Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 224 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

August 5, 2013March 7, 2015

one year in review

You’re looking at a brand new The Steele Maiden. It’s taken a year of trial (and perhaps the occasional error), but I am thrilled to introduce my new site to you in celebration of my blog’s 1st birthday this week! And here’s what else I’m giving you…

GIVEAWAY: Who doesn’t love free stuff?! Tomorrow I’m hosting my first giveaway (with one of my favorite brands) and it’s something I know you’ll all love. So be sure to come back tomorrow for your chance to win!

New Series: With a streamlined new layout and a fresh take going into my 2nd year of blogging, there’s a few series that no longer felt relevant, and others that will be sticking around but only from time to time. And a completely new series starting every Friday that you won’t want to miss.Shop: My signature travel inspired jewelry line launches today. Every piece is designed and hand crafted by yours truly here in Los Angeles using a mix of new and vintage components. Be the first to get pieces from my New York inspired collection here!Sponsorship: The Steele Maiden is now accepting sponsors! Have a business, product or service that fits with The Steele Maiden aesthetic and want to get the word out? See all the ways we can work together here.I’m so glad that I took the past year getting The Steele Maiden to where it is today (and to the people that encouraged me along the way), and am thankful every day for those of you out there that choose to take time to check in. I can’t wait to see what this next year has in store!(Denim jacket – similar here; Blouse via Marshall’s – similar here; Asos Skirt – on sale!; Target Heels – similar here; Vintage Bag)

August 2, 2013March 7, 2015

under construction

I am pretty much bursting at the seams. This weekend the site will be under going construction (so if you stop in and things seem in disarray – fear not), on the road to building a bigger and better Steele Maiden. And you’re not going to want to miss the launch next week. We’re talking exciting announcements, a GIVEAWAY from one of my favorite brands, a fun new weekly series and more of the things you already love. So, I’ll see you back here next week. Same place, whole new style.

(image via)

August 1, 2013March 7, 2015

Midsummer Night Musts.

(Target Sunglasses; Madewell T-shirt; F21 Lace Skirt; Tulle Sweater sample – cute option here, Nine West wedges – similar here)

If there’s one thing I’ve learned so far living in Southern California – it’s that even in the middle of Summer, if it’s after 5pm you should always carry a cardigan. So for a midsummer’s night I threw one on to round out an otherwise simple look…

Without the humidity that I’m used to on the East Coast, Summer night’s cool off quickly here – especially since we’re so close to the Ocean. And while I’m certainly not complaining, I’ve learned that it’s the type of slight chill in the air that means without a cardigan I end up shivering a bit. This long striped duster style is perfect for tossing on over a casual look with jeans or adding a little coverage to a lace mini as shown here. A few layered necklaces and a pair of sunglasses (the other California necessity) and I’m ready for an evening stroll.

July 31, 2013March 7, 2015

Marfa, Texas.

There’s nothing quite like the freedom of hitting the open road in the Summer, and out of all the places we stopped last Summer along our cross country road trip Marfa, Texas may have been the one that surprised me the most…A tiny community in the remote Big Bend area of western Texas, Marfa (and the neighboring town of Alpine where we actually stayed) was a place we chose to stop almost purely for convenience to break up a long stretch between Austin and Scottsdale. Convenience and the fact that several years ago I had seen the work of community artists who had erected a Prada store (fully sealed) in the middle of the Texan tundra there. And so, with little more than a reservation we arrived in Marfa – a place best described as cowboy meets conceptual art. Staying at The Maverick Inn was the closest I’ll probably ever get to Ranch life – with cowhide rugs, hearty breakfasts and it’s own personal airstream. And besides a surprisingly delicious meal at Reata (where I told the boy I felt like we were on a romantic cowboy date) and stopping in to a few shops (like Marfa Book Co.), we mainly just took in the landscape along those long straight roads. And if you’re ever even remotely close to this little pocket of Texas – you’ve got to see Prada Marfa. The height of Italian fashion, sitting silently along an empty stretch of two lane highway. It’s a pretty incredible sight.

July 30, 2013March 7, 2015

Local Native.

(French Connection Dress – pretty long version here; American Eagle Belt – similar here; Asos Heels – on sale!)

This is always the point in summer where my skin has browned to the point of blending with my leather sandals, my hair has become fairly unruly from days of sunning and swimming, and my style overall loosens up…

So instead of fighting it – I just give in to it. While my style has never been very bohemian, I like to think of Summer looks like this as part local (as in my current home of Southern California) and part native (as in my partial Native American heritage). Call it Pocahontas meets Venice Beach? This flowy, embroidered white gauzy dress has long since been a favorite in my closet, and paired with turquoise accents and about the most comfortable heeled leather sandals you’re likely to find, my Local Native style leans toward the simple and natural. Finish the whole thing off with windswept hair and I’m ready to take on the last of July with ease.