Why you should be jealous of Alexa Chung

Photo via http://www.thefashionspot.com/celebrity-fashion/news/108868-alexa-chung-get-the-look

Great style, cool jobs, and all-around cheeky gal Alexa Chung wants to make you jealous... and she doesn't even mean to. Here's why:

1. She's British, therefore she has a cool factor that some American girls just don't have.

2. And speaking of that cool factor, can we talk about her sense of style? Oh my God, homegirl exemplifies what London style is... Alexa Chung's style is often effortless and eccentric, featuring nods to school boy uniform chic while remaining flawlessly feminine. I'm actually jealous that her feet look adorable in pointed shoes.

3. Besides for being a TV personality and model, Alexa is a contributing editor for British Vogue. So basically, those of us who worked themselves like dogs in journalism school and still haven't found their dream job at Vogue (not that I'm bitter)... take note.

4. - Mulberry loved her unique aesthetic so much they named a bag, the "Alexa", after her.
    - Madewell 1937 collaborated with her to create a line of signature pieces that exemplify her style:
    Alexa Chung for Madewell.
   - And most recently, she paired up with French fashion label Maje on a collection.

5. If you think about what she's done as far as putting Peter Pan collars on the map... Ridiculously cool. Did you just furrow your brow? Yup, that's jealously people. And I'm right there with you.

Alexa Chung is so effortlessly pretty, it's not even funny. With a knack for taking a printed dress and making the outfit look luxe and eccentric, her fashion sense is filled with winks and nods to her British roots, and makes us American gals jealous. 

She can be seen wearing uber girly prints from top designers like Miu Miu and Chanel one day, then laid back the next in a Topshop tee or even perhaps, penny loafers. It's all in the way she pulls off style with whit and whimsy that makes Alexa Chung someone to be jealous of. 

Paper Dolls

One of the most beautiful time periods of fashion, in my opinion, started with King Henry VIII. British textiles of the royal family, and I'm talking Anne Boleyn type of garb, was lush, intricate to make and obviously, very beautiful. 

I've seen some cool textiles in un-conventional places, too, that draw my interest: tablecloths. You read that right... tablecloths. I love me a brocade/jacquard anything, and when I stumbled upon this dress on Warehouse, the first thing I thought was, "It looks just like a tablecloth from the 60s. I need this dress!" And yes, I know that sounds terribly weird... but it's how my mind works sometimes. 

While I don't thrift often, I feel this outfit has vintage baby doll appeal. The peep toe Mary Jane shoes, a touch of pink, and of course, girly accessories all capture what I feel is an updated take on an adult feeling like a paper doll.

Outfit Details:

Jacquard Dress - Warehouse / Fuchsia Tights - Forever 21 / Peep Toe Mary Jane - Steve Madden / L.O.V.E. Belt  - Forever 21 / Lindsey Satchel - Coach / Triple Threat Bib Necklace - c/o Sorrelli / Leather Stud Bracelet - Gap

Friday Fashion Fix: Polka Dot Blazer

In an attempt to be healthier, and to make better lifestyle choices, I joined a gym over the weekend. And I'm not gunna lie - something about it sorta freaks me out. Since moving last year, I honestly haven't met that many people in the town I now live, so I'm hoping joining a gym will perhaps change that... and let me work on my sweet, sweet glutes, too.

I went for the first time last night, and I was the only hipster in the joint... Doubting anyone in there knew who Friendly Fires or Local Natives, are.  Plus, I was the only girl with bangs - that part I actually enjoyed.

We'll see how it goes. Since I'm not trying to lose weight or get buff or anything, it was more of a make better health decisions choice. Just as long as it doesn't interfere with my online shopping time...

Outfit Details:

Polka Dot Blazer - Forever 21 / Striped Contrast Top - Old Navy / Skinny Jeans - H&M / Grey Wedges - Mia Shoes / Rivet Clamp Bag - VJ Style / Elegant Crystal Fan Necklace - c/o Sorrelli

Oh, and I guess it's officially Polka Dot Week on House Of Jeffers! For this week's Friday Fashion Fix, I went with a laid back look with subtle contrast in patterns between the polka dot blazer and striped top... And of course, you know I had to bring in something bright with my red lipstick.

Back To Black

Sometimes, you gotta pull a Johnny Cash and go all black. The Man in Black was the original purveyor

of this monotone look, and plain and simple - it just looks cool. 

Outfit Details:

Polka Dot Top - Forever 21 / Faux Leather Skirt - Forever 21  / Black Tights - Target / Cambridge Satchel Fluoro Pink Satchel (won at IFBCon) / Gold Stud Shoes - Miss Selfridge / Gold Chain Link Bracelet - Charming Charlie / Henri Bendel Hand Me Down ring / New York Color Ultra Last Lipstick in Blue Rose

This, to me, is absolutely a House Of Jeffers outfit. It's got black, studs and a scream of unexpected color a la my neon pink lipstick and the Cambridge Satchel Company fluorescent pink satchel I won at the IFB Conference. I've always wanted a Cambridge Satchel (remember when I did a Q&A with The Cambridge Satchel Company?), and now, I can carry a little bit of the UK with me. 

