American Woman.

The Steele Maiden: American Woman(H&M Sunglasses – similar here; F21 tank; Skirt – from my Senior Thesis Collection; Zara Heels – similar here)
 
Here’s to a country where I can wear a picnic blanket, ball gown of a skirt in the middle of the day on a picturesque little street (white picket fences, American flags and red front doors included).  Hope everyone is out there is celebrating their own little daily freedoms today.  Happy Fourth of July!

The Steele Maiden: American Woman
The Steele Maiden: American Woman
The Steele Maiden: American Woman

 

 

All American.

I’d be lying if I said I haven’t worn red, white and blue every day so far this week.  Fourth of July just so happens to be one of my favorite holidays, and as an added bonus, it’s also my anniversary – so I figured it was the perfect time for another Boy meets Girl round up…
The Fourth of July brings together all of the classic Americana patterns I love (stripes, plaid, polka dots) and gives you the excuse to mix and match them with abandon.  For him, a plaid shirt and dark jeans are Kennedy cool, and is there any shoe more American than Chuck Taylors?  For her, a flirty little red dress proves a good starting point for shiny white heels, maybe the cutest satchel bag ever, and a pretty star spangled hair comb – perfect for keeping your hair out of your face while you stare up at the fireworks.  


Blurred Lines.

The Steele Maiden - Blurred Lines(Madewell Top – cute blurred option here; H&M Skirt – similar colors here; Leather Belt – similar here; Nine West Heels – old, but I like this option)
 
I’ve had both this top and skirt in my closet for at least 3 or 4 years now, but never once thought of pairing them together until last week.  And blame it on the hit Robin Thicke song by the same name (I’m not usually one for top 100 music – but even I admit it’s pretty catchy) but suddenly these two blurred lines prints just begged to be mixed up…

The trick to making this outfit work is that they’re both in the same color family, and one print (in this case the skirt) is dominating, so the other print (the top) sort of just acts as a supporting role.  And, if you’re going a little wild with your outfit, I always tend to ground things with some hefty basics (a solid wedge heel and braided leather belt here do just fine).  Otherwise, blur the lines and bend the rules.  It’s only fashion after all.
The Steele Maiden - Blurred Lines
The Steele Maiden - Blurred Lines
The Steele Maiden - Blurred Lines

 

 
 

Mediterranean Musings.

The Steele Maiden: Mediterranean Musings


If it were in the budget, I would pack my bags and hop a flight to the Mediterranean Sea right about now.  Those blue skies and that blue water as far as the eye can see.  But until then…



A few options for faking the Mediterranean life, even if you’re only in Missouri.

Nest: We’ve got plain white dishes and a dark wooden dining table, which means the simple switch of a floral arrangement or accent dish really changes up the whole feel of our meals.  For summer, I’d love to add these blue ikat place mats to make dinner feel a bit more exotic.  

Dressed:  While I’ve never been, I have to imagine that you’d be able to find some absolutely beautiful embroidered textiles in the markets surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.  And if I can’t be strolling those cobblestone streets, I may as well wear a pretty little knock off.  This dress is exactly the sort of breezy one hit wonder you can throw on time and time again in summer (and with that neckline – you don’t even need to bother with a necklace).  

The Rest: There’s maybe nothing that makes me think of the ocean more than the smell of it’s air.  And if this appropriately named Capri candle from Anthropologie can replicate even a bit of that I’ll be burning it in my apartment all summer long.   



Weekend Flashback.

The Steele Maiden - Weekend FlashbackWe had a bit of a heat wave this weekend in Los Angeles and I took to arming myself with my best defenses.  A little treat (in my case, Swedish Fish) to pick me up in the midst of a warm work day, airy silky dresses to stay cool but still look polished for a sushi date on Saturday night, and – when all else fails – a cold beer at a ball game on Sunday afternoon (where I rooted for the Phillies despite their loss).  What are your beat the heat tricks?

P.S. I re-designed my About page and am pretty pleased with the results.  Your thoughts? If you want another insider peek into The Steele Maiden world be sure to follow me here and here!