On our second day in Sheridan, Wyoming it started to snow. And it kept on snowing straight through the weekend and right up until we boarded our flight home. But then, isn’t that what Winter in Wyoming is meant to look like? A picture-perfect snow globe if you ask me. We snapped these photos quickly after taking a tour of Blacktooth Brewery (we’ll be sharing our full itinerary + travel video later this week!) before we skated our way across town for a delicious taco lunch at Olivia’s Kitchen.
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I was grateful to have packed lots of layers and these boot liners for my new Hunter Boots (I wore my last pair for 8 years until they finally kicked it and Adam replaced them for me at Christmas) which kept me nice and toasty despite the blizzard. This wool beret has gotten a ton of wear this Winter and makes a chic alternative to a regular beanie or pom hat in the cold. And this plaid coat had been stored at my parent’s house before I dug it out specifically for the trip – if you’re going to spend an entire vacation in outerwear.. it may as well be cute, right?
Reading has always been such a huge part of my life that it’s funny to me I’ve never really discussed books here on the blog. My Mom worked at a library up until I went to Kindergarten and my parents like to joke that I could organize a card catalogue before most kids even knew how to read. When I first moved to New York in my early 20s, I founded a book club and have missed it ever since it ended. I used to devour a handful of books every month, but between this blog and my full time career – it became harder and harder to find the time to read.
This year, I’m determined to change that and it seems like you’re all interested in the idea too. So I bring you – the first month/chapter of The Steele Maiden Book Club. Each month, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the books I’ve read in the previous month and then selecting a couple of books for the next month to come, in the case that any of you want to jump in and read along with me!
Sedaris is one of my all-time favorite authors. Painfully funny in his no frills approach to both writing and life. Theft by Finding is a chronological collection of his real diary entries over the past 40 years. Honest, hilarious, and beautiful even in its banality – there’s something incredibly brave about sharing so much even when it seems unimportant to the greater scope of his life. I also love that because these don’t have an overall narrative you can pick it up and put it down like a collection of short stories. And a reminder, that if you want to be really great at something (be it writing or anything else)… practice it almost every day for decades.
Eh. To be fair this book was exactly what I was expecting so I wouldn’t say I was disappointed, but maybe just not blown away. Set in modern day Brooklyn the story follows two main couples now in their 40s (who met in college) and their now high-school aged children. A multi-generational story that touches on coming of age, navigating relationships and coming to terms with your life choices as you grow older. An overall pleasant read, I’m just not sure that I ever felt very invested in any of the characters. But for a beach vacation or rainy weekend where you want to plow through a book over the course of a few days and not have to overthink it – this would be a good option.
I read Ng’s debut novel Everything I Never Told You in a single weekend last Summer so I couldn’t wait to pick this one up. Little Fires Everywhere was maybe even better (and that’s saying something). Set in Shaker Heights, Ohio in the 90s the story weaves together two families with very different dynamics and backgrounds. And just like her first novel, shows you just how much we often still don’t know about the very people closest to us. Each character is so beautifully written that you find yourself having a hard time deciding who’s side you’re on as the plot twists and turns. Without giving any more away – suffice to say I can’t recommend this one enough.
SHOP THIS MONTH’S BOOK CLUB:
Next month, I’m diving intoZ: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald (after binging the Amazon series ‘Z: The Beginning of Everything’ starring Christina Ricci about the early days of Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald – which I lovedddd) and You’ll Grow Out of It (recommended by a friend who just so happened to be one of the members of my old IRL book club). It’s a short month, so I’m sticking to just those two. Have other suggestions? Drop me a line or comment here.
Wyoming. Where do I begin?? I’ve got so many photos, stories and video (!!) coming for you next week – but I wanted to share this look as a bit of a sneak peek. Mainly because this red polka dot ruffle maxi skirt would be perfect for a Valentine’s Day outfit next week if you’re still in the market. And also because I’m bursting at the seams to share more about what was one of our most memorable trips ever.
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While we were in Sheridan, WY we stayed at the Historic Sheridan Inn and if you’re going to be in those parts – there’s no where else you should even think about staying. Home to Buffalo Bill and his famous western talent show, this place has seen Annie Oakley, Teddy Roosevelt and even Queen Elizabeth through it’s halls. I’ll share photos of the interiors, but for now – just take a look at this long sweeping front porch.
On this particular night, I changed into this fun red ruffle maxi skirt just in time for dinner at the Inn’s Open Range restaurant (easily one of our best meals of the whole trip) followed by live music and a dance in the ballroom (so fun!). I love the way this skirt has so much movement – and while it will be a no-brainer in warm weather, it faired pretty well with thick tights, over the knee boots and a chunky knit sweater. See you next week, cowboys, with lots of new posts.
As you’re reading this, we’re airport-bound on our way to experience Winter in Wyoming. Packing for a Winter trip is decidedly trickier as everything is bulky (I needed a checked bag and a carry-on even though we’ll only be gone through Tuesday) and you really want to be sure you’re prepared for whatever the weather throws at you. I packed plenty of thin layers, cozy basics, warm coats and a few fun accessories that lean in to the Western vibe. Be sure you’re following along on Instagram as I take you with us this trip!
I’ve never really been in to the ‘traditional’ Valentine’s Day routine (a fancy restaurant.. a dozen roses.. box of chocolates…). In fact, when I look back on the years that Adam and I have spent celebrating together they range from sneaking sparklers and margaritas onto the beach at midnight in Santa Monica to taking a train up to snow-covered Montreal for just one night to ice skating in Central Park then grabbing milkshakes at an old-fashioned soda shop in the West Village.
It’s usually a last minute spontaneous plan and sometimes it’s a date that lasts an entire day. Which is why this pink velvet skirtcaught my eye. It would be great for a more casual Valentine’s Day outfit and could transition from day to night. But it also works if you hate Valentine’s Day and ignore the ‘holiday’ altogether. It’s just a cute skirt and it’s on major sale and who can really argue with that?
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We shot these photos last weekend when we were handed a very mild Winter weather day – but if you don’t get as lucky come February 14th, just add thick knit tights and a big coat overtop of the rest. And on another note – whether or not you have a soulmate – these navy suede bootscould absolutely be your ‘solemate’ (I couldn’t resist…) because you order them specifically for not just your shoe size but also your calf size – meaning the perfect fit. Not too tight, not too slouchy. Now that’s a match made in heaven.
