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The past week proved to be pretty exciting here in the Steele Maiden world, with features both on the Tulle facebook page (doesn’t hurt that I do their graphic design, I suppose…) and on VMac+Cheese (as a faithful reader, seeing my name over there was thrilling to say the least) based on my book recommendation of ‘The Marriage Plot’ by Jeffrey Eugenides.  This all comes at the perfect time, as I’m amping up for a big redesign and lots of new features (plus some improvements on existing ones).  So be sure to keep checking back!  

P.S. Hope you’re in the mood for love.  Valentine’s Day is coming early to The Steele Maiden this week (I swear I’ve going to have something for even the most cynical of readers…)

The dusty colors mixed with make-it-count flashes of neon, the easy mix of patterns, the laid back silhouettes.  That lighting.  It makes me long for the days at the end of last summer we spent driving through the faded Southwest landscape.  Ah.  Maybe a mini road trip is in order this weekend?  Happy Friday!

As I work to decorate our new home, I really want to stay true to my personal style and make sure it’s reflected in the things I surround myself with on a daily basis.  So instead of my usual ‘How to Ware It’ posts which take a home interior shot I love and turn it into an outfit – I figured I’d reverse it, and using an outfit that I like, find housewares that would be an equivalent…

For every part of me that is drawn to girly things, I think there’s an equal amount drawn to boyish looks.  This Shopbop outfit has all the makings of a classic off duty look.  Translated into a living room that means borrowed from the boy accents (here, a tobacco and teakwood candle that smells masculine but not at all overpowering in person), clean lines (the most perfect mid-century inspired occasional chair from West Elm that can be pulled forward when guests are over), layered with pieces that have an artistic, easy going air (this Moroccan rug, somehow geometric yet abstract all at once, is pretty much my dream come true).  

It’s been almost a year and a half since Marc Jacobs first showed his Spring 2012 Collection for Louis Vuitton.  But, as usual, sometimes it takes the rest of the world a while to catch up…

So for Spring 2013, it seems retailers are embracing his girlish mood with open arms.  Embroidery, eyelet, lace, head to toe pastels – it’s all fair game.  To keep it looking modern (and not like you’re 8 and it’s Easter Sunday) try a few tricks.  First, go monochromatic – or at least tone on tone.  One color dressing is huge right now, so instead of pink and yellow and mint, stick to just one.  Second, go heavy on textures.  An eyelet skirt with a lace collar and a perforated bag is perfect (as long as you stick to the aforementioned one color palette rule, even better if it’s all in white).  And finally, add a bit a of flash with metallic accessories.  A glitter hairband and futuristic metallic heel are just the thing.   

(1. J.Crew sweater; 2. Express heels; 3. Ban-do headband; 4. Urban Outfitters skirt; 5. Ruche top)
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If the game of life is one of risk and reward, then 2012 was spent taking big risks and I plan on spending 2013 soaking up all of the rewards…

Now that I’ve actually made it to Los Angeles and started to settle in, I want to fully enjoy it.  For a day spent rambling the heart of downtown in 75 degree sunshine and happening upon the prettiest little park area, I wore a slip style skirt, trusty striped tee (last seen here), and ankle boots (because it is still January after all and sandals just seem slightly wrong somehow?).