Bangs and Bracelets

First, I want to say thank you for all the wonderful support I received with Friday's Beyond The Blog post. It really warms my heart to know there are people who genuinely take an interest in House Of Jeffers. This makes me so much more excited to push myself on so many levels, and I'm uber happy to hear that the new additions are welcomed! 

But enough about that... Let's talk accessories!

One website I fancy stalking is Ettika. Filled to the brim with decked-out bracelets adorned with chain links, crystals, leather, and pretty much every spike, bead and color under the sun, I often get lost in their assortment of stacked bracelets.

Outfit:

Satin Peplum Top - Urban Outfitters

Chihuahua Necklace - purchased at Bust Craftacular 2 years ago

Black Skinny Pants - H&M

Gina Wedge - Shoemint

House Of Jeffers Stack courtesy of Ettika features (from top to bottom):

Duel Tone with Spikes Bracelet in Black and White

Tassel Your Heart Pink Bracelet

Violet Vintage Ribbon Bracelet with Pyramid Studs

So when Ettika invited me to create a stack of bracelets named after House Of Jeffers, I was beyond giddy! I chose three dishy bracelets that incorporate my favorite colors (pink, black and pink), gold chains and of course, spikes. To me, it encompasses what I love in any outfit: a bright colour, some badass spikes and fem details. Check out the House Of Jeffers stack on their site, and get inspired to create one of your own!

And as you might have seen on my Instagram account, I cut my hair last week. While I get that it might not be that noticeable to ya'll, to me, I feel like 4 inches was chopped. You know that initial shock you get sometimes when you cut your hair? That was me for two days. It's hair, it'll grow back ... but it looks like I probably won't be telling my hairstylist to "cut off whatever needs to go" again.

Chilly Chic

I do this thing every year... where the weather turns cold, and I feel like I have to go shopping because I have a momentary lapse of judgement and feel as though I hate my clothes... when it's really the in between weather I despise.

Outfit Details:

Tippi Striped Crewneck Sweater - J.Crew

High Waist Pencil Skirt - Lulus.com (similar skirt here)

Black Ankle Booties - Zara (similar shoes here)

Rhinestone Bib Necklace - Charlotte Russe (similar necklace here)

Arm Party details:

Pink& Gold Chain Link Bangles (came as a set) - Forever 21

Gold Brass Bangle - J.Crew

Black Rhinestone Bangle - C. Wonder

I'm gunna be honest: I hate being cold, and I'm constantly freezing. While I love wearing skirts, I really have to force myself to do so when October hits. The day I took these photos it wasn't too bad. Shivering and teeth chattering is NOT a good look, and I suffer from both in the fall and winter months. 

When I put this outfit together, I had two ideas in mind: First, that I wear something that keeps me warm - a la the longer pencil skirt and this pink striped crewneck Tippi sweater which is my very first J. Crew clothing purchase. And second - that it fits my fall wardrobe criteria of being colorful, but functional.

If I'm gunna be cold, as least I can try to look cool doing so. Freezing is the new black.... or something of the sort.

Reviving The Classics

Although I'm a girl who wouldn't classify herself as having "classic" style, I do love a lot of old school, traditional things that have been around in fashion for years. And for me, this outfit is a combo of some of em.

Let's start with the mary jane - my shoes have the classic shape but with a modern twist a la a tie and a wedge. Next, women have been sporting animal prints since God knows when. For me, I like color variation on a classic animal print, and the cut is my tee is little boxier than a regular tee. Finally, red lipstick. Though finding the right shade for my skin tone took some time, it's officially inducted into my makeup bag. This classic color goes back as far a Cleopatra, and even Queen Elizabeth I wore the crimson shade. The one I'm wearing came from my visit at Bobbi Brown's Studio in Montclair, NJ (which I'll tell you about later)!

