Category: inspiration

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new york fashion week survival kit

The first time I attended NYFW I was barely 20 years old, a wide-eyed intern at Nanette Lepore dressing sinewy models backstage.  And while I didn’t know everything, I knew that I was lucky to be there… and that this marathon was not for the faint of heart.  I like to think I’ve learned a few things since then – and graduated to a real job in this crazy Fashion world – so this time I’m going in fully prepared.  Considering I kicked off the week with a 15 hour work day yesterday preparing for tonight’s Lulu Frost S/S 15 presentation – the above are just a few things I’m counting on to get me through until next Wednesday.  At which point, I’ll maybe get some sleep.
 
Statement shoes (in which you can still walk), band-aids and a granola bar to meet the basic needs (in a way that even free champagne just can’t), a notebook to jot down the key trends, red lipstick, extra bobby pins and statement earrings for a little glam on the go and a great pair of sunglasses to hide those tired eyes darling.  Can’t wait to take you all along for the wild ride! 
 
 
  
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summer flashback + best of labor day sales

The Steele Maiden: Summer FlashbackIt’s hard to believe that today is September 1st, but when I look back at everything I did this Summer it’s not surprising that the time flew by!  There were multiple weddings (see how I re-wore my wedding attire here), trips to the lake house, lazy days spent reading in the park, rooftop drinks with the best of friends, road trips with Adam, and visits back home to PA.  The best thing about being back on the East Coast this Summer was that we were able to be around for when family and friends got together.  And while I hate to say goodbye to Summer – this will be my first Fall back in New York in a couple years and I can’t wait to watch the season’s change.  Plus, I’m gearing up for a little thing called Fashion Week in a few days – and I think you’re going to want to stick around for the madness fun. p.s. Another reason I love Fall? A change of wardrobe.  And some of my favorite stores are offering up some pretty killer sales through today – below, a few of my favorite picks: J.Crew (30% orders of $125+):

Ruche (30% full priced items):

Nordstrom (up to 40% off):

Sole Society (up to 70% off):

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spotted: fall ’14 trends

The Steele Maiden: Fall 2014 Trends
I mentioned it yesterday, but while I’m still soaking up every last ray of Summer sun – the September issues have landed on my doorstop and I can’t help but dream of Fall trends.  Especially since now that I’m back in New York I’ll get to join in the fever pitch that is Fashion Week.  I came across the above look (incidentally from last season’s Paris Fashion Week) and was struck by how effortless this lady looked – while also hitting so many of the season’s key trends.  Not an easy thing to pull off.  But there it is – florals for Fall, fringe, rich jewel tones, whites, a little bit Sixties/Seventies inspired – all of it mashed up together and it still just altogether works.  Consider me lovestruck, Fall.
 
 
 

 

 

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tips for shopping summer sales

The Steele Maiden: Tips for shopping Summer salesEverywhere you look right now, it seems like there’s another Summer sale screaming my name.  And while, budget-wise, this is a great time to shop – I know all too well the temptation of low prices can lead to purchases you may otherwise not have made.  So I thought I’d share my post-fourth of July shopping rules with you.  Nothing that can’t be worn through the Fall.  Hear me out on this.  While there’s some people out there who are okay buying a bathing suit and only getting to wear it a few times then saving it until next year – I’m someone who (once I fall in love with an item) wants to wear it again and again immediately.  So before I hit that ‘buy’ button, I ask myself – how will I wear it now?  And how will I wear it later? If I can come up with a few solid outfits for each occasion – I’m free to buy.  Right now that means dressy shorts instead of distressed denim versions, pretty printed tops, caged heeled sandals instead of flat sandals and simple silhouette dresses are all on my sale-section radar.
 
 
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spotted: summer style

The Steele Maiden: Summer style with printed Topshop midi skirt
Ever since I took the turban plunge (and New York hit 90 degrees), I’ve been craving this sort of Dolce & Gabbana meets Lana Del Ray sort of Summer style.  There’s a kind of womanly sultriness that comes with the confidence of wearing little more than a white blouse and your hair tied up in a scarf – one that feels somehow way cooler than the girlish tank dresses I probably used to run around in.  The thing I love most about this sort of look is that its at once both totally comfortable while also being a little bit over the top impractical (think walkable stacked heel sandals paired with standout statement earrings in the middle of the afternoon).  La Dolce Vita by way of the East Village.  
 
Topshop Midi Skirt // ASOS Headscarf // Ruche Top // Bauble Bar Earrings (20% off with code SAVE20) // J.Crew Factory Clutch (30% off with code BIGSALE) // ASOS Sandals