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.

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  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!

CLASSIC HOLIDAY PARTY STYLE

I always find the hardest holiday events to dress for are those that fall somewhere in between 0-NYE glitz. A Christmas Eve dinner with your in-laws for instance or your office holiday party. Where you want to be more conservative than say, a backless sequin dress, yet still dressed up and festive. This outfit is my solution.  

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I love the simple shape of this knee-length wrap dress and the fact that it’s made fun by the metallic knit – which gives just the right amount of subtle sparkle. My office holiday party is always at the end of a regular workday so finding something that doesn’t look crazy when I walk to work at 8AM but still feels party-ready at 7PM can be tricky. This would definitely work. I paired with these cute embellished flats (my family functions are usually pretty casual so heels feel overdone) and these super lightweight statement earrings for a finishing touch. 

Also – this hairstyle looks fancy but couldn’t be easier to do. I’m going to add a quick tutorial to Instagram this week! Basically a tuck and roll situation.

Metallic Wrap Dress c/o Talbots |  Statement Earrings c/o Kendra Scott | Vintage Bag |Boden Embellished Flats – similar here or here

HIS AND HERS HOLIDAY STYLE: FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION AT OMNI BERKSHIRE PLACE HOTEL

The Steele Maiden: His and Hers Special Occasion Holiday Style - Red Wrap dress and navy blue suit

For the past three years, Adam and I have gotten into the habit of taking holiday pictures (in 2015 we searched for Christmas trees and in 2016 we took a ride in a very special ’54 Chevy) – but this year we thought it might be fun to get all dressed up. So we put on our finest – outfits that would be perfect for any holiday special occasion like a night at the theater, New Year’s Eve party or formal wedding – and headed straight for the rooftop of the Omni Berkshire Place hotel.

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This past Summer we had the most amazing staycation at the hotel and ever since then have thought of the Omni Berkshire so fondly. But with the place all dressed up for the holidays? We were floored. So we danced on the rooftop balcony overlooking St. Patrick’s Cathedral, surrounded by skyscrapers. We drank champagne and ran around a fancy suite with our own personal Christmas tree. And we laughed about how two kids from the country ever ended up here, with this crazy life. It was pure holiday magic.

And – because we always want to inspire you all to have stylish adventures of your own – I’m giving one lucky reader the chance to win a one-night stay at the Omni Berkshire (enter via my Instagram – giveaway launching at 9AM today 11/28). Whether you’re a New Yorker looking for a chic staycation or an out of towner dreaming of your own getaway in the big apple, this is your place. Good luck!

 

The Steele Maiden: His and Hers Special Occasion Holiday Style - Red Wrap dress and navy blue suit

Adam wore a classic slim fit navy blue suit and I wore this (under $100!) slinky red satin wrap dress and fun starry night statement earrings. Also – can we take a moment to talk about these shoes? They’re Tamara Mellon (one of the founders of Jimmy Choo who started her own line) and are in the running for the most amazing heels I think I’ve ever worn. If you’re looking for a luxurious splurge for the holidays – I can’t recommend them enough.

On Jess: Express Satin Wrap Dress | J.Crew Star Statement Earrings | Gigi New York Clutch c/o | Tamara Mellon Pistol 105 Pumps c/o 

On Adam: Topman Navy Suit | Ben Sherman Oxfords

The Steele Maiden: Omni Berkshire Place Hotel - NYC at the Holidays The Steele Maiden: His and Hers Special Occasion Holiday Style - Red Wrap dress and navy blue suit The Steele Maiden: His and Hers Special Occasion Holiday Style - Red Wrap dress and navy blue suit The Steele Maiden: Special Occasion Holiday Style - Red Wrap dress and Tamara Mellon Pistol Pumps The Steele Maiden: His and Hers Special Occasion Holiday Style - Red Wrap dress and navy blue suit The Steele Maiden: His and Hers Special Occasion Holiday Style - Red Wrap dress and navy blue suit The Steele Maiden: His and Hers Special Occasion Holiday Style - Red Wrap dress and navy blue suit

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PLAID MINI DRESS AND BOW TIGHTS

The Steele Maiden: Cute Holiday Style - Plaid Mini Dress, Bow Tights and OTK Boots

I mentioned on Instagram, but there’s a good chance that this outfit – all 90’s inspired plaid mini dress and sheer bow tights – is too young for me. But there’s an even better chance that I really don’t care. I just can’t resist a few bows at the holidays and my love for plaid mini skirts/dresses is at this point well-documented (latest example here). So who cares right? Life is short.. and in this case – so is my dress.

