Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 234 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

June 19, 2013March 7, 2015

Homeland.

(H&M Sunglasses; Tulle Dress – now on sale; Steve Madden Wedges – similar here; Target bag – similar here)

What you’re looking at here (aside from a whole lot of greenery) is the place that I will always call home…

Full of familiar back roads I could drive with my eyes shut, cows that stare at me as I run by (can you spot them in one of the below pictures?), so many of the people I love most in this world, and all of my childhood memories. I’ve left it for countless different destinations in this world (months away in London, years in New York, and now a new adventure in California), but I always return to it, even if only for a few days. While I’m not sure I’ll ever end up back in this small town corner of Pennsylvania, it will always have a pretty big piece of my heart.

This view is across the street from where my parents live. Where you can cross the street without worrying about traffic and where the neighbors always wave hello.

June 17, 2013March 7, 2015

Travel Light.

(1. Kate Spade Saturday Travel Kit; 2. Lulu’s Maxi Dress; 3. Modcloth Makeup Bag)

I like to pride myself on traveling pretty light, but the reality is that most people overpack tenfold when going on even the shortest of trips. To simplify things, I’m showing you 3 items that will make your life a whole lot easier next time you board a plane…

The trick here is getting serious about what will make you comfortable and what you honestly don’t need to bother with. Here, a few affordable essentials.

Nest: An overnight flight absolutely calls for a neck pillow and an eye mask. You may feel silly (although a lot less so with this chic striped set) but after a restful few hours of sleep you certainly won’t regret it. This particular version is inflatable so there’s no excuse that it won’t fit in your bag.

Dressed: I’ve talked about not really being a maxi dress person before, but they are my go to choice for flights. A knitted tank version like this one keeps your legs from getting cold on the flight but is breezy enough if you’re headed someplace warm, won’t wrinkle at all, and takes up virtually no space in your bag on the way home.

The Rest: What is it about flying that automatically turns you into a rumpled mess? I like to minimize my makeup to just a small bag, like this one, when I travel – going on a beach trip? there’s no need for that smoky grey eyeshadow and burgundy lipstick, so be serious about editing, you’ll save weight and room with less cosmetics. Plus, once your makeup bag is this small you can throw it in your purse instead of your luggage, meaning a little airport restroom touch up after landing is a whole lot easier.

June 17, 2013March 7, 2015

Weekend Flashback.

It is overwhelming in the best possible way to get to see all of the people you love most in this world in just 3 short days. I’ve still got one more day in Pennsylvania before heading back to Los Angeles, but between shopping for my sister’s wedding dress, celebrating Father’s Day with my Dad, grandfathers and extended family, and a quick trip to New York to see my favorite city and with it a couple of my favorite friends, this weekend has already been one I know I’ll remember for a long time to come. Hope you spent the weekend surrounding yourself with those that matter most.

June 14, 2013March 7, 2015

Jetset.

After two flights, a three hour time change and just a few hours of sleep, I’m looking nowhere near as glamourous as the traveler pictured above – but it’s okay. Because for the first time since I moved to California 9 months ago, I’m back home on the East Coast. I’ll be posting a few travel tips and pictures of what “home” looks like exactly next week (and you can always follow along here), but for now.. I’ll be sipping iced tea, sitting on the back porch, and catching up with family and friends. Happy Friday!

June 13, 2013March 7, 2015

Back to Basics.

(H&M Sunglasses; Madewell Cardigan – similar here; American Apparel Bodysuit – similar here; Urban Outfitters shorts – similar here; Vintage Bag; Steve Madden Wedges – similar here)

After a few weeks of going really bright with my wardrobe choices, I was craving exactly the opposite for an afternoon spent in the park overlooking downtown Los Angeles…
For me, back to basics means keeping the color palette neutral but still adding a bit of interest by mixing textures and patterns. I always forget about this striped zip up bodysuit, but it’s such a great layering piece and served as the perfect building block for my “basic” look. This bodysuit also happens to remind me of the original Barbie’s black and white striped ensemble, so I played up the retro mood and added a pair of high waisted black shorts (one of my Top 20 Summer Essentials), neutral platform wedges and a high ponytail. Then topped it off with my favorite colorblocked cardigan (last seen here) and a patterned vintage bag.

p.s. Do you recognize this park? It’s called Angel’s Knoll and sits atop a steep heel overlooking a piece of downtown LA – and was most notably featured in the movie 500 Days of Summer (I admit to asking myself WWZD – What Would Zooey (Deschanel) Do? when getting dressed this particular morning…). If you haven’t already seen it, I highly recommend it!