Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 174 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

September 7, 2014March 7, 2015

nyfw day 3

Day 3 of Fashion Week was the first in which I actually made it up to Lincoln Center (the heart of the action and where a majority of all shows are held). This happened to coincide with what felt like New York’s hottest day all Summer. What resulted was a mass of fashionable people running around and trying not to look like a melting mess. I went with a pretty easy look in these suede shorts (new in and already I know they’re going to be Fall favorites) and a breezy button down shirt – then true to form this week punched it up with accessories like oversized shades, a statement necklace and a pop of red heels. This mini bag (a big trend this season) proved perfect because I packed only the very essentials and wasn’t left wrangling a heavy bag all day. And what a day! First some street style gazing outside Lincoln Center (pictured here with my friend Kat of blog Love & Ace), next a rooftop Reward Style party at the Empire Hotel (no signs of Chuck Bass), then a quick trip to Glamour Magazine’s pop up in Chelsea Market (they collaborated with Gilt on a shoe line and it’s goooood), and finally the Katya Leonovitch runway show at Chelsea Piers (lots of sheer and pops of bright blue predicted for next Spring). And lastly, sleep. Catch me here to see what I’m off to do today!

Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses c/o // F21 Shirt // Lulu Frost Necklace – borrowed – similar steal via J // Ruche Suede Shorts // Fossil Mini Bag via TJ Maxx // Lulus Heels – similar via 6pm

September 6, 2014March 7, 2015

nyfw day 2

You know you’re in the thick of things when you’ve lost all track of real dates and are only counting time passing by which “day of Fashion Week” you’re on. And yesterday was Day 2 – in which after just a few hours of sleep, I was up and ready in this leather trimmed wool skirt (how perfect are these navy and black stripes? 80+ degree temps be damned..). While I originally had planned on pairing with a crisp white shirt, there was a running late lack of ironing situation that led to this print mix. And in a week where more is more – I stacked up on statement accessories including a favorite black hat, geometric earrings and new favorite caged suede heels. This outfit took me through a 14 hour day from a morning presentation by clothing & accessories line À Moi at the High Line Hotel in Chelsea (so on point for Spring) to a fun night out in Soho toasting French Connection’s Holiday line (can it be statement coat weather now please?). Here’s to Day 3.

p.s. Follow me on instagram so you don’t miss a moment of the madness – plus, today I’ll be taking over the Sunglass Warehouse insta so be sure to follow there too!

Target Hat – similar via Urban Outfitters // Rachel Roy printed top – similar via Piperlime // Hutch Skirt c/o // Rebecca Minkoff Bag via Nordstrom Rack // Lulu Frost Earrings – borrowed // French Connection Heels

September 5, 2014March 7, 2015

nyfw day 1

The Steele Maiden: NYFW Zara leopard dress vintage clutch

And we’re off! New York Fashion Week is officially at full, breakneck, steam and I’ve survived the first of it. The week kicked off on Wednesday night with the Lulu Frost Spring/Summer 15 presentation for work (which required a few sleepless nights of prep) and ended with late night sushi delivery and very tired feet (something that I think may be a repeated pattern this week..). But yesterday the real fun started and I spent the day running around in this retro feeling leopard shift dress paired with schoolgirl socks and booties and a few statement accessories (this oversized locket necklace spells out ‘Written in Stone’ in crystals if you look closely – on loan from Lulu). Last night ended among AOL’s StyleList contributors on top of the Mondrian Soho Hotel with a pretty killer view of the skyline and despite the exhaustion that’s begun to set in – I can’t help but be swept up in New York’s energy this week. I’ve got lots more in store this weekend so be sure to follow me on instagram to catch it all!

Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses c/o // Lulu Frost Locket Necklace – borrowed // Zara Shift Dress // Vintage Clutch – similar from Brahmin // Vintage Bracelet – similar from Baublebar // ASOS Socks // Forever21 Booties

September 3, 2014March 7, 2015

new york fashion week survival kit

The first time I attended NYFW I was barely 20 years old, a wide-eyed intern at Nanette Lepore dressing sinewy models backstage. And while I didn’t know everything, I knew that I was lucky to be there… and that this marathon was not for the faint of heart. I like to think I’ve learned a few things since then – and graduated to a real job in this crazy Fashion world – so this time I’m going in fully prepared. Considering I kicked off the week with a 15 hour work day yesterday preparing for tonight’s Lulu Frost S/S 15 presentation – the above are just a few things I’m counting on to get me through until next Wednesday. At which point, I’ll maybe get some sleep.

Statement shoes (in which you can still walk), band-aids and a granola bar to meet the basic needs (in a way that even free champagne just can’t), a notebook to jot down the key trends, red lipstick, extra bobby pins and statement earrings for a little glam on the go and a great pair of sunglasses to hide those tired eyes darling. Can’t wait to take you all along for the wild ride!

September 2, 2014March 7, 2015

last of summer

The Steele Maiden: Summer to Fall transition

This weekend closed out Summer and with it – I started to tuck away my flimsier dresses and bright sandals. But since New York is still pretty steamy, I’m reaching for easy pieces that hint of Fall but are still warm enough for 80 degree temps – like this mustard mini skirt and peep toe booties. I’ve been doing plenty of Fall trend research lately (aka devouring September issues and window shopping Fifth Ave.) and I’m loving all of the unexpected color combos – baby blue, mustard yellow and charcoal grey was one I spied in Marie Claire. If you’re looking to dive into upcoming trends – I’m kicking off NYFW here tomorrow and have some pretty fun things lined up to share with you over the next week. Be sure to follow along here plus on instagram/facebook/twitter for the immediate play by plays!

Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses c/o // J.Crew Chambray Shirt // Miche Bag c/o // F21 Mini Skirt – similar via Banana Republic Factory Store // Nine West Wedges – similar via Nordstrom