weekend flashback

The Steele Maiden: Weekend FlashbackI spent the weekend finally crossing some major things off my to do list and it felt like a huge weight was lifted.  These past few weeks have felt far more stressful than the way I like to live and I’m looking forward to starting this week (and the real holiday season) in a better state of mind.  In the moments not working this weekend, I did a bit of prep for Thanksgiving (it will be Turkey for Two this year), took a quiet stroll along Santa Monica’s Promenade before the Holiday Shopping madness begins, and fit a few errands in.  Have you been following my series with Sunglass Warehouse (here and here)? Tomorrow is my last LA adventure with the retailer and the start of a pretty fun week on the blog so be sure to stick around.  

    

leather weather

The Steele Maiden: Leather WeatherOkay so in this case faux leather, but still.  I’ve already got a trusty black leather bomber (last seen here) that has been a stand-by the past couple of seasons, but this tan slightly shrunken version (snagged at my company’s sample sale last weekend) just had to come home with me.  I like how it has a much softer feel than a black leather jacket but still adds a cool factor to the outfit.  And I love how with just one new piece the whole outfit can feel new again (you’ve seen this chambray shirt and mustard mini many times before..).  Speaking of picking up a new item or two – next week I’m bringing you holiday shopping central – from sharing where I shop & offering curated Gift Guides to Black Friday blowouts & Shop Small Saturday suggestions I’ll have you covered.  But if there’s anything (or anyone) in particular you want help with feel free to comment below or e-mail me!  Just call me Santa Baby…  Tulle Jacket c/o – now 50% off! // J.Crew Chambray Shirt – now 25% off! // Urban Outfitters Scarf – similar here // F21 Skirt  // Steve Madden Boots via Marshalls // Bag via TJ Maxx  
The Steele Maiden: Leather Weather
The Steele Maiden: Leather Weather
The Steele Maiden: Leather Weather
The Steele Maiden: Leather Weather
The Steele Maiden: Leather Weather
The Steele Maiden: Leather Weather

 

on exhibit

The Steele Maiden: On Exhibit
This past weekend we wandered Downtown LA (deserted on the weekends) and took in a bit of the local art – both the kind you find hanging on gallery walls and the kind you happen upon on street corners.  Maybe it’s the change of weather, but for someone who really loves a good dress/skirt I’ve found myself reaching for jeans more than usual this week.  It doesn’t hurt that they’re such a no brainer pairing with all the jackets I’ve finally been able to pull out.  And speaking of jackets, since yesterday I went pretty dramatic in a swingy cape today I kept things a lot simpler in this slim little moto jacket.  With it’s small scale geometric print, contrast colorblocking, and clean lines – it’s practically a piece of art in it’s own right.  

Moto Jacket – great options here and here // Vintage Sweater // J.Crew Button Down Shirt // Gap Jeans // H&M Pumps – similar here
The Steele Maiden: On Exhibit


The Steele Maiden: On Exhibit


The Steele Maiden: On Exhibit


The Steele Maiden: On Exhibit

The Steele Maiden: On Exhibit

caped crusader

The Steele Maiden: Caped CrusaderLately I’ve been loving the statement making combination of a cape-like coat and over the knee boots and so when I saw this hooded number (tamed by the dark grey and black palette) I was quick to snap it up.  While I’m still on the hunt for the perfect over the knee boots that won’t break the bank (Santa, can you hear me?) these socks layered over sheer tights provided a similar feel.  As we move into winter I’m excited to try out some of the less practical jacket and coat styles that I shied away from investing in on the East Coast (where if it’s not doubly lined and zipped to my ears by December I won’t be caught dead in it).  The whole thing was perfect for traipsing around this insanely ornate theater in downtown LA – which happened to be closed this day, meaning I was forced to provide all the drama.  I think this cape stole the show.  Tulle Cape c/o // F21 Striped T-Shirt – similar here // K.Bell Over the Knee Socks c/o // Seychelles Heels – on sale!
The Steele Maiden: Caped Crusader

The Steele Maiden: Caped Crusader

The Steele Maiden: Caped Crusader

The Steele Maiden: Caped Crusader