Tried & True with Maddie of Gems I Loved
An interview series! Learn about Maddie's go-to outfits, favorite recent finds, brands on her radar and more!
Welcome to Tried & True, an interview series where I speak to friends about their wardrobe and the items they reach for again and again. I think that all of us are curators of our own lives; everyday we are trying new things, testing out our purchases and iterating based on the information we gather. I love to learn the nitty gritty, not just what someone loves, but WHY they love it.
MEET MADDIE:
I am thrilled to kick off my new interview series with my friend Maddie of @gemsiloved. Maddie and I have been instagram friends for years. What started as connecting through social media has grown into a real life friendship for which I am so grateful. Maddie is truly a GEM! She has the best taste - colorful and fun but also chic and timeless. We initially over our shared love for a patterned top or dress with fun poufy sleeves! But more importantly, Maddie is so kind and thoughtful. I am always inspired by Maddie's authenticity, she just says things how they are, in the best way! I am excited for you all to get to know more about Maddie! I know you will love her just as much as I do.
THE FACTS:
Name: Maddie
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Title: New Mom, Content Creator, Occasional Substack Writer and Full-Time 9-5’er
Self description: I’m a new mom, living in Chicago with my husband and fully embracing homebody life in my 30s, after years of moving between five cities! I’m passionate about discovering products that are genuinely worth the money and sharing unique, colorful finds that aren’t tied to trends. As someone who thrives in structure but loves being creative, I have a deep passion for interior design and spend way too much time designing my own home. Outside of my 9-to-5 in consumer health, I write for my Substack, which feels like a rare and cherished luxury these days!
FOLLOW:
@gemsiloved on Instagram
on Substack
What is your go-to outfit or uniform?
I love a tailored pant with a puff sleeve and ballet flats. This is what originally inspired my Instagram—my love for (and fearless embrace of) a voluminous top. My uniform is almost always something tailored, something unexpected, and something classic, and I always opt for navy over black as a neutral.
I love this sweater from LoveShackFancy because it has a classic silhouette with a slight puff sleeve so it’s work appropriate but still fun. For trousers, Nili Lotan’s Flavie Pant holds a special place in my heart, though I’m also a big fan of these from Veronica Beard (really, any pant they make). **note, the Flavie Pant is an older style that is no longer made, we found a few sizes still in stock here.
At 5’11, ballet flats are a staple for me. Trendy or not, they’re my favorite shoes. While Chanel ballet flats aren’t currently in my budget, the pairs I own are truly cherished investments for me. For everyday wear, I love the Margaux Demi Flats and recently got these from Le Monde Beryl which have also been added to my rotation.
When it comes to jewelry, I stick to timeless pieces: family heirlooms, diamond huggie earrings, and my charm necklace from Henri Noel Jewelry. The charms—sourced from Vana Chupp, Fewer Finer, Julz Gold and vintage from Etsy—make it deeply personal, and I never take it off. Watches are another staple in my wardrobe, as a self-proclaimed watch enthusiast.
Where do you splurge vs. save when shopping and building your wardrobe?
I tend to splurge on shoes, sweaters, and jeans or pants.
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