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

May 16, 2013March 7, 2015

Orange Crush.

(Tulle Blouse – on sale now!; F21 Lace Skirt – similar here; Vintage Watch and Bag; Urban Outfitters Heels – similar here)

Since we’ve last talked – I’ve turned another year older! I always find birthdays a good time to set some new goals for myself, and this year (ahem, my 26th) I’m hoping to really grow upon some of the seeds I planted in the past year. One of which is this blog…

When I first started the blog I didn’t even really consider doing outfit posts, and even once I started sharing my outfits (quite tentatively), I didn’t really think I’d keep up with it. Now, to my continued surprise, they are my most viewed posts and perhaps my favorites to share. And as an added bonus, I find myself taking more risks with my style. Maybe it’s my proximity to a county by the same name – but I can’t get enough of Orange these days. I played with a bit of a 60’s/70’s influence on this look, and went head to heels in the retro shade, breaking things up with a lace mini and this amazing tooled vintage leather handbag that my sister gifted me a few Christmas’ back. (Oh, and please excuse the slight squinting in these photos. This California sun seems endless these days. As evidenced by my increasingly tan legs… not that you’ll find me complaining.)

May 13, 2013March 7, 2015

Weekend Flashback.

This weekend was filled with lots of happy little moments mixed in among several bigger exciting things. Like a few hours spent on the beach before getting to go to my first ever Dodgers Game (one of the things that’s been on my California bucket list!). And finding a perfect little French cafe for Sunday morning crepes before finally getting around to walking the Venice Canals (seriously a must do if you are in the area). Plus seeing The Great Gatsby, relaxing by the pool, and getting to do anything and everything else I wanted to do – because the boy is a saint and deemed that my birthday weekend deserved this all. On my last night of 25, I’m feeling like one lucky girl.

May 10, 2013March 7, 2015

It’s My Party.

With my Birthday coming up on Monday, a few fun things planned, and a forecast of 80 degrees and sunny.. I can’t wait to throw on something brightly colored and welcome the weekend with open arms. And while it may not be your birthday – chances are you’ve got a Mom worth celebrating this Sunday (I know I do). Happy Friday!

(Print; Balloons; Outfit; Shoemint Heels)

May 9, 2013March 7, 2015

Euro Trip.

(1. Forever 21 Hat; 2. Zara Dress; 3. Gap Tote Bag; 4. Toms Wedges)It’s always this time of year when I start to itch for Summer vacation. A few months off to relax, get a tan, maybe take a romp through Europe? A girl can dream. Even though my school days are behind me and summer no longer means months of leisure, I see no reason why I can’t dress like I’m strolling the streets of Florence. A breezy white linen dress, straw hat, simple wedges and classic striped tote would be just the thing for living la dolce vita.

May 7, 2013March 7, 2015

Three Way Tie: Red Printed Dress.

The Steele Maiden - Three Way Tie - Madewell Red Printed Dress

(Madewell Dress; Desk – Urban Outfitters Blazer – similar here, Kenneth Cole Heels – similar here, Vintage Belt and Bag; Date – Banana Republic Cuff – similar here, Vintage Bag, Zara Heels; Day Off – Target Sunglasses, Vintage Blouse, Kate Spade Wallet, Ruche Wedges)

I’ve had my eye on this Madewell Dress from the first moment I spotted it in stores. And when it went on sale, and then the sale went on sale.. well, I needed little convincing. Airy, silky, pretty enough for days but punchy enough for nights – I instantly knew I would get tons of wear out of this little number…

Here, how I’d style the dress for my most common three occasions:

Desk: For work, I offset the flowiness of the dress with more structured pieces – a slightly wider belt, solid stacked heels and a fitted blazer. The look ends up being bright and cheery, but not over the top, for a day at the office.

Date: The dress really makes the statement here so I kept all other accessories minimal and sleek. Thin gold hoops, a skinny belt and the slickest of black stilettos make the dress feel appropriate for a night out with the boy.

Day Off: For a weekend look, I tossed on a vintage blouse for a bit more coverage and tied it up in place of a belt for added comfort. A polka dot wallet, oversized sunglasses and walkable wedges and I’m out the door for errands, brunch.. anything.

PS – The title ‘Three Way Tie’ is based on my golden rule of shopping – be sure you can wear an item in at least three different ways before buying it. I’m hoping to bring this in as a more regular feature going forward. Hope you like it!