Top 3 Spring Style Trends to Try

You guys, it's finally Spring in New Jersey! I don't have to wear tights anymore with my dresses! To feel the sun on my skin again in such a long time feels like an awakening. And I've got the red arms to prove it after Sunday's 80 degree weather day! I couldn't be happier!

Now that I can finally dig out those dresses I bought months ago... I'm creating my Spring into Summer signature style with a couple of items that I'd love for you to try out, too!

1. The Pink Handbag

I own a lot of pink handbags... for some reason. This Kate Spade New York Bag was the first pink bag I ever purchased. - a congratulatory present for getting a new job 2 years ago. Typically, I favor a black leather handbag, but, for summer, having a bright bag is the way to go. It really stands out, and from April till about September, you can get away with wearing it. An investment for sure, but it's well worth it.

2. Say No (or at least, "Not now") to Wedges

I'm getting use to the idea of wearing more grown up shoes OTHER than wedges. I walk the best in wedges, but I see how a woman my age - I'm in my 30s - should be wearing more sophisticated footwear. So, hopefully, I'll be wearing more adult-ish footwear, and trying out traditional heels for feminine flair. These platform Madewell heels are my first start.

3. The Art of Wearing Busy Prints

This summer, I'm keeping an eye out on prints that complement my accessories in a way that lets each one stand out - and not against each other, especially florals and tribal-inspired patterns.

 This floral print dress from Forever 21 has enough going on that I don't need to do much to dress it up. It goes well with my pink handbag, and when I wear it with flats, it'll still look like I put in time and effort to put together a complete outfit together.

Floral Skater Dress - Forever 21 / Kate Spade New York New Bond Street Florence Bag / Addie Sandals - Madewell / Turquoise Ring - Forever 21 / Chevron Rings / Retro Round Sunglasses - LuLu*s / Alex and Ani Heart Wrap Bracelet

Hearts In Her Eyes

I love a quirky accessory on the uber cheap. Heart-shaped sunglasses for $10? Yes, please!

As a blogger, I think there's some weird expectation that you shouldn't wear the same clothes on your blog repeatedly. That you're not really a forward thinker if you have to recycle your looks.

Well, there's something I live in, and it's called reality. 

And that means I wear my clothes, wait for it... more than once <gasp>. Surprising, I know. Go ahead and pick your chin up off the floor. I'll wait...

What I Wore:

Striped Tank - Forever 21 / High Waist Plaid Skirt - Urban Outfitters / New Bond Street Florence Bag - Kate Spade New York / Alexia Sandal - Modern Citizen (formerly StyleStalk) 

Accessories:

Heart Shaped Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters

In The Spotlight Double Wrap Bracelet (purple) - Henri Bendel /
Gold Pyramid Stud Bracelet - Forever 21 /  Crystal Lanyard Bracelet - Henri Bendel / Rings - Craft fairs 

Lipstick: Mary Kay True Dimensions Lip Stick in PInk Cherie (c/o Mary Kay Influenster box)

The fun part of personal style is the combinations and outfit options you can create with pieces that become your favorites. In my case, I can find umpteenth ways to wear stripes and skirts. This high-waist plaid skirt is at least three years old, but I've managed to wear it over and over again. As a matter of fact, I wore it last July in my Summer Stripes post - with a striped shirt. 

While the idea of wearing something once might be appealing, I like to get my money's worth. What are you thoughts on bloggers recycling looks?

Blue Winter

Got the winter blues (and yes, the pun was on purpose)? I refuse to acknowledge its still winter . I'm ready to slip into clothes that celebrate everything spring... But, if you find yourself in a winter slump, there ways to brighten any winter look instantly with accessories or a signature piece.

My favorite way to punch winter in the face is with bright handbags. As you may know, my collection of pink handbags continues to grow... The Fluoro Cambridge Satchel I won at the IFB Conference, my Kate Spade New York Bond Street Florence... And now, this adorable Rebecca Minkoff mini satchel that I won at the South Moon Under grand opening party in Montclair. While we're all buried in winter coats, handbags let you give a sneak peek into the big outfit reveal!

I guess I'm pretty lucky when it comes to winning things now that I think about it. Wish some of that luck would spill over into other aspects of my life... like winning the lottery.

And yes, this is my "It's freezing. Take the damn photo already" pose.

Outfit Details:

Blue Lace Dress - Lulus.com / Black Tights - Target / Mary Jane Wedge Shoes - Office UK / 

Vintage Gold Buckle Bangle / Rebecca Minkoff Mini Blake Bag / MiMi x Sorrelli Gilded Lily Collection Necklace - c/o Sorrelli

Fashion Rules To Break: Neons For Fall

You know those universal fashion rules, like "Don't wear white after Labor Day" and "Shoes and bags should always match." I don't know who came up with them, but honestly, they're ridiculous. Being the non-conformist that I am, I do just the opposite, and encourage you to do so, too.

