Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 223 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

August 12, 2013March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

First off, this weekend flashback wouldn’t be complete without taking a look back at last week and saying how incredibly touched and grateful I feel for all of the comments, congratulations and even orders placed in regards to my new site relaunch and the start of my jewelry line. Honestly, it makes all of the hard work that went into both so worth it – and makes me more motivated than ever to keep sharing this with you all! So thank you. This weekend was spent shipping out said orders, and starting up a couple of fun projects, but mainly if we’re being honest here, taking a little break. I’m talking no cell phone (although okay, maybe I posted a picture or 2 to instagram), no computer, just me, the boy and a few long naps type of break.

p.s. The Tulle floral trench coat giveaway is open for one more day – so get your entries in! Winner will be announced Wednesday.

August 9, 2013March 7, 2015

from where i stand / 01

The Steele Maiden: From Where I Stand - NYFW yellow suede flats

(Original artwork by Jessica Steele)

Earlier in this week I promised you guys a brand new series and I’m here to deliver. My previous ‘Happy Friday’ posts, while fun, were starting to feel a little forced and since Pinterest gives everyone enough eye candy already I wanted to offer something completely unique to The Steele Maiden. ‘From Where I Stand’ will be a weekly series, every Friday, that shows a little sketch of a pair of shoes I’ve owned throughout my life, and a short anecdote about where I was (in location and in life) at the time. First up…

01/ New York Fashion Week wearing yellow suede flats.

I’ve been lucky enough to attend various Fashion Week events a few times in my life, but the first was back in 2007 when I was interning for design extraordinaire Nanette Lepore. This was when the tents were still in Bryant Park which meant that interns schlepped from the Garment District over to the Park and back again. And backstage we got to dress those long limbed beauties that carry the clothes down the runways. What I remember of that blur was being incredibly excited, pretty nervous and I’m sure quite a bit awkward. I wore an off white mod little shift dress, black tights and these mustard yellow suede flats that I deemed comfortable but god willing still fashionable enough to be seen among New York’s creme de la creme. Looking back, I still don’t regret that shoe choice. So maybe I was cut out for fashion after all?

August 8, 2013March 7, 2015

first year favorites

So if we’re going to get technical – today, August 8th, is the exact 1st birthday of my blog. And since not all have you have been here with me since the very beginning (but to those of you who have – thank you!!), I thought it would be fun to take a look back at a few of my favorite posts from the past year…

1. This Shape Shifter series was easily one of my favorites. With a 60’s theme and a retro hotel as the backdrop, these pictures were some of the most fun to take and pushed me outside of my usual comfort zone.

2. An easy DIY that totally transformed our living room wall (and for practically no money), these drawer shelves were a fun take on usual frames. Plus, this post ended up being featured on the Ruche blog – an added bonus!

3. My ‘Passing Through’ travel posts are always my favorites to write because I get to re-live some of my past adventures and this post about Austin, Texas (a hands down favorite of the places I had the chance to visit last year) was no different. Can I go back now?

4. Featuring a skirt I made back in college (it was the statement of my senior collection inspired by the modern American Woman), this Fourth of July post was just over the top patriotic. We took these pictures back in the cutest little cul de sac near our apartment that for a moment, I wanted to pretend we lived in instead. Picket fences and all.

I’d love to know what some of your favorites were?

The Steele Maiden: Passing Through Austin

August 7, 2013March 7, 2015

the new york collection.

So as you all know by now, along with a new look around here this week also brought the launch of my signature travel inspired jewelry line. In celebration I thought I’d share a little bit of the inspiration for my first collection…

After spending three years in New York designing jewelry before making the move to Los Angeles, I knew I wanted to find a way to combine my experience in design with a personal line that reflected my love for travel. Each collection will reflect a different city that holds a piece of my heart (and each piece ships with a snapshot I’ve taken of that place!). New York is the source of inspiration behind my first collection (and perhaps the city that I love most in this world, and trust me I’ve compared it to many others). The collection reflects the striking architecture, the sparkle of the city that never sleeps, the big statements and the tiny moments that catch you off guard. I love these pieces that sum up what New York means to me – and don’t worry, more will be added to the shop regularly! – and I hope you love them too.

August 6, 2013March 7, 2015

a Tulle GIVEAWAY!

There are very few things I argue everyone MUST have in their wardrobes, but a trench coat is one of those items. And when vintage inspired women’s brand (and my gracious day job employers) Tulle offered to give one of my lucky readers this floral beauty I was quick to jump at the chance. Click through for complete details and to enter the giveaway!!

**GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED**

So here are the rules:

1. Like The Steele Maiden on Facebook (if you already have skip straight to step 2)

2. Scroll to the bottom and leave a comment in the comments section

3. **For extra entries you can like Tulle on Facebook or follow The Steele Maiden on Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest and leave an additional comment letting me which you have done.

Be sure to check out Tulle for a huge selection of pretty dresses, super wearable jackets and colorful skirts & tops (I’ve got this jacket too and can’t wait for Fall to start wearing it!)

Contest ends Monday August 12 at 11:59 PST – Winner will be picked by random and announced Wednesday August 14 and will be contacted via email. This contest is open to US residents only.