first year favorites

The Steele Maiden: First Year FavoritesSo if we’re going to get technical – today, August 8th, is the exact 1st birthday of my blog.  And since not all have you have been here with me since the very beginning (but to those of you who have – thank you!!), I thought it would be fun to take a look back at a few of my favorite posts from the past year… 

1. This Shape Shifter series was easily one of my favorites.  With a 60’s theme and a retro hotel as the backdrop, these pictures were some of the most fun to take and pushed me outside of my usual comfort zone.  


2. An easy DIY that totally transformed our living room wall (and for practically no money), these drawer shelves were a fun take on usual frames.  Plus, this post ended up being featured on the Ruche blog – an added bonus!

3. My ‘Passing Through’ travel posts are always my favorites to write because I get to re-live some of my past adventures and this post about Austin, Texas (a hands down favorite of the places I had the chance to visit last year) was no different.  Can I go back now?

4. Featuring a skirt I made back in college (it was the statement of my senior collection inspired by the modern American Woman), this Fourth of July post was just over the top patriotic.  We took these pictures back in the cutest little cul de sac near our apartment that for a moment, I wanted to pretend we lived in instead.  Picket fences and all.  

I’d love to know what some of your favorites were?  

The Steele Maiden: Shape Shifter

The Steele Maiden: DIY Drawer Shelves

The Steele Maiden: Passing Through Austin

The Steele Maiden: American Woman



the new york collection.

The Steele Maiden - The New York CollectionSo as you all know by now, along with a new look around here this week also brought the launch of my signature travel inspired jewelry line.  In celebration I thought I’d share a little bit of the inspiration for my first collection…

After spending three years in New York designing jewelry before making the move to Los Angeles, I knew I wanted to find a way to combine my experience in design with a personal line that reflected my love for travel.  Each collection will reflect a different city that holds a piece of my heart (and each piece ships with a snapshot I’ve taken of that place!).  New York is the source of inspiration behind my first collection (and perhaps the city that I love most in this world, and trust me I’ve compared it to many others).  The collection reflects the striking architecture, the sparkle of the city that never sleeps, the big statements and the tiny moments that catch you off guard.  I love these pieces that sum up what New York means to me – and don’t worry, more will be added to the shop regularly! – and I hope you love them too.   

The Steele Maiden - The New York Collection


one year in review

The Steele Maiden: One Year in Review
You’re looking at a brand new The Steele Maiden.   It’s taken a year of trial (and perhaps the occasional error), but I am thrilled to introduce my new site to you in celebration of my blog’s 1st birthday this week!  And here’s what else I’m giving you…

GIVEAWAY:  Who doesn’t love free stuff?!  Tomorrow I’m hosting my first giveaway (with one of my favorite brands) and it’s something I know you’ll all love.  So be sure to come back tomorrow for your chance to win!

 

New Series:  With a streamlined new layout and a fresh take going into my 2nd year of blogging, there’s a few series that no longer felt relevant, and others that will be sticking around but only from time to time.  And a completely new series starting every Friday that  you won’t want to miss.Shop:  My signature travel inspired jewelry line launches today.  Every piece is designed and hand crafted by yours truly here in Los Angeles using a mix of new and vintage components.  Be the first to get pieces from my New York inspired collection here!Sponsorship: The Steele Maiden is now accepting sponsors! Have a business, product or service that fits with The Steele Maiden aesthetic and want to get the word out?  See all the ways we can work together here.I’m so glad that I took the past year getting The Steele Maiden to where it is today (and to the people that encouraged me along the way), and am thankful every day for those of you out there that choose to take time to check in.  I can’t wait to see what this next year has in store!(Denim jacket – similar here; Blouse via Marshall’s – similar here; Asos Skirt – on sale!; Target Heels – similar here; Vintage Bag)

The Steele Maiden: One Year in Review
The Steele Maiden: One Year in Review

The Steele Maiden: One Year in Review

The Steele Maiden: One Year in Review

under construction

The Steele Maiden: Under Construction
I am pretty much bursting at the seams.  This weekend the site will be under going construction (so if you stop in and things seem in disarray – fear not), on the road to building a bigger and better Steele Maiden.  And you’re not going to want to miss the launch next week.  We’re talking exciting announcements, a GIVEAWAY from one of my favorite brands, a fun new weekly series and more of the things you already love.  So, I’ll see you back here next week.  Same place, whole new style.  



Midsummer Night Musts.

The Steele Maiden: Midsummer Night Musts(Target Sunglasses; Madewell T-shirt; F21 Lace Skirt; Tulle Sweater sample – cute option here, Nine West wedges – similar here)

If there’s one thing I’ve learned so far living in Southern California – it’s that even in the middle of Summer, if it’s after 5pm you should always carry a cardigan.  So for a midsummer’s night I threw one on to round out an otherwise simple look…



Without the humidity that I’m used to on the East Coast, Summer night’s cool off quickly here – especially since we’re so close to the Ocean.  And while I’m certainly not complaining, I’ve learned that it’s the type of slight chill in the air that means without a cardigan I end up shivering a bit.  This long striped duster style is perfect for tossing on over a casual look with jeans or adding a little coverage to a lace mini as shown here.  A few layered necklaces and a pair of sunglasses (the other California necessity) and I’m ready for an evening stroll.  
The Steele Maiden: Midsummer Night Musts

The Steele Maiden: Midsummer Night Musts

The Steele Maiden: Midsummer Night Musts

The Steele Maiden: Midsummer Night Musts