Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 183 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

July 14, 2014March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

This weekend I headed to the beach (for the first time since leaving LA this past March!) and I have to say it was pretty glorious to be reunited with the sand, sun and surf. I managed to spend about 12 hours parked firmly beside the ocean on Saturday, hanging with family, grilling up fresh meals, and working on achieving a golden brown tan (hint: that still involves wearing sunscreen – sunburn is so not chic people). This is actually the last (planned) weekend away we have for the Summer, and while they’ve been wonderful so far – I’m really looking forward to crossing some things off our New York Summer bucket list now that we’ll be city dwellers the rest of the season. What’s on your to-do lists for the second half of Summer? Mine includes lobster rolls and Coney Island!

July 10, 2014March 7, 2015

hear me roar

The Steele Maiden: Leopard Print Heeled Sandals with Shift Dress

The time we spent living in LA (sans humidity) was the first in my life I had somehow blissfully forgotten about just how unruly my hair tends to be in the Summer. But now that we’re back and in the full swing of the season, my tawny color and wavy texture is back to closely resembling that of a lion’s mane. So what’s a girl to do? You grab a knockout necklace (with a lion looking quite proud about said mane) and equally jungle-appropriate printed heels and hit the streets like you just don’t give a damn. Hear me roar, Summer.

Lulu Frost Necklace – old, budget version here // Tulle Dress – very similar via Ruche // Shoemint Leopard Heels – very similar via Sole Society // Rebecca Minkoff bag via Nordstrom Rack

July 8, 2014March 7, 2015

delicate details

The Steele Maiden: French Connection Beaded Top

A couple weeks back I was in French Connection browsing the sale section, and considering picking up yet another dress (of which I already admittedly own too many).. when suddenly I came across this structured sheer organza top with intricate beadwork. There isn’t a thing like it in my closet – or in any other store that I’ve seen lately – a total wardrobe game changer. The wonderful thing about this top is that it’s detailed and feminine but not at all fussy like the chiffon-flowered, or sequin-covered counterparts I’ve seen elsewhere. I paired it with easy charcoal, black and ivory and kept the accessories to a bare minimum. After all, who needs a statement necklace when you’ve got one built right in? In other news, Adam and I took to walking down the East River promenade from our apartment past the Williamsburg Bridge almost every night over the long weekend. That warm golden hour glow reflecting over onto Brooklyn was just too good to miss.

French Connection Top c/o – on major sale! // Urban Outfitters Skirt – similar via ASOS // Sole Society Lace Up Heels c/o – also on sale! // Vintage Bag // Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Never Say Never c/o

July 7, 2014March 7, 2015

afternoon sun

The Steele Maiden: NYC Park in Olukai Sandals

I spent most of this past weekend in Washington Square Park, relaxing, reading and basically just basking in the afternoon sun. It’s about a 30 minute walk from our apartment which isn’t so bad as long as you’ve got the right shoes. That’s the thing they don’t tell you about living in New York.. the streets will basically swallow your feet whole if you aren’t careful. Adam and I walk almost everywhere we can on the weekends and so these sandals my friends at OluKai sent over are proving essential to my Summer wardrobe. They’re definitely a little more expensive than some of the other sandals in my closet, but here’s the thing – they’re insanely comfortable and built to last. Meaning next Summer (although I hate to think that I’ll have to survive another New York winter between now and then..) I’ll be pulling them out again.Lulu Frost Earrings – more affordable version via Sole Society // Urban Outfitters Dress – love this version on sale // Backpack via TJ Maxx // Turkish-T Towel c/o – on sale via Bloomingdales // OluKai Sandals c/o

July 6, 2014March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

How was everyone’s Fourth of July weekend? If it was every bit as relaxing as mine I’m guessing you don’t want it to end just yet. Luckily there’s still a few hours left (meaning I can take one more sunset stroll, enjoy one last delicious homemade meal and possibly squeeze in another episode of Orange is the New Black – who else is binging watching?). We had a rain day on Friday, but made the most of it with an indoor picnic and luckily things cleared up for a pretty amazing fireworks show over the Brooklyn Bridge on the East River. The rest of the weekend was gorgeously sunny and I spent it lazing about, moving from park to park, finishing one book and starting another. I love New York year round, but there’s a distinct vibe in the Summer when the whole city sort of runs around like kids again that really is the best.