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Festival Mama

Greetings from not Coachella! To pay homage to the festival I'm not attending, I put together a 90s-inspired look that gives a nod to concert style in this #ootd!

But that's not what this post is about...

A year into motherhood, I am discovering that the perception of what others think being a mom means, and what I as a woman define it to be are completely different. While we all can name attributes of what a mother is, I'm often surprised at some of the comments I hear in regards to my personal appearance and motherhood.

Since it's assumed I'm a mom that I'm tired (and, not going to lie, I am beyond tired), I guess that means I would just let myself go, throw my hair in a ponytail and rock sweatpants for the rest of my life. Case in point, I took the boys for their first haircuts over the weekend. I wore this outfit. Nothing too crazy, but by my standards it's put together, presentable, represents me and has a 90s vibe I was going for. The hairdresser said to me, "Wow, you're so stylish for being a mother of twins." I said "Thank you. This is just who I am - I like taking care of myself." 

Another instance, someone at a doctor's office commented that I had lipstick on to take my sons for a checkup, and quipped, "You have time to get dressed like that?"

Really?!?

For some reason, being a new mom has this rather old stigma of not caring about yourself anymore, or your own appearance. Granted, I might not whip together a blog-worthy outfit everyday, but on the off chance that I don't leave the house and therefore don't need to be as done-up as I normally am, I can, will and want to take pride in my appearance. Motherhood or not. Although my getting ready routine has changed to adapt to my sons' needs, you will never, EVER, find me out in public looking like I was just released from a psychiatric ward - no matter how chaotic my life as a parent is.

The point is, if your a parent or not, you have the right to be who you want to be. Things in life will change, priorities shift, adulting happens... But no matter what the scenario, I'm going to keep taking time to invest in myself and my well-being. If that means I put together an awesome outfit so I can feel good about myself, I'm doing it. If I want to cut my hair (BTW, do you like the new do), then so be it. New changes don't have to signal bad changes. Motherhood doesn't mean that I have to never wear heels again, and stop doing my hair. Please. I'm setting an example for my kids that you can be what you want, look how you want... regardless of what life throws at you. I'm no expert, I'm just me.

Outfit:

Denim Shirt - Gap (It's actually a maternity shirt) / Flower Print Dress - Forever 21 /

 Metallic Heel Shoes - Forever 21 / Fringe Handbag - Steve Madden

Plaid with Purpose

You know the feeling you get when you're sick of wearing sweaters and layers, so you start transitioning those spring wardrobe pieces that you have eagerly anticipating wearing for months? Welcome to my life. I refuse to wear chunky knits and heavy overcoats from this point on. Okay... so the shoes might be a stretch, but any sign of spring on a warm day means lacing up those new gladiator sandals and taking them for a walk. Sorry, but I'm over wearing black, over static in my hair and done trying to look pulled together on days where it's sleeting.

 

And while I'm saying no to heavy coats, I am still in favor of wearing plaid. This gorgeous swing coat from Chic Wish gives me just enough coverage on a chilly day, but is definitely feminine with the large bow at the high neck. The plaid reminds me of a kilt - very royal and regal (Hey, I'll never be queen but one can dream, ya know?) .I've also worn this coat as a dress with simple leggings and it looked just as pretty. 

I'm beyond tired of boots, scarves and cold hands... I'm protesting against Mother Nature until she gets her act together. This year, I'm hoping to do something different in terms of my style aesthetic. I'm thinking more gypsy... still edgy, but mixing soft and hard pieces together for rocker chic look. Can't wait to make the investment in new pieces this year!

Outfit:

Jacket - Chic Wish / Acid Wash Jeans - Three Bird's Nest (via Instagram) /

 Lace-Up Gladiator Heels - LuLu*s / Bag - Forever 21

Modern Geekery

 

There is no denying that I love a quirky print. I feel like they instantly make any outfit look dressy and quirky. When I worked at Barneys New York, I was exposed to some of the most eccentric patterns and prints featured on menswear as worn by Simon Doonan. I fully appreciated his assortment of floral all-over prints and Vilebrequin ties. Women's wear doesn't fully apprecaite frantic prints, but when I find them, I fall in love with them quickly.

 

 

This glass-print top is one of my favorites. It's not only the only white shirt I own, but the pairing of  black with white is a classic I can't resist. To punch up the simple color combo, I wore maroon pants and threw in another contrasting print by carrying my essentials in an animal print bag. 

And it seems like my disdain for gold has gone away since I gravitate more towards this metallic more than silver. I mean... these shoes!?!?! Come. On.

 

I've been slowly, and I do mean slowly, getting back into a steady blog routine. Part of it has to do with the weather - I can't pack up the boys and go outside when it's too cold, and work schedules  between my husband and I dictate when we have time to go on mini ventures. I think once the weather warms up, I'll be better able to write more and take photos. People think being a blogger just means going outside and taking photos... Okay, well, it sort of does. But I have some serious adulting going on that calls for me to make decisions with my time that maybe other bloggers don't have. Two children and a full time job definitely plays a part. I do, however, try to put in time when I have it, and the days when I can put together outfits and take photos makes me feel really excited to share something with all of you here. 

Plus, I need a reason to curl my hair like this more often.

 

Outfit:

 All from Forever 21 

Bracelets: Alex and Ani

Edgy and Eccentric

Although I wouldn't describe my style as traditional in any sense, I do love classic elements in fashion that are timeless pieces a part of many women's wardrobes. Stripes are probably high up on the list, and of course,  a black and white combo is traditional as it get. But since my edgier and eccentric side always makes their way it an outfit, I do see myself trying to experiment with pieces that appeal to other women... but perhaps, I really did not want to wear.

