Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 194 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

March 23, 2014March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

Ahh, the first official weekend of Spring! While New York weather hasn’t exactly caught up (ahem, there was a menacing looking snowflake in my 5 day forecast) I tried to make the most of it with long city strolls and flower shopping. Most of our strolls ended in frustration however, when we visited yet another slew of apartments only to come up empty handed. And while I know an apartment is out there somewhere, living out of a suitcase is getting pretty old. And let’s be real – no matter how creative of a dresser, I’m quickly running out of outfits. But, like a Kate Spade window so happily pointed out to me, when life gives you lemons.. you’ve got to make your own lemonade. Or, in the case of the two little boys I passed with a makeshift city street ‘lemonade stand’ this weekend, orange juice and cookies. You gotta work with what you got people.

March 21, 2014March 7, 2015

the dotted line

Happy Spring! Well, so the calendar says anyway. Yesterday was definitely warmer, but I can’t quite seem to ditch these tights and scarf yet. What I can do however, is carry this perfectly Spring like cream leather bag (how cute will this be when the day for cutoff denim and sundresses arrives?). And then there’s this pencil skirt. We all know I’m a swingy short skirt kind of girl – but when on the hunt for some new slightly more sophisticated work wear, I came upon this pencil skirt and I was an instant convert. So much so, I couldn’t help buying it in another print too. I’ve been making a really targeted effort lately to invest in some ‘non boring basics’ and this skirt is the perfect example. Hope you have something fun planned for the first weekend of Spring – I’ll be searching for apartments.. again. Wish us luck!

Urban Outfitters Jacket // Denim Jacket – similar // Topshop Skirt // Rebecca Minkoff Bag via Nordstrom Rack // Boots via Marshalls

March 19, 2014March 7, 2015

closet classics / 03

The Steele Maiden: Closet Classics - Chambray Shirt

If this blog has taught you nothing else, it’s that your wardrobe needs a chambray shirt. The holy grail of button downs, the chambray shirt is cool without trying too hard and also the perfect blank canvas for innumerable outfits. Case in point – it took me no more than 20 minutes to easily find the above 6 ways I’ve styled mine in the past. It’s something I reach for at least once a week and yet miraculously never find myself bored with it. In fact, I like to ~~lie to myself~~ believe that I wear it differently enough each time to actually conceal just how often I’m sporting it. While the standard tied at the waist is my go-to when I toss it on with a simple skirt or dress, I also like it worn a bit more unconventionally – like open over another button down. The possibilities are pretty much endless. Any interesting ways you’ve worn yours? I’m always up for a new way to chambray. Or if you’re simply sick of seeing me wear mine – please stage an intervention in the comments below.

From Top Left: Look 1 // Look 2 // Look 3 // Look 4 // Look 5 // Look 6

March 18, 2014March 7, 2015

saturday search

They say in New York you’re always looking for one of the following: job, significant other, apartment (if you’ve got all three, then congrats.. you’re Beyonce). Since I’ve got the first two locked down, this past Saturday was spent apartment hunting in New York’s East Village – and anyone who has ever spent a day schlepping through walk up buildings to look at apartments no bigger than a walk in closet (p.s. the day I get a walk in closet I will have officially made it) – then you know it requires an outfit that can keep up. The weather luckily cooperated and I was able to wear just a few light layers. Also, I finally filled the black jean void in my wardrobe (I’m pretty sure they’re a New York requirement) and I’m pretty pleased with this ‘just the right amount of stretch’ pair. The weather has somehow turned cold again since these pictures but I’m holding out hope for Spring (and signing a lease) any day now.Mango Vest – now on sale! // Madewell T-Shirt // J.Crew Shirt // Urban Outfitters Jeans // Sole Society Boots // Bag via TJ Maxx // Sunglass Warehouse Glasses c /o

March 17, 2014March 7, 2015

working girl glam

I think it gets easy to fall into a workwear slump after time passes at a job, but when I started my new position last week I knew I wanted to really devote more of an effort to heading into work each day wearing something that made me feel both creative and confident. I’ve already worn these red heels casually and for date night, so it seemed time that I take them to the office. And these printed trousers were a pretty surprising steal I picked up on last week’s shopping spree. Add a few gleaming touches with gold accessories and I felt ready to take on the day. Of course it helps when you’re working in an environment that inspires a bit of glamour, but even if have a stricter dress code I think a red pump or subtle printed pants could go a long way in livening up your other basics.H&M Jacket – similar // Vintage Bracelets // Sole Society Bag c/ o – now on sale! // Old Navy Pants // Lulu’s Heels – same