The best of days

January 28, 2013November 12, 2013 by gemilbourne ♥ 1 Comment

Oh the glorious freedom of the weekend. Two full days to plan with blissful activities.

I wanted to share some photos from a day trip some girlfriends and I took to Brooklyn, NYC. We started out with a visit to the Brooklyn Flea Market, enjoyed a 2-hr brunch and then headed over to the Brooklyn Museum to poke around get our dose of culture. All in all, my favorite way to spend a weekend day.

[Overlooking the Brooklyn Flea Market]

[Eggs Benedict, I literally dream of this when planning my brunch plans]

[Walks through Brooklyn’s Prospect Park]

[Brooklyn Museum]

Hoping you’re all thinking fondly back on your weekend’s too.

Refresh and Recharge

January 27, 2013November 12, 2013 by gemilbourne ♥ 1 Comment

Friends,

The weekend is the ultimate time to go on some new adventures, savor long meals with friends and get recharged for the the upcoming week. More on that later, but for now check out some of my favorite blog posts and videos I’ve stumbled upon (and keep revisiting), and have me ready to start the new week creatively!

[Weekend Post coming up – for now I leave you with this tempting view of Brooklyn]

Ultimate guide to dressing down sequins from LEAF TV

What to wear when meeting Anna Wintour

Lipstick Guide for the Fearful by Gal Meets Glam and Cupcakes and Cashmere (how weird they were thinking the same thing right?) – Perfect for brightening up your look on the dullest of winter days.

What have you seen recently that’s inspired or energized you? Sharing is caring!

Positive Focus

January 24, 2013November 12, 2013 by gemilbourne ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

It’s like 10 degrees in New York. Here’s what’s keeping me sane:

[A memory board turned into art canvas that makes me happy (read- anything Paris makes me happy)]

[L.L. Bean Boots for the pending snow storms (they arrived just in time)]

[A new tray to hold essential candles and other goodies on my coffee table]

[Tea and homemade biscotti for a Downton Abbey viewing party with some girlfriends this past weekend]

[DIY (done with my mama) using extra cups and saucers to hold special baubles and jewels in a dresser drawer]

I’m looking at an unpredictable rest of the month, so it’s the little things once again that are pulling me through and giving me the occasional moment of calm.

Hope you’re all finding a source of joy this week – let me know if there is any content you’d like to see specifically on the blog in the future!

Where the heart is

January 22, 2013November 12, 2013 by gemilbourne ♥ 1 Comment

[Dress Shirt: Gap, Sweater: J.Crew, Belt: Old Navy, Leggings: H&M, Boots: Ciao Bella, Watch: Fossil]

Went home for a long weekend and spent time with many of my favorite people; of course I needed a look that was comfortable and polished. Layering closet staples can give a different, as well as textural feel that looks effortless. I had to add a belt that would augment the look and add a contrasting pattern to the mix. Also, meet my favorite boots which have walked me through several European countries, and have recently been resoled … you will see them many, many more times here.

Have a happy Tuesday, and signup for Steeped in Style posts delivered to your email on the right hand navigation!

She’s got the blues

January 19, 2013November 12, 2013 by gemilbourne ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Apparently I’ve been in a blue-lovin mood this week.

[Updated Classics Look: Shift Dress: Ann Taylor, Oxford: F21, Necklace: F21, Booties: Dolce Vita, Belt: J.Crew]

[

[Glam Utilitarian: Oxford: Lands End, Jeans: Levis, Heels: Restricted, Faux Fur Vest: Buffalo, Necklace: Shoe Dazzle]

[Unintentional Polish: Dress: Gap, Blazer: Calvin Klein, Tights: J.Crew, Necklace: F21, Flats: Kimchi Blue c/o UO]

I may or may not have been dressing in accordance with the overcast weather we’ve been having?

A bright spot

January 18, 2013November 12, 2013 by gemilbourne ♥ 1 Comment

Photobucket

[Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2013]

[Via the Color Collective]

We all get stuck in a fashion rut at times, wearing the same tired outfits over and over. For me, one of my biggest sources of inspiration come from unconventional color combinations – I looove color. How good is the blue/periwinkle and burgundy together for winter? I mean seriously.

An easy way to switch up your perspective is to look for colors (together) that draw you in. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in a fashion specific setting, just anything that catches your eye and makes you happy. Colors are meant to be mixed and played with, and by seeing what looks good, you can incorporate those combinations within your own wardrobe.

One of the reasons I started this blog was to share my love for style, and hopefully inspire others to define, and enjoy their own personal look. I hope this take on how I view and use color will do just that for you all!

What color combinations are you dying to try, do share!

Resolutions

January 16, 2013November 12, 2013 by gemilbourne ♥ 1 Comment

[1. Dress up more on Mondays]

[2. Embrace matchy matchy looks]

[3. Buy myself flowers. Just because.]

[Go out and ruin a few pairs of heels on the weekend]

[5. Actually take a lunch break]

It’s almost the middle of January and I’m sure many of our New Year’s resolutions are already abandoned, but even if they are, you can always set a few new ones. Because, why not?

Have you kept your 2013 New Year resolutions, or are you already on your second string?

Animal Instinct

January 13, 2013November 12, 2013 by gemilbourne ♥ 4 Comments

[Sweater: F21]

[Shirt: J.Crew, Jeans: Madewell, Shoes: DKNYC]

[Shirt: Gap, Blazer: Calvin Klein, Scarf: Gifted, Jeans: Levi’s, Oxfords: Dolce Vita, Nails: Revlon Raven Red]

[Shirt: J.Crew, iphone case: J.Crew, Jewelry: T&J Designs, Bauble Bar, Nails: Essie Hot Cocoa]

[Dolce Vita: I’ve been stalking this pair for two years]

Let’s just say I’ve had a complicated relationship with animal prints, one growing from absolute hate to absolute love. I’ve come to see what an amazing basic animal prints can be, especially paired with the rich hues from Fall/Winter collections, like burgundy, rich browns, and Pantone’s 2013 color of the year: emerald.

The irony is now I’m living in NJ and loving animal prints – does this make me a Jersey girl?

What are your thoughts on animal prints?

Little Moments

January 6, 2013November 12, 2013 by gemilbourne ♥ 2 Comments

I wanted to share a few things that brought me joy this weekend; somethings I think savoring the little things is the only way to fully appreciate life.

[A brisk walk on NYC’s Highline]

[Walk around the 9/11 Memorial Pools of Remembrance]

[New push-pins for my inspiration board from Anthropologie]

[Meatpacking District Fig and Olive Brunch]

[A new corner of my apartment coming together]

What little moments did you love this week? I’d love to hear.

Series of Self

December 30, 2012November 12, 2013 by gemilbourne ♥ 1 Comment

Forgive me for my blatant lack of blogging.

Resolving to commit to making this thing happen in the New Year. Here’s a few outfits from the past week (i-phone quality, hoping the clothes themselves will do the talking)

Outfit 1: Top: Ann Taylor Loft. Leather Skirt: Forever 21. Necklace: Forever 21. Tights: Kensie. Pumps: Franco Sarto.

Outfit 2: Beanie: H&M. Coat: J.Crew. Jeans: Forever 21. Smoking Slippers: DKNYC.

Outfit 3: Shirt: Gap. Sweater: J.Crew. Necklace: Bauble Bar. Silk Pants: Forever 21. Smoking Slippers: DKNYC.

Hope you’re all seeing out 2012 in style!