A very special dress deserves a very special post.
While a little behind since motherhood has taken over my life...
House Of Jeffers is 5 years old!
Unbelievable. Five years of fashion, style, adventures... and so many life experiences. I always look back on what's transpired in relation to the first year I started blogging, and this year really takes the cake. But before we get into all the milestones that happened this year, let's acknowledge the dress.
This dress.
It is stunning. I fell in love with it so quickly, I didn't care where I was going to wear it, if it was an impractical piece that would spend more time in my closet then on my body... All that I knew was that it was quintessentially Jen. The print is so intricate and vibrant, and uber boho gypsy. And no, it's not vintage. It's ASOS. But I will say that this is probably the most beautiful dress I've ever dared to wear. So, I knew I had to save it for my blogiversary photos, which my extremely talented, generous and supportive friend, Jody Gianni, captured for me. Please, do yourself a favor and check out her amazing photography
here.
Which brings me to today. House Of Jeffers has absolutely changed since 2009. My idea of what fashion was then was probably way off. I had different interests which influenced my style aesthetic, resulting in looks that were a bit more edgy and maybe a little immature youthful. [Insert embarrassing photos here.] I worked at Barneys New York at the time as a copywriter, so I just started to get exposed to designers and brands. I also married my husband that year, which brought a new-found inspiration from his home, England, to House Of Jeffers.
In 2010, I started to come into my own as far as being a blogger is concerned. I found my voice, and started to branch out and take more risks on House Of Jeffers. Inspired by England, bits and pieces of the UK found their way into outfit posts. Trips across the pond further motivated me to share how much I love England with you.
As years passed, so did my fashion sense. I stayed pretty much on par from 2012 to 2014. One of the best things to happen to me was the friendships I made. Oh, and that time I was to be in a Tresemme Hair video shot by Candice Lace during New York Fashion Week. Let's call them "the definitive House Of Jeffers style years." Being exposed to other bloggers, and getting into social media influenced me to really hone in on personal style and create a signature look. I'm sure people associate my bangs with me more than any other look I've showcased on the blog.
Yet, even when I was pregnant, I felt like I did a pretty darn good job of putting an effort into looking like me. I navigated maternity clothes and found short cuts to dressing my bump without feeling dowdy.
Of course, the biggest change to House Of Jeffers, and me, was becoming a new mom in April 2015. It is my biggest adventure yet, and my most favorite of all. I've only started to share some of who Landon and Nathan are becoming on the blog, and more is hopefully on the way. Another new change for me this year on top of the mom title was being a full-time working mom. Plus, I was promoted at work so that too made returning to work something more positive. Leaving my littles at home is something I still struggle with, but loving what I do makes going to my job easier.
Finally, I took a step away from blogging for better half of 2015 to focus on my sons. They are just about to turn 7 months this week, and as you can imagine, things are very hectic on the home front. Knowing that my life has evolved into what's beyond my closet, the decision was made to change the format of House Of Jeffers to focus on not just style, but lifestyle, #momlife and being a real person on a real budget. The new format has breathed new life into content that I hope resonates with you - whether you're single, married, have kids, have a cat, hate work pants [I loathe them]... whatever. The goal is still to make this little blog of mine better, and I'm hoping to find more time to do so in the future....
But if you find some time for me, or know where to get some, let me know.
As always, I need to acknowledge all the people, friends, family, brands and readers who still support me and House Of Jeffers. While this place might have some cobwebs on it occasionally, know that I am so grateful and humble to have a moment of your time. The kind words I receive here and on Instagram do not fall on deaf ears. Thank you for letting me entertain you... and indulging my narcissist ways regarding my bangs. I mean, they are pretty awesome if I do say so myself.
So, again, thank you! Let's see where we are in 5
years when we come back to this place and look back!