Outfit:

Animal print tee - Forever 21

Grey midi skirt - Aritzia

Mary Jane wedges - Office UK

Spiked leather satchel - Zara

Floral necklace - Accessorize

Arm Party - Henri Bendi Rockstar Wrap Bracelet and Pyramid Studded Bracelet Forever 21

All classic things with modern twists. Eclectic chic, perhaps? Okay, so I'm not re-inviting the wheel but I like to think I have my own unique way of taking dino classics and updating em. That's what I love about fashion blogging... being able to take something that inspires you and rock it your way. Do you, bro. 

Bangles By The Bundle

My obsession for bangles started recently when I visited my local Henri Bendel store in NJ. Something about the way the store is delectively sprawled out in baubles that shine to the guild... I'm an absolute girly girl, so naturally, sparkling jewelry speaks to me.

Bangles used to be limited to thin, stacked rings that left nothing to be desired. And those are still good, but with all the options out there - enamel, stamping, crystals - I'm upgrading to pieces that can become everyday signature pieces in my wardrobe. And hopefully, one or two of these will be in my collection by my birthday next week... hint hint.

Stack 'em up and pile on 'em!

Bangles By the Bundle by houseofjeffers featuring antique jewelry

From left to right:

1. Buckle Up Baby Bangle - Henry Bendel - $78
2. Belle Noel by Kim Kardashian cuff bangle - Shopthetrendboutique.com - $59
3. Spiked Bangle Set - Pree Brulee - $32
4. Mod Bangle Duo - Bauble Bar - $22
5. 14kt Gold/Leather Aztec Bangle - House Of Harlow - $79
6. Crystal Confetti - KateSpade.com - $88
7. Rainbow Stacked Bangles - Forever 21 - $11
8. Lulu Frost for J.Crew Wide Deco Bangle - J.Crew - $118

Hearts and The Arts

Fall isn't my favorite season, but when the temperature abruptly changes to 88 in the middle of October, you adapt. Besides, any signs of a sun-kissed glow on my skin are gone. Enter pasty white legs.

And no, this isn't the normal brick wall I take my pictures in front of. This mural happens to be located in a walkway in Montclair, one of my favorite towns in New Jersey. It's filled with adorable shops, great restaurants, and the bar I met my husband at... Egans. Plus, this alleyway leads to my latest obsession: The Gap.

So as the weather turns cold, I still wear my summer clothes and accessories, especially this dress. Perhaps it's not so age appropriate for a lady of my age (am I too old to be wearing a dress with hearts?), but I still love it. Plus, that's what my big girl bag is for aka. my coveted Marc by Marc Jacobs satchel - the first major designer piece I ever bought!

Outfit:

Heart print dress - Forever 21

Bombay Satchel - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Patent leather tassel loafers - Zara

Arm Party - studded bracelet from Forever 21/ my grandmother's vintage watch

Tortoise shell wayfarer sunnies - Forever 21

Dare To Be Different

Ever get that rush of excitement from getting a new dress or accessory? In this case, this handbag courtesy of Urban Expressions made me giddy!

Outfit:

Blush blazer - The Gap

Dolman sleeve top - Bloomingdales

Jeans - Forever 21

Quinn satchel - c/o of Urban Expressions (available at Lulus.com)

Granny shoes - Bakers

Turquoise and brass statement necklace - Forever 21

Arm Party - Spiked Bracelet from Forever 21; leather bracelet from The Gap

Quinn immediately struck me - as I own nothing of the color sort. I usually stick to basic black, but being that I'm trying to step outside my fashion box, I went with something a bit different. Okay, I know it's Fall, but I'm not waiting another season to rock this color. It's got a slue of compartments, doesn't get heavy when you load it up and is vegan friendly and PETA approved! 

While I might have gone a little overboard with the pink for this look, I had to wear my new blazer with it. Cost me $20 on sale at the Gap! I normally don't brag about my bargains, but seriously, major score!

A Controlled Experiment: Color Me Pink

Even though it felt like we leapt over September and stepped into October with the cold weekend weather, I managed to squeeze in a day for shorts last week.

