House Of Jeffers is now www.houseofjeffers.com

House Of Jeffers is now www.houseofjeffers.com. Please visit www.houseofjeffers.com as this blog has moved and is no longer active via Blogger.

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All In One

Seven months into being a mother, I'm finding that I still take pride in getting ready in the morning. I know that for some, it can be hard to put the energy into getting yourself dolled up to go to work, or even just take on the day, but that is the one thing I told myself I wouldn't let go of. After the boys have been fed, or are taking a nap on the weekend, I then make it habit of putting an effort into pulling myself together. That's not to say that if you are a mom who doesn't that you don't care about your appearance, because trust me, I have days when I have to half-ass getting ready for the sake of my children... I just find that being a mom doesn't mean I have to or need to let go of my former self.

With that being said, I do turn to clothing that is comfortable, practical, but yet, has something visual going on outside the norm of some of the things I wear. Take for instance, this pinafore. One part suspenders, one part dress, it gives the illusion that the outfit is really intricate when it fact all I did was put on a sweater and put a dress over it. The sweater has a Peter Pan collar so again, it looks like I put on two shirts for effect, but really, it's all in one. 

I hope you all are having a great holiday season. As you can imagine, and as you can probably tell from the lack of updates on the blog, I have so much going on between work and the babies. I do miss blogging, and I do miss the routine I had on the weekend to prep for blog photos, but it is so hard for me to find time literally outside of my home to go outside and take photos. I won't risk taking the boys outside on cold days, and it's not fair of me to get the twins bundle up just so I can take my photos; my sweet husband has offered to do this for me numerous times a a result of the guilt I feel for not maintaining House Of Jeffers. I just can't. So, I find time... Key word "find". 

If you are a mom blogger, I would love to know your secret on how you make time to take photos for your blog when you have a newborn. And this isn't just rhetorical question - I would love to hear from you. Please email me at houseofjeffers@gmail.com! I am desperately struggling to maintain the blog, and if I can find a way to still deliver great content while taking care of the boys, I'm all ears.

Outfit:

Red Pinafore - ASOS / Polka Dot Sweater - Forever 21 / Leather Jacket - Forever 21 / Fringe Saddle Bag - Steve Madden / Leopard Print Shoes - BCBGeneration / Leggings - Francesca's

House Of Jeffers - 5 Year Later...

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!

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 

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

Heavy Metal

Leather and Wool Moto Jacket - Forever 21 / Leopard Print Shirt - Forever 21 (similar style) / Catrin Thick Leather Look Inset Leggings - c/o Boohoo.com / Just Fab Arrival Bag /  Gold Buckle Ankle Booties - c/o LuLu*s / Hermes-Inspired Cuff - Poshmark find / J&M Initial Necklace - Etsy

I used to hate gold jewelry - especially yellow gold that looked straight out of the 80s. For years, I wore silver, and still do. But, I avoided gold outright - hardware, touches of it on shoes, gold accents - hated it all. But, maybe as I get older (and, as they say,  hopefully wiser), my opinion of gold has changed completely.  While it still has that old school feel to it, I think its all in the pieces you choose that make it modern.

But can we talk about my bag? When I saw this Just Fab Arrival bag, I nearly lost it. The shape of the bag is just beautiful. But what wins me over is it's chunky chain hardware. My new official "it" bag...

And yes, I'm living the cliche - red lipstick with leopard print... and a whole lotta black. My Boohoo Leggings with leather inserts are beyond comfortable, and I know I'll be rocking them with so many tops and sweaters this winter. I definitely feel like myself in this outfit - a little a dark, with some feminine touches... and some overindulgence with leather and gold.

Love Life

Lately, I've been feeling like a completely new person. I've seen changes in myself for the better, and honestly, it's an overwhelming feeling when you finally get to a place of no stress, less worries and just more happiness. I'd say that's enough to make you want to love life and jump for joy!

And more good things are to come. I can't wait to share it with you, and hopefully, you'll be just as excited to read about them as I am to blog about them.

Chambray Button Up Shirt - Old Navy / Love Life Sweater - Old Navy / Faux Leather Leggings - Forever 21 / Suede Grey Wedge Booties - Mia Shoes / Knit Beanie - Zara

And so, nothing can break my stride. Not even 6 inches of snow... This is what I looked like after being cooped up in the house on a Saturday due to a crazy storm. The result? Leather leggings, a knit beanie and the most chipper sweater I had in my closet. I'm not usually a chambray over sweater gal, but I've always loved the look on others, and I think I finally figured it out.

With Christmas just two days away, I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas wherever you are! I hope Santa is good to you, and if you happen to get Adam Levine under your tree, feel free to send him my way.

Happy Holidays!

xo,

Jen

 

Roses Are Red

Never one to turn down a graphic print, this rose print dress from Forever21 is tea party worthy. Okay, so I have never actually been to a tea party, but does drinking tea on the daily with my Brit count?

I'm not sure how often I'll be wearing dresses now that it's dropped to 40 degrees in New Jersey. I got away with wearing this dress without a jacket on the weekend when during a brief warm front. But, I don't want to give up on my frocks completely. 

