Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 205 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

December 30, 2013March 7, 2015

a story to tell

If you haven’t already noticed, I like fashion that has a story to tell. A vintage skirt from the 50’s (that I searched for here and then debuted here), a necklace from my old days as a jewelry designer in New York, a denim jacket that probably has too many stories to tell at this point.. you get it. If you follow me on instagram then you know that I lamented over having to walk away from these green suede booties a few weeks ago – only to find them under the tree with a note ‘from Santa’ on Christmas morning. This is what you would call a fairy tale ending. Another new piece with a story to tell is this navy vegan leather jacket. I’d been lusting after it online before Langford Market made it mine, and it didn’t disappoint. Way more unexpected than my black leather jacket, it’s already paired perfectly with denim, plaid, and cozy textured sweaters. Main (wardrobe) character material if you ask me.

Langford Market Jacket c/o // Denim Jacket – similar + extra 40% off with code SHOPHAPPY // Vintage Skirt // Timex Watch c/o // F21 Booties – now 50% off!

December 30, 2013March 7, 2015

a look back: 2013

I read a quote once that said something to the affects of ‘there are years that ask questions, and years that answer them’. While those years may not always be measured by January 1 – December 31, in general I think that phrase rings quite true. When I think back on 2013, I think it was a year that answered questions. At the tail end of 2012 I had moved to California, changed career paths and started this blog (in other words, I was asking a lot of questions..). This year I was lucky enough to create a home here in LA, explore the west coast, and grow this blog into something that I’m pretty proud of. And what you ask of 2014? See how I phrased that as a question? That’s right, I’m ready to ask a few big ones this year and I’m hoping you’ll stick around to follow me on this fashionable journey.

Some highlights…

– Explored CA (day trips to Catalina Island and Santa Barbara were my favorites)

– Continued to evolve my personal style (these were some of my favorites – 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5)

– Took just one trip home to PA (far too short) and one back to New York (where I attended Lucky FABB and got to see the friends and city I miss so dearly)

– Worked with some amazing brands and made new friends through blogging – of which came really fun opportunities (like this and this)

– Started a signature jewelry line – one I’m hoping to grow much more in the coming year

– Made a foray into film (here and here)

– Had a lot of help from the boy behind the camera (who gets nowhere near the credit he deserves for his work in bringing this blog to where it is today) and so much support from family, friends and all of you – so thank you!!

It’s been a pretty great year and I’ve been so grateful to have had the chance to share it with all of you. Here’s to the next 365!

December 27, 2013March 7, 2015

spotted: new years eve sparkle

The Steele Maiden: New Years Eve Sparkle

While I’m still coming to terms with the fact that Christmas came and went (hopefully you all had a wonderful day!) the thought of another holiday next week certainly eases going back to work so soon. I actually still haven’t made any plans for New Years Eve but whether or I go all out or have a low key night – there will be champagne and there will be a bit of sparkle. I mentioned it earlier this week, but I don’t tend to spend a ton on special occasion dresses – the one above is under $50! – and instead would splurge more on pieces I can wear again. This leopard coat would look great with a pair of ankle boots and graphic t-shirt long after the ball drops and those shoes? Picture them with a pair of boyfriend jeans and cozy sweater to add a bit of shine to dark winter days. Another mini splurge? This lipstick. But you can’t put a price on a midnight kiss.

Capwell & Co. Ring // Sole Society Bag – now 60% off! // Asos Leopard Coat – on major sale! // YSL Lipstick in Deep Raspberry // Ruche Sequin Dress – 15% off with code FORYOU // Anthropologie Heels – on sale plus an extra 25% off with code 25BELOW // image via Barefoot Blonde

December 24, 2013March 7, 2015

golden girl

Since I’m having a pretty low key Christmas tomorrow, I’ll probably be keeping things casual (i.e. pajamas for a majority of the day). But tonight we’re planning on going out to eat in Downtown LA and I wanted something that I could wear for a short day at the office and then transition straight to Christmas cocktails. In general I like things that are sort of at odds with one another. A striped t-shirt and a fur collar. Unfussy hair but with glittering statement earrings. Or a basic pair of oxfords done up in ridiculous patent gold. Things that say, I’m practical – but I don’t take myself too seriously. And it never hurts to shine a bit brighter this time of year, right? So whether you’ll be wearing pajamas or fancy gold shoes (or hey, maybe both..) tomorrow, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas surrounded by the people you hold near and dear. See you back here on Thursday friends!

H&M Fur Collar – old, similar here // F21 Striped Tshirt // Urban Outfitters Leather Jacket // Gap Trousers – 20% Off with code GAPXMAS // H&M Clutch – old, similar here // GH Bass & Co. Gold Oxfords

December 23, 2013March 7, 2015

diners club

I’ve got a soft spot for anything classic Americana. Diners, old neon signs, red, white and blue combos.. all of it. I happened to be wearing my own take on the classic color combo the other day when we passed by this diner in Santa Monica and these pictures pretty much took themselves. This striped denim dress is surprisingly one of my relatively more expensive dresses (bought a few years back at Free People), but it always seemed to make sense to me to pay more for something you’ll wear a million times rather than say, a special occasion dress. When it comes to my weekend looks lately I’ve been layering up in neutrals and then adding in pops of color with accessories like this velvet bag (last seen here) or this perfectly oversized plaid scarf. Easy as pie. Preferably classic apple.

Scarves.net Plaid Scarf c/o // Tulle Jacket c/o // J.Crew Chambray Shirt – 30% off with code GIFTNOW // Free People Dress // Asos Bag c/o // Zara Boots – similar here on sale