weekend flashback

After over 3,500 miles, countless hours in the car, enough 1 night stays across the country to make me feel like I was on tour, and counting daylight savings 4 hours lost – we’ve made it back to New York.  And it feels good.  Of course my welcome back weekend was largely helped by the winning of an extravagant grand prize package through Glam Media (a million thanks!!!).  Friday began by overlooking Central Park at the famed John Barrett salon and the day ended with one of the best meals I’ve ever had at One if by Land, Two if by Sea.  The restaurant is in an old carriage house in the West Village and between exposed brick, stained glass, and intimate tables for 2 is probably one of the most romantic spots I’ve seen in the city.  The rest of our time was spent spending my shopping spree winnings (I’ll be sharing my purchases over the next couple of weeks), and catching up with friends.  And did I mention it was 50 degrees and sunny on Saturday?  Tomorrow is my first day at the new job and since we’re still in the process of nailing down an apartment things are hectic.  But looking back on the weekend I just had and towards what’s ahead – I’d say I’m feeling pretty lucky.   

spotted: black and white

The Steele Maiden: Black and White Modern Graphic for Spring
Aside from the fact that as of today I’ll officially be a New Yorker again and will be starting an exciting new job on Monday, there’s one more reason I’m looking forward to this weekend.  A few months back I found out I was the grand prize winner of a ‘Trends to Try’ contest held by Glam Media/Kotex after submitting a photo from this post on a whim.  The prize?  An incredible weekend long trip to New York for 2, a seriously generous shopping spree, and a morning at the famed John Barrett salon in Bergdorf Goodmans.  Crazy, right? I actually still can’t believe it, but it is in fact happening and so we thought what better weekend to cash in on the prize than our first one back!  Since the shopping spree is for far more money than I’ve ever spent in one day, I thought I’d better have a game plan.  Aside from some pretty pastels (how good are these shoes?) and new basics (i.e. anything from Madewell), I have my eye out for modern, graphic, black and white pieces that will easily transition from the last bit of Winter into Spring, and from my new desk straight out into the city for drinks.  It’s going to be a fun weekend, and if you have any suggestions on how you would spend the winnings, what I should have done to my hair, or new restaurants I’ve got to catch up on since my time away in LA – please feel free to share! 

More black and white picks: 


tornado alley

The Steele Maiden: Tornado Alley
I’m on the last leg of our road trip today, but just two days back we were on the long road through Kansas.  You know how sometimes you picture certain places and they turn out to be completely different than you imagined? Kansas wasn’t like that.  Flat fields for as far as the eye can see, for as many hours as the day is long.  But even through the monotony, it’s kind of incredible to see a part of America so different than all the other ones I’ve been through (and at 36 states visited, I’ve got quite a bit to compare it to).  We stopped roadside to take these photos, and when I tell you it was cold and windy that’s probably an understatement.  At just over 15 degrees and strong gusts, I barely could hold on to my print mixed layers long enough to get a few pictures before my hair was in a knot and Adam’s hands were numb.  Here’s hoping Spring is on it’s way to New York by the time we get there!  
 
p.s. I did a fun interview with Sunglass Warehouse here and picked my favorite items for Spring as a Guest Editor for SnobSwap here
 
Tulle Jacket // MinkPink Dress – similar // AE Denim Jacket – similar // Sole Society Boots // Sunglass Warehouse Glasses c/o
 
The Steele Maiden: Tornado Alley
The Steele Maiden: Tornado Alley
The Steele Maiden: Tornado Alley
The Steele Maiden: Tornado Alley
The Steele Maiden: Tornado Alley
The Steele Maiden: Tornado Alley

mountain view

The Steele Maiden: Mountain View
This is our second time tackling the cross country trek, but even by ‘seasoned’ road traveler standards – day two of our trip was pretty exhausting.  By the time we’d got on the road after San Francisco, crossed the entire state of Nevada and finally arrived into Salt Lake City almost 12 hours had passed and it was nearing midnight.  That meant the first time I saw the gorgeous mountains that surround the city was not until the next day.  And while we didn’t have a ton of time to explore Salt Lake, the views alone were worth the quick stop.  For a morning in the mountain town, I went with cozy chic layers – like this denim dress (last seen just a few weeks ago here with bare legs – ha!) and shearling jacket, plus the now necessary combo of tights, socks and boots.  Check back tomorrow for yet another change of scenery.


The Steele Maiden: Mountain View

The Steele Maiden: Mountain View

The Steele Maiden: Mountain View

The Steele Maiden: Mountain View

The Steele Maiden: Mountain View
   

painted ladies

The Steele Maiden: Painted LadiesBy today we’re moving into the heart of America and headed towards Kansas City, but just a few short days ago we were strolling the steep streets of San Francisco.  I mentioned it here, but whenever I travel I always try and dress a little bit more like that particular city.  For San Francisco, that meant easy classics (a neutral cardigan and wedge boots), a hint of nautical (stripes), and pastels to match the gorgeous homes (these mint jeans).  Speaking of homes, even if you’re not exactly an architecture buff you’ll probably recognize the row of colorful homes behind me here – known as the Painted Ladies – from ‘Full House’ fame.  Aside from Alamo Square (the park pictured), we grabbed a bit to eat in the trendy Marina and Mission areas (highly recommend both Tacolicious for margaritas and clearly, tacos, as well Craftsman & Wolves for artisan pastries), and took a drive across the Golden Gate.  Somehow I’m guessing today’s views through Kansas will be slightly less striking.  p.s. thank you to everyone that has wished us well on our journey! I’m so glad to have you all to share this with.F21 T-Shirt // Target Cardigan – similar // Zara Jeans – similar at Gap – now 35% off w/ code MARCH // Sunglass Warehouse Glasses c/o // Bag via Marshalls // OluKai Boots c/o
The Steele Maiden: Painted Ladies
The Steele Maiden: Painted Ladies
The Steele Maiden: Painted Ladies
The Steele Maiden: Painted Ladies
The Steele Maiden: Painted Ladies
The Steele Maiden: Painted Ladies
The Steele Maiden: Painted Ladies