Both the polka dot button front top and the faux leather skirt have been sitting in my closet for two months. Originally, I bought the leather skirt to wear to the IFB Conference... Either way, I love how the top has gold studs on the collar - to match my studded oxfords I purchased from Miss Selfridge during my last trip to England. 

I've been really missing the warm weather. I love wearing skirts, but when it's 20 degrees out, the last thing I can think about is putting on a dress. But since I'm trying to cut back on my shopping, I guess I won't be bringing any new dresses home. I'm attempting to save up for a pretty large Happiness Investment that I've been fixated on for some time now, which means smaller purchases are gunna have to stop. 

So thanks, Johnny Cash, for naming your 1971 album after your tendency to wear black. I'm right there with you. 

Dress To Form

Outfit Details:

Beaded Collar Jacquard Dress - Warehouse / Purple Tights - Target / Pyramid Stud Bracelet - Forever 21 / Black Bow Bracelet - Henri Bendel / Gina Woven Wedge - Shoemint

For years I was on the hunt for a dress form. Luckily, my local Urban Outfitters was selling some of theirs, and I nabbed this dress form on the uber cheap. Both from a design and fashion standpoint, I love the look of a dress form in my bedroom. It lets me try outfits out before I wear them, and acts as a visual piece that I can adorn with my favorite necklaces.

And even though I love accessories, sometimes, you find a dress that really doesn't need much fussing with. Take this Purple Beaded Collar Jacquard dress from Warehouse. Besides for the print being beautiful, it features an adorable bejeweled Peter Pan collar which absolutely acts as the perfect all-in-one-accessory.

I paired it with shoes that are equally ornamental: the Shoemint Gina wedge. Yes, ladies, they are mighty comfortable and worth every penny.

Although I love my dress form, I rather be taking photos outside. Let's hope NJ gets a break in the winter weather so I can step into the sun again!

A Layered Look

After years of seeing many pull off wearing a sweater and a button-up shirt together, I feel like I've finally perfected the art of layering clothes. There's just something about a pointed collar under a sweater that looks sort of geeky and chic at the same time. And yes, these are the same pants I was wearing in my Color Story: Cobalt Blue post a while back.

But I can't take all the credit for trying a layered look out. Snow storm Nemo and the fact that this gorgeous Sorrelli Sparkling Crystal Bib necklace is just all types of fab had something to do with it.

Oh, and it's cold, ya'll. No way in hell am I putting on a skirt and pretending that I'm not cold just to take outfit photos. Legit cold b*&%#! status right here. Sure, it looks cute, but I actually give a flying you-know-what about my health. I'll leave the shivering up to all the other bloggers who can make it look effortless. Hopefully, my newly-purchased Rivet Clamp Bag makes up for the lack of bare legs on House Of Jeffers.

Outfit Details:

Double-Breasted Military Inspired Coat - Guess (similar coat here) / Denim Chambray Button-Front Shirt - Old Navy / Knit Gold Lurex Sweater - Gap / Cobalt Blue Skinny Jean - Marshalls / Lace-Up Combat Boots - Mia Shoes / Sparkling Crystal Bib Necklace - c/o Sorrelli / Rivet Clamp Bag - VJStyle.com 

Links A La Mode: IFB Conference February 2013

New York Fashion Week in February officially kicked off last week, which means bloggers from across the U.S. flock to New York City to take in runway shows at Lincoln Center, and of course, mingle and connect with fellow bloggers. On Wednesday, February 6, I threw on my gold sequin pants and hopped on a train to attend the IFB Conference held at the Altman Building.

While IFBCon always as an entrepreneurial blogger spirit to it, this year's conference tackled issues that impact any blogger. From keys to social media success, to what brands want from bloggers and revenue streams (including affiliate marketing), the panels at the IFB Conference were chock full of industry big-wigs and uber admired bloggers such as Bag Snob's Tina Craig, Laura Ellner of On The Racks, Aimee Song of Song Of Style and my personal favorite blogger misfits who've made a name for themselves with their unique sense of self - UK's Susie Lau of Style Bubble and the one and only, Man Repeller Leandra Medine.

But what I love most about the IFB Conference is how it brings other bloggers together. I've had the chance to make friends with bloggers who I'm so lucky to still call my friends today, and meet other people who I connect with beyond the computer. I don't get a chance to see some of my blogging besties often, but when I do, it truly reminds me of why I love being a part of the fashion blogging community.

Here's some of my favorite moments and pictures from the IFB Conference February 2013!