Neons were a summer staple, who says you need to retire your fluorescents in the fall and winter? 

Neons can act as accent pieces against Fall's darker, rich tones. Case in point, my outfit.

Outfit Details:

Striped Pocket Tank - Victoria's Secret

Pleated Maxi Skirt - c/o Urban 1972

New Bond Street Florence - Kate Spade New York

Peep Toe Suede Platform Pumps - Nine West

Necklace - Ideeli.com

Vintage 1950s Blue Rhinestone Bracelet - bought in Philly

Simple Statement Bangle - Forever 21

Grey Crystal Bangle - Givenchy Fashion Jewelry (Macys)

You probably looked at the neon first, then the rest of my outfit. And think of what that pop of color can do for your Fall looks. Sure, they're eye catchers, and a little out there, but there's no need to retire bright pieces just because it's colder out. If anything, play em up. Plus, think of how cool neon will look against the snow?!

My rule of thumb for incorporating neon into my Autumn wardrobe:

Use bright colors in small doses. 

While my Kate Spade New York New Bond Street Florence bag isn't very subtle, my use of brights is limited to just two elements of my look - my makeup and accessories. 

And if someone else tells you you can't wear neons in the Fall - tell em House Of Jeffers said you could.

Sorta makes me wanna do the hustle...

Totally Crushed Out

What I'm Wearing:

Pink Cold Shoulder Top - Forever 21

Heart Print Skirt - H&M

New Bond Street Florence Bag - Kate Spade

Peep Toe Leather Wedges - Nine West

Violet Princesse Bib Necklace - Bauble Bar

Finally, I'll be taking a mini vacation! So there'll be no update for Monday. I'm sure you're asking yourself "What am I gunna do without a sarcastic House Of Jeffers post on Monday?" My answer - check my archives! 

This vacation isn't too crazy - just a short trip to Philadelphia and then to Atlantic City for a night of wasting my money on the slot machines... Wish me luck!

This outfit pulls together casual elements but with major details that make it not just a regular tee. I loved this cold shoulder top so much, I bought it in grey. And for $9 EACH, I'd be kicking myself if I didn't.

Alright lovelies, have a fantastically fun weekend. See you next Wednesday!

Hats Off To You!

You know how you see certain styles on others and think, "I can't pull that off." I've felt this way about hats. My husband has told me thinks I look good in em, but it took me a while to find the right one for me.

Fedoras just look cool... guy or girl. Finding the right one is another story. Just because it's a beach hat doesn't mean it looks good on you. Hopefully, when you find one, it's more trial than error. I've seen  fedoras that look ridiculously cool on other people. On my own dome, that was a different story. Plus, I'm gunna be 100% honest with ya'll - if it's more than $15, I'm not buying it. My hat: $10.50. Serious dopeness. 

What I'm Wearing:

Multicolored Band Straw Fedora - Charlotte Russe

Waterfront Dress - RachelRoy.com (purchased with gift card I won from Stylecaster!)

Facet Spike Collar Necklace - RachelRoy.com (purchased with gift card I won from Stylecaster!

Cordstone Neon Bracelet - RachelRoy.com (purchased with gift card I won from Stylecaster!)

Gold and Neon Pink Square Blocks Bracelet - Charming Charlie

Gold Sandals - Zara

New Bond Street Florence Bag - Kate Spade

Straw hats are a seasonal luxury, and unless I wear it to death, it won't go too far in my wardrobe. I see why dudes spent lots of cheddar on their headgear, but I have bangs... that's enough going on in the forehead department. 

And this dress?! Love the color, don't you? I scored it, along with the chain link neon bracelet AND facet spike collar necklace from Rachel Roy.com - all with a gift card I won months ago. Talk about saving those pennies for a rainy day! 

Fantastically Spastic

New changes in my life call for a "happiness investment." I landed a new job, so to celebrate I took the plunge...

Outfit:

Cross & Effect Neon Yellow Dress - c/o Lulus.com

New Bond Street Florence - Kate Spade New York 

Carina Wedges - c/o Michael Antonio

Rhinestone & Leather Stud Bracelet + Pyramid Stud Bracelet - Forever 21

Black Mosaic Necklace - gift from my mom 

Black Round Sunnies - Urban Outfitters (similar style here)

... and bought this AMAZINGLY PINKTACULAR New Bond Street Florence bag by Kate Spade! For weeks, I've been coveting and gazing at it's beauty, contemplating whether or not I should buy it. But, I made a promise to myself that if I did get this job, I would get it. And so now it's mine!

While the outside features a pyramid stud closure, and the pink is well... just rad, and the interior boasts a black and white Japanese floral print by the late artist Florence Broadhurst.

Oh, and I'm equally obsessed with my Exclamation Point ring designed by Wendy Brandes, jewelry designer/fashion blogger extraordinaire. If you haven't seen her designs, then something is wrong with you. Check out her fantastically fashionable jewelry on her site as well as her blog!

Yup... all types of happy in this outfit.