The Great Outdoors.

The Steele Maiden - The Great Outdoors

One of the things I love most about living here in Southern California is the way that the sunshine and weather constantly inspire me to be outdoors.  While rainy, gray days back in New York practically demanded that I have movie marathons all day inside my apartment – Los Angeles beckons for me to get out of bed early on a Saturday, take a run by the beach, a hike in the canyons, a stroll down it’s promenades.  The great outdoors are calling, and I for one am going to answer.  Happy Friday!


images from Maggy Frances


Orange Crush.

The Steele Maiden - Orange Crush
(Tulle Blouse – on sale now!; F21 Lace Skirt – similar here; Vintage Watch and Bag; Urban Outfitters Heels – similar here)

Since we’ve last talked – I’ve turned another year older!  I always find birthdays a good time to set some new goals for myself, and this year (ahem, my 26th) I’m hoping to really grow upon some of the seeds I planted in the past year.  One of which is this blog…

When I first started the blog I didn’t even really consider doing outfit posts, and even once I started sharing my outfits (quite tentatively), I didn’t really think I’d keep up with it.  Now, to my continued surprise, they are my most viewed posts and perhaps my favorites to share.  And as an added bonus, I find myself taking more risks with my style.  Maybe it’s my proximity to a county by the same name – but I can’t get enough of Orange these days.  I played with a bit of a 60’s/70’s influence on this look, and went head to heels in the retro shade, breaking things up with a lace mini and this amazing tooled vintage leather handbag that my sister gifted me a few Christmas’ back.  (Oh, and please excuse the slight squinting in these photos.  This California sun seems endless these days.  As evidenced by my increasingly tan legs… not that you’ll find me complaining.)  

The Steele Maiden - Orange CrushThe Steele Maiden - Orange Crush
The Steele Maiden - Orange Crush

The Steele Maiden - Orange Crush




Weekend Flashback.

The Steele Maiden - Weekend FlashbackThis weekend was filled with lots of happy little moments mixed in among several bigger exciting things. Like a few hours spent on the beach before getting to go to my first ever Dodgers Game (one of the things that’s been on my California bucket list!).  And finding a perfect little French cafe for Sunday morning crepes before finally getting around to walking the Venice Canals (seriously a must do if you are in the area).  Plus seeing The Great Gatsby, relaxing by the pool, and getting to do anything and everything else I wanted to do – because the boy is a saint and deemed that my birthday weekend deserved this all.  On my last night of 25, I’m feeling like one lucky girl.    

It’s My Party.

The Steele Maiden - It's My PartyWith my Birthday coming up on Monday, a few fun things planned, and a forecast of 80 degrees and sunny.. I can’t wait to throw on something brightly colored and welcome the weekend with open arms.  And while it may not be your birthday – chances are you’ve got a Mom worth celebrating this Sunday (I know I do).  Happy Friday!



Euro Trip.

The Steele Maiden - Euro Trip(1. Forever 21 Hat; 2. Zara Dress; 3. Gap Tote Bag; 4. Toms Wedges)It’s always this time of year when I start to itch for Summer vacation.  A few months off to relax, get a tan, maybe take a romp through Europe?  A girl can dream.  Even though my school days are behind me and summer no longer means months of leisure, I see no reason why I can’t dress like I’m strolling the streets of Florence.  A breezy white linen dress, straw hat, simple wedges and classic striped tote would be just the thing for living la dolce vita.