Reunited... and it feels so good: One of my most favorite blogging buddies, Amanda of Fashionablee Me, and I mugging for the camera. Love this girl like whoa!

Serious shoe envy during the Affiliate Marketing: The Essential Revenue Stream for Bloggers panel. From left to right (for both photos): Check out The Beauty Department's Kristen Ess' black pumps, Song Of Style's two-tone pumps and Claire Sulmers Fashion Bomb Daily creator rocking Valentino heels!

The always lovely Sam of Style Of Sam and I shared our love for pink.

The woman behind IFB, and blogger of The Coveted, Jeanine Jacob. Bloggers were treated to a screening of "Diane Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel."

 

Fekkai and bareMinerals brought the glam to IFBCon. Bloggers sat back and let the experts give them a new do, or try out new makeup.

Great minds dress alike... Kelly of Kelly's Kloset, myself and Annie of The Fashion Poet were just some of the lucky winners who went home with Cambridge Satchels! Evidently, we all shop at Forever 21, too.

Lulu Frost creator/founder Lisa Salzer told the story of starting her own brand, and the measures she took to make her dreams become a reality. Her story resonated with me the most - Lisa's grandmother was a huge influence on her starting her jewelry business... The name "Lulu Frost" is a combination of Lisa's nickname, Lulu, and her grandmother's last name, Frost. My grandmother is my style icon, so hearing Lisa speak of how her grandmother inspired her was really touching. 

 

Left: How dope are these Diamond Tears headphones by Monster Headphones?! Crystallized music perfection! And speaking of perfection, my girl, DJ/blogger/artist extraordinaire Lacee Swan looked adorable in chevron leggings.

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup: February 14th

• 5 Dimes For 9 Lives: ’As If’ Clueless-Inspired Post
• Anjelais: Tomboy Aeternus: A Style Journey
• Cosmolawlitan: I’ll Pass – Some Labels Skipping New York Fashion Week
• Elegant Idiosyncracy: Confessions of a Fashion Obsessed Art Student
• Fashion Moriarty: The Fetishisation of Youth in Fashion
• Floral Mess: 5 Ways To Mix Prints
• Flounces and Flashes: Oscar De La Renta Gives Galliano A Comeback
• House of Jeffers: IFB Conference February 2013
• IFB: Amy Odell Asks Jennine Jacob & Others About ‘Finding The Next Bryanboy’
• Informed Style: Fashion Love Stories Pt. 1
• Miss City Chic: DIY Simple Tassel Bracelet
• Nothing to Wear: Dirty Thirty
• Style Curated: Shoe Obsession: A Preview
• Style Sizzle: Embrace Spring’s Fashion Trends Without Spending A Dime
• River City Chic: A Girly-Girl’s Guide to Leather
• Runway To Style: Victoria Beckham’s Lengthy Sensuality
• TLV Birdie: Live it Local #9: Black & White By Castro
• The PhotoGramps: Tribal on Trial
• Undercover Dress Up Lover: Snakes
• What Would You Wear If: …You Were A Hitchcock Heroine

  SPONSOR: Shopbop New: Skirts, Pencil, Skirts, Pumps, Wedges, Flip Flops, Satchel Bags, Hobos, Lady Blazers, Ferragamo Flats, Jason Wu Bags

Red Carpet Style Makeover Event Sponsored by Elle Magazine

Just because New York Fashion Week is happening, doesn't mean us ladies in New Jersey can't have a little fun, too!

Check out the Red Carpet Style Makeover Event, sponsored by Elle Magazine and Wella Professionals that's happening tonight at Black Label Salon & Spa in Marlton, NJ! Enjoy a night of beauty filled with fun and food!

What To Bring to IFBCon 2013

IFBCon 2013 Survival Kit Must Haves by houseofjeffers

NYFW has begun! I'll be headed to IFBcon Wednesday, February 6! I'm so excited to return to the conference that truly helped me wrap my head around what it meant to be a fashion blogger. You might not remember, but I won a ticket to the conference in 2011 for making a video for a contest IFB ran. Needless to say, I'm excited to catch up with some of my favorite blogging buddies and make new friends. If you see me, please don't be a stranger!

Or, if you're at the conference, be sure to tweet at me @HouseOfJeffers! #IFBCon

And since I've attended a conference or two, I know that you can't take these things lightly. And I'm only talking about your outfit, and what you bring. Besides for business cards, I've realized that sure, it's great to be prepared, but it's even better to be comfortable. That's why I recommended two pairs of shoes - one for function, and one for fashion.

Check out my other IFB essentials - see you Wednesday!

How To Make Your Manicures Last Longer

Since my love for doing my nails and my own nail art is something I obsess about, I figured I'd share with you some of my all-time favorite tips on how to make your manicures last longer. 

These ain't your mama's tips either. Serious manicure tips and tricks going on here. 

Hope you enjoy my video, and have a fab weekend!