UK or Bust: Jet Set Fresh

Although my trip to England is two weeks ago, I'm sick in the head, and sit and ponder what I'm going to wear... on the plane.

This is an important decision people. For 7 hours, I'll be annoying my husband with bouts of paranoia about turbulence and complaints regarding that annoying 5 year old who is kicking my chair that YOU KNOW is gonna get seated behind me.

But I digress.

When traveling, I like to wear something that's comfortable and security friendly. I leave my studded accouterments at home, and know not to wear 25 lbs of jewelry because they make you take it off anyway. Leggings are my go to since they are almost like jammy jams, and shoes that aren't heavy, but keep me toasty, are a definite.

Many of items in this set I already own, including the Black Chuck Taylors, Crown Vintage Ankle Boots, the striped ModCloth top, the Kristen satchel from Coach and, as of two days ago, the green blazer and the 2 Bandits Naja Cuff Bracelet. The rest, especially the Beats by Dre headphones, will be an early birthday gift...

Can't go on a trip without UK nail strips and a snarky sleep mask.

Here's what I plan on wearing, and brining, to staying jet set fresh on the way to England.

Striped Long Sleeve Top - Modcloth / H&M blazer, $48 / High rise legging / Crown Vintage black booties / Black Converse Low Tops / Stephanie Johnson Jenny Train Case  / 2 Bandits Naja Cuff / NARS Eyeshadow / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics nude lipgloss / Fred Flare Storefront Sleep Masks / Nail Rock Union Jack Nail Strips, $11 / Beats By Dre Limited Edition Studio Purple Headphones / Paco Rabanne Lady Million

Purple in Princeton

Yes, people. No need to adjust your monitors.

I, Jen, of House Of Jeffers... am wearing brown.

My motto for brown as it relates to my style was "I don't wear brown. I got enough of it going on my head. No need to add more of it." But, I can admit that I'm now eating my words and have a whole new perspective on this shade.

When I spotted this dress, the purple flowers is what sold me on it. But I was admittedly on the fence about the brown leaves in the print.

We all know how it ended... and now, I'm all about this dress. Worn it at least 3 times already, including on a day trip to Princeton for my husband's soccer game a weekend ago. I'm standing in front of Nassau Hall... 

Outfit Details:

Purple Cardigan - Express

Purple Floral Print Dress - Marshalls

Black Tights - Target

Black Patent Leather Flats - Target

Globetrotter Handbag - c/o Just Fab (via LuckyFABB)

Gold Disc Necklace - c/o South Moon Under

Talulah Checkerboard Faceted Disc Earrings - c/o Kara Ackerman (via LuckyFABB)

I also finally broke out my new bag, which I got through Just Fab.com. Love the texture of the leather... It's definitely a contender for which bag I'm going to bring to England.

My photos don't do the town justice... but Princeton is just one of those places that always looks beautiful round year. It's got major history, adorable shops on Nassau Street, great food and is where one of my favorite bands, Saves The Day, formed.

I love spending time there as it's just so laid back and sorta touristy. I'm a big fan of touristy type places, but without acting like a tourist... Even though I had my camera with me. And took photos in front of things.

Not touristy at all, right?

Chilly Chic

I do this thing every year... where the weather turns cold, and I feel like I have to go shopping because I have a momentary lapse of judgement and feel as though I hate my clothes... when it's really the in between weather I despise.

Outfit Details:

Tippi Striped Crewneck Sweater - J.Crew

High Waist Pencil Skirt - Lulus.com (similar skirt here)

Black Ankle Booties - Zara (similar shoes here)

Rhinestone Bib Necklace - Charlotte Russe (similar necklace here)

Arm Party details:

Pink& Gold Chain Link Bangles (came as a set) - Forever 21

Gold Brass Bangle - J.Crew

Black Rhinestone Bangle - C. Wonder

I'm gunna be honest: I hate being cold, and I'm constantly freezing. While I love wearing skirts, I really have to force myself to do so when October hits. The day I took these photos it wasn't too bad. Shivering and teeth chattering is NOT a good look, and I suffer from both in the fall and winter months. 

