BEST OF: HOLIDAY PLAID

Houndstooth, buffalo check, tartan.. no matter how you print it, I’ve always loved a holiday plaid. From a small dose, like my favorite knotted plaid headband, to a more statement making houndstooth wrap – from now through New Year’s I’ll be finding lots of ways to wear these festive prints. Below – my top picks on the market this year.

SHOP THE POST:

  1. This set of 4 plaid mugs would make a cute gift for someone along with a selection of their favorite teas or hot chocolate.
  2. I’ve had this bag for a couple of years and love that it adds a pop of pattern to a basic black winter coat.
  3. A pretty plaid tassel keychain that can also charge your phone? Genius.
  4. I love this plaid print that J.Crew does and this year the button down comes in a cozy flannel.
  5. Will I ever tire of personalized mugs? No. The answer is no.
  6. If ever there was a sign of the times in 2020 it’s holiday face masks. I love the colors in this 3 pack and figure if I’m going to be wearing them constantly (which I most certainly am) they might as well be cute and match my sweaters.
  7. For the plaid enthusiast in your life! I’m swooning over this coffee table book dedicated to tartan.
  8. These sherpa lined blankets would be the perfect thing to curl up with as you watch holiday movies this year.
  9. I just got this kilt-inspired mini skirt and am in love with it. I wore it with boots here but will be pairing it with black tights as it gets colder.
  10. This houndstooth Christmas tree ornament feels very ‘ski chalet’ to me.
  11. I tend to think a lot of holiday doormats are too over the top but this subtle plaid one is SO chic.
  12. I have these plaid kitten heels from last year (the plaid was more multi colored) and they sold out so fast. I actually love the black watch plaid they come in this year even more – don’t wait on these!
  13. My favorite headband that I can miraculously wear all day without getting a headache. So cute with a simple sweater.
  14. Do I need these pink and red plaid block heels? No. Do I want them? Absolutely.
  15. I just got this houndstooth wrap and it’s like wearing a veryyy stylish blanket all day. I love it.
  16. No plaid round-up would be complete without a classic pair of holiday pajamas. I want to put these on and wear them straight through the new year.
  17. I love the shape of this satchel and, despite being a somewhat bold pattern, can think of a hundred ways I’d wear this.
  18. I gave up on bulky wallets years ago and instead just use these sort of minimal change purses. This one would make a great present for someone with a gift card tucked inside.
  19. When in doubt, put a plaid bow on it. This one is for your hair but could also top a gift box!

LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS UNDER $50

The Steele Maiden: Last Minute Gifts Under $50

I hate to break it to you… but time is running out to wrap up your holiday gift shopping. So if – like me – you’re in need of a few more last minute gift ideas before Monday, I’ve got you covered! All of these are under $50 and will ship to you by Friday December 22nd. Run, run Rudolph!

SHOP LAST MINUTE GIFTS: 

  1. I love this cute retro alarm clock – for the person who is always oversleeping.
  2. This boxed book set would be so special for a little girl in your life (or anyone really – they’re classics for a reason!)
  3. I’m still not over the idea of toting around a polaroid to have a tangible photo memory of your next vacation – or even Christmas morning.
  4. Is there anything better than freshly sharpened colored pencils? Gift to the doodler in your life.
  5. This laptop sized backpack is perfect for your college aged brother/cousin/nephew.
  6. No one has ever had too many bright pom hats.
  7. This wall mounted bottle opener is so much prettier than digging an old one out of a drawer.
  8. Cute coasters – gift with a bottle of their favorite wine or liquor.
  9. How fun are these pineapple string lights? Gift them to your co-worker who is already dreaming of next summer.
  10. This is my all-time favorite perfume – in handy travel sized roll-ons.

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THE ONLY CYBER MONDAY SALES YOU NEED TO SHOP

The Steele Maiden: Holiday Travel - Shearling Seychelles Booties

**Updated the below with the best of Cyber Monday sales**

Hopefully you’re all relaxing at home – still in a post-turkey haze and plan on shopping from the comfort of your pajamas. Black Friday weekends sales, while amazing, can feel fairly overwhelming. Which is why I’ve narrowed down my sale suggestions to just 10 of the best that I’ll be shopping this year. See the list below and if you need gift ideas – I’ve got 100 great ones for everyone on your list here. Happy shopping friends!

1. ANTHROPOLOGIE – 20% off full-priced items + 30% off sale items + free shipping over $100
– I suggest the booties shown above and this sweater I just bought. Plus the outfit below (skirt and sweater).
The Steele Maiden: Black and White Holiday Style - Anthropologie Pearl Tulle Skirt and Off the Shoulder Sweater
2. AMAZON – A variety of deals across all categories.
– Need I say more? For sheer breadth you can’t beat it. I suggest electronics like this crockpot or Nespresso machine plus great fashion items like these Adidas sneakers I just got.
3. J.CREW – Now an incredible 50% off sitewide + free shipping with code SHOPFAST until noon today
– So many good things for him and her. I just bought this plaid puffer vest and these starry earrings.
4. LANDS END – 50% off site wide + free shipping
– I love their outerwear – like the floral puffer jacket shown below or this trench coat I wear constantly.
The Steele Maiden - 3 Must Have Coats for Fall Travel
5. NORDSTROM – Extra 20% off sale items – plus lots more price-matched
– Great for finding things for the entire family – from beauty gift sets to cozy throw blankets.
6. OLD NAVY – 50% off sitewide + free shipping over $25 with code FREESHIP
– Another family friendly sale – I love their cute holiday pajamas and cold-weather accessories.
7. SHOPBOP – up to 30% off orders with code MORE17
– Perfect if you’ve got your eye on staples from your favorite brands or big ticket luxury pieces.
8. TALBOTS – 50% off one item + 40% off the rest of your purchase
– The entire outfit below (vest, velvet leggings and heels) is included. I always love their boots, sweaters and coats.
The Steele Maiden: Luxe Textures for Fall - Velvet Jeggings, Cashmere Sweater and Faux Fur Plaid Vest

9. URBAN OUTFITTERS – $15 off $75, $50 off $150 purchase

– One of my favorite spots for affordable party dresses and fun Christmas tree ornaments.

