All In One

Seven months into being a mother, I'm finding that I still take pride in getting ready in the morning. I know that for some, it can be hard to put the energy into getting yourself dolled up to go to work, or even just take on the day, but that is the one thing I told myself I wouldn't let go of. After the boys have been fed, or are taking a nap on the weekend, I then make it habit of putting an effort into pulling myself together. That's not to say that if you are a mom who doesn't that you don't care about your appearance, because trust me, I have days when I have to half-ass getting ready for the sake of my children... I just find that being a mom doesn't mean I have to or need to let go of my former self.

With that being said, I do turn to clothing that is comfortable, practical, but yet, has something visual going on outside the norm of some of the things I wear. Take for instance, this pinafore. One part suspenders, one part dress, it gives the illusion that the outfit is really intricate when it fact all I did was put on a sweater and put a dress over it. The sweater has a Peter Pan collar so again, it looks like I put on two shirts for effect, but really, it's all in one. 

I hope you all are having a great holiday season. As you can imagine, and as you can probably tell from the lack of updates on the blog, I have so much going on between work and the babies. I do miss blogging, and I do miss the routine I had on the weekend to prep for blog photos, but it is so hard for me to find time literally outside of my home to go outside and take photos. I won't risk taking the boys outside on cold days, and it's not fair of me to get the twins bundle up just so I can take my photos; my sweet husband has offered to do this for me numerous times a a result of the guilt I feel for not maintaining House Of Jeffers. I just can't. So, I find time... Key word "find". 

If you are a mom blogger, I would love to know your secret on how you make time to take photos for your blog when you have a newborn. And this isn't just rhetorical question - I would love to hear from you. Please email me at houseofjeffers@gmail.com! I am desperately struggling to maintain the blog, and if I can find a way to still deliver great content while taking care of the boys, I'm all ears.

Outfit:

Red Pinafore - ASOS / Polka Dot Sweater - Forever 21 / Leather Jacket - Forever 21 / Fringe Saddle Bag - Steve Madden / Leopard Print Shoes - BCBGeneration / Leggings - Francesca's

A Jersey Shore Send-Off to Summer

The fact that Fall is on its way in really bums me out. Summer is my all-time favorite time of year - always has been ever since I was a little girl. The beach, the boardwalk, the warm summer nights... the crop tops. I'm going to miss summer especially since it was the first true season I got to spend with my sons.

So, to give summer a send off in our own little way, the Jeffery clan headed down to the boardwalk in Point Pleasant, New Jersey for a last hurrah if you will. We took the drive down the Garden State Parkway and planned to win the boys some stuffed animals from the arcades... And of course, grab a slice of pizza. It was definitely one of the best days of the summer, and I'm really going to miss the chance to take the twins down there again until next year.

And it was only fitting that I squeeze in some photos in my favorite place. Hopefully, we can ride out the heat until late September so I have more time to wear all my summer brights.

Until next time, summer!

Outfit:

Purple Racerback Tank - Madwell / Skirt - Forever 21 / Kate Spade New York Bag / Gladiator Sandals - Target / Maybelline Lipstick 

It's Always Sunny

It's no surprise that I wear my hair the same way for the most part. Straight. I'd love to say that I possess the talent to create those effortless DIY braids you see all over Pinterest, but suffice it to say, I wasn't meant to be a hairstylist.

But, the humid weather hitting NJ has motivated me to try to incorporate something different into my everyday look. My summer uniform typically consists of a dress of some sort, to which I add to the foundation of my outfit with accessories.

The perfect compliment to this dress was two small braids that I styled my hair in for a touch of depth to my do along with a gorgeous statement necklace from Carolee Jewelry. The turquoise and Mother of Pearl pulls from the colors in this floral print dress for a retro inspired look. I say when you are looking for an accessory to add to any outfit - go with a statement necklace or sunglasses. I happen to love this one because I can dress it up with a frock or add it to a plain black tee and still look like I pulled together a fashionable ensemble!

I've always felt that my summer wardrobe is my best look. This time of year is just so much more upbeat and inspiring considering all the opportunities there are to be outside and enjoy the weather. Expanding my color palette beyond my fall favorites of grey, black and red means I can wear pastels, floral prints in bold colors and utilize my quirky accessories like heart-shaped sunnies and my slue of Kate Spade bags. Oh, and the Swedish Hasbeens, which I purchased last year from Modcloth are as adorable in person as they are online. I would absolutely recommend getting a pair for yourself!

Outfit:

Necklace - Courtesy of Carolee / Heart-Shape Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters / Scalloped Bag - kate spade new york / Red Swedish Hasbeens - Modcloth.com / Floral Print Dress - Forever 21