Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 177 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

August 12, 2014March 7, 2015

layers to go

The Steele Maiden: Printed Top and Chambray Shirt

While my day to day style often involves a skirt or dress, when I really need to be on the go (like errands, walking, subway, more walking…) then I often turn to easy light layers like these. This bright printed top from Darling Clothes is actually part of a matching set (originally seen here), but breaking it up and pairing it with solids is an easy solution. A few key accessories like this long pendant necklace and round sunglasses keep the outfit from feeling boring, while the comfy sandals, jeans and chambray mean I can be out of the apartment for hours without skipping a beat.

p.s. In case you missed it – I’m celebrating 2 years of blogging with a fun giveaway!

Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses c/o // Darling Clothes Top c/o // Lulu Frost ‘J’ Necklace // Vintage Bag // J.Crew Chambray Shirt // Urban Outfitters Jeans // Asos Sandals – similar via Ruche

August 11, 2014March 7, 2015

The Steele Maiden turns 2

And just like that, The Steele Maiden has turned 2! This week marks two years since the day I decided to hit publish on this little corner of the internet world and its pretty exciting to see how far its come. There have been 3 site designs, 2 cross country road trips, a major move to LA and then finally back to New York, endless hours of shooting/editing/writing and more shoes than I frankly have the time to count – and you, sweet readers, have decided to come along for the fashionable journey. Whether you’ve been here since day 1 (hi Mom and Dad!), drop in from time to time, or are just finding me – thank you a million times over. Something you love or would like to see on here? Drop me a line. And stick around – looking forward to seeing where blog life leads us next. And as a thank you – I’m giving away a fun little prize pack from some of my favorite brands! Enter below for your chance to win a $30 gift card to Ruche, $50 to Sunglass Warehouse, these darling little Loren Hope earrings, and this lust-worthy bag from Sole Society.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

August 7, 2014March 7, 2015

tough girl

The Steele Maiden: Leather Top Mirrored Aviators

By now you probably recognize this oversized gingham pencil skirt (and its sister skirt) – but I’ve been loving adding a bit of subtle edge to my more ladylike pieces in these late Summer days and I figured it deserved another moment in the spotlight. I’ve had this open leather tank in my closet since last Fall and honestly only worn it a few times (and usually always layered) – but worn here with a patterned bralette just slightly peeking through it balances out the skirt without veering too over the top. And these mirrored aviators just make things instantly cooler. Since this look is already pretty strong, I went with sleek black and white accessories and called it a day. There’s something about this look that makes me feel both ladylike and tough – a pretty powerful combination. Just ask Beyonce. Sunglass Warehouse Aviators c/o // Urban Outfitters Leather Top – similar Nordstrom// Anthropologie Bra – similar // Topshop Pencil Skirt – similar from ASOS // Rebecca Minkoff Bag via Nordstrom Rack // Seychelles Heels

August 6, 2014March 7, 2015

peaches and cognac

The Steele Maiden: Peach Dress and Seychelles Wedges

One of the things that draws me most to fashion is that it’s constantly reinventing itself – taking inspiration from anything and everything. Modern art, ancient history.. and who knows, maybe even a delicious Summer cocktail? I’ve never actually had a ‘peaches and cognac’ (although generally if you are adding fruit to liquor you’re coming out with a winning combination) but when I put on this peachy pink dress yesterday morning I decided to pair it with a cognac hued bag and sunglasses and kind of loved the outcome. Sometimes these combinations are staring me right in the face in my closet but it just takes the right day or mood to see them.

Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses c/o // Capwell & Co Necklace // F21 Dress – similar // Vintage Bag – similar via ASOS // Seychelles Wedges – now on sale!

August 5, 2014March 7, 2015

desk to drinks with cluny nyc

In terms of fail safe wardrobe items – a silk shirtdress is planted firmly in my top 10. So when Cluny (a contemporary line inspired by a mix of Paris meets New York.. swoon) sent over a sample of their Fall line for me to test drive around the city, this day to night option was the perfect fit for my often 14+ hour days out of the apartment. For the office, it’s perfect with sensible black boots and bag plus a substantial gold necklace to balance out the somewhat flowy-ier shape. And for drinks – I switched things up by slipping on a pair of skinny jeans and wearing the dress as an open second layer – plus changed out for a pair of lace up heels and vintage bag. Both outfits came together in a matter of minutes (that’s the thing about a great dress.. you never have to overthink it) and I was out the door and into the city. Just the way I like it. Desk: Cluny NYC Dress – borrowed, available this Fall // Lulu Frost Necklace – similar steal via Bauble Bar // Bag via TJ Maxx – similar from ASOS // Steve Madden Booties – similar version via 6pmDrinks: Urban Outfitters Jeans // Sole Society Heels c/o – now on sale! // Lulu Frost Ring – similar option via J.Crew // Forever 21 Midi Rings // Vintage Bag