Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 173 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

August 26, 2014March 7, 2015

central perk

The Steele Maiden: How to wear Fall Florals

First of all, I’ve been waiting a long time to work this Friends reference into a post title (this is the exciting life of a blogger my friends) – and photos snapped while walking through Central Park with a Starbucks in hand seemed like as good a time as any. I’m starting to transition some of Summer’s brighter colors into Fall friendly alternatives – trading turquoise for cobalt blue and fuchsia for radiant orchid. Luckily this floral top tied in all of them. I’m loving that florals are going to be big for Fall (you all know how much I love a good print), but a key to making them seem seasonally appropriate is adding in layers and textures.

Sunglass Aviators c/o // F21 Floral Top – similar // Loren Hope Cuff c /o // Brahmin Clutch c/o // Madewell Shirt // Old Navy Jeans // Restricted Heels c/o

August 25, 2014March 7, 2015

check back

The Steele Maiden: Gingham Skirt and Booties

I’ve worn this skirt twice on the blog before – and I realized it’s always at the changing of the seasons. The first time here when winter was giving way to Spring and again here as Spring turned to Summer. Black and white is always an easy choice as the seasons change, so each time all I’ve had to do is switch out the extras a bit. This time I went for some of my favorite neutral basics like this grey sweater ( in my closet since college), a vintage belt, structured booties and a couple of pops of red (clutch and lips, of course). Anddd, is it just me or is anyone else just a tad excited that it’s bootie season again?

Gap Sweater – similar // Capwell & Co Bracelet // Madewell Skirt // Sole Society Clutch c/o // BC Footwear Booties c/o – now on sale!

August 25, 2014March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

They say New York is the city that never sleeps – and since moving back from LA (and long days of leisurely lounging on the beach), my schedule is living proof. This Summer has flown by, often with late nights and early mornings, but I’ve been trying to embrace that lately. Because after all, being busy isn’t so bad when it’s all things that make you really happy. So before a few really hectic weeks of work, plans with friends and family and some really exciting things planned for the blog (hellooo NYFW) – I took the chance this weekend to slow down a bit. Clean and organize the apartment, take long walks, workout, meet up with friends, catch up on work (like this long overdue weekend flashback post!), and even get a few more hours of all that sleep I used to love so much.

For more peaks into my day to day – follow me on instagram @thesteelemaiden

August 21, 2014March 7, 2015

take me away

The Steele Maiden: Old Navy graphic tee and printed oxfords

Don’t get me wrong – now that I’m back in New York I have no plans of going anywhere. But a little Parisian daydream never hurt anyone, right? Even if I don’t have a Euro trip on the calendar – there’s plenty to explore in my own city and this outfit – easy with a little feminine twist – is perfect for playing tourist. I’ve worn this skirt and sweater before here, but the t-shirt (a fun graphic for less than the cost of lunch in this town) and shoes are new. And speaking of the shoes (when am I not..), I spied these printed oxfords from Restricted back in March at a Fall press preview and have been waiting impatiently ever since to get my hands on them. Perfect with solids or layered with other prints – they were well worth the wait. I’m betting that next trip to Paris will be too.

Lulu Frost Earrings – now on sale! // Old Navy T-shirt // Urban Outfitters Skirt – similar // Madewell Sweater – similar // Bag via Marshalls // Restricted Printed Oxfords c/o

August 20, 2014March 7, 2015

spotted: fall ’14 trends

I mentioned it yesterday, but while I’m still soaking up every last ray of Summer sun – the September issues have landed on my doorstop and I can’t help but dream of Fall trends. Especially since now that I’m back in New York I’ll get to join in the fever pitch that is Fashion Week. I came across the above look (incidentally from last season’s Paris Fashion Week) and was struck by how effortless this lady looked – while also hitting so many of the season’s key trends. Not an easy thing to pull off. But there it is – florals for Fall, fringe, rich jewel tones, whites, a little bit Sixties/Seventies inspired – all of it mashed up together and it still just altogether works. Consider me lovestruck, Fall.

Topshop Printed Jacket // F21 Sunglasses // J.Crew Factory Skirt // Urban Outfitters Fringe Bag // Asos Pumps