House Of Jeffers is now www.houseofjeffers.com

House Of Jeffers is now www.houseofjeffers.com. Please visit www.houseofjeffers.com as this blog has moved and is no longer active via Blogger.

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Thank you!

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!

Change You Can Relate To

Sometimes, you have to face the fact that things change... and it's really an awkward feeling. In my case, House Of Jeffers has strayed away from my original plan when I started blogging almost 5 years ago.

When I created the blog, I was working as a copywriter for Barneys New York. My day in and day out was consumed by fashion, which motivated me to create my own space on the Internet where I could share my personal style. Also a major factor in my life, and still to this day, is/was my love for England. I owe it to my husband for bringing this influence into my life - bringing his culture in to my life. I was so in awe with the UK and the stylish women of London who wore heavy black eyeliner and a nude lip like no other. They still look gorgeous, and I'm still jealous that I haven't nailed down the look. The name "House Of Jeffers" was truly inspired by royal houses of England - taking part of my last name and using it to create my own royal "house" filled with a fabulous wardrobe that I loved.

Fast forward 4 years later, and much has changed in my life. Focuses have shifted beyond the blog. Obviously, the biggest of which was the birth of my sons. Before them, my blog was the thing I nurtured in my spare time. And England was the place I turned to for motivation in my blog. It was the niche I created for myself. It was my thing as a blogger... or so I thought.

But it seems as though the part of me that loves England didn't fully translate well with my audience. And I've kind of had a good idea that that was the case for at least a year now. I was holding on to this idea of being a NJ blogger with a UK point of view because honestly, I was scared that I wouldn't know what to do with my blog. Being from New Jersey, I thought that wasn't interesting enough because let's face it - the state gets a bad reputation. I was worried that I would just be a blogger with nothing to contribute. But let's face it: When do I really talk about England? When was the last time I incorporated a hint of UK-inspired anything in to my outfits or let alone, my blog content? It's probably been at least 2 years...

About two weeks ago, I joined Periscope on a whim (you can find me at House Of Jeffers). I didn't know what I was going to do being on it, but the first day I signed up, I did my first awkward broadcast of talking to random strangers who were watching. One of which was Mister Newton (hey buddy!). While I might have stumbled over my words, and didn't have much to say in the 10 minutes I scoped, I managed to find other people on the platform offering invaluable information on growing a business, connecting with your audience, and being more business-oriented when it comes to my reach as a blog. I've know since started scoping on a daily basis about blogging, fashion and being a mom.

As a result of joining Periscope, I basically had my ass kicked by Hilary Rushford of Dean Street Society, Zach Spuckler and Nicole "Soprah" Walters. Watching their scopes on various topics relating to entrepreneurship and expanding my reach, I started to put things in perspective with my blog and what I was actually doing on it. The reality is: I am doing some things wrong. I was complacent with my blog. And I was scared out of my mind because this meant I had to change House Of Jeffers.

Hot off of attending Periscope Church, my newest social media place of worship, I asked one of my dearest and most honest friends:

Me: "What do think my blog is about? I know I have this whole UK thing, but I feel like I can't do anything with it."

Her: " I don't get England from your blog at all."

I was relieved. I needed someone else to confirm what I was thinking. She pressed on:

Her: "When I tell people about your blog, I tell them how you dress head to toe in clothing that looks expensive, but it's not. That you always have one thing on that is a little more high end than the rest, but your entire outfit looks like it cost more than what you spent."

Honestly, I never thought of my blog like this. But she was right. She works with me everyday, and sees what I wear to work, which isn't much different than my outfit posts on my blog. I started to get really excited about this because I felt like there was an opportunity to start over on House Of Jeffers - with real intent that is relatable to other people.

That's it! Relatable style. House Of Jeffers is about creating relatable style for women who don't have a loaded bank account with money to burn. Because I sure as hell don't. I just know how to fake it with my clothing.

So there it is. A new change:

House Of Jeffers is all about bringing relatable style to you. I will show you how you can be fashionable on a budget and still look like you spent $200 on your outfit, when I only spent $70. I'll mix the relatable, economical with the high-end obtainable bag you've been drooling over... then tell you how to get it on the cheap and cheerful. Oh, and I'm still talking about being a new mom on here - that will never change.

I am so happy to share my new direction with all of my readers. I truly feel like this is the direction I should have been taking a long time ago, but was too afraid to do so. I am so motivated to make House Of Jeffers my best ever, and I'm actively taking steps to improve as much as I can. A new design is on the horizon, too!

