Category: Uncategorized

Don’t get me wrong – I love to get dressed up.  When it comes to swooshy skirts and shiny heels I’m usually looking for any excuse to pull them out of the closet.  But sometimes, in the middle of winter, I just want something warm and cozy…

But around here, that doesn’t mean sweatpants and uggs (sorry Southern Californians…).  For the boys, a chunky ombre cardigan, broken in chinos, and utilitarian boots are rugged enough to chop down a tree – but more likely will be perfect for taking her out on a lunch date.  For the girls – a drop waist striped knit dress can be layered for warmth and when matched with mustard opaque tights is anything but frumpy.  Suede wedge boots will keep up with his on an afternoon stroll.

P.S. this is my 100th post!  Thanks for reading 🙂

(Him: Need Supply Sweater; J.Crew Chinos; Aldo Boots)
(Her: Free People Dress; Anthropologie Tights; Ruche Boots)     

Happy 2013! While I’m not a big fan of over promised resolutions, I do think that making a list of goals can be great motivation…

My list on January 1 of last year included getting a new job, moving to a new apartment, and starting a blog that combined all of my interests.  I feel incredibly lucky and proud to say that I’ve accomplished these things and with that in mind set out to make a list for 2013.  Many of them are simply guidelines that I’d like to live a happy life by (show up when you say you will, work harder, stay in touch with people), and others are simply for fun like visiting a new city and hosting a real dinner party.  But I definitely have some new things in mind for this blog in the new year (and I’m really hoping for that puppy!).  With or without a list – if I learned anything last year it’s that even your biggest dreams can be within reach (bearing a little risk and a lot of hard work).  Now go out there and make things happen!

(print; photo)

Instead of my usual Sunday night weekend flashback, I thought I’d take a look back at the entire year…

2012 was pretty life changing.  There were huge moments like saying goodbye to New York City and hello to Los Angeles.  And there were little moments like seeing the most beautiful sunset in Austin, Texas or baking my very first pie.  And then there were a whole lot of in between moments that I’ll never forget.  Driving across the entire country, completing my second half marathon, standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, taking in the lights of Las Vegas, moving into our townhouse and officially feeling settled into a new job, city and home.  Even starting this blog the past year has been a new found daily happiness in my life.  When I look at it all through the pretty lens of instagram it’s hard to believe all that happened in just 365 short days.  I can’t wait to see what’s next for 2013 and share the fashionable journey with everyone here on The Steele Maiden.  Thanks for reading and see you in the new year!

We may be getting ready to say goodbye to 2012, but there’s quite a few trends from the past year(s) that are here to stay…

Spotted in January’s issue of Lucky Magazine, looking ahead to 2013 we can hang on to army parkas (as indispensable these days as a trench), touches of neon (the new season-less color), mixed patterns and layers (thanks J.Crew), cross body bags (extra points for chain straps), and arm candy (colorful, glitzy, and piled on both wrists).  Against all odds these seemingly flash trends have gone the distance and I’m not complaining.  Something about this sportswear mash up feels completely modern in a way that a single dress and minimal jewelry no longer pulls off.  It’s looking like a good year.

(1. Free People Studded Bag; 2. American Eagle Parka; 3. Juicy Couture Bracelet; 4. J.Crew Factory Sweater; 5. Ohne Titel Skirt) 

For the main living area in our new home, we went a bit darker and cozier (playing off the focal point of a 2-story brick fireplace), but for open loft area that will act as my workspace, I want it to feel a bit brighter and more colorful…  


This particular corner in the former home of Naomi from Design Manifest achieves a lot of what I’m going for.  A fun mix of patterns, open shelving and bold art, grounded with classic larger pieces (in my case a white parsons desk and clear ghost chair).  Now if only I had a dog as cute as hers to hang a portrait of.  

(Anthropologie Heels; Tulle Dress; Vintage Dooney & Burke Bag)