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

January 20, 2014March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

Seemingly out of touch with the reality of winter, Los Angeles has hovered in the mid 80’s for the past several days – making bare legs and beach trips the new normal for the middle of January. As my trip back home to the East Coast approaches in a couple of weeks I’m worrying if my legs are going to reject the idea of being forced back into tights altogether. An added benefit of living in a summer’s winter, is that when stores suddenly release their Spring clothes (typically taunting when I lived in New York and was still bundled to my ears) you can actually wear them! So far I’m loving the continuing trend of graphic tees, bright florals, matching skirt and top sets, chalky pastel colors, and anything athletic inspired. What are you dreaming of for this Spring?

p.s. the voting is still going on for the chance to be sent to WWD Magic next month and the race is definitely close. You can vote every 24 and I would truly appreciate the help!

VOTE HERE

January 16, 2014March 7, 2015

closet classics / 01

The Steele Maiden: Closet Classics - Red Pointed Toe Pumps

One of my goals for the blog this year was to focus on really building a closet full of things I love and can wear again and again – and also to be more open with you on exactly where I’m spending my hard earned cash. Lately I’ve taken a new approach. Before shopping – I scroll back through my recent pins on Pinterest. Have I been gravitating towards neutrals? Then a cozy knit sweater in winter white would be wise. Have the pins been denim heavy? Then perhaps it’s time to look for a new pair of jeans. This works for me because I tend to pin looks that have elements similar to those in my closet, not say, ball gowns just because I think they’re pretty. Well for the past month or so, it seemed I couldn’t get enough of casual looks, made instantly more pulled together with red pointed toe pumps. While they’d obviously be great with a dressier look, I love a sleek, sexy pump with denim, knits, and easy layers. Instantly elevated. So I finally picked up a pair for myself and they’re just as perfect as I’d imagined. Plus, I’ve already got a ton of ideas on how to wear them from the aforementioned pins. See how that works out? I’ll be sharing more of my Closet Classics as we go along, but I’d love to hear some of yours as well!

Shop Red Pointed Toe Pumps:

p.s. Don’t forget – you can vote here every 24 hours to help me win the chance to be an official blogger at WWD Magic in Las Vegas! Please and thank you 🙂

images via: Pinterest // Frankie Hearts Fashion // The Sweetest Thing // my own // Vanessa Jackman

January 15, 2014March 7, 2015

washed out

Coincidentally, the last time I visited this Santa Monica park I was wearing an extremely similar outfit (down to the plaid shirt around the waist). The only real difference? The saturation of the colors. In Fall and during the Holidays I’m all about the jewel tones, burgundy, navy, emerald – can’t get enough. But now that we’re on the road to Spring (and hitting 80 degree weather in LA) more washed out tones just feel right. Also – I’m standing by my argument that everyone needs a navy leather jacket. I mean, a black leather jacket just wouldn’t work in the same way with these softer greys and pinks. Oh, and this one is 50% off right now – so grab it while you can!

p.s. In case you missed it – I’ve made it to the final round of voting to be an official blogger at WWD Magic! Only the 8 bloggers with the most votes will be sent to Vegas to report on next season’s trends and it would mean the world to me if you could vote! Reminder.. you can vote every 24 hours. Thanks so much friends 🙂 vote here

Paige Plaid Shirt ℅ – now on sale! // H&M lace top, old // Langford Market Jacket c/o – now 50% off! // Urban Outfitters Skirt // Sole Society Boots

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