Here we go again (Summer bring it)

Here we go again (Summer bring it)

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[The Details: Jacket: Gap, Dress: Random, Converse]

Excuse my absence – I’ve been out living my summer life, going to concerts, down South for a quick vacation and just generally being busy and refreshed. Above is a realistic compilation of all things I’ve been into recently. It’s so easy to keep things simple with a clean white dress, white sneakers and some denim.

It’s pretty brainless, but I think it works (especially on those days where you have like 20 minutes to get dressed before your daily adventures begin).

Style Tip: I’m not a fan of wedge sneakers, but I can really get behind a pair of Keds, Converse, or Supergas with a summery dress. Give your sandals a rest and kick on your trainers for a playful look.

Hope everyone has a great week!

My urban jungle

My urban jungle

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[The Details: Tee: J.Crew, Pants: Zara, Sandals: Madewell, Jewelry: Assorted]

I think my body has yet to adjust to these warmer temperatures, but I’m trying to catch up with some wardrobe modifications. I might have mentioned before how into printed pants I am for this S/S, and these high waisted drawstring pants with racing strips really satisfied my need to be a little bit hippie and stay cool when I could be melting outside. Also really happy to own these new sandals, have really been craving some lace-ups in whatever form I can get.

Style Tip: If you’re new to the printed pant trend, start with something simple, or in a more traditional color, to ease your way into full fledged obsession.

Hope your week is off to a great start!

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Color Blocked Class

Color Blocked Class

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[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

Texture & Prints

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[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

Weekly Affinity

Weekly Affinity

Sometimes an image captivates you and completely embodies the type of style, or attitude you yourself want to hold. Since I haven’t had time (and it’s been rainy … ) to take my own outfit photos recently, here are a few images that have been a source of inspiration for me this week.

[I mean, she nails it – from the casual sweat shirt, to the printed pants, open toed shoes, and tribal necklace]

[Gorgeous jacket, and the hair helps too]

[This pink, oh wow, reminds me of the pending peony season]

[The mix of a fem maxi dress and a leather jacket is one that I’m dying to try]

[And lastly, a shoutout to the upcoming headscarf season, which I will be ushering in very very shortly … )

Happy Friday friends! May your weekend be restorative and filled with style.

One of the boys

One of the boys

One of the boys
J.Crew j crew / J.Crew j crew / Converse sneaker / J.Crew j crew watch / J.Crew sunglasses
For those of you who know me personally, “tomboy” would be the last word used to describe me, or my style aesthetic. I’ve always preferred the more classic, and sometimes romantic approach to dressing. This is not to say though that I can’t appreciate what some of our favorite male looks have inspired – clean lines, classic materials, and worn in fabrics. Nothing is more appealing than someone who really feels comfortable in their own skin (in some cases, this can translate to a good pair of jeans) and recently I’ve been testing the waters with some of these more masculine looks.
Top of mind are a white pair of converse and a leather wrist watch … Who else is feeling me on making a little corner of your closet dedicated to boyish looks? It may make the men in our lives more happy if we stop “borrowing” their t-shirts (aka stealing them).
Easy Breezy

Easy Breezy

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(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?

Style Now: A few little things

Style Now: A few little things

A few little things
Sometimes it’s the littlest accessory that makes all the difference. Here are a few items I’ve kept visiting around the interwebs (does anyone else have that problem?) that I know would take a plethora of outfits to the next level. If a piece can stand alone, that’s when you know it has that stopping power, and is actually worthy of investment.
Garden Glory

Garden Glory

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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!