Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 195 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

March 14, 2014March 7, 2015

flashback friday

As predicted, I was all over the place this week. Both literally, and in these pictures. We’re still in the midst of apartment hunting and starting a new job always kind of throws you for a loop, so I thought it felt fitting to end the week with a Flashback Friday of sorts. Just a few random outfits that never made it here to the blog for one reason or another. Some are from a few months back in LA (note the bare legs), the ones with the giant badminton shuttlecock in the backdrop is at a museum in Kansas City along our road trip, and the bundled up pictures are from this past weekend in New York. Looking forward to staying in one place soon!

Look 1: Asos Sweater c/o – now on sale! // Marshalls Shirt // Vintage Bag

Look 2: Sole Society Hat c/o // Sunglass Warehouse Aviators c/o // Tulle Jacket // Scarves.net Scarf c/o // Vintage Bag // Sole Society Booties

Look 3: Old Navy Coat // Forever 21 Blazer // Built by Wendy Dress // Bag via Marshalls

Look 4: Gap Turtleneck // Madewell Dress // Seychelles Heels

March 12, 2014March 7, 2015

blush and black

This weather is taking some getting used to. While we’ve had a couple of days in the high 50’s, there’s also been some cold, snow flurry, blustery mornings that I’m trying to remember how to dress for (one thing I don’t mind is that I had an excuse to wear this faux fur scarf again – LA only allowed it this once. Aside from my minimal archive of winter accessories, I’m trying to channel Spring by mixing in pastels like this blush pink dress, two tone Zara satchel (if you follow me here you already know it was one of the first things I grabbed during last weekend’s shopping spree), and a pale lavender manicure. Judging by the amount of pastels in stores lately I’m guessing the whole of the fashion world is trying this exact same trick!

p.s. holy blonde hair! It’s a bit lighter than I originally intended, but I’m kind of loving it. Plus if anything channels a warm sunny day it’s golden hair, right?

Sunglass Warehouse Glasses c/o // Scarves.net scarf c/o // Denim Jacket – similar // F21 Sweater // F21 Dress – similar // Zara Bag // Booties via Marshalls // Lavender Nail Polish – similar

March 10, 2014March 7, 2015

check mate

I already mentioned it here, but my draw towards graphic black and white looks is still going strong. Not surprisingly, one of the first things I picked up while shopping in Soho over the weekend was this gingham cropped top. Luckily I already had this classic gingham button down on hand and so the idea to pair them together just seemed to make sense. That and the fact that even in 50 degree weather I wasn’t quite ready to bare my midsection. A few easy and bright accessories, plus ripped skinny jeans and a coat that was just barely needed, and this outfit was perfect for wandering in and out of shops, eating lunch outside, and strolling my way through the afternoon. I think you’re looking at my new Saturday uniform.

F21 Beanie // Topshop Cropped Top // Sunglass Warehouse Aviators c/o // J.Crew Shirt – similar // Old Navy Jeans – now on sale! // Zara Clutch – similar via Asos // F21 Booties – similar on sale!

March 9, 2014March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

After over 3,500 miles, countless hours in the car, enough 1 night stays across the country to make me feel like I was on tour, and counting daylight savings 4 hours lost – we’ve made it back to New York. And it feels good. Of course my welcome back weekend was largely helped by the winning of an extravagant grand prize package through Glam Media (a million thanks!!!). Friday began by overlooking Central Park at the famed John Barrett salon and the day ended with one of the best meals I’ve ever had at One if by Land, Two if by Sea. The restaurant is in an old carriage house in the West Village and between exposed brick, stained glass, and intimate tables for 2 is probably one of the most romantic spots I’ve seen in the city. The rest of our time was spent spending my shopping spree winnings (I’ll be sharing my purchases over the next couple of weeks), and catching up with friends. And did I mention it was 50 degrees and sunny on Saturday? Tomorrow is my first day at the new job and since we’re still in the process of nailing down an apartment things are hectic. But looking back on the weekend I just had and towards what’s ahead – I’d say I’m feeling pretty lucky.

March 6, 2014March 7, 2015

spotted: black and white

The Steele Maiden: Black and White Modern Graphic for Spring

Aside from the fact that as of today I’ll officially be a New Yorker again and will be starting an exciting new job on Monday, there’s one more reason I’m looking forward to this weekend. A few months back I found out I was the grand prize winner of a ‘Trends to Try’ contest held by Glam Media/Kotex after submitting a photo from this post on a whim. The prize? An incredible weekend long trip to New York for 2, a seriously generous shopping spree, and a morning at the famed John Barrett salon in Bergdorf Goodmans. Crazy, right? I actually still can’t believe it, but it is in fact happening and so we thought what better weekend to cash in on the prize than our first one back! Since the shopping spree is for far more money than I’ve ever spent in one day, I thought I’d better have a game plan. Aside from some pretty pastels (how good are these shoes?) and new basics (i.e. anything from Madewell), I have my eye out for modern, graphic, black and white pieces that will easily transition from the last bit of Winter into Spring, and from my new desk straight out into the city for drinks. It’s going to be a fun weekend, and if you have any suggestions on how you would spend the winnings, what I should have done to my hair, or new restaurants I’ve got to catch up on since my time away in LA – please feel free to share!

From Top Left: J.Crew Factory Top // French Connection Mules // F21 Jacket // BaubleBar Necklace // Restricted Flats // Topshop Top // Elizabeth and James Perfume // Loft Skirt

More black and white picks: