Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 239 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

June 3, 2013March 7, 2015

Bride to Be.

(Nest: Etsy Ring Plate; 2. Dressed: Kate Spade earrings; 3. The Rest: BHLDN book)

Wedding season is in full swing (not only did I help out with a friend’s bridal shower this past weekend, but I’m also currently acting as the Maid of Honor for my sister as she plans her wedding for next year). Which got me thinking a little bit about bridal gifts…

There’s two schools of thought on this matter – one that says a shower gift should stick safely to the registry, and the other that says be thoughtful and do something creative for the bride to be. My advice? A careful balance. Don’t pretend like you know what a couple needs more than they do (after all, that’s why they bothered to register), and certainly don’t try and inflict your own taste on them. However, I do think that you can have a little fun with things. Say, send the bride a sweet small engagement gift and then stick to the registry for the shower. Or pair something from the registry with an extra add on. Here, a few options…

1. Nest: Let the couple do their own decorating. Nothing is worse than having them feel like they need to pull out that vase you got them every time you come over for dinner. But how about buying those bathroom towels off the registry and then adding in a personalized ring dish she can sit by the sink to hold her wedding band?

2. Dressed: It’s easy to get swept up in the wedding plans, but a simple reminder that soon she’ll be a Mrs. is such a sweet touch. I’d like to see a bride wear these pretty gold stud earrings with a crisp white shift dress as she departs for her honeymoon.

3. The Rest: And sometimes, the bride just needs a good laugh. A book commemorating all of the bad bridesmaids dresses throughout history (and titled with that famous line “You Can Wear it Again”) would be a perfect stress relieving gift to send her in the weeks before the wedding.

June 3, 2013March 7, 2015

Weekend Flashback.

The Steele Maiden: Weekend Flashback And just like that, it’s June. And May definitely went out with some excitement. On Friday, I was featured on the Ruche blog as a part of their Style Files. As a brand that I’m a huge fan of, and amongst some seriously inspiring bloggers, this was a huge honor and a big moment in this little blog’s history. The rest of the weekend was spent working on a few DIY home projects (the mantle is finished and I am completely loving it), and then playing hostess to a small bridal shower for a friend. Check back this week to see a full step by step on my favorite project from the weekend. And in case you’re planning a summer getaway – my travel archives are now up and running!

May 31, 2013March 7, 2015

Focal Point.

On Sunday my apartment is playing host to a friend’s bridal shower, and having guests over was just the push we needed to take on a few small home projects that had been on the back burner. The one I’m probably most excited about is finally putting up a mantle – because, honestly, what’s the point of having a big brick fireplace if I can’t decorate it? I love the simple dark mantle shown above, as well as everything else going on in the room (colors, textures, plant life – a few well placed metallic accents) and I’m planning on using this as my jumping off point for the spruce up I’ve got in mind (if you don’t already, follow me on Instagram to see more of my little home projects as they come along). And whether you’re planning an ambitious DIY filled weekend or one that’s spent quietly relaxing in the sun, Happy Friday!

(photo)

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)