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

October 28, 2014March 7, 2015

so called life

The Steele Maiden: Plaid Maxi Skirt and Mirrored Aviators

The first time I wore this sweeping plaid maxi dress (here) I played up the country vibe – but back in the city I’ve been taking it in a sort of 90s, ‘my so called life’ direction and layering it with a big sweater, chunky chelsea boots and this leather backpack. To keep the whole thing from going too costume-y (although I guess if there ever was a week for it, this would be it), I added these mirrored aviators and statement stud earrings I’ve been wearing on repeat. It’s supposed to be 70 degrees in New York today and I’m savoring these last days of sweater weather – before it’s coat, scarf, hat, gloves weather.

Sunglass Warehouse Aviators c/o – $5 off $25 w/ code STEELE through 11/30 // Lulu Frost Stud Earrings // F21 Sweater – similar // Backpack via TJ Maxx – similar via Sole Society // Ruche Plaid Maxi Dress // F21 Boots

October 27, 2014March 7, 2015

on the road again

The Steele Maiden: Fall Roadtrip with ASOS blanket scarf

If you’ve ever seen an East Coast Fall, then you’ll understand why this past weekend we packed our bags and hit the road again. The colors of the changing leaves, the quiet of the lake, and the noise of a cabin filled with all my friends from back home were more than enough reason – but add in the fact that these cozy layers from ASOS had recently been added to my closet and I was totally game for the trip. ASOS is having a major Fall sale right now (plus an extra 10% off with code 10MORE), and I took the opportunity to stock up on some pieces that would serve me well as the weather starts to turn colder. I approach adding things to my closet in 3 general ways and these all fit the bill: 1. Something practical I will wear often (this cream cardigan perfect for layering), 2. A replacement to an item that I’ve loved but has been worn out (these ivory oxfords to fill the void left from a similar pair I had to let loose a year ago), or 3. An on-trend piece that still feels like me and will spice up existing basics (this oversized neutral plaid blanket scarf). I knew I’d love the cardigan and oxfords, but I can barely explain how much I love this scarf-meets-cape. Super soft, extra warm, and still statement making enough to feel chic – it’s a total must have. I know I’ll wear it often now that I’m back in the city, but it felt right at home out on the open road.

Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses – $5 off $25 purchase with code STEELE through 11/30 // ASOS Cardigan, Blanket Scarf, and Oxfords c/o // Old Navy Dress // Sole Society Bag c/o // Timex Watch c/o // Maybelline Lipstick in Plum Perfect

October 23, 2014March 7, 2015

easy does it

And now, for the complete opposite of yesterday’s post. That’s the thing about my approach to fashion – one day all I want to wear is a fitted pencil skirt and a chic, roomy tote. And then the next day I want an oversized cardigan and mini cross body bag. These pictures were taken last weekend and since it’s Thursday of a pretty packed schedule week for me (and I may or may not be counting the hours until Friday at 6 PM) I thought showing some relaxed off duty style would hurry things along. This is probably as casual as I’ll ever feel comfortable going – so while there’s ripped, boyfriend jeans and an oversized cardigan (a favorite from last Fall), there’s also these luxe calf hair leopard booties and a hat (my obsession with hats has reached a fever pitch – look out for quite a few new ones coming up soon). I can almost see you, Saturday. Hat – similar via Nordstrom // F21 Cardigan – similar // 9th and Elm Necklace c /o // Fossil Bag via TJMaxx // Gap Jeans // Sole Society Boots c/o // Smashbox Lip Lacquer in Flushed c/o

October 22, 2014March 7, 2015

business blues

The Steele Maiden: How to dress creative casual at the office

Most days, (aside from simply trying to get out the door in time) I try to bridge the gap between business appropriate and creatively casual when getting dressed for work. That means balancing more structured pieces like this pencil skirt with a softer, graphic t-shirt and countering a weekend-worthy moto jacket with power-stepping heels. And I mentioned it last week when I gave you a look inside – but truly this structured mini tote bag from Dagne Dover is totally changing my morning commute Yesterday I hauled an umbrella, my lunch, a book and an extra pair of shoes in this thing! It means business.

Sunglass Warehouse Aviators c/o – use code STEELE for $5 off your purchase of $25 of more through 11/30 // Moto Jacket – similar via Ruche // Old Navy T-Shirt // Lulu Frost Earrings – now on sale! // Dex Skirt c/o // Dagne Dover Mini Tote c/o // ASOS Heels

October 21, 2014March 7, 2015

spotted: patterned coats

The Steele Maiden: Patterned French Connection Coat and Seychelles Boots

Maybe it’s because of my more mysterious new hair color, or the fact that we’re closing in on Halloween – but I saw this French Connection stunner of a coat at their Holiday Preview during Fashion Week and lately I can’t get it’s witchy woman vibes out of my head. I wasn’t sure I could pull it off until I stumbled upon the above image via Pinterest and realized.. you can’t fight the vibes of a coat like this. Give in to the Stevie Nicks meets Salem style of it and pair with a wide brimmed black wool hat, the skinnier the better black jeans and downtown cool black ankle boots. I like to think she had on dark, blood red lipstick when she turned around.