Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 175 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

September 1, 2014March 7, 2015

summer flashback + best of labor day sales

It’s hard to believe that today is September 1st, but when I look back at everything I did this Summer it’s not surprising that the time flew by! There were multiple weddings (see how I re-wore my wedding attire here), trips to the lake house, lazy days spent reading in the park, rooftop drinks with the best of friends, road trips with Adam, and visits back home to PA. The best thing about being back on the East Coast this Summer was that we were able to be around for when family and friends got together. And while I hate to say goodbye to Summer – this will be my first Fall back in New York in a couple years and I can’t wait to watch the season’s change. Plus, I’m gearing up for a little thing called Fashion Week in a few days – and I think you’re going to want to stick around for the madness fun. p.s. Another reason I love Fall? A change of wardrobe. And some of my favorite stores are offering up some pretty killer sales through today – below, a few of my favorite picks: J.Crew (30% orders of $125+):

Ruche (30% full priced items):

Nordstrom (up to 40% off):

Sole Society (up to 70% off):

August 28, 2014March 7, 2015

wear a dress

As much as I love to play with layers – I’ve been working nearly 12 hour days this week (Fashion Week is coming and it waits for no one) and still managing to squeeze in a life outside the office, which means that when my alarm goes off after far too few hours of sleep I need to reach into my closet and grab exactly one item that will pull it all together. And that item is this dress. From one of my favorite newer brands, Hutch (seriously, I want their entire Fall line) – this dress is structured and chic but also totally comfortable and feminine too. And while it feels modern – there’s a hint of a 60’s working girl vibe that I love. Plus, when I finally left my desk yesterday it still didn’t have a wrinkle. That’s a major fashion win right there.Hutch Dress c/o // Lulu Frost Necklace – similar on sale // Sole Society Bag c/o – on major sale this weekend! // Sole Society Booties c/o – similar // Armour Lip Gloss in Nina via Gloss48 c /o

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