Valentine's Day Outfit Ideas

Valentine's Day is the perfect holiday to get a little over the top with your outfit. The unofficial official celebration of wearing pink and red, I have a penchant for taking things a bit literal for my V-Day outfit whether it be a printed heart sweater, signature red shoes or a  pink neon lip.

Yet while the holiday is all about love, there's one thing about it that makes me a little sad - the weather. Currently, with piles of snow on the ground and freezing temperatures, it can be challenging to style yourself in a look that you love, but the weather won't let you get away with. Are you really going to wear platforms as you traipse over salty sidewalks?You can... I'll get to that in a minute...*

However, you can still wear your favorite love-inspired pieces by adding layers. Pair that Pop Champagne graphic tee with a red plaid skirt and a leather jacket that's light enough to wear indoors, but warm enough to keep you from freezing. *And those red pumps - just change your shoes after you've sat down for dinner.

Or, opt to go warm and cozy with your favorite skinny jeans, a layered lace shirt and an ultra bright pink jacket. If you feel like you're too bundled up, let your accessories be the standout, like this Shut Up and Kiss Me Clutch from Express, or put on your best red lipstick!

The Girl in the Eiffel Tower Dress

Although I do have a tendency to wear loud prints, I've felt a need to turn my choices toward ones that are a bit subdued. Don't get me wrong - I'm not turning my back on mirror prints, polka dots and most certainly stripes... But I wanted to try out a print that was really more flirty in terms of its femininity. I think I've found my favorite summer dress of 2014 when I bought this Eiffel Tower Dress from ModCloth. Rach Martino, I hope you approve! Oui?

The plunging neckline had me nervous, yet it doesn't reveal too much as far as cleavage is concerned. Regardless, the print is just too charming. I've never been to Paris, but I think I'd love it.

 A security guard at my job said, "Cute dress!" as I walked in to work, and another called me "The Girl in the Eiffel Tower Dress." And both were men!

But the hidden gem of this outfit was found in my mother's closet. She lent me this iridescent pearl bag for a wedding I was in over the weekend, and I refuse to give it back. I first thought it was vintage, but it turns out she bought it in the late 1990s! I am not a fan of wearing white in any capacity, but the bag matches the Eiffels precisely, so I'll let it slide.

N'aves vouz aimez juste il?!

Outfit details:

Tower Favorite Things Dress - Modcloth / White Pillbox Purse - Vintage (but this white handbag looks just like it!) / Peep Toe Wedges - Nine West / LOVE Bracelet / Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick Color in No. 9

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

Style Territories

This summer has marked venturing into new style territories for me.

1. The hair donut is my summer hair savior. Bangs and long hair don't mix well in the summer... so I had to find a way to get my hair off my neck without stabbing someone out of frustration.

2. Crop tops. I'll be honest that I was afraid of them since I'm not a fan of showing too much skin if I'm not on the beach. But, after finding one that was the perfect length - I'm hooked. Since I'm a tucked in shirt offender, crop tops allow me to wear skirts w/o the tucking. Bingo.

And speaking of disgustingly hot weather, Sunday, my Brit and I headed to Lobsterfest at Bradley Beach for some boardwalk fun and of course, lobster. Legit sweat box at the beach. This would explain why I put up $10 to buy a 32 ounce, stainless steel mug from Wild Bill's Olde Fashioned Soda Pop at the festival - with unlimited refills for the day. 

Of course, no trip to a lobster fest is complete without lobster. 

This would be a Lobster Dog - lobster macaroni and cheese piled on top of a hot dog.

And yes, it was so indulgently good.

Little excursions like these are why I love New Jersey. Only 4 more days till next weekend!

What I'm Wearing:

Black Crop Top - Forever 21 / Flower Print Skirt - Forever 21 

 Kristen Satchel - Coach / Gladiator Sandals  - Target (uber old) / Round Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters / Om Bracelet & King's Crown Bracelet - Alex and Ani

Best Drugstore Lipsticks for Pink and Red Enthusiasts

I've received emails asking about the lipstick shades I wear on House Of Jeffers. While my m.o. is usually a bright pink or deep red, it might surprise you that I buy 99% of my lipstick at drugstores.

When it comes to experimenting with new lip shades, I don't go out and spend $21 on lipstick I tried on once at a makeup counter under unrealistic lighting. Waste of my money and time if you ask me.

And just because a big name brand boasts a good game, doesn't mean you're going to love the color any more.

My favorite drugstore lipsticks in pink and red will cost you under $10 or even less! Fashion on a budget!

1. NYC New York Color Ultra Last Lipwear - Blue Rose 405

Price: $1.99

NYC's Ultra Last Lipwear in Blue Rose is a bright, almost-fuchsia, pink that I've worn throughout the winter, fall and into the spring. Think traditional pink amped up with a touch of brightness along the lines of a subtle neon. I wear this color the most as it tends to compliment anything I'm wearing, and isn't overpowering as a pink (my Fashion Rules To Break: Neons For Fall post features this shade).

2. Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color - Red Revival 645

Price: $7 - $8

My go-to red, Maybelline's Color Sensational in Red Revival, has a rich pigment that you feel in it's application due to it's pure pigment. Red Revival leans more toward a darker red versus a pin-up red. Check out my She Wore Red post to see this color!

3. NYC New York Color Applelicous Glossy Lip Balm - Applelicous Pink 355

Price: $1.99

With a lip balm base infused with color, I like to swipe this sheer lip balm a couple of times so it's true color comes through. Plus, it smells yummy!

4. Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Color - Shocking Coral 870

Price: $7 - $8

The name says it all: A bright orange mixed with pink for an ultra bright lipstick combination. When I wear this color, I tend to apply a little extra blush due to my fair skin. What I love about this color it's 80s nod to bright pinks.

5. Wet N Wild Lipcolor - Nouveau Rose/Pink 511B

Price: $2.99

Nouveau Rose by Wet N Wild is a traditional pink in every since. This lip color is what you think of when looking for a straight forward pink.

6. COVERGIRL Blast Flipstick - Vixen 

Price: $7.99

Talk about a two in one, COVERGIRL's Blast Flipstick lets you vary your lip color anytime with it's convenient duo shades in one tube. One shade is creamy, the other is shimmery. I've worn both shades, but I prefer the darker, almost mauve-like shade due to it's smooth finish.