Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 203 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

January 14, 2014March 7, 2015

all american

It wouldn’t be a week on The Steele Maiden if I didn’t wear this J.Crew chambray shirt now would it? But in all seriousness, this shirt has paid for itself tenfold. Making their premiere are these red suede pumps that I suspect will get their equal share of attention in my wardrobe. They’re the sort of thing that would work equally well with a date night LBD and swipe of red lipstick as they do with a denim on denim off duty look as shown here. Instead of just pointing out when I constantly re-wear things I was thinking of starting a little mini series highlighting some of my ultimate essentials.. thoughts?

On a side note: I’ve made it to the top 18 finalists to be sent to WWD Magic tradeshow in Las Vegas as an official reporting blogger! Talking next season’s trends is basically my dream come true, but the only way I can get there is if I’m one of 8 highest voted via their facebook page. You can vote everyday (I’ll be reminding you) and I will be incredibly grateful. Plus if I go, all of you will get to hear what next Fall’s retail trends are months before anyone else, so really – win, win.

Get your vote on right this way! xx

J.Crew Chambray Shirt and Jeans // F21 Shirt – cute option here // Vintage Bag // Lulu’s Heels

January 10, 2014March 7, 2015

losing my cool

This lace dress has now successfully transitioned from Summer to Fall to Winter (okay, okay, it’s not so hard when that’s only been about a 20 degree temperature swing in LA.. but still). These days I’m loving mixing it with super casual pieces like this perfectly cozy sweater from my friends over at Langford Market (50% Off right now!) and this thrifted men’s button down. The look plays into a whole laid back cool that I try and channel on my days off. But, because the universe serves to come and knock you back down to size, immediately after taking these photos I fell off the top bleachers. And I don’t mean a little misstep. I mean, backpack flying, skirt lifting, limbs sprawling fall that resulted in pavements burns and bruises. Sometimes, fashion really does hurt. Wishing you a slightly more graceful entry into the weekend.

Thrifted Shirt // Langford Market Sweater c/o – entire store 50% off!! // Free People lace dress – similar here on sale // Vintage Belt // Backpack via TJ Maxx // Timex Watch c/o // Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses c/o // Forever 21 Booties

January 9, 2014March 7, 2015

hollywood blvd

They happen to be having a major moment right now, but when I picked up these over the knee boots there was only one thing I could think of. Vivian Ward (aka Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman). And so when it came time to debut my new boots here on the blog there was really only one place to do it – Hollywood Blvd baby. The most important thing when wearing boots that remind you of well, a less than admirable profession, is to go seriously modest with the rest of your look. A loose shift dress works well, or in this case a skort (you read that right) and a covered up to the neck shirt and sweater combo. As it happened, as we were walking away the look still garnered a few remarks from a group of men sitting outside nearby and when Adam replied one man called out after us.. ‘Welcome to Hollywood’. An exact line from Pretty Woman. It was weirdly kind of perfect. In the end I’m not sure this look will help you find your Richard Gere – but with boots like these the search will definitely be more interesting.Thrifted Sweater (also here) // Urban Outfitters Skort // Vintage Clutch // F21 Over the Knee Boots (found in store on sale for less than $25!!)

January 8, 2014March 7, 2015

spotted: matching sets

The Steele Maiden: Matching sets with Seychelles Shoes and Lush

If you follow me on Facebook then you already know I’ve become completely enamored with these matched skirt sets from Lush Clothing. I first encountered Lush when I had the chance to attend the WWD Magic tradeshow in Vegas last February (if you’ve never heard of it – Magic is to retail what NYFW is to the runway – a chance for lines to showcase all of the next season’s trends in one dizzying week) and have been following the California based clothing brand ever since. When I saw this photo of blogger Happily Grey pop up, I wasn’t surprised that the playfully cool look came from them. I’d take any of the variations above and pair them with a chunky ankle strap wedge from Seychelles (another Magic favorite) in a contrasting color, texture or print for a retro meets modern look.

p.s I know this is my second post today – but some things are just too good not to share!

Lush Crop Top and Skirt Set via Nordstrom (1, 2, 3) Seychelles Ankle Strap Wedges via 6pm (1, 2, 3)

January 8, 2014March 7, 2015

street art

Turns out – even though I finally had my hair done, I still haven’t lost my affinity for hats. And nothing quite says weekend casual in Santa Monica better then a neon beanie. I always point out this overly graffiti-ed building when we drive by, so over the weekend on our typical Sunday morning Starbucks run we finally stopped by. I last wore this skirt here and I’m still kind of wearing it with a London girl vibe – but this time maybe it’s more London by way of Southern California? Who knows. In the end it was a Marshalls find for less than $10 so I’m happy to play around without regrets.F21 Beanie // Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses c/o // F21 Sweater – similar // J.Crew Chambray Shirt – on sale // Marshalls Skirt // Target Sneakers // TJ Maxx Bag – similar here