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

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

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