We All Scream.


It was President Ronald Regan that dubbed July ‘National Ice Cream Month’ (good man) and if you caught my weekend flashback, you’ll know I’ve decided to celebrate in full…


Maybe it’s the fact that my first job was at Dairy Queen, but you’d be hard pressed to find me turning down ice cream on a hot Summer’s night.  Below, a few excuses to indulge in the sweetest of treats.

Nest: While it seems like a bit of work, I can’t help but feel enticed by the idea of crafting my own flavors in the comfort of my own home, and enjoying a California sunset on the front porch with a fresh scoop (or two).

Dressed: For a stroll down the boardwalk, sugar cone in hand, there’s nothing sweeter than this backless little number with an ice cream cone print.  And on summer sale there’s really nothing stopping you from the dress or the dessert (calories be damned…).

The Rest: These little silver spoons are engraved “My ice cream” and “Your ice cream”.  The cutest accessory to a bowl since the invention of rainbow sprinkles.  

Weekend Flashback.

This weekend was the perfect mix of getting things done and not doing anything at all.  So while hours were spent washing cars, cleaning the house and doing laundry (a.k.a being an adult) just as many hours were spent lying in the park reading a new book, savoring dessert, and working on my tan.  Plus, after months of ideas bouncing around in my head, I’ve finally begun work on something that is set to finally fill up that pesky SHOP tab at the top of this page.  Stay tuned.  


Denim Daze.

The Steele Maiden: Denim DazeJudging by my Pinterest boards, I’m apparently feeling pretty inspired by denim heavy looks lately.  And so to scratch the sartorialist itch I’ve got a denim DIY planned for the weekend (it may or may not involve overalls – brace yourselves people).  What have you got planned for your days off? Whether you’re planning to stay busy or just trying to stay cool – Happy Friday!


On the Wild Side.

The Steele Maiden: On the Wild Side(Peplum Top via T.J. Maxx – cute option here; Madewell Printed Jeans – similar here; Vintage Bag; Steve Madden Wedges – similar here)

While my style can be described a lot of different ways, wild is probably not one of them.  And yet there’s something about these pants (last seen here) that just sort of makes me want to work them into my otherwise – pretty tame- wardrobe anyway… 

If I’m going to wear a piece as wild as these, I try to pair it with safer pieces that make the whole thing feel a little more like me.  So abstract printed pants get matched with a simple collared peplum top.  And then, to tie things together, one fun accessory – in this case a vintage snakeskin clutch with a lion door knocker.  One half uptown classic, one half downtown cool.   


The Steele Maiden: On the Wild Side

The Steele Maiden: On the Wild Side

The Steele Maiden: On the Wild Side

The Steele Maiden: On the Wild Side




Summer Job.

The Steele Maiden: Summer Job(Urban Outfitters Dress – similar here; Vest – my own design; Restricted via Ruche Wedges)

At nearly 90 degrees every day so far this week we are officially in the thick of things here in Southern California.  And while I wish I could spend my 9-5 in a bathing suit, unfortunately I’ve got to put on something both office appropriate that can also weather the heat…


My favorite trick for turning a flimsy summer dress into something that’s suited for work is by adding a vest.  On days like these (when it’s too hot for even a cardigan) a vest adds a teensy bit of structure and coverage without really adding any bulk.  Plus, if it rumples throughout the day, it kind of just adds to the look (but be sure to pick a dress that will keep it’s shape – one item with wrinkles only and it saves you from looking like you just crawled out of bed).  And besides the vest?  My vote is for popsicles on your lunch break.  

The Steele Maiden: Summer Job

The Steele Maiden: Summer Job

The Steele Maiden: Summer Job
The Steele Maiden: Summer Job