Category: Gift Guide

Posted on

COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE HOLIDAYS: VOLUME II, ISSUE I

*PLEASE BE PATIENT WHILE ‘THE STEELE MAIDEN’S COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE HOLIDAYS’ LOADS ABOVE – CLICK TO EXPAND AND VIEW IN FULL SCREEN*

And I’m back with Part Two! This time, adding ideas for home, decor and entertaining to the first half of my guide which tackled style and gifts (jump straight to page 30 if you want to get to the new section.. although it’s best read front to back!). Now that it’s complete, I’m hoping more than ever that this handy guide serves you up ideas and inspiration all season long. Something that answers those tricky questions like ‘What do I wear for my winter bridal shower? An ice-skating date? Holiday travel?’ or ‘What do I get my outdoorsy Dad or minimalist boss for the holidays? or ‘What festive cocktail could I serve when friends come over?’. My hope is that you can reference this guide from now through New Year’s any time you have a question about how to handle the season in style. That way you can quickly get back to the more important things, like spending time with family & friends… and sipping champagne. Enjoy! xx

Posted on

BEST OF: CYBER MONDAY SALES (PLUS! $1,000 NORDSTROM GIVEAWAY)

Casual holiday style - fringe snowflake sweater and velvet hair bow

Not to be outdone by Black Friday (or if you were still in a turkey coma and missed it), Cyber Monday seems bigger and better than ever this year. I’m almost halfway through my shopping list and am using today to hopefully wrap up the rest. And in case you’ve still got quite a few names on your list – scroll down to enter my group giveaway for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card to Nordstrom, which will hopefully come in handy for one lucky winner!

BEST OF SALES:

ANTHROPOLOGIE – 20% off sitewide + free shipping over $150 (go for beautiful throw blankets, pretty party dresses and giftable candles and mugs)

AMAZON – major deals across all categories (go for the electronics like a Kindle or a DSLR camera)

BANANA REPUBLIC – 50% off everything – no exclusions (grab men’s suiting, women’s dresses and boots &  heels)

BODEN – 30% off sitewide + free shipping over $49 with code: XXXX (everything Adam and I are wearing in this post is now on sale!) 

COACH – 30% off sitewide + free shipping with code: THANKS2016 (pick up a classic tote or saddle bag that will never go out of style) 

FRENCH CONNECTION – 40% off sitewide with code: F40BLF (go straight for the party dresses) 

GAP – 50% off sitewide with code: CYBMON (sweaters for him, anything BabyGap, and coats for her)

GIGI NEW YORK – Spend more, save more – starting at 20% off $125 purchase (this crossbody is my hands down most carried bag) 

JCREW – 40% off sitewide with code: HOLIDAY (this is a BIG one and there’s something for everyone on your list – a winter coat, sweaters for him and her, cold weather accessories, statement earrings & a pair of cute slippers) 

KATE SPADE – 30% off sitewide with code: WIRED (a classic satchel or a cute phone case) 

LANDS’ END – 45% off sitewide with code: CYBER (go for outerwear and sleepwear for him and her) 

LOFT – 50% off sitewide + free shipping with code: CYBERMONDAY (grab a coat or pretty top for yourself, no judgement)

MADEWELL – 25% off sitewide with code: CYBERMONDAY (pick up cute sweaters and giftable cold weather accessories) 

NORDSTROM – Savings on categories sitewide (this is one where you’ll want to stock up – look for activewear, women’s boots, beauty kits, dresses for every occasion & outerwear) 

OLD NAVY – 50% off sitewide (a great time to pick up things for the kids on your list + cozy flannels, sweaters and sleepwear for yourself)

SHOPBOP – Up to 25% off sitewide (this is your chance to grab the brands that don’t usually go on sale – think Hunter Boots or Loeffler Randall & little luxuries like watches and sunglasses) 

SOLE SOCIETY – 30% off all footwear and apparel (these riding boots have been my favorites for over a year now) 

TALBOTS – 50% off one item, 40% off everything else + free shipping (everything in this casual holiday look and this dressy holiday look are on sale) 

TARGET – Major discounts on all categories (nearly a one-stop shop – this iPad or blender would make killer gifts) 

URBAN OUTFITTERS – $15 off $75+ or $50 off your $150+ order (pick up jackets for him & dresses for her or a Fujifilm Instax Camera) 

WEST ELM – Up to 50% off sitewide (go for hostess gifts or a great piece of framed art) 

Now…it’s time for an awesome giveaway! I’ve teamed up with a group of bloggers from all across the country to give YOU a chance to win:
a $1000 Nordstrom Gift Card, just in time for the holidays!

Simply enter below by completing the rafflecopter. You’ll receive one entry per completion. This giveaway is open internationally and runs until 12/5. Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Posted on

HOSTESS GIFT IDEAS

I shared lots of gift ideas in my ‘Complete Guide to the Holidays‘ on Monday, but between my sister’s housewarming party this weekend and Thanksgiving next week it felt timely to share a few extra ideas for home decor & hostess gifts. You never want to show up empty handed this time of year when someone has taken the time and effort to gather friends, family and food. However, there’s also nothing worse than bringing something that just ends up feeling like a burden to the host/hostess. See here: decadent desserts that they may not want to indulge in or home decor that is more your style than theirs.

So my advice? Gift either a little luxury (think a leather bound planner or cowhide throw pillow) or something simple & useful (think their favorite tea or a pretty jar of matches). Undoubtedly a gracious host will be thankful for anything you bring, but why not be remembered for being the person that brought those golden monogrammed mugs?

(Hover over the image above to see icons – click to shop)

Posted on

MOTHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Mark your calendars – Mother’s Day is Sunday May 8th. And besides a phone call to tell her you love her (or if possible an in-person hug) – it’s nice to pick up a little something special that says ‘thanks Mom’. When it comes to finding a Mother’s Day gift, I think you can go one of two ways. Either something completely practical (a classic leather carryall tote or the most perfectly flattering light coral lipstick) that she’ll use constantly orrrr something completely frivolous that she wouldn’t normally buy for herself (a luxe perfume set or whimsical candle holders) that will be sure to put a smile on her face. I’ve rounded up a little bit of both.

SHOP THE STORY

Posted on

VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS FOR HIM & HER

I know this is slightly controversial.. but I happen to really like Valentine’s Day. And not just because I’m in a relationship. In fact, among some of my favorite Valentine’s Days memories were the ones spent with my best girl friends, drinking cheap beer and crafting homemade cards for each other. These days, Adam and I usually make dinner at home or go on a little adventure together somewhere in the city. As far as gifts go, if we do exchange I try to keep it small and sentimental – like a framed piece of artwork that reminds me of a shared memory (the one pictured above is from Minted which has an amazing selection, save 15% off their entire fine art selection with code VALENTINE16) or a vintage record to add to our collection. If you’re in need of a few more ideas.. for her, nothing beats pretty lace or a bit of sparkle and for him, luggage tags to prep for an upcoming trip or classic sunglasses are no-fail. And if you’re not shopping for someone in particular? How about you #treatyoself – because whether you are for or against the holiday, everyone could use a little extra love in the middle of winter, right?

SHOP THE STORY