Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 164 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

November 6, 2014March 7, 2015

colors of fall

The Steele Maiden: How to wear Fall Colors in ASOS hat and pleated midi skirt

I tend to rely on neutrals more in the Fall/Winter than I do in the warmer months – and in New York that can all too often translate to blacks and greys. But yesterday I decided to soften up the neutral look with this cozy sweater and pleated midi skirt mix. I topped it off with a few fun accessories (because, well, I just can’t help myself), but pulled from Fall’s natural rich color palette in shades of red, green and browns. How fun are the feathers in this cap? And if we’re looking ahead, I feel like this outfit would be perfect for Thanksgiving Day. Not that far off my friends!

ASOS Hat // Turtleneck Sweater – similar via Gap // Scissortail Clothing Pleated Midi Skirt c/o – similar on sale via ASOS // Fossil Bag via TJ Maxx // Lulu Frost Earrings – on sale! // Lulus Heels – similar via Nordstrom

November 4, 2014March 7, 2015

looking forward

The Steele Maiden: GiGi NY Uber Clutch and Graphic Image Planner

While time turned back over the weekend, I’ve found myself looking forward – planning for the holidays and (not to rush things) the year ahead. I’ve forever been a list-maker and even though I’m usually carrying a clutch or smaller bag, I always have a tiny notebook or scrap of paper tucked inside so I can jot an idea down if inspiration strikes. I love the oversized proportions of the Gigi NY clutch (plus the luxe navy leather and chic tassel), because I can fit all my essentials plus a planner (like this gorgeous, persimmon gilded version) inside. Two of the major goals I’m working on right now is to manage my time better and to move this blog forward in engaging ways. Both of these come down to organization and spending a bit of extra time planning – so over the weekend I headed uptown to one of my favorite ‘thinking’ spots, the Met steps. Armed with a chai tea latte (yay for red cups!) and warm layers, I spent some time looking ahead, jotting down goals, and of course – street style watching. Anything you’d like to see more of here on the blog? Feel free to share here or catch up with me on social @thesteelemaiden

Ban.Do Bobbi Pins // ASOS Sweater c/o – similar // Scarf – similar via ASOS // Old Navy Jeans // Ruche Boots // GiGi NY Uber Clutch c/o // Graphic Image Planner c/o

November 3, 2014March 7, 2015

magic moments

The Steele Maiden: Nordstrom Floppy Hat with Asos cardigan and denim miniskirt

If you’re looking for it – you’ll find magic in this city everyday. But there’s something about this time of year, especially, when the air has turned brisk and holiday anticipation is everywhere that feels extra special. Yesterday was the first truly cold day and it could have kept me bundled up indoors – but instead Adam and I went out to be a part of that magic. Like the moment when you turn a corner in Chinatown and suddenly find a secret little oasis all lit up with Christmas lights on a Sunday morning (the back of the Mondrian Soho in case you’re looking for it). I’ve got this cozy cardigan on repeat (first seen here) but I added this new hat (my secret for adding a touch of glam to an otherwise basic look) and kept the rest simple. Hope you all found a moment or two of magic for yourselves this weekend.

Nordstrom Hat // ASOS Cardigan & Skirt c/o // Gap Turtleneck // Sole Society Bag c/o // Capwell & Co Necklace // F21 Booties – similar via Sole Society

November 1, 2014March 7, 2015

november sales

The Steele Maiden: Hooded cape and paige denim

Happy November! I’ve been having a quiet start to the month ever since Friday’s Halloween antics, but admittedly am feeling pretty excited about these last couple months of 2014. Before we get ahead of ourselves though, we should be taking advantage of this weekend’s sales! Early November is a great time to pick up sweaters, outerwear, boots, cold weather accessories and even holiday party-wear (all on major discount) before you need to start getting your gift giving-on. Below, a few things I’ve got my eye on:

ASOS: (25% Winter-ready styles)

J.Crew: (Extra 30% Off Sale styles with code FALLSALE)

Piperlime: (Additional 25% Off Sale with code EXTRA)

LOFT: (50% off select Fall styles and extra 50% off Sale styles)

October 30, 2014March 7, 2015

piled on prints

The Steele Maiden: how to mix prints for Fall

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of mixing prints. But I’ve been slowly trying to streamline things in my wardrobe (without losing my signature style of course) and so when I went to throw on this outfit earlier in the week for work I liked that it felt subtle. I kept the colors fairly neutral overall but the hits of burgundy and navy make it feel like Fall (even though I got away with bare legs again!). Another trick to making this look feel less busy is in the balance of the patterns – the stripes are wide, the medallion print on the blouse is small but with plenty of white ‘negative space’ and the tweed is more of just a visual print that comes from the dense texture. Two large prints or three small prints wouldn’t have had the same effect. And it’s funny to picture now – but I don’t think this would have worked the same with my longer messy blonde mane. Probably the first time since I dyed it that I didn’t miss those tangled locks.

F21 Tweed Jacket // Loft Blouse // Hutch Skirt c/o // Vintage Bag // Capwell & Co. Necklace – similar // Steve Madden Booties via Marshalls – similar via 6pm