Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 221 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

September 16, 2013March 7, 2015

turning the page

(Madewell T-shirt; JCrew Factory Belt – similar here; Target skirt – similar here; Restricted ‘Traffic’ Heels c/o)

Fall always feels like the start of a new chapter to me. Maybe it’s the feeling of a new school year that I can’t shake regardless of the fact that I’ve long since graduated. But with or without a class schedule, I don’t mind hitting the books with style…

And there’s nothing that says Fall quite like a leaf printed skirt and a matching pair of oxfords (this pair in particular with a grown up heel and the most perfect shade of two tone). I’ll be adding knee socks or tights once California weather cooperates, but for now you can find me in these stacked heels next to a tall stack of books.

September 16, 2013March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

This weekend some pretty exciting things happened in The Steele Maiden world. I officially booked my trip to New York in October to attend Lucky FABB (Lucky Magazine’s Fashion and Beauty Blogger annual conference), an event I feel honored to have been invited to and grateful to have the support to make the trip possible. And even more exciting, we added a new baby to our little blog family – the Canon Rebel DSLR. I hadn’t mentioned it, but several weeks back the Nikon point and shoot we had been using up until now broke (perhaps a blessing in disguise) and we’ve been making do with phone pictures while we decided our next step. We’ve been dreaming of a DSLR – and the photo possibilities that come with it – for a long time now and this weekend bit the bullet. While these are big investments, sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith and commit to what you’re passionate about, right? I’m happy to be taking you all along for the ride.

September 13, 2013March 7, 2015

from where i stand / 05

The Steele Maiden: From Where I Stand - Shanghai

(original artwork by Jessica Steele)

05/ Shanghai wearing Sperry Topsiders

In the Spring of 2010 I was sent to Eastern China on a business trip. At the time I was designing fashion jewelry and I was to spend roughly 10 days visiting factories before having 2 days free in Shanghai. While I was instructed to dress business casual for my factory visits, I wasn’t given much guidance in the way of my days off attire. Thinking I would appear casual and not overly flashy, I packed a pair of Sperry Topsiders and a floral cotton sundress for a day of sightseeing. What didn’t occur to me is that in boat shoes and Raybans (not to mention tan skin and blondish hair) I would stand out as being quite distinctly American. Where did I think I was touring, Nantucket? After having multiple locals request to either take my picture or have their photo taken with me, I wonder what they think of now when they see a photo of a slightly bewildered American girl in Sperry’s.

September 12, 2013March 7, 2015

rule breaker

(Urban Outfitters Jacket and Dress – similar here and here; Steve Madden Boots via Marshalls – similar here; Vintage Clutch)

If you follow me here, than you know I’ve been tempted to find a way to wear my white dresses well into Fall. Labor Day rules to the wayside…

Sometimes you just have to break the rules. I love the idea of a floaty white cotton dress toughened up with a leather jacket (I especially love the no frills look to this particular bomber). I’d love this outfit just as much with a cool pair of strappy sandals or with beat up converse sneakers – but these buckled ankle boots (last seen here) are my recent go-to’s. Here’s to no rules Fashion.

September 10, 2013March 7, 2015

best fall shoes under $100

(From Top Left: Asos Boots; Ruche Flats; Urban Outfitters Heels; Lulus Boots; Shoemint Loafers; Seychelles Heels; Restricted Boots via Lulus; Sole Society Flats; Ruche Heels)

Earlier this month I covered all the top hits from Fall Fashion (mixed prints, new silhouettes, sporty chic, pastels, and military made my list) – but I left off something pretty major. Shoes. To make up for it today, I’ve got the top trends for every style and all under $100…

Push come to shove if you’re only going to buy one pair of shoes this Fall (or hey, maybe three) make it one of the following:

1. Buckled boots – This season’s take on the ankle boot trend come with buckles of every variety. Multiple buckles, gold plated buckles, and side cut out buckles are just a few – my vote is for the cognac colored, slightly western version from Restricted – they’ll go with everything.

2. Statement Flats – Trade in your statement heels for the laidback ease of statement flats this season. No less fashionable but way easier to walk in (plus, get a jump start on next Spring – I spied flats all over the New York Fashion Week runways) they’re served up in metallics, plaids, and stripes. I’m especially loving these bright silver Shoemint loafers.

3. Ankle Strap Heels – Totally modern, but still a touch ladylike, ankle strap heels are everywhere you look right now. Two toned, block heeled, or double strapped the options are endless. That matte burgundy peep toe pair from Ruche has got my name written all over it.