Up Close in Philly with Van Gogh's Ear

Philadelphia is one of my favorite cities, and as close as I live to it, I don't visit as much I should. The arts, culture, history and overall atmosphere is something to experience. 

I'd heard about the Van Gogh Up Close exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, so my best friend, who happens to be an art teacher, and I decided to make a trip of it. 

Outfit:

Purple Leopard Print Sweater - Forever 21

I Heart 21Vibrant Skinny Fuschia Jeans - Forever 21

Pampa Wedge Booties - Mia Shoes

Leather Satchel - Zara

Jessica Jacket - RachelRoy.com

Pyramid Stud Stretch Bracelet - Forever 21

Nameplate Bracelet - Erica Weiner

Rhinestone Thread Bracelet - Laila Rowe (similar style)

Chandelier Crystal Necklace - Forever 21

Photos weren't allowed in the exhibit, but to see his paintings up close - some of which you can step right up to and really let your eye dissect - is amazing. For such a tortured soul, he created beauty, definitely an irony of his life. Oh, and his ear wasn't on display... would have been cool though. Just saying.

Of all the periods of art, I'd say modernist, impressionism and pop-art are my personal period favorites. I'd seen photos of Edgar Degas' Little Dancer, but luckily, the statue was on display. I stumbled upon oil paintings by Leon Frederic (second image below), entitled "Four Seasons", which depicts children painted in themes of the four seasons. My photo doesn't do it justice, but the detailing is ridiculously beautiful.

One of four pictures in Leon Frederic's "Four Seasons".

Creep eye jewelry. 

After the exhibit, we grabbed lunch, soaking up Rittenhouse Square and the plethora of shops along Walnut Street, and later hit up some bars at the Piazza and along Market Street. I'd love to live there... in fact, I think I like it better than New York. New York is great, but Philly's speed is more my pace. Looks like I'll have to make more day trips... 

So long, 2011...

The end of the one year always brings reflections upon the next. And I have to say... 2011 couldn't be gone soon enough. While there were many things that were positive for me, there was one major occurrence that I never saw coming... being laid off from a job three weeks after being hired.

Who does that? 

It threw me for a loop and put me in a situation I never thought I'd be in. I'd searched for a new job and wanted to settle in to a new career, and when I did, they decided to lay people off 3 weeks after I was hired.

I never talked about it on my blog because it was something that hit me hard. I was shocked. You never plan for something like this. I figured I'd just have to move along and try to find the up-side of the situation. And I did. It was my blog.

Blogging keep me busy. It gave me a reason to force myself to be creative...

... and also allowed me to become more involved in a community of other people who love fashion and blogging.

Like the IFB Evolving Influence Conference and Lucky FABB...

Plus, it gave me an excuse to shop, (which in all honesty, I never need an excuse to do), and take up photography again...

So, in the end, it all worked out for the best. I've gotten back to work, and have a lot to look forward to in 2012. And I have my blog to thank for a lot of it - and for all of you for reading House Of Jeffers!

Hope you have great New Year!

Recommended Reading For Fashionistas

Summers in New Jersey mean hitting the shore and for me, that means keeping occupied under the blaring heat. And while donning a cute bikini might be a prerequisite, so is summer reading. Admittingly, I have a hard time sitting still on the beach... I get bored very easily and if it's an exceptionally hot day, forget it. I'm done in two hours.

However, a good book can keep me glued in my place. If you're a blogger, and like soaking up fashion knowledge and culture, check out these books to add to your summer reading list!

The Satorialist by Scott Schuman

You love his blog, and envy the slue of people he's photographed, so why not take him with you to the beach? If you don't fancy reading books, but rather enjoy picture books, then pick this one up. It's more of a portable coffee table book filled with photos of fashionistas and wanna-bes alike.

From top to bottom: In Style

Valley Of The Dolls by Jacqueline Susann 

Nylon Street View - The New Nylon Book Of Global Style

Of course, a good magazine will do. I recommended In Style for its outfit-inspiring features and beauty tidbits, or Bust magazine for a dash of social commentary and their cover stories.

But back to books... Before Sex And The City, there was Valley Of The Dolls - the O.G. novel about three New York women struggling to make their way to the top during the 50s set around drugs, careers, fame and self destruction. I have yet to see the movie, or read this book, but it's high on my "To Read" list.

As for Nylon Street View, if you're into street style (just like The Satorialist), you'll want this book, which contains photos of stylin' people in major fashion capitals (such as New York, Tokyo and London), as well as local store favorites, quotes and websites. 

The Gospel According To Coco Chanel by Karen Karbo

What better way to get inspired than with a book that explores Coco Chanel's tenacity while giving readers practical life lessons? I'm sold!

Have a book suggestion? Leave it in the comments section!

In-betweeners

 Outfit:

Jacket - H&M

Chambray shirt - Old Navy

Pleather vest - Mandee 

Tights - Forever 21

Shoes - DSW 

Messenger Bag - Macys 

Yes, the In-Betweeners is a hysterical show on BBC (not sure if it's still on in the U.S), but it is also a reference to wardrobe items that can be worn in the winter and transition into spring. But not all items have this versatility.

Take, for instance, winter coats. I hate the bulky jackets. Most of em are not fashionable at all. I try to buy coats that don't make me look like Randy from A Christmas Story (Ralphy's brother). This happened to me as a child (thanks, Mom), and I'm definitely not trying to recreate looking like a line backer.

Plus, you get hot in em indoors. Finding that balance between practical coat and stylish outerwear can be hard. No wonder I like in-between coats - warm enough to wear when it's cold, but light enough for spring weather.

Trenches are good as long as they have lining. I'm constantly cold, so in order to off-set my shivering, I dress in layers under lighter jackets. Yesterday was a bit windy, but I was going to the mall with my hubby, and didn't feel like wearing a heavy coat that I'd more than likely take off and have to lug around. The trip itself was a little disappointing as retail is in the in-between phase where there's a lot of solids and knits... I'm waiting for prints and summer sandals. But in the meantime, this jacket suffices to cloak my bones.