Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 224 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

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.

September 9, 2013March 7, 2015

wild things

(Target Sunglasses – similar here; F21 Sweater – similar here; AE shorts – similar here on sale; Shoemint Heels – I’ve got my eye on these next; Vintage Bag)

I’ve never been a huge animal print person – the less is more route is the way that I usually lean – but as Summery dresses and accessories no longer feel quite right (and LA’s heat still isn’t allowing for anything too Fall-ish) I figured I’d get a little wild with things…

I always forget to pull these heels out as much as I’d like to, but they are the perfect dose of spunk to an otherwise casual or simple outfit. And then there’s this necklace. This huge, oversized elephant head necklace. This was my first assignment as an assistant Accessories Designer when I was a mere 22 years old (at the time I was spending most of my days photographing jewelry but they wanted a few original pieces for a safari inspired collection and my so I had the chance to sketch this guy up and then see him come to life in burnished gold) and will forever hold a place in my jewelry box. The rest of the outfit was kept to my comfiest weekend wear consisting of cutoffs and slouchy sweaters, a couple of California staples I’ve come to really appreciate this past year.

September 9, 2013March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

This weekend felt like progress. My day job has changed significantly this past week and by Friday I finally felt up to the challenge (double denim means business people). On Saturday, despite the incoming overload from New York Fashion Week, I felt like I needed a little West Coast inspiration. I love that for me when I’m feeling stuck in one area – let’s say a logo design or a fashion slump – I can reach to other areas like travel or home design for a whole new viewpoint. The layered looks, rich textures and gorgeous colors spotted window shopping at West Elm will definitely find its way into my Fall wardrobe. And finally, an extra special dress arrived in the mail this week. The only downside – I’ve got to wait until next May to wear it. My sister’s wedding to be exact. On the upside, I can already think of multiple ways to wear this number after the big day. Who says you’ll never wear a bridesmaid’s dress again?