The Guest Bathroom

The-Steele-Maiden-Cheap-Monday-Series-The-Guest-Bathroom-Post

For the first time in my apartment renting life, I have a second bathroom (technically a half bath, but still).  And obviously, that means the chance to decorate.

Since it’s not the bathroom I use every morning, I plan on making it bright and cheerful and more geared towards when we have friends visit or guests stay over.  That being said, I don’t exactly want to break the bank on the room that will get the least use in the house.  Above are a few suggestions on how to make things welcoming while also staying on budget.

Nest: In a small room, a soft and pretty rug goes a long way in adding some life.  I plan on using this Urban Outfitters geometric rug as the starting point and adding art to the walls that is in the same range of colors.

Dressed: I once read that Kelly Ripa bought hundreds of pairs of hotel slippers so that whenever she has guests she can put out a fresh pair for each of them.  Clearly that’s beyond my means, but a nice robe (freshly washed for each guest) is a nice touch in case they want to throw it on over their pajamas before breakfast.  This Gap Body option is now on sale.

The Rest: Bar soap has no place in a guest bathroom.  These foaming soaps from Target are just a few bucks, smell clean but not overpowering, and have pretty packaging.  It’s the little things that make people want to visit your home again, I swear.

Weekend Flashback

The-Steele-Maiden-Flashback-Series-Weekend-of-1-11-13
A quick recap of the weekend before I turn off the computer to watch the Golden Globes with friends and dig into some chili and cornbread.  Friday ended a few month long search for pizza on the West Coast that holds a candle to pizza in New York.  Saturday I finally got back in to the swing of things for outfit posts here on the blog (be sure to check back later this week!).  And on Sunday the boy and I explored Silverlake (the Brooklyn of Los Angeles if you will) and stumbled upon a handful of the cutest vintage clothing, home goods, record stores, and cheese shops you could hope for. 

P.S. If you want to keep up with more of my daily moments – follow me on instagram!

Payday Post

The-Steele-Maiden-Payday-Series-A-Downton-Weekend-Post

Here’s to catching up on Downton Abbey (don’t dare spoil season 3 for me, and if you haven’t watched this show – cancel your weekend plans and get on board with PBS) and finding some new art for our still quite bare walls (how charming is this Nan Lawson print based on Downton’s Lady Mary?)  Happy Friday!

Long Neck Looks

The-Steele-Maiden-Matchmaker-Series-Long-Neck-Looks-Post

Owls, foxes, even french bulldogs.  They’ve all had their 15 minutes of fame lately.  But if you’re looking for an animal that’s less trendy than say the sheep (sorry J.Crew), but more unexpected than the classic leopard, I say – go giraffe.

Animal prints are pretty much seasonless, making them the perfect closet investment for months like these (when you’re sick of those fair isle sweaters but sundresses are still out of reach).  If you’re going to go bold with a print like the giraffe it’s all about the balance.  For every part eccentric there needs to be an equal part tame.  For your morning meeting, that means pairing those wild patterned pants with a conservative black blazer, but throwing on a little arm party for good measure (Side note: For the office, it’s best to keep your trendy jewelry narrowed to rings or bracelets – face framing necklaces and earrings will get too much attention).  For a Saturday spent thrift shopping, pair a kitschy giraffe emblazoned mini skirt with walkable suede boots and a decorative clutch.  For that hotel lobby night cap, a body hugging printed dress already shows your confidence.  So why stop there – pair it with fuchsia ankle boots and your date will hate to see you walk away.     

(AM Meeting: Topshop Blazer, Derek Lam Trousers, Loren Hope Cuff)
(Thrifting: Old Navy Boots, Threadsence Skirt, Anthropologie Clutch)
(Night Cap: Coach Bag, Madewell Dress, Zara Boots)  

Going Green

The-Steele-Maiden-Clip-Art-Series-Going-Green-Post

In case you haven’t heard, Pantone proclaimed Emerald as the Color of 2013.  And while I may be biased (as a green eyed, emerald birthstone girl), I’m pretty excited for this trend to take off.

Remember how much everyone loved mint last Spring?  Well Emerald is mint, all grown up.  Emerald is vintage and rich.  It’s unexpected when compared to black, and sexy when compared to navy.  It calls to mind Elizabeth Taylor sparkling in the stone, or Angelina Jolie in a dress of the color with a thigh high slit.  And if none of that convinced you, above are a few options to get you in the mood. 

(1. Loeffler Randall clutch; 2. Tulle dress; 3. Essie nailpolish; 4. J.Crew Factory shirt; 5. Bauble Bar earrings)