If you've been a longtime reader, or are new to my blog, I just wanted to say how grateful I am for your patience with me as I get back into blogging. Being a mother is my number one priority, and that calls for me to put my family first. But, the free time I do get I cherish, and I still love House Of Jeffers. I'm doing my best to be the best blogger I can be, so I can bring you the best content. And so I thank you for all the support you've shown me. I hope you'll continue to stick around and see how it all pans out.

All my admiration,

Jen

Seeing The Light

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful Easter! 

Now that I'm back into blogging, and slowly getting back to normal after surgery, I'm ready to enjoy the warmer weather. This weekend, I was in Tarrytown, NY celebrating the marriage of two of my dear friends. The wedding was beautiful, as was the town. The day after the wedding, Mike and I played tourist and headed to a nearby lighthouse. The chance for a photo op was too good to pass up!

Tarrytown is right over the Tappan Zee Bridge, and is right next to the town of Sleepy Hollow. There's a lot of history in the town (beautiful castles, The Rockerfeller Estate) and, not to mention the best jewelry consignment shop I've ever been to. I'd absolutely recommend visiting both for its quint feel and rustic charm.

Since the weather was bright and sunny, I put on one of my favorite outfits that I've not worn on the blog yet. Yes, it's rather simple, but I feel like myself in it - a little, happy hipster in florals, black (of course, and a slub knit sweater that is actually cut out in back but layered with a tank. I love how it's got this layered vibe to it... I wish I had more tops like this one. And the skirt - I purchased it in another print just because the cut fit me perfectly, and can transition from fall to summer. I will definately be wearing this skirt again on House Of Jeffers. Recycling outfits is 100% okay with me. Don't you agree?

On another note, it feels really great to be sitting at my desk again, back to blogging. These photos are the first I've taken since my surgery, and they feel special to me. It's marking a new chapter of seeing the light at the end of something dark... 

Here's to lighter days ahead!

Outfit Details:

Grey Slub Knit Sweater, Purple Floral Skirt, and Black Ankle Booties - Forever 21 / Black Tights - H&M / Elephant Cuff - consignment shop / Tortoise Shell Sunglasses - Lulu*

#KeepDreaming: Things I Want, But Can't Afford

Mary Katrantzou print dress / Alaïa suede booties / DANNIJO swarovski crystal necklace / Chanel handbag

Everyone has an ultimate wish list of things they want. Those unobtainable things you know you'll never have... because they are so utterly, financially out of reach its not even funny. And all you can do about it is dream about it.

If I had a dime for how many times I've uttered the phrase, "I need to start playing the lottery", I'd probably won by now. A Chanel bag has always been on my list of things I'd love to own... So unless I happen to find a a couple thousands dollars inside a paper bag on the sidewalk... the only thing I'll be doing is dreaming of these things. FOR. EVER.

Until then, I'll keep dreaming of owning...

... a Mary Katrantzou dress. To describe what she does as "design beautiful clothes" would be criminal. Mary Katrantzou creates works of art that are so dreamy and indulgent, it blows my mind. But, since I don't have $1,200.. all I be doing is pinning a photo of this dress to my cubicle.

... a Chanel handbag. This dream will never end - or happen. And honestly, I think I'd be paranoid to carry around such an expensive bag, let alone place it any where potential cooties might thrive, that I'd place it in a glass vessel and admire it.

... Alaia shoes. "You don't understand - It's an Alaia." Oh, I get it, Cher Horowitz. I get it very much. But the closest I've gotten to an Alaia was holding a shoe in my hand. The craftsmanship was gorgeous. However, that $1,700 I was banking on winning at the slots in Atlantic City to buy a pair of these beauties never happened. <le sigh>

... a Dannijo necklace. Any will do, really. Just make the check out to Jen Jeffery.

... Adam Levine*. Could Adam Levine be bought? If I hit it big, I'll let you know.

*I apologize to my husband for this one. Sorry hun... you can still live in the guests house when Adam moves in, though. 

Fashion Rule Breaking

Two things I currently need: A haircut and a vacation. While the vacation is so far from reach, the haircut is happening this Saturday. I hate this weather because what it does to my hair. So dry... time for a little snip. Nothing crazy though. 

I tend to go through these phases where I feel like I need to do something to my hair. I mean, the bangs - that will probably never change... so I'm limited to my options. And since my hair is brown, I very rarely wear that color. But this Charlotte Russe jacket is the exception. I love a slim fit moto jacket, and this one is an unexpected change of pace for me. 

It's been said that black and brown don't go together. Alright, who ever came up with that rule should have had their head checked. Sorry, but how can two dark colors, that in some instances could pass for one another, not go together? Weird. 

