Category: closet classics

Posted on

closet classics / 03

The Steele Maiden: Closet Classics - Chambray Shirt
If this blog has taught you nothing else, it’s that your wardrobe needs a chambray shirt.  The holy grail of button downs, the chambray shirt is cool without trying too hard and also the perfect blank canvas for innumerable outfits.  Case in point – it took me no more than 20 minutes to easily find the above 6 ways I’ve styled mine in the past.  It’s something I reach for at least once a week and yet miraculously never find myself bored with it.  In fact, I like to lie to myself believe that I wear it differently enough each time to actually conceal just how often I’m sporting it.  While the standard tied at the waist is my go-to when I toss it on with a simple skirt or dress, I also like it worn a bit more unconventionally – like open over another button down.  The possibilities are pretty much endless.  Any interesting ways you’ve worn yours? I’m always up for a new way to chambray.  Or if you’re simply sick of seeing me wear mine – please stage an intervention in the comments below.    

From Top Left: Look 1 // Look 2 // Look 3 // Look 4 // Look 5 // Look 6  


Posted on

closet classics / 02

The Steele Maiden: Closet Classics - Intimates Wardrobe
When I started my Closet Classics series this year, my purpose was to tackle the items that every woman should invest in.  And while we all know a trench coat and a little black dress are great buys, it seemed that there was one category no one was offering up advice on.  Building an intimates wardrobe is the foundation of getting dressed and yet so many of us continue to wear ill fitting or otherwise worn out items under our beautiful, brand new clothes (my first retail job was at Victoria’s Secret.. I promise you, I’ve seen it all).  So I’m bringing you the basics today – as well as spotlighting a few brands that may be new to you – in hopes of making sure that the first thing you put on each day is something that makes you look (and feel) great.  

1. Everyday Wear: This Calvin Klein set comes from online retailer True and Co. and has rave reviews.  A seamless full coverage bra and panty set in nude is an absolute must have – perfect for all day wear and under silk/knit tops or dresses.  The great thing about True & Co. is that they offer at home try ons, meaning you can order several bras, try them on in the comfort of your own closet and then simply return the ones that don’t work.

2. Special Occasions:  A semi sheer lace balconette and boy short is sexy while still being elegant, and works great under a date night dress.  This particular set is from ThirdLove, a brand that offers an easy to use sizing app to ensure the perfect fit without ever having a salesperson take out their tape measure.  They were kind enough to send me this black & white set and I can tell you the fit and quality are far beyond what you would expect for the price.  The very best part? They’re offering you all 20% off with code STEELEM20.

3. Pretty Push-Up: Everyone needs a little extra lift now and then.  NY based company AdoreMe has so many beautiful yet affordable sets (the brand was started by a former head of design at Victoria’s Secret) and offers lots of plus size options.  Interested in the Brielle set shown above?  Enter my GIVEAWAY here to win your favorite set of Adore Me lingerie!  

4. Supportive Sportswear: I’ve always had great luck with the Champion brand that you can find at Target (I typically look for medium-high support for running and more basic low support options for yoga/strength training).  Depending on how often you work out, I like to keep at least 2-3 of these on hand.  

5.  Convertible Options: This strapless bra from Aerie comes with an optional strap for those trickier dresses/tops and a classic lightly lined cup (I find these stay put better than a push up).  Fun fact: Aerie recently announced that they will no longer be photoshopping their models.. an amazing initiative when it comes to intimates and one I hope more brands will get behind.

6. Seamless Panties: It doesn’t matter the cut, although the Lacie thong from Victoria’s Secret is a fan favorite, just find something with stretch and seamless lines and go buy it in every color they offer.  You’ll reach for these 9 times out of 10.
  
Posted on

closet classics / 01

The Steele Maiden: Closet Classics - Red Pointed Toe Pumps
One of my goals for the blog this year was to focus on really building a closet full of things I love and can wear again and again – and also to be more open with you on exactly where I’m spending my hard earned cash.  Lately I’ve taken a new approach.  Before shopping – I scroll back through my recent pins on Pinterest.  Have I been gravitating towards neutrals? Then a cozy knit sweater in winter white would be wise.  Have the pins been denim heavy?  Then perhaps it’s time to look for a new pair of jeans.  This works for me because I tend to pin looks that have elements similar to those in my closet, not say, ball gowns just because I think they’re pretty.  Well for the past month or so, it seemed I couldn’t get enough of casual looks, made instantly more pulled together with red pointed toe pumps.  While they’d obviously be great with a dressier look, I love a sleek, sexy pump with denim, knits, and easy layers.  Instantly elevated.  So I finally picked up a pair for myself and they’re just as perfect as I’d imagined.  Plus, I’ve already got a ton of ideas on how to wear them from the aforementioned pins.  See how that works out?  I’ll be sharing more of my Closet Classics as we go along, but I’d love to hear some of yours as well!

Shop Red Pointed Toe Pumps:


p.s. Don’t forget – you can vote here every 24 hours to help me win the chance to be an official blogger at WWD Magic in Las Vegas! Please and thank you 🙂

images via: Pinterest // Frankie Hearts Fashion // The Sweetest Thing // my own // Vanessa Jackman