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

WHAT TO PACK: FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND

The Steele Maiden: What to Pack 4th of July Weekend Getaway

We’re headed to the lake for 4th of July weekend and I couldn’t be more excited for a few days of relaxing on the dock, hanging on the boat and soaking up sun (here’s hoping the weather cooperates!). No matter where you’re going, I’m guessing some of the above pieces will work. I keep it pretty casual at the lake, which means plenty of easy cotton tops or dresses (who cares if they get a little wrinkled), bright bikinis, comfy slip-on shoes and maybe a starry accessory or two for the big fireworks show over the water.

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FOURTH OF JULY COCKTAIL RECIPE

Fourth of July Summer Cocktail Recipe: Tequila Blackberry Lemonade

Not that I’m counting down the minutes or anything.. but my 4 day weekend starts today at 6:00PM. And a long holiday weekend certainly calls for something festive to bring to a beach party or backyard BBQ. This ‘Tequila Blackberry Lemonade’ summer cocktail recipe is a cinch to make (perfect for when you’ve had a long day on the water or for when you’ve already had a few!), is incredibly refreshing and has a just enough of a red, white and blue coloring that it couldn’t be more fitting for the Fourth of July. Cheers friends!

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An added bonus of Summer cocktails? The chance to drink them outside. I love these cute vintage style tumblers (plastic means they’re great for beaches/pools that don’t allow glass plus they’re really affordable) and galvanized ice bucket to keep the extra tequila or lemonade chilled. Toss down a lightweight blanket (this one is actually a cotton sarong sent to me by PopSugar in this month’s #MustHaveBox – along with lots of other cute summer goodies!)… now mix, sip, and repeat.

Fourth of July Summer Cocktail Recipe: Tequila Blackberry LemonadeFourth of July Summer Cocktail Recipe: Tequila Blackberry Lemonade

FOURTH OF JULY STYLE: MADEWELL DENIM SHORTS AND STRIPES

Fourth of July Outfit Idea - Madewell denim shorts and stripes

How is it that it’s already almost the Fourth of July?!? The month of June has been flying past me, so this weekend Adam and I snuck away to the lake house and for a couple of blissful days, time practically stood still. And for the short lived time that I put on anything besides a bathing suit – this is what I wore. Which would be perfect for the upcoming weekend’s festivities.

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5 MINUTE ESCAPE

Fourth-of-July-sales-south-street-seaport-nyc

Happy Birthday America! We’re spending the holiday weekend at the lake and until the rain has passed today I figured I’d share a quick round-up. So take a 5 minute escape.. then get back out there and celebrate with burgers/beers/beach/friends/family or any other way you want! Enjoy your Fourth of July friends and thanks for stopping by 🙂

– I shared a few ideas for Fourth of July style and I think this look (in almost head to toe ASOS) is by far my favorite. There’s a few sizes left in the striped off-the-shoulder top I’m wearing, but hurry because it’s now on sale!

– Need help packing the next time you take a weekend getaway? I’ve got beach and city carry-ons covered.

– Speaking of packing things up, I’ve been carrying this striped raffia tote everywhere since Spring and this weekend only, you can get one free if you spend over $350 at Elaine Turner!

– If you really want to make your red, white and blues pop – I tried Stila All-Day Lipstick in Beso for the first time (via an exclusive Birchbox set) and it’s the most perfect red lipstick I’ve ever tried. And trust me, I’ve tried a lot.

– By this point you know how much I love Sole Society (my shoes & accessories go-to) and their Fourth of July sale includes lots of my current faves, like this oversized hat and these perfect ankle booties.

Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale (that magic time of year when they put new FALL goods on sale for a limited time) starts in less than 2 weeks, but FYI if you’re a Rewards card member you can get first access starting this Thursday!