House Of Jeffers Turns 3!

October marks three years that I've been blogging!!!

Three years ago, I never thought I'd have a blog... especially one that was named House Of Jeffers. Each year when another blog milestone comes around, I reflect on what motivated me to get into blogging, and how a small little blog has allowed me to dream bigger and experience so much.

As always, I owe you - all of the amazing blogger friends, inspiring brands and companies, and every single person who's left me a comment here, on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter - a huge amount of love for supporting me and my crazy ways here on House Of Jeffers. I'm completely in owe of all the opportunities I've gotten because of this blog, and I don't take them from granted.

Photo by Fernanda Silva

Thank you always for letting my bangs take center stage, for reading about my obsessions with the Brits and for letting a girl from New Jersey be a part of something truly awesome.

2013 has brought about so much change for me personally. In the past, I used to not deter from my typical outfit of the day posts too often. But this year, I took a chance and started to open up a little more about the side of me that isn't just about what I'm wearing. I still keep many secrets to myself, but I hope in the future, to share more of myself with you as I grow more comfortable with this idea of opening the window of who I am with the Internet.

Brocade and Black

I can't make my mind up whether or not owning so many black tops is a good thing. Sure, black goes with everything, but I'm starting to thinking I'm falling into a comfort zone with it... Then again, when you're wearing printed brocade jeans in black and white, I think it's acceptable. 

I honestly don't know where September went. I feel like September was a very confusing yet clarifying month for me in a lot of ways. Lately, I've been feeling like the path my life is on wasn't what I planned, and sometimes, it can get to me. But, I'm trying my best to grab hold of the reigns and hopefully, steer myself to the place I want to be. With a new season here, it's almost like getting a mini do-over four times a year.

Don't let me down, Fall!

Studded Tank - Marshalls / Black and White Printed Jeans - Forever 21 / Red Ankle Booties - Forever 21 / Camille Bag - Sole Society / Black Onyx Ring - Mango / Alex and Ani Bracelets

Photos by Fernanda Silva

Proceed With Caution - 3 Ways To Be A Smart Shopper

As a fashion blogger, you've probably fallen into the trap of shopping due to influence of others and what you see in magazines else. I've done this. Heck, I did this last night on my way home from work. 

Perhaps you've recently justified your latest purchase with...

"It's for my blog."

or 

"I have an event to go to. I needed it."

Shopping under the influence is a dangerous game as it'll catch up with your finances eventually.

You can still be on-trend and make smart shopping decisions if you avoid these three factors before handing over your credit card.

1. Magazines: Read with caution
Flipping through fashion magazines is how many of us relax and keep up with trends... And where the thought to buy something begins.

Put things in perspective especially when it comes to falling in love with things you see in magazines. Of course that red handbag looks amazing - that's because it's paired with other really amazing (and probably expensive) items.

If you don't have other things in your closet to complete the look, it's not worth it to drop a ridiculous amount of money on something you'll have to buy other pieces to make it look good with.


2.  Need versus Want
My biggest weakness without a doubt. I tend to buy things because I want them, not because I need them. It's gotten me into a lot of trouble in the sense that I own similar pieces with slight variation.

The concept to beat this is simple: If you don't really need it, put it back and leave the store. Sit on it for a couple of days, and if you find yourself not thinking about that dress you wanted, you probably didn't need it to begin with.


3. Get creative with outfits
I don't know who came up with the idea that you can only wear something on your blog once.
Probably a rich person...

Those of us who live in reality (that's you) can't afford to spend money on things you'll wear for 20 minutes in your pictures, or to an event, one time.

Recycle those duds, and show your audience how else to style your favorite red jeans. Show the value in reworking your clothes with other pieces and accessories in your closet. It's fun, and it definitely gives you more bang for your buck.


How do you curb your spending habits when it comes to shopping?

Tartan Plaid Trend

Plaid has always been a pattern that reminds me of the 90s...  I distinctly remember living in plaid button-up shirts in the 8th grade during my skater phase... before I had a clue what fashion really was.

Today, I still love plaid as it's starting to get a more feminine feel to it. Like this dress! The tartan plaid trend is one I'm all about - it's a little edgy, but can also be uber girly with the right accessories and of course, a little bit of leather. 

Ever since the Met Gala celebrated punk, plaid is finally getting it's day. Oi!

Tartan Plaid Dress - Forever 21 / Black Cork Wedges - Bongo Jeans (really, really, old) / Cross Ring - Forever 21 / Jen Nameplate Ring - Etsy.com /  Spiked Midi ring - Forever 21 / Floral Ring - Urban Outfitters / Leather Cuff - craft fair

Weekend Wears: City Stripes

Although I've lived in New Jersey my entire life, I've only visited certain parts of New York in the past four years due to my husband's job. On Sunday, Mike, Harley and I woke up way too early and headed to Randall's Island for a day of soccer, and the potential to go shopping in the city afterwards. With the weather being on the cooler side, I finally broke out this silk trimmed striped top I purchased at Marshalls!

And yes, Harley is wearing an England soccer jersey. 

Us New Jerseyians absolutely take for granted how close we live to NYC. This was my first trip out to Randall's Island, and I have to say it's been a long time coming. I had no idea it was that big, and honestly, that pretty. During Mike's games, I explored the park with Harley and enjoyed breezy views of the East River. 

In my younger days, I never really had someone to explore the city with, and going to New York was viewed more like a hassle to get to. But being married to Brit means being with someone who wants to see various parts of the U.S. - can't complain.

Outfit Details:

Chiffon and Striped Top - c/o Marshall's Project Fab gift card / Mint Green Jeans - Forever 21 / Silver Booties - Forever 21 / Camille Bag - c/o SoleSociety.com / Bib Necklace - c/o Sorrelli Jewelry / Oversized Sunglasses - Lulus.com