Category: three way tie

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three way tie: printed top

The Steele Maiden: Printed Top Three Ways(Ruche Printed Top; F21 bag; Gap trousers; Target Heels – similar here; H&M skirt – similar here; Statement Necklace – my own design; Ruche heels; Madewell shorts; Asos Heels)

To be honest, when I first bought this top I wasn’t completely sure how I was going to wear it.  I just knew that it looked playful, modern and still slightly feminine – so I was sold.  Turns out, this slightly boxy top with it’s neon and neutral print is a closet wonder…

With slim tailored black trousers and patent nude pumps it heads straight to work with a slightly retro feel (I like to think Megan from Mad Men may sport something similar).  With a statement necklace, (faux) leather full skirt and bright strappy sandals the look transformed completely into downtown date night – a perfect outfit for when the boy and I go out in LA.  And finally, when thrown on with denim shorts and casual accessories the top was a laidback free spirited cool.      

The Steele Maiden: Printed Top Three Ways

The Steele Maiden: Printed Top Three Ways

The Steele Maiden: Printed Top Three Ways

The Steele Maiden: Printed Top Three Ways




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Three Way Tie: Red Printed Dress.

The Steele Maiden - Three Way Tie - Madewell Red Printed Dress(Madewell Dress; Desk – Urban Outfitters Blazer – similar here, Kenneth Cole Heels – similar here, Vintage Belt and Bag; Date – Banana Republic Cuff – similar here, Vintage Bag, Zara Heels; Day Off – Target Sunglasses, Vintage Blouse, Kate Spade Wallet, Ruche Wedges) 
 
I’ve had my eye on this Madewell Dress from the first moment I spotted it in stores.  And when it went on sale, and then the sale went on sale.. well, I needed little convincing.  Airy, silky, pretty enough for days but punchy enough for nights – I instantly knew I would get tons of wear out of this little number…


Here, how I’d style the dress for my most common three occasions:  
 
Desk: For work, I offset the flowiness of the dress with more structured pieces – a slightly wider belt, solid stacked heels and a fitted blazer.  The look ends up being bright and cheery, but not over the top, for a day at the office.
 
Date: The dress really makes the statement here so I kept all other accessories minimal and sleek.  Thin gold hoops, a skinny belt and the slickest of black stilettos make the dress feel appropriate for a night out with the boy.
 
Day Off: For a weekend look, I tossed on a vintage blouse for a bit more coverage and tied it up in place of a belt for added comfort.  A polka dot wallet, oversized sunglasses and walkable wedges and I’m out the door for errands, brunch.. anything.  
 
PS – The title ‘Three Way Tie’ is based on my golden rule of shopping – be sure you can wear an item in at least three different ways before buying it.  I’m hoping to bring this in as a more regular feature going forward.  Hope you like it!
 
The Steele Maiden - Three Way Tie - Madewell Red Printed Dress
The Steele Maiden - Three Way Tie - Madewell Red Printed Dress
The Steele Maiden - Three Way Tie - Madewell Red Printed Dress
The Steele Maiden - Three Way Tie - Madewell Red Printed Dress
The Steele Maiden - Three Way Tie - Madewell Red Printed Dress
 
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Ta da! A brand new series kicks off today with ‘Three Way Tie’ featuring a fashion-y little character based on yours truly…

Meant to illustrate my “Rule of Three” (a self imposed rule that does not allow me to purchase an item unless I can easily imagine at least three different ways in which I would wear it), each time I’ll focus on one specific item that I either recently purchased or am considering buying – and then shop my own closet in order to make good on my above rule.  Such a great practice in reworking your existing wardrobe (plus in my sketches I get to pretend I have legs for days). 

The Item: A wardrobe essential in the season’s coolest color
          Forever 21Striped T-Shirt
Desk: Dress it up with a mixed pattern blouse and faux leather skirt, but keep it work appropriate with tights and flats.
          Peter Pan Color (Vintage) Rachel Rachel Roy blouse (old), H&M faux leather skirt (old – similar here), 
             Sheer Dot Tights, Steve Madden Loafers 
Day Off: So easy for running around town. Just add jeans, boots and a contrasting vest.
          Urban Outfitters Vest, Gap jeans (old – similar here), DV by Dolce Vita (similar here on sale!)
Date: Play up the sporty vibe with a leather sleeved varsity jacket and wedge sneakers, a lace dress/skirt and knee socks make the whole thing flirty and fun.
          Urban Outfitters Varsity Jacket, Urban Outfitters Lace Dress (old), Knee Socks, Steve Madden Wedge Sneakers

Posted on


Ta da! A brand new series kicks off today with ‘Three Way Tie’ featuring a fashion-y little character based on yours truly…

Meant to illustrate my “Rule of Three” (a self imposed rule that does not allow me to purchase an item unless I can easily imagine at least three different ways in which I would wear it), each time I’ll focus on one specific item that I either recently purchased or am considering buying – and then shop my own closet in order to make good on my above rule.  Such a great practice in reworking your existing wardrobe (plus in my sketches I get to pretend I have legs for days). 

The Item: A wardrobe essential in the season’s coolest color
          Forever 21Striped T-Shirt
Desk: Dress it up with a mixed pattern blouse and faux leather skirt, but keep it work appropriate with tights and flats.
          Peter Pan Color (Vintage) Rachel Rachel Roy blouse (old), H&M faux leather skirt (old – similar here), 
             Sheer Dot Tights, Steve Madden Loafers 
Day Off: So easy for running around town. Just add jeans, boots and a contrasting vest.
          Urban Outfitters Vest, Gap jeans (old – similar here), DV by Dolce Vita (similar here on sale!)
Date: Play up the sporty vibe with a leather sleeved varsity jacket and wedge sneakers, a lace dress/skirt and knee socks make the whole thing flirty and fun.
          Urban Outfitters Varsity Jacket, Urban Outfitters Lace Dress (old), Knee Socks, Steve Madden Wedge Sneakers