northern shores

The Steele Maiden: Northern ShoresIt took until nearly Thanksgiving (which by the way, can you believe is next week??) but I finally got the cooler weather I’ve been longing for and you can bet your layers I’ve been taking full advantage.  For this past Sunday’s walk in the park, I took a cue from Portland/Seattle style (two places I’m dying to visit while a west coaster) in cozy flannel, denim, and chunky knits piled one on top of the other.  If you follow along here you already know I’m not really a pile it on type girl when it comes to accessories but instead try to add just a few key pieces. Here, a standout hat (last seen here), solid pair of boots, vintage bag and a well chosen necklace (this one from virtual friend and fellow multi-interest designer Kikay Jewelry) was more than enough here.Hat – similar here // Tulle Sweater c/o // Paige Denim Shirt c/o // Kikay Necklace c/0 // Nordstrom Jeans – similar here // Restricted Boots c/0 // Vintage Bag  
The Steele Maiden: Northern Shores
The Steele Maiden: Northern Shores
The Steele Maiden: Northern Shores
The Steele Maiden: Northern Shores
The Steele Maiden: Northern Shores
The Steele Maiden: Northern Shores


     

my favorite views with sunglass warehouse

Silverlake-los-angeles
In case you missed it, last week I kicked off a series of adventures with Sunglass Warehouse – taking you with me to some of my favorite Los Angeles spots while showing you the glasses to match (all hand picked from their vast & affordable selection).  Since the first journey took you with me on a hike through the Hollywood Hills – and kept things very casual – I knew I wanted to dress things up this trip.  So for a Saturday Date Night, the boy and I headed to East LA and the hip little neighborhood of Silverlake.  I think the best date nights for us are a combination of something we know and love mixed with the excitement of the new – and Silverlake covers both.  We can always count on this neighborhood for great food, drinks and shopping, but since we don’t live all that close there’s still plenty of places we’ve yet to try.  To match with this date night mantra I also wanted to have a little fun with my look and tried out a pair of clear lens glasses.  Admittedly nerd chic I counteracted these bold red glasses with a body skimming mini dress, easy leather jacket and printed heels.  We ended up trying out a gourmet grilled cheese restaurant (yep, those exist and are as delicious as you imagine) and this quirky meets sexy look (glasses included) was a pretty big hit with my date.  A perfect night out if you ask me.
Sunglass Warehouse Glasses c/o // Urban Outfitters Jacket // Built by Wendy Dress – cute option here // Restricted Heels c/o // Vintage  clutch
The Steele Maiden: Silverlake with Sunglass Warehouse
The Steele Maiden: Silverlake with Sunglass Warehouse
The Steele Maiden: Silverlake with Sunglass Warehouse
The Steele Maiden: Silverlake with Sunglass Warehouse
The Steele Maiden: Silverlake with Sunglass Warehouse
 

This post has been sponsored by Sunglass Warehouse – as always, all opinions are my own.  Thank you for supporting the brands that make The Steele Maiden possible.     

 

weekend flashback

The Steele Maiden: Weekend Flashback

While I’d like to tell you all I spent the weekend off on an exciting adventure – the truth is I spent most of it working.  Between a day at the office on Saturday and freelance design work (plus my usual household chores and errands) there weren’t many hours left.  But sometimes, that’s what being an adult is.  And these days I’m in a place where I’m okay with that and simply choose to look for the silver lining.  Like the fact that Southern California cooled to the 60’s all weekend and I broke out jackets.  And the fact that on Satuday night the boy built me a fire and came home with Ben & Jerry’s.  And then there’s you, sweet readers, and all the exciting things that are in store over the coming weeks.  It’s almost enough to make me not dread Monday.  Almost.  

business casual

The Steele Maiden: Business CasualThere are few items in my closet that can pull together a look the way this blazer can.  Even in my oldest ripped up, accidentally paint splattered (note to self: always paint in clothes you don’t plan on wearing in public every again) jeans, a t-shirt I wear all too often, and my usual messy hair – I felt presentable enough to stroll around Century City once I had thrown on this blazer.  I don’t wear it often, but like a little black dress, it’s indispensable in having on hand when the occasion calls for it.  Another way to dress up  your otherwise slightly rumpled look? A pair of heels this slick.  Perfect for that whole work to weekend transition today.  Happy Friday! Rogan Blazer – similar here // F21 Striped T-Shirt // Gap Jeans // Ruche Bag – still available in navy // Sole Society Heels c/o
The Steele Maiden: Business Casual

The Steele Maiden: Business Casual

The Steele Maiden: Business Casual

The Steele Maiden: Business Casual

The Steele Maiden: Business Casual



spotted: girlish pink

The Steele Maiden: Girl TalkMaybe it started with this jacket, or maybe it’s the simple fact that amongst a sea of red plaid (which don’t get me wrong, I still love) whisper pink just feels new and unexpected – but my ideal outfit right now looks a bit like the above.  Filled with cozy textures, slightly oversized shapes, pastel pink and crisp winter whites, and sparkly accents.  I think the trick here is to ground the whole thing with sleek black accessories (I’ve been dying to try the whole ankle boots and thin trouser sock look so this is a perfect excuse).  What do you think?  Modern style maven or a tad too Baby Spice?   Ban.Do Bobby Pins // Topshop Coat via Nordstrom // Kate Spade Saturday Clutch // Ruche Skirt // Target Socks // Jessica Simpson Boots via Piperlime // image via