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

Plaid: The Unapologetic Fall Uniform

I've pretty much been wearing plaid every day. And I should probably find something other than plaid to wear since it's not like I don't have other clothes in my closet to wear.

Never been one to fully master layering, I figured if was going to put on another button-up shirt, maybe I should break it up somehow. Instead of a chunky knit sweater, I tried out this sleeveless peplum shirt from H&M, and there you have it - the outfit I wore to take Nathan and Landon to visit Santa! Yes, I already took the boys for their first Christmas photo with Santa about a week ago. And yes, I am that mom. No way was I going to brave doing this on Black Friday, or really, any weekend after that considering the mob scene the mall turns into. Moms out there know what I'm talking about - I've got potential diaper changes in the mall and a feeding schedule to contend with. Early it is.

And since we're getting all festive, I'll be rocking this perfect Kate Spade New York Southport Avenue Handbag that I got for my birthday! It's actually called the Jenny (not the reason I wanted it), and if I do say so myself - it fits my style personality. It's bold, and different, yet can become a classic wardrobe piece with extreme versatility. Since I opt for darker colors to incorporate into my wardrobe, I've found having a red handbag to be extremely inspiring in terms of finding new things to pair it with.

Hope you all enjoyed Thanksgiving, and better yet, took advantage of those killer Black Friday sales! Onto Cyber Monday! If you need me, I'll be stalking Instagram and cleaning out my email from the 200 emails an hour I'm getting because of it.

Details:

Tommy Hilfiger Plaid Shirt - c/o / Peplum Sleeveless Top - H&M / Jenny Bag - Kate Spade New York / Jeans - Urban Outfitters / Patent Leather Boots - Modcloth

House Of Jeffers - 5 Year Later...

A very special dress deserves a very special post.

While a little behind since motherhood has taken over my life...

House Of Jeffers is 5 years old!

Unbelievable. Five years of fashion, style, adventures... and so many life experiences. I always look back on what's transpired in relation to the first year I started blogging, and this year really takes the cake. But before we get into all the milestones that happened this year, let's acknowledge the dress.

This dress.

It is stunning. I fell in love with it so quickly, I didn't care where I was going to wear it, if it was an impractical piece that would spend more time in my closet then on my body... All that I knew was that it was quintessentially Jen. The print is so intricate and vibrant, and uber boho gypsy. And no, it's not vintage. It's ASOS. But I will say that this is probably the most beautiful dress I've ever dared to wear. So, I knew I had to save it for my blogiversary photos, which my extremely talented, generous and supportive friend, Jody Gianni, captured for me. Please, do yourself a favor and check out her amazing photography here.

Which brings me to today. House Of Jeffers has absolutely changed since 2009. My idea of what fashion was then was probably way off. I had different interests which influenced my style aesthetic, resulting in looks that were a bit more edgy and maybe a little immature youthful. [Insert embarrassing photos here.] I worked at Barneys New York at the time as a copywriter, so I just started to get exposed to designers and brands. I also married my husband that year, which brought a new-found inspiration from his home, England, to House Of Jeffers.

In 2010, I started to come into my own as far as being a blogger is concerned. I found my voice, and started to branch out and take more risks on House Of Jeffers. Inspired by England, bits and pieces of the UK found their way into outfit posts. Trips across the pond further motivated me to share how much I love England with you.

As years passed, so did my fashion sense. I stayed pretty much on par from 2012 to 2014. One of the best things to happen to me was the friendships I made. Oh, and that time I was to be in a Tresemme Hair video shot by Candice Lace during New York Fashion Week. Let's call them "the definitive House Of Jeffers style years." Being exposed to other bloggers, and getting into social media influenced me to really hone in on personal style and create a signature look. I'm sure people associate my bangs with me more than any other look I've showcased on the blog. 

Yet, even when I was pregnant, I felt like I did a pretty darn good job of putting an effort into looking like me. I navigated maternity clothes and found short cuts to dressing my bump without feeling dowdy. 

Of course, the biggest change to House Of Jeffers, and me, was becoming a new mom in April 2015. It is my biggest adventure yet, and my most favorite of all. I've only started to share some of who Landon and Nathan are becoming on the blog, and more is hopefully on the way. Another new change for me this year on top of the mom title was being a full-time working mom. Plus, I was promoted at work so that too made returning to work something more positive. Leaving my littles at home is something I still struggle with, but loving what I do makes going to my job easier.

