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thrill of the hunt

The Steele Maiden: Thrill of the Hunt
 
One of my favorite weekend activities (both when I lived in New York and still now that I’m here in LA) has been to wander a flea market.  Often times I go home empty handed but this trip I was on a very focused mission to find a high waisted printed full skirt that hit right below my knees.  Specific? Yes.  Impossible? No.  The silhouette was a token of the 1950’s and I caught many a cool girl running around NY Fashion Week in a similar look.  But despite my best online searching, I couldn’t quite find what I was looking for.  So I figured I’d go straight to the source.  And at my very last booth, there it was.  So perfectly fitted at my natural waist it was like it was custom made.  The stuff of thrifting dreams.  Want to know my trick for shopping vintage?  Stick with the decade your body type matches.  My hourglass dimensions are great for 50’s shapes but 60’s shift dresses – perfect on more narrow figures – never quite work on me.  What’s been your greatest flea market find? 
 
P.S. I changed up my post layouts a bit to make it easier to see all the pictures and look a little cleaner – let me know what you think!
P.P.S. In the third photo down I propose to my photographer.  (just kidding Mom…)
Urban Outfitters Jacket – awesome option here on sale // F21 Striped Tee // BCBG Romper – cute option here // Ruche Bag // Steve Madden Boots via Marshalls – similar here
 
The Steele Maiden: Thrill of the Hunt
The Steele Maiden: Thrill of the Hunt
The Steele Maiden: Thrill of the Hunt
The Steele Maiden: Thrill of the Hunt
The Steele Maiden: Thrill of the Hunt
The Steele Maiden: Thrill of the Hunt

 

 
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weekend flashback

The Steele Maiden: Weekend FlashbackThis weekend was full of Fall goodness.  Maybe it’s because here on the West Coast there aren’t your typical signs of Autumn that I’m used to as an East Coaster, but in The Steele Maiden household, we’re compensating.  Pumpkin cookies were baked, orange lights were strung on the front porch, apple cider margaritas (seriously delicious) were consumed and okay, quite a bit of candy was eaten.  Another favorite weekend activity, no matter the season, is taking a trip to the Melrose Flea Market.  While sometimes we wander and come home empty handed, this time I scored a silky high waisted skirt from the 50’s perfect.  Printed with (you guessed it) Fall’s favorite colors.  

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black magic

The Steele Maiden: Black Magic
 
There’s just something about this time of year that feels a little mischievous, a little mystical even.  While I’m not terribly superstitious, I do buy into the idea of adding a bit of magic to the everyday.  So for an imagined trip to our local Psychic I went for all black – from the tip of my hat to the bottom of my extra tall socks, loose layers and looser curls.  In fact, this outfit kind of made me feel transformed into a cool city girl – like I could be roaming around the streets of London or Paris.  And there it is, the magic of a good outfit.
Target Hat // H&M Sweater – similar here // Zara Dress – cute option here // The Steele Maiden Necklace // Vintage Bag // K.Bell Socks c/0 // Steve Madden Loafers  
 
The Steele Maiden: Black Magic
The Steele Maiden: Black Magic
The Steele Maiden: Black Magic
The Steele Maiden: Black Magic
The Steele Maiden: Black Magic
The Steele Maiden: Black Magic
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subtle changes

The Steele Maiden: Subtle Changes
 
My style is pretty consistent throughout the year, but with each season come subtle shifts.  Just enough to mark the passing from Summer’s bright and often dress-dominated wardrobe into Fall’s richer hues and more substantial pieces.  While my style leans definitely toward the feminine, in Fall I like to incorporate a few more neutral tones and masculine inspired pieces.  A sharp blazer, oxfords, tailored trousers and oversized sweaters all get mixed in with my usual skirts, heels and blouses.  In this case, a men’s khaki workshirt (picked up years ago for literally $1 or $2 at a thrift shop) acts almost as a lightweight jacket when worn open and desert booties (these have a ‘borrowed from the boys’ feel but the wedge heel keeps me in my comfort zone – plus, unbelievably comfortable).  And while you won’t often see me in jeans, but these polka dot skinnies are playful enough to make the cut on a weekend at the park.

 
Vintage Men’s Shirt – similar here // F21 Tank // Nordstrom Jeans – similar here // OluKai Wali Wedges c/o
 
The Steele Maiden: Subtle Changes
The Steele Maiden: Subtle Changes
The Steele Maiden: Subtle Changes
The Steele Maiden: Subtle Changes
The Steele Maiden: Subtle Changes
The Steele Maiden: Subtle Changes
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top 20 fall essentials

Instead of simply listing my Top 20 Fall Essentials I also wanted to talk through why I chose each piece, things you could substitute and ways you could mix and match them.  And a video seemed to be the easiest way to accomplish all of that.  Plus you get a glimpse inside my studio where all The Steele Maiden magic happens (and a first look at my DIY hair cut/color).  So sit back, watch and enjoy! Plus see below for the complete list of Fall Essentials and where to pick them up for yourself…  

1. Plaid Button Down Shirt (American Eagle – similar here)
2. Sleeveless Trench Vest (F21 – similar here)
3. Graphic Tee (Old Navy)
4. Open Cardigan (Target)
5. Crewneck Sweatshirt (J.Crew – similar here for under $10!)
6. Solid Mini Skirt (F21 – similar here)
7. Pleated Midi Skirt (Ruche)
8. Polka Dot Jeans (Nordstrom – similar here)
9. Striped Shift Dress (H&M – similar here)
10. Leather Bomber Jacket (Urban Outfitters – version on sale here)
11. Panama Hat (Target)
12. Over the Knee Socks (K.Bell c/o)
13. Scarf (H&M – similar here)
14. Day Handbag (Vintage – great option on sale here)
15. Sleek Clutch (Vintage – similar here)
16. Statement Necklace (The Steele Maiden)
17. Leather Belt (Vintage – similar here) .. forgot to mention this one, but I was wearing it!
18. Stacked Heel Booties (DV by Dolce Vita – similar here)
19. Leopard Printed Flats (Steve Madden – similar on sale here)
20. Black Ankle Strap Heels (Seychelles)