little black bows

The Steele Maiden: Holiday Outfit Plaid Frill Hem Dress
Maybe it’s because last year at this time we were living in sunny Los Angeles, and it never really felt like Christmas to me there – but this year I’m practically giddy with the thought of it. I mean we’re only 5 days into December and so far I’ve worn some combination of plaid at least 4 of them (versions here and here). This go around I wanted to dress it up a bit and started with this little flippy hemmed plaid number. I like a long sleeved dress in the winter and this one is in a thick neoprene that really holds it’s shape. Paired it with these sheer bow tights (equal parts fun and flirty) and turquoise statement earrings (I like the idea of throwing a color into the mix that’s not traditionally thought of for ‘holiday’). Ready for a December date night. That hopefully involves lots of twinkly lights.  

Missguided Plaid Dress c/o // Urban Outfitters Jacket – similar via ASOS // Lulu Frost Earrings // TabbiSocks Sheer Bow Tights c/o // ASOS Heels – similar via Sole Society 

The Steele Maiden: Holiday Outfit Plaid Frill Hem Dress

The Steele Maiden: Holiday Outfit Plaid Frill Hem Dress

The Steele Maiden: Holiday Outfit Plaid Frill Hem Dress

The Steele Maiden: Holiday Outfit Plaid Frill Hem Dress

The Steele Maiden: Holiday Outfit Plaid Frill Hem Dress



a new view

On any given weekend you can usually find me wandering through the streets of Manhattan. But on Sunday, I thought I’d change my view and found myself in Brooklyn (DUMBO – or Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass – to be exact). I’ve been switching up my style game a bit lately too (I mentioned recently how the sweeter looks I used to gravitate towards suddenly feel off) and this particular outfit really feels like ‘me’ right now. There are still the elements that I’ve always loved – a vintage red suede clutch, a touch of shine from these doubled up cocktail rings, and statement shoes in the form of these undeniably cool bejeweled Kate Spade slip-on sneakers. But there is a streamlined color palette, a borrowed from the boys feel from the tweed overcoat, and a slight edge in the distressed jeans (this pair of Paige denim has barely left my legs since they arrived – and this from a devoted dress girl!). Overall it feels somehow more put together – but at the same time like an effortless shift.  It’s good to take a new outlook now and then and as the seasons really change I’m more than ready to hit refresh.
P.S. My friends at Piperlime sent over these swoon-worthy sneakers and perfectly distressed denim – and in the case that you’re looking for a style refresh too, they’re offering 20% off Fall Essentials through tonight with code FALL20F21 Overcoat + Shirt // Vintage Clutch – similar via Sole Society // Lulu Frost Rings // Paige Denim c/o Piperlime // Kate Spade New York Sneakers c/o Piperlime // Essie Nail Polish in Bordeaux

The Steele Maiden: Piperlime Moments of Chic with Paige Denim and Kate Spade
The Steele Maiden: Piperlime Moments of Chic with Paige Denim and Kate Spade
The Steele Maiden: Piperlime Moments of Chic with Paige Denim and Kate Spade
The Steele Maiden: Piperlime Moments of Chic with Paige Denim and Kate Spade
The Steele Maiden: Piperlime Moments of Chic with Paige Denim and Kate Spade
The Steele Maiden: Piperlime Moments of Chic with Paige Denim and Kate Spade
The Steele Maiden: Piperlime Moments of Chic with Paige Denim and Kate Spade
The Steele Maiden: Piperlime Moments of Chic with Paige Denim and Kate Spade




weekend flashback

They say New York is the city that never sleeps – and since moving back from LA (and long days of leisurely lounging on the beach), my schedule is living proof.  This Summer has flown by, often with late nights and early mornings, but I’ve been trying to embrace that lately.  Because after all, being busy isn’t so bad when it’s all things that make you really happy.  So before a few really hectic weeks of work, plans with friends and family and some really exciting things planned for the blog (hellooo NYFW) – I took the chance this weekend to slow down a bit.  Clean and organize the apartment, take long walks, workout, meet up with friends, catch up on work (like this long overdue weekend flashback post!), and even get a few more hours of all that sleep I used to love so much.
 
For more peaks into my day to day – follow me on instagram @thesteelemaiden
 
 
  

layers to go

The Steele Maiden: Printed Top and Chambray Shirt
While my day to day style often involves a skirt or dress, when I really need to be on the go (like errands, walking, subway, more walking…) then I often turn to easy light layers like these.  This bright printed top from Darling Clothes is actually part of a matching set (originally seen here), but breaking it up and pairing it with solids is an easy solution.  A few key accessories like this long pendant necklace and round sunglasses keep the outfit from feeling boring, while the comfy sandals, jeans and chambray mean I can be out of the apartment for hours without skipping a beat.   
 
p.s. In case you missed it – I’m celebrating 2 years of blogging with a fun giveaway!
 
 
The Steele Maiden: Printed Top and Chambray Shirt

The Steele Maiden: Printed Top and Chambray Shirt
The Steele Maiden: Printed Top and Chambray Shirt
The Steele Maiden: Printed Top and Chambray Shirt

 

 

weekend flashback

After a pretty hectic first half of the Summer, I’ve been craving a slower pace for the remainder of the season.  So I stayed in the city this weekend and made some pretty good progress on crossing things off our Summer bucket list.  I caught the Yves Saint Laurent movie at the Film Forum in the West Village Thursday night (its in French with subtitles, but if you can find a local theater playing it I highly recommend it!) and on Friday visited the Charles James exhibit at the Met (another must see if you’re in New York sometime in the next few weeks).  The rest of the weekend was blissfully slow and spent wandering around our East Village neighborhood, pulling inspiration for the coming weeks from this month’s magazines and brainstorming a few projects I’ve got in the works.  Hope you’re headed into Monday feeling just as rested. 
 
p.s. Come back tomorrow for details on an awesome giveaway with one of my favorite new brands!