Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 228 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

July 29, 2013March 7, 2015

Weekend Flashback.

My weekend started off with some excitement when I was featured again by the sweet team over at Ruche, and also named a Guest Editor on their blog! I love their whole aesthetic (vintage inspired yet still modern and always classic) and am so thrilled to be a part of their blogger family. Want even more exciting news? We’re exactly one week away from some big changes here on the blog – one of which includes the long awaited (at least on my end) launch of my signature jewelry line. Small at first, but I’m so looking forward to sharing it with you and watching things grow. Hope everyone else had a weekend full of exciting new beginnings.

July 26, 2013March 7, 2015

Sidewalk Talk.

Phew – we made it! Friday at last. I’ve been busy here in The Steele Maiden world getting ready for some improvements around here. And while I’ve got all sorts of big ideas of my own, I figured why not throw it out there to those of you who are kind enough to return time and again to see what I’ve got to say. So, is there something you’re loving and would want to see more of? Something you could live without? Comment, e-mail, facebook me – I’d love to hear what you think.

(shoes via Shoemint; pattern)

July 25, 2013March 7, 2015

Spot On.

(1. DSW Clutch; 2. Alloy Sweater; 3. Bauble Bar Bracelet; 4. J.Crew Factory Pants; 5. Lulu’s Heels)

Between some changes to the site I’ve got planned and work on my jewelry line (we’re less than 2 weeks away from the launch of both people!), I’ve been thinking a lot about what defines my style. When I saw this look over at J.Crew Factory, it seemed pretty spot on…

I like to stick to pretty classic shapes and colors (like a soft sweater, tailored trousers, and slick pumps) but definitely favor adding interest through patterns and accessories (doubled up spots and metallic extras make the look here). And while there’s always a little wiggle room (like a shift dress or super bright heels) – everyone needs a signature style.

July 24, 2013March 7, 2015

In the Trenches.

(Forever 21 Trench Vest – similar here; Free People Lace Dress – similar here now on sale!; Patterned clutch – similar here; Nine West Wedges – similar here)

Since we’re still in the trenches of Summer (and I still haven’t found a way to lay by the pool as my full time job) I’m sticking to my work uniform of late – a summery dress plus one lightweight add on…

I usually wear this dress on it’s own (last seen here for a Summer date night) but I covered it up a bit by layering it with this sleeveless trench (last seen here) and added a pair of sturdy wedges to ground the whole look. There’s just something about a trench coat, in any form, that makes anything you wear feel more polished. Even in the trenches of a hectic work week.

July 23, 2013March 7, 2015

Market Ready.

(H&M Sunglasses – similar here; Ruche Dress; Tote Bag – I love this one; Vintage beaded Belt, Red Espadrilles – similar here)What’s a girl to do when LA is uncharacteristically overcast (and dare I say it, even a little humid!) on a Sunday morning? Well, if that girl is me, than you tie your hair up into a bun, put on a swingy little striped dress and a pair of red espadrilles and dance around the city like a ballerina…

Without the feeling that I should be somewhere soaking up the sunshine, I was free to stroll Melrose Flea Market and then head east to the neighborhood of Silverlake for lunch and a little research/shopping for my upcoming jewelry line (hurrah!). Since I’ve spent the past couple of weekends in pretty laid back beach/pool ready attire, it was nice to return to a summer in the city type look. This striped dress is a classic that I can already see wearing a million ways – so I can’t promise this version (paired with my favorite vintage navajo beaded belt and these skip around little shoes) will be the last you’ll see of it on the blog. Plus it matches with my flea market/grocery store/catch all canvas tote bag – convenient, no?