Tag: casual summer style

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CASUAL NEUTRALS + 2ND HALF OF SUMMER PLANS

I knew at the start of this year that it was going to be a big one in terms of my full time job – with the busiest season being this summer. Which can make it hard to feel as carefree as the rest of the world seems to with restrictions finally loosened up and summer vacations in full swing. That being said – I’m excited about the work I’m doing and am trying my best to squeeze in some fun moments wherever I can.

Day trips out to the beach. Hopefully making it back to the lake. Working my way through my summer reading list and making time for my new embroidery hobby. Planning a weekend getaway with my sister for late August. Basically eeking out any spare moments I can during the rest of July and August for a bit of relaxation and enjoying summer weather. And I expect to be wearing this simple, button-front midi dress for much of it. It’s light as air and smocked in the back so it’s super comfortable.

If you’re reading this and are in a less busy season of life – savor summer for me, will you?

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LINEN BLAZER + CUT-OFF DENIM SHORTS

In general, I’m not a very casual dresser. I don’t wear leggings out of the house unless I’m going to the gym and I never got on board with the whole athleisure trend. It’s not to say I don’t think it looks good on other people, it’s just not me. That being said – one casual piece mixed into with other more classic pieces feels right for a hot summer day. Case in point: these jeans shorts paired with a linen blazer, statement earrings and neutral block heels.

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I’ve always just felt that life (and especially New York) is worth dressing up for. What if you run into an ex? Or a potential boss? Or a reallyyyy pretty West Village street. Dress for the neighborhood you want to live in, right?

In full disclosure, these jeans were Adam’s and were only slightly too small for him so he gave them to me to cut-off (I won’t dwell on the fact that we have nearly the same sized waist…), but pretty much every thrift store in America has a good pair of vintage Levi’s that you could do the same with. I say that because there are an somewhat alarming number of girls on Instagram wearing $150 cut-off jean shorts and raving about how amazing they are. Here’s an alternative.

And while I’m giving out advice – this bag has been one of my favorites since spring and is now on sale. It will be a wardrobe hero straight through fall. I tied on this vintage Liberty London silk scarf that I bought in a nearby vintage shop about 10 minutes before we snapped these photos. Even my bag’s like to dress up apparently.

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3 WAYS TO WEAR WHITE JEANS

While I’m usually a dress girl in the summer, I do love a good pair of white jeans against tan skin. If you’re hesitant to wear white jeans, I think it’s best to try on lots of different cuts and styles. To help, I wanted to show you guys 3 ways to wear white jeans using 3 different cuts – 1 pair of relaxed fit, 1 skinny pair and 1 wide leg cropped pair. From work to weekend, you can watch my full IGTV try-on video here and hopefully are inspired to mix up your own white jeans look this season! Below – links to everything:

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SHOP LOOK 3:

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A SUMMER SWEATER AND DENIM MINISKIRT

The Steele Maiden: Summer Sweater and Denim Miniskirt

Okay, okay… so technically these pictures were taken beside the East River and not the ‘Sea’ but it leads into the Atlantic Ocean so let’s count it? Also – you guys, two blog posts in two consecutive days! I told you I was going to be back! Ha.

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Now back to this ‘summer sweater‘ which is basically my new favorite thing. How cute for the 4th of July fireworks at the beach? Or just any chilly evening or cool morning this season. I’m also that person that practically shivers when I even hear A/C being turned on.. so it’s good for a freezing office too. This denim miniskirt meanwhile goes with absolutely everything (evidenced by the fact that if you’ve seen me IRL in the past couple of months I’ve likely been wearing it). Plus my favorite flat leather sandals and straw bag (from this post) that I’m still getting tons of wear out of. That’s the thing about getting just a few quality items at the beginning of the season – they don’t fall to shreds by Labor Day.

Loft ‘Sea’ Sweater | Urban Outfitters Denim Miniskirt | Talbots Straw Bag and Leather Sandals c/o

The Steele Maiden: Summer Sweater and Denim Miniskirt The Steele Maiden: Summer Sweater and Denim Miniskirt The Steele Maiden: Summer Sweater and Denim Miniskirt

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BLACK MINIDRESS AND STRAW TOTE

The Steele Maiden: Summer Style - Black Minidress and Straw Tote

We’ve only had a couple of really warm days so far (you’re welcome to arrive any day now Summer…), but in those few instances I’ve already determined my staples of the season.

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The formula is as follows: easy knit, button down dress (that can be worn on or off the shoulder, and dressed up or down), simple leather sandals that are walk-everywhere comfy and a fun straw tote (I love the neutral stripe and round handle on this one). Wear and repeat. Also – these photos remind me of Charleston instead of New York and it makes me desperately want to go back. And not just for the guaranteed summer weather (see my full travel guide to the city here). I think it’s time I plan a Summer getaway, since I already know what I’ll be packing.

Urban Outfitters Knit Minidress | Talbots Leather Sandals and Straw Tote c/o | Statement Earrings – similar

The Steele Maiden: Summer Style - Black Minidress and Straw Tote The Steele Maiden: Summer Style - Black Minidress and Straw Tote The Steele Maiden: Summer Style - Black Minidress and Straw Tote The Steele Maiden: Summer Style - Black Minidress and Straw Tote The Steele Maiden: Summer Style - Black Minidress and Straw Tote