Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 226 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

August 29, 2013March 7, 2015

top five fall trends – softer side

(Denim Jacket – similar here; Vintage sweater – similar here; Forever 21 Pleated dress – similar here; Thrifted bag; Steve Madden leopard flats – similar here)

Just when you were starting to think Fall’s biggest trends may be too wild or edgy for you, I’m here to present the fourth of my Top Five Fall Trends – ‘Softer Side’. Meaning pastels are no longer just doomed to the Spring season – in fact, this Fall they’re taking on a whole new life…

The feeling here is plenty ladylike but still a little bit quirky. Meaning feel free to wear those pretty pastels, but mix in a fun animal print or a fun accessory (here, my flats and mini cross-body bag). And the number one rule with making pastels work for Fall is carefully placing them next to a “true Fall” color. So soft pinks next to classic camel. Or baby blue paired with deep charcoal (both incredibly easy to pull off). Or go a bit bolder and try lilac with oxblood, or mint green with rich navy. Have fun with this one. I know I’m going to.

August 28, 2013March 7, 2015

top five fall trends – sport chic

(LA Dodgers Hat; Gap Sweatshirt – similar here; Aqua Leather Panel dress via Bloomingdales – similar here; Vintage clutch; H&M Blue pumps – similar here)

I’ve shown you how to master mixing prints, and how to redefine your shape, and today I’m back with the third of my Top Five Fall Trends – Sport Chic. This season there’s a 90’s athletic meets modern city sleek vibe that I’m totally on board with…

There’s a distinct divide here in Los Angeles between the beach babes and the downtown dwellers. And this Sport Chic trend feels so perfect for the city girls (I mean, nothing feels more downtown LA than slick pumps, curve skimming leather, an LA dodgers cap and a busy freeway). This trend is surprisingly easier to pull off than you would think because paired with your sexiest little black dress is your favorite slouchy sweatshirt. Wear it with an extra dose of downtown cool.

August 27, 2013March 7, 2015

top five fall trends – taking shape

(Greylin Collection Dress ℅ eDressMe; The Steele Maiden Park East Necklace; Vintage Bag; Target Heels – similar here)

For those who missed it, yesterday I introduced the first of my Top Five Fall Trends – and today I’m back with my second “Taking Shape”. This Fall it’s time to play with proportions, whether that means a cool cocoon coat or a polished little peplum dress…

So when online retailer (and dress extraordinaires’) eDressMe offered to send me a dress I immediately had my heart set on this beauty from designer collection Greylin. Fitted perfectly in a subtle yet still interesting print, the real standout here comes at the mid section. The black panels create a streamlined center and then a flouncy peplum plays with your proportions. Basically this dress is a ‘one piece and you’ve totally nailed the silhouette trend for Fall’ wonder. And just when you’re starting to realize that you definitely need a dress like this in your closet – eDressMe has been generous enough to offer my readers a 15% off discount for the next week with code STEELE15 (ends September 3). I’m loving the fluted shape on this one and the lines on this one are hourglass heaven. I’d love to hear your favorite (or what new shape you’re dying to try this Fall)!

Plus a few more eDressMe favorites! Find them here, here, here and here and don’t forget to use code STEELE15 to get the discount.

August 26, 2013March 7, 2015

top five fall trends – mix master

(Tulle Striped Coat; F21 Polka Dot Dress – similar here; Steve Madden studded loafers – similar here)

As promised, I’m packing this week full of the very best of Fall Fashion and showing you exactly how to get the looks for yourself. First up – Mix Master – #1 of my Top Five Fall Trends…

The print mixing phenomenon is nothing new, but this Fall I’m predicting it’s going to be stronger than ever. And why not? There’s nothing more modern, effortless and cool than throwing on 2 (or more!) seemingly at odd prints and pulling them off with panache. Here, I’m showing you the fail safe way to nail this trend. Black and white. For the timid (or the “matching” obsessed) you can’t argue that everything black and white goes together. But there’s a secret trick I’ve honed over the seasons. Reverse your backgrounds and your foregrounds. So here I’ve got a predominately white coat with black stripes paired with a mainly black dress with white dots. See what I did? Somehow it just works. All the time. I swear. Want even more ways to master the mix? Find me here. And don’t miss tomorrow – when I’m back with #2 of my Top Five Fall Trends.

August 26, 2013March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

If it looks like a lot of my weekend was spent working then you’d be right. But these days, when work means fashion trend research in the West Hollywood showroom of BCBG Max Azria, an inspiring blogger’s seminar with Reward Style, freelance work creating a dear friend’s soon to launch site, and crafting new jewelry for the shop – well, honestly, it doesn’t feel too much like work at all. I’m busier than ever these days but loving the progress that’s being made around here. So stick around, because this week I’ve got a Fall Fashion extravaganza planned that you won’t want to miss.

p.s. If you don’t already follow me on Facebook, now would be the time. Along with all of the Fall trends I’ll be bringing you on the blog this week, I’ll be sharing even more fun extras over there!