From the lipstick that will stay put even after a glass or two of champagne to the hair product that rids me of winter static – here are my holiday beauty favorites:
P.S.these would make great stocking stuffers too!
SHOP HAIR + SKIN FAVORITES:
SHOP MAKE-UP FAVORITES
Also – can we talk about how luxurious it is to get ready in a large bathroom? If you have one at home I hope you don’t take it for granted for a single second. This particular one is in a suite at the Omni Berkshire – if you’re in to that sort of thing you should enter my giveaway to win a one-night stay here.
Earlier in the Fall I polled you guys on Instagram to ask what you wanted to see more of going forward – and one of the standout results was a request for more work-wear. When it comes to office style, I’m lucky to work in a ‘creative casual’ environment. But as my role has grown and I’ve become responsible for running meetings and managing a small team – I’ve started to rely on pieces that lean towards a more polished look.
One of my very favorite office-friendly brands is Maggy London. I first worked with them at the end of the summer here and wore those 3 dresses on repeat through the Fall. So when they came back and asked me to style a few looks that would transition from Fall to Winter I jumped at the chance. Their work dresses always feel feminine without being frilly and office-appropriate without being boring.
You can see all three looks that I styled here and below is this red floral shift dress, my favorite from the three I styled (apparently I’m on a red dress kick lately). I love that it feels festive enough to wear straight out after work for holiday cocktails. Not to mention, seriously flattering.
And lastly, since we’re right in the middle of my 5 days of giveaways – I’m giving away this same dress here. Good luck!
For the past three years, Adam and I have gotten into the habit of taking holiday pictures (in 2015 we searched for Christmas trees and in 2016 we took a ride in a very special ’54 Chevy) – but this year we thought it might be fun to get all dressed up. So we put on our finest – outfits that would be perfect for any holiday special occasion like a night at the theater, New Year’s Eve party or formal wedding – and headed straight for the rooftop of the Omni Berkshire Place hotel.
SHOP THE STORY
This past Summer we had the most amazing staycation at the hotel and ever since then have thought of the Omni Berkshire so fondly. But with the place all dressed up for the holidays? We were floored. So we danced on the rooftop balcony overlooking St. Patrick’s Cathedral, surrounded by skyscrapers. We drank champagne and ran around a fancy suite with our own personal Christmas tree. And we laughed about how two kids from the country ever ended up here, with this crazy life. It was pure holiday magic.
And – because we always want to inspire you all to have stylish adventures of your own – I’m giving one lucky reader the chance to win a one-night stay at the Omni Berkshire (enter via my Instagram – giveaway launching at 9AM today 11/28). Whether you’re a New Yorker looking for a chic staycation or an out of towner dreaming of your own getaway in the big apple, this is your place. Good luck!
Adam wore a classic slim fit navy blue suitand I wore this (under $100!) slinky red satin wrap dress and fun starry night statement earrings. Also – can we take a moment to talk about these shoes? They’re Tamara Mellon (one of the founders of Jimmy Choo who started her own line) and are in the running for the most amazing heels I think I’ve ever worn. If you’re looking for a luxurious splurge for the holidays – I can’t recommend them enough.
**Updated the below with the best of Cyber Monday sales**
Hopefully you’re all relaxing at home – still in a post-turkey haze and plan on shopping from the comfort of your pajamas. Black Friday weekends sales, while amazing, can feel fairly overwhelming. Which is why I’ve narrowed down my sale suggestions to just 10 of the best that I’ll be shopping this year. See the list below and if you need gift ideas – I’ve got 100 great ones for everyone on your list here. Happy shopping friends!
1. ANTHROPOLOGIE – 20% off full-priced items + 30% off sale items + free shipping over $100
Get cozy – because this is one you’re going to want to spend some time with. For the first time ever I’m bringing you: The Steele Maiden’s 100 Best Holiday Gift Ideas for everyone on your list (I stopped at 100 because I didn’t want to out-do Oprah’s 102 Favorite Things.. naturally). I think there’s a special kind of joy in finding just the right thing for just the right person and since this year has felt particularly tough for the world at large – it would be nice if we could all spread a bit more joy this season, no? So go on and peruse to your heart’s delight. And if you still can’t find the gift you’re looking for.. find me here. I’ll be playing Secret Santa all weekend long. Happy shopping friends!
SHOP GIFTS FOR: LADIES
*The Steele Maiden Top Pick:Â This Polaroid camera disguised as an old film version – so cute!
SHOP GIFTS FOR: GENTLEMAN
*The Steele Maiden Top Pick:Â Totally not my thing, but Adam got this Oculus Virtual Reality headset last year and loves it. Plus – it’s hilarious to have parents/grandparents try them on over the holidays.
SHOP GIFTS FOR: THE HOME
*The Steele Maiden Top Pick:Â A tie between this Instant CrockPotmy sister has been raving about and these pretty gold-flecked mugs.
SHOP GIFTS FOR: LITTLE ONES
*The Steele Maiden Top Pick:Â This hat and mitten set – instant snuggle bear status.
SHOP GIFTS FOR: TRAVELERS
*The Steele Maiden Top Pick:Â This multi-purpose backpack with compartments for everything.
SHOP GIFTS FOR: BEAUTY FANS
*The Steele Maiden Top Pick:Â This silk pillowcase – helps prevent wrinkles and preserves blow-outs!
SHOP GIFTS FOR: HEALTH + WELLNESS
*The Steele Maiden Top Pick:Â This book – for getting a jumpstart on a happier 2018.
SHOP GIFTS FOR: THE OFFICE
*The Steele Maiden Top Pick:Â This set of pencils with Beyonce lyrics – just try writing with one and not smiling.
SHOP GIFTS FOR: LUXURY LOVERS
*The Steele Maiden Top Pick:Â This cruiser bicycle (extra points if you add a basket on the back!)
SHOP GIFTS FOR: UNDER $25
*The Steele Maiden Top Pick:Â These ribbon wrapped hoop earrings – available in 4 classic colors.