Feeling Lovely in LuLu*s

November is turning out to be a month of newness for me. In just the first week, I started a new job and celebrated another birthday. Off to a giddy start, one of which I hope to continue on my style journey.

It's officially jacket weather in New Jersey, and boy do I have the perfect one for it. On a trip to New York after LuckyFABB, I attended an intimate gathering with LuLu*s where I finally got to meet Julie of Orchid Grey (she is as fab as you think she is), and the adorably rad ladies of LuLu*s. At the event, I was gifted this amazing black jacket with faux fur trim that has become my official fall coat. I normally don't use belts with coats, but when I tie this one, it takes on a vintage classic feel that instantly adds femininity to anything I pair with it.

A coat this chic deserves to be photographed in a place of equal beauty. All week, I've driven past this gorgeous field of yellow leaves on my way to work, and knew I had to take photos there for the blog. For some reason, I felt like twirling... I mean, when you're wearing something you love, and you're in a place this beautiful, it's only appropriate!

Fur Give and Fur Get Black Frock Coat - c/o LuLu*s / Striped Pants - c/o Boohoo.com / Studded Doctor's Bag - VJStyle.com / Seychelles Best Laid Plans Quilted Wedge Booties - c/o South Moon Under  / Purple Sweater - Gap / Necklace - Francesca's / Rings - Forever21

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

Chilly Chic

I do this thing every year... where the weather turns cold, and I feel like I have to go shopping because I have a momentary lapse of judgement and feel as though I hate my clothes... when it's really the in between weather I despise.

Outfit Details:

Tippi Striped Crewneck Sweater - J.Crew

High Waist Pencil Skirt - Lulus.com (similar skirt here)

Black Ankle Booties - Zara (similar shoes here)

Rhinestone Bib Necklace - Charlotte Russe (similar necklace here)

Arm Party details:

Pink& Gold Chain Link Bangles (came as a set) - Forever 21

Gold Brass Bangle - J.Crew

Black Rhinestone Bangle - C. Wonder

I'm gunna be honest: I hate being cold, and I'm constantly freezing. While I love wearing skirts, I really have to force myself to do so when October hits. The day I took these photos it wasn't too bad. Shivering and teeth chattering is NOT a good look, and I suffer from both in the fall and winter months. 

When I put this outfit together, I had two ideas in mind: First, that I wear something that keeps me warm - a la the longer pencil skirt and this pink striped crewneck Tippi sweater which is my very first J. Crew clothing purchase. And second - that it fits my fall wardrobe criteria of being colorful, but functional.

If I'm gunna be cold, as least I can try to look cool doing so. Freezing is the new black.... or something of the sort.

Gone With The Wind

I feel like life is on the up swing for me lately. Evidently, so was my skirt as I shot these photos during a looming thunderstorm.

And who would have thunk it: mid-calf skirts on short people actually work. Living proof right here, folks.

Outfit Details:

Madison Tee - StyleMint.com

Scarlet Swing Skirt - Forever 21

Suedette Animal Print Satchel - Forever 21

Leather Peep Toe Wedges - Nine West

Gold Buckle Bracelet - thrift store find / Studded Bracelet - Gap / Spiked Bracelet - Forever 21

I know summer is the season to show some leg, and I'm all for a skirt. But you can't wear a mini skirt everywhere. Besides, pick the wrong skirt length for the wrong occasion and people look at you and think "Where's she going?" 

This little "impulse buy" from Forever 21 will be on heavy rotation this summer. I'd been looking for more livelier options to rock my StyleMint Madison tee with, and I knew I could pull the scarlet in the skirt and match it against the pink stripes in the top. I've never met a stripe I didn't like, and the Madison tee is not only right on que with brights for summer, but it's ridiculously versatile as it can be worn with rainbow denim, shorts and as you can see, skirts. 

Nerdy secretary meets hipster bookworm. Or something like that.

Oh, and don't forget: Today is the last day you can use my Lulus.com coupon code: JEFFERS for 15% off your order!

Lulus.com Coupon Code: JEFFERS for 15% OFF Your Order!

I love a good bargain, and I'm betting that you probably do, too! 

But remember these fantastical glitter pumps I boasted about?

And my recent neon yellow dress from my Fantastically Spastic post? Both I purchased on Lulu's.com, one of my absolute favorite sites that I stalk shop frequently!

And I'm so excited I get to share my love of Lulu's.com with all of you!

Lulus.com is offering House Of Jeffers readers a 15% discount off your order from Monday, June 4, 2012 to Wednesday, June 6, 2012 (ends midnight)! 

Just enter coupon code JEFFERS at checkout!

Coupon code is for U.S. and Canada residents, valid site-wide.

Coupon is case sensitive; enter JEFFERS (all caps) for coupon.

Happy shopping!