WHAT TO PACK: NEW ENGLAND ROAD TRIP

The Steele Maiden: What to Pack for a Fall road trip to New England

 

The bags are packed, the tank is full of gas. Adam and I are setting off for a road trip up the New England coast to Maine! I haven’t been in years (and even then didn’t ever really the chance to explore) and Adam has never been – so we both can’t wait to get there and explore. If you have recommendations for Kennebunkport, Portland or beyond feel free to send them my way!

In the meantime, I figured I’d share exactly what’s in my bag. Since the weather will be cooler than it is here in the city – I figured it was the chance to bring lots of layers and light jackets. This open draped camel coat and quilted primaloft jacket are new in and I already know they’re going to be the MVP’s of my fall wardrobe. Plus chunky sweaters (this cabled turtleneck is just begging for a foggy dock), goes with everything ankle boots, and – because you can’t go north this time of year without it – plaid. Bring on the lobster rolls.

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PREPPING FOR NYFW: WITH MARIE-LOU & D SALON

Prepping for NYFW with Marie-Lou & D Salon in Soho, New York

We’re just a day away from the official kick-off of NYFW and aside from pulling outfits, I always make time for a bit of beauty prep before the madness begins. This year I headed to Soho to check out Marie-Lou & D salon. Decorated by a French designer who usually sticks to chateaus, the interior reads more like a chic and inviting Parisian pied-à-terre rather than a stuffy salon (aka my worst nightmare).

Prepping for NYFW with Marie-Lou & D Salon in Soho, New York Prepping for NYFW with Marie-Lou & D Salon in Soho, New York Prepping for NYFW with Marie-Lou & D Salon in Soho, New York

One of my favorite parts of Marie-Lou & D is that they offer just about everything. For someone who is always short on time – that means I was able to freshen up my hair color at the same time that I got a glossy new manicure (I went with this color for Fashion Week). Did I mention I was sipping a glass of Prosecco at the same time? Now that’s multi-tasking.

Prepping for NYFW with Marie-Lou & D Salon in Soho, New York Prepping for NYFW with Marie-Lou & D Salon in Soho, New York

The result? A brighter, blonder color for Fall that plays up the natural color the sun afforded me this summer. A year or so ago I stopped using traditional highlights and switched to using the bayalage method. That means the roots grow out slowly and naturally and I only have to go in for color about twice a year. Major win. Yoann (the stylist I used) got it just right and I left feeling ready to tackle another exciting/exhausting/exhilarating round of NYFW.

If you’re looking for a new salon in town, I highly recommend Marie-Lou & D! Try them out for yourself and mention code THESTEELEMAIDEN for a 15% off discount.

The Steele Maiden: Bayalage blonde for Fall from Marie-Lou & D Salon in Soho, New York

THE HAMPTONS: RUFFLE OFF THE SHOULDER DRESS AND FLORAL CROWN

The Hamptons: wearing Design History off the shoulder ruffle dress and floral crown

Happy August! After spending last weekend/week sick in bed – I was more than looking forward to this weekend. Aside from a gorgeous wedding Friday night, Adam and I were up bright and early Saturday morning to head to the Hamptons for the first time. Verdict? I finally get what all the fuss is about.

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VISITING OCEAN CITY, NJ: BEACH WEEKEND STYLE

Beach Weekend Style: Scallop Black One Piece Bathing Suit, Straw Hat and Cargo Shirt

This past weekend Adam and I spent a few days visiting Ocean City, NJ (where my Uncle has the cutest little beach house and generously let us have the place to ourselves). There was a lot of front porch sitting and beach lounging peppered with bike rides, ice cream runs and outdoor showers. I packed just a handful of things – mainly a couple of good bathing suits (this scalloped one piece is hands down my new favorite), white denim shorts, a light shirt jacket, and a pretty new dress to mix and match as needed.

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Beach Weekend Style: Scallop Black One Piece Bathing Suit, Straw Hat and Cargo Shirt Beach Weekend Style: Scallop Black One Piece Bathing Suit, Straw Hat and Cargo Shirt Beach Weekend Style: Loft Marigold Floral Midi Skirt

Aside from Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale – I don’t do much shopping between now and Fall unless they are pieces that I can wear now when it’s sweltering and also later when the air turns crisp. This marigold midi dress is great against a tan and paired naturally with cognac accessories and cat-eye shades for a Sunday morning bike ride. But how good will this be with ankle boots and a chunky cable knit sweater? Or a suede moto jacket and heels? Not that I’m wishing summer away any time soon…

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Beach Weekend Style: Loft Marigold Floral Midi Skirt Beach Weekend Style: Loft Marigold Floral Midi Skirt

TOP OF THE ROCK

Top of the Rock NYC in pink midi skirt and off the shoulder top

First off – thank you all for the kind words both here on the blog, on social media and even in person about the launch of my first ever e-magazine earlier this week. It was so much fun to create my ‘Complete Guide to Summer Travel‘ and even more fun to finally share it with you all! And if you did already take a look through it, than you saw a hint of these photos. Last week Adam and I crossed a major item off of our New York Bucket List by finally visiting the Top of the Rock. And here’s the way to do it…

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