the great outdoors

The Steele Maiden: The Great Outdoors

Despite my recent jacket fixation, when the weather allows it I sometimes like to ditch the coat in favor of lots of easy layers.  So for this past weekend’s Christmas tree hunting excursion I opted for a casual version of the latter.  I always start with something form fitting to keep the heat in – here these incredibly comfortable fleece lined leggings and a long knit tunic – and then pile it all on from there.  In the spirit of layering, I love the idea of adding a patterned sock peeking out of these sturdy ankle boots to finish off the look and sort of tie all these varied elements together.  Not only did we end up finding the perfect tree but I think I managed the perfect amount of warmth and comfort to match.  

p.s. Love this leggings/socks/boots combo? Enter my giveaway to win your own from my friends at Restricted Shoes & K.Bell Socks here!

Tulle Sweater c/o // J.Crew Chambray Shirt – 30% Off with code GIFTNOW // Urban Outfitters Vest – cute version here // F21 Tunic // K.Bell Fleece Lined Leggings c/o // K.Bell Socks c/o // Restricted City Search Boots c/0  //  Ruche Bag
The Steele Maiden: The Great Outdoors

 

The Steele Maiden: The Great Outdoors

The Steele Maiden: The Great Outdoors

The Steele Maiden: The Great Outdoors

The Steele Maiden: The Great Outdoors
The Steele Maiden: The Great Outdoors




 

the renegade

The Steele Maiden: The RenegadeWhen I was 19 or 20 (and in a pretty heavy Gossip Girl phase) I told myself when I turned 25 I would stop wearing knee socks.  Apparently that was the age that in my very young mind I deemed far too grown up to be wearing such a girlish style.  But then, well, 25 came and went.  And the thing is, I still kind of love the look of knee (or slightly over the knee in this case) socks.  Luckily, even though Blair Waldorf and my 19 year old rules are in the past, the socks and tights look is still one that feels relevant this winter so I’m going with it.  Plus, with the added bonus of these pretty amazing lace up booties the whole thing seems decidedly more grown up.  Oh, and in the case you’re into the whole knee socks at any age thing too (or simply have an insatiable love of shoes) – you should enter my giveaway with Restricted Shoes & K.Bell Socks here for the chance to win a pair of shoes of your choice (these booties are strong contenders) plus these microfiber tights, socks + more!Tulle Leather Jacket c/o // Urban Outfitters Dress // K.Bell Microfiber Tights c/0 // K.Bell Socks c/o // Restricted Lynn Booties â„… 
The Steele Maiden: The Renegade

The Steele Maiden: The Renegade

The Steele Maiden: The Renegade

The Steele Maiden: The Renegade

The Steele Maiden: The Renegade

The Steele Maiden: The Renegade



all black and blue

The Steele Maiden: All Black and BlueIn case you missed it, yesterday I kicked off a pretty amazing giveaway with my friends at Restricted Shoes & K.Bell Socks – and over the next few days I’m going to be showing you a closer look at exactly what’s up for grabs as well as how I’m styling boots with legwear this winter.  For this look I knew I wanted to go a little bit rocker glam, perfect for a night out in downtown LA.  These velvet leggings are one of those things I never knew I needed until I had them.  Now, they’re practically a holiday season staple.  Way easier to wear than a fancy velvet dress, they still manage to add a touch of luxe to any outfit.  Plus they keep you warm, so win win.  And can we talk about these metallic boots for a second?  Everyday staples made totally cool by their unexpected metallic finish.  In winter, when I sometimes stick to a more muted palette, I like to really play up a mix of textures.  So a big fuzzy jacket, beat up denim, slick velvet and leather metallic all work here.  And here’s the really good part – you can win these leggings, these boots (or any other pair of your choice) plus lots more! So be sure to enter the giveaway here.Target Hat // Coat – similar here // Denim Jacket – similar here // Madewell Tee // K.Bell Velvet Leggings c/0 // Restricted Wyatt Boots c/o 
The Steele Maiden: All Black and Blue

The Steele Maiden: All Black and Blue

The Steele Maiden: All Black and Blue

The Steele Maiden: All Black and Blue

The Steele Maiden: All Black and Blue

The Steele Maiden: All Black and Blue

Restricted Shoes & K.Bell Socks GIVEAWAY!

The Steele Maiden: Restricted Shoes & KBell Socks GiveawayIt’s no secret that I’m a pretty big fan of both Restricted Shoes and K.Bell Socks at this point (I’ve been living in Restricted’s boots and heels for most of the Fall and I basically wished for colder weather just so I could have an excuse to wear all of the cute K.Bell socks and tights I now own).  Lucky for me the whole boots and legwear look is everywhere this season so I couldn’t resist this match made in heaven.  All this week I’m going to be showing you exactly how to style boots and booties with leggings, tights, and socks (the above image is just a sneak peek).  Andddd since I’ve heard you’ve all been good this year – I thought it would be fitting to share the love.  Enter below for your chance to win:Your choice of 1 pair of Restricted Shoes (I’m styling the City Search, Lynn, and Wyatt)And the entire K.Bell winter legwear wardrobe I’m wearing above – which includes 2 pairs of knee high fashion socks, 1 pair of microfiber tights, 1 pair of fleece lined leggings and 1 pair of velvet leggingsYou’ve got until Sunday 12/15 at midnight to enter (US residents only) – good luck!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

weekend flashback

The Steele Maiden: Weekend Flashback
Despite all of the holiday partying that took place here on the blog, I battled a bad cold for most of last week, so by the time this weekend arrived I needed a real break.  And on Saturday (a rare rainy and chilly day here in LA) I took it.  No work, just rest.  And just like that, Sunday I woke up feeling like a new person.  So we hunted down a Christmas tree, decorated, baked a batch of gingerbread cookies and otherwise prepared for a new week ahead.  And this week is gonna be good.  In the spirit of holiday surprises I won’t say too much, but I can say you’ll most certainly going to want to check back tomorrow.