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

May 28, 2014March 7, 2015

grid lock

Amidst busy streets, crowded trains and general grid lock elsewhere – I’ve somehow managed to snag the quietest and most picturesque commute home I could imagine in this city. Since Adam works from home (I guess in fairness, his commute is even less stressful..) he often meets me after I leave the office to make the walk back home together. We snapped a few quick pictures in front of a particularly pretty row of homes the other night when I wore this grid print dress (just the type of Summer-essential thing I was talking about yesterday).

Dex Dress c/o – available at Nordstrom // Zara Bag // F21 Midi Ring Set – similar via Bauble Bar // Sole Society Heels

May 27, 2014March 7, 2015

keys to summer

Aside from central air conditioning, I think the key to surviving Summer – especially in a city that gets as hot and humid as New York tends to – is having an arsenal of easy, no fuss dresses to fall back on. I love a skinny jean or layered look as much as the next girl, but when things heat up there’s really nothing but a single piece that will do. This silky, key print dress from Grayson Shop is a perfect example. For an outdoor movie date night this past weekend, I added my favorite vintage belt, bright clutch, go-with-everything heeled sandals, and threw my hair up in a crown braid. Swipe of lipstick and I was out the door without breaking a sweat in 15 minutes flat. When there’s so much to do in this city at any given moment – the last thing I want to do is worry about what I’m going to wear.

Grayson Shop Dress c/o // Sole Society clutch c/o // Vintage Belt // Lulu Frost Ring // Sandals via Marshalls – similar via Piperlime

May 27, 2014March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

I’m going to keep it short and sweet tonight because I’m planning on enjoying the few hours left of the Summer kick off that is Memorial Day Weekend. But safe to say, I’ve had a great one so far. There were outdoors movies along the East River, bike rides in Central Park, a blowout at DryBar with my best friend, ice cream, cold beer, lazy hours spent reading in the sunshine… you get the point. Hope everyone had an equally perfect long weekend and a special thank you to everyone who’s served our country (including both of my grandfathers as well as Adam’s) and allow us to enjoy these little luxuries.

p.s there’s still some major sales happening tonight – I’m planning on scooping up these Sole Society sandals and this J.Crew Factory bikini – both at 50% off with free shipping. Summer necessities, right?

May 23, 2014March 7, 2015

everyday shine

My sister’s wedding was a couple of weeks ago (which was lovely, by the way) and let’s be honest – I’m never wearing that dress again. Don’t let the brides fool you. But what I can remix? The jewelry and shoes I wore that day. This statement necklace and metallic rose gold wedges were the perfect amount of shine at the wedding.. but they also work to dress up the most basic jeans and top combo. It was a no brainer last weekend when we took a trip down to Battery Park City. Because even a casual day in New York deserves a bit of sparkle, right? I’m heading off into Memorial Day weekend and 3 luxurious days off work to do some more running around the city, attending a friend’s bridal shower (’tis the season..) and just generally relax. Hope you all have fun plans!

p.s. in case those plans involve shopping.. there’s some major sales happening right now:

ASOS is offering 20% off everything with code WEBEGRILLIN / Ruche has 25% off everything with code MEMORIAL2014 / J.Crew has 25% off select items with code PACKME and take 50% off everything at J.Crew Factory / And finally the Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale has started!

Sunglass Warehouse glasses c/o // Marshalls Top // J.Crew Necklace // Old Navy Jeans // Rebecca Minkoff Bag via Nordstrom Rack // Seychelles Wedges

May 21, 2014March 7, 2015

spotted: best of summer shoes

If you’ve been hanging around here for any length of time (and thank you if that’s the case!) then you already know I’ve got a bit of a thing for shoes. And in a budget-less, endless closet-spaced world I’d have a mile long list of Summer shoes to scoop up. But here in the real world, I try to streamline and so I wanted to share the 3 types of shoes I’ve honed in on this Summer and a few different options no matter what your style. First up – the slip on sneaker – a trend I’m on board with not only because of its effortless cool factor, but also because I walk everywhere in the city and their comfort factor means these are my weekend go-to. Second only to slip-ons in their comfort, I’m loving a good block heeled sandal this season. Perfect with everything from a pencil skirt to your favorite denim cut-offs. And finally – the lace up – because sometimes (relative comfort be damned) only a sky high heel will do. It doesn’t get sexier than a silky dress and lace up heels for a night out on the town. Any shoe trend you’re dying to try this Summer?