Modern Geekery

 

There is no denying that I love a quirky print. I feel like they instantly make any outfit look dressy and quirky. When I worked at Barneys New York, I was exposed to some of the most eccentric patterns and prints featured on menswear as worn by Simon Doonan. I fully appreciated his assortment of floral all-over prints and Vilebrequin ties. Women's wear doesn't fully apprecaite frantic prints, but when I find them, I fall in love with them quickly.

 

 

This glass-print top is one of my favorites. It's not only the only white shirt I own, but the pairing of  black with white is a classic I can't resist. To punch up the simple color combo, I wore maroon pants and threw in another contrasting print by carrying my essentials in an animal print bag. 

And it seems like my disdain for gold has gone away since I gravitate more towards this metallic more than silver. I mean... these shoes!?!?! Come. On.

 

I've been slowly, and I do mean slowly, getting back into a steady blog routine. Part of it has to do with the weather - I can't pack up the boys and go outside when it's too cold, and work schedules  between my husband and I dictate when we have time to go on mini ventures. I think once the weather warms up, I'll be better able to write more and take photos. People think being a blogger just means going outside and taking photos... Okay, well, it sort of does. But I have some serious adulting going on that calls for me to make decisions with my time that maybe other bloggers don't have. Two children and a full time job definitely plays a part. I do, however, try to put in time when I have it, and the days when I can put together outfits and take photos makes me feel really excited to share something with all of you here. 

Plus, I need a reason to curl my hair like this more often.

 

Outfit:

 All from Forever 21 

Bracelets: Alex and Ani

Statements That Shine

The easiest way for me to up the ante with any outfit that I put together is with a statement necklace. And I must admit - lately, my necklace game has been on point! Stocking up on sparkling stunners in both gold and silver, I love having different styles of jewelry so I can play up outfits or push them over the edge with a simple statement piece. And since I'm on the budget side of things, that always helps.

Investing in jewelry is something that you won't regret as you'll have the piece for years to come, and when just when you're feeling like your outfit is kind of "blah", wearing jewelry changes the look instantly. One of my favorite places to hunt down jewels is Shiny Mix. I was fortunate enough to meet gorgeous founder Kathy at the Lovely Happenings event, and I pretty much acted like a giddy child over our encounter since I obsess over her stunning assortment of jewelry! Case in point, you might have spied the Shiny Mix's Dynasty Bib - a mixture of uber sparkle in edgy shapes - on my Instagram. I paired it with a collared plaid shirt to give my two-tone top some sparkling contrast. It's gorgeous. It's serious. And it's completely swoonworthy!

Absolutely check out her site as you would be crazy not to find something that fits into your style aesthetic... and within your budget. She's on Instagram, too, so you can envy all the shiny things she's up to!

 

Outfit:

Plaid Crop Top - Forever 21 / Faux Leather Pants - Zara / Fringe Bag - Steve Madden / Suede Ankle Booties - Target /  Dynasty Bib Necklace - c/o Shiny Mix

Shopping Social: 4 Instagram Accounts You Need To Shop

Sure, shopping at local stores and malls is great, but one place that has been leading me to shop online elsewhere is Instagram. While I can head downtown and surely find something I have to have, searching on Instagram for the unique and different has led to me to purchasing some of my favorite jewelry pieces, gifts for family, prints for my home and all things in between.

The thrill of the hunt gets me every time. Logged into my House Of Jeffers Instagram account, I come across an image that I double tap, and then, read the caption, which often makes an announcement about a certain item being for sale. Into their profile I go, click the link, and BAM, I'm adding something to my cart within minutes!

Check out these stores I found on Instagram that you should not only follow, but shop in, too!

1.  Twinkle Twinkle Lil Jar

The Instagram photo that piqued my interest:

The shop:

Run by shop owner Alex, Twinkle Twinkle Lil Jar features glitter-dipped tumblers and mugs that are quirky and full of girly sass. Her Etsy shop is loaded with mason jars, coffee cups and mugs that feature witty slogans that can be customized. Bring this "The Only BS I Need is Bags & Shoes" mug to the office, and make your co-workers jealous. 

2.  Sam and Kate Design

The Instagram photo that piqued my interest: 

The shop: 

If you're a fashion blogger or a photo junkie, you need a sequin camera strap made by Sam and Kate Design. Afterall, the camera is your best accessory when running a blog. Why not sparkle out your camera with one of Sam and Kate's camera straps? 

3. Indienook

The Instagram photo that piqued my interest:

The shop:

With Valentine's Day coming up, I always love finding things that have that lovey-vibe to em either as gifts for my husband... and now, for my twins. Indienook's adorable Best Friends T-shirts are perfect for a mother and child, two little besties or in my case, my twins. Based out of Phoenix, they offer a variety of shirts with catchy phrases on em, too. 

4. olive + piper

The Instagram photo that piqued my interest:

The shop:

olive + piper is an accessory heaven filled with all things that sparkle. Us fashion bloggers love a statement necklace, and if you're a fan of boutique shops that cater to jewelry and accessories that have serious wow factor, this is the store for you. The Gem Bracelet in the picture above need a permanent place on my wrist - immediately!