style – Page 20 – Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle.

July 17, 2014March 7, 2015

new traditions

The Steele Maiden: Borrowed Boyfriend Shirt and Pencil Skirt

It’s been one of those run-run-can’t catch up, blink and its ~~Wednesday~~ Thursday sort of weeks around here. And between two days of thunderstorms and one major case of ‘I’ve got a full closet but nothing to wear’ it just wasn’t working. But then yesterday I got up, the rain (and my matching gloomy mood) had cleared and I managed to pull together this look. And after doing so, realized I had taken inspiration from the most unlikely of sources.. weddings. If you knew my general aversion to anything involving traditional bridal fanfare you’d know just how surprising this is – but low and behold I was wearing something old (this vintage bag from my Great Aunt), something new (this printed pencil skirt), something borrowed (Adam’s map of New York t-shirt) and something blue (these cobalt pumps). And despite my untraditional stance, I think this formula sort of perfectly sums up my signature style. Who knew?

Men’s Urban Outfitters Graphic T-shirt // Topshop Pencil Skirt – similar // Vintage Bag – this embellished one from ASOS is cool // Vintage Bracelet – similar via BaubleBar // H&M Pumps – similar on sale via Sole Society

July 14, 2014March 7, 2015

all business

I read a quote over the weekend discussing what to wear to the office in the Summer that said something along the lines of “you should never look like you’re on your way to a picnic”. And I’m in total agreement. It’s easy to be fooled by the sunshine (and Summer Friday hours) into throwing on a casual cotton dress – but even in a casual office like mine I think there should be a line drawn. I usually still end up wearing bright colors and fun prints (this and this are both pretty true examples of what you’ll find me in on weekdays) but the other day I tossed on this utilitarian style black dress from Madewell and instantly felt more put together and ready to take on the work day. Plus, it’s brushed silk and loose airy silhouette meant I was just as cool as I would have been in more casual dress. Sounds like just the ticket for tackling another Monday morning.

Madewell Dress – old, love their new navy version // ASOS clutch c/o // Capwell & Co. Cuff // Sole Society Heels

July 10, 2014March 7, 2015

hear me roar

The Steele Maiden: Leopard Print Heeled Sandals with Shift Dress

The time we spent living in LA (sans humidity) was the first in my life I had somehow blissfully forgotten about just how unruly my hair tends to be in the Summer. But now that we’re back and in the full swing of the season, my tawny color and wavy texture is back to closely resembling that of a lion’s mane. So what’s a girl to do? You grab a knockout necklace (with a lion looking quite proud about said mane) and equally jungle-appropriate printed heels and hit the streets like you just don’t give a damn. Hear me roar, Summer.

Lulu Frost Necklace – old, budget version here // Tulle Dress – very similar via Ruche // Shoemint Leopard Heels – very similar via Sole Society // Rebecca Minkoff bag via Nordstrom Rack

July 8, 2014March 7, 2015

delicate details

The Steele Maiden: French Connection Beaded Top

A couple weeks back I was in French Connection browsing the sale section, and considering picking up yet another dress (of which I already admittedly own too many).. when suddenly I came across this structured sheer organza top with intricate beadwork. There isn’t a thing like it in my closet – or in any other store that I’ve seen lately – a total wardrobe game changer. The wonderful thing about this top is that it’s detailed and feminine but not at all fussy like the chiffon-flowered, or sequin-covered counterparts I’ve seen elsewhere. I paired it with easy charcoal, black and ivory and kept the accessories to a bare minimum. After all, who needs a statement necklace when you’ve got one built right in? In other news, Adam and I took to walking down the East River promenade from our apartment past the Williamsburg Bridge almost every night over the long weekend. That warm golden hour glow reflecting over onto Brooklyn was just too good to miss.

French Connection Top c/o – on major sale! // Urban Outfitters Skirt – similar via ASOS // Sole Society Lace Up Heels c/o – also on sale! // Vintage Bag // Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Never Say Never c/o

July 7, 2014March 7, 2015

afternoon sun

The Steele Maiden: NYC Park in Olukai Sandals

I spent most of this past weekend in Washington Square Park, relaxing, reading and basically just basking in the afternoon sun. It’s about a 30 minute walk from our apartment which isn’t so bad as long as you’ve got the right shoes. That’s the thing they don’t tell you about living in New York.. the streets will basically swallow your feet whole if you aren’t careful. Adam and I walk almost everywhere we can on the weekends and so these sandals my friends at OluKai sent over are proving essential to my Summer wardrobe. They’re definitely a little more expensive than some of the other sandals in my closet, but here’s the thing – they’re insanely comfortable and built to last. Meaning next Summer (although I hate to think that I’ll have to survive another New York winter between now and then..) I’ll be pulling them out again.Lulu Frost Earrings – more affordable version via Sole Society // Urban Outfitters Dress – love this version on sale // Backpack via TJ Maxx // Turkish-T Towel c/o – on sale via Bloomingdales // OluKai Sandals c/o