Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 247 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

April 1, 2013March 7, 2015

Weekend Flashback.

On Friday I filmed my first segment of ‘Tea Time with Tulle’ at work – an informal talk show style video that discusses topics from the brand’s blog (which if you haven’t already checked out, you should! And not only because I do all of the graphics for it…). The video airs tomorrow and it’s left me wondering if it wouldn’t be fun to bring in a video element to the blog here. Just some short clips where I discuss a new trend I’ve spotted, show you how to DIY a piece of art, etc? I’d love to hear your feedback. The rest of the weekend was spent in a sugar coma that started with a trip to the infamous Randy’s Donuts (you’ll know you’re there when you reach the giant donut in the sky) and ended with a surprise visit from my very own Easter bunny. Hope everyone had a happy holiday! P.S. I’ve got some new links on the side, including a few of my favorite top posts from the past couple of months, so be sure to check them out!

March 29, 2013March 7, 2015

Little moments that count.

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(Image via Anthropologie – and they’re having a 20% sale on all dresses this weekend!)

I like to think I always take the time to appreciate the #littlemomentsthatcount in life, but I’ve especially enjoyed devoting an entire week to it – and I hope I’ve inspired you to do the same. Whether it be finding an Easter egg full of your favorite candy, celebrating Spring with a bright pair of shoes, or dressing up a little corner of your home with a fresh bouquet of flowers this weekend. Happy (good) Friday – here’s to making it great!

March 28, 2013March 7, 2015

A Place to Rest.

I once attended a conference where the visual merchandiser for Anthropologie advised that the strongest retail stores create mini moments within the bigger picture, places that allow the eye to rest. I happen to believe that these little moments are also what make an ordinary apartment suddenly feel like a well curated home. And since I’m celebrating the #littlemomentsthatcount this week, here are my favorite ones from around The Steele Maiden home…

The above image is our bar cart in progress – the cart itself was a flea market find (originally a typewriter stand), and the mirrors and decanter were thrift finds as well. The holder for the paper straws and matchbooks are actually intended to be a toothbrush and soap holder – but I loved the deco design and decided to repurpose them.

A Paris souvenir that now holds a collection of rings by my bedside.

A little gold spray paint transformed standard issue clipboards (great for holding everyday inspiration) and a baby gator picked up in New Orleans.

A statement wall where our DIY wood and steel pipe shelving unit holds my collection of travel books, agate book ends courtesy of a roadside shop in New Mexico, and my favorite skull mug.

Removing a less than appealing bathroom wall cabinet freed up space for a mini gallery wall featuring illustrations of places in New York that each holds a special memory.

A photo I took in Marfa, Texas and had printed on canvas recreates a more famous work of art – with added sentimental value – and our first house plant stands proudly beside the fireplace.

The chalkboard wall drawings I come home to, courtesy of the boy, never cease to make me smile.

A vintage sign found in Austin, Texas is a cheeky touch above our stovetop.

March 27, 2013March 7, 2015

Stop Traffic.

(1. JCrew Factory Chambray; 2. Target Heels; 3. Anthropologie Sunglasses; 4. Madewell Tote; 5. JCrew Skirt)

I’m a fan of basics. Chambray shirts and a flared skirt are my bread and butter. But I certainly never want to feel boring. In fact, some days, I want to stop traffic…

I love that in the midst of a grey day or busy city street – sometimes all it takes is one great accessory to create something special. After all what would Holly Golightly have been without her long back grazing pearls and oversized sunglasses? Maybe just another girl gazing into Tiffanys. So the next time you find yourself reaching for those same neutral pumps, ask yourself what kind of impression you want to leave. And in case you need further convincing, I’ll bet neon pumps practically hail their own cabs.

p.s. All week I’ve been celebrating little moments (like a great pair of shoes or a plate of fresh baked cookies) that bring me happiness in a big way – and I’d love to hear what yours are! Use #littlemomentsthatcount on instagram or twitter to join in.

March 26, 2013March 7, 2015

In Vogue.

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(Urban Outfitters Dress (old, similar here); Madewell Cardigan – on sale now!; West Elm Duvet and Throw; Target Pillow)
Anyone who knows me can tell you that it’s a sacred hour when a new magazine arrives in my mailbox. There’s just something about the crisp new pages of Vogue that never cease to excite me (month after month, year after year). And since sometimes life gets in the way and I can’t drop everything to read a new magazine, finally getting the time to do so – on a Sunday morning in bed no less – only makes it that much more enjoyable. It really is the little moments that count…

Now that the weather is so nice, my perfect lounge around the house outfit on the weekends consists of a floaty cotton dress and easy to wear cardigan (I’m so glad I picked up this one from Madewell on sale a few weeks ago – because despite what the pictures tell you, it cleans up pretty nicely and I’ve already worn it to work and out to dinner with the boy).Our bedroom is still a work in progress (we’ve got a DIY headboard up our sleeves before summer rolls around, and I’ve had my eye out for a bench for the foot of the bed), but for now I love the comfy duvet, furry throw pillow, and the chunky knit throw that made it all the way here from New York – because my bed wouldn’t feel like home without it.