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

February 24, 2014March 7, 2015

living color

There’s nothing quite like a pop of bright color (or 3) to give your classic stripes and denim a jolt of life. For some reason I had all but forgotten about this dress since the Summer (when I used to pair it with little more than my favorite espadrilles), but in an effort to remix my closet a bit I decided to layer it up with.. you guessed it.. my old faithful chambray shirt. And then, to liven things up, added a vintage magenta scarf, neon yellow satchel and cobalt blue pumps. Also, apparently, stripes and florals are my new Monday thing. And I think I’m okay with that. J.Crew Chambray Shirt // Vintage Scarf // Ruche Dress – exact version here // Target Bag – love this one // H&M Blue Pumps – similar

February 24, 2014March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

And just like that, it was our last weekend in LA. Friday night we celebrated our final days at our jobs out here with mexican (sorry East Coast, the West Coast really does rule here) and margs (one day early for National Margarita Day) before getting down to the real business of packing for the rest of the weekend. With less and less furniture and more and more things in boxes it’s a little like living in a storage unit, but luckily we’ll be on the road in just a few more days. Until then, stick around for the last days of me running around in California!

February 21, 2014March 7, 2015

at ease

While I’d like to pretend that I’m as at ease right now as these pictures indicate (taken last weekend, when it still felt like we had plennnttyyy of time left in LA), I’ve actually been a much more scattered version of myself these last couple of days. There’s some huge things on the horizon in the next few weeks that I cannot wait to share with you all.. but the logistics of getting there first are more than a little unnerving. To channel a mental calm, an outfit this easygoing surely can’t hurt. I’m usually not this casual style-wise but a mix of seriously comfortable short overalls, ankle boots and a cargo vest (last seen here) will be perfect for our cross country road trip that kicks off next Friday. Who’s placing bets on how many states we’ll cross before I’ll have to surrender my bare legs to tights again?

Asos Beanie c/o // Sunglass Warehouse Aviators c/o // Gap Tee // Urban Outfitters Vest – similar // Grayson Overalls c/o // Steve Madden Boots via Marshalls

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