Outfit:

Kimono Cardigan - won via ShopSosie.com (similar style here)

Crewneck top - Gap

Pink shorts - Forever 21

Dany platform shoes - Jessica Simpson Collection

Leather satchel - Zara

Pyramid stud bracelets - Forever 21

Sparkling Sage Necklace - Ideeli.com, courtesy of my Lucky FABB credit!

Just like anyone else, I have my own style preferences. But entering fall, I'm trying to step outside my comfort zone in terms of color and pairing outfits that I might otherwise think wouldn't appeal to me. And this means experimenting with everything - from accessories to even my makeup. 

For example, wearing pink. I used to hate the color pink up until a couple years ago. I remember one Christmas, my mother bought me a pink turtleneck sweater. And you know when receive a gift you don't fancy, and you don't want to hurt their feelings so you attempt to fake an appreciative grin? That's what I tried to do, but instead, burst into tears at the thought of a.) a wearing turtleneck and b.) a pink one. (Keep in mind, I was 10.) Lucky for me, my mom is from the school of "if you don't like it, bring it back." 

Yet as I've grown older, I turn toward the cotton candy shade more frequently. Even the top I'm wearing, a dark wine, is becoming my favorite hue for Fall. And the kimono cardigan, I won through a contest on ShopSosie.com! I may not win the lottery, but I have luck when it comes to winning clothes for some reason. Let's hope my karma stays that way!

Nicole Miller Runway Show Spring 2012

Ever since I was young, I always wanted to go to a runway show. I think it's something any person who's in love with fashion wants to do. To experience it at Lincoln Center, and just in photographs.

Now, for some of you who've been to one, you'll probably say there's not much to runway shows, and they're over before you know it. And granted, that may be true. But for me, this year's New York Fashion Week allowed me the opportunity to attend my first runway show ever!

Outfit: 

Leopard print dress - Forever 21

Faux leather vest - Mandee

Platform peep toe heels - Nine West

Studded leather bag - Zara

Arm Party (starting from top to bottom)

Leather bracelet - H&M

Zebra bangle - Urban Outfitters

Brass-wrapped horn bangle - courtesy of Kora, find in my Lucky Fabb gift bag

Leather studded bracelet - The Gap

Rings - Forever 21 and a craft fair

Working in the fashion industry, I knew what to expect, but overall, the excitement of being able to attend a show and see it firsthand, was really memorable. 

The Nicole Miller show was a mixture of classic stripes and 80s mosaic patterns, and featured everything from spandex pants, to blazers outfitted with neon stripes ideal for a downtown biker girl with a touch of uptown appeal. The long and short of it: Skinny models walk the runway wearing clothing you'll eventually want/own, to a music soundtrack customized for the show. Celebrities flanked the front rows, and everyone has their iPhones, cameras, mobile devices clutched in their hands at the ready for pictures.

And I loved every minute of it.

Later that night, I attended the first ever Blogger's Night Out. Check back later for my recap of this amazing event!

Maya Brenner Makes Stately, Fashionable Jewelry

I don't care what anyone says about NJ, it's my home and I love it! Sure, the state may not be as glamorous as others, but it's the only place I've ever known, and I'm proud to be from there (except on Thursdays, when Jersey Shore is on).

That's why I was beyond giddy when Maya Brenner Designs approached me to rock one of Maya's State Necklaces featuring the Garden State! I can't think of a better way to show your stateside pride than with her chic jewelry creations that have been a hit with celebrities, and have been featured in Lucky, People and even "Sex & The City"! Find your state and show off your pride! 

Here's a sneak peek at my upcoming outfit post featuring the NJ necklace...

Maya's jewelry is a mixture of versatile pieces that are timeless and fashionable. From her signature state pendants, to letters, signs of the zodiac and leaf charms, and not to mention bracelets, rings and earrings, women of all ages will fall in love with her designs.

Check out the interview I did with Maya, and read about how she became Hollywood's go-to gal for jewelry!

House Of Jeffers: Your State Necklaces are a huge hit among celebrities like Katy Perry, Anne Hathaway and Penelope Cruz, to name just a few. When did you know that you achieved what you set out to do?

