Marfa, Texas.

The Steele Maiden: Passing through Marfa, Texas
There’s nothing quite like the freedom of hitting the open road in the Summer, and out of all the places we stopped last Summer along our cross country road trip Marfa, Texas may have been the one that surprised me the most…A tiny community in the remote Big Bend area of western Texas, Marfa (and the neighboring town of Alpine where we actually stayed) was a place we chose to stop almost purely for convenience to break up a long stretch between Austin and Scottsdale.  Convenience and the fact that several years ago I had seen the work of community artists who had erected a Prada store (fully sealed) in the middle of the Texan tundra there.  And so, with little more than a reservation we arrived in Marfa – a place best described as cowboy meets conceptual art.  Staying at The Maverick Inn was the closest I’ll probably ever get to Ranch life – with cowhide rugs, hearty breakfasts and it’s own personal airstream.  And besides a surprisingly delicious meal at Reata (where I told the boy I felt like we were on a romantic cowboy date) and stopping in to a few shops (like Marfa Book Co.), we mainly just took in the landscape along those long straight roads.  And if you’re ever even remotely close to this little pocket of Texas – you’ve got to see Prada Marfa.  The height of Italian fashion, sitting silently along an empty stretch of two lane highway.  It’s a pretty incredible sight.  

The Steele Maiden: Passing through Marfa, Texas

The Steele Maiden: Passing through Marfa, Texas

The Steele Maiden: Passing through Marfa, Texas

The Steele Maiden: Passing through Marfa, Texas





Local Native.

The Steele Maiden: Local Native(French Connection Dress – pretty long version here; American Eagle Belt – similar here; Asos Heels – on sale!)

This is always the point in summer where my skin has browned to the point of blending with my leather sandals, my hair has become fairly unruly from days of sunning and swimming, and my style overall loosens up…

So instead of fighting it – I just give in to it.  While my style has never been very bohemian, I like to think of Summer looks like this as part local (as in my current home of Southern California) and part native (as in my partial Native American heritage).  Call it Pocahontas meets Venice Beach?  This flowy, embroidered white gauzy dress has long since been a favorite in my closet, and paired with turquoise accents and about the most comfortable heeled leather sandals you’re likely to find, my Local Native style leans toward the simple and natural.  Finish the whole thing off with windswept hair and I’m ready to take on the last of July with ease.

The Steele Maiden: Local Native
The Steele Maiden: Local Native

The Steele Maiden: Local Native

The Steele Maiden: Local Native

Weekend Flashback.

The Steele Maiden: Weekend FlashbackMy weekend started off with some excitement when I was featured again by the sweet team over at Ruche, and also named a Guest Editor on their blog!  I love their whole aesthetic (vintage inspired yet still modern and always classic) and am so thrilled to be a part of their blogger family.  Want even more exciting news? We’re exactly one week away from some big changes here on the blog – one of which includes the long awaited (at least on my end) launch of my signature jewelry line.  Small at first, but I’m so looking forward to sharing it with you and watching things grow.  Hope everyone else had a weekend full of exciting new beginnings.  

    

Sidewalk Talk.

The Steele Maiden: Sidewalk TalkPhew – we made it! Friday at last.  I’ve been busy here in The Steele Maiden world getting ready for some improvements around here.  And while I’ve got all sorts of big ideas of my own, I figured why not throw it out there to those of you who are kind enough to return time and again to see what I’ve got to say.  So, is there something you’re loving and would want to see more of?  Something you could live without?  Comment, e-mail, facebook me – I’d love to hear what you think. 

(shoes via Shoemint; pattern)


Spot On.


Between some changes to the site I’ve got planned and work on my jewelry line (we’re less than 2 weeks away from the launch of both people!), I’ve been thinking a lot about what defines my style.  When I saw this look over at J.Crew Factory, it seemed pretty spot on…

I like to stick to pretty classic shapes and colors (like a soft sweater, tailored trousers, and slick pumps) but definitely favor adding interest through patterns and accessories (doubled up spots and metallic extras make the look here).  And while there’s always a little wiggle room (like a shift dress or super bright heels) – everyone needs a signature style.