Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 245 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

March 4, 2013March 7, 2015

Spring Forward.

(1. Anthropologie Candle; 2. Ruche Blouse; 3. Paris Vs. New York Postcard Set)

This is always the time of year that my motivation (and general gusto) starts to wane. You started off the year strong with resolutions (see mine here) but Spring still hasn’t fully arrived and let’s not even discuss how long it is until the next paid work holiday…

You need to find a way to Spring Forward. While the time change this upcoming weekend will certainly help (longer days always urge me to do a little more with the hours at hand), here are a few more suggestions to kick start your March.

Nest: Scent has incredible ties to memory and emotions – and nothing evokes Spring to me like the smell of fresh flowers. Fake it by treating yourself to a pretty new candle to burn in the morning while you’re getting ready to face the day.

Dressed: By the end of most winters in New York, the sight of my own camel colored wool coat and daily black tights caused me borderline emotional distress. Even here in sunny California, my ‘winter’ wardrobe doesn’t always consist of the brightest of colors. This peplum blouse in a perk me up coral is a welcome departure from my daily dresses.

The Rest: I find after a long day (or long winter) it’s the little things that rejuvenate me. Reaching out to a friend you haven’t talked to in a few weeks. Or changing around a vignette on a bookshelf that feels a little blah. These Paris vs. New York postcards would be perfect for both.

March 4, 2013March 7, 2015

Weekend Flashback.

How is it that it’s March again? The first two months of this year have flown by, and this weekend followed course. The boy and I have been on a huge push to get some things done around the house and it finally feels like things are coming together (remember this rug I mentioned – it arrived and is seriously perfect, don’t you love it when that happens?). The home makeover is just in the nick of time since my best friend arrives next Friday from New York, and the weekend after that my parents get into town for a week long visit. Los Angeles has started to feel like home and I can’t wait to show them our little corner of it.

P.S. Be sure to check back this week to get your own insider look into The Steele Maiden home and one of the easiest and most successful DIY projects I’ve done so far!

March 1, 2013March 7, 2015

Foreign Affairs.

Paris Fashion Week Lanvin Fall 2013 Runway show recap

What New York Fashion Week gives us in creative practicality – Paris Fashion Week gives us in no holds barred glamour. The above Lanvin collection was a perfect example. Incredible draping, precision cut tailoring, the most luxe of fabrics, and accessories to leave you with your jaw on the ground. This is French Fashion with a capital F. I for one can’t wait to see how the world is going to interpret those gleaming beatles, gilded bee brooches, and Mr. T style bling. And get my hands on some satin t-strap pumps. Happy Friday!

February 28, 2013March 7, 2015

Paris, France.

The week I was fortunate enough to spend in Paris often feels like one long, beautiful blur. But sifting through all of my photos from the trip suddenly seemed to bring all of the details back in perfect clarity…

With cities as iconic as Paris, I sometimes find it overwhelming as a visitor to judge how best to spend your limited time. For your first trip – I say, don’t skip the major tourist points. Millions from all over the world flock to the Louvre every year for good reason. So see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night and the magnificent stained glass inside the Notre Dame. As far as food goes, the fine cuisine and delicacies are endless. But a personal favorite from the trip? Authentic street crepes. They’re cheap, fast, and so much more delicious than their New York City hot dog vendor equivalent. Grab one on the go while you walk along the Seine’s famous bridges. You’re going to want to be fully charged for all of the shopping you will be doing. The great thing about Paris is the incredible range of shopping that’s available. My advice is to start at the top. Walk the Champs Elysee. See Chanel in it’s native habitat. Go to the incredible department stores (Galeries Lafayette is pictured above, and even if you don’t buy a thing is worth the trip). And then, see the other side of Parisian shopping. Roam a flea market or sift through vintage clothing in the chic neighborhood of Marais. And when you can’t see or eat or shop for another thing, go to sleep in your own private Parisian apartment. Rentals (if chosen right) are as affordable as the big hotels and completely reliable. Even if you get something small, you’re getting an authentic feel of the city – with the added bonus of being able to pick up fresh ingredients at the local market and cook a meal or two on your own (which will save precious pennies for more shopping).

There’s a million more things to see and do in Paris, but c’est la vie. Enjoy what you can in the time you can, and feel incredibly lucky, as I do, to have had a chance to visit the city of La Ville-Lumiere (the City of Light).

In Order Below: Sacre Coeur in Montmartre, Notre Dame, the Louvre, bridge over the Seine & the Eiffel Tower

(Savor, Sleep, All other images my own)

February 27, 2013March 7, 2015

Pied a Terre

Paris apartment housewares translated into fashion looks

(1. Mango Moto Jacket; 2. Loeffler Randall Heels; 3. Ruche Dress)

In my wildest dreams, I have have a permanent residence in LA or New York and a second home away from home (or Pied a Terre) in Paris…

This lofty ceiling-ed space with its beautiful herringbone wood floors and built in bookshelves would certainly do. Until that fantasy becomes a reality, I’ll be wearing my version. It’s original wood floors have a distressed patina that would only get better with age. Translation – this rich brown suede moto jacket. In a home as storied as this, it’s important to bring in contrast with modern sleeker pieces, the Saarinen table and chairs were made for this space. A chunky heeled sandal with killer curved white straps are the wearable version. And finally, keep the background light and airy allowing the eye to take in visual details like crown molding and arches. This lightweight white dress with antiqued rosettes quietly brings the whole look together. Keep dreaming.