Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 228 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

July 12, 2013March 7, 2015

Denim Daze.

Judging by my Pinterest boards, I’m apparently feeling pretty inspired by denim heavy looks lately. And so to scratch the sartorialist itch I’ve got a denim DIY planned for the weekend (it may or may not involve overalls – brace yourselves people). What have you got planned for your days off? Whether you’re planning to stay busy or just trying to stay cool – Happy Friday!

July 11, 2013March 7, 2015

On the Wild Side.

(Peplum Top via T.J. Maxx – cute option here; Madewell Printed Jeans – similar here; Vintage Bag; Steve Madden Wedges – similar here)

While my style can be described a lot of different ways, wild is probably not one of them. And yet there’s something about these pants (last seen here) that just sort of makes me want to work them into my otherwise – pretty tame- wardrobe anyway…

If I’m going to wear a piece as wild as these, I try to pair it with safer pieces that make the whole thing feel a little more like me. So abstract printed pants get matched with a simple collared peplum top. And then, to tie things together, one fun accessory – in this case a vintage snakeskin clutch with a lion door knocker. One half uptown classic, one half downtown cool.

July 10, 2013March 7, 2015

Summer Job.

(Urban Outfitters Dress – similar here; Vest – my own design; Restricted via Ruche Wedges)

At nearly 90 degrees every day so far this week we are officially in the thick of things here in Southern California. And while I wish I could spend my 9-5 in a bathing suit, unfortunately I’ve got to put on something both office appropriate that can also weather the heat…

My favorite trick for turning a flimsy summer dress into something that’s suited for work is by adding a vest. On days like these (when it’s too hot for even a cardigan) a vest adds a teensy bit of structure and coverage without really adding any bulk. Plus, if it rumples throughout the day, it kind of just adds to the look (but be sure to pick a dress that will keep it’s shape – one item with wrinkles only and it saves you from looking like you just crawled out of bed). And besides the vest? My vote is for popsicles on your lunch break.

July 9, 2013March 7, 2015

Sunday Kind of Love.

(H&M Sunglasses- similar here; Urban Outfitters ‘love’ necklace; Ever+Mi Crush Dress ℅ – on sale now!; Vintage Dooney & Bourke bag; Kenneth Cole heels – similar here)

Sunday was pretty perfect. A day where the boy and I just jumped in the car, drove up the coast of California, laid on the beach, strolled down the streets of Santa Barbara, tried new things, laughed about old jokes. A day so good that even the start of another work week can’t ruin it’s memory…

It was a day that felt quintessentially ‘us’ and to match I wore a dress that felt quintessentially ‘me’. No matter what other styles I try, I always come back to dresses like these – something lightweight with a pretty print, that hits at my natural waist and shows a little leg. This one in particular (from online women’s boutique Ever+Mi Crush) – with its pretty little pleats and tan enhancing colors – may just be my new favorite among favorites. Totally worthy of the perfect Sunday.

July 8, 2013March 7, 2015

Under the Stars.

(1. Vintage Wool Camp Blanket; 2. Nordstrom Cosmos T-Shirt; 3. The End of the Night by Paul Bogard)

On our drive home last night (from a spontaneous road trip to Santa Barbara) the boy and I spotted a group of campers along a stretch of beach and decided that a night under the stars along California’s Gold Coast should be added to our list of Summer adventures…

While camping equipment can get pretty expensive, and I am the first to admit that I will never be a middle of the wilderness for days on end type of girl, you don’t need much for one night spent on a small stretch of beach. The thing I used to hate most about camping is sleeping in a thin, cold sleeping bag. We recently bought some new mattresses in a range of mattress sizes and I’m so much comfier! Here, my night under the stars essentials for under $50 each.

Nest: There’s nothing like a big wool blanket to wrap around you while sitting by the fire. This vintage one with a pretty navajo print is a steal for the size and the amount of warmth it will offer after the sun goes down.

Dressed: Comfort rules when camping, and light layers are perfect for a hot beach day that turns into a chilly night. I can’t help but want to pick up this celestial t-shirt that looks so cozy it would be alright if I say, slept in it and wore it home the next day. Totally acceptable when camping, right?

The Rest: A new book, The End of Night, which reminds us of the timeless pleasure of a starry night’s sky, and argues why we shouldn’t – in the age of so much light, especially in a city like LA – forget to escape and point our gaze upwards once in awhile. I’d pull my sleeping bag out of the tent and read this one by moonlight.