Lady In Red

It's hot one minute, cold the next. Mother Nature is absolutely on my S$%! List. 

My legs are so pale, it scares me. I seriously need some sun because the dry-leg-in-need-of-lotion look is NOT cute. At. All.

So, while I deal dressing in the unpredictable New Jersey weather, pieces like this lightweight knit sweater from Charlotte Russe is becoming a lifesaver. It's cozy enough to keep me warm on cool days, yet light enough that I can still wear it on those one in a million warm days.

And since I've pretty much worn every pair of solid color pants I own to the point of boredom, I've been all about printed pants. These animal print joggers from Boohoo were my first dip in the prints pants pond. I've had reservations about any kind of pants other than skinny jeans, being that any thing baggy tends to make me look silly. But, I don't want to wear jeans all the time. As much of a staple as they are, it's hard to get creative with regular ol' pants. At least printed pants bring creativity to my style, and can be played up or down with accessories.

Maroon Sweater - c/o Charlotte Russe / Animal Print Pants - Boohoo.com / Black Pumps - Banana Republic / 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Bag Pashli (sold out, but here's another Pashli bag) / LOVE Bracelet - Anthropologie / 

Gold Buckle Cuff - vintage

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

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

What I'm Celebrating On My Birthday

So, today is my birthday! And not to sound like a complete and total narcissist, but I absolutely love celebrating my birthday. It's the one day that really is all about you - and sometimes, being a little selfish in that respect. 

But this year for my birthday, I'm celebrating the fact that change has come my way. Finally. For starters, I got a new job! This was a much needed change, if not one of the most important change, as my job was playing a huge role in causing me stress. But, now, I get to start a new month and write a new chapter in this book called life.

The second thing I'm celebrating is my having supportive friends and family. During some of my struggles this year (which I've kept away from House Of Jeffers), I've had people in my corner standing beside me, encouraging me to believe in myself and to give myself a little more credit, showing me support by letting me lean on them when I felt I couldn't carry some of my burdens. I am so lucky to have a wonderful husband, parents, family, friends and readers who continue to remind me of what's important in life. Having this foundation is the most meaningful, and I never take for granted how fortunate I am to be surrounded by truly selfless individuals who show me love.

Oversized Cardigan - Forever 21 / Polka Dot Tee - Old Navy / Brown Leather Skirt - Forever 21 / Black Double Fringe Leather Bag, Beaded Hamsa Bracelet, Black Leather Bracelet - Brandy Melville / Black Suede Booties - Target

And finally, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't celebrating my birthday gifts, some of which I'm wearing... I've been pining for a fringed bag, and my mother was kind (and cool, might I add) enough to buy me this one from Brandy Melville, along with the leather bracelet and beaded hamsa bracelet! 

Workwear: The Happy Medium

 You all know my disdain for dress pants. These grey jersey stretch leggings from Forever21 are just a small sampling of my workwear. And those are seams, not pleats, people. 

Pleats freak me out. Pleated pants are very 80s business woman pant suit-ish. Besides, do I look like I do dress pants? I manage to skirt the rules (love the blog by the same namesake, btw) as far as a work dress code is concerned... 

My advice for those who have to wear work attire, but hate boxy pants and pleats: 

- Find pants with a more tailored fit - ones that feel like pants you'd normally wear. 

- However, avoid man-made fabrics like polyester, which is prone to pilling.

- And be warned by labels that promise a slim fit or special cut - try them on no matter how confident you are that they'll fit. There's no universal fit and cut for everyone.

Remember - all workwear is not created equal!

Leopard Print Top - Forever21 / Grey Jersey Leggings - Forever21 / Suede Tassel Heels - Coach (one of my #fabfound finds from Marshalls!) / No. 7 Quilted Camera Bag - Henri Bendel / Chain Link Bow Necklace - Juicy Couture / Leather Belt Bracelet - Bust Craftacular / Rings - vintage / Black Round Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters

Cut It Out

I have to admit that I was a little weary of cut-out dresses. Am I too old to wear a dress that exposes part of my mid-section? Perhaps. But, the Aztec print on this Charlotte Russe dress was screaming "Who cares? I'm an Aztec print, darn it! You know you want me... "

Having a part of my body that I normally don't show off being exposed took some getting used to. But, when I wore this dress, it happened to be 89 degrees out - so there was my excuse.

And if I happen to head to an outdoor concern this summer, say, one with Adam Levine and a band called Maroon 5, which I might have tickets for to see in August, I just might wear this dress in the off-chance that Mr. Levine sees me, and my midriff, in the crowd.

Dance it out, ya'll.

Outfit Details:

Cut-Out Aztec Print Dress - c/o Charlotte Russe (similar style) / Mini Blake Bag - Rebecca Minkoff / Ghillie Wedge - c/o Charlotte Russe (similar style) / Vintage Heart Necklace / Dual Tone Spike Bracelet - c/o Ettika, Part of the House Of Jeffers bracelet stack / Henri Bendel Bow Bracelet (similar style) / Gold Knuckle Ring - Urban Outfitters