Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 200 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

January 31, 2014March 7, 2015

jet lag

As you read this I’m either somewhere in the midst of a long flight out of LAX or have already touched down on the East Coast and have a mild case of jet lag setting in. Dressing for long flights is tricky enough as it is, but add in a nearly 50 degree temperature swing and you’ve got yourself a serious style challenge (don’t worry – I’m packing a coat). If you remember my last post on travel style then you’ll know I’m not one for wearing sweatpants when I travel. An ankle boot with a walkable heel and a pair of jeans with a good amount of give are my go to in cooler weather, plus light layers to deal with the hot/cold conundrum I always seem to find myself on mid-flight. Another must (especially when I plan on sleeping) is a hat to hide beneath when you get off the plane. And then – to make the practicality of it all not seem so boring, I typically toss on something statement making but still comfortable – like this polka dot silk shirt and mint beaded necklace. Noise canceling headphones and a window seat don’t hurt either.

Follow me here this weekend to see how I’m surviving the polar vortex, handling Maid of Honor duties, and a glimpse at my little hometown.

Asos Beanie c/o // J.Crew Polka Dot Shirt – cute option here // Gap Turtleneck & Jeans // F21 Boots & Necklace // Bag via TJ Maxx

January 30, 2014March 8, 2015

passing through: abbot kinney

Abbot Kinney – named so for the developer & conservationist responsible for the area – is a small stretch of shops and restaurants a few minutes East of Venice Beach, California. With a focus on independent designers and farm to table fare the area is akin to Brooklyn’s Williamsburg – albeit with a surfer vibe. It was one of the very first areas we explored after moving to West LA and continues to be a favorite spot to wander on weekends. If you live in Southern California and haven’t been then I urge you to add it to your list and if you’re visiting from out of town it’s certainly worth a day of your trip (you can tack on the Venice canals and a visit to the nearby eclectic stretch of beach to round things out). Below a few of my favorite stops along the way.

1. Lemonade – One of the few ‘chain’ restaurants/stores along Abbot Kinney, Lemonade is a Southern California outpost that earns a spot on my list for it’s seasonally fresh menu and relaxed cafe vibes. Don’t forget dessert.

2. UrbanInc – one of the prettiest stationary shops I’ve ever come across, if you like beautiful cards, gift wrap and office accessories (think Rifle Paper Co. meets Kate Spade) then this is a must visit.

3. Satine – the second outpost of this upscale boutique, perfect for window shopping (or dropping a pretty penny) you’ll find brands like Alexander Wang and Rebecca Minkoff mingling with their own signature brand

4. Firefly – a lifestyle boutique (there’s even a Firefly Kids next door for little ones) this well curated shop offers a great selection of housewares, clothing, accessories and more – I especially love their selection of books and candles

5. GTA – Gjelina Take Away (or GTA) offers the great taste of always packed Gjelina next door, without the formalities. Wait in line outside for a slice of wood oven baked pizza and eat it while people watching out on the street.

6. Toms Flagship Store – even if the boardwalk friendly shoes aren’t your vibe (although you’ll find elevated styles here you may not see anywhere else), this store also boasts a full coffee bar & cafe, backyard seating area, and even monthly movie nights. A great spot to rest your feet a minute (and well, at least try on a pair of new shoes).