Sporty Spice.

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It probably comes as no surprise that I was a fan of the Fall ’13 J.Crew presentation yesterday…  


The rich colors, tiled geometric prints, jewel encrusted accents and gleaming shoes were more than enough to swoon over.  The collection was largely inspired by the head Women’s designer’s recent trip to Morocco – but interpreted through the hands of their signature classic cool mix.  So an elegant silk shawl collar coat was worn with a bedazzled baseball cap.  And sky high silver heels were tossed on with skinny sweatpants.  Needless to say, there were tons of styling tips to start putting into practice far before next Fall.  The above look is just one example – a shot of citrus pair of pants and deep burgundy slouchy sweater  were made to be topped with an exotic textured jacket to tie it all together.  A leather baseball cap and rose gold pumps make it all seem effortless.

J.Crew Fall ’13 Look
1. Asos baseball cap
2. French Connection Jacket
3. Topshop Sweater
4. Gap Jeans
5. Threadsence Heels

Wearing his Letter.

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 While for the most part, I dress for myself and my own daily mood – I will fully admit to wearing things that I suspect the boy may like as well.  And as previously stated here, I have a real sentimental streak when it comes to getting dressed…
So, this Varsity Jacket was basically made for me – it’s sentimental (his last name starts with a ‘B’ and I’ve always loved the nostalgic thought of wearing someone’s letterman jacket), and the boy always seems to get a real kick out of me wearing anything sporty (as it were, he also loves those wedge high top sneakers pictured).  For a stroll around the flora filled back streets of Venice, I paired it with a match-my-surroundings floral dress.  With Valentine’s Day a couple of days away, I think there’s a misconception that you’ve got to run out and buy a little black dress – but there’s other ways to wear your heart on your sleeve.      

The-Steele-Maiden-Wearing-his-Letter
The-Steele-Maiden-Wearing-his-Letter
The-Steele-Maiden-Wearing-his-LetterForever 21 Jacket (old, similar here)Steve Madden SneakersNanette Lepore Dress (old, from sample sale)Target Sunglasses (black version)Hue Tights






For the Girl you Love.

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The final installation of my Cheap Monday Valentine’s Gift Guides focuses on presents for the Girl you Love (you can catch the first 2 parts here and here in case you missed them).  While tradition seems to dictate what you’re supposed to give that special lady come February 14th, I say – catch her off guard…

Think your only options are lingerie, diamond rings and flowers?  You can do better.  Here’s a few jumping off points.

Nest: Sure lingerie is great.  But what about a beautifully illustrated Taschen coffee table book of classic Pin-Ups?  It’s still cheeky but in a less obvious way.  If you really want to go all out, find a favorite pin up and buy her a matching look.

Dressed: So it’s not an engagement ring.  Are you really going to let that stop you from buying her jewelry until then?  This set of infinity rings from Gorjana are simple, classic and do not equal 3 months salary.  Diamonds may be forever, but rose gold is huge right now.  And that should count for something.  

The Rest:  She’ll expect the flowers.  But she will never see this bark wrapped vase coming.  You can have it personalized with your initials – imitating the ever romantic ‘names carved in a tree’ move.  Just don’t blame me if she wants flowers all the time now so she has an excuse to keep the vase out.  

Weekend Flashback.

The-Steele-Maiden-Weekend-Flashback

After countless hours spent working on the re-design of the blog (and the learning of the coding behind it) last weekend, I have to admit that it was nice to turn off the computer this weekend.  Mainly because taking a day or so away always leaves me excited to return with lots of new ideas.  In my off hours this weekend, I enjoyed the perks of living in Los Angeles (and having a friend who works in film) with a night out in Hollywood all dressed up with the boy, and continued my Valentine’s celebration with a few simple homemade decorations.  Oh, and we did our taxes and about 6 loads of laundry.  Life isn’t always so glamourous.        

Layering 101.

As a former East Coaster, I like to think I know a thing or two about how to stay warm and still maintain a bit of style.  Although Southern California is blessed with Spring-like temperatures even in February, I’ve heard that in my former city of New York there’s been a real need for some layers lately… 


The best advice, is to start with a solid base and build up in thin layers.  Also, pay attention to sleeve lengths (here I went from a sleeveless dress to a short sleeve sweater, then a full sleeve), because that bunching feeling in the arms of your jacket is the absolute worst.  Also, I like to mix neutral layers in between more contrasting ones to break things up (so a tan cashmere and goes with anything denim sit between the spicy orange and polka dot pattern).  Oh, and never underestimate a good pair of thick tights.

Tulle Coat
Vintage Sweater
Ruche Dress
Merino Tights
DV by Dolce Vita Boots (similar here)