Preppy Chic

When opportunity knocks - you answer it. And when J.CrewFactory.com puts the Emery Flats on sale,

you buy them. 

I have a feeling I'll be wearing the Emery flats a lot in the next couple of weekends, just like I did for a Fall outing on Sunday with my husband. The weekend started out seeing two of our dear friends tie the knot - which lead to my evident recovery on Saturday.

Our plans to eat zeppelos at the local Italian fair went belly up on Sunday, so we decided to do a little local exploring in town. A leather little, a dash of brightness and of course, a whole lotta black makes this my ideal Sunday activity outfit. Even if all it was was eating burritos and killing time at the park...

Gold Polka Dot Button Up Blouse - Forever21 / Jersey Knit Pants - Candies from Kohls / Emery Flats - J.CrewFactory.com / Camille Laser Cut Satchel - c/o SoleSociety.com  / Leather Jacket - Zara / NYC Cosmetics Lipstick - Blue Rose

Totally Crushed Out

What I'm Wearing:

Pink Cold Shoulder Top - Forever 21

Heart Print Skirt - H&M

New Bond Street Florence Bag - Kate Spade

Peep Toe Leather Wedges - Nine West

Violet Princesse Bib Necklace - Bauble Bar

Finally, I'll be taking a mini vacation! So there'll be no update for Monday. I'm sure you're asking yourself "What am I gunna do without a sarcastic House Of Jeffers post on Monday?" My answer - check my archives! 

This vacation isn't too crazy - just a short trip to Philadelphia and then to Atlantic City for a night of wasting my money on the slot machines... Wish me luck!

This outfit pulls together casual elements but with major details that make it not just a regular tee. I loved this cold shoulder top so much, I bought it in grey. And for $9 EACH, I'd be kicking myself if I didn't.

Alright lovelies, have a fantastically fun weekend. See you next Wednesday!

Luck be a lady

I'm not a big gambler... I stick to losing my money at the slot machines when I go to Atlantic City. Yeah,  you read that right - losing. Being that I don't play poker and I'm not brave enough to risk losing all my money at once at the tables, I stick to the slots. Good thing too, because I only spent $24 at H&M for this dress - and that meant I had more money to spend on my trip. Plus, shoes are a big factor. Ladies, you know what I'm talking bout... I planned ahead and wore these suede mary janes that didn't murder my feet.

Outfit

Dress - H&M

Necklace & bracelet - Mandees

Tights - Target

Shoes - Nine West

So, during a trip with my two besties at Harrah's in Atlantic City, we headed to The Pool - an indoor bubble dome, with, you guessed it, a pool. They add a bunch of mood lights and cabanas, and turn it into one giant safety hazard at night - drunk people walking around the perimeter of a pool. Good, wholesome fun - with the risk of losing your life if you slip and fall into the pool. 

While I lost some of my dough, I think the trip went over well, and not without going home with random stories of the night. Here's some highlights...

That's what she said...

In-betweeners

 Outfit:

Jacket - H&M

Chambray shirt - Old Navy

Pleather vest - Mandee 

Tights - Forever 21

Shoes - DSW 

Messenger Bag - Macys 

Yes, the In-Betweeners is a hysterical show on BBC (not sure if it's still on in the U.S), but it is also a reference to wardrobe items that can be worn in the winter and transition into spring. But not all items have this versatility.

Take, for instance, winter coats. I hate the bulky jackets. Most of em are not fashionable at all. I try to buy coats that don't make me look like Randy from A Christmas Story (Ralphy's brother). This happened to me as a child (thanks, Mom), and I'm definitely not trying to recreate looking like a line backer.

Plus, you get hot in em indoors. Finding that balance between practical coat and stylish outerwear can be hard. No wonder I like in-between coats - warm enough to wear when it's cold, but light enough for spring weather.

Trenches are good as long as they have lining. I'm constantly cold, so in order to off-set my shivering, I dress in layers under lighter jackets. Yesterday was a bit windy, but I was going to the mall with my hubby, and didn't feel like wearing a heavy coat that I'd more than likely take off and have to lug around. The trip itself was a little disappointing as retail is in the in-between phase where there's a lot of solids and knits... I'm waiting for prints and summer sandals. But in the meantime, this jacket suffices to cloak my bones.

This ain't no rodeo

I had planned on writing about spring and summer fashion trends, but then New Jersey got hit by a snow storm.... I figured it didn't make much sense putting up photos of girls in shorts and tees when it's 32 degrees outside, and I'm wearing a parka...

Luckily, I had taken some photos outside in February, when there was still snow on the ground from the snowpocalypse. This makes my segway into pleather and liquid leggings much easier.

I love the chine of leather, but not looking like a motorcycle enthusiast (but hey, if that's your bag, I dig, I dig... ) or the cost of real leather. It's no surprise that I like things with a slightly vinyl-esque shine to them, as I own multiple pairs of liquid leggings. To me, they elevate chunky sweaters into nighttime looks, but paired with a blazer and some stems, they're a great alternative to jeans... and I'm always trying not to wear denim as often as I do.

This look from Balmain's Spring/Summer 2011 is what I've dreamed of - but cropped? Never crossed my mind. Homegirl pulls this off perfectly.

Photo via http://theshows.blogspot.com/

There's a couple of rules to pleather leggings:

1. Don't pair them with dresses  -  You already have something quite noticeable going on, and throwing a dress on top of it tends to look a bit silly. Tunics are okay. I usually wear mine with plaid, my other wintertime weakness. 

