Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 166 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

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.

October 20, 2014March 7, 2015

fairytale fall

The Steele Maiden: Cloisters NYC how to wear Fall layers

First of all – I’ll just go ahead and point out the obvious – my hair has gotten a little makeover. Several shades darker than my natural light brown and very much darker than my usual sandy blonde, it’s still taking some getting used to. But I will say, it certainly feels Fall-ish. And so did this weekend. On Saturday Adam and I ventured to the very tip top of Manhattan to visit the Cloisters (a part of the Met Museum this outpost houses architecture from Medieval Europe – mainly churches). We packed a picnic, and sat perched on top of Fort Tryon Park looking out on the Hudson River, laughing and talking. Then explored what felt like a giant castle filled with beautiful nooks and ancient artwork. It was one of those fairytale Fall days that everyone should let themselves get swept up in from time to time. Today? Back to reality.

p.s. My hair isn’t the only new thing around here – I gave the blog a little update, and all of the top tabs (about, shop…) now link to brand new pages plus there are some fun features added to the side bar!

Ban.Do Bobbi Pins // Denim Jacket – similar via Gap // Mango Vest, old // Striped Dress – similar via Nordstrom // Joules Scarf c/o // Ruche Boots // Knee Socks

October 16, 2014March 7, 2015

zip zip

The Steele Maiden: Zipper detail sweater and Old Navy printed pixie pants

A bright sweater and skinny trousers has been my go-to office look lately – and this particular combo makes an outfit that could easily slip into boring territory way more fun. This vibrant shade of cobalt goes with practically everything (see yesterday’s dreamy new bag for more evidence), and the double zipper details and oversized fit on this sweater make it different than every other sweater already stacked in my closet. I have a few pairs of these Old Navy Pixie Pants already, but when new prints arrived for Fall I went back for more (the $25 sale price tag certainly didn’t hurt..). And then leopard print, because well, why not? This is probably one of the last days it will be really warm enough for sandals like these so I made the most of it. In other news I’m off work the rest of this week and am pretty thrilled at the notion of catching up on life, exploring the city, taking a possible little road trip.. and who am I kidding – finishing Gone Girl so I can go see the movie.

Dex Sweater c/o – available via Nordstrom // Old Navy Pixie Pants // Sole Society Bag c/o // ShoeMint Heels – old, similar via Sole Society

October 15, 2014March 7, 2015

what’s in my bag

The Steele Maiden: What's in my Dagne Dover Bag

In theory, I’m a small bag person. A tube of lipstick and my metro card and I’m out the door. But in real life here in New York, I’ve become a small bag + tote bag exploding with odds and ends person. Not exactly the chic ‘lady on the go’ persona I’d like to exude. Insert Dagne Dover. This Mini Tote bag arrived last weekend and in 3 short days has totally transformed my work day routine. From the outside it’s boxy, streamlined and anything-but-boring blue. From the inside? It’s an organized dream. There are compartments for my water bottle, cell phone, tablet/e-reader (but because I’m secretly 80 years old this is where I’ve started storing my books instead), lipstick, keys, and every other essential you wish you had with you on a daily basis. Which for me – means bobby pins and statement earrings – both a surefire fix when you need an after hours spruce up. So while I love the idea of flitting around town with a tiny bag, the feeling I got from knowing I was carrying everything I needed for the day (and exactly where it was all stashed) has me converted. What’s in your bag?Dagne Dover Mini Tote in Dagne Blue c/o // Lulu Frost Stud Earrings // Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses c/o // Ban Do Bobby Pins

October 14, 2014March 7, 2015

showing my spots

The Steele Maiden: Zara Leopard Shift Dress and Messy Ponytail

I picked up this leopard shift dress back in August (first posted here) and the second I saw it I knew it was just begging to be layered with a thin black turtleneck. So I patiently waited until Sunday night when the weather was crisp enough for layers and booties, but still warm enough to bare a lot of leg and went for it. The result – with a high messy ponytail (my MO lately) and oversized shades – actually elicited someone on the street remarking that I looked like Audrey Hepburn. Which of course, I do not. But you better believe I rode that little high for exactly 30 seconds until I slipped on a crack in the sidewalk and tripped in front of a fairly large crowd in front dining al fresco. That’s the thing about this city – she keeps you grounded.

Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses c/o // Gap Turtleneck // Zara Shift Dress – similar via ASOS // Vintage Bag // Booties via Marshalls – similar via Zappos // Kendra Scott Bracelet c/o