closet classics / 03

The Steele Maiden: Closet Classics - Chambray Shirt
If this blog has taught you nothing else, it’s that your wardrobe needs a chambray shirt.  The holy grail of button downs, the chambray shirt is cool without trying too hard and also the perfect blank canvas for innumerable outfits.  Case in point – it took me no more than 20 minutes to easily find the above 6 ways I’ve styled mine in the past.  It’s something I reach for at least once a week and yet miraculously never find myself bored with it.  In fact, I like to lie to myself believe that I wear it differently enough each time to actually conceal just how often I’m sporting it.  While the standard tied at the waist is my go-to when I toss it on with a simple skirt or dress, I also like it worn a bit more unconventionally – like open over another button down.  The possibilities are pretty much endless.  Any interesting ways you’ve worn yours? I’m always up for a new way to chambray.  Or if you’re simply sick of seeing me wear mine – please stage an intervention in the comments below.    

From Top Left: Look 1 // Look 2 // Look 3 // Look 4 // Look 5 // Look 6  


saturday search

The Steele Maiden: Saturday SearchThey say in New York you’re always looking for one of the following: job, significant other, apartment (if you’ve got all three, then congrats.. you’re Beyonce).  Since I’ve got the first two locked down, this past Saturday was spent apartment hunting in New York’s East Village – and anyone who has ever spent a day schlepping through walk up buildings to look at apartments no bigger than a walk in closet (p.s. the day I get a walk in closet I will have officially made it) – then you know it requires an outfit that can keep up.  The weather luckily cooperated and I was able to wear just a few light layers.  Also, I finally filled the black jean void in my wardrobe (I’m pretty sure they’re a New York requirement) and I’m pretty pleased with this ‘just the right amount of stretch’ pair.  The weather has somehow turned cold again since these pictures but I’m holding out hope for Spring (and signing a lease) any day now.Mango Vest – now on sale! // Madewell T-Shirt // J.Crew Shirt // Urban Outfitters Jeans // Sole Society Boots // Bag via TJ Maxx // Sunglass Warehouse Glasses c /o
The Steele Maiden: Saturday Search
The Steele Maiden: Saturday Search
The Steele Maiden: Saturday Search
The Steele Maiden: Saturday Search
The Steele Maiden: Saturday Search
The Steele Maiden: Saturday Search
 

working girl glam

The Steele Maiden: Working Girl GlamI think it gets easy to fall into a workwear slump after time passes at a job, but when I started my new position last week I knew I wanted to really devote more of an effort to heading into work each day wearing something that made me feel both creative and confident.  I’ve already worn these red heels casually and for date night, so it seemed time that I take them to the office.  And these printed trousers were a pretty surprising steal I picked up on last week’s shopping spree.  Add a few gleaming touches with gold accessories and I felt ready to take on the day.  Of course it helps when you’re working in an environment that inspires a bit of glamour, but even if have a stricter dress code I think a red pump or subtle printed pants could go a long way in livening up your other basics.H&M Jacket – similar // Vintage Bracelets // Sole Society Bag c/ o – now on sale!  // Old Navy Pants // Lulu’s Heels – same
The Steele Maiden: Working Girl Glam
The Steele Maiden: Working Girl Glam
The Steele Maiden: Working Girl Glam
The Steele Maiden: Working Girl Glam
The Steele Maiden: Working Girl Glam
The Steele Maiden: Working Girl Glam
The Steele Maiden: Working Girl Glam


  

flashback friday

The Steele Maiden: Flashback Friday
As predicted, I was all over the place this week.  Both literally, and in these pictures.  We’re still in the midst of apartment hunting and starting a new job always kind of throws you for a loop, so I thought it felt fitting to end the week with a Flashback Friday of sorts.  Just a few random outfits that never made it here to the blog for one reason or another.  Some are from a few months back in LA (note the bare legs), the ones with the giant badminton shuttlecock in the backdrop is at a museum in Kansas City along our road trip, and the bundled up pictures are from this past weekend in New York.  Looking forward to staying in one place soon! 
 
Look 1: Asos Sweater c/o  – now on sale! // Marshalls Shirt // Vintage Bag 
Look 3: Old Navy Coat // Forever 21 Blazer // Built by Wendy Dress // Bag via Marshalls
The Steele Maiden: Flashback Friday
The Steele Maiden: Flashback Friday
The Steele Maiden: Flashback Friday
The Steele Maiden: Flashback Friday
The Steele Maiden: Flashback Friday

blush and black

The Steele Maiden: Blush and Black
This weather is taking some getting used to.  While we’ve had a couple of days in the high 50’s, there’s also been some cold, snow flurry, blustery mornings that I’m trying to remember how to dress for (one thing I don’t mind is that I had an excuse to wear this faux fur scarf again – LA only allowed it this once.  Aside from my minimal archive of winter accessories, I’m trying to channel Spring by mixing in pastels like this blush pink dress, two tone Zara satchel (if you follow me here you already know it was one of the first things I grabbed during last weekend’s shopping spree), and a pale lavender manicure.  Judging by the amount of pastels in stores lately I’m guessing the whole of the fashion world is trying this exact same trick!
 
p.s. holy blonde hair! It’s a bit lighter than I originally intended, but I’m kind of loving it.  Plus if anything channels a warm sunny day it’s golden hair, right? 
 
Sunglass Warehouse Glasses c/o // Scarves.net scarf c/o // Denim Jacket – similar // F21 Sweater // F21 Dress – similar // Zara Bag // Booties via Marshalls // Lavender Nail Polish – similar   
The Steele Maiden: Blush and Black
The Steele Maiden: Blush and Black
The Steele Maiden: Blush and Black
The Steele Maiden: Blush and Black
The Steele Maiden: Blush and Black
The Steele Maiden: Blush and Black