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These cute bow tights are from Tabbi Socks (I’ve got a fun project coming up with them I’ll be sharing soon) and the velvet bow in my hair is like the cherry on top. It’s an easy way to make this otherwise simple turtleneck and plaid mini dress feel festive and fun for a holiday brunch or tree-trimming party (for the record I’d really like to be invited to one of these – they seem like a good time). And if you’re looking for another simple way to elevate your holiday looks – I shared this twisted half up hairstyle along with 2 other ideas here.

Cotton Turtleneck | Urban Outfitters Plaid Mini Dress | Tabbi Socks Bow Tights | OTK Boots | Velvet Hair Bow

The Steele Maiden: Cute Holiday Style - Plaid Mini Dress, Bow Tights and OTK Boots The Steele Maiden: Cute Holiday Style - Plaid Mini Dress, Bow Tights and OTK Boots The Steele Maiden: Cute Holiday Style - Plaid Mini Dress, Bow Tights and OTK Boots The Steele Maiden: Cute Holiday Style - Plaid Mini Dress, Bow Tights and OTK Boots The Steele Maiden: Cute Holiday Style - Plaid Mini Dress, Bow Tights and OTK BootsThe Steele Maiden: Cute Holiday Style - Plaid Mini Dress, Bow Tights and OTK Boots

BLACK AND WHITE HOLIDAY STYLE – PLUS! A $1,000 NORDSTROM GIVEAWAY!

The Steele Maiden: Black and White Holiday Style - Anthropologie Pearl Tulle Skirt and Off the Shoulder Sweater

**Be sure you scroll all the way to the bottom of this post for a $1,000 Nordstrom gift card giveaway! Just in time for holiday shopping as a thank you for following along!**

Sorry (not sorry) guys – but I’m suddenly in full on holiday mode. I honestly think it may be the fact that the world feels pretty troubled right now, but I find myself wanting to really savor the holidays and celebrate with loved ones this year more than ever. Which of course, also translates to plenty of blog posts that inspire you all to do the same. On board? Good.

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While we’re still slightly too early in the season for bright red, shiny dresses there are already plenty of events on my own calendar coming up that call for something slightly festive. Which is why I love black and white holiday style. With special touches like pearl details on this tulle skirt or a big ruffle on this off the shoulder sweater – they definitely feel fun but don’t feel like I’m wearing full out tinsel. Plus, the fact that they’re separates means I’ll get extra wear out of them throughout the season (this sweater will go to the office with me when paired with skinny black pants and suede loafers. And the skirt would be so cool with a denim jacket and stacked heel booties. A little bit holiday, a little bit everyday.

P.S. We shot these photos in the veryyy posh Kensington Park neighborhood in London. Those stoops!

Anthropologie Pearl Tulle Skirt & Ruffle Off the Shoulder Sweater | Sam Edelman Leopard Print Kitten Heels | ZeroUV Oval Sunglasses c/o

The Steele Maiden: Black and White Holiday Style - Anthropologie Pearl Tulle Skirt and Off the Shoulder Sweater The Steele Maiden: Black and White Holiday Style - Anthropologie Pearl Tulle Skirt and Off the Shoulder Sweater The Steele Maiden: Black and White Holiday Style - Anthropologie Pearl Tulle Skirt and Off the Shoulder Sweater The Steele Maiden: Black and White Holiday Style - Anthropologie Pearl Tulle Skirt and Off the Shoulder Sweater The Steele Maiden: Black and White Holiday Style - Anthropologie Pearl Tulle Skirt and Off the Shoulder Sweater
$1000 Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaway

’tis the season to give back!
I’ve teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers
to give YOU a chance to win:
a $1,000 Nordstrom Gift Card, to make your holidays just a little bit sweeter!

Simply enter below by completing the rafflecopter.
You’ll receive one entry per completion.
This giveaway is open internationally and runs until end of day 11/20.
Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!

*this giveaway is in no way sponsored by Nordstrom.

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