Lend Me Your Ears

Outfit:

Vest - Mandee

Striped Tank - Forever 21

Skinny Jeans - Urban Outfitters

Peep Toe Wedges - Nine West

Necklace - Mandee

For people who don't have one, blogging doesn't seem like a big deal. Sure, it's an online diary for all the read, but it takes time, creativity and effort. And I'm gunna be 100% honest when I say that I'm having a creative dry spell...

While yes, I post my outfits and daily musings, I'm thinking that I need to do something that my readers will enjoy. Some fun content....Then again, that's what some of you visit for - my outfits - and I'm 100% grateful for each and every one of you that takes time out of your day to visit House Of Jeffers. I think I just need to find some motivation and creativity, which can be hard when you live in an area that isn't known for its style and is recognized as the place where Jersey Shore is filmed. Some claim to fame, huh?

Has anyone else ever fell into this rut? How'd you get out of it?

I'm also turning to YOU for suggestions. What would you like to see here? Likes/dislkes? Lay it on me! Now that I have more time on my hands (a pro, but I think it's the con in this instance), I hope to give you more!

IFB Evolving Influence influenced me!

Remember the IFB Evolving Influence Conference? Well, all the footage gathered by the roaming bloggers is now available at IFB for your viewing pleasure. Check out this one filmed by Nubia of Nubia's Nonsense and features my fellow NYC Fashion Blogger bud Tomeka Steele of FashionSteeleNYC... and me! I was really surprised (and honored) to be a part of the video... and the conference. 

It was only two months ago that I attended. If it wasn't for IFB, I probably wouldn't be improving my blog, making new friend sand perhaps even continuing with the site. I definitely left the conference motivated, and I think the changes I've made to House of Jeffers have been big ones so far... with more to come! A kick swift in the ass was definitely needed, and I really can't boast about this enough. If you have the chance to attend next year, absolutely go. Even if you think you know all you need to about blogs, you will absolutely be blown away by the abundance of knowledge and info you'll get out of the event.

Don't fake the funk

Outfit:

Chunky knit sweater - Express

Striped three-quarter sleeve top - Forever21

Jeans - Mandee

Sunglasses and necklace - Mandee

Patent leather penny loafers - Zara

In my role as a blogger, I'm often wondering what other bloggers think of their own work and image. I would hope that no one makes pre-meditative moves to create an image of oneself that isn't true. Let me rephrase that...

While, yes, planning your outfits around your blog is a conscience decision, and organizing is certainly part of generating ideas and content for your blog, I can only speak for myself that I'm not putting on airs for the world to see. I think there may be people who do just that... who fake the funk and be what they think everyone wants them to be, wants to see... This lies in fashion choices, general bandwagon jumping in terms of changing their admiration for various designers as fast as Charlie Sheen says winning and casting oneself in a light individually deemed as pleasant, when in reality, the lighting captures all your bad sides... and I'm not talking about your physical appearance.

On the other hand, deeming yourself as a "fashion blogger" does come with pressure to look your best, but the best content you can together and stay true to yourself and your blog. When I attended the IFB Evolving Influence Conference in February, many panelists stressed the importance of thinking of yourself as a brand. At first, I thought the concept was a little weird.

"I'm not selling an image. "

Well, actually, if I'm putting up photos of myself in an attempt to display my own personal style views and looks, then I'm branding or "selling" my perceptual image in a particular way.

As a writer and blogger, I feel it's my duty to be bluntly and blatantly honest about myself and to my readers in terms of my style. I don't shop in certain stores just because I notice that everyone and their mother is doing it. I don't conform to style standards strictly - instead, I draw inspiration from them and make em my own. It might be weird, and you might think I'm nuts occasionally for wearing it, but at least it's genuine. All any blogger can be is themselves, and I think it's really whack when I see 10 bloggers rocking the same look all in the name of label dropping. Luckily, I don't come across that often, but it happens, and it's really tacky. 

I guess what I'm trying to say is: Do you, bro. 

IFB Pick Me!

I had been planning on attending the Independent Fashion Blogger's Evolving Influence Conference.... until the tickets sold out. Immediately, a wave of disappointment washed over me as the thought of missing Proenza Schouler's key note speech and not being in the mix at a gaggle of panels with fellow bloggers and fashion lovers.

Now, IFB is giving reader's the chance to make a video and possibly, win a ticket! Here's my video - hope you (yes, you, IFB) like it!