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! 

thankful thoughts

The Steele Maiden: Thankful Thoughts

Thanksgiving is a holiday as much about traditions as it is about food – and since this year we’re not having the usual big family dinner (in fact, just Turkey for Two) I wanted to take the time to start a few new traditions for our little family.  I started with these cards which I plan to print each year and keep in a photo album (so someday we can feel nostalgic that in 2013 we were thankful for a quiet day in the California sun as we most likely shiver in New York’s winter with a screaming baby and a barking dog).  Aside from the boy, family and friends, this little blog gets a special place on the list.  Today, and everyday, I’m so thankful for all of the surprising opportunities this has brought me in the past year and more importantly for all of you.  Whether we’ve met, you’ve commented, shown support, or you’re simply out there silently reading along – I’m incredibly thankful to have the chance to keep sharing my life and what I love to do with you all.  Here’s to starting your own traditions and counting your own blessings.  


p.s. not to spoil the moment but I’m giving you a front row seat to Black Friday deals tomorrow so after you’re full to the brim with potatoes and pies you’re going to want to check back! 

giving thanks

The Steele Maiden: Giving ThanksThanksgiving is one of those glorious holidays where comfort is pretty much number one on the agenda when it comes to getting dressed.  But since I’m not exactly a sweatpants type of girl – I wanted to share a version of what you’ll find me in tomorrow (as I cook Turkey for 2, watch the Macy’s Parade, revel in not having to battle traffic or crowded airports, and count my many blessings).  While I still want to save room for dessert, I also want to look a bit festive – so this babydoll style floral dress (which will hide any post meal puff), layered with a thin turtleneck and my denim jacket are perfect for an indulgent day at home.  These braids are literally my only hair trick and luckily are also perfect for keeping it out of my face while I’m cooking.  A little lipstick and one of my oldest, but still among my favorite pair of heeled booties top off a look that feels pretty but not overly fussy.  Exactly what I’m looking for tomorrow.Nanette Lepore Dress – I love this flowy option too // Denim Jacket – similar here on sale! // Gap Turtleneck // K.Bell Tights c/o // Vintage Bag // Booties via Marshalls
The Steele Maiden: Giving Thanks

The Steele Maiden: Giving Thanks

The Steele Maiden: Giving Thanks

The Steele Maiden: Giving Thanks

The Steele Maiden: Giving Thanks


holiday gifting made simple

The Steele Maiden: Holiday Gift Guide
 
There’s no shortage of great Holiday Gift Guides floating around the blog world these days, but I wanted to offer up a slightly different take to share with you all.  My approach to gifting is to determine how this special someone would answer the following statement “I don’t need a thing, but would never turn down another…”  Would it be another set of cocktail glasses for dinner parties? Another pair of cute boots? And then – because this is something that this person already knows and loves – let them pick it out on their own.  Yep, I’m totally okay with giving a gift card.  On two conditions.  One: give an accompanying gift which means you didn’t pick up the gift card on the drive to their house but rather thoughtfully bought it as part of a true present to them.  So a pair of cute book ends goes with a card allowing them to pick up that next great novel.  And Two: Wrap it beautifully.  This actually goes for any gift you ever give (and comes from my Mother – a woman so artfully skilled at gift wrapping, she’d have Martha Stewart shaking in her scissors).  Taking the time to wrap something – even something as small as a pair of socks and a gift card – elevates it to become something instantly more cherished.  And that’s it.  I’m going to be offering up some suggestions for Black Friday and (perhaps more importantly) Shop Small Saturday later in the week, but I hope this little gift guide helps you simplify this shopping season.  And I’d love to hear, what are your gifting go-tos?