As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.
I’ve been slowly crafting a wardrobe of well-loved ‘modern classics’ and this denim jacket definitely makes the grade. I almost can’t think of an outfit or accessory it wouldn’t match with, so consider this the first of many…
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This weekend marked the end of Summer and also, the end of our laze about, do whatever we want weekends. For awhile at least. The next 6 weeks are going to be busy in The Steele Maiden world (NYFW kicks off this week and our trip to Europe will be here before I know it) – so I took the chance to really relax these past 4 days.
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The interesting side effect of having a blog is that you also end up having a sort of visual diary of your life. A way to scroll back through nearly every week of my life for the past 3 years. I particularly like to do this at the end of each season to reminisce through where Adam and I went, and naturally, what I wore. Above are some of my favorites and original posts are linked left to right, below. And because another thing I like to do at the transition into a new season is shopping – I’ve included a few of my favorite Labor Day sales too. Hope you’re all having a fun long weekend!
(Posts: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
Anthropologie: Extra 30% off sale items – these lace-up heels would make any outfit instantly elevated
French Connection: Extra 50% off sale items + free shipping w/ code 50SALE – a striped top because.. never enough.
LOFT: 30% off Fall items like these slim boyfriend jeans or this knit pencil skirt
Nordstrom: Up to 40% off select styles – I have this sweater in beige but may grab a few more colors
Madewell: 30% off Fall essentials – time to stock up on plaid button-down shirts
Ruche: 30% off sitewide w/ code FUNSUN – this dress is so cute for a casual date and this one is perfect for a dressier occasion
Sole Society: Up to 60% off select styles – I’ve carried this bucket bag with me everywhere this summer
Talbots: 25% off full-priced items – I’m obsessed with this wine-hued crossbody bag for Fall
IT’S HERE!! After almost 6 months of samples, swatches, and stitching I couldn’t be more excited to introduce to you all The Steele Maiden x Steele Canvas Weekender bag! I’ve been a fan of Steele Canvas ever since I first spotted their totes in J.Crew way back when.. and while it started with a connection to the shared name, once I learned about the history of their American-made brand, quality materials and timeless shapes – I was really hooked. Fast forward to this past March when the team at Steele Canvas asked if I’d like to collaborate on an exclusive new style – and here we are!
Read on for all the behind the scenes and follow me on Instagram for the chance to WIN a bag for yourself! Plus – use code STEELE10 to receive 10% off your purchase of The Weekender now through Sept. 30
Many of you may not know, but I majored in Fashion Design in college, so I was excited to roll up my sleeves and dive in to this project head first. The team at Steele Canvas were generous enough to give me pretty much free reign on the design (adding in their expert canvas and construction knowledge along the way), so after reviewing swatches and working up some first sketches, Adam and I headed straight to the source (their offices and factory outside of Boston, MA) to get a closer look.
For the design, I was inspired by vintage duffles, the history of the brand itself (founded in 1921) and my own love of weekend getaways. I chose their traditional natural duck canvas and accented it with this beautiful, already broken in brown leather. And from there I made sure to make it as functional as possible – a long adjustable shoulder strap plus handles, an outside pocket (I hate digging around for essentials like my phone and keys), plus 2 inside pockets for small accessories. And for an added touch – my signature is printed on one of the inside pockets!
Designed to fit everything you need for a few nights away from home and built Steele tough to last through every trip for years and years to come – I couldn’t be prouder of the results. And a huge, huge, HUGE thank you to the team at Steele Canvas for this opportunity! Now I want to hear – what do you think? And where would you take your Weekender bag? Here’s to your very own #steelemaidenvoyages
Happy September! Since it’s not quite Summer anymore it’s also still not quite Fall. So in the meantime easy pieces (like this bell-sleeved top and this collaged stone statement necklace) in a mix of earth tones feel right.
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