Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 199 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

February 12, 2014March 7, 2015

la maison: los angeles home tour

One of the things I knew I wanted to do before we started packing up, was share a look into our LA home here on the blog. This place was such a labor of love for Adam and I, not only because it was our first shared space but also because when we moved in we literally only had what we had packed in the trunk of his car on our road trip out West. Aside from my ghost chair and West Elm Parson’s desk which I had shipped from my apartment in New York, most of the major pieces shown here were either craigslisted (our bedroom dresser was given a fresh coat of paint and Anthropologie mercury glass knobs), thrifted (our bar cart is a 1950’s typing desk), Ikea (couch and bedside tables) or built by Adam (those pipe bookshelves were a Pinterest dream he made a reality). While there are a few spots here and there I wish I could have changed, as a whole I love the space and will miss it’s beautiful double story fireplace, open lofted office space and all the memories we made while living here.

February 11, 2014March 7, 2015

floral femme

I’ve had this dress for about a month now but had been saving it to wear for my sister’s bridal shower (in PA it required tights, a faux fur scarf and a blanket coat..), but now that I’m back in LA – for a few more weeks at least – I took the chance to go bare legged and pair it with my favorite floppy hat (last seen here), a jewel toned bag and a turquoise statement necklace that I don’t think I’d pulled out to wear since college. While I am all for pretty pastels lately, this darker floral seems perfect for bridging the gap between Winter’s last hurrah and the true kick off to Spring. p.s. I announced the winner to the AdoreMe giveaway here!Lulu’s Dress – sold out, but luckily still available here! // Deux Lux Bag via Marshalls // Hat bought in downtown LA – similar // Necklace from an old boutique in Philadelphia – similar // Sole Society Booties c/o – now on sale!

February 10, 2014March 7, 2015

love on top

I named this post ‘Love on Top’ partially because of the fact that I’m wearing a t-shirt with the word love and I’m on top of our building’s roof, but mainly because of the Beyonce song by the same name. Regardless of whether or not her music is your style, the basic message I gather from the song is to find what you love in this world and make it yours, and I don’t think anyone out there can argue that. Which leads me to my big announcement… WE’RE MOVING BACK TO NEW YORK!! It’s been a crazy few weeks here and I’ve been nearly bursting at the seams to share but wanted to get all of the official details lined up before I went public. Living in California was such an amazing adventure (and one I’ll find the time – and the words – to talk more about before we head out in just, ahem, 18 short days?!?) but New York has always had my heart and more than any other place in the world, I feel most like myself there. That’s love on top if you ask me. I’m hoping all of you are up for the big adventure (including another cross country road trip!) and a pretty major change of scenery. It’s going to be the next big step in this fashionable journey, and I’d love to have you along for the ride.Tulle Coat c/o // Denim Jacket – similar // Grayson Love T-Shirt c/o // Nordstrom Jeans – similar // F21 Boots // Vintage Bag

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.