SPRING WISHLIST UNDER $100

If you follow me on Instagram then you may have seen me mention I had officially gone 3 MONTHS without shopping for a single piece of clothing or accessories. In mid-December it was because I was spending on Christmas gifts for family instead. In January it was a concerted effort to practice self control and focus on my finances for the year ahead. But my February and into March it was simply because I really had re-set my attitude towards my wardrobe. Simply liking something in the moment wasn’t enough for me to own it. A sale going on didn’t need that I had to grab something just because it was a steal. In three months I’ve really been able to come to terms with what I want my wardrobe and shopping habits to look like going forward.

And that doesn’t mean I’ll never shop again. In fact, I finally broke the streak and just picked up this dress (which I know will work at the office with flats and a sweater, on a date with heels and on weekends with sneakers and a denim jacket). And I’ll likely grab a few more of the pieces shown here (the linen blazer and this little bag are top contenders) knowing that I’ll wear them constantly throughout the Spring and Summer ahead.

Happy shopping (or not – you decide for yourself).

SHOP THE STORY:

ps. this one bag is just over $100 but it’s so cute I made an exception.

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

FOURTH OF JULY STYLE: MADEWELL DENIM SHORTS AND STRIPES

Fourth of July Outfit Idea - Madewell denim shorts and stripes

How is it that it’s already almost the Fourth of July?!? The month of June has been flying past me, so this weekend Adam and I snuck away to the lake house and for a couple of blissful days, time practically stood still. And for the short lived time that I put on anything besides a bathing suit – this is what I wore. Which would be perfect for the upcoming weekend’s festivities.

SHOP THE STORY

Continue reading “FOURTH OF JULY STYLE: MADEWELL DENIM SHORTS AND STRIPES”

BEST OF: MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SALES

Since the weather is just now really starting to feel like Summer, I’m planning on picking up lots of great in-season pieces at major discounts over the holiday weekend (in between boat rides and sun-bathing that is!). My top picks are above and the run-down of all the best sales below. I just grabbed this fringe hem sweater and plan to grab this floral dress for an upcoming wedding. Happy Memorial Day weekend friends!

ANTHROPOLOGIEExtra 30% off sale items (no code needed)

ASOS20% off sitewide with code HISUMMER

BANANA REPUBLIC: 40% off your purchase with code BRTAKE40

FRENCH CONNECTION: 30% off sitewide + free shipping with code FC30MR

GIGI NEW YORK: 20% off sitewide + free shipping (no code needed)

JCREW: 30% off your purchase with code WEEKEND

LOFT40% off new arrivals + 60% off sale items (no code needed)

NORDSTROM: Half yearly sale with items up to 40% off (no code needed)

OLD NAVY: 50% off tanks, tees, shorts & swim (no code needed)

TALBOTS: Extra 40% off one sale item, extra 50% off two or more sale items (no code needed)

SOLE SOCIETY: Up to 50% off select styles (no code needed)

STEVE MADDEN: 20% off orders of $75+, 25% off orders of $100+ with code SUN

ROCKAWAY BEACH: TOBI LACE-UP HANDKERCHIEF PRINT DRESS

Tobi lace up handkerchief print dress at Rockaway Beach

Anyone else already in a 3-day weekend state of mind? This week feels like it’s dragging but I’ve got our first lake house trip of the season to look forward to over Memorial Day and I’ll definitely be bringing easy looks like this one with me (ps. if you’re in need of other style ideas and packing tips for your getaways this season check out my ‘Complete Guide to Summer Travel‘).

SHOP THE STORY

Continue reading “ROCKAWAY BEACH: TOBI LACE-UP HANDKERCHIEF PRINT DRESS”