Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 165 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

November 16, 2014March 7, 2015

sunday steals

Back with another edition of my new series Sunday Steals – and this week there are some serious gems. I’ve got holiday travel on my mind (more on that coming up soon), and between cozy sweaters, cute cross body bags and tailored trousers I’m ready to hit the road. Here – my top picks of the week:

–25% Off Sitewide at Kate Spade with code BEMERRY (ends at midnight 11/16) – this wine bag would be a perfect hostess gift and this mini bag just moved to the top of my Christmas list. Plus this bow beanie is just the cutest thing.

–35% Off at Old Navy + free 2 day shipping with code CHEER (ends 11/18) – the perfect time to pick up cute basics like these fun socks

–French Connection 30% Off Friends + Family Sale with code FCFF30 (ends 11/17) – these trousers are chic but still comfortable and this modern cocktail ring would dress up even a casual holiday look

-40% Off all Tops at Ruche with code TOP40 (ends at midnight 11/16) – these sweaters here and here are great for layering and print mixing!

November 16, 2014March 7, 2015

gone with the wind

The Steele Maiden: Sole Society Hat and Faux Fur Scarf

It’s officially coats and tights weather here in New York – but last week it was just warm enough to get away with a light jacket (plus a few cold weather accessories). So Adam and I took a quick, windy walk along the East River to take in the views before presumably it will be too cold to fully enjoy this promenade. I’ve been wearing a lot of hats this Fall (examples here and here) and while they were mainly for fashion, as the temps drop they’ll be functional too. And while we’re speaking of keeping warm? I venture to guess there is no better way than a furry scarf around your neck. Hope you’re all bundled up and having a great weekend!

Sole Society Hat c/o // Faux Fur Scarf – old, similar via Sole Society // Denim Jacket – similar via Gap // Dora Landa Top c/o // Ruche Midi Skirt // Brahmin Clutch c/o // ASOS Heels

November 13, 2014March 7, 2015

holiday gift guide: new york city

With just 14 days until Thanksgiving – it’s officially time to start planning for the Holidays. And that means finding just the thing to for all those special someone’s in your life. Since we’ve all seen far too many ‘gifts for her’ round-ups, I thought I’d make things interesting and take you on a little adventure. Over the course of the next two weeks I’ll be releasing city-themed gift guides. And first up? I’m in a New York state of mind. Here you’ll find presents for your little sister who dreams of the Big Apple (this book is a good start), your city chic best friend (a graphic sweater she’ll wear on repeat), your on the go boyfriend (a classic timepiece), and anyone else who has the same bright, adventurous, modern spirit that pulses through this city. Keep checking back to find out where we’re headed next and happy gifting!

November 12, 2014March 7, 2015

signature shade

The Steele Maiden: Plaid sweater coat and Sole Society hat

I’m always trying out new color combinations in my wardrobe (this neutral mix is a recent favorite) and this past year have even started to experiment more with beauty (hello dark locks and plum lipstick) – but when it’s all said and done I know I can always count on my favorite color, navy blue, and my signature shade of lipstick, cherry red. To keep the look from feeling too boring I kept the shapes simple, but mixed the navy with pops of cobalt and clashed the oversized plaid of this sweater coat with the ikat print on these satin heels. And since I was already putting my ‘signature’ on things, I figured why not toss on my favorite J necklace? Finished off with a few opaque coats of red lipstick, naturally.

Sole Society Baseball Cap // Sheinside Plaid Sweater Coat c/o // Lulu Frost Plaza ‘J’ Necklace // Maybelline Lipstick in On Fire Red // Dagne Dover Mini Tote c/o // Old Navy Jeans // Restricted Jelly Kat Heels c/o – on sale! // Essie Nail Polis in Bordeaux

November 11, 2014March 7, 2015

soft side

The Steele Maiden: Soft Curls with ASOS blanket scarf

I think one of the major ways in which my style has evolved in the past year is that I no longer dress as overtly girly. I still am drawn to feminine pieces, but now I tend to wear them in a little bit more of a subdued way. Here, with a vintage cashmere sweater (the story behind this gem – here) and army green work shirt. Plus this ASOS blanket scarf which I’m telling you, I cannot stop wearing, a statement necklace (which I actually first wore as the Maid of Honor in my sister’s wedding but deserves to be re-worn) and these easy lace-up booties. On an separate note – with my slightly shorter hair I’ve been loosely curling it a lot lately and think I may need one of those fancy wands I hear so much about – I’m a total amateur but has anyone else tried them out?

ASOS Blanket Scarf c/o // Vintage Sweater – similar via Piperlime // Madewell Shirt // J.Crew Necklace – recent version via Bauble Bar // Urban Outfitters Skirt // Restricted Booties c/o // Rebecca Minkoff Bag via Nordstrom Rack