All Black Everything

Well, we all know how the H&M Versace debaucle ended... So I wasn't planning on going out for Black Friday. Until...

... I remembered a contest I won for a JCPenney gift card... and suddenly, Mike and I were determined to use up my winnings on Black Friday to get some stuff for the apartment, and other goodies.

This called for ninja shopping skills at 7 a.m. and of course, proper attire: all black everything. And yes, that is my kitchen.

Outfit:

Knit beret - Target

Scarf - H&M

Leather jacket - Zara

Thermal - Forever 21

Black jeans - Zara

Shoes - Converse

Despite what you'd expect on Black Friday, the crowds were manageable and not overwhelming. I was able to take my time, soak up the bargains and walk out of the mall with bags full of gifts and savings. While I love to sleep, I love a bargain even more.

Check out some of my Black Friday Finds and weekend pics!

Forever 21 necklace 

MNG by Mango for JCPenney / I Heart Ronson Shirt - JCPenney

Bloomingdale's Nifty Gifty catalogue made for a great Sunday read!

Like these photos? Then follow me on Instagram at House Of Jeffers!

Sleep Depravation, Meet Versace by H&M

I had mixed feeling about actually attempting to get my mitts on something from the Versace for H&M collection. Because... you hear about people go as far as camping out for 3 weeks in advance and selling their firstborn and whatnot. Okay, slight exaggeration, but you know what I mean.

This quick video sums it up pretty well.

7:45 a.m. Notice the sighing and self-inflicted eye rolling. I commence my master plan to be among the first in New Jersey to shop the collection. This results in a pony tail. Cherish seeing it my friends, cause it's few and far between I go out in public like this.

I had my eye on three items, any of which I'd be happy to have:

Photos courtesy of H&M

8:00 a.m. Arrive at Garden State Plaza on my way to H&M. I spot two girls toting loud shopping bags from H&M. Oversight No. 1 - This mall usually opens at 10 a.m., normally, but Saturday, the store opened early. Oops.

8:05 a.m. Make it to H&M to be greeted with two organized lines, roped off with about 15 security guards in front of the store.... about 75 people deep.

8:10 a.m. Quickly make friends with people standing in front of me and compare "How long have you been waiting" stories. One person tells me someone was here since 10 p.m. last night... some even slept in their cars and came at 6 a.m. Oversight No. 2 - People really did camp out to shop, something I thought only New Yorkers did.

Plus, it gave me time to admire this dudes shoes:

Eventually, an H&M employee comes around with wristbands. I get a white one... marked with a time of 12:25 p.m.

8:45 a.m. Tell myself, "Totally should I slept in."

Meanwhile, people are flying out of the store with multiple bags, sometimes escorted by security guards. Some people say there's stuff left, or nothing left at all. I figure wait it out till I physically can't stand anymore.

About an hour and a half passes before another bystander, aggravated with her wristband time of 11:30 a.m., gives hers to me. It's now 10:15... I'm so close!

So... in the end, I made it out with this:

Filled with this:

No Versace for me. Turns out by the time it was 10:30 a.m., an employee let those with wristbands take a peek at what was left of the collection - meaning, palm tree pants and books. At that point, I was already in the store and my hopes being dashed, I just shopped instead.

All for naught? Not so much. Still shopped and still got a blog post out of it. = )

Mani Monday - Lightning Strikes Twice

Gosh I love me some nail art. I've said it numerous times, but NJ is barren with nail joints that do awesome nail art. I'm always looking for DIY ways to deck out my tallens, so when Adiel from It's Because I Think Too Much showed off her blinged out nails, I ran to find Nail Bliss Bling decals.

I ended up getting plain silver being that I already had 4 bottles of polish in my hand. And I figured it would go with any color I layered them with.

Here's the final product:

The stripes fit my nails exactly, and they were ridiculously easy to apply. Then, I created a lightning bolt on my thumbs for some additional contrast. This is probably one of my most favorite manis to date!

Le Disko

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Alive In Wild Paint

For my birthday each year, I usually end up getting a new coat. It's more than appropriate given the weather and outerwear, in my opinion, is the foundation for any Fall outfit. I love military-inspired anything, so when I saw this coat, it fit my perfect ideal of a structured double-breasted coat a la Sgt. Pepper. See - I never escape the music influence... Plus, the ruffle detail on the placket gives it a feminine feel. Hate the cold, love the coat.

Outfit:

Double-breasted military coat by Guess - Macys

Burgundy leggings - Zara

Floral print blouse - Forever 21 (seen below)

Gold spiked bracelet - Forever 21

Double sided gold heart ring - Urban Outfitters

Ankle boots - DSW

Over the weekend, I headed out to take in the colors of Fall in Brookdale Park in Montclair. It's one of my favorite places because it's walking path is lined with foliage - all of which are lovely no matter what seasons.

While I refused to sit in a pile of leaves (f-that, I'm not getting a bug in my hair), I did collect a couple of leaves which I plan on using for leaf rubbings as art in my apartment. I guess some traditions as a child never get old...