Navy Head to Toe

May 7, 2014May 5, 2014 by gemilbourne ♥ 1 Comment

[True life: the wind does what it wants … #bloggerhonesty]

[Outfit Details: Top: J.Crew; Vest: TJX; Skirt: J.Crew Factory; Belt: J.Crew; Shoes: Matisse via DSW; Earrings: Thrifted vintage]

Recently, I’ve been digging a monochromatic look. I also simultaneously realized the plethora of navy shirts in my closet. Apparently I have a good thing going? Not opposed to it, especially since I’m one to preach buying what you love and feel most yourself in.

On another note, I’m trying to savor these few transitional weeks we have (cough, spring is finally here, cough) with as much layering as possible. Time for vests, belts, and the final question, “how do things lay,” rather than our forthcoming “can I get away with wearing this to work, maintain a normal body temperature, and appear office aprops?”

What spring look do you all find yourselves gravitating towards? We only have a few more weeks to savor it friends; I’d love to hear your inclinations!

The little vest that could

April 24, 2014May 4, 2014 by gemilbourne ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

[Outfit Details: Top: J.Crew; Vest: J.Crew Factory; Jeans: F21; Flats: Urban Outfitters; Trench: London Fog; Scarf: Random (Market find!)]

I would never have thought that this little denim vest would find its’ way into my closet, but needless to say it did, and I’m in love. Despite my initial ambivalence and approval seeking (ask my best friend … ) I’ve come to terms that this is yet another denim piece that I’ll reach for time and time again.

Obviously it’s great for layering in the breezy, yet sunny, spring. I wore it 2 out of 2 days this weekend (read: the whole time). If you’re concerned about the ‘I-may-not-be-cool-enough-to-wear-this’ fear, believe me you are. This is a trend yes, but it’s also a classic American look that’s timeless.

A few tips (if you’re considering being in the “vest acquiring’ camp)–

Look for a slightly shrunken style. You’d don’t to be overtaken by this garment; consider it the sprinkles on the cake, not the icing (if that’s a applicable metaphor) …

Choose a wash that fits your wardrobe. I like a lighter wash since the majority of my denim bottoms are medium to darker. Obviously there’s more to wear than just double denim, but remember your overall aesthetic when choosing a piece.

Have I converted any of you yet? You’ll be seeing this one again …. so stay tuned! xo

Color Blocked Class

May 15, 2013November 12, 2013 by gemilbourne ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

[Outfit Details: Dress: Ann Klein, Sandals: BCBG, Necklace: Random]

So the purpose of me tromping around in these suburban gardens is to show the importance of a classic dress. Sheath dresses, like this one, are a favorite in my closet, but this one had a little more length and a bit of stretch which is super nice for spending all day in something.

The fact that it’s also tri-colored sold me. Paired with a complementary shoe (and a touch of turquoise) and some simple jewelry makes this combination great for work and play.

Hope everyone’s having a lovely week!

Texture & Prints

May 13, 2013November 12, 2013 by gemilbourne ♥ 2 Comments

[Outfit Details: Blouse: J.Crew, Jeans: Madewell, Belt: J.Crew, Sandals: Target, Headscarf: thrifted; bracelets: random, J.Crew]

Meet my attempt to look both equally pulled together, relaxed, and colorful. As forementioned, I love scarves, and can save a load of time in the morning by using one to tie my hair back. So timeless, and perfect for the upcoming summer days we want the hair out of our faces.

I should also mention that I love these high waisted jeans. It took me a while to get on board with them, but I love the ability to tuck in a variety of shirts, and finish it off with a belt. They’re kinda the equivalent of the ever useful, pencil or a-line skirt, don’t you think?

