Boutique of the Week: Ruche

This weeks boutique of the week is called Ruche. Ruche is a wonderful online shop where vintage meets modern. They offer a diverse selection of items, anywhere from gorgeous women's clothing to stylish oven mitts. I love this site not only because of their amazing merchandise and reasonable price points but I also love the story of how they established the shop. Read here.
I've added a few of my favorite pieces. Have a great weekend everyone!

Caught in the Wind Top
Available here

Mod Revival Colorblock Dress
Available here

World on a String Earrings
Available here

This is SO Cute! Elephants Fly Children's Hooded Towel
Available here

Amazon Sights Bangle Collection
Available here
All images via http://shopruche.com/

XO

For All You Creatives Out There

I think this is very appropriate for Thoughtful Thursday. I found this posted on one of my favorite blogs and felt it was definitely worth sharing. Anyone in a creative field can certainly relate to this short video clip. I hope it provides a sense of encouragement and new focused energy for anyone feeling less than inspired today.

 

Ira Glass on Storytelling

                                                               by David Shiyang Liu

                                                                     

XO

Lea's Design Trends:Spring Edition

As I have mentioned before, I am no interior design expert! So I would like to introduce to you my go to interior design girl, Lea!

Lea is a wonderful interior designer with an amazing eye for art and design. She will be here at
The Jem Journal on a weekly basis, sharing all of her lovely insights and inspirations. It's incredible how closely related the design and fashion world are and Miss Lea will be incorporating them both for our own personal enjoyment, which I am beyond excited about!

And please, don't be shy! If you have any interior design questions for Lea, do not hesitate to ask. She would be more than happy to answer them.

Without further ado, here is Lea with some gorgeous spring design trends!
_________________________________________________________________________________

There are some heavy hitters in the Spring color trends, in fashion, as well as in Design! Color has never been so bold and bright and we are loving it! Gone are the days of "shades of dirt". So say hello to energetic, lively, bold and beautiful!

The most evident new trend is Color Blocks; the mixing of crayon bright solids with ghost white and black. Throw in dots, florals, and large geometric prints, stir and Enjoy!

Lea Placek-Interior Designer

 

Benjamin Moore's Interior Color Pulse

A well appointed room incorporating this seasons hottest colors 

source: www.interiorking.com

"Spring" created by Kojovic on Olioboard

Fashion Forward...

Global Bizarre toss pillows to add the perfect punch to any space

source: www.Inovationsid.com

Color Trends in Art

source: www.Bellemaison23.com

Oh So very Berry!

source-pillows: www.laylagrayce.com

Window Shopping

Today I was fortunate enough to spend my entire afternoon window shopping with a friend. I was actually the only one doing the window shopping, as she was doing some last minute shopping before her little babe arrives next week!

It was a sunny and gorgeous day here and as I strolled by the stores I found quite a few items I think I may need in my closet this spring...

I think I may be the last person to purchase one of these denim tops so I couldn't help but admire it with these adorable cropped white jeans through the Guess windows today.I will definitely be purchasing this top or one similar to add to my spring wardrobe.

Not in love with this purse, but I am loving the colored display it is merchandised on. Once again color is everywhere!

I do on the other hand, think this straw Michael Kors bag is the ideal summer/beach bag!

While this gorgeous tree has nothing to do with my window shopping wish list, it is something that made be very happy today! A fully bloomed tree in Chicago in March is unheard of!

I can appreciate the color of the skirt at Urban Outfitters but other than that lets forget the entire outfit EXCEPT for the beyond cute suede brown wedges! These are a must for me!

www.urbanoutfitters.com

A similar outfit, inspired by my window shopping today

$235 - farfetch.com

CYCLE Ribbon collar denim shirt

Long sleeve shirts »

$140 - farfetch.com

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY 'Thompson Crop' skinny jean

Skinny jeans »

$295 - net-a-porter.com

Tory Burch Ace leather wedge sandals

Tory burch sandals »

$495 - saksfifthavenue.com

Michael Kors Raffia Tote Bag

Michael kors tote »

XO

Style Jems

I have numerous blogs I check on a weekly basis, and I of course have my favorites! I find the ones that inspire me the most are the fashion blogs that feature their own personal styles and outfits. This has given me the idea of creating a new weekly read called "Style Jems"that not only features my own wardrobe and style but ideally yours as well.

I would like to start featuring one reader's style a week, including a favorite outfit of yours as well as a few of your favorite pieces that capture whatever your style may be. If you would like to be featured, please send me images of some of your most beloved outfits and a list of where you purchased each piece to morgan@thejemboutique.com 

My hopes are that this new read will allow my readers to become more involved with The Jem Journal as well as offering inspiration and numerous style point of views from women everywhere. I look forward to hearing from all of you!

A few examples from some of my favorite blogs, of what I am thinking this new weekly read could look like...

 

www.brooklynblonde.com

www.brooklynblonde.com

www.stylescrapbook.com

www.thistimetomorrow.com

www.atlantic-pacific.com



www.atlantic-pacific.com

XO

Weekend Recap



Started the weekend off with a Friday afternoon picnic by the lake with boyfriend and pup

Friday night date night at Roy's

Walked downtown to experience the St. Patty's Day tradition of dying the river green

During the dye

After

Finished our weekend by enjoying the gorgeous weather with a delicious Sunday dinner at our friend's home...amazing fish tacos and skinny girl margaritas! The perfect end to a wonderful weekend!

Please excuse my images via my phone

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend!

XO

Thoughtful Thursday: DIY Moisturizing Oil

I would like to keep Thursday an insightful day at The Jem Journal. So today I'd like to share a super easy DIY body care product that I use everyday. I don't know about you, but I am a little bit of a crazy person about the products I use. When I can, I always buy organic, or in this case I purchase a few ingredients and create my own.

I am not going to preach on the subject (although I could) just trust me when I say this body moisturizer works better than any other you can buy and is chemical and preservative free(always a plus.) With that being said, here is an incredibly simple recipe for a great DIY moisturizing oil that smells amazing and can double as a face moisturizer.

This recipe comes from one of my favorite books, Do It Gorgeously by Sophie Uliano. If you are into making your own product this book is filled with wonderful recipes!

What You Will Need

-2 oz. almond oil
-2 oz. olive oil
-10 drops lavender oil
-4 oz. bottle (glass or plastic, I have one with a spritzer which I like)
(All of this can be found at Whole Foods)

Instructions

1.Carefully pour the almond and olive oil directly into the bottle(a funnel can be helpful)
2. Add the lavender oil
3.Screw on the top and enjoy!

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

XO