When I put this outfit together, I had two ideas in mind: First, that I wear something that keeps me warm - a la the longer pencil skirt and this pink striped crewneck Tippi sweater which is my very first J. Crew clothing purchase. And second - that it fits my fall wardrobe criteria of being colorful, but functional.

If I'm gunna be cold, as least I can try to look cool doing so. Freezing is the new black.... or something of the sort.

House Of Jeffers Turns 2!

Without sounding like a total narcissist, I am so proud I've continued to keep this House Of Jeffers going. So many people start blogs and they often fall off after a couple of months. But even through times when I couldn't be bothered to sit at the computer, and upload photos, or write a post because of life's other commitments, I've seen it through.

Having a blog is also a commitment. Throughout 2012 year, much has changed for me. I moved, found a new job, dealt with life troubles at times... But my blog has always been something that's constant and consistent in my life. It's the one thing that during times when I felt I had no control over things, I knew no one could take away my blog.

I'm a writer - it's what I do. When I created this blog, I wanted a place to be able to share my writing, and join others in the pursuit of defining their personal style - all while doing it in a way that wasn't so stereotypical of New Jersey. Because let's face it: You know and I know that New Jersey isn't known as a place where fashionable people live.

I wanted to show that hipsters can live in the suburbs...

I've always been the kind of person who didn't have cookie cutter friends, and my interests were unique to the people I surrounded myself with. Don't get me wrong - I don't think I'm the bomb, and I certainly don't think I'm breaking any molds here. But I think that my eye for the "different" has always drawn me to more eclectic things, and I try to translate that in my clothes.

I value uniqueness and individuality more than I value anything else when it comes to fashion. I don't want to be like everyone else... even though, I'm gunna own it: Having a blog is JUST like the 900 other bloggers out there. But being yourself and not doing things for the approval of others is 100% the way to go. Some people might not like it - and they don't have to. And it's okay.

My blog is more than just a blog to me. It's a place that I can take my spot on the proverbial soapbox (if you will) and share my random thoughts on fashion... and talk about how much I hate it when my bangs separate in the heat (uh, I still hate that). Where I don't have to be afraid to be a little eccentric, because being different doesn't always make you weird. 

House Of Jeffers has grown beyond anything I ever thought this blog could be. And the most surprising thing of all? People, just like YOU, support this blog! I am so appreciative of ALL of you who take time out of your day to read my posts, comment, look at my photos, follow me on Twitter, email me.... It means so much to me. And I'm so unbelievably blessed to work with all of the amazing brands that think enough of me to want to work with me.

As long as my bangs are blunt, my nails are manicured, and people still make clothes - I'll be here, and hopefully, you'll come along for the ride! 

To The Moon and Back: South Moon Under Hits NJ

I love it when new stores that aren't anywhere else in New Jersey pop up. South Moon Under came to New Jersey during the summer, and brought with them copious amounts of fashion goodness a la shirts, tops, shoes, jewelry, handbags and even adorable housewares and gifts. I've been drooling over their clothes ever since I stumbled upon the store... Take a visit for yourself, and you'll see why.

Lucky for me, their grand opening was just down the road from my job, so I headed over on Thursday to celebrate the newest store to hit the artsy section of Montclair, NJ - one of my absolute favorite areas to shop in!

To help kick off festivities, the Rebecca Minkoff team and Nylon Magazine was there to give the party some extra love while customers got their shop on in style.

Take a peak at some of my snaps from the night!

Not sure how I used restraint to not by these Sam Edelman leopard print booties.

Customers had the chance have their Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C.s personalized with their initials or name. Love the look of the gold letters!

Spikes and studs in full effect: The collection of Rebecca Minkoff bags at South Moon Under makes it hard choosing just one... How adorable is this Alex carry-all! Wish list anyone?

This sign is so right. 

DJ Julie Twinkle doing the "Play my jam, DJ!" thing behind the turntables.