Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 242 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

March 28, 2013March 7, 2015

A Place to Rest.

I once attended a conference where the visual merchandiser for Anthropologie advised that the strongest retail stores create mini moments within the bigger picture, places that allow the eye to rest. I happen to believe that these little moments are also what make an ordinary apartment suddenly feel like a well curated home. And since I’m celebrating the #littlemomentsthatcount this week, here are my favorite ones from around The Steele Maiden home…

The above image is our bar cart in progress – the cart itself was a flea market find (originally a typewriter stand), and the mirrors and decanter were thrift finds as well. The holder for the paper straws and matchbooks are actually intended to be a toothbrush and soap holder – but I loved the deco design and decided to repurpose them.

A Paris souvenir that now holds a collection of rings by my bedside.

A little gold spray paint transformed standard issue clipboards (great for holding everyday inspiration) and a baby gator picked up in New Orleans.

A statement wall where our DIY wood and steel pipe shelving unit holds my collection of travel books, agate book ends courtesy of a roadside shop in New Mexico, and my favorite skull mug.

Removing a less than appealing bathroom wall cabinet freed up space for a mini gallery wall featuring illustrations of places in New York that each holds a special memory.

A photo I took in Marfa, Texas and had printed on canvas recreates a more famous work of art – with added sentimental value – and our first house plant stands proudly beside the fireplace.

The chalkboard wall drawings I come home to, courtesy of the boy, never cease to make me smile.

A vintage sign found in Austin, Texas is a cheeky touch above our stovetop.

March 27, 2013March 7, 2015

Stop Traffic.

(1. JCrew Factory Chambray; 2. Target Heels; 3. Anthropologie Sunglasses; 4. Madewell Tote; 5. JCrew Skirt)

I’m a fan of basics. Chambray shirts and a flared skirt are my bread and butter. But I certainly never want to feel boring. In fact, some days, I want to stop traffic…

I love that in the midst of a grey day or busy city street – sometimes all it takes is one great accessory to create something special. After all what would Holly Golightly have been without her long back grazing pearls and oversized sunglasses? Maybe just another girl gazing into Tiffanys. So the next time you find yourself reaching for those same neutral pumps, ask yourself what kind of impression you want to leave. And in case you need further convincing, I’ll bet neon pumps practically hail their own cabs.

p.s. All week I’ve been celebrating little moments (like a great pair of shoes or a plate of fresh baked cookies) that bring me happiness in a big way – and I’d love to hear what yours are! Use #littlemomentsthatcount on instagram or twitter to join in.

March 26, 2013March 7, 2015

In Vogue.

Real-deal-outfit-post-Vogue-magazine-madewell-cardigan-west-elm-duvet

(Urban Outfitters Dress (old, similar here); Madewell Cardigan – on sale now!; West Elm Duvet and Throw; Target Pillow)
Anyone who knows me can tell you that it’s a sacred hour when a new magazine arrives in my mailbox. There’s just something about the crisp new pages of Vogue that never cease to excite me (month after month, year after year). And since sometimes life gets in the way and I can’t drop everything to read a new magazine, finally getting the time to do so – on a Sunday morning in bed no less – only makes it that much more enjoyable. It really is the little moments that count…

Now that the weather is so nice, my perfect lounge around the house outfit on the weekends consists of a floaty cotton dress and easy to wear cardigan (I’m so glad I picked up this one from Madewell on sale a few weeks ago – because despite what the pictures tell you, it cleans up pretty nicely and I’ve already worn it to work and out to dinner with the boy).Our bedroom is still a work in progress (we’ve got a DIY headboard up our sleeves before summer rolls around, and I’ve had my eye out for a bench for the foot of the bed), but for now I love the comfy duvet, furry throw pillow, and the chunky knit throw that made it all the way here from New York – because my bed wouldn’t feel like home without it.

March 25, 2013March 7, 2015

A Little Something

(Kate Spade Mug; Ban-do Bobby Pins; Dylan’s Candy Bar Bucket)

After a couple of weeks spent on the go, it felt so nice to settle back into my normal routine. I don’t know about you, but for me it’s always the simplest little things that I take the most comfort in or find to be such a treat…

The great part about that, is buying yourself a little something is usually a fairly inexpensive pick me up. Here – three of my favorite small treats:

Nest: While you could probably get away with owning just one or 2 coffee mugs, I happen to have countless. Some from travel destinations I’ve picked up along the way – others like the above from Kate Spade just too fitting to resist (thanks Mom!). But I can tell you that all of them make me happy. And so maybe I don’t need any other excuse.

Dressed: If you’ve ever met me, you’d know that my hair happens to be unruly at best. Therefore I live my life never more than an arm’s reach from at least a few bobby pins, should I need them. The above – in all their glittery and glossy goodness – would turn something that is a constant struggle, into almost a welcomed problem. And for $10 who wouldn’t want that?

The Rest: I hardly ever crave cakes or pies or other decadent treats – but drugstore candy? I can’t say no. There’s just something about sour patch kids that can turn a bad day around. While your local convenient store will surely do the trick, a big pail of sweets from Dylan’s Candy Bar may be even better (and nearly euphoric if you’re lucky enough to live in New York or LA and can wander through that sugar wonderland in person)

p.s. This whole week on the blog is going to be devoted to celebrating the little moments in life that make the whole thing worthwhile. From happy little spaces around my home to pretty little pick me ups. I’d love to hear and see what your favorite little moments are – I’ll be using #littlemomentsthatcount all week on instagram and twitter (follow me @thesteelemaiden) – feel free to do the same!

March 25, 2013March 7, 2015

Weekend Flashback.

After nearly two straight weeks of having guests, I admit to being pretty beat. The best part about having visitors here in California is that it basically felt like we were on vacation too. I visited sights I hadn’t yet had the chance to see, ate at restaurants I wouldn’t normally treat myself to, and experienced the area through a fresh set of excited eyes. However even the best vacations tend to leave you needing additional rest. So rest is what I did this weekend. With hours spent on our new porch furniture basking in the sun and sipping fresh margaritas, lazy mornings and big breakfasts, and movie nights at home. Hope you’re starting off this week feeling equally refreshed.