Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 221 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

August 26, 2013March 7, 2015

top five fall trends – mix master

(Tulle Striped Coat; F21 Polka Dot Dress – similar here; Steve Madden studded loafers – similar here)

As promised, I’m packing this week full of the very best of Fall Fashion and showing you exactly how to get the looks for yourself. First up – Mix Master – #1 of my Top Five Fall Trends…

The print mixing phenomenon is nothing new, but this Fall I’m predicting it’s going to be stronger than ever. And why not? There’s nothing more modern, effortless and cool than throwing on 2 (or more!) seemingly at odd prints and pulling them off with panache. Here, I’m showing you the fail safe way to nail this trend. Black and white. For the timid (or the “matching” obsessed) you can’t argue that everything black and white goes together. But there’s a secret trick I’ve honed over the seasons. Reverse your backgrounds and your foregrounds. So here I’ve got a predominately white coat with black stripes paired with a mainly black dress with white dots. See what I did? Somehow it just works. All the time. I swear. Want even more ways to master the mix? Find me here. And don’t miss tomorrow – when I’m back with #2 of my Top Five Fall Trends.

August 26, 2013March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

If it looks like a lot of my weekend was spent working then you’d be right. But these days, when work means fashion trend research in the West Hollywood showroom of BCBG Max Azria, an inspiring blogger’s seminar with Reward Style, freelance work creating a dear friend’s soon to launch site, and crafting new jewelry for the shop – well, honestly, it doesn’t feel too much like work at all. I’m busier than ever these days but loving the progress that’s being made around here. So stick around, because this week I’ve got a Fall Fashion extravaganza planned that you won’t want to miss.

p.s. If you don’t already follow me on Facebook, now would be the time. Along with all of the Fall trends I’ll be bringing you on the blog this week, I’ll be sharing even more fun extras over there!

August 23, 2013March 7, 2015

from where i stand / 03

The Steele Maiden: From Where I Stand - Paris in black patent lace ups

(Original artwork by Jessica Steele)

03/Paris wearing black patent lace ups

I was lucky enough to have the chance to spend a week in Paris several years ago and when you’re just 20 years old and given the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful cities in the world – naturally your first concern is footwear. Prior to my trip I had spotted the most amazing pair of patent leather booties in a store (that I no longer can recall) but alas they were out of my size. I spent weeks combing other locations until one day, in a Cinderella like moment I found them. The last pair. Size 7. Black patent leather with satin ribbon laces. And clicking around the streets of Paris at night wearing those beauties I was practically Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina (you know, in my mind at least…).

p.s. want to take your own magical trip to the city of light? check out my travel guide!

August 22, 2013March 7, 2015

grey matter

(H&M Sunglasses – similar here; Gap sweater – similar here; Gap jeans – similar here; Vintage YSL heels)

Between trying to get back on my feet from being seriously under the weather and some added stresses from my 9-5, it’s safe to say I’ve been braving the world feeling pretty grey this week. So, I dressed the part…

All three of these items (sweater, jeans, and shoes) have been in my closet for some time now and it’s safe to say that pairing them all together was my happiest moment of the past few days. I honestly don’t wear denim all that often, but when I really just need a good pair of worn in, ripped from who knows what, paint splattered from my last DIY, jeans – these guys are always there for me. And these vintage silver mesh YSL pumps I found in a Cinderella-esque moment in a thrift shop in Philadelphia. Vintage YSL never lets you down.

August 21, 2013March 7, 2015

matchmaker: back to school

(The prep: Rifle Paper Co. notepad, J.Crew Factory skirt; Threadsence backpack; The artist: Anthropologie notebook, Target skirt; Cath Kitson backpack via Asos; The rebel: Saturday notebook, Topshop skirt, Need Supply backback)

Phew, and I’m back! After my little desert excursion this past weekend I came down with what we expect to be some sort of dehydration/heat exhaustion/stomach virus mix that has thrown me for a serious loop. If outfit photos were to be taken these past couple of days you may actually have been scared. But alas, I’m finally feeling up to stomaching a little bit of fashion. And I know I can’t be the only one that longs for back to school supplies even though I have no intentions of actually going back to school…

And so whether you’re returning to campus this week or like me, just can’t resist a cute new notebook here are a few options no matter what your style. For the record, I think I may be a mix of all three of these girls because after creating this I realized I wanted the prep’s lined paper notebook, the artist’s floral skirt and the rebel’s leather backpack. What can I say? I love a good mix.