2. Fit is key - I will say that you have to find the right liquid/pleather legging for you. If they aren't ass-tight, they'll look baggy - which is the problem I run into with trying to find pants that give off the impression that I painted them on myself.

3. Cost - You know me, I'm always on the hunt for a bargain. I've priced out this leggings at numerous stores - they go as high as $70, and for me, I don't feel right buying pants that are synthetic for that price. I got mine for a steal - $34!

Outfit:

Plaid shirt - Delia*s

Vest - Mandees

Pleather leggings - Zara

Boots - Steve Madden

Necklace - Urban Outfitters

Uncharted Territory

When it comes to shopping, there are stores I'm loyal to as I've spent years and time building my wardrobe with their apparel. H&M, Forever21, Zara, Urban Outfitters to name a few.

It's a comfort thing - familiar grounds, in a place you know like the back of your hand... and you're rarely disappointed because you have a general idea of what you'll encounter.

During a trip to the mall this weekend with a friend, I entered uncharted territory. Stores that in my eyes have a different style aesthetic than myself such as Banana Republic, Club Monaco and Loft.

I've been in these stores before, but never really put an effort into finding clothes in them. I usually walk through just to get a general idea of what they carry or just for accessories. I was shopping with blinders on as I had pigeonholed these stores as not being "me".  However, I was proven wrong.

"Oh gee, you don't carry black velvet leggings? Gotta go."  

I gotta stop doing that as I've evidently been missing out on floor displays that really inspire you to take a closer look at the clothes and perhaps try something different. And besides, displays are gearing up for summer - with warmer colors - which happens to be my favorite wardrobe season.

A display in Banana Republic. Loved the hourglasses... and this color scheme.

Admittingly, I felt a little foolish about my outfit in some of the stores, but I take it all in stride. Not everyone dresses like they are ready for battle or a motorcycle run.

Outfit:

Leather jacket - Zara

Scarf - H&M

Plaid tunic - Forever21

Knit tights - Mandee

Boots - Mandee

Shopping-ologie

Sometimes I get bored and need to change something up. Usually, I'll go shopping but when I'm really in need of some refreshing, I'll get my hair glazed. It was a spur of the moment decision, as I called in the morning and had an appointment set for the afternoon.

The results: A darker brown with a tint of red.

The salon I go to, Bangz (no coincidence to my own) in Montclair, NJ is located near a slue of shops on Church Street, including Urban Outfitters, small jewelry and clothes boutiques, bakeries and the newest, Anthropologie. Going to the salon is just another excuse to shop since they are in close proximity to each other.

Anthropologie is all types of grand, but my three top reasons for going there:

1. It always smells good.

2. I'd live there. Whomever does their decor, I'd like to hire them to revamp my own digs. This particular store has two levels, all of which is decked out in chic housewares and of course, clothes in Anthropologie's signature aesthetic.

I never noticed the books they carry, but wishlist, here I come.

3. The sale rack

While I peruse the entire store, I never miss the sale section. I've had a lot of luck in this part of the store... everything I've ever purchased has been found there. Saturday was no exception. After shuffling through racks, I took my three potentials to the fitting room.

1. Blue cropped overcoat - $39. This color breaks my color barrier in that I don't own anything cobalt blue. The color and shape of the jacket was adorbs, and as you can see, goes well with what I wore that day. The coat's versatility factor was a plus.

2. Butterfly printed tank - $29. The print on this lightweight, cotton tank immediately caught my attention. I adore abstract prints, and being that I'm finished with buying winter clothes, this top also checked off a lot of pluses.

 3. Striped three-quarter sleeve blouse -  $39. Initially, I liked the color and the pintucked bib. But once I tried it on, not so much.

So, which one did I buy? Check back to find out which one made the cut!

Natured inspired looks for less

As much as I am an admirer of high-end fashion, my wallet won't let me buy everything I want. This is where thriftiness comes in handy. Many a women pride themselves on bargain shopping, most of which can be done online if you know where to look. I won't call finding a less-expensive alternative a knock-off... but just a happy medium between finding a piece you like, inspired by your favorite designers, for less money.

While my secret shopping place is probably no secret to many, Etsy.com is the spot for unique jewelry, accessories and clothing - and they support the hand-made movement.

Gearing up for spring, I'm turning toward earthy, nature and Native American-esque pieces that don't break the bank. These four make the cut - coming in at under $60 or less!

1. Asymmetrical Snowflake Stone Bullet and Pyrite Necklace by GATHERJEWELRY - This necklace, for $58, combines metal with a natural white howlite stone. Pamela Love revealed her new collection during New York Fashion Week, filled with raw and rough crystals against polished metals (http://www.refinery29.com/pamela-loves-spring-jewelry-collection-slays-us#), and I think this piece is very comparable in price and look. Also, I love how a bullet shell can make a stone look chic. 


2. Octopussy Octopus Lace Earrings by thissilk - Lightweight lace and chandelier earrings all in one - so versatile! And they only cost $25!


3. Zebra Print Racerback Tank by PrettyRaccoon - I'm a fan of anything with animals chillin' on cotton jersey for $30. Skinny jeans, I'd like you to meet zebra racerback tank. This shop houses a plethora of animal friendly printed tees!


4. Leggings with Black Birds by Malu7 - These $48 tights reek of spring.