Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 167 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

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

October 29, 2014March 7, 2015

lake life

There’s something about adding a hat to an outfit that instantly adds glamour. My love of hats started as a kid when my grandmother (hi Mom-mom!) gifted me a big stack of hat boxes filled with styles from the 40s and 50s – an era when women made the effort to add that one last finishing touch. Since I typically dress really casually at the lake, the addition of a few choice accessories like this hat and scarf make the whole look feel more polished. And helped me feel a bit warmer (pretty and practical.. win, win). It should be noted – both pieces are from Sole Society, long since one of my favorite shoe suppliers their expanded selection of accessories this season is really nailing it. It also should be noted that I’ve started wearing a watch again and I’m loving not having to rely on looking at my phone all the time. What Fall accessories are you excited about?

Sole Society Hat and Scarf c/o // Loft Sweater // Old Navy Jeans // Timex Watch c/o // Sole Society Boots – this season’s version

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.