Dresses, to me, are instant style makeover pieces in the sense that I can wear pants all week, but the minute I put on a dress - it's like I've rediscovered my girly side. For me, I love styling uber feminine dresses and incorporating darker, rougher elements for contrast. There's just something about these Mary Janes from Shoedazzle that remind me of ridiculously high Gothic shoes dominatrix wear... Not that I'd know what they wear. It's probably the laces...

Wait, how'd I go from tea parties to dominatrix?

Rose Print Dress - Forever 21 / Spanx Ready To Wear Riding Leggings  - c/o Spanx / Faux Croc Skin Mary Beth Shoes - Shoedazzle.com / Black Satchel - Zara (old) / Red Statement Necklace - c/o SiraMira.com

Guest Post: Margo from Classroom Couture

Hello, and happy Monday House of Jeffers readers!  I'm Margo from Classroom Couture, where I blog about my personal style inside and outside of the classroom. I was honored and thrilled when my fellow Jersey Girl, Jen asked me to guest post for her.  She has a great sense of style that matches her great sense of humor.

Top:  J.Crew (old, LOVE this peplum version), Jeans:  Henry & Belle c/o PB&J Boutique, Shoes:  Zara (similar here), Necklace:  Panacea, Clutch:  Etsy (old, ssimilar here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban, Nails:  Essie "Blanc"

Since school is finally out for summer, I decided to share with you my typical summer look.  For me, looking your best is all about being comfortable in what you are wearing {which can be a challenge on a 90 degree, 100% humidity, typical NJ summer day}.  I'd describe my style as classic with a hint of prep and glam.  I like to keep in simple and chic with minimal accessories and of course the occasional statement necklace.  No muss, no fuss!

I am all about patterns and brights for summer and love mixing high end with low end pieces.

Thank you so much for having me and I hope you'll visit me over at Classroom Couture!

Beyond The Blog

With the encouragement of one of my fellow blogging buddies, Kaitlyn of Naturally Chic Life, I've decided that I need to let you know more about me.

While I think I've done a good job of showing you my personality through style, I think I need to start getting a little more real with ya'll. For years, I've done my best to keep my personal life away from my blog since I don't consider myself to be a lifestyle blogger, and honestly, sometimes I don't have anything utterly prolific to share.  Plus, I love writing about fashion, it takes up 99 percent of what I do on House Of Jeffers, and I thoroughly enjoy the styling aspect of creating outfit posts. Why change it now?

But, there's so much more to what you see. 

Sometimes with blogging, it makes me feel rather one-dimensional. It's very easy to get caught up in outfit posts, and comparing yourself to others. One lesson I learned a long time ago was to stop judging yourself by what other bloggers are doing. Their achievements are theirs - not a measurement of your own success. Once I did this, it allowed me to really dive into my blog and not be afraid to express myself with fashion in ways I might have been scared to do before.

And while yes, I am a self-proclaimed shopaholic who finds joy in a trip to the mall or scoring a killer pair of stems on sale ... but let's go beyond the bangs. 

I absolutely believe there is a healthy narcissistic element to blogging. I've said this before, but the idea that people feel they look good enough to take photos and write about what they're wearing - kinda narcissistic in a way that us fashion bloggers relate to. To put yourself out there to be judged by others - huge cojones. So if that means the outfit I'm wearing makes me feel giddy, enough so that I barrage my husband with reminders that we "need to take outfit photos" today, than so be it.

But I want to start having a little more fun in different ways with this here blog, and share of my personal views on all kinds of stuff - road rage, bad fashion, how-tos, girl moments - and letting you get to know me as more than just a blogger. I've realized that I might not make it to be as big as some of the well-known bloggers out there ... That being a little different can be a disadvantage when it comes to fitting in with the "in" crowd. That I work full-time, and don't have the luxury of buying Chanel bags because my husband and I enjoy something called adulthood, and have bills to pay and priorities to keep, and that means I might not be cool enough in other's eyes. And that's 100% okay with me. 

Don't be like the rest of them, darling.

I don't want to be. And you shouldn't either.

Always strive to be an individual. Don't worry, you can catch up to the crowd later... if you want to.

So, as long as ya'll want to come along on this ride with me, I'll be here... and hopefully, so will you. 

Kaleidoscope Dream

I think I've pretty much got every color of the rainbow covered in this kaleidoscope print dress. Although my all-time favorite print is a striped anything, I made a commitment this spring to think beyond horizontals and verticals... So, when a print throws up on your dress, it can be a good thing. Totally having a kaleidoscope dream moment in this dress.

Outfit:

Kaleidoscope Print Dress - ShopSosie.com/ Urban Expressions Handbag (purchased at South Moon Under), Black Leggings - Target / Zip Back Ghillie Wedge - c/o Charlotte Russe / L.O.V.E. belt - Forever 21 / Heart Shaped Cuff - Urban Outfitters /  Blue Jean Dream Snowflake Cocktail Ring - c/o Sorrelli Jewelry

New Jersey is finally getting hit with some warm weather. Mother Nature was absolutely on the top of my S&*! List, but she's redeemed herself now that it's officially pedicure season. Lotion up, ladies.