The-Steele-Maiden-Flashback-Series-Weekend-of-11/30

There was a lot of ‘firsts’ this weekend.  December 1st (and the first day of my diy advent calendar to be revealed later this week!), bought my first gift of the holiday season, officially have the keys to the first home the boy and I will share (not counting our very temporary furnished sublease), and completed our first home project together.  Oh and we’re celebrating 2 new jobs.  Phew.  December is going to be a good month.  

The-Steele-Maiden-Homegoods-Series-The-Bedroom

You know how some bloggers announce an engagement or pregnancy along with a disclaimer that the sole focus of their blogs will not get swept up into said wedding or baby?  Well, I move into the new townhouse on Saturday and I’m not sure I can fully promise you’re not going to be seeing a lot more home decor planning on this little site.

So I’m just crossing my fingers that you’ll enjoy the journey of my inspiration, projects, shopping stories, and final outcomes as much as I’ll enjoy sharing them.  First up – the bedroom.  Keeping in mind that we’re starting out pretty much from scratch in the new place, a bed to sleep in is pretty high on my list of decorating priorities.  I’m dreaming up a room that’s neutral, but with lots of cozy layered textures and a few metallic touches.  Thoughts?  The headboard, curtain rod, fabric and dresser are all upcoming planned DIYs – so stay tuned!  

(Calico Corners fabric; West Elm rod, curtain and duvet cover)
(Nordstrom pillow; Pottery Barn knobs)
(Zazzle moon prints; Ikea frames)

The-Steele-Maiden-Spoiler-Alert-Series-Colorblind-Dressing-Post

Sometimes getting ready for work in the morning, I just can’t be bothered with color…

Luckily, mixing black and white patterns is en vogue right now (literally, the pictures on the left and right are from last month’s issue of US Vogue).  Keep black and white from boredom by playing with scale (I would love to pair that oversized polka dot top shown on the right with a black and white checked mini skirt), and mixing textures (the thick knit sweater and leather skirt in the center is such a great example).

side note: Happy Birthday Mom!  Thanks for being a faithful reader and a million other things 🙂 

(image 1 & 3; image 2)

The-Steele-Maiden-Boy-Meets-Girl-Series-Mad-For-Plaid-Post

Every year around this time I find myself reaching for more traditional plaids…


While they can often skew slightly lumberjack or overly preppy, I like the idea of going a little bit 60’s British mod with the whole thing.  For him, that means dark wash slim jeans (extra points for rolling up the hems), a fitted shirt and narrow tie.  For her, cropped skinny trousers, a small square heel and casual crewneck (that calls to mind a kind of ‘Cry Baby’ cool) nails the look.

For Him: H&M White Shirt, Club Monaco Tie, WeSC jeans, Aldo Shoes
For Her: Zoe Karssen Sweatshirt, Steven Alan pants, Topshop Shoes

The-Steele-Maiden-Boy-Meets-Girl-Series-Mad-For-Plaid-Post

Every year around this time I find myself reaching for more traditional plaids…


While they can often skew slightly lumberjack or overly preppy, I like the idea of going a little bit 60’s British mod with the whole thing.  For him, that means dark wash slim jeans (extra points for rolling up the hems), a fitted shirt and narrow tie.  For her, cropped skinny trousers, a small square heel and casual crewneck (that calls to mind a kind of ‘Cry Baby’ cool) nails the look.

For Him: H&M White Shirt, Club Monaco Tie, WeSC jeans, Aldo Shoes
For Her: Zoe Karssen Sweatshirt, Steven Alan pants, Topshop Shoes