Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 190 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

April 24, 2014March 7, 2015

keep moving

There was a time a couple of years back when I realized I had upwards of 7 polka dot dresses in my closet. Most of them, as is usually the case with polka dot dresses, unabashedly girly. While my style these days is still feminine (case in point), I think I’ve streamlined things a bit recently. This particular polka dot dress is no frills and I like that I can add some edge to it with these metallic boots, my trusty leather bomber and chambray shirt – this time tied at the waist (a million other ways I’ve worn it here). Speaking of evolving, as I try to keep moving style-wise, Adam is steadily becoming more and more skilled behind the camera – like the 2 detail shots below? Crazy good, and totally because of his eye. Thanks for coming back each day so that we both have a reason to push ourselves a little further.

Urban Outfitters Jacket // Zara Dress – cute version from Asos // J.Crew Chambray Shirt – 30% Off with code GOSHOP // Rebecca Minkoff bag via Nordstrom Rack // Restricted Footwear Wyatt Boots c/o – 20% Off with code FESTIVAL20

April 23, 2014March 7, 2015

desk to drinks with sole society

One of the things I love most about being back in New York and at my new job is the commute. A stark contrast to the 45 minutes of LA traffic I used to endure, my new trek to the office is just a 20 minutes walk through beautiful Gramercy. This means I can take my time walking in the morning, but in the evenings I’m back to the East Village in time for Happy Hour. To make the transition even easier, I headed straight to one of my favorite accessory brands Sole Society. My office attire is what I would call ‘creative casual’ so even if I’m wearing a more understated outfit, I like to have some fun with my shoes. These lace up heels in a go with everything nude are chic enough for the office, but equally flirty for an after work date. Since I’m walking now, I needed a neutral bag that was big enough to tote the day’s necessities – sunglasses, lunch, emergency umbrella.. – but not so oversized that I look like I’m carrying my life with me (even if I am). And come 6 PM I simply leave the bag in the office, transfer the real essentials – wallet, keys, cell phone, lipstick – to this sleek red clutch and am off to enjoy the city. Thanks to Sole Society my commute is looking pretty great these days.

F21 Sweater // Old Navy Trousers // Vintage Necklace – also worn as bracelet // Sole Society Mandee Heels, Katherine Bag, and Korie Clutch c/ o

April 22, 2014March 7, 2015

navy breeze

Breezy Spring days kind of just beg for a dress that can catch the wind, am I right? This navy maxi has gotten a ton of wear over the seasons and so with a light cardigan, vintage belt and bag and sleek peep toe booties, it was a pretty fail safe way to start the week. And maybe it’s because I was coming back from a holiday weekend or just the warm weather but I managed to get up early, go for a run along the East River, and take these pictures all before I walked to work in the morning. Hoping the rest of the week will follow in Monday’s productive footsteps.P.S. I’m taking you with me to work tomorrow – and showing you the essentials from one of my favorite brands that gets me through the 9-5 and beyond – so be sure to check back! J.Crew Cardigan // Ruche Maxi – love this option // Vintage Belt and Clutch // Sole Society Booties c/o

April 18, 2014March 7, 2015

spotted: spring style

For a long time I felt like it would be ‘cheating’ to have a style icon. And while I still don’t exactly think it’s very original to have one particular person that you try to emulate, these days I think it’s great to have a short list of ‘muses’ if you will. Stylishly smart women who are a great gauge of where you’d like to align yourself fashion-wise. Blogger/model/photographer extraordinaire Hanneli Mustaparta is definitely on that list for me. She’s undoubtedly beautiful and has an amazing wardrobe, but it’s more then that. She wears the clothes, not the other way around. The weather has been a little crazy these past few days but once we finally settle into Spring for good (and I’m really hoping that is any day now), I love the idea of a simple white crop top, swingy printed midi skirt and nothing more than cool flats and chic sunglasses. I’d love to hear, who’s on your muse list?

Urban Outfitters Sunglasses // Topshop Cropper Top // Asos Midi Skirt // Steve Madden Ecentric Sneakers

April 16, 2014March 7, 2015

count the ways

Moving back has been like a sensory overload in which every street either holds something completely new that wasn’t there before I moved, or oppositely some place I loved and had nearly forgotten all about. This past weekend Adam and I explored the Lower East Side and we happened upon Schillor’s Liquor Bar – a wonderful memory jog since between the Americana cool decor and the delicious drinks, this is a place I want to definitely want to remember that I loved. We didn’t get to stop in since we were on official blogging business working on a fun project I’ll reveal soon, so it’s going on my list of places (new and old) we’ve got to make the rounds to. This outfit was perfect for the casual vibes that go with the neighborhood, ripped denim and a pair of killer boots is practically a uniform in these parts. Finished it off with aviators, a vintage bag and this amazing numbered charm necklace.. another way to count all the ways in which I love this city.

Sunglass Warehouse Aviators c/o // Madewell Shirt // Old Navy Jeans // BC Footwear ‘What You See’ Booties c/o // Vintage Dooney & Bourke Bag // Lulu Frost Necklace