home for the holidays

The Steele Maiden: Home for the Holidays

Since meeting Jess, style maven behind Prosecco and Plaid, a few months back – we’ve quickly become bi-coastal blogging counterparts (in fact we’ve each lived in both NY and LA!).  Since we’re often drawn to similar pieces (she’s known to wearing them with a borrowed from the boys edge while I typically hand them a playful girly touch) we knew we wanted to team up to bring you something special for the holidays.  And when Asos (mega retailer of all things awesome) wanted to join in on the fun? Well, you knew it was gonna be good.  First up is styling a ‘Home for the Holidays’ look.  Here on the West Coast ‘home’ means just the boy and I, so a laid back approach with a touch of glamour felt festive but still easy enough for a day by the beach.  Both Jess and I went with metallic shoes and an accent of burgundy (a couple of my favorite trends for the holiday season that Asos happens to nail), but while she went slim and sleek with a grey sweater, I went slouchy cool with this fuzzy pink number.  And in another perfect twist of fate? They had just finished spray painting that wall below when we arrived.  Nothing says the ‘Home for the Holidays’ in Venice Beach like graffiti and skate boards.Boyfriend beanie // Fluffy V-Neck Sweater // Velvet Cross body Bag // Pointed Heels  all c/o Asos  **use code GIMME30 for 30% Off Sitewide through 12/4!!**

The Steele Maiden: Home for the Holidays
The Steele Maiden: Home for the Holidays
The Steele Maiden: Home for the Holidays
The Steele Maiden: Home for the Holidays
The Steele Maiden: Home for the Holidays
The Steele Maiden: Home for the Holidays
The Steele Maiden: Home for the Holidays
The Steele Maiden: Home for the Holidays

   

RSVP

The Steele Maiden: RSVPToday kicks a week long guide to Holiday Parties.  That magical time of year when you have tons of places to go, but suddenly nothing to wear.  Never fear.  I promise you there’s options somewhere in between the kitschy reindeer sweater and the same LBD you wore last year.  To start – I’m playing hostess.  Whether you’re having a few friends over, just your family, or a whole houseful you’re going to have all eyes on you.  So go for comfortable but pulled together.  I like to go a little retro when I host (think Mad Men, with a modern twist) which here, translates to a cozy cropped open jacket, a few non fussy accessories, comfortable heels, and one knock ’em dead piece.  This skirt.  Full, flirty, shiny and swingy it’s everything I want in a holiday hostess outfit.  Dress like this and don’t run out of cocktails.  You’ll be a surefire hit.  Red Clover Boutique Skirt  c/o – use code FREE for free shipping through 12/31/13 // Madewell Top – 25% Off through 12/2 with code FEAST25 // H&M Jacket – vest option here // Vintage Clutch & Necklace // Asos Heels c /o  – 20% Off through 12/2 with code GIMME20 
The Steele Maiden: RSVP
The Steele Maiden: RSVP
The Steele Maiden: RSVP
The Steele Maiden: RSVP
The Steele Maiden: RSVP
The Steele Maiden: RSVP

 

weekend flashback

The Steele Maiden: Weekend FlashbackCan you believe that it’s the last month of the year?!  November was a pretty good to me (remember this?) and having a nice long weekend was the perfect way to say a proper farewell and get excited for what December has in store.  I’m pretty much bursting at the seams to share with you what I’ve got planned over the next couple of weeks (think holiday party attire, video content, a guest spot in a lookbook and – since I’ve heard you’ve been so good – an amazing giveaway).  So don’t go anywhere and let’s make this last one count, okay?   
p.s. are you following me on Facebook or Instagram yet? I’m always posting more tidbits of The Steele Maiden world there so follow along and don’t miss a thing! 

shop small saturday

  
I talk a lot about big name stores – and with good reason, they’re offering up some pretty great deals right now – but as a designer and life long lover of vintage, shopping ‘small’ is something I hold near and dear to my heart.  Whether it be traveling or just exploring new neighborhoods in LA I always try and stop into little local shops.  And since it happens to be Shop Small Saturday, I thought I’d share a round up of some of my favorite vintage sources, handmade gems, and independent boutiques available online.  So this holiday season – don’t forget the little guys.  And I’d love to hear your favorites so I can add them to my list! 

Shop Vintage:
To Be Determined (everything from sequin tops from the ’50s to boyish ’80s loafers) // Adored Vintage (masterfully curated offering of vintage clothing & bridal **25% Off all weekend**) Trellis Weddingware (to make all your vintage bar cart dreams come true) // New Old Fashion (a gorgeous vintage selection – and they happen to be based near my PA hometown)

Shop Handmade: 
Kikay Jewelry (unique pieces with instant cool girl appeal **use code STEELEMAIDEN for 20% Off your purchase**) // Make Pie not War (monogrammed pieces you’ll wear for years) // Andrews Reclaimed (beautifully minimalist handcrafted wood planters, iPad docks and more) // Regan’s Brain (homemade pillows that manage to be graphic and cool) // My Live Love (the cutest selection of mittens and totes – stocking stuffers made simple **15% Off through 12/2/13**)

Shop Independent: 
Red Clover Boutique (affordable and perfectly on trend selection of sweaters, dresses, and more **use code FREE for free shipping through 12/31/13**) // Moorea Seal (a beautifully curated selection of clothing, accessories and housewares) // SS Print Shop (the answer to all your gallery wall woes) // Savoir Faire (a one stop shop for holiday dresses, cute jackets and sparkly accessories)


black friday strategy










If there ever was a time to shop – this is it.  With just 26 short days to Christmas (or if you’re still playing catch up and shopping for Hanukkah!), starting today through Cyber Monday there’s some pretty deep discounts to take advantage of.  As always, it’s best to have a strategy…

Old Navy – Go for affordable fun for the whole family – think sweaters, outerwear and more for him & for her
**50% Off Entire Store (in stores) // Up to 50% Off Sitewide (online) – today only

Asos – Go for Holiday glitz – think NYE worthy party dresses and the heels/bag/jewelry to match
**20% Off Sitewide (online only) through 12/2


J.Crew – Go for polished classics they’ll wear again & again – think better than basic sweaters and add ons like cashmere gloves or sparkly earrings
**30% Off your entire purchase with code HOLIDAY through 12/2


Nordstrom – Go for designer brands – think Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Dolce Vita – at their lowest prices of the year
**Up to 60% Off select brands through 12/2

Anthropologie – Go for unique gifts for her & home – think sparkly hair pins and quirky bookends
**20% Off Everything today only


I’ll be posting a few more ‘too good not to share’ deals throughout the day here so be sure to follow along.  Happy Shopping!