Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 219 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

September 9, 2013March 7, 2015

wild things

(Target Sunglasses – similar here; F21 Sweater – similar here; AE shorts – similar here on sale; Shoemint Heels – I’ve got my eye on these next; Vintage Bag)

I’ve never been a huge animal print person – the less is more route is the way that I usually lean – but as Summery dresses and accessories no longer feel quite right (and LA’s heat still isn’t allowing for anything too Fall-ish) I figured I’d get a little wild with things…

I always forget to pull these heels out as much as I’d like to, but they are the perfect dose of spunk to an otherwise casual or simple outfit. And then there’s this necklace. This huge, oversized elephant head necklace. This was my first assignment as an assistant Accessories Designer when I was a mere 22 years old (at the time I was spending most of my days photographing jewelry but they wanted a few original pieces for a safari inspired collection and my so I had the chance to sketch this guy up and then see him come to life in burnished gold) and will forever hold a place in my jewelry box. The rest of the outfit was kept to my comfiest weekend wear consisting of cutoffs and slouchy sweaters, a couple of California staples I’ve come to really appreciate this past year.

September 9, 2013March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

This weekend felt like progress. My day job has changed significantly this past week and by Friday I finally felt up to the challenge (double denim means business people). On Saturday, despite the incoming overload from New York Fashion Week, I felt like I needed a little West Coast inspiration. I love that for me when I’m feeling stuck in one area – let’s say a logo design or a fashion slump – I can reach to other areas like travel or home design for a whole new viewpoint. The layered looks, rich textures and gorgeous colors spotted window shopping at West Elm will definitely find its way into my Fall wardrobe. And finally, an extra special dress arrived in the mail this week. The only downside – I’ve got to wait until next May to wear it. My sister’s wedding to be exact. On the upside, I can already think of multiple ways to wear this number after the big day. Who says you’ll never wear a bridesmaid’s dress again?

September 6, 2013March 7, 2015

from where i stand / 04

The Steele Maiden: From Where I Stand - Pink Suede Boots

(original artwork by Jessica Steele)

04/ Eleventh Grade wearing pink suede boots

In High School, the Eleventh Grade to be exact, I owned a pair of knee high stretch suede boots in a very striking shade of dusty rose. They had a sharply pointed toe and a high stiletto heel (this was in the original days of Sex and the City after all) and if I had been 25 years old and pounding the pavement of the Big Apple, these shoes would have killed it. However, I was 17 years old and clicking through the halls of my small town school. I cannot begin to tell you how out of place these boots were in that environment. I vividly remember one particular classmate (who shall go unnamed) telling me I looked like a witch in them. I took this as some sort of weird subversive compliment and continued to wear them. And looking back at my sassy little self, I’m glad I did. Because at 17 I may not have known much, but I sure as hell knew you can’t let your surroundings hold back your style.

September 5, 2013March 7, 2015

best of new york in the fall

The Steele Maiden: Best of New York City in the Fall

(All pictures and artwork my own)

So you didn’t get an invite to New York Fashion Week (I feel ya), but guess what? There’s a million other amazing things to do in New York in Fall. One of my favorite activities when I lived there was to spend an afternoon strolling the streets and savoring the nearby treats…

It’s hard to narrow down to the best of the best, but if you’ve got a few hours (and an appetite) any one of these adventures is well worth the trip. The Highline, abandoned railroad turned elevated park (and neighborhood hotspot) stretches along the city’s West Side from Chelsea to the Meatpacking district and boasts views of the Hudson River. Start at the bottom and work your way up, ending with a trip to Chelsea Market where you can pick up everything from fresh flowers to fresh lobster. But my favorite is a sweet treat from Eleni’s Bakery. Central Park goes without saying, with acres and acres of sprawling lawns within one of the busiest cities in the world. Walk the Resevoir, rowboat on the lake or watch the sailboats on the conservatory water. And if you’re going to be on the Upper East Side – you may as well get in with the ladies who lunch. The Rooftop bar of the Metropolitan Museum of Art doesn’t have a huge menu, but the views of the Park are worth having a liquid lunch. And finally, while it technically will take you out of the city proper, a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge offers some of the best views of the city once you reach the outer borough. And while you’re there, stop by Smorgasburg – an outdoor weekly food festival – where you can pick up some of the very best from local eateries (the delicious grilled cheese gets my vote). Go ahead and splurge, you’ll burn it off on your walk back across the bridge.

September 4, 2013March 7, 2015

state of transition

(Ruche Maxi Dress – I love this one for Fall; Vintage Belt; Dolce Vita Boots – similar here)

Don’t let last week’s Fall Fashion fool you – here in Southern California we’re in the midst of a serious heat wave and yet cozy cardigans and killer boots tempt me at every turn – leaving me stuck in a state of transition…

The changing of the seasons can always be a tricky time to figure out exactly how to dress – especially when temperatures here in LA are lingering in the mid 90’s. So I’ve been trying to transition into Fall without actually adding any warmth to my outfits. So far that means trading my teals and pinks for navy and neutrals. And swapping out my summery bright lipstick with a fresh red coat. And escaping to air conditioning as soon as these pictures were finished being taken.