MY 2021 HOLIDAY GIFT WISHLIST

Perhaps, quite selfishly, one of my favorite posts to write each year is this round-up of the thing that are on my own personal holiday gift wishlist. Do I *need* any of this? Mostly not. But if I decide to gift myself something or if someone reading this is looking to gift me something, here are plenty of things I want. And if you’re having trouble thinking of things to put on your own wishlist – maybe one of these will be a fit!
  1. Silky Pajamas – I’m very into the idea of these luxe looking pajamas with a celestial print.
  2. British Designers At Home – I rarely buy coffee table books (because in full transparency we don’t have a coffee table) but I’d find space for this one about the real homes of British Designers. I love that lived-in, quirky English style.
  3. Oversized Hair Bow – Wouldn’t be mad at accompanying tickets to Paris while we’re at it.
  4. Red (Taylor’s Version) on Vinyl – I think this one goes without saying.
  5. Harney & Sons Holiday Tea Set – I love specialty teas in winter and this duo (Hot Cinnamon Spice and Holiday) sounds so festive.
  6. Statement Earrings – I’ll likely be cashing in on my employee discount for these beauties.
  7. Plaid Bag – Adds such a fun, festive touch to an otherwise simple outfit.
  8. Silver Party Heels – These would be so cute with sparkly socks and jeans or tights and a party dress. Code: Steele15 will get you 15% off if you’re similarly swooning.
  9. Tickets to Moulin Rouge on Broadway – I really want to get back to a Broadway show after over a year of not having that option. Moulin Rouge feels like it would be such a fun one!
  10. Holiday City Mugs – These festive mugs come in New York, London, Paris and Los Angeles versions and I’m very tempted to collect the full set.
  11. 1990 Sweatshirt – Adam is a 1990 baby and I love this vintage looking red sweatshirt as a nod to him.
  12. Taper Candle Holders – I like that these feel organic and seasonless. They’d be so pretty with a colored taper candle.
  13. Light Tortoiseshell Glasses – I finally made it to the Eye Dr. since pre-pandemic and my prescription changed slightly. A perfect excuse for a new pair of glasses.
  14. Work Horse by Kim Reed – I’m fascinated by the underbelly of the New York restaurant scene. I love that this memoir takes you inside the world from a woman’s perspective.

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WINTER OUTERWEAR WITH TALBOTS

I’m notorious for waiting too long into a season to think about winter coats. But with a little bit of pre-planning, I’m fully stocked this year thanks to Talbots, who consistently make outerwear that I truly love.

I find it nice to have a few options on hand each season that can hold up to a variety of weather, from crisp fall days to truly chilly winter ones. Plus ones that work whether I’m headed for a walk in the park, a day at the office or out on a date.

Exhibit A is this black and white wool coat. It’s a really nice, thick weight and I love that I can wear it with a simple sweater and boots for walking around the city – but I could also put it on over a dress and feel super chic for a night out.

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Next up is this ivory puffer coat. I like that it’s hip length so that it doesn’t totally overwhelm my frame (I’m 5’4″ for reference) and the big portrait collar makes it feel modern. Bonus points for fleece-lined pockets. Toss it on over your favorite fair isle sweater and you’re out to door for running holiday errands, ice-skating in the park or hot chocolate dates.

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Last – but certainly not least – is this veryyy luxe looking green velvet blazer. It’s also a really nice weight meaning it works for days that are cool but not cold. I can’t wait to wear this to work to feel festive or dressed up with a silky slip skirt and heels. Now who wants to meet me for a glass of champagne so I can have a reason to wear this blazer again?

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*Thank you to Talbots for sponsoring this post and to you all, as always.

BEST OF: FALL AND WINTER BOOTS

It’s officially the season for boots. A no brainer with a pair of jeans and just as easy with a dress – I love the versatility of a great pair of boots this time of year. I’ve been wearing the two black pairs in row 2 (lug sole and patent pointy toe) for several years now and I just got the middle pair in the top row and am SO excited to break them out.

While some of these are a bigger investment – I really believe in putting a bit of money into a great pair of boots or two that you know you’ll wear constantly and will hold up for years to come. I own about half of the pairs shown here and can personally vouch for the quality and comfort – and the others are all from brands that I really trust and love.

Row 1, Boot 3: Code: Steele15 gets you 15% off your first order with Inez.

Row 3, Boot 2: Code: SARAHFLINT-BASTEELE gets you $50 off your first order with Sarah Flint.

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PRINTED DRESSES FOR FALL

I’ll take solid color coats and sweaters, skirts and shirts.. but when it comes to dresses – I like ’em printed. While they may seem statement making to some, I always felt like they’re the easiest way to get dressed. Grab a printed dress, throw on a few accessories that tie into the key print colors – and you’re out the door.

A lot of the dresses on the market this season tend to be too ‘Little House on the Prairie’ for me – a look that looks so cute on plenty of people but on me, looks as if I’m volunteering for a Civil War reenactment. To problem solve this shopping dilemma – I’ve been having good luck with designer discount site The Outnet (not sponsored, I’m just genuinely excited about my recent finds), where I happened upon this cute geometric shirt dress style from French brand Maje that’s better suited to my style. A nice reminder that trends come and go, but finding silhouettes that you feel good in will work forever.

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ADDING STATEMENT STYLES TO A CLASSIC WARDROBE

I’ve spent the better part of two years hitting reset on my shopping habits and my wardrobe as a whole. Training myself to diligently ignore trends, invest in classics and donate/sell anything left in my closet that didn’t feel “forever” to me. And I’m pretty close to a wardrobe that for me – is perfect. I rarely shop fast fashion anymore and I never find myself feeling like I have nothing to wear. It feels great. But not that I’ve made it, it feels like I can open myself up to introducing a few statement styles into the mix. Things that – when thrown on with those more classic pieces – feel curated and add interest to my outfits. A little goes a long way here, but above are some of the pieces that I’ve either picked up lately or currently have lingering in my online shopping carts. After all, life is too short to not have a little fun with it all.

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