Finally, I took a step away from blogging for better half of 2015 to focus on my sons. They are just about to turn 7 months this week, and as you can imagine, things are very hectic on the home front. Knowing that my life has evolved into what's beyond my closet, the decision was made to change the format of House Of Jeffers to focus on not just style, but lifestyle, #momlife and being a real person on a real budget. The new format has breathed new life into content that I hope resonates with you - whether you're single, married, have kids, have a cat, hate work pants [I loathe them]... whatever. The goal is still to make this little blog of mine better, and I'm hoping to find more time to do so in the future.... 

But if you find some time for me, or know where to get some, let me know.

As always, I need to acknowledge all the people, friends, family, brands and readers who still support me and House Of Jeffers. While this place might have some cobwebs on it occasionally, know that I am so grateful and humble to have a moment of your time. The kind words I receive here and on Instagram do not fall on deaf ears. Thank you for letting me entertain you... and indulging my narcissist ways  regarding my bangs. I mean, they are pretty awesome if I do say so myself.

So, again, thank you! Let's see where we are in 5

years when we come back to this place and look back!

#Momlife Style That's Modern

For some reason, there's this assumption that because you're a mom that you should throw your sense of self to the wayside, and that ponytails and sweatpants become your uniform. While I can attest that your uniform will have an occasion spit-up stain on it, I can attest that I take pride in looking like a mom who gives a diaper about what she looks like. Pulled together and polished is the name of my #momlife game. And in this day and age of modern mamas, there really isn't any excuse why a stylish #momlife slogan tee, skinny jeans and a designer diaper bag can't be the norm for you as a new mother.

My nails are panted. My heels are high... and my accessories coordinate with my little guys to let the world know I'm a stylish mom, and I'm proud of it.

If you're stuck in the routine of messy hair and leggings as a new mother, take some inspiration from my picks by optioning to still go casual, but stylish. I just nabbed the I Am Modern Motherhood Sunglasses from The LB Brand after obsessing over them on Instagram. Plus, Gwen Stefani rocks them, too. Yes, the EXACT same pair. You can be like Gwen, or me, and nab a pair for yourself on the LB Brand website! (*I am not paid or endorsed by the brand to give them love. This is my personal opinion, but if the LB Brand wants to show me some love, I ain't mad at it).

Mod Mom Style

On the weekends, I like to get dressed up when I take the boys out. It's not much of a departure from what I do during the workweek, but since there haven't been nights out away from the boys, I try to always put my best stylish self together for days I spend taking the boys somewhere. And in this outfit, I really think I look like a vintage mom. Very Leave It To Beaver June Cleaver Style. 

Which leads me to my first true relatable fashion post! Remember how I told you I was rebranding the blog, and would be sharing my style trials on pairing high-end with the economical? This outfit is a perfect example!

Economical

Since I was able to squeeze in another dress day, I wore this adorable Peter Pan collared dress I scored at Forever 21 for around $17. Some of my bangles are from Alex and Ani, and some, I found at a thrift store and paid no more than $5 for two vintage goldtone bracelets. And I ain't mad at it. Love a bargain.

High-End

I consider two of the other things I'm wearing high-end. 

First, my heels are from Banana Republic. No joke, I bought them during someone's wedding in New York. After the ceremony, my dogs were killing me and I had to get the shoes I add on off - immediately. Listen, a shopper is never not in shopping mode. Twenty minutes later, I scored these lovies. They have a gold bar on the inside of the heel, which gives the shoes a refined look. They were $110, and are about two years old.

But the piece I spent the most on was this gorgeous Tory Burch Fleming Bag. When I went back to work last month, I was promoted, and to reward myself for my new position, I figured I'd buy the bag I'd been stalking on Instagram for, like, ever. Best of all - I didn't pay full retail price for this bag. In fact, I got it for 70% off, plus an extra 10% at Saks - which added up to at least $125 less than full price. My secret - sign up for the mailing list, then keep an eye on multiple websites for sales. For a Tory Burch bag that is relatively new, I think I seriously scored.

It's gorgeous. It's quilted. It's timeless. And it is THE bag. Like, the bag you buy that you won't take certain places because you don't want it to come in contact with other people... Yeah, that bag. 

Hard work pays off... especially when shopping for a bargain!

