Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 198 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

February 20, 2014March 7, 2015

nyfw: fall trends now

One of the things that I love about Fashion Week is that even though the runways are a season ahead, there’s so much inspiration to be found that can be interpreted right away. As I transition back into cold weather and suddenly have to wait for warmer days like the rest of the country, I’m looking for things that combine the feminine feel I always crave for Spring with the utilitarian aspect that Winter demands. Pulling from some of my favorite looks seen at Rebecca Minkoff and Karen Walker, I’m loving the combination above. This denim midi skirt and cozy knit cardigan are softened with a satchel in the season’s ‘it’ shade of blush pink and a bold floral tank. Topped off with an easy beanie and rugged yet totally cool booties (perfect now with tights and later with just a silky dress) it makes for the perfect girly meets tough transitional balance. And speaking of girly meets tough, Karen Walker’s show was actually inspired by the Suffragettes – who kind of wrote the book on the whole no frills feminine look. Totally inspiring.

Modcloth Satchel // J.Crew Floral Top – on sale! // Madewell Cardigan – on sale! // F21 Beanie // BC Footwear Booties via Urban Outfitters // Topshop Skirt

p.s. I shared some of my other favorite trends from NYFW over on designer consignment e-tailer SnobSwap’s blog so be sure to check it out! I’d love to hear what your favorite trends were too!

February 18, 2014March 7, 2015

black cat crossing

I wouldn’t exactly call myself superstitious (my birthday falls on the 13th and it’s been my favorite number for far longer than it’s been Taylor Swift’s..), but lately things are going so perfectly that I find myself actually worried I’m going to jinx it all somehow. Break a mirror, walk under a ladder, see a black cat crossing, you get the idea. To beat luck at it’s own game I figured I’d play the black cat, and for an easy date night look this past weekend went head to toe in the color save for the addition of a few choice leopard print accents. I’m not sure if this look is more LA or more NY? But I guess that’s a battle I’ll work out once I’m back settled on the other coast, still riding on the high of my recent good fortunes. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Urban Outfitters Jacket // Madewell Peplum Top – similar // H&M Pleated Skirt – similar // Vintage YSL Clutch // Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses c/o // Shoemint Heels

February 17, 2014March 7, 2015

serious business

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how I’d like to evolve my work wear wardrobe as I move on to a new position (and back to New York in general). While I don’t know if more serious is the most apt description I think more streamlined is fitting. Here in LA I’ve definitely found myself drawn towards more and more casual looks and so I’m pretty excited to get back to dressing up a bit more. For work, that will mean more pencil skirts and blazers/light jackets and maybe a little less denim. But since it’s still me (and the West Coast has definitely had it’s influence) you can probably expect pops of color to stick around, playful print mixes thrown in there and a slouchy t-shirt or two. And perhaps I’ll trade in my trusty ankle boots for an extra pair of sky high heels. Now, let’s call a cab.

Langford Market Jacket c/o – now 50% off! // Sunglass Warehouse Glasses c/0 // F21 Striped T-Shirt // J.Crew Factory Pencil Skirt – love this one // Sole Society Bag c/o // Thrifted Necklace // Zara Heels – similar here

February 17, 2014March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

With less than 2 weeks left in Los Angeles – and a to do list (and accompanying stress levels) that have pretty much reached fever pitch, we still managed to find a few moments to relax this weekend and share a very California Valentine’s Day (it involved a pitcher of margaritas on the beach and setting off sparklers in the sand – both of which are actually illegal.. but true love is reckless, right?). And between putting together boxes and selling our life’s belongings off on craigslist, I snuck some time to daydream about the decor in our next place (in case you missed it I shared a peek into our LA home here) and planning out the cross country route we’d take on our return trip. Anyone else ever done a coast to coast road trip? We went the southern route on our way here and are thinking of going northern on the way back (starting up in San Francisco) – would love suggestions from anyone who’s driven/lives along the way!

February 14, 2014March 7, 2015

candy crush

Whether you’ve got an actual date to celebrate Valentine’s Day with or are just eating far too many candy hearts (my favorites are the Sweet Tart ones..), I’m hoping everyone has a love filled day lined up for themselves. I’ve been in overdrive this week and am seriously looking forward to a quiet night spent with my own crush (and the aforementioned candies) to relax a bit before resuming the hectic pace that comes with making a cross country move . Meanwhile, this pastel wall and denim dress from online retailer Grayson are just a little candy heart inspired themselves and since I’ve been loving pastels lately I couldn’t help but match them up. I desperately needed to give my chambray shirt a break (you guys know the one), so this shirtdress version was just the thing. And at under $20 it’s a no brainer for running around on the weekends. Something I have a feeling I’ll be doing quite a bit of over the next couple of weeks.

Grayson Dress c/o // Restritcted Boots c/o – get 30% off with code STEELEMAIDEN30 now through 2/28 // Bag via TJ Maxx