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

My Blue Heaven

I must admit: I'm getting excited that Fall means it's pants season again. Although admittedly, Fall isn't my favorite season, I'm starting to change my mind since I've purchased a number of printed pants and updated my jeans.

This outfit is very basic, but out of all the the accessories I'm wearing, the tiny Maid Marian braid is my my favorite. It's my way of giving my straight hair an update on the days when I'm feeling a little too plain.

This Sunday, I'll be venturing into the city for New York Fashion Week to take in the excitement, catch up with friends and hopefully, make new ones! Follow me @HouseOf Jeffers on Twitter to keep up with my activities - and if you see me or want to say hi, send me a tweet!

What I Wore:

Animal Print Top - Forever 21 / Blue Skinny Jeans - Marshalls / Peep Toe Mary Janes - Nine West / Cone Cuff - BaubleBar.com / Riveting Romance Cuff Bracelet - c/o Sorrelli / NYC New York Color Ultra Last Lipwear - Blue Rose / Olivia + Joy Affiliate Satchel - c/o

Keep Calm And...

Today I'm headed to Exton, Pennsylvania with my husband for a soccer tournament. While I'm not too jazzed on the soccer part, I am excited as the prospect of possibly hitting up the King Of Prussia mall.

And in my haste to pack and run my errands, I didn't have time to write a new post. Sorry!

Hope you all have a fabulous Memorial Day Weekend! Be back on Tuesday with a brand new post!

Until then, feel free to check out the House Of Jeffers Pinterest account, or follow me on Instagram over the weekend!

Back To Black

Sometimes, you gotta pull a Johnny Cash and go all black. The Man in Black was the original purveyor

of this monotone look, and plain and simple - it just looks cool. 

Outfit Details:

Polka Dot Top - Forever 21 / Faux Leather Skirt - Forever 21  / Black Tights - Target / Cambridge Satchel Fluoro Pink Satchel (won at IFBCon) / Gold Stud Shoes - Miss Selfridge / Gold Chain Link Bracelet - Charming Charlie / Henri Bendel Hand Me Down ring / New York Color Ultra Last Lipstick in Blue Rose

This, to me, is absolutely a House Of Jeffers outfit. It's got black, studs and a scream of unexpected color a la my neon pink lipstick and the Cambridge Satchel Company fluorescent pink satchel I won at the IFB Conference. I've always wanted a Cambridge Satchel (remember when I did a Q&A with The Cambridge Satchel Company?), and now, I can carry a little bit of the UK with me. 

Both the polka dot button front top and the faux leather skirt have been sitting in my closet for two months. Originally, I bought the leather skirt to wear to the IFB Conference... Either way, I love how the top has gold studs on the collar - to match my studded oxfords I purchased from Miss Selfridge during my last trip to England. 

I've been really missing the warm weather. I love wearing skirts, but when it's 20 degrees out, the last thing I can think about is putting on a dress. But since I'm trying to cut back on my shopping, I guess I won't be bringing any new dresses home. I'm attempting to save up for a pretty large Happiness Investment that I've been fixated on for some time now, which means smaller purchases are gunna have to stop. 

So thanks, Johnny Cash, for naming your 1971 album after your tendency to wear black. I'm right there with you. 

NYC Fashion Bloggers Picnic

From left to right: Pam, Me, Preity, Yanil, Monroe, Nike, Janique, Candy, Cynthia, Jerrica

Last Sunday, the ladies of the NYC Fashion Bloggers Meetup Group got together in Central Park to kick back, relax and eat!

Finding this group, and meeting so many lovely bloggers has been so important to me. The ladies in the group each have their own unique sense of style, but regardless of our favorite designers, our love of blogging brings us together - and it's always a fun time! It was great to see Pam of Cinderella's Closet, Candy of Taylor & Demolish, group organizer Monroe of FashionSteeleNYC and Yanil of TheNewYorkerStyle - plus, I got to meet some new members and get to know others who I don't see very often. If you live in NY or NJ, you definitely want to be part of this fun!

Preity  of Fashion Solace and Pam of Cinderella's Closet

Yanil of TheNewYorkerStyle, new members Nike and Preity

Monroe (at center), did an amazing job of getting this meetup together! You go girl!

Monroe, the group's organizer, did an awesome job of rounding up the gals and bringing lots of goodies for everyone.

So glad I found this group. Not only are these ladies awesome bloggers, but I'm happy to call them my friends as well!

This is the dress I wore - just a fancier photo of me wearing it!

Outfit:

Dress - Urban Outfitters

Belt - H&M

Cork Wedges - Forever 21

Necklace - Forever21

Five essential items every fashion blogger should have

If you're gunna run a fashion blog and show off your looks, I think there's a couple of wardrobe staples every gal should have. These items aren't just things that I happen to favor - okay, maybe a little. Check out my top five items fashion bloggers should have stocked in their closets.

1. A blazer

Even if you're a lady that loves skirts and dresses, a blazer is versatile enough to go with leggings, shorts and of course, jeans. 

ASOS Tailored Contrast Blazer

I happen to have three - basic black, a beige one and a pink single-breasted blazer with black lapels which is for a dressier look. While it's considered a men's sportswear piece, blazers have come a long way for women as they're made in a variety of shapes with detailing that measures up to a men's equivalent. 

2. Tights

I'm talking good quality tights that are warm enough to rock in the winter, yet light enough to pair with summer looks. And they can be paired with everything - shorts, skirts, dresses. Investing in a couple of good pairs in a variety of colors will pay off in the end - especially during the spring to summer transition. I recommend We Love Colors - it's an amazing site where you can find pretty much any color imaginable.

3. Jeans

Ah, the underdog of fashion blogging - although eatsleepdenim is doing wonders for jeans. Let's face it - the weather doesn't always cooperate, ladies. I know you want to look like a doll and all standing outside for your pics, but I'm not trying to get sick because I didn't do what my mother told me to do - cover my legs when it's cold out.

If you're going to spend the most money on a wardrobe stable, you might as well put it in your pants... I mean, into a denim investment. For me, a pair of perfect fitting jeans is the make or break of an outfit that looks put-together or messy. Find whatever style fits you best and stock up.

4. A Handbag

Photo via http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/2009/12/21/sarah-jessica-parker-loves-her-diane-de-maria-bonnie-bag/

Whether your favorite is Marc by Marc Jacobs (cough cough) or Miu Miu, buying a well-made bag is definitely a long term investment. Depending on the style, your bag of choice will most likely go with anything in your closet, - and unless your rough on it, will be with your for years to come. Sarah Jessica Parker knows what's up - she loves her Bonnie bag.

5. A repeat offender

This is a piece that you love, and that readers identify with being "your style". Whatever it is, I say show it off... over and over again. I think it's great when a blogger takes pride in something that they love and can incorporate it into multiple looks. It's practical and realistic - not all of us have thousands laying around and can shop with carelessness. For me, it's vests... and Harley.

Outfit

Striped sweater - Forever21

Vest - Zara

Jeans - Zara

Shoes - Mandee

Necklace - thrifted