Hem Gems: An Inexpensive Way to Temporarily Alter Your Jeans

This post about about Hem Gems is long overdue (Laura at Hem Gems sent me a box to try out last year), but better late than never, right? They really are such an ingenious idea - especially when you've already spent tons of $$ on premium denim. Basically, you use these little pins (they come in four different styles: silver rivets, gold rivets, silver studs, and gold studs) to temporarily alter the length of your jeans depending on the type of shoes you're wearing.

Since visuals are key, I decided it would be best to demonstrate myself:

 The inseam on these jeans is so long on me, they're even almost too much for heels!

With hem gems, they're now perfect for flats!

Blouse: Jacob / Blazer: Zara / Jeans: Paige Premium Denim / Flats: Marc By Marc Jacobs

The pins are a little hard to work with sometimes since they need to be quite strong to go through denim, and obviously you're not going to get the perfectly "clean" look you'd get with a professional alteration, but Hem Gems are perfect for those pairs of jeans you want to wear with both heels and flats. Plus they're only $19.99 for a pack of 8 that you can re-use again and again.

A Chunky Knit in the Summer?

Despite the fact that temperatures are rising here in Vancouver, I could not stay away from the Patterson J. Kincaid Melinda Sweater (which is actually currently on sale at ShopBop). I immediately fell in love with the chunky knit, nautical stripes, and extra-long sleeves. It's perfect to throw on when the summer breeze hits or if I'm stuck in the shade, though I've already been envisioning plenty of Fall outfits too. Yes, I realize I have been complaining about the lack of Summer weather and now here I am almost wishing it was Fall...

 

 Sweater: Patterson J. Kincaid / Skirt: Forever 21 / Sandals: Shellys London

Necklace: H&M / Hat: Banana Republic

For my fellow Canadians, do you guys shop at The Bay? I have recently been reacquainting myself with our historic department store (it's where I bought this sweater!) and seriously, it is soooo much better than it used to be when I was younger. They have done such a great job re-branding and bringing in brands like Rachel Roy, Brochu Walker, Free People, among others. Plus I love the change rooms at the downtown location! So many mirrors!

Sunshine & A Pop of Colour

Apologies for my lack of recent blog posts... I've been super sick for the past week with one of those coughs that just will not go away. You know the kind where you literally cannot sleep because you are coughing for three hours straight? Yeah, that's what I had.

But thankfully I'm finally getting better... perfect timing because this looks like it's going to be an awesome weekend. Can't wait to go for walks outside, drink sangria, and cheer on the Canucks!

 

Silk Top: Forever 21 / Tank: TNA / Trousers: Talula / Belt: J.Crew / Wedges: Nine West

Bangle: Marc By Marc Jacobs / Bag: Joe Fresh Style / Sunglasses: Aldo