Leather Care

November 10, 2014November 8, 2014 by gemilbourne ♥ 2 Comments

Beauty Counter Spotlight 2 by grace-milbourne on Polyvore

Scotchgard™ Leather Protector for Suede and Nubuck / Amazon.com: Scotchgard Shoe Guard for Leather, 2.3-Fluid Ounce: Home…

I have this weird obsession with meticulously caring for my leather goods. In fact, just saying the term “leather goods” gives me a tiny shiver of pleasure. I talk a lot about buying quality things (namely leather, not faux) whenever I can, and a part of that is maintenance.

Give your boots one slushy, snowy winter in NYC, and they’d be in your trash pile come April. In comes a small brigade of products that you can use to give protect and nurture your bags, boots, flats, etc. for another season.

I use Scotchgard as soon as a new pair of shoes comes out of the box, to ensure they are water and oil resistant. I use another shoe lotion to moisturize when the leather loses its’ luster. Suede can be notoriously tricky to care for, but many products come with a brush so you can gently loosen dirt and then clean the surface.

All you need is a soft cloth, the right products, and your beautiful leather items will age on beautifully, without the gross city stains you’d care to forget.

If you want to read more, Into the Gloss published a great article with more products right this way.

My fall list (the fashion apple of my eye)

October 28, 2014October 28, 2014 by gemilbourne ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

[Outfit Details: Jacket: J.Crew, Sweater: Banana Republic; Shirt: F21 (old); Jeans: Madewell; Boots: LL Bean]

This fall I made a list. Have a dinner party, check. Pick apples and make glorious things with them, check. Make a shopping list and stick to it, CHECK. At the top of my list was a lightweight jacket that was utilitarian and weather saavy (guys, this jacket is waterproof with a hood).

As always, I fell in love on the J.Crew website. I’ve found that sticking to a plan for my purchases this season has expanded the versatility of my closet even though I’m adding a smaller amount of items. I’m abiding by the mantra of “fewer, better things.”

Are you all sticking to a list this season? Having any luck? Of course there are always a few finds the come your way that are too good to pass up on, but I’m really digging this more intentional approach to building my closet.

Beauty Counter Spotlight

October 21, 2014October 21, 2014 by gemilbourne ♥ 1 Comment

Beauty Counter Spotlight by grace-milbourne on Polyvore

I’ve been wanting to share more beauty and skin care finds here on Steeped in Style — so here’s my first edition of the Beauty Counter Spotlight. This feature with focus on some of my new and old beauty favorites that have earned a place of honor on my actual (and sometimes metaphorical, because it can get crowded) bathroom counter.

First up: the perfect light gray nail polish: Cocktail bling by Essie. I’m shocked I have never tried this hue until a manicure I had last week. This color is calm enough for more professional office settings, but still offsetting because it isn’t your typical run of the mill polish. Color me sold, I have to own a bottle.

What type of product do you want to see featured in the beauty counter spotlight?

Posts of note

October 9, 2014October 5, 2014 by gemilbourne ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

[Image via Pinterest]

It’s been a while since I’ve done a round up of interesting posts from around the web, but I’ve been quietly collecting some gems which I’m excited to share with you all below!

Churro bites. if anyone knows me they know that this is one of my FAVORITE street desserts, that is surprisingly hard to find.

Lovely LC’s home photos. She may be taking a bit of heat for having “basic” style but I’m loving the mood of her new home.

Lena finally has a book out and everyone is grabbing one. Her ideas on being proud of your own life and yourself are obviously making me want to join suit and get myself a copy.

A man’s take on boyfriend jeans.

Career tips from real women.

Jenna (we LOVE you!) shares how to roll the perfect sleeve.

The best of (Black boots)

October 6, 2014October 6, 2014 by gemilbourne ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Halogen ankle boots / Sam Edelman leather boots / Steve Madden shoes / Dolce Vita leather boots / The Charley Collar-Stud Boot : boots | Madewell

In the midst of closets organizing, and wardrobe planning, you sometimes stumble upon a rockstar item that hass been holed up in the back of your closet, or is somewhere out there in the retail universe that you need to bring home. I’m somewhere in the second camp, in regards to black booties.

