Dancing Machine

Greetings! I hope ya'll had an awesome holiday, ate till you felt sick and found lots of pressies waiting for you on Christmas morning! Santa was very good to me this year!

Although you run the risk of looking like an obligatory Santa stand-in when wearing red for the holidays, I did it anyway. I've been staring at my Josephine Ruffle Dress that I bought from Urban 1972 for a month now hanging behind my door... knowing that Christmas would be the best time to break it out. 

Outfit:

Josephine Ruffle Dress - Urban1972.com

Black tights - Target

BCBGeneration Secret B Booties 

Rhinestone Fringe Necklace - ideeli

Houndstooth Pea Coat - Express

Zebra cuff 

Two Finger Bow Ring 

And you know how I hate winter coats? Well, I still do, but at least my houndstooth jacket made me feel a little more dressed up than wearing a parka. Someone asked me why women don't wear jackets in the winter that are practical. My only answer is that they probably like what they're wearing underneath the coat. And yes, I am that dummy person who sacrifices comfort for fashion. HEY, at least I'm not wearing pajamas to the mall.... 

And if I look cold, that's because I made my husband take these photos... fast. Don't let the dancing fool you - that was just a tactic to keep warm.

The Hipster Elf

Growing up, I always wanted curly hair. I even went as far as getting a perm when I was 12. But, since my hair is so straight, the next morning, it was already out. I tried again, but they never really took... and when they did, I missed my straight locks. Fickle much?

I figured I'd give curls another go, and while it takes me over an hour to achieve the look, I like the results. It's a nice change... a little festive, if you will, for the holidays.

Speaking of the holidays, if I had to pick a Christmas character to dress like, it'd be an elf. I mean, they really are the brains behind the whole operation.

Plus, there's all types of em. Me? I'm hipster elf. My talent in Santa's Workshop would be packing outgoing iPods with playlists and stuffing stockings with thick, black-rimmed glasses.

Outfit:

Plaid button front tunic - Forever 21

Black studded tights - Tarte via Hautelook.com

Black ankle boots - DSW(similiar style here)

Rhinestone statement necklace - Forever 21 (similar style here)

Jade bangle - bought in Chinatown / Rhinestone bracelet - Laila Rowe

Hipster elves dwell in suburban areas and shop at Urban Outfitters. They also like indi-rock, tight pants and often reside in Brooklyn. While I live in New Jersey, I am a fan of the later three. 

And they like jumping in photos, too.

House Of Jeffers' 1 Year Blog-aversary!

Today marks House Of Jeffers' one year anniversary! It's been an adventure in every sense.

A year ago, I wasn't sure where my blog would take me or how long I'd even last in the blogsphere. I've always had a love for writing and even though this isn't my full-time job (yet), I have to say that I am very grateful to be able to work as a writer as a career. And having a blog was something that I didn't know if I'd be able to pull off, honestly. I came up with the name because I originally shot my outfit photos in my house... But, House Of Jeffers has really become a creative outlet to share my fashion soundtrack with anyone who's willing to read it... and hopefully, you've enjoyed it!

Outfit:

Black jersey blazer - Mandee

Smocked tunic - Mandee

Fleece tights - H&M

Jeffrey Campbell Evade Oxfords - First JC shoe I ever bought!

This blog has really given me a reason to push myself in many ways - to be the craftiest writer I can be, to push my style in diverse directions, to dream a little bigger, and, given me hope when I had some dark days (losing my job, life's troubles). 

Bracelets: (from top to bottom)

Leather studded bracelet - The Gap; Silver pyramid stud & chain/rhinestone bracelets - Forever 21

But mostly, I have to thank anyone, everyone, who has even taken a moment to read my words, leave a comment, visit the site... To all the awesome people I've met....There would be no blog without an audience, so THANK YOU for supporting me. Don't doubt for a second that I'm not appreciative of ya'll! Plus, thanks to all the sponsors, brands, advertisers who think enough of me to work with me! I'm a lucky gal!

Oh, and my husband, too, for taking my photos!

I look forward to another year of posts, shopping for clothes and fashion!

P.S. While the balloon was fun, sadly, it flew the coup. The wind was crazy... and ripped it right off the string... 

Flat Footed

While it'd be nice to let you all think I live in heels, I don't. I know it's the fashion blogger think to do, but I like to be as mobile as possibly... and that calls for sometimes wearing my oxfords. These are my first pair, but I'm already on the search for another... patent leather or even a more traditional loafer.

Outfit:

Jersey blazer - Mandee

Printed empire-waist dress - Forever 21

Tights - Target

Oxfords - Mandee

Quinn Bag - c/o Urban Expressions

Leather cuff and silver bangle - Craft fair and Macys

We've had some really miserable weather in NJ lately. Very overcast and uninspiring. Regardless of the dreary temperatures, I feel the need to wear something with a bit of color (even though my outfit is mainly black). Black is my favorite shade, but this year, I'm trying to punch it up a little with bright neons and complimentary patterns. Maybe that's why I don't mind taking jumping photos in the middle of the park?

Tonight I'm attending the first night of NJ Fashion & Beauty Week! Check back for a recap!

Falling down the rabbit hole

Outfit:

Geisha tee - Zara

Skirt - Forever 21

Tights - Urban Outfitters

Mary Janes - Steve Madden

What's so great about these tights? The fact that they were $4 at Urban Outfitters, and if the Cheshire Cat happened to appear, I was ready to attend a Mad Hatter tea party with Alice. Metallic gold lurex stripes really don't go with anything, but I do love items that can be a bit challenging in my wardrobe.

I tend to impulse shop - and I see things that I think would look cool on me, and then I get it home and can't figure out what to pair it with. In this case it was something black... Uh, duh, winning.

I definitely don't feel 30, and don't dress my age either. Then again, I'm not sure what a 30 year old is supposed to look like. As long as I can fake not looking my age, I'll run like hell with it. I've already got my Botox reserve fund going - to "preserve my sexy" as Diddy would say.

Someone out there has to let me know when I'm too old to be handing out fashion advice - or shopping at Forever 21. Do I smell a Forever 31?  And if there was one, you bet your ass I'd be there.