Posts

Posted on

LET’S CATCH UP 12.20.19

I honestly can’t believe that as you read this I’ll be at the office for the last day in 2019. How? Also, how will I get it all done before a (hopefully) blissful 12 days off work?? Alas… a few things on my mind before we head out into the weekend and the holiday weeks ahead. Have a good one friends!

  1. I’ve loved watching blogger Meghan of Wit & Whimsy’s campaign to spread kindness this season – from encouraging others to make donations to their favorite charities to simply being a big nicer to our cashiers and delivery people this season, the world needs more of this. And it shouldn’t end at the holiday season.
  2. In New York it feels like winter arrived about a month ago, but technically tomorrow is the first day. I plan on baking cookies and cozying up in the sweater and scarf combo I’m wearing here.
  3. I can’t wait to catch up on a few new books over my holiday break. If you’re looking for a great book to dive into, I recapped the 10 best books I read in 2019 here.
  4. I’ve still got a few things on my holiday bucket list that I want to get checked off this weekend – including making it uptown to see the Rockefeller tree and Fifth Avenue windows. But we’ve already been ice skating, wandered through the West Village and bought tickets to see a classic Christmas movie in the theaters. Okay, so maybe Edward Scissorhands isn’t what everyone would consider a classic, but it’s a favorite of mine and I can’t wait to see it on the big screen. Even better – the Nitehawk Theater is Brooklyn serves brunch while you watch!
  5. Speaking of winter’s arrival – I’m ready to book a warm weather vacation for the new year asap. We’re considering St. Petersburg in Florida, returning to Miami or heading to Mexico. Send recs!

SHOP THE STORY:

Posted on

NEW YEAR’S EVE OUTFIT IDEAS

I tend to see a lot of New Year’s Eve outfit suggestions that are all over the top gowns.. but truth be told I’ve spent just as many years snuggled up on the couch or hanging with a few friends as I have at a fancy party. So I wanted to offer up a few suggestions – ranging from casual (but still festive) to dressy. I am definitely not ready for 2020.. but at least my wardrobe is.

See the full IGTV video try-on of each of these looks (along with plenty of champagne sipping and a few dance moves) here.

SHOP LOOK 1:

SHOP LOOK 2:

SHOP LOOK 3:

SHOP LOOK 4:

SHOP LOOK 5:

Posted on

THE BEST BOOKS I READ IN 2019

I was originally going to save this post for the last week of the year, but it occurred to me that some of you may be in need of an affordable or last minute gift idea or something to read while you’re on a plane during holiday travel or have days off work. So for that you’ll need a great book. Of which I’ve read many this year. Here – the 10 best books I read in 2019 (in no particular order). A few of these are going to be fully reviewed in my next Steele Maiden Book Club post before the end of the year, but in the meantime I wanted to include them here. Get yourself to a local bookstore (or express ship it through Amazon if you’re in a pinch) and happy reading!

1. Circe by Madeline Miller: An obvious choice for fans of greek mythology or fantasy fiction, but a surprising choice for those who don’t think they are (like myself) who still may end up loving this story (like I did).

2. Three Women by Lisa Taddeo: For your favorite feminist. Or honestly, for the man in your life that could use some perspective. This non-fiction is a striking read that speaks to human desire and emotion in a really raw way.

3. Becoming by Michelle Obama: From yourself to your mom to your boss, there’s something in this story that will likely speak to every woman in your life. An incredibly inspiring reflection from a humble and hard-working woman that just so happened to become the First Lady.

4. City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert: For all your best girlfriends (especially the one who just moved to New York City). This story is a love letter to youth and freedom and the city that I love so much.

5. Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid: If you worshipped Penny Lane in Almost Famous (and I still do) you’re going to love this book. Like reading a memoir straight from the members of your favorite 70s rock band.

6. Blue Nights by Joan Didion: For anyone that considers themselves a Didion disciple – but would be particularly poignant for someone who has lived through loss this year. Her words on living through the loss of her husband and daughter are both relatable and also unfathomable.

7. Commonwealth by Ann Patchett: Smart fiction at its best, Ann Patchett pulls you into a world so believable you’ll forget it doesn’t truly exist. For anyone who

8. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: If you haven’t already read the beloved story, now is certainly the time before Greta Gerwig’s film adaptation comes out at Christmas. Perfect for a young girl just getting into reading on her own or a grown woman revisiting the classics.

9. Toil & Trouble by Augusten Burroughs: Totally different than anything else on this list – Augusten Burroughs memoirs always get me. This one in particular about the next chapter of his life and staying true to his witch-y roots really spoke to me – and gave me a good laugh.

10. Save Me the Plums by Ruth Reichl: For the foodie in your life or the one nostalgic for the days when the publishing world lived large in New York – this easy read is such a fun romp through 90s-00s at Gourmet Magazine.

Posted on

UNEXPECTED HOLIDAY STYLE

I wish I had something more profound to go along with this post – but my brain is actual mush after this work week and really, all I have to say is that I like this outfit.

SHOP THE STORY:

There’s a lot of red and sequins and blatantly “holiday” things that can be worn this time of year (and trust me, I love that too) – but sometimes it’s nice to have an outfit that is a little less traditional and a little more subtle. Maybe you have an office luncheon that’s not super fancy or celebrate Hanukkah and have to weed through all of the red and green in stores – or like me, want to dress just slightlyyy festive for regular work days without looking like a walking jingle bell. Whatever your reason – I think this outfit could solve your problem. While also being classic and chic.

In fact, these photos were taken in the West Village and I like to think if the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel herself were still wandering about town she’d wear something like this. Side note: is anyone else exhibiting alll the self control not to just binge the whole third season in a day? I’m trying to parse it out and have only watched the first episode so far.

That being said – prepare yourself for the sequins because they’re coming next week. ‘Tis the season is what they say, no?

Posted on

A WEEK OF REAL OUTFITS: 12-11-19

I’ve been asked before if how I dress “on the blog” is how I dress in real life – and the answer is, about 80% of the time yes. I’m not photographing the days I’m in leggings on the couch (which has been basically the past 4 days since I got hit with a cold/cough that wouldn’t quit), but other than that – these outfits are the things that I truly reach for in my closet. And since between the cold and the rainy New York weather I didn’t take any proper “blog” photos last week I thought it would be fun to share some real life snaps of my outfits. While I’m not sure I can keep up with this weekly, I think next year I’m going to try and include a real life outfit recap at least once a month!

OUTFIT 1 (ABOVE) FOR SUNDAY SHOPPING + ERRANDS:

OUTFIT 2 (ABOVE) FOR A BUSY TUESDAY AT THE OFFICE:

OUTFIT 3 (ABOVE) FOR WEDNESDAY MEETINGS:

OUTFIT 4 (ABOVE) FOR A CASUAL FRIDAY AT WORK:

OUTFIT 5 (ABOVE) FOR A FESTIVE HOLIDAY CONCERT: