Lace slip dress

January 27, 2014January 26, 2014 by gemilbourne ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

[Outfit Details: Slip Dress: Topshop; Jeans: Forever 21; Boots: Gap; Sweater: Gap; Coat: J.Crew; Gloves: Ralph Lauren]

You guys, I’m really sacrificing here to share this outfit, that’s how much I love it. Even if it’s freezing cold outside, and I’m taking pictures with a tripod in the streets (awkwardly, might I add), that’s what I will do for the sake of fashion. While perusing my typical fashion blogs, I read a great post by Who What Wear about winter layering. One of the inspirations used slip dresses (which might be the only 90’s inspired fashion trend I will buy into this time around). I’ve had one lying around since my time studying abroad, and thought layering this one-time clubbing dress would give it a second lease of life.

The unique layering of a slip underneath a turtle neck or oversized sweater, paired with lace or zipper details is so fresh. It’s this type of creative styling that’s truly going to get me through the remaining 2 months of winter …

What do you all think? What’s your creative layering solution this winter?

A shirt of possibilities (Part III)

January 24, 2014February 6, 2014 by gemilbourne ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

[Outfit Details: Shirt: Banana Republic; Jacket: Zara; Jeans: Paige; Boots: Franco Sarto]

Surprise, surprise. I proved my own points (see them here, and here) this week while donning this outfit. I literally didn’t even consider my previous outfit posts, and inadvertently found myself wearing the Canadian tuxedo I mentioned. Oh, the irony.

This jacket is a favorite from Zara last year, especially with it’s dusty old professor feel, elbow patches included. So my dears, have I provided any more outfit inspiration for you all? My two-part series has become a three-part one, so I hope the answer is yes.

Here are my shoppable denim picks-

Joie Women’s Cartel Chambray Button Down Shirt
Levi’s Women’s Annie Western Top

Enjoy your weekend and I hope there’s a touch of denim in there.

A shirt of possibilities (part II)

January 17, 2014January 16, 2014 by gemilbourne ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

[Outfit Details: Sweater: Gap; Denim shirt: Banana Republic; Waxed pants: Madewell; Loafers: Dolce Vita]

Here we are again my friends, talking about those pieces that really go the distance in the outfit-making department. Last time we talked about the denim shirt and the multiple ways I find to wear it (and hopefully inspire you to do the same), and today we’ll continue on that trend.

This outfit stemmed from a place of seeking warmth and deliciously baggy layers of clothing. Oh, also I got these amazing waxed jeans and have been wanting to wear them practically every day since then. Pairing a denim shirt underneath any type of sweater can give a little interest factor to any basic navy, black, or gray variation. I also love wearing a Canadian tuxedo (denim on the top and bottom) with a dark and light denim item.

So how are you all wearing your denim shirts? Are you convinced of their outfit potential yet? Let me know!

A shirt of possibilities (part 1)

January 15, 2014January 16, 2014 by gemilbourne ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

[Outfit Details: Shirt: Banana Republic; Skirt: 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target; Necklace: Baublebar; Tights: Target; Boots: Anne Klein]

It goes without saying that the world of fashion is one wrought with frivolities and indulgences, despite the tired reply that we all have to get dressed in the morning. Obviously I wouldn’t have this blog if I didn’t love style, getting dressed, and all the trappings that come with it. I will say though that any opportunity I get to remain smart in my purchases, whether in price or wearability, I’ll take it.

Say hello to the denim/chambray/whatever-you-want-to-call-it, shirt. If you want a go-to item that can enable an endless amount of looks, this is it. I choose to wear this darker variation with this great Phillip Lim for Target skirt, and Baublebar tortoise necklace that I find myself reaching for often.

If you don’t have a denim shirt yet, first of all, where have you been, and secondly, get on that! It’s no longer just a trendy item that will expire in a season or two, instead the denim shirt has proven itself a fashion mainstay.

Not convinced? Stay tuned for another outfit post this week featuring (you guessed it) the same shirt.

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Faire Isle Sweater

January 9, 2014February 6, 2014 by gemilbourne ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

[Outfit Details: Turtleneck: Target; Sweater: Old Navy; Jeans: Madewell; Socks & Hat: Target; Boots: Hunter; Coat: J.Crew]

You know that secret thrill you get from wearing really adorable underthings, or fuzzy socks? That’s how I felt wearing this striped turtleneck underneath this faire isle number. Both things are from high school or college days (fast fashion investment pieces, what?) and have been lingering in my closet asking me to bring them out once again.

Obviously layering is key for the cold temperatures – I stick with thin layers, like tights/leggings underneath fitted pants, and high socks on top. When I can, I like to avoid bulky layers that leave you walking the streets looking like a female marshmallow.

What little fashion thrills are getting you all through the week and keeping you cozy?

Fur coat dilemma

January 6, 2014July 11, 2017 by gemilbourne ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

[Outfit Details: Headband: J.Crew; Fur Coat: Vintage (in the family); Scarf: Gap; Jeans: Forever 21; Boots: L.L. Bean; Gloves: Isotoner]

On days so frozen that you literally can’t feel your feet, you deserve a pick me up. You do! Believe it. In some cases that may mean wearing something a little funky or unexpected. Enter this coat that was passed down to me, but I’ve had the hardest time trying to figure out when to wear it. You would think living and working in NYC I would be liberated and ready to don this pretty, but it’s only remained an occasional piece, until this afternoon.

For some reason when paired with some lighthearted pieces like this woven headband, and classic winter boots, it felt carefree and fresh to me. It also was warm, which was obviously top of mind.

Anyone else out there having a similar fur coat dilemma? I’d love to hear any pairings that have worked for you!

Wear to work

January 3, 2014January 3, 2014 by gemilbourne ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

[Outfit Details: Button down: J.Crew; Skirt: Banana Republic; Cardigan: J.Crew; Tights: Target; Shoes: Ralph Lauren]

Oh Monday morning, we are not friends. Or in these picture’s case, Thursday morning after a loooong holiday. I can barely pull myself together and out the door in time sometimes, so often looking the part is difficult. There’s not anything novel about this outfit- it’s simple and it works for me. Not only does it employ layers (essential for freezing offices and wheezing furnaces) but it uses different textures which you can claim took a lot of thought to put together (tweeds, suedes, etc.) but doesn’t.

Other trusty recipes for weekday success include:

knit sweater + statement necklace + fitted pants + smoking slippers

shift dress + blazer + textured tights + boots

What do you all fall back on for those trusty work outfits?? Tell me, tell me! Bookmark this post and let me know how your Monday goes please.

Steeped in style

Month: January 2014