NYFW SURVIVAL GUIDE

The Steele Maiden NYFW Survival Guide

The first time I attended NYFW it was held at Bryant Park – I was 20 years old, interning for designer Nanette Lepore and dressing models backstage.  Many years later, a few venues and about a hundred blisters later.. I like to think I’ve learned a thing or two about how to get through this wild week in one piece. These days I’m lucky enough to be reporting from backstage rather than frantically dressing girls a foot taller than me – but no matter what situation I find myself in I’ve narrowed a list of things that will help me survive it in style.

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INTRODUCING: THE STEELE MAIDEN X STEELE CANVAS WEEKENDER BAG

The Steele Maiden x Steele Canvas Weekender Bag Collaboration

IT’S HERE!! After almost 6 months of samples, swatches, and stitching I couldn’t be more excited to introduce to you all The Steele Maiden x Steele Canvas Weekender bag!  I’ve been a fan of Steele Canvas ever since I first spotted their totes in J.Crew way back when.. and while it started with a connection to the shared name, once I learned about the history of their American-made brand, quality materials and timeless shapes – I was really hooked. Fast forward to this past March when the team at Steele Canvas asked if I’d like to collaborate on an exclusive new style – and here we are!

Read on for all the behind the scenes and follow me on Instagram for the chance to WIN a bag for yourself! Plus – use code STEELE10 to receive 10% off your purchase of The Weekender now through Sept. 30

The Steele Maiden x Steele Canvas Weekender Bag Collaboration

Many of you may not know, but I majored in Fashion Design in college, so I was excited to roll up my sleeves and dive in to this project head first. The team at Steele Canvas were generous enough to give me pretty much free reign on the design (adding in their expert canvas and construction knowledge along the way), so after reviewing swatches and working up some first sketches, Adam and I headed straight to the source (their offices and factory outside of Boston, MA) to get a closer look.

The Steele Maiden x Steele Canvas Weekender Bag Collaboration The Steele Maiden x Steele Canvas Weekender Bag Collaboration

For the design, I was inspired by vintage duffles, the history of the brand itself (founded in 1921) and my own love of weekend getaways. I chose their traditional natural duck canvas and accented it with this beautiful, already broken in brown leather. And from there I made sure to make it as functional as possible – a long adjustable shoulder strap plus handles, an outside pocket (I hate digging around for essentials like my phone and keys), plus 2 inside pockets for small accessories. And for an added touch – my signature is printed on one of the inside pockets!

The Steele Maiden x Steele Canvas Weekender Bag Collaboration The Steele Maiden x Steele Canvas Weekender Bag CollaborationDesigned to fit everything you need for a few nights away from home and built Steele tough to last through every trip for years and years to come – I couldn’t be prouder of the results. And a huge, huge, HUGE thank you to the team at Steele Canvas for this opportunity! Now I want to hear – what do you think? And where would you take your Weekender bag? Here’s to your very own #steelemaidenvoyages

The Steele Maiden x Steele Canvas Weekender Bag Collaboration

 

BUTTON FRONT MINI SKIRT AND LOAFERS

Central Park NYC wearing Urban Outfitters button front mini skirt and patent loafers

 

There’s just something about Fall fashion. For me it started longggg before I ever dreamt of attending NYFW, back when Fall fashion meant back to school shopping. And I’m pretty sure I would have snapped up this outfit from about the 5th grade on.

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LACE DRESS AND CARGO JACKET

Lake Outfit - silk cargo jacket, lace dress and Seychelles wedges

 

A few more pictures from this weekend at the lake because by this point in the work week I could really use someplace zen to stare at. I mentioned yesterday but there was the slightest hint of Fall in the air and so I’ve been starting to reach for pieces like this lightweight, silky cargo jacket to make the seasonal transition.

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STRIPED TEE AND LEOPARD PRINT SCARF

Late Summer Style wearing Old Navy striped tee, Sole Society Leopard Print Scarf, Nordstrom distressed denim shorts and suede ankle boots

While I’m not wishing away Summer (I’ve still got a mile long bucket list to cross off!) – last weekend at the lake there was the tiniest hint of crisp Fall air in the mornings and at night. And it felt kind of great. Not least of all because I love dressing for that weather. Long-sleeved tees, bare legs, a light scarf, suede ankle boots.. the good stuff.

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