Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle.

I’ve got all the basics (bed, couch, dining table) in our new townhouse.  But what makes a house a home is the little things…

An interesting vase, a pretty candle by the bedside and umbrella stand by the door are the types of things that subtly transform a space.  After stumbling upon this image over on Design Sponge, I was inspired to use those little extras to really brighten up our new home.  I may not live in Southern California forever, so while I do, why not have tropical looking terraniums, rainbow colored throw rugs, and a bohemian mix of throw pillows.  Happy Friday! 

(Safavieh pillows via Gilt; Etsy Terranium; Urban Outfitters Rug)   

There’s no time like that start of a New Year to put a little spring in your step…

If I can’t have these Kate Spade polka dot pumps to get the job done, then I’ll settle for this cheery 2013 calendar to hang in the kitchen (and match with the new mint green walls in our dining room!) or this darling little number from Ruche (if you haven’t yet checked out their selection of affordable dresses then I suggest you do so immediately – this one’s under $50 and will keep you smiling straight through to warm weather).

Don’t get me wrong – I love to get dressed up.  When it comes to swooshy skirts and shiny heels I’m usually looking for any excuse to pull them out of the closet.  But sometimes, in the middle of winter, I just want something warm and cozy…

But around here, that doesn’t mean sweatpants and uggs (sorry Southern Californians…).  For the boys, a chunky ombre cardigan, broken in chinos, and utilitarian boots are rugged enough to chop down a tree – but more likely will be perfect for taking her out on a lunch date.  For the girls – a drop waist striped knit dress can be layered for warmth and when matched with mustard opaque tights is anything but frumpy.  Suede wedge boots will keep up with his on an afternoon stroll.

P.S. this is my 100th post!  Thanks for reading 🙂

(Him: Need Supply Sweater; J.Crew Chinos; Aldo Boots)
(Her: Free People Dress; Anthropologie Tights; Ruche Boots)     

Happy 2013! While I’m not a big fan of over promised resolutions, I do think that making a list of goals can be great motivation…

My list on January 1 of last year included getting a new job, moving to a new apartment, and starting a blog that combined all of my interests.  I feel incredibly lucky and proud to say that I’ve accomplished these things and with that in mind set out to make a list for 2013.  Many of them are simply guidelines that I’d like to live a happy life by (show up when you say you will, work harder, stay in touch with people), and others are simply for fun like visiting a new city and hosting a real dinner party.  But I definitely have some new things in mind for this blog in the new year (and I’m really hoping for that puppy!).  With or without a list – if I learned anything last year it’s that even your biggest dreams can be within reach (bearing a little risk and a lot of hard work).  Now go out there and make things happen!

(print; photo)

Instead of my usual Sunday night weekend flashback, I thought I’d take a look back at the entire year…

2012 was pretty life changing.  There were huge moments like saying goodbye to New York City and hello to Los Angeles.  And there were little moments like seeing the most beautiful sunset in Austin, Texas or baking my very first pie.  And then there were a whole lot of in between moments that I’ll never forget.  Driving across the entire country, completing my second half marathon, standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, taking in the lights of Las Vegas, moving into our townhouse and officially feeling settled into a new job, city and home.  Even starting this blog the past year has been a new found daily happiness in my life.  When I look at it all through the pretty lens of instagram it’s hard to believe all that happened in just 365 short days.  I can’t wait to see what’s next for 2013 and share the fashionable journey with everyone here on The Steele Maiden.  Thanks for reading and see you in the new year!