Category: Trends & Inspiration

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IN SUPPORT OF: BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

October Breast Cancer Awareness

October is one of my favorite months (pumpkins, cool air, wearing layers…) and it also happens to be Breast Cancer Awareness month – which is a cause near and dear to my heart after seeing both my Grandmother and an Aunt fight the disease. So many of my friends and family have been in some way touched by Breast Cancer (or more broadly cancer in general) so any time that I can make an small contribution to the race for a cure I gladly do so. The products shown here all contribute a portion of proceeds to that cause and when good style meets a great cause it’s really a win, win.

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TRENDING: WINE-HUED HANDBAGS

Fall Trends: Wine-hued handbags

I’m usually more of a shoe lady myself, but lately I’ve found myself crushing hard on handbags. And not just any.. but wine-hued handbags in particular. This little quilted crossbody has been featured in all three of my latest outfit posts (here, here and here), but I love the idea of a luxe, tasseled tote or in a glossy croc texture. Here a few of my favorites. Best served with a glass of red.

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SUMMER TO FALL STYLE

How to Style: Summer to Fall transition pieces

I’m in that tricky timeframe where I’m craving Fall items – but don’t want to buy anything that I’ll have to wait 2 months to wear (which is the adult version of wanting to go back to school shopping but not wanting to have to start classes again). To help combat this conundrum, I’m only investing in pieces right now that can be worn right away with lightweight Summer pieces and then re-styled later once the weather starts to turn. Here – a breakdown of the top items on my list:

The Frill Hem Top – I love the swingy-ness and easy khaki color of this one. I’d wear it now with cut-off jean shorts and later with skinny denim and a killer pair of over the knee boots.

The Button Front Skirt – the official skirt of the season pairs nicely with a printed off the shoulder top for Summer and a slim knit turtleneck for Fall vibes.

The Suede Ankle Boot – I’ve never met a stacked heel I didn’t love – this pair toughens up a girly little white dress for August date nights and in September works with boyfriend jeans and a cashmere scarf on weekends.

The Floral Midi Dress – This one is lightweight enough to wear even on a hot day with flat lace-ups, and will look effortless in a few months paired with a leather jacket and wide brim wool hat.

The 70s Inspired Accessories – These round, tortoise sunglasses and quilted, burgundy bag are easy additions to a simple striped t-shirt dress and will still make sense months from now with a cropped sweater, maxi skirt and chelsea boots. (p.s. I just tried my first pair of Illesteva sunglasses through Ditto – an online boutique that offers endless designer glasses for just $19 – meaning you can try out a cool new shape/brand or trade in for a different pair before you commit to buying! Use code STEELEMAIDEN to get your first month free)

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BEST OF NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE: ACCESSORIES

Best of Nordstrom Anniversary Sale - Accessories from Kate Spade, Kendra Scott, Dolce Vita and moreHappy Friday! Another happy little note – Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is now open to the public! Which – as a refresher – means you’re getting this Fall’s New Arrivals at major discounts (before prices go back up August 3rd). I already shared my shopping game plan for the sale here – but now that everyone can shop.. I’m back for round 2. This time, I’m focused on picking up the best of this season’s shoes and accessories – below my (admittedly extensive) wishlist:

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HOW TO SHOP: NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE

I talk a good bit about sales around here, this one. This one is different. The thing about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is that it’s not last season, leftover goods. It’s brand new, Fall season plus designer items and seasonless classics that you’re hard pressed to otherwise find marked down. In short, this sale is major. Last year, I waited until the sale opened to the public (July 17) and some of my favorites were already sold out, so this year I am getting in on the Early Access (open to Nordstrom Card Holders – I have the debit version which means you only spend what you have #winwin).  Below – my game plan to nailing the sale this time around plus hover over the images above to get the details directly. Happy Shopping!

1. Top Fall Trends: There’s going to be major Seventies vibes again next season, and I’m definitely on board. This little suede skirt will go with everything in my closet and my hat collection is begging for this new friend.

2. Seasonless Classics: Now is the time to grab quality items you’ll wear year-round. Hunter Rain Boots and a black cross-body bag are closet essentials.

3. Designer Picks: If you’ve had your heart set on a Kate Spade Satchel, higher-end makeup (like this exclusive Nars Lip Pencil Set) or premium denim brands (these Paige skinny jeans are on my wish list) now’s your chance to grab ’em!