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Layering 101.

As a former East Coaster, I like to think I know a thing or two about how to stay warm and still maintain a bit of style.  Although Southern California is blessed with Spring-like temperatures even in February, I’ve heard that in my former city of New York there’s been a real need for some layers lately… 


The best advice, is to start with a solid base and build up in thin layers.  Also, pay attention to sleeve lengths (here I went from a sleeveless dress to a short sleeve sweater, then a full sleeve), because that bunching feeling in the arms of your jacket is the absolute worst.  Also, I like to mix neutral layers in between more contrasting ones to break things up (so a tan cashmere and goes with anything denim sit between the spicy orange and polka dot pattern).  Oh, and never underestimate a good pair of thick tights.

Tulle Coat
Vintage Sweater
Ruche Dress
Merino Tights
DV by Dolce Vita Boots (similar here)

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Sweet Nothings.

The-Steele-Maiden-Sweet-Nothings 
Homemade cards are kinda my thing.  I’ve always loved making little paper collages and pairing them with a few simple words (I guess it’s no surprise I ended up blogging?).  So needless to say, Valentine’s Day is basically my high holy day of card making… 

The great thing here is that there are no rules.  I literally had all of this stuff just crammed into my closet, so the fun is in how you mix and match things.  Sure you can go all out and buy fancy papers and decorations, but a little bit of resourcefulness goes a long way.  Rip pages out of magazines, crumple up your tissue paper to give it a pretty wrinkled effect, even cut a picture from a beautiful book (before you lose it on this one – I own 2 of these books, one for enjoying in full and one for clipping as I wish).  I find the more layers and textures you can add the better the end result.  And inside? Keep it short and sweet and let the card (and perhaps your love this Valentine’s Day) make the statement.  
The-Steele-Maiden-Sweet-Nothings

The-Steele-Maiden-Sweet-Nothings

The-Steele-Maiden-Sweet-Nothings

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Touchdown Style.

The-Steele-Maiden-Touchdown-Style

While I like to think that I have many interests, football is decidedly not one of them.  But since it’s only once a year (and the commercials are pretty good) I usually give in to the Superbowl.  This past weekend, I put my own spin on the game for an afternoon walk around Marina Del Rey…

If I’m going to wear a football t-shirt (or any casual t-shirt for that matter) I like to pair it with its complete opposites.  In this case, a sparkly gold skirt (that’s actually a dress) and a statement necklace.  Plus a swipe of pink lipstick for good measure.  

 PS. Apparently this is what ‘bad weather’ looks like in southern California in winter (it was overcast and slightly windy) so the boy and I had the park and Marina to ourselves.  Make your own sunshine people.

The-Steele-Maiden-Touchdown-Style

The-Steele-Maiden-Touchdown-Style
The-Steele-Maiden-Touchdown-Style




Forever 21 T-shirt (old, similar here)
Thrifted Dress
Necklace (my own design)
Deux Lux Bag (old, similar here)
Zara Ankle Boots (old, similar here)


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For the Boy you Love.

Valentine's-Gifts-For-Him-The-Steele-Maiden

Today we’re back with the second part of my Valentine’s Day Cheap Monday series.  This time, featuring gifts for the boy you love.  As last discussed here – gift giving for boys often seems daunting (or worse, Valentine’s Day is written off as a holiday for girls and they’re neglected all together!)…

But it certainly doesn’t have to be this way.  While I don’t claim to be an expert, I’ve found that most boys like a gift that is both practical but also something that they may not spend money on themselves.  And then just find a clever way to make it romantic yourself (something covered in hearts or that screams Valentine’s Day is somehow a bit overwhelming to gift a boy in my opinion).  So here are a few more subtle ways to declare your love.

 Nest: A bright red iphone dock to be used as an alarm clock is both practical and cool.  Turn it into a Valentine’s gift by attaching a note saying “You’re the first thing I think of in the morning, and my last thought at night”  

 Dressed: A crewneck sweater with embroidered anchors is classic (and most important infinitely comfortable).  The attached card could read “Wear my heart on your sleeve” or “You fit me better than my favorite sweater” (courtesy of Lana del Rey).  

 The Rest: A classic Moleskine notebook is a tiny splurge he may not otherwise make, but can be used for work, home, or anywhere else he may want down to jot down some ideas.  Inscript the inside of the cover with “For your Love Letters”

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Weekend Flashback (and new design!)

Notice anything different? Welcome to The (new and improved) Steele Maiden!  


When I started this blog, I went with a very basic pre-made template and focused my efforts on developing the content that I was passionate about and wanted to share with the blogging world.  With nearly 6 months under my belt, I was in a place where I really wanted to have the design of the site reflect my overall aesthetic (if you are wondering about my inspiration it was a mix of the classic graphics on Madewell.com, the worn in appeal of my favorite gray cashmere sweater, and the wit and bold colors found in Matchbook magazine and mega brand Kate Spade).  This was my first coding work and I’m proud and excited to share the results with you.  I’d love feedback (it’s now easier than ever with my sidebar!).  Plus, if you’re wondering what I’m up to on social media you can find that there as well.  It’s still a work in progress (the archives in the navigation bar will be up and running later this week), but I believe that all good design should be ever evolving.  So keep checking back.  I’m happy to have you and working hard to share my fashionable little journey with you.