style – Page 11 – Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle.

October 27, 2014March 7, 2015

on the road again

The Steele Maiden: Fall Roadtrip with ASOS blanket scarf

If you’ve ever seen an East Coast Fall, then you’ll understand why this past weekend we packed our bags and hit the road again. The colors of the changing leaves, the quiet of the lake, and the noise of a cabin filled with all my friends from back home were more than enough reason – but add in the fact that these cozy layers from ASOS had recently been added to my closet and I was totally game for the trip. ASOS is having a major Fall sale right now (plus an extra 10% off with code 10MORE), and I took the opportunity to stock up on some pieces that would serve me well as the weather starts to turn colder. I approach adding things to my closet in 3 general ways and these all fit the bill: 1. Something practical I will wear often (this cream cardigan perfect for layering), 2. A replacement to an item that I’ve loved but has been worn out (these ivory oxfords to fill the void left from a similar pair I had to let loose a year ago), or 3. An on-trend piece that still feels like me and will spice up existing basics (this oversized neutral plaid blanket scarf). I knew I’d love the cardigan and oxfords, but I can barely explain how much I love this scarf-meets-cape. Super soft, extra warm, and still statement making enough to feel chic – it’s a total must have. I know I’ll wear it often now that I’m back in the city, but it felt right at home out on the open road.

Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses – $5 off $25 purchase with code STEELE through 11/30 // ASOS Cardigan, Blanket Scarf, and Oxfords c/o // Old Navy Dress // Sole Society Bag c/o // Timex Watch c/o // Maybelline Lipstick in Plum Perfect

October 23, 2014March 7, 2015

easy does it

And now, for the complete opposite of yesterday’s post. That’s the thing about my approach to fashion – one day all I want to wear is a fitted pencil skirt and a chic, roomy tote. And then the next day I want an oversized cardigan and mini cross body bag. These pictures were taken last weekend and since it’s Thursday of a pretty packed schedule week for me (and I may or may not be counting the hours until Friday at 6 PM) I thought showing some relaxed off duty style would hurry things along. This is probably as casual as I’ll ever feel comfortable going – so while there’s ripped, boyfriend jeans and an oversized cardigan (a favorite from last Fall), there’s also these luxe calf hair leopard booties and a hat (my obsession with hats has reached a fever pitch – look out for quite a few new ones coming up soon). I can almost see you, Saturday. Hat – similar via Nordstrom // F21 Cardigan – similar // 9th and Elm Necklace c /o // Fossil Bag via TJMaxx // Gap Jeans // Sole Society Boots c/o // Smashbox Lip Lacquer in Flushed c/o

October 22, 2014March 7, 2015

business blues

The Steele Maiden: How to dress creative casual at the office

Most days, (aside from simply trying to get out the door in time) I try to bridge the gap between business appropriate and creatively casual when getting dressed for work. That means balancing more structured pieces like this pencil skirt with a softer, graphic t-shirt and countering a weekend-worthy moto jacket with power-stepping heels. And I mentioned it last week when I gave you a look inside – but truly this structured mini tote bag from Dagne Dover is totally changing my morning commute Yesterday I hauled an umbrella, my lunch, a book and an extra pair of shoes in this thing! It means business.

Sunglass Warehouse Aviators c/o – use code STEELE for $5 off your purchase of $25 of more through 11/30 // Moto Jacket – similar via Ruche // Old Navy T-Shirt // Lulu Frost Earrings – now on sale! // Dex Skirt c/o // Dagne Dover Mini Tote c/o // ASOS Heels

October 20, 2014March 7, 2015

fairytale fall

The Steele Maiden: Cloisters NYC how to wear Fall layers

First of all – I’ll just go ahead and point out the obvious – my hair has gotten a little makeover. Several shades darker than my natural light brown and very much darker than my usual sandy blonde, it’s still taking some getting used to. But I will say, it certainly feels Fall-ish. And so did this weekend. On Saturday Adam and I ventured to the very tip top of Manhattan to visit the Cloisters (a part of the Met Museum this outpost houses architecture from Medieval Europe – mainly churches). We packed a picnic, and sat perched on top of Fort Tryon Park looking out on the Hudson River, laughing and talking. Then explored what felt like a giant castle filled with beautiful nooks and ancient artwork. It was one of those fairytale Fall days that everyone should let themselves get swept up in from time to time. Today? Back to reality.

p.s. My hair isn’t the only new thing around here – I gave the blog a little update, and all of the top tabs (about, shop…) now link to brand new pages plus there are some fun features added to the side bar!

Ban.Do Bobbi Pins // Denim Jacket – similar via Gap // Mango Vest, old // Striped Dress – similar via Nordstrom // Joules Scarf c/o // Ruche Boots // Knee Socks

October 16, 2014March 7, 2015

zip zip

The Steele Maiden: Zipper detail sweater and Old Navy printed pixie pants

A bright sweater and skinny trousers has been my go-to office look lately – and this particular combo makes an outfit that could easily slip into boring territory way more fun. This vibrant shade of cobalt goes with practically everything (see yesterday’s dreamy new bag for more evidence), and the double zipper details and oversized fit on this sweater make it different than every other sweater already stacked in my closet. I have a few pairs of these Old Navy Pixie Pants already, but when new prints arrived for Fall I went back for more (the $25 sale price tag certainly didn’t hurt..). And then leopard print, because well, why not? This is probably one of the last days it will be really warm enough for sandals like these so I made the most of it. In other news I’m off work the rest of this week and am pretty thrilled at the notion of catching up on life, exploring the city, taking a possible little road trip.. and who am I kidding – finishing Gone Girl so I can go see the movie.

Dex Sweater c/o – available via Nordstrom // Old Navy Pixie Pants // Sole Society Bag c/o // ShoeMint Heels – old, similar via Sole Society