Outfit:

Daisy Print Peter Pan Collar Dress - Forever 21 / Black Pumps - Banana Republic

 / Tory Burch Fleming Bag / Alex and Ani Bracelets /

Shop the Look

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 

Blue Hues

Going back to work has given me the chance to dust off all the clothes I couldn't wear while pregnant, and to rip the tags off new ones I bought when I literally couldn't see my feet.

But now that I have a view of what's beneath me, I'm back in my heels and feeling like I'm regaining my pre-pregnancy appearance. It's been 4 months, and for the most part I think I look pretty much the same. Okay... I'm just going to say it: I look like I didn't have two babies. And I know how lucky I am to have good genes in the sense that I was able to bounce back to my pre-baby size. But, I do have some work to do and while it may not be visible to everyone, I know what I want to achieve and that I'm not 100% there yet. It is a struggle to come to terms that your body really isn't your body anymore after you have a baby, let a lone two. Yet, what it all comes down to is any woman who has had a child would probably say they would sacrfice the appearance of their body for the sake of their children. And I'm no exception. 

Dresses have always been a staple for me, and especially for summer. Expanding my color palette, this blue geo print dress in blue is one of my current favs. I've worn it both casual and dressy, as is evident by the heels in today's #ootd. I wore this outfit on a Sunday for lunch in my town with the boys, and for some mommy time getting my hair blown out in the morning. Simple pleasures, people. I'll take free time when I can get it... but I don't mind sacrificing my personal me time for the boys. 

Unless we're shopping (just kidding!).

Outfits:

Dress - Forever 21 / Ankle Strap Metallic Heel Heels - Spring.com (shop a similar shoe style here) / Stitched Leather Camera Bag - Henri Bendel / Bracelets - Alex and Ani / Sunglasses / ZeroUV

Upgraded Minimalist

All this talk of summer being over is reminding me that I need to get in those outfits that I won't be able to enjoy in a few weeks. I'm talking crop tops, sandals and neons. I've always had this weird obsession with unicorns... Okay, I know that sounds incredibly strange and no, I'm not high. I just think there's something funny to be said about this mystical and mythical creature that makes me giggle. When I saw this unicorn crop top, I didn't care how I was going to wear it with anything in my closet... I just had to buy it.

For me, I'm in favor of two kinds of outfits: really minimalist in terms of colors - greys and blacks. And then quirky pieces with a lot of flair - hence, the Kate Spade bag. Combining the two is even better in my book since I'm wearing some of my favorite colors while toning down the bright bag with a simple black tulle skirt. Going back to work has let me wear a lot of the clothes I hadn't dug out in a while, and given me a chance to try out this whole working mom routine in the morning. While the top isn't work appropriate, I managed to save this outfit for a weekend of local fun in my town with the boys and my hubby.

August is flying by too fast! Before we know it, fall will be here. And yes, I've already started stocking up!

Outfit:

Uncorn Crop Top - Forever 21 / Black Tulle Midi Skirt - Boohoo.com /
Coach Shoes / Kate Spade Bag

#momlife: Style for You and Your Little

Even though I am a mother to twins, I am not really a fan of dressing my sons alike. I think it's important for them to have their own personality. And besides, being as obsessed as I am about my own clothes, do you think I would miss an opportunity to style my boys individually?

However, my stance on this does have a loophole. While I wouldn't dress Landon and Nathan alike, I WOULD rock a t-shirt that matches theirs. The #momlife movement is huge right now, and it's made its way into fashion. Moms want to show off their proud mommy pride, and while their children represent that love, some are taking it a step further by opting for slogan tees that put that sentiment in writing. I love that I can dress the boys in something fun that makes me feel a part of their twin vibe. And even if you are a mother to one, it's equally adorable!

I have started to grow my mommy t-shirt collection already. Plus, my kids get to play dress up with me as I dress them in bodysuits that mimic my quirky sense of pride. The best place I've found mom slogan tees - Instagram! Some of my favorite shops include:

lovedbyhannahandeli.com - ADORABLE Mama Bear tees!
slyfoxthreads.com - "We Never Sleep" tee
hellomerch.com - "I'm not tired" and "I'm so tired" tee.
oliveandcheeks.com - Cute slogan tees for littles!
leethreeembroidery on Etsy - A family of bear tees including mom, baby, papa, auntie and more!