Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 166 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

October 15, 2014March 7, 2015

what’s in my bag

The Steele Maiden: What's in my Dagne Dover Bag

In theory, I’m a small bag person. A tube of lipstick and my metro card and I’m out the door. But in real life here in New York, I’ve become a small bag + tote bag exploding with odds and ends person. Not exactly the chic ‘lady on the go’ persona I’d like to exude. Insert Dagne Dover. This Mini Tote bag arrived last weekend and in 3 short days has totally transformed my work day routine. From the outside it’s boxy, streamlined and anything-but-boring blue. From the inside? It’s an organized dream. There are compartments for my water bottle, cell phone, tablet/e-reader (but because I’m secretly 80 years old this is where I’ve started storing my books instead), lipstick, keys, and every other essential you wish you had with you on a daily basis. Which for me – means bobby pins and statement earrings – both a surefire fix when you need an after hours spruce up. So while I love the idea of flitting around town with a tiny bag, the feeling I got from knowing I was carrying everything I needed for the day (and exactly where it was all stashed) has me converted. What’s in your bag?Dagne Dover Mini Tote in Dagne Blue c/o // Lulu Frost Stud Earrings // Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses c/o // Ban Do Bobby Pins

October 14, 2014March 7, 2015

showing my spots

The Steele Maiden: Zara Leopard Shift Dress and Messy Ponytail

I picked up this leopard shift dress back in August (first posted here) and the second I saw it I knew it was just begging to be layered with a thin black turtleneck. So I patiently waited until Sunday night when the weather was crisp enough for layers and booties, but still warm enough to bare a lot of leg and went for it. The result – with a high messy ponytail (my MO lately) and oversized shades – actually elicited someone on the street remarking that I looked like Audrey Hepburn. Which of course, I do not. But you better believe I rode that little high for exactly 30 seconds until I slipped on a crack in the sidewalk and tripped in front of a fairly large crowd in front dining al fresco. That’s the thing about this city – she keeps you grounded.

Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses c/o // Gap Turtleneck // Zara Shift Dress – similar via ASOS // Vintage Bag // Booties via Marshalls – similar via Zappos // Kendra Scott Bracelet c/o

October 13, 2014March 7, 2015

a new view

On any given weekend you can usually find me wandering through the streets of Manhattan. But on Sunday, I thought I’d change my view and found myself in Brooklyn (DUMBO – or Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass – to be exact). I’ve been switching up my style game a bit lately too (I mentioned recently how the sweeter looks I used to gravitate towards suddenly feel off) and this particular outfit really feels like ‘me’ right now. There are still the elements that I’ve always loved – a vintage red suede clutch, a touch of shine from these doubled up cocktail rings, and statement shoes in the form of these undeniably cool bejeweled Kate Spade slip-on sneakers. But there is a streamlined color palette, a borrowed from the boys feel from the tweed overcoat, and a slight edge in the distressed jeans (this pair of Paige denim has barely left my legs since they arrived – and this from a devoted dress girl!). Overall it feels somehow more put together – but at the same time like an effortless shift. It’s good to take a new outlook now and then and as the seasons really change I’m more than ready to hit refresh.
P.S. My friends at Piperlime sent over these swoon-worthy sneakers and perfectly distressed denim – and in the case that you’re looking for a style refresh too, they’re offering 20% off Fall Essentials through tonight with code FALL20F21 Overcoat + Shirt // Vintage Clutch – similar via Sole Society // Lulu Frost Rings // Paige Denim c/o Piperlime // Kate Spade New York Sneakers c/o Piperlime // Essie Nail Polish in Bordeaux

The Steele Maiden: Piperlime Moments of Chic with Paige Denim and Kate Spade

October 12, 2014March 7, 2015

how to shop my instagram

Here on the blog I’m able to share exact details of where I found my new favorite sweater or the shoes I can’t stop staring at.. but there’s lots of content that never makes it to the blog which I share on my Instagram – like accessories of the day, a new shopping find or my weekly #frontstoopfridays – so I’ve started using LiketoKnow.it as a way to share the details of those looks. I’ve had a few questions as to how it works so I figured a quick post would be a help. Basically you go to http://liketoknow.it and submit your email address (totally free to sign up), then every time you see one of my posts (or pics from all the other great bloggers and celebs who use LiketoKnow.it) all you have to do is double tap the picture and voila! An email is sent directly to your inbox with images and product links of the items featured. Easy as that. See you in the land of the ‘gram friends.

October 11, 2014March 7, 2015

great wide open

The Steele Maiden: Cargo Jacket, Pleated Skirt and Ankle Boots

Last weekend Adam and I escaped to his family’s lake house in the Pocono Mountains – one of my favorite little corners of the world. Since its chillier there than in the city (like a cool 37 degrees the morning we took these photos..), we spent the weekend bundled up, taking canoe rides and catching up on sleep. Blissful. I usually keep things casual (a look back at my Summer lake attire here) and so a sensible pair of shoes is a must. These CAT Footwear ankle boots were perfect for the job, plus thick socks, my favorite cashmere sweater and a cargo jacket. And for good measure – a printed dress that just happened to match those picturesque leaves.

PS. If you’re looking to do a little shopping this weekend there’s some great sales going on!

–Old Navy is up to 50% off site wide and this crisp plaid shirt is calling my name.

–J.Crew Factory is offering 50% off site wide- this sweater and this skirt would be a cool combo

–Piperlime has 20% off Fall favorites and I am totally lusting for this floral dress

–Madewell is giving 30% off select styles with code OHFALL and this dark denim work shirt would totally switch up my chambray game

Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses c/o // Rebecca Minkoff Bag via Nordstrom Rack // Tulle Cargo Jacket – similar via Old Navy // Thrifted Sweater // Darling Dress c/o – now on sale! // CAT Footwear Boots c /o