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

April 13, 2014March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

After a March that still felt like winter, April – and the 70 degree temps that came with it these past couple of days – are being welcomed with open arms. This was the first true weekend we’ve had in the city since moving in and my high hopes certainly weren’t disappointed. Basking in the warmer weather, I caught up with old friends, spent an afternoon exploring the Lower East Side with Adam (for a fun project I’ll share this week!), made some serious headway in getting our apartment to actually resemble a home, went on a double date to see The Grand Budapest Hotel (highly recommended), and even had time to kick my feet up and relax for a moment or two. If you follow me on Instagram, Facebook or even Twitter – then you may have seen me mention I filmed an episode of The Better Show this past week which will air on Tuesday (6 AM on WLNY if you’re local or 12 PM on the Hallmark Channel nationally). I’ve got the full scoop on that – as well as the previously mentioned project – and of course some new Spring looks to share over the next few days so be sure to check back. Shaping up to be an exciting week!

April 11, 2014March 7, 2015

signs of spring

This picture has no less than 4 different florals in it and I’m not about to complain. There’s finally signs of Spring everywhere you look in the city – blooms popping up in the park along my walk to work, bare (pale…) legs, and the chance to pull out my favorite Spring dresses again. This particular one is a vintage find from years ago when I was living in Philadelphia during college (that I hacked to be a bit shorter – so excuse the somewhat crooked hem). Since the weather is still slightly cool in the mornings and evenings, I’ve been only brave enough to bare my legs if paired with closed toe flats or booties and a jacket. But still, we’re making progress people. Looking forward to the first weekend where we’ve been settled into our apartment, catching up with friends and enjoying some these early Spring temps. Hope you all have a good one!

Langford Market Jacket c/o // Vintage Dress // Dolce Vita Oxfords via TJ Maxx // Lulu Frost Necklace // Sunglass Warehouse Aviators c/o

A few of my favorite Spring floral dresses (all less than $150!)

April 9, 2014March 7, 2015

into the blue

Okay, okay, so I may have a full fledged gingham problem this Spring. But when I picked up this Topshop pencil skirt in a blurry dotted print and noticed that it also came in this oversized cobalt check? Well, it practically walked itself home with me. My initial thoughts were to pair it with a range of pretty blouses, but after noticing that this old favorite crewneck sweater was an exact match I decided to go monochrome and kind of love the result. Blue has actually always been my favorite color so maybe that’s why this didn’t feel ‘too much’, and pairing it with pretty minimal neutral accessories certainly helped. Either way, on an overcast day this head to toe hue was a bright pick me up. F21 Sweater // Topshop Skirt // Rebecca Minkoff Bag via Nordstrom Rack // Lulu Frost Ring // Sole Society Heels – love these for Spring

April 8, 2014March 7, 2015

midweek chic

While some mornings I’m feeling creative and really mix things up for work, other mornings rely on an arsenal of easy basics I can throw on and head out the door without needing a whole lot of thought. The key here, from keeping black skinny jeans and a blazer looking altogether boring, are a handful of chic standout accessories. A vintage chunky chain necklace wrapped around my wrist becomes a bold bracelet and these sleek black stacked heels are constantly in rotation. This Olivia + Joy bag is new and I love the way the boxy shape is a little bit serious, but the dotted straw and flash of bright kelly green leather is altogether fun. It’s exactly the sort of modern meets playful balance that I’m always trying to strike in my looks – and since it’s all wrapped up into one piece, I can be ready in no time flat. Now, is it Friday yet?

Sunglass Warehouse Aviators c/o // Urban Outfitters Blazer and Jeans // Madewell Silk Blouse – similar // Sole Society Heels // Olivia + Joy Zarrah Satchel c/o – 25% through today with code FESTIVAL14 // Vintage Bracelets

April 7, 2014March 7, 2015

seeing double

I already tried out gingham on gingham a few weeks back, but when I picked up this swingy little skirt I couldn’t resist another variation on the doubled up print. There’s something about Central Park that always brings out the Blair Waldorf in me, so for a weekend stroll it seemed like the perfect chance to go a little bit schoolgirl with the whole thing, toss on some knee socks (which are actually perfect when it comes to transitional weather), this pink and black satchel (last seen here) and these flashy little Lulu Frost earrings. I love that in New York, even a walk in the park calls for getting a little bit dressed up if you want to.

TopShop Crop Top // Madewell Skirt // Gap Turtleneck // Lulu Frost Earrings // Zara Bag // K.Bell Socks c/o // Steve Madden Loafers – old, dying to have these next // Sunglass Warehouse Glasses c/o