the better show with snobswap

The Steele Maiden: The Better Show with SnobswapLast week I had the (seriously awesome) opportunity to join online designer consignment boutique Snobswap and three other lovely bloggers (Liz of Dear Andi, Jess of Girls off Fifth and Eliza of The Village Vogue) for a taping of The Better Show spotlighting how to get Spring celebrity style for less.  Basically I showed up, had my hair and make-up done, threw on a Chanel bag, shared a green room with Kelly Osbourne, and then cut to camera 3 for a quick close up.  In short, a totally surreal morning that will probably never be repeated in my life.  My friends at Snobswap had me impersonating Olivia Palermo (ahem, major style/girl crush), and I think they nailed her effortless cool in this print mixed look, complete with strappy black Bottega Veneta sandals and aforementioned Chanel.  Such a dream.  If you’re in New York you can catch the show on WLNY at 6 AM or on the Hallmark Channel at 12 PM – or check your local listings.  Huge thanks to the entire SnobSwap team and The Better Show for having me!  
The Steele Maiden: The Better Show with Snobswap





river side

The Steele Maiden: River Side
One of my favorite things about where I used to live on the Upper East Side (pre-LA adventures), was my proximity to the East River and luckily in our new East Village spot we’re afforded the same nearby views.  There’s just something about being able to take a late afternoon walk along the water that instantly relaxes you.  With the longer daylight and warmer temps, I’m guessing this will quickly become a part of my weekly routine.  Since it’s usually a bit breezy on the water I carried this color blocked cardigan with me, paired with one of my favorite dresses (last seen here).  And even though we weren’t necessarily going anywhere, I dressed it up with these impossibly comfortable ankle strap heels, a touch of sparkle, and this new favorite clutch from Ever + Mi Crush.  Pretty ruched leather and delicate lace in wear with anything neutrals mean this bag is sure to be coming with me on quite a few more outings this Spring.  Whether it’s a real date night, or just a stroll along the river.
 
 
The Steele Maiden: River Side
The Steele Maiden: River Side
The Steele Maiden: River Side
The Steele Maiden: River Side
The Steele Maiden: River Side
The Steele Maiden: River Side
 

signs of spring

The Steele Maiden: Signs of Spring
This picture has no less than 4 different florals in it and I’m not about to complain.  There’s finally signs of Spring everywhere you look in the city – blooms popping up in the park along my walk to work, bare (pale…) legs, and the chance to pull out my favorite Spring dresses again.  This particular one is a vintage find from years ago when I was living in Philadelphia during college (that I hacked to be a bit shorter – so excuse the somewhat crooked hem).  Since the weather is still slightly cool in the mornings and evenings, I’ve been only brave enough to bare my legs if paired with closed toe flats or booties and a jacket.  But still, we’re making progress people.  Looking forward to the first weekend where we’ve been settled into our apartment, catching up with friends and enjoying some these early Spring temps.  Hope you all have a good one! 
 
 
The Steele Maiden: Signs of Spring
The Steele Maiden: Signs of Spring
The Steele Maiden: Signs of Spring
The Steele Maiden: Signs of Spring
The Steele Maiden: Signs of Spring
A few of my favorite Spring floral dresses (all less than $150!)

 

into the blue

The Steele Maiden: Into the BlueOkay, okay, so I may have a full fledged gingham problem this Spring.  But when I picked up this Topshop pencil skirt in a blurry dotted print and noticed that it also came in this oversized cobalt check? Well, it practically walked itself home with me.  My initial thoughts were to pair it with a range of pretty blouses, but after noticing that this old favorite crewneck sweater was an exact match I decided to go monochrome and kind of love the result.  Blue has actually always been my favorite color so maybe that’s why this didn’t feel ‘too much’, and pairing it with pretty minimal neutral accessories certainly helped.  Either way, on an overcast day this head to toe hue was a bright pick me up.  F21 Sweater // Topshop Skirt // Rebecca Minkoff Bag via Nordstrom Rack // Lulu Frost Ring // Sole Society Heels – love these for Spring
The Steele Maiden: Into the Blue

The Steele Maiden: Into the Blue

The Steele Maiden: Into the Blue

The Steele Maiden: Into the Blue

The Steele Maiden: Into the Blue

The Steele Maiden: Into the Blue

The Steele Maiden: Into the Blue



midweek chic

The Steele Maiden: MidWeek Chic
While some mornings I’m feeling creative and really mix things up for work, other mornings rely on an arsenal of easy basics I can throw on and head out the door without needing a whole lot of thought.  The key here, from keeping black skinny jeans and a blazer looking altogether boring, are a handful of chic standout accessories.  A vintage chunky chain necklace wrapped around my wrist becomes a bold bracelet and these sleek black stacked heels are constantly in rotation.  This Olivia + Joy bag is new and I love the way the boxy shape is a little bit serious, but the dotted straw and flash of bright kelly green leather is altogether fun.  It’s exactly the sort of modern meets playful balance that I’m always trying to strike in my looks – and since it’s all wrapped up into one piece, I can be ready in no time flat.  Now, is it Friday yet? 
 
Sunglass Warehouse Aviators c/o // Urban Outfitters Blazer and Jeans // Madewell Silk Blouse – similar // Sole Society Heels // Olivia + Joy Zarrah Satchel c/o – 25% through today with code FESTIVAL14 // Vintage Bracelets
 
The Steele Maiden: MidWeek Chic
The Steele Maiden: MidWeek Chic
The Steele Maiden: MidWeek Chic
The Steele Maiden: MidWeek Chic
The Steele Maiden: MidWeek Chic
The Steele Maiden: MidWeek Chic