10. WEST ELM – Sitewide deals + free shipping with code FREERIDE

– A perfect time to pick up bedding, and kitchen or bar items that make great gifts

 

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THE STEELE MAIDEN’S 100 BEST HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

The Steele Maiden - Cozy Holiday Style - Lands' End sweats and Anthropologie Mug

Get cozy – because this is one you’re going to want to spend some time with. For the first time ever I’m bringing you: The Steele Maiden’s 100 Best Holiday Gift Ideas for everyone on your list (I stopped at 100 because I didn’t want to out-do Oprah’s 102 Favorite Things.. naturally). I think there’s a special kind of joy in finding just the right thing for just the right person and since this year has felt particularly tough for the world at large – it would be nice if we could all spread a bit more joy this season, no? So go on and peruse to your heart’s delight. And if you still can’t find the gift you’re looking for.. find me here. I’ll be playing Secret Santa all weekend long. Happy shopping friends!

The Steele Maiden: 100 Best Holiday Gift Ideas

 

SHOP GIFTS FOR: LADIES

*The Steele Maiden Top Pick: This Polaroid camera disguised as an old film version – so cute!

The Steele Maiden: 100 Best Holiday Gift Ideas

SHOP GIFTS FOR: GENTLEMAN

*The Steele Maiden Top Pick: Totally not my thing, but Adam got this Oculus Virtual Reality headset last year and loves it. Plus – it’s hilarious to have parents/grandparents try them on over the holidays.

The Steele Maiden: 100 Best Holiday Gift Ideas

SHOP GIFTS FOR: THE HOME

*The Steele Maiden Top Pick: A tie between this Instant CrockPot my sister has been raving about and these pretty gold-flecked mugs.

The Steele Maiden: 100 Best Holiday Gift Ideas

SHOP GIFTS FOR: LITTLE ONES

*The Steele Maiden Top Pick: This hat and mitten set – instant snuggle bear status.

The Steele Maiden: 100 Best Holiday Gift Ideas

SHOP GIFTS FOR: TRAVELERS

*The Steele Maiden Top Pick: This multi-purpose backpack with compartments for everything.

The Steele Maiden: 100 Best Holiday Gift Ideas

SHOP GIFTS FOR: BEAUTY FANS

*The Steele Maiden Top Pick: This silk pillowcase – helps prevent wrinkles and preserves blow-outs!

The Steele Maiden: 100 Best Holiday Gift Ideas

 

SHOP GIFTS FOR: HEALTH + WELLNESS

*The Steele Maiden Top Pick: This book – for getting a jumpstart on a happier 2018.

The Steele Maiden: 100 Best Holiday Gift Ideas

 

SHOP GIFTS FOR: THE OFFICE

*The Steele Maiden Top Pick: This set of pencils with Beyonce lyrics – just try writing with one and not smiling.

The Steele Maiden: 100 Best Holiday Gift Ideas

SHOP GIFTS FOR: LUXURY LOVERS

*The Steele Maiden Top Pick: This cruiser bicycle (extra points if you add a basket on the back!)

The Steele Maiden: 100 Best Holiday Gift Ideas

SHOP GIFTS FOR: UNDER $25

*The Steele Maiden Top Pick: These ribbon wrapped hoop earrings – available in 4 classic colors.

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INSTAGRAM ROUND-UP + LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY SALES

The Steele Maiden: Instagram Lately

Oh hi there! Remember me?! These past couple of weeks (okay.. months) have been a whirlwind between my full time job, real life and this corner of the internet so hoping you can excuse the few days of radio silence (but in the meantime be sure you’re following me on Instagram so you see the day to day). I spent most of this weekend trying to race around time to get my holiday shopping wrapped up – and if you’ve decided to wait until one week before Christmas to do your own shopping (or just have been equally busy and haven’t yet had the time) at least you can take advantage of the major sales/shipping deals happening right now. Below – what’s been up on Instagram lately + some last minute gift suggestions. And for more – check out my holiday gift guide here.

INSTAGRAM LATELY

LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY SALES

ANTHROPOLOGIE30% off clothing & accessories, 20% off home & beauty

BODEN: Up to 40% off select items – order by 12/21 with express shipping to arrive by 12/23

BANANA REPUBLIC40% off full-priced styles with code BRHOLIDAY – order by 12/18 for standard delivery by 12/23

FRENCH CONNECTION: Extra 50% off sale – order by 12/19 with express shipping to arrive by 12/23

GIGI NEW YORK: Free personalization, shipping and gift with purchase this weekend only

JCREW40% off your purchase with code HOLIDAY – order by 12/20 for delivery by 12/23

OLD NAVYUp to 60% off the entire store + free shipping through 12/18 to arrive by 12/23

SOLE SOCIETY: Up to 50% off select styles

TALBOTSUp to 50% off sitewide + $8 flat rate shipping for delivery by 12/24

URBAN OUTFITTERS: $20 off $100 + free shipping on 12/18 to arrive by 12/23