While I gravitate more towards neutral browns, the power of a pair of boots can’t be denied. I’m leaning more towards a 1-inch heel height, but there are lots of options out there for wherever you forsee these little beauties taking you :)

Shop some of my favorites above, or let me know what you’ve seen about the interwebs yourselves.

Denim that gives back (Madewell x Blue Jeans Go Green)

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

Dear Denim Lovers (yes it deserves an upper case “D”),

Wanted to share a quick note on a super thoughtful and beneficial program that Madewell is offering through October 6th. Right now if you bring in a pair of old jeans (they don’t even have to be Madewell brand), you’ll receive $20 off your purchase of a new pair on the spot.

This clearly accomplishes two things that you should care about:

1. If you haven’t cleaned out your closet yet (for shame) this gives you a valid reason to retire an old pair and rebuild your wardrobe with something fresh and fitting, mostly because Madewell jeans are awesome.

2. More importantly your old denim will be donated to Blue Jeans Go Green, which creates insulation for new homes being built for those in need.

Please participate if you’ve been wanting to rebulk up your denim wardrobe. I bought this pair earlier, and it feels so good to make some good with a simple pair of jeans. Find out more about the Madewell offer, and Blue Jeans Go Green, and let me know what pair you end up with.

Primal Neutrals

October 1, 2014October 1, 2014 by gemilbourne ♥ 1 Comment

[Outfit Details: Dress: Zara; Necklace: BaubleBar; Shoes: J.Crew]

I would never claim to be a print lover, but there is a small section of my closet completely dedicated to animal prints. I’m not sure what it is that draws me to the leopard, but sometimes you just go with your gut no?

This little dress from Zara is proving to be super functional – wearing it now with bare legs and flats or sandals, but in a few months (dear Jesus, let it be not weeks) I can see this with black tights and booties. Anything that works with both black and brown accessories is a winner in my book. Also shout out to J.Crew for the amazing Kiki flat, I have somehow acquired two pairs in the last month and am super impressed with the heel support and great leather. There are a ton of styles on J.Crew now over on sale as well.

What prints are a staple in your closet? Let me know in the comment box below.

Pinners Delight (#Fallinspo)

September 29, 2014September 29, 2014 by gemilbourne ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

It’s taboo for a style blogger to admit a total lack of excitement for fall, layering, and a removal of citrus-colored clothing once Labor Day passes. But that was totally me this month. All it took were a few images via Pinterest to get my creative juices flowing and I was ready to whip out my credit card and run to the stores. Really, I was that easily convinced.

I’m all in for luxurious knits, tailored pants and felt hats. Bring it all September!

Where do you all turn for inspiration when you’re lacking ideas?

See more of Steeped on Style on pinterest here: http://www.pinterest.com/gemilbourne/

A weeks worth of #OOTDs

September 26, 2014September 26, 2014 by gemilbourne ♥ 3 Comments

[Outfit Details: it seems like my entire wardrobe … ]

I know I’ve been slacking entirely for the past two months on outfit posts.

I know this is supposed to be a style blog.

So to make it up, I’ve been taking every present moment (alone) in my office elevator to document my outfits. Yes I know this is slightly embarrassing, but that’s basically the life of a blogger, so time to OWN IT.

Highlights include: the start of layering season (!!), debut of the Superga sneakers (on Steeped on style at least), and me carrying an array of personal items.

Hope you enjoy this casual approach – I’ll be back to regular outfit posts soon! XX

Step lightly into fall

September 25, 2014September 24, 2014 by gemilbourne ♥ 2 Comments

Madewell oxford / Madewell flat shoes / Steve Madden Daafy / Seychelles flat shoes / Steve Madden Elusion / DV by Dolce Vita flat shoes

With the new season comes the gaping hole in your wardrobe for wearable accents (once you do the annual closet switch, that is). This Fall, the pointy-toed flat is striking the right cord. With silk blouses, and loose trousers, these simple but striking picks will create a modern look from head to foot.

Which look is your favorite?