping British for the holidays. 




The first store I fell in love with on my first trip to England was Miss Selfridge. Always edgy with extreme feminine flair, I would say I have small obsession with Miss Selfridge (whether in the UK or not). Think of them as the place British girls go to when they want to look like Twiggy, but with a modern twist. 

When I'm in search of something truly unique... something I can't find in the U.S - they never dissappoint. If you love Peter Pan collars, bold prints and sky high heels, this is the site for you.

They're currently offering up to 30% off everything!




best uk shopping sites miss selfridge house of jeffers | www.houseofjeffers.com


Boohoo.com was a hidden gem that I didn't know about until earlier this year. Their U.S. website launched this year, and ever since, I've been shopping their site like mad. The dress I wore at LuckyFabb this year - Boohoo! What I love about them is they cater to wide audience and trends - so if sequins aren't your thing (what's wrong with you), then you're bound to find a pair of leather leggings, jeans or top you can't live without.

And can we talk prices? Um, $16 for that fabulous gold geo mini skirt? All. Day.

*Use code SANTA for 20% off Boohoo's Christmas shop selections!



holiday gift guides best uk shopping sites house of jeffers | www.houseofjeffers.com




If you love jewelry with a boho, gypsy feel, ShopDixi.com is a great site to score unique jewelry. From turquoise rings, to amulet bracelets, sterling silver midi rings and enchanting necklaces, they've got it. The jewelry reminds me of Vanessa Mooney... only British.

*Use code FREEME for FREE shipping worldwide for orders over $50!



Other sites to check out:

Clothing


Home


Shoes


Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Camouflage Chic


who a u online womens sweaters cyber monday sale | www.houseofjeffers.com

You gotta love having a fashion revelation. 

For me, it was slipping on these skinny camo cargo pants from Who.A.U. I've long considered the words "skinny camos" to be an oxymoron. Plus, considering their masculine roots, I thought they might look too... gritty... even for me.

animal print sunglasses fantseyes | www.houseofjeffers.com

who a u online store womens jeans worn by jen of house of jeffers | www.houseofjeffers.com

But after standing in front of mirror, and uncontrollably doing the "Happy Dance", I'm a believer. I absolutely LOVE this pants! They look awesome with my many black combat wedge boots, and with this uber warm knit sweater (also from Who.A.U), how could this not be meant to be?

sorrelli jewelry necklaces | www.houseofjeffers.com

And if I'm gearing up for some holiday madness wearing these pants, I need to have some heavy artillery a la this beyond stunning Shielded Crystal Necklace from Sorrelli. Seriously, I can't handle how beautiful this stunner is.

what to wear with camouflage pants | www.houseofjeffers.com

what to wear with camouflage pants | www.houseofjeffers.com

Plus, since I'm on this new kick, I'm venturing into animal print sunnies. This lightweight frames from Fantas-Eyes felt right at home under my bangs. 

womens combat boots | www.houseofjeffers.com


Monday, December 2, 2013

Holiday Gift Guides - For the Art Geek

Today I'm bringing you part 2 in a series of 4 gift guides featuring picks from myself and fellow fashion bloggers Adiel of It's Because I Think Too Much, Amanda of Fashionablee Me and Mollie of Mollie In Seattle!

Last week, we tackled what to buy the fashionista on Adiel's blog, but how about the person who exudes being cool, whose home is filled with artsy fartsy things? While you may think this person might be difficult to shop for, fear not. Whether they're a DIY-er, an art geek who can't get enough of Andy Warhol, or, a connoisseur of great food and wine, these picks for the Art Geek in your life are sure to inspire their creativity!




digital camera christmas gift guide | www.houseofjeffers.com

(from left to right)

Polaroid Digital Camera - An art lover can turn art creator on the go with this pocket-sized instant print digital camera.

 Junior Art Gallery Set - For the one on your list who doesn't just want to admire art, this art starter kit is filled with pencils, watercolors, and oil pastels of all colors. 

iPad Jacket featuring Andy Warhol Art - This Andy Warhol iPad case allows it's owner to carry around a bit of art with him or her wherever he or she goes! 

Memorable Style Frame for Instagram pics - This photo frame is perfect for the person on your list who has an eye for a good iPhone photo. This frame can hold sixteen 4" prints; just the right size for prints from a beautiful Instagram feed! 

holiday gift guides 2013 | www.houseofjeffers.com

(from left to right)

Classic Cocktails Makers Kit I don't know about you, but I consider making the perfect cocktail an art, so this all-in-one kit is perfect for anyone who loves making delicious drinks-added bonus that this can be for your lady or gentlemanly friends! Tip: Pair this gift with a bottle of your favorite spirit for a complete gift that is under $50

DIY in a box--Darby Smart Subscription - If you love DIY projects you will love Darby Smart! A monthly subscription box sent to you complete with a fun and stylish project to do. You can be creative while they provide you with all the tools. Easy peezy! 



holiday gift guides art gifts | www.houseofjeffers.com


(from left to right)

The DIYer in your life will appreciate artful gifts that they can put their own personal touches on. 

Whether it's finding inspiration in a new craft (P.S. - You're Invited by Erica Domesek), taking selfies with a nifty retro-inspired camera (Lomography Diane F+ Camera),  having a killer mani (Ciate Caviar Manicure Kit) or showing off their favorite snaps on a personalized iPhone case, the art geek in your life will appreciate how creative you were in your gift thoughtfulness! 


holiday gift guides 2013 | www.houseofjeffers.com

(from left to right)

Searching for a gift for the art nerd in your life can at first seem a little daunting, to me anyway. So I try and look for things with eye catching designs, interesting shapes and things they can proudly display as art for others to enjoy. The possibilities start to become many when you think about all the cool things you could pick out, art to display on a wall, a lamp or something as simple as a coffee table book, the below gifts are some of my favorite ideas!