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

Boutique of the Week: Of a Kind

As I have mentioned before, I am someone who enjoys making as well as purchasing pieces that are original and not available to the masses and this weeks boutique of the week does just that. The online store is called Of a Kind and it features a new artist and item every week. The quantity of the items they offer are minimal, ranging anywhere from 5 to 50 of each piece. They do a great job making the shopping experience interactive by sharing stories and inspiration boards from each featured artist. Check out the site here

To reassure that you are getting something special each item comes with a certificate of authenticity that is signed and numbered by the artist. They offer a diverse selection of merchandise including clothing, scarves, jewelry, and tote bags just to name a few. Here are a few items that are being featured this week that I am loving!

Truckin' Tank by Lauren Moffatt

Catch All Tote by Lina Rennell

Petra Hand Painted Tie by Partner and Spade

Nude Necklace by Iacoli and McCallister

Pillow by Dusen and Dusen

I am passionate about supporting businesses that support other indie artists and I think this online shop does a wonderful job doing this. There are constantly new items available and new artist stories being shared. I know it will not be long before all of you love this site as much as I do!

All images via http://www.ofakind.com/

XO

Layering for Spring

Happy Monday everyone! In less I have read the weather forecast on my phone incorrectly, it is suppose to be in the 70's all week here in Chicago. Meaning goodbye bulky coats and hello to layering with skirts, maxis, tees, and cute little jackets. I am beyond excited and have pulled some fun boards to get us all in the mood for some serious layering.

Loving the navy and orange combo



I have a blush pleated skirt similar to this from Forever 21, plus a little black blazer that is calling my name this week.
http://www.forever21.com/



Hello striped J Crew Sweater...you are a gorgeous layering piece
http://www.jcrew.com/

Add a light scarf for an additional layer

images via http://www.polyovre.com/

XO

Weekend Recap



I had a great time helping with a fashion show for Enchantments Boutique, Naperville



Gorgeous earrings at Enchantments

I couldn't resist!

 


Brunch and fashion show at Sullivans, Naperville. Mimosas included!



Tried a new Cajun restaurant for dinner, Seven on Heaven. The food was good but not sure how I feel about the decor?

An amazing service at church this morning

And a much needed bath for our pup after a swim in the pond during our lovely afternoon walk today

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

XO