Psychedelic Soul

For me, summer is the perfect excuse to wear bright colors and loud prints. 

Since I've been on this geometric kick, there was no way I could pass up this amazing geo-print dress from Shop Sosie. It's got a smack of vibrant color and a whole lot of  trippy, psychedelic goodness. Plus, this was one way to absolutely break my habit of buying black dresses. Don't get me wrong - nothing looks as polished and edgy as black, but even for someone like me, who loves to wear black... I need to liven things up. The accessories are one thing, but black shoes absolutely did not work with this dress... and I'm glad since I could wear these Sole Society shoes with the dress!

Later this week, I'll be taking a road trip down the Jersey Shore to Atlantic City for July 4th Weekend. And I can not wait! The slots, the beach, the people watching... I'm so excited for a mini summer getaway. 

Now, onto the planning of outfits for the weekend!

Seema Swing Dress - Shop Sosie (sold out) / Laser Cut Heels - c/o Sole Society / Alex and Ani Vintage 66 Gypsy Wrap / Black Studded Shoulder Bag - Forever 21 

Stripes Week Part 2: How to Style Stripes with Prints

Part 2 of Stripes Week on House Of Jeffers is all about mixing stripes with prints. Personally, this one is my absolute favorite pairing to wear in the summer.

Although all stripe/print pairings are not a match made in heaven. The key to rocking stripes with your favorite pattern, whether its a pair of printed pants, a floral skirt, or reversing the combo with a striped skirt, lies is this: 

Size does matter.

*If the stripes are thin (seersucker or pinstripes), you can pair the piece with a larger floral print.

*wide, bold bar stripes should be worn with a smaller, abstract pattern that doesn't have too much space in between the actual print. Negative space on prints, when worn with stripes, tends to create an effect where the outfit looks uncoordinated and blocky.

However, you do want that mix-matched look - only the prints should complement, not overpower one another.

For my outfit, I'm sporting the wide stripe, small print duo with the latest additions to my growing Alex and Ani collection. I feel so naked without my bracelets. This trio of crystal bangles and my favorite Alex and Ani bracelet, the Plume Feather Wrap, gives me a little bit of sparkle.

Striped V-Neck Tee - Victoria's Secret / Floral Print Skirt - Forever 21 / Vintage 66 Blush Mirage Wrap Bracelet & Gleam Wrap Bracelet - c/o Alex and Ani / Plume Feather Wrap - Alex and Ani / Fringe Crossbody Bag - Brandy Melville (similar style) / Laser Cut Studded Lace-Up Peep Toe Wedge - Charlotte Russe

It's Stripes Week!

It's Stripes Week on House Of Jeffers! I'll be featuring one of my favorite patterns to wear, stripes, two ways as a homage to this basic yet sassy combo. 

To kick things off, I'm starting with this oh-so-cute striped skirt from Francesca's. What I love about the skirt is that I can pair it with other prints, solid, tanks and of course, statement tees. I have to admit - I've been holding on to this Ashely Brooke Designs' "Everyday I'm Hustlin'!" t-shirt for a while since I wanted to wear it with something equally amazing. 

Rick Ross is my animal spirit. 

If you're going to wear stripes, black and white gets the most longevity in my book. Since the color combination is timeless, you can pair black and white stripes with any color and it works every time. Yet, throw on a striped skirt with a pair of sneakers, and it's still feminine, but playful. For me, I love a really girly look, so I opted for heels and a quilted bag to play up the gold lettering in the shirt, and, to match the skirt.

Stripes one way. Stay tuned for my second striped look of the week!

Ashley Brooke Designs Everyday I'm Hustlin' T-Shirt / Adrianne Quilted Bag - c/o Darling Clothes / Black Tassle Heels - Coach / Hermes-Inspired Stud Cuff / Essie Lapiz of Luxury 

British Bits: Nail Polish Brands from the UK

Some of my favorite nail polish brands are stationed across the pond in the UK. Yup, add that to one of the many things I love about England - kick ass nail varnish.

Perhaps you're already painting your digits with lovely colours based out of England, you didn't even know it! 

If you're on the market for some cheeky new shades for summer, dabble in these brands for a true London girl experience.

Ciate

Created by London artist Charlotte Knight, Ciate gets all cutesy on you by not calling their bottles polishes... but paint pots. The brand prides itself on producing inspiring colors that align with today's latest fashion trends.

A favorite at Sephora, some of Ciate's most popular kits include Chalkboard Nails and Caviar Nails. I received an adorable kit during Christmas featuring 6 glitter polishes and I can say that they are honestly the best glitter polishes I've used. The polishes are just the right consistency, needing just 2 coats each, and when it's time to remove, I didn't struggle cleaning my nails.

My pick: Ciate Beach House Collection - 5 shades of beach-worthy colors that will make your digits ready for summer! Available here! 

Wah Nails

Wah Nails Founder Sharmadean Reid is my nail art savior. This sassy lass put nail art on the map way before it comes a household trend. 

It's on my bucket list to have my nails done at the Wah Nails Topshop location in London someday. In the meantime, I've turned the pages of her book, The Wah Nails Book of Nail Art, over and over again as a reference for inspiration and tutorials. Another version in the series was released featuring Downtown Girls nail art. If you are serious about learning how to trick out your nails with no-ordinary designs, you need this book.

Nail Rock

More of a nail wrap gal? Nail Rock wraps from Rock Beauty London, come straight from across the pond to your neighborhood drugstore and stores like Urban Outfitters. From simple metallic solids to abstract prints and feminine flourishes, these nail wraps are oh-so-perfect for those who don't have a steady hand (or patience) to paint your own designs, but love the look perfectly primed nails. I've used a bunch of their wraps and would highly recommend hunting them down, too!

Other UK nail polish brands:

Butter London
Nails, Inc.
Barry M.
Liz Earle

Summer Shine

I feel like I've finally graduated from Big Girl Shoes School. Remember when I told you that I was going to try and wear heels more often than wedges this summer? I think I've done a good job so far, and now that I have these metallic heels from Call It Spring, I think I've earned my Bachelors in Square-Heeled Pumps.

These ankle strap pumps are the perfect balance of simple black shoes with some extra BAM! Serious metallic heel action... I wasn't even looking for a pair of shoes like this, but after trying them on on a whim... You know the rest.

I have to say that I needed this weekend... bad. I had a... trying week a work. It was me being tired and just kind of bummed out that I'm indoors now that the weather is warmer. But don't get me wrong - I absolutely love my job; it's the best I've ever had. But, I needed a weekend of warm weather so I can wear outfits like this... Metallic shoes and all!

Hope you're enjoying the sun, too!

Floral Print Spaghetti Strap Dress - Forever 21 (sold out, but this Macys dress looks just like it) / L.O.V.E. Belt - Forever 21 / EOWADODE Ankle Strap Heels - Call It Spring / Kate Spade New York Lilac Road Bag / Vintage Heart Necklace