Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 199 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

January 21, 2014March 7, 2015

sweet and simple

While I’m all for a colorful look, sometimes sweet and simple outfits can have an equal impact. Especially when mixing textures and interesting silhouettes. I first tried the pleated midi skirt look last Fall and when I came across this camel colored version from Scissortail Clothing I knew it would be the perfect update as we head into Spring. I love the balance of the long lean lines of the pleats against the slouchy lace top and the rougher braided leather belt. And while this look works as is, I can’t wait to pair this skirt with something like a really bright lightweight sweater or a fun printed blouse. Either way, this fit the bill for an afternoon roaming along Abbot Kinney – a trendy little street filled with boutiques, shops and restaurants close to Venice Beach for those that have never been.

Just a few more days to VOTE HERE – your continued support for the chance to get to be an official blogger at WWD Magic means the world! Thanks so much!

Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses c/o // Lace Top – my own design // Built by Wendy Tank, old // Vintage Clutch // AE Braided Belt – similar // Scissortail Clothing Skirt c/o– now on sale! // Seychelles Heels

January 20, 2014March 7, 2015

color coded

They say if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. And if you’re out to beat winter, when LA gives you this weather you may as well be fighting for their team. I picked up this West Coast t-shirt for Adam (along with an identical one that says East Coast just in case you know, we want to switch teams) for Christmas and on Saturday stole it for a trip down to Santa Monica. And while I’m not usually a huge fan of the color pink, these sandals and swingy dress seemed right on a warm day. It’s funny how the weather, the place (like this fun color blocked brick wall) or just my mood can completely change how I feel about a certain color.

p.s. Voting ends Friday for the chance to be an official blogger at WWD Magic in Vegas next month and I’m currently sitting in 9th place (the top 8 are winners!!). I would love to get to share this opportunity with you so if you can, please take a quick second to vote every 24 hours!

VOTE HERE

Print Liberation West Coast T-Shirt // Forever 21 Dress – similar // Anthropologie Sandals // Striped Bag via Marshalls

January 20, 2014March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

Seemingly out of touch with the reality of winter, Los Angeles has hovered in the mid 80’s for the past several days – making bare legs and beach trips the new normal for the middle of January. As my trip back home to the East Coast approaches in a couple of weeks I’m worrying if my legs are going to reject the idea of being forced back into tights altogether. An added benefit of living in a summer’s winter, is that when stores suddenly release their Spring clothes (typically taunting when I lived in New York and was still bundled to my ears) you can actually wear them! So far I’m loving the continuing trend of graphic tees, bright florals, matching skirt and top sets, chalky pastel colors, and anything athletic inspired. What are you dreaming of for this Spring?

p.s. the voting is still going on for the chance to be sent to WWD Magic next month and the race is definitely close. You can vote every 24 and I would truly appreciate the help!

VOTE HERE

January 16, 2014March 7, 2015

closet classics / 01

The Steele Maiden: Closet Classics - Red Pointed Toe Pumps

One of my goals for the blog this year was to focus on really building a closet full of things I love and can wear again and again – and also to be more open with you on exactly where I’m spending my hard earned cash. Lately I’ve taken a new approach. Before shopping – I scroll back through my recent pins on Pinterest. Have I been gravitating towards neutrals? Then a cozy knit sweater in winter white would be wise. Have the pins been denim heavy? Then perhaps it’s time to look for a new pair of jeans. This works for me because I tend to pin looks that have elements similar to those in my closet, not say, ball gowns just because I think they’re pretty. Well for the past month or so, it seemed I couldn’t get enough of casual looks, made instantly more pulled together with red pointed toe pumps. While they’d obviously be great with a dressier look, I love a sleek, sexy pump with denim, knits, and easy layers. Instantly elevated. So I finally picked up a pair for myself and they’re just as perfect as I’d imagined. Plus, I’ve already got a ton of ideas on how to wear them from the aforementioned pins. See how that works out? I’ll be sharing more of my Closet Classics as we go along, but I’d love to hear some of yours as well!

Shop Red Pointed Toe Pumps:

p.s. Don’t forget – you can vote here every 24 hours to help me win the chance to be an official blogger at WWD Magic in Las Vegas! Please and thank you 🙂

images via: Pinterest // Frankie Hearts Fashion // The Sweetest Thing // my own // Vanessa Jackman

January 15, 2014March 7, 2015

washed out

Coincidentally, the last time I visited this Santa Monica park I was wearing an extremely similar outfit (down to the plaid shirt around the waist). The only real difference? The saturation of the colors. In Fall and during the Holidays I’m all about the jewel tones, burgundy, navy, emerald – can’t get enough. But now that we’re on the road to Spring (and hitting 80 degree weather in LA) more washed out tones just feel right. Also – I’m standing by my argument that everyone needs a navy leather jacket. I mean, a black leather jacket just wouldn’t work in the same way with these softer greys and pinks. Oh, and this one is 50% off right now – so grab it while you can!

p.s. In case you missed it – I’ve made it to the final round of voting to be an official blogger at WWD Magic! Only the 8 bloggers with the most votes will be sent to Vegas to report on next season’s trends and it would mean the world to me if you could vote! Reminder.. you can vote every 24 hours. Thanks so much friends 🙂 vote here

Paige Plaid Shirt ℅ – now on sale! // H&M lace top, old // Langford Market Jacket c/o – now 50% off! // Urban Outfitters Skirt // Sole Society Boots