Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 201 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

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

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!