Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 168 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

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

November 10, 2014March 7, 2015

black diamond

The Steele Maiden: Old Navy Pixie Pants and quilted puffer vest

I’d like to take credit for the fact that my vest, sweater, and trousers all have some form of diamond shapes on them – but quite honestly, I didn’t even notice until I was editing these photos. So we’ll call it a happy accident. This outfit came together more so for the fact that yesterday had a hint of warmth to it and I wanted to sneak by without a real jacket (those days are numbered) and also because I’ve owned this quilted vest for about 2 years now and never found a proper way to wear it. I always like the look of quilted puffer vests on other people, but something about them on myself has never felt right. I decided to dress it up a little with prints, heels, and a pop of color (basically I gave it the typical Steele Maiden treatment) and turns out? I kind of love it. Perfect for a weekend stroll when I want to look more put together than a pair of ripped up jeans, and in the right office I think this could even pass for a work day look. Which is a good thing, since our old friend Monday just came back around.

Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses – $5 off your $25 order w/ code STEELE // Sole Society Bag c/o // Gap Vest – similar via J.Crew Factory // Old Navy Sweater + Pixie Pants // Timex Watch c/o and Lulu Frost Bracelet // ASOS Heels c/o

November 9, 2014March 7, 2015

sunday steals

Admittedly, I like to shop – but 9 times out of 10 I’m waiting for the sale. So I wanted to bring you a new feature that highlights the best of what’s out there right each week, at prices that will leave you with change to spare. And as the holidays (rapidly) approach, couldn’t we all use that? Here, the first edition of my Sunday Steals.

– 30% your purchase at Gap – this sweatshirt and shearling collar coat are everythingggg.
– 30% Sole Society including these sweet silver loafers and dainty studs.
– 30% off your J.Crew Factory purchase w/ code EXTRA30 including this perfect navy mini and camel beanie.
– Up to 40% off at Nordstrom including these leopard sneakers (a favorite pair in my closet) and this wear with everything red tote bag.

(or hover over the image above to shop!)