Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 176 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

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

August 19, 2014March 7, 2015

shape shift

The Steele Maiden: Printed shift dress and cutout booties

While the Summer loving part of me hates to admit it.. something in the air has started to make a shift towards Fall in New York. Luckily, since I’ve missed the past two years worth of Fall/Winters while I lived in Los Angeles – there’s another part of me that is kind of thrilled to see the seasons change again. Don’t get me wrong.. I’m still making the most of open toe shoes and bare legs, but I’m also starting to sneak styles into my wardrobe that will easily transition into cooler months. These stacked heel booties (which should be noted are insanely comfortable) are a perfect example. I paired them here with this printed shift dress (which plays off the cutout shapes), but I can also imagine them later with cuffed up denim and cozy knits or a full skirt and belted cargo jacket.

Sunglass Warehouse Aviators c/o // Ruche Dress c/o – now on sale! // Vintage Necklace and Clutch – similar via Sole Society // Restricted Booties c/o

August 18, 2014March 7, 2015

feeling grand

The Steele Maiden: New York Public Library LBD and Brahmin clutch

When I first moved to New York, I worked just a few blocks away from the New York Public Library and would walk there almost every day to sit on the steps, eat my lunch and take in the city around me. The view of Fifth Avenue, the history inside and the grand architecture all make it one of my favorite places in the city. This LBD is dressier than I really had an occasion for – but when eShakti let me pick out a dress from their site (which allows you to customize each dress based on your size, height and preferences.. how smart is that?) I couldn’t resist it’s charm. I dressed it up with these statement earrings which speak for themselves and happen to match perfectly with this Brahmin fold over clutch – both in this year’s hit color ‘radiant orchid’. Last night, still without a real occasion I decided to take the outfit for a spin on the Library steps. Because really, what better reason than it being a beautiful night in this city?

eShakti Dress c/o // Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses c/o // Loren Hope Earrings c/o // Brahmin Clutch c/o // Vintage Watch // Sole Society Heels – similar

August 14, 2014March 7, 2015

silver lining

The Steele Maiden: Floral Blazer and Silver Pumps

It’s been pretty gloomy the past couple of days in New York – in fact on Tuesday I was fully dressed to meet Adam for blog photos when we both got caught in pouring (puddles forming inside your shoes) rain. And yesterday morning? Same story. But finally last night the sun came out just enough to snap these pictures. This floral blazer is one of those things I picked up spur of the moment back in LA and has surprisingly proved to be almost an easy as a basic black version. It pairs easily with neutrals (black, white and tan) and hints of metallic like this layered necklace and these Cinderella slipper-esque vintage heels. And the natural waves the morning rain brought out so that I didn’t have to brush/style my hair? There’s your silver lining people.

p.s. I’ve carried this Sole Society bag non-stop this Summer – but I’ve got my eye on this one for Fall.. which lucky for you I’m giving away along with goodies from a few more of my favorite brands. Enter here!

Forever 21 Blazer – similar // Capwell & Co. Necklace // Timex Watch c/o // Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses c /o // Urban Outfitters Shorts // Sole Society Bag c/o // Vintage Heels – similar via Piperlime

The Steele Maiden: Floral Blazer and Silver Pumps