Author: thesteelemaiden

With just 5 days left until my great American road trip begins, packing is accounting for much of my time.  While the fun part is determining what I’ll wear window shopping in Charleston or for a night out in New Orleans, the less thrilling yet much more important part is what I’ll wear to survive long hours on the road in between.  My thoughts so far include variations on the above: a stylish shoe that’s easy to slip on and off, jeans with some give, a casual graphic tee (this one is from the little boys department!), a scarf to account for the a/c vs. windows conundrum and a bag that’s easy to grab at pit stops.  The result should hopefully be a look that airs on the side of a wind blown and wide eyed Kate Moss instead of a beleaguered vagabond.  

(moss)
(1. DV suede boots; 2. J.Crew Boys T-shirt; 3. Gap jeans; 4. AE scarf; 5. Ebay Vintage Coach bag) 

We’ve still got sheer, printed pants, hits of neon and cropped tops to hang on to for next Spring, but we can look forward to adding wallpaper scale prints, boxy dropped shoulder tops, boy cut shorts, and some seriously killer new shades to our looks.  So far, so good Fashion Week.

(Left to Right: Honor, Jenni Kayne, Rachel Comey, and Suno)
(see full collections here)

It’s not exactly groundbreaking news that the peplum has quickly catapulted to the must have shape of the season.  Luckily it’s one of those silhouettes that totally nails it (girly yet structured, playful yet dressy…), and so I’m totally on board with putting a few of these tops into heavy rotation come Fall.  Even better, the simple shape allows you to pull off a standout collar necklace (pair it with just a pair of studs and you’re good to go).  Above are three options, proving no matter what your style – there’s really no excuse for you not to be riding the peplum wave.  

(Collars: Hope Loren classic; Leif girly; Threadsence modern)
(Studs: Kate Spade classic; Tuleste girly; Free People modern)
(Peplum: Topshop classic; Ruche girly; Madewell modern) 

Here’s to the start of New York Fashion Week, models off duty, front row editors, and runway recaps.  My favorite street style shots from outside of the shows are always the ones where the attendees look like they aren’t trying too hard.  A great dress, cool shoe, and practical bag are exactly what I would wear if I was racing to shows this week.  

(print, image)

While the long weekend is still not quite over, I’m among the chosen few who actually have to work on tomorrow’s holiday so I figured I’d keep my weekend flashback focused on the usual Friday – Sunday.  With the big cross country road trip kicking off in exactly two weeks, most of my weekend was spent preparing.  This included picking up a couple great drugstore beauty finds that will easily transition into Fall and pouring over books and magazines – and of course the Madewell Fall Lookbook – to plan outfits/routes.  Tonight however, I took a break and enjoyed Labor Day weekend like the rest of America.  A cookout with my family followed by neighborhood block party fireworks.  The boy and I are about to see a whole lot of this country in the next month, but the view from my parents backyard will always be one my favorites. 


(check out my instagrid here)