Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 197 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

February 10, 2014March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

I guess I’ll blame it on Valentine’s Day (or the looks coming off the runways at NYFW..) but I’m still head over heels in love with the color pink these days. And heels, naturally. Despite my desire to be dressed up, Saturday was spent pretty casually taking care of life’s biggest nuisances – taxes and chores. Not exactly the stuff of blog post dreams. But I’ll be back to my usual skirt-wearing self starting tomorrow, where if you return (and I sincerely hope you do) you’ll find the kick off to a week’s worth of outfits and a pretty major life announcement.

p.s. Another reason to check in around here early this week? I’ll be announcing the winner of my GIVEAWAY with Adore Me – for those late to the game.. there’s still a few more hours left to enter!

February 7, 2014March 7, 2015

NYFW fall 2014: day one

We’re only a few days into February and already I feel like I’m in a whirlwind. So consider today’s post a check in before a week’s worth of outfits, a proper NYFW recap and a pretty major announcement kicking off on Monday. Since I’m not attending Fashion Week this season (September, I’m coming for ya..), I’ve been living vicariously through instagram and the quickly updated world of Style.com. Whit – started in 2010, designer Whitney Pozgay formerly worked at both Kate Spade and Steven Alan – is one of my favorite young NY designers to watch. The Fall collection delivered with modern silhouettes (how cute is that midi skirt and jumper?), playful prints and a sophisticated color palette. Basically I want it all. Between watching the talent coming out of New York and cheering on our athletes in Sochi – I’m pretty proud to be on team America heading into the weekend.

A few more fun things of note:

1. There’s just a couple of days left to enter my GIVEAWAY with Adore Me – and you could get your hands on a pretty new lingerie set just in time for Valentine’s Day!

2. Speaking of one’s to watch, ThirdLove is another lingerie company that I think is sure to create a name for themselves, offering gorgeous product with great fit and quality. Use code STEELEM20 for 20% off your purchase!

3. And because, who doesn’t love a great deal – my friends at Restricted Shoes are giving you 30% off all regularly priced items now – 2/28 with code THESTEELEMAIDEN30. Go ahead and treat yourself.

Stick around people – things are about to get really, really good.

February 5, 2014March 7, 2015

closet classics / 02

The Steele Maiden: Closet Classics - Intimates Wardrobe

When I started my Closet Classics series this year, my purpose was to tackle the items that every woman should invest in. And while we all know a trench coat and a little black dress are great buys, it seemed that there was one category no one was offering up advice on. Building an intimates wardrobe is the foundation of getting dressed and yet so many of us continue to wear ill fitting or otherwise worn out items under our beautiful, brand new clothes (my first retail job was at Victoria’s Secret.. I promise you, I’ve seen it all). So I’m bringing you the basics today – as well as spotlighting a few brands that may be new to you – in hopes of making sure that the first thing you put on each day is something that makes you look (and feel) great.

1. Everyday Wear: This Calvin Klein set comes from online retailer True and Co. and has rave reviews. A seamless full coverage bra and panty set in nude is an absolute must have – perfect for all day wear and under silk/knit tops or dresses. The great thing about True & Co. is that they offer at home try ons, meaning you can order several bras, try them on in the comfort of your own closet and then simply return the ones that don’t work.

2. Special Occasions: A semi sheer lace balconette and boy short is sexy while still being elegant, and works great under a date night dress. This particular set is from ThirdLove, a brand that offers an easy to use sizing app to ensure the perfect fit without ever having a salesperson take out their tape measure. They were kind enough to send me this black & white set and I can tell you the fit and quality are far beyond what you would expect for the price. The very best part? They’re offering you all 20% off with code STEELEM20.

3. Pretty Push-Up: Everyone needs a little extra lift now and then. NY based company AdoreMe has so many beautiful yet affordable sets (the brand was started by a former head of design at Victoria’s Secret) and offers lots of plus size options. Interested in the Brielle set shown above? Enter my GIVEAWAY here to win your favorite set of Adore Me lingerie!

4. Supportive Sportswear: I’ve always had great luck with the Champion brand that you can find at Target (I typically look for medium-high support for running and more basic low support options for yoga/strength training). Depending on how often you work out, I like to keep at least 2-3 of these on hand.

5. Convertible Options: This strapless bra from Aerie comes with an optional strap for those trickier dresses/tops and a classic lightly lined cup (I find these stay put better than a push up). Fun fact: Aerie recently announced that they will no longer be photoshopping their models.. an amazing initiative when it comes to intimates and one I hope more brands will get behind.

6. Seamless Panties: It doesn’t matter the cut, although the Lacie thong from Victoria’s Secret is a fan favorite, just find something with stretch and seamless lines and go buy it in every color they offer. You’ll reach for these 9 times out of 10.

February 4, 2014March 7, 2015

snow fall

In case you missed it here – I spent the weekend in my snow covered Pennsylvania hometown. While everyone there was practically rejoicing in the 30 degree temperatures and a (short lived) break from fresh snow, I was forced to quickly remember how to properly layer. The good thing about going home after living in California is that there were several old sweaters and this cargo jacket waiting for me in my closet that I hadn’t needed to move with me. I could have used a pair of gloves and proper snow boots but for a walk down through the woods behind my parents’ house with my Dad (who took these pictures) all of the extra layers made me feel right at home. p.s. don’t forget to enter my GIVEAWAY with Adore Me for your chance to win a lingerie set of your choice, just in time for Valentine’s Day! H&M Coat – similar on sale! // Thrifted Sweater // Paige Denim Shirt c/o – now on sale! // Urban Outfitters Dress – similar // Sole Society Boots

February 3, 2014March 7, 2015

adore me giveaway

I think people tend to either love or hate Valentine’s Day (which is now less than 2 weeks away in case you’re counting..) but I fall somewhere in between. I like the idea of a day celebrating loved ones and a bit of extra romance – but mainly I think life is too short to celebrate that sentiment just one day a year. Significant other or not, I think you should buy yourself or someone you love flowers any old day in July. Light the good candles even if you’re only eating take-out on the couch. And wear pretty lingerie underneath jeans and a t-shirt, just because. Which is where New York based brand Adore Me comes in. They’ve got beautiful but completely affordable lingerie available in a huge range of sizes (I chose the Galatea set and love the pretty gold detailing on the lace) – and they’re offering one lucky reader a set of their choice just in time for Valentine’s Day. Or everyday for that matter.

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