I guess I'll forever not follow the rules. Just call me a style outcast.

Cropped Leather Moto Jacket - c/o Charlotte Russe / Chevron Printed Body Con Dress - c/o Charlotte  Russe  / Long Crescent Pendant Necklace - Forever 21 / Fleece Leggings - Francesca's / Black Ankle Booties  - Target / Studded Crossbody Bag - Forever 21

Color Club's Safari Garden Preview

If there's one thing that is a constant, it is my love for nail art... and with that comes a healthy obsession over nail polish colors. It's a constant, as each season brings new shades to douse my digits with. Color Club has been cranking out colors for years, and helping me keep my nails in check.

 

Can you believe they've been around since 1979!? To celebrate 35 colorful years, Color Club has revamped their branding - a chic black and white block letter logo that is just as stylish as their shades.

Birchbox is helping to relaunch Color Club's all new look, and was kind enough to let me preview the newly-designed bottles... and shades from their Safari Garden Collection!

From succulent pastels to vibrant floral-inspired shades, 

the Safari Garden includes:

From left to right:

In De-Nile (pastel blue)

Look, Don't Tusk (pastel yellow)

Lion's Den (iridescent gold)

Tribe and True (military green)

Nail Robi (dark violet)

Safari Sunset (light orange)

The collection is the perfect balance between light and dark colors to suit my moods, and to let me get creative with my designs. Plus, because of the bottle's square design, it made it easy to store the colors compactly on my nail polish rack.

Since I couldn't decide on one color to paint my nails, I decided to create an ombre look using In De-Nile and Nail-Robi. To create this look, I used a triangle makeup sponge, layered with each color. The results - a dark to light mani perfect for spring!

Check out Color Club's all new bottle and branding on Birchbox, available today!

Loud Pairs

We all have style comforts. For me, I can sometimes get so wrapped up in my own "creature of habit" ways that I have moments of feeling like my clothes look the same. It happens when you shop in the same stores over time, and get accustomed to wearing particular colors and specific cuts of pants, tops and shoes. 

But I'm a sucker for strong details. 

There's nothing I love more than pieces that are slightly loud, but yet, clash when paired together. But it has to be done with care. Over do it, and, well... you look like a hot mess. I had my doubts about wearing such a striking teal with an equally exuberant purple. But, leave it to my trusty arsenal of black tights, shoes and handbags to help tie it all together. 

Olena Cable Knit Sweater - c/o Tommy Hilfiger / Lace Print Skirt - Forever 21 / Laser Cut Camille Satchel - c/o Sole Society / Black Fleece Tights - Francesca's (these are life savers!) / Ankle Boots - Target / Isla Bonita Necklace - c/o Shop Prima Donna / Assorted Alex and Ani Bracelets: Vintage 66 Heart Bangle, Gypsy 66 Wrap

Acid Wash Revival

Boy do I feel like a hipster in this outfit. The hat. The fringe. The acid wash jeans - my favorite part.

I was born in the 80s so acid wash denim is in my fashion DNA. Many a pairs did I wear - ripped, dark wash, light wash... Some good. Some terrible. But these pink acid wash jeans from Zara were so, so good that I had to buy a pair in gray, also!

Hipster status in the snow.

I wore this outfit on Saturday, eager to try out a monotone look. Sure, the black sweater is rather predictable for me since the majority of my wardrobe is black. However, I decided to pair similar shades of pink and purple for a perky look. And to think I wore this to breakfast... and to pick up my dog from the vet. 

But a funny story about my lipstick. Although this shade is my favorite, and has become a signature for me, it sure does stain. Especially on my dogs. I give them kisses, only for pink splotches to be left behind on their fur. So, Saturday morning, I had to go to the vet to pick up Phoebe from her surgery, and I knew that I was going to smooch her up like crazy... but remembered to wipe my lipstick since I didn't want her looking like a furry pink. I must not have done a good job since regardless of my makeup removal, she was covered in fluorescent pink lipstick.At least she matched me!

Hat - Forever 21 / Black Cardigan - Forever 21 /  Purple V-Neck Blouse - Old Navy /  Pink Acid Wash Jeans - Zara / Seychelles Best Laid Plans Wedges - (purchased at South Moon Under) / Black Fringe Bag - Brandy Melville / Alex and Ani Lotus Bracelet, Compass Bracelet, Gypsy 66 Wrap and Vintage 66 Love Bracelet

Bold and Bright-Lipped

Happy Valentine's Day! I'm sorry, but I can't get enough of the holiday. Some people hate it, say it's a commercialized holiday - which, in some ways, it is. But, if that means I get chocolate, can wear more red, and can make a mess with some heart confetti - then I love it!

