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Shape Shifter (part two).

The Steele Maiden: Shape Shifter - part two(Vintage Scarf; H&M Sunglasses – similar here; Tulle Dress (available Fall 2013) similar here and here; Vintage Bag; Steve Madden Wedges – similar here)

While I spent yesterday testing out the shape of a cropped top and high waisted shorts, today I’m shifting silhouettes to try out another new shape…


Shift dresses are not in my usual repertoire.  Somewhere about 5 years back I came to realize that despite whatever was trendy at the given moment, I needed to stay true to what worked best for my body type and my style (which generally equates to a silhouette that doesn’t hide my legs or my natural waist).  So, shift dresses didn’t make the cut.  But in the sake of fashion, I decided to give them a go.  What I found was that, if I still showed plenty of leg, balanced out the swingy shape with a sturdy shoe, and stuck to a single bold color (while some people can pull off patterned shift dresses with aplomb I found the simplicity here to be flattering) – I kind of loved the shape.  And – in stark contrast with yesterday’s post – I could hide having just eaten a fairly large lunch.  

And since I started in on my summer in the ’60’s theme from a younger point of view – this time I took things in a slightly more grown up direction.  Because if I was a young woman in the 60’s with enough mad money in my purse for a tank of gas, I’d have the desire to hit the great American highway for a road trip, stopping in at a pretty authentic looking motel along the way.  In fact, I think I still am that young woman.      

The Steele Maiden: Shape Shifter - part two

The Steele Maiden: Shape Shifter - part two

The Steele Maiden: Shape Shifter - part two

The Steele Maiden: Shape Shifter - part two

The Steele Maiden: Shape Shifter - part two

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Shape Shifter (part one).

The Steele Maiden: Shape Shifter - part one(Anthropologie Cropped Top – similar here; Forever 21 High Waisted Shorts – cute option here)

What I love most about a great magazine article or blog post is when it allows you to see something in a new way.  How it can show you, in just a few glossy pictures, that you too can pull off that silhouette you had never before considered with just a few deft styling tricks.  There are silhouettes that as a rule I do not do.  Crop tops with high waisted shorts and shift dresses are among them.  But, the point of my having this blog is to break the rules, explore new paths, and take a few stylish risks along the way.  So over the next couple of days I’m going to be shifting the shape of my usual silhouette – and having a bit of fun with it as I go…

When I decided I wanted to try out these new looks I also decided I wanted to put a spin on them and because of the somewhat retro feel of both of these silhouettes I took things back to summertime in the 1960’s.  For the first look (mainly because I couldn’t quite bring myself to walk down the sidewalk in this outfit), I played up the feeling of summer vacation and the slight boredom that always creeps into that (if I were an 18 year old girl stuck at home all summer in the ’60’s I’d try on lipstick and listen to my favorite records on repeat – wouldn’t you?).  


Come back tomorrow where my new summer silhouette focuses on shift dresses and I hit the road for a retro getaway…

The Steele Maiden: Shape Shifter - part oneThe Steele Maiden: Shape Shifter - part one

  The Steele Maiden: Shape Shifter - part one


The Steele Maiden: Shape Shifter - part one
The Steele Maiden: Shape Shifter - part one

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Go Flamingo.

Is it just me or does the middle of Summer make you want to go really bold?  Like Palm Springs in the heat of summer with a touch of kitsch bold?  And when it comes to making a statement, I figure what better source of inspiration than flamingoes…
Here a few affordable options to pulling off the look of that bold bird:

1. Nest: This print would look great in a guest bathroom, or tossed into the mix among a gallery wall with a few other graphic typography pieces, and maybe a black and white landscape.  Either way, it’s a simple pop that will brighten up your space on a budget.  

2. Dressed: These black and white grid printed heels are just plain fun.  I’d pair them with a brightly colored solid silk shift dress (maybe fuchsia?) and legs for days.  Wear your hair in a top knot and gold button earrings.

3. The Rest: For flamingoes – aside from their vivid hue – it’s all about the beak.  Take a hint and swipe on the brightest fuchsia lipstick you can find (this Make Up Forever version lasts particularly well), because if you can’t in the middle of Summer, then when?


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Weekend Flashback.

The Steele Maiden - Weekend Flashback
Now that I’m back from my East Coast getaway, I’m ready to really settle in and enjoy the summer here in Southern California.  Sometimes at the height of summer I feel myself start to fade into the heat, but I’m happy to report I’m feeling more inspired than ever – with lots of exciting new projects on the horizon.  This is all good news for my closet (and budget) as I’ve suddenly been able to see new outfits and looks where I once saw just the same old things.  Want a little tip to shopping your own closet in a new light?  Use your favorite magazine or catalogue (Lucky and J.Crew are my go-to’s) and mark your favorite looks, then match them with similar items you already own.  Here’s to starting the week off with a new perspective – it’s gonna be a good one.  




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Classic Mix Up.


I have very few plans for this weekend – and that’s exactly how I planned it.  My casual looks vary on my days off but, well because I’m me, I usually like to add one element that kind of dresses things up.  Ever since I saw this look from mega blogger Sincerely Jules I’ve loved the idea of tossing on a great pair of statement earrings with a favorite, perfectly worn in sweatshirt.  Here’s to kicking back in style this weekend.  Happy Friday!