If any readers want more steeped in style content, check out my instagram and twitter feeds @gemilbourne

I so appreciate every site comment, visit and follower! xo

Easy Breezy

April 29, 2013November 12, 2013 by gemilbourne ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

(Outfit Details: Dress: Cynthia Rowley, Blazer: Kimchi Blue c/o Urban Outfitters, Sandals: BCBG; Bracelets: J.Crew and TK Designs)

Some days call for stress free, laze-in-and-out-of clothing. For instance, weekend afternoons sharing a meal with friends, relaxing in the sun light, or catching up on things that have fallen by the wayside on the weekday. I like both this blazer and dress because the fabrics are both comfortable and yet a little polished. Look for dresses that give you shape, whether by a structured top half, or a high waist.

Who wouldn’t want the best of both worlds, meaning going from brunch to your afternoon nap in one seamless outfit choice?

Garden Glory

April 24, 2013November 12, 2013 by gemilbourne ♥ 1 Comment

The Details: Sweaters: TJX, Borrowed (Thanks Sister!), Jacket: Thrifted, Jeans: Ann Taylor LOFT, Scarves: F21, Gifted, Shoes: Target, Sunglasses: Ray Ban, Bag: Longchamp)

Took a few lessons from my own book (and posts) and went for a neutral based, casual look. I went, with family in tow, to a beautiful botanical garden which was perfect for meandering around and taking loads of pictures. Conveniently, my muted look really looked great against the bold and abundant flora.

It was pretty chilly at points, so my style tip for the day is this – take two scarves that are a similar length and bulk, and wrap them together as if they were one piece. This adds more body to some of those lackluster scarves that may be lurking around your closet … (case in point: remember those wimpy scarves that were popular like 5 years back?)

Hope everyone’s having a lovely week!

Neon Violet

March 27, 2013November 12, 2013 by gemilbourne ♥ 2 Comments

[The Details: Sunnies: Ray Ban, Lipstick: Covergirl Fairytale, Blazer: Apostrophe, Tee shirt: Gap, Necklace: F21, Jeans: J.Crew, Flats: Nine West, Watch:Fossil]

SO, not going to lie, I’ve been waiting, just dyinggg, to wear these pants for months. Snagged them on a sale earlier in the winter and finally felt it was appropriate (read, sunny and spring like enough) to wear these out. They actually are a lot more neon than I initially thought, but a saturated hue works just as well as a pastel. Instead of pairing with another light color (as I would with a pastel), I thought something more stately, like a navy would complement nicely. I finished the look with some light jewelry and a bold lip – because I never need an excuse for that. I’m crushing pretty hard on any and every shade of purple this season, so look for more of that on the blog.

Hope everyone’s having a great week!

Fields of Green

March 9, 2013November 12, 2013 by gemilbourne ♥ 2 Comments

[The Look: Embellished Sheath: The LOFT, Blazer: Vintage, Jeans: Rich and Skinny, Flats: Calvin Klein]

This title is inspired by my dear co-worker and friend who told me my top and blazer looked like a fresh and clean spring field. Apparently I have embodied my longing for warmer weather? Don’t hate it. I wanted to keep this look simple and wearable for work and after hours. I feel like a white blazer is such a crisp way to update other simple pieces and feel a tiny bit fancy. Also, I may be celebrating St. Patty’s day just a little early …. ?

Thanks for enduring these inside shoots too – I can’t wait for the warmer weather (yes, this is a occurring theme of my life) and being able to take some photos outside!

Once again, thanks for following along! xo

Pattern Play (with some old faves)

March 6, 2013October 19, 2016 by gemilbourne ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

[The details: Chambray Shirt: Banana Republic, Wrap Sweater: Banana Republic, Jeans: Gap, Booties: Dolce Vita, Lipstick: Elizabeth Arden, Marigold]

When all else fails, I have found some of the most interesting (and unexpected) outfit combinations in my very own closet. For example, all these separate pieces are some of my most trusted favorites, but I never thought to add the two prints together. The pants are a very fine snakeskin pattern … and I did wear this to work might I add. Very appropriate. Just goes to show that we truly always have something to wear, we just need to open our eyes up a bit.

What are some of your most daring, but delightful, closet combinations? Do share.

Steeped in style

Tag: Spring Outfit