A Jersey Shore Send-Off to Summer

The fact that Fall is on its way in really bums me out. Summer is my all-time favorite time of year - always has been ever since I was a little girl. The beach, the boardwalk, the warm summer nights... the crop tops. I'm going to miss summer especially since it was the first true season I got to spend with my sons.

So, to give summer a send off in our own little way, the Jeffery clan headed down to the boardwalk in Point Pleasant, New Jersey for a last hurrah if you will. We took the drive down the Garden State Parkway and planned to win the boys some stuffed animals from the arcades... And of course, grab a slice of pizza. It was definitely one of the best days of the summer, and I'm really going to miss the chance to take the twins down there again until next year.

And it was only fitting that I squeeze in some photos in my favorite place. Hopefully, we can ride out the heat until late September so I have more time to wear all my summer brights.

Until next time, summer!

Outfit:

Purple Racerback Tank - Madwell / Skirt - Forever 21 / Kate Spade New York Bag / Gladiator Sandals - Target / Maybelline Lipstick 

Upgraded Minimalist

All this talk of summer being over is reminding me that I need to get in those outfits that I won't be able to enjoy in a few weeks. I'm talking crop tops, sandals and neons. I've always had this weird obsession with unicorns... Okay, I know that sounds incredibly strange and no, I'm not high. I just think there's something funny to be said about this mystical and mythical creature that makes me giggle. When I saw this unicorn crop top, I didn't care how I was going to wear it with anything in my closet... I just had to buy it.

For me, I'm in favor of two kinds of outfits: really minimalist in terms of colors - greys and blacks. And then quirky pieces with a lot of flair - hence, the Kate Spade bag. Combining the two is even better in my book since I'm wearing some of my favorite colors while toning down the bright bag with a simple black tulle skirt. Going back to work has let me wear a lot of the clothes I hadn't dug out in a while, and given me a chance to try out this whole working mom routine in the morning. While the top isn't work appropriate, I managed to save this outfit for a weekend of local fun in my town with the boys and my hubby.

August is flying by too fast! Before we know it, fall will be here. And yes, I've already started stocking up!

Outfit:

Uncorn Crop Top - Forever 21 / Black Tulle Midi Skirt - Boohoo.com /
Coach Shoes / Kate Spade Bag

Kimono Casual

Even though its hot and humid outside, typically, I'm cold at the office or at home. Air conditioning, while a summer essential, is my worst enemy. That's why I keep cardigans within reach. But ever since kimono cardigans have popped up everywhere, I have a new reason to be chilly.

I purchased this floral print beauty during my staycation to Atlantic City a few weeks ago at Francesca's. So far, I've managed to pair it with dresses, jeans and now, shorts. I think it gives my look a festival vibe (since that seems to be the only occasion I've been dressing for lately as evidence by my last couple of blog posts), but adds some feminine sass to any outfit I pair it with. Plus, I'm impartial to the milkmaid braids... 

Kimonos lend themselves to offering the versatility of being great for formal looks - grab that little black dress and instant chic oozes from your arms - or throw it on with cut-off shorts and a favorite band tee for some serious flower power. 

I can't wait to see what it looks like with my fall wardrobe! 

Floral Print Kimono - Francesca's / Coral Tank Top - Forever 21 / Denim Shorts / Gladiator Sandals - Target /
Kate Spade New York Bag / LuLu*s Sunglasses

Festival Ready: Milkmaid Braids

This weekend, I finally got my hair into a milkmaid braid! If you're constantly wondering "How'd she get her hair to do that," and immediately, looked no YouTube for milkmaid braid tutorials, then you'll understand what it's like to have serious hair envy.

But, I can't take the credit for doing the braid. Over the weekend, I had a routine bang trim scheduled. After it was done, I had some time to kill, and figured I'd look up a local blowout bar that recently opened, that also does hairdos and braids. I was in luck! While the stylist had never heard of a milkmaid braid, I showed her a photo, and she whipped my hair into this adorable do in 20 mins!

I have to learn how to do this to my hair myself. The one trick the stylist had me do to make the two braids was flip my head over while she braided each side. I've seen YouTube tutorials where the girls pull their hair up over their head to braid - but flipping your head over definitely makes your hair pull up easily on the crown.  She then used bobby pins to secure each braid, tucking the excess on each side. I was so sad when I had to take it out.

A hairstyle like this is so versatile. I decided to dress it up for a royal-inspired theme. Being that I just purchased this black and white striped Francesca's dress on Friday, I had to wear it with my new do!

Black and White Striped Dress - Francesca's / Mary Jane Wedges - Shoedazzle.com / Kate Spade New York Bag / Bird of Paradise Necklace - BTBJewelry.com / Square Bangle - Thrift store find!

Lilac Road

I wasn't kidding when I said that I love Kate Spade. Case in point, meet my fourth
 Kate Spade New York bag: the Lilac Road Palm Springs. 

(See my first Kate Spade bag styled here... in case you were wondering).

She is beautiful. She is purple. And those scallops are so stinking cute, you just want to pinch her cheeks and squeal. Or something like that... 

Ironically, I had this outfit on when I bought the bag over Memorial Day Weekend during a huge sale. I'm still in shock at how much I saved buying it. I've been wanting a smaller bag that I can just throw my stuff in and go, and this one is the perfect size. Plus, it's got that British satchel vibe to it that is sorta Twiggy-esque. 

Oh, and it's been confirmed: I will be living in crop tops this summer. Get used to it. 

This daisy lace top was definitely an outside-the-box choice for me since I don't anything off white, yet, it reminded me of a pretty doily. But it's a nice chance of pace from my standard black top uniform I seem to favor so much. See, I do try new things!

And in case you were wondering, there's no skating at the park today. Tomorrow? Maybe. 

File this under random things I find while taking outfit photos in parks.

Daisy Lace Crop Top - Forever 21 (Boohoo has a similar crop top, same color - buy it here!)/ Floral Print Skirt - Forever 21 / Kate Spade New York Lilac Road Palm Springs Shoulder Bag / Sole Society Bettie Heels - c/o Sole Society / Stiletto Spike Cuff - Henri Bendel / Alex and Ani Bracelets / Vintage Heart Ring

House Of Jeffers Year in Style: Top 12 Outfits of 2013

As 2013 comes to a close, I look back on it and finally feel like in the end, things come together. Sure, there are many bumps in the road, but I can't completely say good riddance to 2013... considering all of the good things that have come my way. The opportunities I've had with House Of Jeffers to expand myself and step outside my comfort zone have been so rewarding. So 2013, I liked you... not all the time, but you redeemed yourself in the end.

As for my style, I think this year I achieved all the things I wanted to do. Take more risks, try new things, track down the J.Crew Heart Sweater, buy a couple of Kate Spade New York bags, wear a lot of gold-studded anything, and of course, keep my bangs blunt.

Here's my top 12 outfits of 2013. Hope you liked them!

See you in 2014! Happy New Year!

xo,

Jen