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Weekend Flashback.

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After countless hours spent working on the re-design of the blog (and the learning of the coding behind it) last weekend, I have to admit that it was nice to turn off the computer this weekend.  Mainly because taking a day or so away always leaves me excited to return with lots of new ideas.  In my off hours this weekend, I enjoyed the perks of living in Los Angeles (and having a friend who works in film) with a night out in Hollywood all dressed up with the boy, and continued my Valentine’s celebration with a few simple homemade decorations.  Oh, and we did our taxes and about 6 loads of laundry.  Life isn’t always so glamourous.        

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Layering 101.

As a former East Coaster, I like to think I know a thing or two about how to stay warm and still maintain a bit of style.  Although Southern California is blessed with Spring-like temperatures even in February, I’ve heard that in my former city of New York there’s been a real need for some layers lately… 


The best advice, is to start with a solid base and build up in thin layers.  Also, pay attention to sleeve lengths (here I went from a sleeveless dress to a short sleeve sweater, then a full sleeve), because that bunching feeling in the arms of your jacket is the absolute worst.  Also, I like to mix neutral layers in between more contrasting ones to break things up (so a tan cashmere and goes with anything denim sit between the spicy orange and polka dot pattern).  Oh, and never underestimate a good pair of thick tights.

Tulle Coat
Vintage Sweater
Ruche Dress
Merino Tights
DV by Dolce Vita Boots (similar here)

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Sweet Nothings.

The-Steele-Maiden-Sweet-Nothings 
Homemade cards are kinda my thing.  I’ve always loved making little paper collages and pairing them with a few simple words (I guess it’s no surprise I ended up blogging?).  So needless to say, Valentine’s Day is basically my high holy day of card making… 

The great thing here is that there are no rules.  I literally had all of this stuff just crammed into my closet, so the fun is in how you mix and match things.  Sure you can go all out and buy fancy papers and decorations, but a little bit of resourcefulness goes a long way.  Rip pages out of magazines, crumple up your tissue paper to give it a pretty wrinkled effect, even cut a picture from a beautiful book (before you lose it on this one – I own 2 of these books, one for enjoying in full and one for clipping as I wish).  I find the more layers and textures you can add the better the end result.  And inside? Keep it short and sweet and let the card (and perhaps your love this Valentine’s Day) make the statement.  
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The-Steele-Maiden-Sweet-Nothings

The-Steele-Maiden-Sweet-Nothings

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Touchdown Style.

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While I like to think that I have many interests, football is decidedly not one of them.  But since it’s only once a year (and the commercials are pretty good) I usually give in to the Superbowl.  This past weekend, I put my own spin on the game for an afternoon walk around Marina Del Rey…

If I’m going to wear a football t-shirt (or any casual t-shirt for that matter) I like to pair it with its complete opposites.  In this case, a sparkly gold skirt (that’s actually a dress) and a statement necklace.  Plus a swipe of pink lipstick for good measure.  

 PS. Apparently this is what ‘bad weather’ looks like in southern California in winter (it was overcast and slightly windy) so the boy and I had the park and Marina to ourselves.  Make your own sunshine people.

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The-Steele-Maiden-Touchdown-Style
The-Steele-Maiden-Touchdown-Style




Forever 21 T-shirt (old, similar here)
Thrifted Dress
Necklace (my own design)
Deux Lux Bag (old, similar here)
Zara Ankle Boots (old, similar here)


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For the Boy you Love.

Valentine's-Gifts-For-Him-The-Steele-Maiden

Today we’re back with the second part of my Valentine’s Day Cheap Monday series.  This time, featuring gifts for the boy you love.  As last discussed here – gift giving for boys often seems daunting (or worse, Valentine’s Day is written off as a holiday for girls and they’re neglected all together!)…

But it certainly doesn’t have to be this way.  While I don’t claim to be an expert, I’ve found that most boys like a gift that is both practical but also something that they may not spend money on themselves.  And then just find a clever way to make it romantic yourself (something covered in hearts or that screams Valentine’s Day is somehow a bit overwhelming to gift a boy in my opinion).  So here are a few more subtle ways to declare your love.

 Nest: A bright red iphone dock to be used as an alarm clock is both practical and cool.  Turn it into a Valentine’s gift by attaching a note saying “You’re the first thing I think of in the morning, and my last thought at night”  

 Dressed: A crewneck sweater with embroidered anchors is classic (and most important infinitely comfortable).  The attached card could read “Wear my heart on your sleeve” or “You fit me better than my favorite sweater” (courtesy of Lana del Rey).  

 The Rest: A classic Moleskine notebook is a tiny splurge he may not otherwise make, but can be used for work, home, or anywhere else he may want down to jot down some ideas.  Inscript the inside of the cover with “For your Love Letters”