Hey, I'm being honest.

So, in an attempt to think outside of the box, I figured it was time for me to buy a pair of heels.

No, I do not wear simple heels.

I always felt like I looked like the Kebler Elf in them, and besides for the obvious factors of the shoes probably being uncomfortable to walk in and even more terrible to wear all day, I figured "not for me". However, when I bought this amazing ball-gown inspired skirt, it was meant for something different. Normally, wedges would be a go-to (which I still fully support wearing), but the uber feminine aspect of the skirt, and the gorgeous Kate Spade Jenny Bag, needed a shoe with an Audrey Hepburn-esque nod to it. 

Hence, a simple and classic pointed heel.

Not bad for a pair of $24 shoes bought at Forever 21. Honestly, they did not kill my feet, were comfortable and not too high - which I think is what was turning me away from heels in the first place. I have no desire to be one of those girls who can't walk in their shoes. But, for my first pair of "big girl" shoes, surprisingly, they grew on me.

Outfit:

Striped Long Sleeve Tee - Gap / Black Mesh Skirt - Forever 21 / Blue Heels - Forever 21 / Kate Spade New York Jenny Bag / Ring - Sorrelli Jewelry / Dynasty Necklace - c/o ShinyMix.com

A Hop, Skip and Jump

 

Hello loves! I am so happy to be back to blogging! I've missed writing, blogging, interacting with you and creating new outfits for House Of Jeffers. Don't get me wrong - my life is still crazy and hectic, but I'm hoping to be back into blogging and post at least once a week!

So let's jump right into it. (Get it... Um, okay).

Never one to shy away from plaid, I own way too many button up shirts. No, seriously. Every other day I wear them to work, and of course, they are probably plaid. Instead of just putting together a plaid shirt and pants combo, I like to layer since a). I'm constantly cold b.) It gives me an excuse to wear a skirt and c.) I get more use of out the clothes I can't always wear by opting to layer up.

 

This outfit is especially cozy since the tights are fleece, I'm able to wear a plaid shirt and leather jacket with knit details to keep warm, and the oxfords are my solution to not wearing heels, but still feeling dressed up. This was an outfit I wore to brunch with my husband and sons. While there's a lot of black in this look (Gee, me, wear a lot of black?), I love the pops of gold from my shoes, the hardware on my Kate Spade Bag and the sick Olivia Palermo x Bauble Bar Crystal Quartz Necklace. 

Take a moment to drool over the necklace... I'll wait.

When you those days when the weather is crappy, and you have no clue what to wear, I say go for plaid. Its bright, the pattern offers enough variation to bring contrast to your look... and it is quintessentially winter-esque!

 

Outfit:

Blank NYC Leather and Knit Panel Jacket - South Moon Under / Plaid Shirt - Francesca's / Black Lace Skirt - Forever 21 / Black Fleece Leggings - Francesca's / Gold Toe Oxfords - ASOS / Kate Spade New York Jenny Bag / Olivia Palermo X Bauble Bar Crystal Quartz Necklace

Life in Progress

Greetings from snow-covered New Jersey! Yes, I am still around... but I absolutely took a much needed, extended vacation from House Of Jeffers. With the holidays being as busy as they were, I really needed some time to get my thoughts together and figure out what I am doing with my blog... and of course, take care of the boys.

All is going well - I'm so busy at work, but a good busy. Of course, the work/homelife balance is something I am still navigating but getting better at juggling. But admittiedly, my interactions on social media as of lately only extend onto Instagram, where I've been sharing something fun.

You may have been my #lipfiles photos, where I profile a lipstick of the day and what I wore with it. It's a selfie without most of my face in it. So far, I love the way the photos look and it seems others are enjoying the colors I showcase. I would love for you to see some of the looks I've created by visiting me on Instagram at House Of Jeffers!

But yeah, NJ is covered in snow. I hate it. It's cold, gross and just not at all a good time for fashion blogging since taking photos in the slush of melting snow isn't all that glam. And, I'll be honest that it's still not easy for me to make time to take outfits shots. But, I'm hoping this will change once the warm weather sets in. I am, however, conjuring up new ideas on where to take House Of Jeffers...

1. Possibly creating a YouTube channel devoted to my lipstick obsessions and "cool mom stuff". While I do not consider myself to be a beauty blogger, I see myself following more #bbloggers and watching a lot more tutorials. I love the idea of vlogging, and am experimenting with topics and ideas as to what I can talk about in videos. I'm open to suggestions!

2. More "mom" content - Being a mom to twins is a unique angle, and I personally don't know of any other blogger moms with twins.

3. DIY stuff . - I'm not trying to be PS. I Made This or I Spy DIY - because honestly, I am not that gifted and what they have done is nothing short of genius. But, I have projects I enjoy doing... Especially ones that I actually use in my home or things I wear.

4. Good ol' OOTD format like I've got going right now on House Of Jeffers - I love fashion. I love style. And I love coming up with new looks. I don't think this part of the blog will ever go away, but I do want to share some of the outfits I come up with from the boys.

Life is a work in progress... and so is House Of Jeffers. I do appreciate your understanding during this time in my life where time escapes me faster than ever. If you'd like to get in touch with me, feel free to write me at houseofjeffers@gmail.com. I'll be back!

Jen