The-Steele-Maiden-Beauty-Meets-Function

I try to avoid buying things that are not either A. beautiful or B. functional.  And when they just so happen to be both – as are these genius matchbook bobby pins by Kate Spade – it makes it all the better.  Sometimes it’s the simple things that get you through a long week, no?

The-Steele-Maiden-Beauty-Meets-Function

I try to avoid buying things that are not either A. beautiful or B. functional.  And when they just so happen to be both – as are these genius matchbook bobby pins by Kate Spade – it makes it all the better.  Sometimes it’s the simple things that get you through a long week, no?

the-steele-maiden-finally-fall

I’ve read style blogs for years now, coming back day after day to see new outfit posts, and yet when I started The Steele Maiden I couldn’t imagine getting in front of the lens myself…  

Maybe it’s being a designer?  You sort of want your end product to shine rather than yourself.  But sometimes I think it’s good to push yourself out of your comfort zone a bit – and to that end I’m going to try and post at least one real life style post a week.  

It’s taken until almost Thanksgiving but here in Los Angeles we’re finally having a bit of fall weather and I’m embracing it from head to toe, with a faux fur shawl collar, burgundy corduroys, and suede ankle boots.  I still can’t believe I’m not shivering away in my New York winter jacket already – but I’ll take it.  

the-steele-maiden-finally-fall

the-steele-maiden-finally-fall

the-steele-maiden-finally-fall






































Target Sunglasses
H&M collar (on sale now!)
AE denim jacket (old, similar here)
Forever21 tank (old, similar here)
Calvin Klein Corduroys (from Marshalls)
DV Dolce Vita Boots (similar on sale here!) 

the-steele-maiden-finally-fall

I’ve read style blogs for years now, coming back day after day to see new outfit posts, and yet when I started The Steele Maiden I couldn’t imagine getting in front of the lens myself…  

Maybe it’s being a designer?  You sort of want your end product to shine rather than yourself.  But sometimes I think it’s good to push yourself out of your comfort zone a bit – and to that end I’m going to try and post at least one real life style post a week.  

It’s taken until almost Thanksgiving but here in Los Angeles we’re finally having a bit of fall weather and I’m embracing it from head to toe, with a faux fur shawl collar, burgundy corduroys, and suede ankle boots.  I still can’t believe I’m not shivering away in my New York winter jacket already – but I’ll take it.  

the-steele-maiden-finally-fall

the-steele-maiden-finally-fall

the-steele-maiden-finally-fall






































Target Sunglasses
H&M collar (on sale now!)
AE denim jacket (old, similar here)
Forever21 tank (old, similar here)
Calvin Klein Corduroys (from Marshalls)
DV Dolce Vita Boots (similar on sale here!) 

the-steele-maiden-cheap-monday-heads-up

Head’s up.  It’s officially holiday season!  And to celebrate, I’m going to be using a couple of my usual series here on the blog to offer helpful holiday gifting tips and tricks…  


Buying for friends, co-workers, boyfriend’s sibling, etc. can prove especially tricky – you want something relatively inexpensive but not cheap, one size fits all but not impersonal.  My advice?  Stay neutral and stick to the shoulders and up.  Earrings, headphones, or a cute hat?  All perfect.  See my top picks below.     

Nest: I love this photograph of donkey ears from The Animal Print Shop.  Pick up a frame from a thrift shop and it’s ready for the wall of your vintage loving best friend.  I’d hang it in an entry way with hat hooks below. 

Dressed: Perfect for your office mate who complains about a cold commute, this hat from the Gap is a gift that doesn’t take itself too seriously.  Wrap it up with a Starbucks gift card and she’ll be warm into the new year.  I’d wear it with a parka and ankle boots for a star gazing date. 

The Rest:  Earn some cool points with your boyfriend’s college age sister by getting her a pretty pair of headphones for the walk to class (this pair from iHome aren’t too girly or flashy).  Tack on a month’s membership to Spotify Premium and you’ll be exchanging playlists with her in no time.  

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