Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 241 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

May 20, 2013March 7, 2015

The Top 20: Summer Essentials

The Steele Maiden: Top 20 Summer Essentials

I’m interrupting all regularly scheduled blog posts this week to bring you something far more important: your Summer survival guide. Just in time for Memorial Day – 20 essential items to get you through the Summer looking stylish…

While I admit to being sometimes lured into the idea that I want a new wardrobe every time the season changes, the truth is for the most part I try and buy versatile basics that can be mixed and matched to suit almost any occasion. With the exception of a couple of pieces, everything shown here already existed in my closet (and I’m guessing similar things may already be in yours as well). But maybe you’re wondering what’s missing from your wardrobe, or want a seasonal update, and in that case hopefully this list will help fill in any gaps. And even more exciting? For the rest of the week I’ll be showing you four different outfits perfect for Memorial Day weekend events (or any other summer situation you’ll stumble upon in the coming months) – using just my 20 essentials. Super bonus? Everything shown can fit easily into that tote bag, meaning if you’re going away for the long weekend – I just made your life a whole lot easier. You can thank me later.

1. Bright Blouse (Tulle – similar here)

2. Patterned Bag (Vintage – cute option here)

3. Striped T-Shirt (Forever 21)

4. Cut-off Jean Shorts (Old – similar here)

5. White Lace Dress (Free People)

6. Skinny Gold Hoop Earrings (Old – similar here)

7. Patterned Silk Dress (Madewell – sold out, but I love this one too)

8. Sunglasses (Old – I’ve got my eye on these next)

9. Denim Jacket (Old – similar here)

10. Solid Silk Blouse (Madewell)

11. High waisted Shorts – or Skirt (Urban Outfitters – similar here)

12. Bathing Suit (Victoria’s Secret)

13. Tote Bag (Steele Canvas Basket Co. for J.Crew)

14. Statement Bracelet (Random – this one’s cool too)

15. Open Toe Wedges (Restricted at ShopRuche)

16. Metallic Clutch (H&M – similar here)

17. Bright Lipstick (Maybelline Color Sensational in Vivid Rose)

18. Canvas Sneakers (Target)

19. Thin Leather Belt (J.Crew Factory)

20. Strappy Sandals (Shoemint, now sold out – these are a great option too)

May 20, 2013March 7, 2015

Weekend Flashback.

The Steele Maiden - Weekend Flashback This weekend (while not a break from my usual 9-5) turned out to be all about the graphics. I spent a good deal of time learning the code and setting up the beginnings of my archive pages which I’m excited to share with you (click on STYLE on the top header pages to see what I’m talking about). Expect to see more on the rest of those pages soon! Saturday we tried out two new local eateries (one of which had caught my eye solely based on it’s signage, and the other happened to have these fun balloons to advertise it’s cool treats). And Sunday night was rounded out with a girl’s craft night that resulted in these easy DIY string art pieces. That ‘A’ will find a new home in our gallery wall I’ve got planned. Want more graphic inspiration? I pin here with pretty graphics that catch my eye.

And on a side note – I’ve got something pretty major planned for this week on the blog. It’s maybe some of my favorite posts to date so I’d love it if you checked back in to see what I have in store (and hey, I’d also love to hear your feedback so feel free to comment!)

May 17, 2013March 7, 2015

The Great Outdoors.

One of the things I love most about living here in Southern California is the way that the sunshine and weather constantly inspire me to be outdoors. While rainy, gray days back in New York practically demanded that I have movie marathons all day inside my apartment – Los Angeles beckons for me to get out of bed early on a Saturday, take a run by the beach, a hike in the canyons, a stroll down it’s promenades. The great outdoors are calling, and I for one am going to answer. Happy Friday!

images from Maggy Frances

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.