Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 211 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

November 22, 2013March 7, 2015

leather weather

Okay so in this case faux leather, but still. I’ve already got a trusty black leather bomber (last seen here) that has been a stand-by the past couple of seasons, but this tan slightly shrunken version (snagged at my company’s sample sale last weekend) just had to come home with me. I like how it has a much softer feel than a black leather jacket but still adds a cool factor to the outfit. And I love how with just one new piece the whole outfit can feel new again (you’ve seen this chambray shirt and mustard mini many times before..). Speaking of picking up a new item or two – next week I’m bringing you holiday shopping central – from sharing where I shop & offering curated Gift Guides to Black Friday blowouts & Shop Small Saturday suggestions I’ll have you covered. But if there’s anything (or anyone) in particular you want help with feel free to comment below or e-mail me! Just call me Santa Baby… Tulle Jacket c/o – now 50% off! // J.Crew Chambray Shirt – now 25% off! // Urban Outfitters Scarf – similar here // F21 Skirt // Steve Madden Boots via Marshalls // Bag via TJ Maxx

November 21, 2013March 7, 2015

on exhibit

This past weekend we wandered Downtown LA (deserted on the weekends) and took in a bit of the local art – both the kind you find hanging on gallery walls and the kind you happen upon on street corners. Maybe it’s the change of weather, but for someone who really loves a good dress/skirt I’ve found myself reaching for jeans more than usual this week. It doesn’t hurt that they’re such a no brainer pairing with all the jackets I’ve finally been able to pull out. And speaking of jackets, since yesterday I went pretty dramatic in a swingy cape today I kept things a lot simpler in this slim little moto jacket. With it’s small scale geometric print, contrast colorblocking, and clean lines – it’s practically a piece of art in it’s own right.

Moto Jacket – great options here and here // Vintage Sweater // J.Crew Button Down Shirt // Gap Jeans // H&M Pumps – similar here

November 20, 2013March 7, 2015

caped crusader

Lately I’ve been loving the statement making combination of a cape-like coat and over the knee boots and so when I saw this hooded number (tamed by the dark grey and black palette) I was quick to snap it up. While I’m still on the hunt for the perfect over the knee boots that won’t break the bank (Santa, can you hear me?) these socks layered over sheer tights provided a similar feel. As we move into winter I’m excited to try out some of the less practical jacket and coat styles that I shied away from investing in on the East Coast (where if it’s not doubly lined and zipped to my ears by December I won’t be caught dead in it). The whole thing was perfect for traipsing around this insanely ornate theater in downtown LA – which happened to be closed this day, meaning I was forced to provide all the drama. I think this cape stole the show. Tulle Cape c/o // F21 Striped T-Shirt – similar here // K.Bell Over the Knee Socks c/o // Seychelles Heels – on sale!

November 19, 2013March 7, 2015

northern shores

It took until nearly Thanksgiving (which by the way, can you believe is next week??) but I finally got the cooler weather I’ve been longing for and you can bet your layers I’ve been taking full advantage. For this past Sunday’s walk in the park, I took a cue from Portland/Seattle style (two places I’m dying to visit while a west coaster) in cozy flannel, denim, and chunky knits piled one on top of the other. If you follow along here you already know I’m not really a pile it on type girl when it comes to accessories but instead try to add just a few key pieces. Here, a standout hat (last seen here), solid pair of boots, vintage bag and a well chosen necklace (this one from virtual friend and fellow multi-interest designer Kikay Jewelry) was more than enough here.Hat – similar here // Tulle Sweater c/o // Paige Denim Shirt c/o // Kikay Necklace c/0 // Nordstrom Jeans – similar here // Restricted Boots c/0 // Vintage Bag

November 18, 2013March 8, 2015

my favorite views with sunglass warehouse

In case you missed it, last week I kicked off a series of adventures with Sunglass Warehouse – taking you with me to some of my favorite Los Angeles spots while showing you the glasses to match (all hand picked from their vast & affordable selection). Since the first journey took you with me on a hike through the Hollywood Hills – and kept things very casual – I knew I wanted to dress things up this trip. So for a Saturday Date Night, the boy and I headed to East LA and the hip little neighborhood of Silverlake. I think the best date nights for us are a combination of something we know and love mixed with the excitement of the new – and Silverlake covers both. We can always count on this neighborhood for great food, drinks and shopping, but since we don’t live all that close there’s still plenty of places we’ve yet to try. To match with this date night mantra I also wanted to have a little fun with my look and tried out a pair of clear lens glasses. Admittedly nerd chic I counteracted these bold red glasses with a body skimming mini dress, easy leather jacket and printed heels. We ended up trying out a gourmet grilled cheese restaurant (yep, those exist and are as delicious as you imagine) and this quirky meets sexy look (glasses included) was a pretty big hit with my date. A perfect night out if you ask me.

Sunglass Warehouse Glasses c/o // Urban Outfitters Jacket // Built by Wendy Dress – cute option here // Restricted Heels c/o // Vintage clutch

The Steele Maiden: Silverlake with Sunglass Warehouse

This post has been sponsored by Sunglass Warehouse – as always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make The Steele Maiden possible.