The-Steele-Maiden-Spoiler-Alert-Series-Colorblind-Dressing-Post

Sometimes getting ready for work in the morning, I just can’t be bothered with color…

Luckily, mixing black and white patterns is en vogue right now (literally, the pictures on the left and right are from last month’s issue of US Vogue).  Keep black and white from boredom by playing with scale (I would love to pair that oversized polka dot top shown on the right with a black and white checked mini skirt), and mixing textures (the thick knit sweater and leather skirt in the center is such a great example).

side note: Happy Birthday Mom!  Thanks for being a faithful reader and a million other things 🙂 

(image 1 & 3; image 2)

The-Steele-Maiden-Boy-Meets-Girl-Series-Mad-For-Plaid-Post

Every year around this time I find myself reaching for more traditional plaids…


While they can often skew slightly lumberjack or overly preppy, I like the idea of going a little bit 60’s British mod with the whole thing.  For him, that means dark wash slim jeans (extra points for rolling up the hems), a fitted shirt and narrow tie.  For her, cropped skinny trousers, a small square heel and casual crewneck (that calls to mind a kind of ‘Cry Baby’ cool) nails the look.

For Him: H&M White Shirt, Club Monaco Tie, WeSC jeans, Aldo Shoes
For Her: Zoe Karssen Sweatshirt, Steven Alan pants, Topshop Shoes

The-Steele-Maiden-Boy-Meets-Girl-Series-Mad-For-Plaid-Post

Every year around this time I find myself reaching for more traditional plaids…


While they can often skew slightly lumberjack or overly preppy, I like the idea of going a little bit 60’s British mod with the whole thing.  For him, that means dark wash slim jeans (extra points for rolling up the hems), a fitted shirt and narrow tie.  For her, cropped skinny trousers, a small square heel and casual crewneck (that calls to mind a kind of ‘Cry Baby’ cool) nails the look.

For Him: H&M White Shirt, Club Monaco Tie, WeSC jeans, Aldo Shoes
For Her: Zoe Karssen Sweatshirt, Steven Alan pants, Topshop Shoes

The-Steele-Maiden-Cheap-Monday-Series-Modern-Holidays-Post


I think a lot of people mistakenly believe that traditional holiday decorations are the only way to go (think big wreaths, fair isle sweaters, and sparkly red & green ornaments)…


If you have a more rustic home or are just a lover of the classics, than these options are great.  But for those that perhaps live in a more urban setting (or simply want to put their own spin on things), there are tons of alternative options out there that I’d categorize as Modern Holiday.  Not only are these all under $50, but I think you’ll get use out of them long after the tree comes down.  

Nest: Ditch the Santa mugs and choose these diamond designed CB2 dessert plates instead.  From holiday cookies to New Year’s bites, serving on these is instantly more chic.  After all, Marilyn Monroe asked for a few carats for Christmas, why shouldn’t you?  

Dressed:  Sparkly dresses have their place, but this velvet one shouldered romper from Mango?  So utterly cool, and completely unpredictable.  I’d wear it with snakeskin strappy heels and a big silver cuff bracelet on each wrist. 

The Rest: While the glittery globe ornaments are great for pops of color and to fill in a larger tree, the off beat ornaments are always my favorite.  This Aspen Bunny from Anthropologie, complete with ski mask and furry vest, would look cute propped on your desk top all winter long.  
 

The-Steele-Maiden-Cheap-Monday-Series-Modern-Holidays-Post


I think a lot of people mistakenly believe that traditional holiday decorations are the only way to go (think big wreaths, fair isle sweaters, and sparkly red & green ornaments)…


If you have a more rustic home or are just a lover of the classics, than these options are great.  But for those that perhaps live in a more urban setting (or simply want to put their own spin on things), there are tons of alternative options out there that I’d categorize as Modern Holiday.  Not only are these all under $50, but I think you’ll get use out of them long after the tree comes down.  

Nest: Ditch the Santa mugs and choose these diamond designed CB2 dessert plates instead.  From holiday cookies to New Year’s bites, serving on these is instantly more chic.  After all, Marilyn Monroe asked for a few carats for Christmas, why shouldn’t you?  

Dressed:  Sparkly dresses have their place, but this velvet one shouldered romper from Mango?  So utterly cool, and completely unpredictable.  I’d wear it with snakeskin strappy heels and a big silver cuff bracelet on each wrist. 

The Rest: While the glittery globe ornaments are great for pops of color and to fill in a larger tree, the off beat ornaments are always my favorite.  This Aspen Bunny from Anthropologie, complete with ski mask and furry vest, would look cute propped on your desk top all winter long.