Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 204 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

January 7, 2014March 7, 2015

daily routine

My typical weekday daily routine involves some variation of what you are seeing here. While it remains blissfully warm here in LA (and to all those shivering in the Midwest and up and down the East Coast right now please try and stay warm.. and don’t hate my bare legs) I still like to feel as if I’m dressing for ‘winter’. So a sweater, skirt and ankle boots do the trick in my fairly casual office. These boots were picked up during Sole Society’s post holiday sale and are an updated replacement to an old beloved pair I’d all but worn to shreds. Not only are they supremely comfortable, but I like that I can also pair them with these trouser socks which I stole borrowed from Adam’s drawer. My new haircut is the curveball in my morning routine but so far it’s been fun to play around with the versatility of these longer length bangs (worn here with a center part and yesterday with a side sweep).

Tulle Sweater c/o // Urban Outfitters Skirt – last seen here // Vintage Bag // Timex Watch c/o // Sole Society Boots

January 6, 2014March 7, 2015

a cut above

There’s something sort of transformative about a new haircut and color. I have had precisely the same hairstyle for probably the past 5 years and lately doing anything to it – and frankly, even looking in the mirror – was starting to just be a bore. With about 4-5″ gone, a lightened and brightened color and what I’ve dubbed “grown out bangs” I feel like I’m ready to take on 2014 with a fresh outlook. Nothing I’m wearing here is new to the blog but this year I want to allow myself to be a bit more honest about how often I re-wear things. I don’t want you to believe that I’m this magical blogger buying new clothes each week – I’d rather you come to know and love certain wardrobe pieces of mine and relate them to the pieces you already own. Say, a slouchy black sweater that you never thought to pair with a snug pencil skirt. Here’s to seeing things – even if it’s just your own head of hair – in a new light.

Headband – borrowed from a friend, similar // H&M Sweater – similar // Madewell Skirt – similar // Vintage Bag // Booties via Marshalls – similar

January 6, 2014March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

The first weekend flashback of 2014! Admittedly I’d been in a bit of a post holiday slump ever since New Year’s Eve. Despite setting some goals for the blog, I just wasn’t exactly feeling inspired to go out and act on said goals. But then Saturday rolled around and my long awaited appointment at the hair salon. I’m telling you, I feel like a new person. My closet which was starting to feel packed – but with nothing to wear – suddenly is full of options I never had seen before. I took time to write long overdue handwritten notes. I cleared out my inbox. I tackled Maid of Honor (my sister’s walking down the aisle in just 4 short months!) duties. Sometimes, you just need to make one change and the rest will follow suit I guess. Come back tomorrow and I’ll reveal the haircut/color that I have to thank for it. ..and in the meantime you can always follow me on facebook, instagram, or twitter!

January 3, 2014March 7, 2015

on to 2014

First of all, happy 2014! It took me a little longer than expected to get this post together – partially because sometimes my goals are so large they’re difficult to put into words, and partially because I wanted to draw a fine line between empty resolutions and well thought out plans for the next ~~365~~ 362 days. So below, a few thoughts on the direction I’m hoping to head this year. And beyond these, I’d love to hear your feedback. What makes you come back or what are you interested in seeing/hearing that I’ve yet to post?

Experiment: I’ve been doing my hair and make-up nearly the exact same way for years now and it feels like it’s time to shake things up. I’m a complete beauty amateur but instead of just pouring over Pinterest images, I’m looking forward to trying my hand at a fresh look. Same goes for trying new accessories, colors or styles. It’s 2014, why wait?

Expand: Travel is something besides fashion that hugely inspires me and I want to expand on that here on the blog. Mentions/suggestions for cities I’ve already been to, neighborhood spotlights in places I’ve lived, as well as visits to new places are all on the horizon.

Share: For the most part I stick to style commentary around here and try to censor anything too personal, but I’d like to share bits and pieces of the rest of my life. Maybe it will be a home tour or telling you about my fitness routine or just letting you know that I’ve had a bad day – either way I’m hoping to open up a bit more.

Search: Don’t worry – first and foremost The Steele Maiden is about fashion and will continue to be that way. This year one of my goals is to really continue to build my ideal wardrobe. That means spending more time searching for unique vintage and thrift finds (something I sadly didn’t make much time for in 2013), investing in classic pieces I know I’ll wear again and again, and not getting too caught up in the trends of the moment (aka that item that every blogger suddenly owns).

Thanks for sticking around for another year (and this lengthy post..). Be sure to check back on Monday. I’m getting a jump start on the above goals and you won’t want to miss it!

December 31, 2013March 7, 2015

mulholland drive

When I look back at my posts from this past year, I think often they were as much about where I was that day as they were about what I was wearing. In fact, in case you ever found yourself wondering, this blog’s name is in reference to my stylish voyage through life (plus a play on Steele being my ‘maiden’ name). So it felt appropriate to send off the year with one last fashionable journey. Mulholland Drive is one of the few roads in Los Angeles that I can say with honesty that I love. There’s just a feeling in the air up on those curvy canyon roads, high above Hollywood, that makes you want to stop and take it all in (there’s a reason it’s been memorialized in countless songs and movies). Style-wise I think Southern California has definitely had an influence on me since my arrival, slowly loosening up my previously pretty classic & feminine looks. A Mulholland sunset and dusty ankle boots felt like a perfect pairing for watching the final sunset of 2013.

Wishing you all a happy & healthy New Year – see you back here in 2014!

Target Hat // F21 Romper // Gap Sweater // Tulle Jacket – sold out, similar here // Steve Madden Boots via Marshalls