Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 223 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

September 20, 2013March 7, 2015

from where i stand / 06

The Steele Maiden: From Where I Stand - Tuxedo Heels

(Original artwork by Jessica Steele)

06/ Wilmington wearing Tuxedo Heels

On my 21st birthday I naturally decided I needed a new pair of grown up heels to wear out to celebrate. What I came home with were the most beautiful pair of black and white cut out, sky high “tuxedo” heels – all laced up like a present to myself. At the time my sister was living in Wilmington, DE in an older part of the city that had a long strip of bars and an even longer path of cobbled bricks that led us home. I’ve still got the scar on my left knee cap from that night’s walk – but, I’ve still got the shoes too (miraculously without a scratch).

September 19, 2013March 7, 2015

balancing act

(MAC Ruby Woo lipstick; JCrew Chambray Shirt; H&M skirt – similar here; Restricted ‘Jelly Kat’ printed heels c/o)

For date nights I try to strike a balance between the casualness of Southern California and my own desire to get dressed up…

Most recently, for dinner and a drink at a favorite neighborhood spot, this meant my go to chambray shirt made a bit more fancy by pairing with a swingy little pleated skirt (last seen here), plus a bright red lip balanced with my natural air dried hair. And, because it wouldn’t be me without one standout piece – these statement heels. A balancing act in their own right with the type of geo print seen everywhere this Fall (but often on casual sweaters or leggings) dressed up in shiny satin, a high heel, and sleek pointed toe. Here they were just enough to pull the whole look together – but I can’t wait to throw these on with another print or more color next time.

September 17, 2013March 7, 2015

spotted: full midi skirts

The Steele Maiden: Full Midi Skirts at NYFW

(JCrew Factory Sweater; Asos Skirt, Sole Society Bag; Zara Heels; Photo Via Vogue)

Ahh, do the ladies of New York Fashion Week ever disappoint? Some of the looks I loved most (both on the runways and on the streets) were the pairings with full midi skirts – especially as seen on this stylish duo. While the length on these can be tricky the fullness helps balance you out and with the right pair of sky high statement making heels these can be totally flattering. I’d pair mine with a cheeky graphic sweater to put a youthful spin on it (how fun is this one with it’s own little nod to high fashion street style?). Thanks for the inspiration ladies.

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.