Maya Brenner: It’s always exciting to open a magazine and see the jewelry on people I admire. Demi Moore was a huge one for me when she wore my jewelry in her first public appearance after her marriage to Ashton Kutcher. And when Eva Longoria placed an order on her own through our website for a Texas necklace.

Demi Moore wearing Maya Brenner Designs

HOJ: I love that your jewelry is so versatile and chic! What's one piece of jewelry you feel every woman should own?

MB: Every woman needs a delicate necklace that hits right below the neckline and can be worn everyday.  Wear it alone or layer it with other delicate pieces. Or, go bold and wear it with a longer chunkier necklace.

Photo courtesy Maya Brenner Designs

HOJ: Did you always set out to be a jewelry designer, or were you on a different career path?

MB: I was a social worker, working with drug-addicted adolescents and started making jewelry at night to calm my nerves. I wore the necklaces and started getting stopped in the street with people asking to buy them and a business was born!
I did both jobs for a while since I was nervous that I would be able to support myself. Luckily or (unluckily) I wasn’t making that much money as a social worker so I didn’t need to sell too many necklaces to match that! Within a year I quit my full-time job and launched MBD.

HOJ: Being that you're a full-fledged jewelry designer, do you ever feel as though the fun of creating your pieces and the fact that you're a business owner, conflicts with each other?

MB: Great Question! Absolutely…that was the hardest thing to get used to.  I used to design with no regard to cost or sourcing.  That doesn’t work anymore when there is a retail price that needs to be affordable or when we are selling thousands of one design.  Sometimes I laugh because everyone thinks that being a jewelry designer is so glamorous-which it is sometimes. But other times-there’s deadlines and stresses just like in every business.

  

HOJ: What do you think will be a big trend for jewelry this Fall?

MB: Stacks of layering bracelets of all different styles and materials. It’s all about the Arm Party!

HOJ: Who are some of your favorite jewelry designers?

MB: Mizuki and Monique Pean Atelier are doing some very unique stuff right now. And the craftsmanship of Ten Thousand Things is amazing.




HOJ: Can you give us a sneak peek of what you're working on now?

MB: Yes! I’m loving this dainty pod necklace that has some irregular shaped gold pieces soldered into the chain, and am also loving this new long delicate piece with the geometric shape pendant. So far we’ve made them with squares, circles and triangles. So fun to wear, and the length is super sexy.  Should be added to the website sometime in the Fall.

Photo courtesy of Maya Brenner Designs

Arm Party - Bloggers Do It Better Assignment

I've heard good things about Kristina of PrettyShinySparkly's Bloggers Do It Better assignments, and so I hope this goes over perfectly for my inaugural BDIB post.

I love the look of stacked jewelry - especially mixing metals of like with various textures and finishes. When picking jewelry, I try to choose pieces that I know will work with the majority of my wardrobe, but have a uniqueness to them. And many have significance to me...

Like the Norma bracelet I purchased during a Bust Craftacular from Erica Weiner. She had nameplate bracelets at a bargain, but didn't have my name. I loved the delicateness of the bracelets, so I figured I'd choose the most awkward name I could find. And that's how Norma and I ended up together...

Starting from the top:

Braided sterling cuff - Gift from my mother

DIY Braided friendship bracelet

Norma nameplate bracelet - Erica Weiner

Adjustable sterling stone bracelet  - Bought on a trip to Cape May, NJ

Leather and turquoise bracelet - Bought on a trip to Cape Code

My grandmother is a huge source of fashion inspiration. She was always adorned in some type of lavish costume jewelry. Diamonds, faux gemstones, chunky bangles - I used to sit on her lap and play with her jewelry... And I think her keenness for accessorizing stuck with me. The dainty silver watch I'm wearing doesn't work, but it was hers...

Sorta feels like wearing a bit of history when I look down at my wrists.

Lotus and Leather Bracelet courtesy of J.Rudy Lewis

Vintage watch - My grandmother's

Jade bangle - Bought in Chinatown

Zebra  cuff - Urban Outfitters