Typically for V-Day, I'd be decked out in a skirt or dress that reaks of blatantly holiday machismo. But, Mother Nature hates New Jersey this year, and on top of the cold weather, the snow that's been dropped on us is really killing my style vibe. I noticed I've been wearing a lot more black in my outfit posts... Subconsiously, I'm in mourning for the day that I can wear proper tights and frilly skirts.

However, the prism-print dress from Boohoo.com honestly lights up my day. To keep with this love-themed day, I'm finally going to rock my Pixie Market Lips Purse (which was featured in my DIY heart mani post). It was a Christmas gift from my present... Isn't it divine?

Fur Give and Fur Get Coat - c/o LuLu*s / Prism Print Dress - c/o Boohoo 

 Lips Purse - Pixie Market (sold out, but they also carry this red lips clutch!) / Black Tights - H&M / Patent Leather Wedge Boots - Modcloth.com / Green Retro Style Sunglasses - c/o SunglassWarehouse.com / NARS Satin Lip Pencil in YU

Have a fab Valentine's Day!

Show some love, and wear what you love on this most mushy of days!

Enter to Win an Amorous Pendant from Swarovski!

I'm one of those people that absolutely gets swept up in Valentine's Day... The novelty of all things heart-related, an excuse to go a little overboard with heart-decorated anything and of course, showing lots of love! 

Valentine's Day also means a holiday where I can crank up my girly flair a bit. So when Swarovski asked me to style their newest Amorous Pendant from their 2014 Valentine's Day Collection in my best V-Day style, I was giddy with the thought of sparkle! Oh, and one of my readers can win this necklace, too (see below)!

While I love wearing traditional colors of red and pink for a V-Day dinner date with my husband, I always like to have that element of rocker style. To match the metallic shine from the pendant, I paired these silver shoes with black peplum pants and a totally appropriate top which I "love". My bold, pink lipstick, NARS Satin Lip Pencil in YU. gives the outfit a dash of color... Then again, the balloons are really the brightest display of my love for Valentine's Day. 

And, to help spread some love for Valentine's Day, Swarovski is giving away an Amorous Pendant to one lucky House Of Jeffers reader! Enter to win below!

"Love" Tee - American Eagle / Peplum Pants - LuLu*s / Silver Ankle Booties - Forever 21 / Amorous Pendant - c/o Swarovski / Rhinestone Lanyard Bracelet & Bow Bangle - Henri Bendel / Black Ready Crystal Swarovski Bangle - c/o Swarovski / NARS Satin Lip Pencil in YU

Contest runs from January 20, 2014 to February 4, 2014. Winner will be announced on February 10.

Note To Self: Wear More Hats

As of late, I feel a real sense of urgency to follow my heart, try new things, to not stand in my own way of achieving personal goals... And to wear more hats. I must admit, I'm digging this new-found feeling... and the fedora. I scored it over the weekend at where else, Forever 21 during a 50% off sale. Oh, and the flannel is from there, too.

But in all seriousness, I've got some pretty fun things coming up on House Of Jeffers that I'm really excited to share with you. A couple of contests (including one on Monday), new spotlights on brands that I've been an admirer of, and of course, new outfits. Plus, I'm going to try my darndest to give you a different glimpse into me... not just me standing in front of outdoor backgrounds (because let's face it, that is a give in with fashion blogs), but to show you some of the things I love beyond fashion. 

But let's get one thing straight: Fashion will never take a backseat here. This is a fashion blog at the core... I'm just dipping my clothes hanger in the water... 

As always, any and all readers of House Of Jeffers motivate me to keep being me... and not conform to what the blogger standard has become. I can only be me, and while that might not make me the most popular girl on the block, it has to mean something. People change, they grow up... and I'm adult. I can't like unicorns forever.... or can I?

Hopefully, as more changes come, the more inspired I'll be to write about them. And it's only just begun...

You're Invited: Indie and Rocker Chic Posh Party on Poshmark, Jan. 14!

Join me on Tuesday, January 14 at 10 p.m. as me and Suma from The Fashion Beauty Junkie co-host an Indie and Rocker Chic Posh Party on Poshmark! This is my second time hosting a Posh Party, and I'm so flattered that the fashionable people at Poshmark invited me to return again!

Come shop the closets of fashionistas from across the country as they sell their most stylish clothes, sassy accessories, sick stems and other goodies from their closets! Or, post some items of your own! I can't wait to dive in and get my shop on!

You can find me on Poshmark at @HouseOfJeffers! See you then!