Eagles of Death Metal

My first post for 2012 - hope you had a great New Years! Mine was rather low key compared to others... the first year I really hunkered down at home and mellowed out. Being that I need to save my pennies for other rainy days, I didn't mind too much.

I wish I could say I've been wearing dresses lately, but I haven't since Christmas. It's way to cold... even for outfit pics. So, I've been on the look-out for pants that aren't just generic jeans and that I can style up in a way that doesn't look to casual.

The photos don't show it very well, but my pants are actually a python print jean from the Gap. I guess it was somewhat appropriate I was wearing them on this day... While Mike was taking my photos, a neighbor happened to be blasting some type of death metal. Hence, the metal sign.

Outfit

Striped Peter Pan Collar Top - New Look UK

Python Print Jeans - Gap

Black Oxfords - Forever 21

Studded Black Satchel - Zara

And I had forgotten I bought this peter pan collared shirt in England last Christmas! So comfortable and of course, it's striped - so it was a must have!

While I always say I try not to wear so much black, I really can't help it. Most, if not, all of my recent purchases have been grey or black. It's definitely an unconscious thing as I have tried to keep my closet more colorful. But I guess black is old faithful for me.

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!

Dancing Machine

Greetings! I hope ya'll had an awesome holiday, ate till you felt sick and found lots of pressies waiting for you on Christmas morning! Santa was very good to me this year!

Although you run the risk of looking like an obligatory Santa stand-in when wearing red for the holidays, I did it anyway. I've been staring at my Josephine Ruffle Dress that I bought from Urban 1972 for a month now hanging behind my door... knowing that Christmas would be the best time to break it out. 

Outfit:

Josephine Ruffle Dress - Urban1972.com

Black tights - Target

BCBGeneration Secret B Booties 

Rhinestone Fringe Necklace - ideeli

Houndstooth Pea Coat - Express

Zebra cuff 

Two Finger Bow Ring 

And you know how I hate winter coats? Well, I still do, but at least my houndstooth jacket made me feel a little more dressed up than wearing a parka. Someone asked me why women don't wear jackets in the winter that are practical. My only answer is that they probably like what they're wearing underneath the coat. And yes, I am that dummy person who sacrifices comfort for fashion. HEY, at least I'm not wearing pajamas to the mall.... 

And if I look cold, that's because I made my husband take these photos... fast. Don't let the dancing fool you - that was just a tactic to keep warm.

Holiday Pics & Flicks

One last day of work, and then I'm finally off for the holidays! I'll be spending it with Mike and my parents... very low key. I have some cooking and baking to do in preparation for our traditional Christmas Eve dinner... I should probably get to that sooner than later.

This little dude was my creation during a night of drinks and Xmas crafting. I'll call him Paco.

I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and great holiday season! Hope it's every thing you wish it to be and more!

And a big thank you for visiting House Of Jeffers and taking the time to read my posts, comment, or just take a look around! 

Here's some photos I've been snapping throughout December in the holiday spirit. You can find more of em on Instagram at HouseOfJeffers. Come find me! And Merry Christmas!

Sabre Dance

 

It's obscure movie reference time!

So, if you've seen Pee Wee's Big Adventure, you may remember the most famous scene of all: him, doing a dance on the bar, to the song "Tequila". Well, fun fact No. 1:  the song is by The Champs. Fun fact No. 2: that's what I hear in my head when I put on these shoes. My best attempt at the "Tequila" dance can be seen above.

And, fun fact No. 3: Google the "Sabre Dance." That's also in the movie.

Outfit:

Abstract print top - Forever21

Pinstripe vest - Mandee

Black pants - H&M

C Label Patent Leather Wedge Booties - Lulus.com

Yes, these boots are rather Frankenstein-ish, but when I saw em on Lulus.com, I knew I'd wear the heck out of em. Basic black goes with EVERYTHING... and these puppies have made the rounds in my closet many times. They're my first purchase from the site - and I couldn't be happier.

However, I don't think I'll be wearing them for any holiday celebrations as I've caught so much slack from my family about em'. Then again, maybe I should wear them on purpose to all my family functions!?

Jewelry:

Rings: J Initial Ring - gift from when I turned 12 / Diamond cluster ring - Vintage from my mother's personal collection

Bracelets: Spiked bracelet - Forever 21 / Bow Bracelet - Henry Bendel