Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 184 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

July 4, 2014March 7, 2015

star spangled

The Steele Maiden: Fourth of July outfit

Happy Fourth of July friends! As you read this I’m probably off running around baking a blueberry pie (a tradition I started for myself a couple years back), getting ready for fireworks on the East River, and having a generally great time celebrating both America’s birthday and Adam and I’s anniversary (they happen to fall on the same fantastic, always off work, day). Tonight I’ll probably end up wearing this little white dress – but for today, an easy, festive look like this one would be perfect. As evidenced earlier in the week, I’ve been in a jeans and white tee kind of mood. This particular star spangled t-shirt is from a company based just a few blocks away from me in the East Village. And if there was ever a day to support your neighborhood/city/country.. its today. Enjoy the long weekend!

p.s. If you’ve got the urge to shop this weekend (and with these prices I suggest you make the most of it) a few of my favorite stores are having some killer sales:

– Get 20% off sitewide at Ruche (plus lots already on sale) with code ANNUAL20 – I’m loving this sweet little lace dress and this cool vest

– Get 20% off full priced items at ASOS with code PARTYINTHEUSA – how amazing is this swingy dress?

– Sole Society has up to 60% off tons of goodies – like these simple sandals perfect for skipping around the city/beach/wherever for the rest of Summer

– 40% off final sale at J.Crew with code SHOPMORE – these striped pants are daring but totally cool

– And finally – because I work there and they’re awesome – Lulu Frost is offering 20% off sitewide with code JULY4TH20 so if you want to grab a statement making piece like these surreal earrings now is your chance

Blondes make Better T-shirts USA Tee c/o // Capwell & Co. Cuff // Denim Jacket – similar from Gap // Urban Outfitters Jeans // Lulus Heels – similar from DV by Dolce Vita

July 2, 2014March 8, 2015

what to pack: fourth of july weekend

Anyone else already have their bags packed? I’m staying put this weekend – but after a month of mini getaway trips I’d like to think I have my summer weekend bag pretty well put together. My trick (documented last Fall in this ‘what to pack for a long weekend away in the city‘ post) is to stick to easy to mix separates and a singular color palette. Since my Summer style naturally falls into reds, whites and blues anyway Fourth of July weekend is sort of a no brainer. A mix of patterns, a few solids, texture (like denim and lace) to keep things visually interesting, and neutral/metallic accessories. I’d throw in a pair of jeans/denim shorts and a plain white tee to round things out – but otherwise I feel confident I could tackle 3 days at the beach/lake, day trips, nights out and everything in between with just the pieces shown above (and by the way – almost all of what’s shown is on sale!). Where are you headed this weekend and what are you packing?

July 1, 2014March 7, 2015

one hit wonder

The Steele Maiden: Printed Jumpsuit Fourth of July Style

When it comes to one piece and out the door outfits my MO is almost always dresses. But suddenly spotted on cool girls everywhere – jumpsuits had made their way to the top of my must try trends list. I picked this one up on the cheap (the safest option when trying a ‘could fail horribly’ new silhouette) and turns out? I kinda dig it. Its equal parts Seventies bohemian and modern urban dweller – a typically impossible balance to strike. This one in particular with its blue and white print just begged for a bright orange-y red lip, neutral accessories and a cute date. Lucky for me, I had all 3 the other night.

Vintage necklace // F21 Jumpsuit // ASOS sandals c/o – out of stock – similar on sale from Sole Society // H&M Clutch – similar from ASOS

June 30, 2014March 7, 2015

american spirit

Is there anything more American than denim cut-offs, a white tee, and Sperrys? Just a few days away from the Fourth of July and I’m in full Americana mode. It might just be my favorite holiday, not only because of the fact that it falls at the height of Summer and involves fireworks and delicious food/drinks, but also because most of my warm weather wardrobe naturally happens to be red, white and blue. It just never goes out of style. And speaking of timeless – I picked up this fresh pair of Sperry sneakers just in time for another weekend at the lake. They’re pretty much a requirement if you’re going to be hanging out on a boat, right? I couldn’t resist lining them up with my friends old pair of Sperrys which have weathered quite a few storms at this point (one of them literally caught fire once.. and they still managed to survive). Incredibly resilient without losing their cool – just like America.

Madewell T-Shirt // Sole Society Scarf c /o // Zara Cutoffs – similar from Urban Outfitters // Timex Watch c/o // Vintage Belt // Sperry Top-Sider Sneakers c/o

A few more of my favorites from Sperry Topsider:

June 30, 2014March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

Even though we swore we wouldn’t travel again this weekend (we haven’t spent a full weekend here in the city in a month now..) the opportunity to head back to Adam’s family’s lake house in the Poconos proved impossible to resist. So for the last 3 days I’ve been busy mastering paddle boarding, swinging in the hammock, laughing until I cried with all of our friends from back home in PA, and working hard on my tan (#nocomplaints). That being said, I’m pretty happy to be back to our little East Village apartment tonight and to tackle another week. I’ve got some fun Fourth of July posts to share with you over the next few days (it’s maybe my favorite holiday!) and finally no plans to leave this wonderful city again for a couple of weeks.

p.s. ASOS is having their huge Summer sale right now and if you’ve had your eye on something (this and this have been patiently waiting on my wishlist ) now is the time to scoop them up!