Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 231 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

July 10, 2013March 7, 2015

Summer Job.

(Urban Outfitters Dress – similar here; Vest – my own design; Restricted via Ruche Wedges)

At nearly 90 degrees every day so far this week we are officially in the thick of things here in Southern California. And while I wish I could spend my 9-5 in a bathing suit, unfortunately I’ve got to put on something both office appropriate that can also weather the heat…

My favorite trick for turning a flimsy summer dress into something that’s suited for work is by adding a vest. On days like these (when it’s too hot for even a cardigan) a vest adds a teensy bit of structure and coverage without really adding any bulk. Plus, if it rumples throughout the day, it kind of just adds to the look (but be sure to pick a dress that will keep it’s shape – one item with wrinkles only and it saves you from looking like you just crawled out of bed). And besides the vest? My vote is for popsicles on your lunch break.

July 9, 2013March 7, 2015

Sunday Kind of Love.

(H&M Sunglasses- similar here; Urban Outfitters ‘love’ necklace; Ever+Mi Crush Dress ℅ – on sale now!; Vintage Dooney & Bourke bag; Kenneth Cole heels – similar here)

Sunday was pretty perfect. A day where the boy and I just jumped in the car, drove up the coast of California, laid on the beach, strolled down the streets of Santa Barbara, tried new things, laughed about old jokes. A day so good that even the start of another work week can’t ruin it’s memory…

It was a day that felt quintessentially ‘us’ and to match I wore a dress that felt quintessentially ‘me’. No matter what other styles I try, I always come back to dresses like these – something lightweight with a pretty print, that hits at my natural waist and shows a little leg. This one in particular (from online women’s boutique Ever+Mi Crush) – with its pretty little pleats and tan enhancing colors – may just be my new favorite among favorites. Totally worthy of the perfect Sunday.

July 8, 2013March 7, 2015

Under the Stars.

(1. Vintage Wool Camp Blanket; 2. Nordstrom Cosmos T-Shirt; 3. The End of the Night by Paul Bogard)

On our drive home last night (from a spontaneous road trip to Santa Barbara) the boy and I spotted a group of campers along a stretch of beach and decided that a night under the stars along California’s Gold Coast should be added to our list of Summer adventures…

While camping equipment can get pretty expensive, and I am the first to admit that I will never be a middle of the wilderness for days on end type of girl, you don’t need much for one night spent on a small stretch of beach. The thing I used to hate most about camping is sleeping in a thin, cold sleeping bag. We recently bought some new mattresses in a range of mattress sizes and I’m so much comfier! Here, my night under the stars essentials for under $50 each.

Nest: There’s nothing like a big wool blanket to wrap around you while sitting by the fire. This vintage one with a pretty navajo print is a steal for the size and the amount of warmth it will offer after the sun goes down.

Dressed: Comfort rules when camping, and light layers are perfect for a hot beach day that turns into a chilly night. I can’t help but want to pick up this celestial t-shirt that looks so cozy it would be alright if I say, slept in it and wore it home the next day. Totally acceptable when camping, right?

The Rest: A new book, The End of Night, which reminds us of the timeless pleasure of a starry night’s sky, and argues why we shouldn’t – in the age of so much light, especially in a city like LA – forget to escape and point our gaze upwards once in awhile. I’d pull my sleeping bag out of the tent and read this one by moonlight.

July 4, 2013March 7, 2015

American Woman.

(H&M Sunglasses – similar here; F21 tank; Skirt – from my Senior Thesis Collection; Zara Heels – similar here)

Here’s to a country where I can wear a picnic blanket, ball gown of a skirt in the middle of the day on a picturesque little street (white picket fences, American flags and red front doors included). Hope everyone is out there is celebrating their own little daily freedoms today. Happy Fourth of July!

July 3, 2013March 7, 2015

All American.

(Boy: J.Crew Factory Shirt; Gap Jeans, Chuck Taylors via Urban Outfitters; Her: Ban.do Hair Comb; Lulus Dress; Cambridge Satchel via Crewcuts; Topshop Heels)

I’d be lying if I said I haven’t worn red, white and blue every day so far this week. Fourth of July just so happens to be one of my favorite holidays, and as an added bonus, it’s also my anniversary – so I figured it was the perfect time for another Boy meets Girl round up…
The Fourth of July brings together all of the classic Americana patterns I love (stripes, plaid, polka dots) and gives you the excuse to mix and match them with abandon. For him, a plaid shirt and dark jeans are Kennedy cool, and is there any shoe more American than Chuck Taylors? For her, a flirty little red dress proves a good starting point for shiny white heels, maybe the cutest satchel bag ever, and a pretty star spangled hair comb – perfect for keeping your hair out of your face while you stare up at the fireworks.