Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 237 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

May 30, 2013March 7, 2015

California Girl.

(Tulle Sweater; H&M lace top – old, similar here; Madewell Jean Shorts; Urban Outfitters/Thrifted Necklaces – similar here; Steve Madden Platforms – old, similar here)

Blame it on my roots, but my style wavers towards the undoubtedly East Coast classic. Those California girls with their thrown on layers and their effortless long maxi dresses always look so enviable, yet when push comes to shove I reach for a crisp silk shirtdress and a pair of oxfords. But this blog (and my California adventures in general) are all about taking risks and growing – so I’m tackling my very best California Girl Cool…

With a “Steele Maiden” twist of course. So in place of ripped up cut offs, I opted for this slightly cleaner black pair. And in place of tie dye, an open front ombre cardigan. I usually wear this lace crop top layered over dresses, but I went for broke and wore it alone (hey, midriffs are back, right?). A few layered necklaces, nude platforms (weirdly comfortable, I swear), and this rounder pair of sunglasses (the perfect marriage between JFK and John Lennon) and my California look was settled. I finished the whole thing off by letting my hair run rampant and dry naturally (after all, Cali girls certainly know a thing or two about beach waves). And while I don’t think I’ll throw out my button down shirts just yet – I certainly had fun with this look (as did passerby – the picture below where I’m laughing was taken just after I had someone call out their car window at me – just another day in the life of a blogger..).

May 29, 2013March 7, 2015

Austin, Texas.

After yesterday’s case of fashion wanderlust, I thought I’d share with you another one of my travel adventures. We drove through Austin, Texas last summer almost on a whim after hearing so many good things about the city – and after 36 short hours, it’s safe to say I almost stayed forever…

There’s just something so incredibly unique and at the same time so wonderfully welcoming about the Texas capital city that it’s hard, even now (after reminiscing with the boy about how much we loved it there) to put it into words. So I’ll start with a few recommendations and hope that these may inspire you to go see it in person and find out exactly what it is that makes Austin so special. For starters you’ll need a place to stay, and the emerging cultural center is the SoCo (or South Congress) area so I suggest you set up shop there. While I’ve heard great things about the Hotel San Jose, we chose the Kimber Modern and I couldn’t have been happier (the place is literally like a tree house for grown ups), plus that put us a short walk away from the main South Congress drag. Perfect for shopping (there’s a plethora of amazing vintage and local artist selections – but you’d be remiss to not stop into Uncommon Objects), and the food (again, there’s no shortage of delicious selections, but you’ll want to check out the famous food trucks for the community atmosphere alone). And when you’ve had your fill of shopping and dining – drive to the nearby Barton Springs (natural fed springs tucked away minutes from downtown that act as a giant city swimming pool). Oh, and did I mention this place is the live music capital of the world? You’re going to want to see Austin for yourself.

(All pictures my own: Barton Springs; the capital building; Sunset at Lake Austin; and the Congress Ave Bridge bats)

May 28, 2013March 7, 2015

Blues Traveler.

(1. Zara Heels; 2. Modcloth Dress; 3. Topshop Earrings; 4. Buckle Bracelet; 5. Asos bag – now on sale!)

The end of a 3 day weekend is certainly eased by the fact that we are now (unofficially) in the Summer season. And one of my favorite things about Summer fashion is how globally influenced it is…

African inspired prints, colors picked up along the Grecian shores, ruffles taken from traditional Spanish senoritas, all of it happily co-mingled on the racks. And like the lovely ladies shown above, possibly even all worked into one ensemble. Take a cue from them and start with a well draped dress (this scalloped eyelet number was made for the Mediterranean-minded). And from there – go wild. Mixed metallics, ornate embroidery, a tapestry of prints. It’s all in the accessories here. And with a world of cultural influences to draw upon, don’t be afraid to stop at just one or two. I’ve mentioned before that my own travel is a constant source of inspiration and until I can jet off to explore another far flung destination, I’ll be here in Southern California – wearing a little worldliness instead.

May 24, 2013March 7, 2015

Summer Essentials – Backyard BBQ

(Denim Jacket – similar here; Forever 21 T-shirt; Madewell Dress – now sold out, similar here; H&M Clutch – another cute option here; Ruche Wedges)

There’s no better way to celebrate Memorial Day weekend (or my Top 20 Summer Essentials week) than with fireworks, am I right?! And even if that just means running around your backyard with a few sparklers and a few friends on a Summer night – I say that’s good enough. My final look this week is just the thing for a backyard barbeque…

I saved some of my favorite items from my Top 20 Summer Essentials (see the full list here) for last – including this striped t-shirt (#3) and printed silk dress (#7). The striped t-shirt would work just as well with the cut offs I featured earlier this week, and the dress can certainly stand on it’s own – but they somehow become infinitely better when paired together. Throw on a denim jacket (#9) and you’ve got a seriously patriotic party look. These open toe wedges (#15) round out the outfit perfectly – keeping it casual but still cute enough for festivities and a metallic clutch (#16) adds just the right amount of shine.

And there you have it – 20 Summer Essentials, 4 Looks, Endless possibilities. I hope you enjoyed following along this week as much as I did coming up with these posts. Have your own Summer Essentials list? Or a favorite look that was featured? Feel free to share. Oh, and have a happy (and stylish) Memorial Day weekend everyone!

May 23, 2013March 7, 2015

Summer Essentials: Shopping Trip

(Sunglasses – I love this option; Madewell Blouse; Urban Outfitters Shorts – similar here; Vintage Patterned Bag – cute alternative here that’s on sale!; Ruche Wedges)

So you’ve had your big night out and you’ve relaxed by the pool. But there’s still plenty of Memorial Day weekend left, so now what? You go shopping…

Memorial Day weekend is known for great sales and in the case that you realize you’re missing one of my Top 20 Summer Essentials (see the full list here) I suggest you spend an afternoon searching for some deals. This outfit is also perfect for grabbing lunch with friends, meandering around a museum or any other summer afternoon activity you can dream up. This solid silk blouse (#10 on my list) has the exact type of slouchy, breathability that looks tailored and cool without being fussy. I paired them with these slightly retro high waisted shorts (#11) which could easily be substituted for a skirt – but I happen to love the ease of shorts for walking around town. Then finished it off with comfortable but still cute open toe wedges (#15), sunglasses (#8) and my favorite patterned bag (#2) that has a handy chain strap to keep my hands free for scouring the shops. These are the types of pieces that you’ll reach for again and again over the course of the Summer – imagine the top or the shorts switched out with either piece from yesterday’s post – it all still works. And one more reason why you need these items in your seasonal wardrobe? My trick for fail safe packing whenever I go away for the weekend is to bring a couple of items that could work for say – an afternoon shopping trip – but in a pinch also take me into the office Monday morning. If you miss your flight or oversleep after a fun filled weekend getaway the last thing you need is to have to face your boss wearing flip flops and a sarong.