Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 57 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

May 24, 2018May 24, 2018

SPRING STYLE WITH TALBOTS

Is there anything better than a warm, sunny day after a week of straight rain? Or for that matter after months of cold? For my money – no. Although these green gingham heels may be a close second.

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In New York we seemed to have skipped straight from an endless winter to full out Summer with not a whole lot of Spring in between. And my wardrobe feels ill prepared. That’s why these fun slides and a cheery scarf (that I’ve already worn tied around a handbag strap, around my neck and around a loose ponytail) are easy updates to an otherwise simple Spring (or Summer?) wardrobe. This navy t-shirt and white eyelet skirt can be worn a million different ways which is precisely why I love them. I had another white eyelet skirt that I’d worn constantly for the past couple of years and when I pulled it down from storage this year, I knew it had seen better days and donated it to a local charity shop. This fit and flare version (which also comes in navy) is my new update and I think we’ll get along just fine.

Side note: The Flatiron Building is one of my favorite spots in New York but I’ve never shot pictures here because I always thought it was too hard to capture (the height of the building makes it hard plus it’s an impossibly busy intersection – you can see what I mean in the 3rd shot down). We got lucky with an early Sunday morning lull there, backing up fairly far away from the building itself and, as always, Adam being willing to basically be on the ground to get the shot. All in all I love how they turned out – especially the last picture.

Madewell Scarf | Straw Bag – Similar | Navy T-Shirt c/o Amazon Fashion | Talbots Eyelet Fit and Flare Skirt and Gingham Knot Slides c/o | ZeroUV Sunglasses c/o

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May 12, 2018

THE STEELE MAIDEN BOOK CLUB: CHAPTER TWO

Earlier this year I kicked The Steele Maiden (see the first installment here) and I’m finally back with another round.

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Ann Fowler:

After binging the Amazon series ‘Z: The Beginning of Everything’ starring Christina Ricci about the early days of Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald (which I loved) I knew I had to read the novel that it was based on. I, not surprisingly, loved the book even more than the series. If you’re a fan of F. Scott Fitzgerald, the 1920’s or just historical fiction in general I think you’d like this – but the themes of love within a complicated relationship and a woman finding her place in the world are universal here and so beautifully written that I can’t imagine anyone not finding something to relate to in this book. I can see myself re-reading this one.

You’ll Grow Out of It by Jessi Klein:

This one falls into the category of books like Lena Dunham’s ‘Not that Kind of Girl’ or Amy Schumer’s ‘Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo’ – easy, amusing reads that aren’t exactly going to make you smarter but are definitely going to make you laugh a few times along the way. I honestly can’t decide if I’d recommend this or not because I think there are stronger books in the female comedian turned writer category (I’ve always loved Tina Fey’s ‘Bossypants’) – but if you’ve already read all of the top titles you’d likely enjoy this one too.

SHOP THIS MONTH’S BOOK CLUB:

Next month, I’m diving into Cruel, Beautiful World by Caroline Lewitt (about a young girl in the 60s who run away with her teacher), Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk (about a young woman in advertising in New York in the 30/40s that flashes forward to her life as an older woman in the 80s – I’ve already started this one and really love it so far), and The Lesser Bohemians by Eimear McBride (set at a Drama School in 1990’s London).

All of those are new fiction though which means next go around I want to mix things up – maybe a good thriller or a historical biography? If you have suggestions send ’em my way!

SHOP NEXT MONTH’S BOOK CLUB

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April 23, 2018April 23, 2018

SPRING STAPLES UNDER $150

Oh hi there! It’s been awhile. But since it finally feels like Winter may be done, I figured it was as good a time as any to pop on and share a few easy (and affordable) options to update your Spring wardrobe. I’m eyeing those tortoise hoops, side button denim dress (just $60) and white straw bag as a way to update my own closet this season. All pieces that feel very right now but also super versatile and like I’ll get a ton of wear out of them all Spring/Summer long.

And while it may still not be quite warm enough in New York for sleeveless dresses, it is warm enough for a chic striped blazer, straight leg jeans and neutral accessories. A simple outfit (as pictured above) that I wore nearly exactly this time 2 years ago and I still repeat often. Fingers crossed for 70 degree days around the corner.

ACCESSORIES

CLOTHES

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March 16, 2018

SPRING FORWARD: EYELET BLOUSE, OVERALLS AND PINK SUEDE HEELS

While I can’t say that the weather has been hearing my cries for spring, my wardrobe has started to take note. And what better way to put a spring in your step than with pink suede heels?! This pair from Naturalizer gets major bonus points for the fact that they’re insanely comfortable (even on Soho cobblestone!) and just the right height that I can wear them all around town without having to worry about limping along.

For now, I’ve been wearing them with casual denim on the weekends, as seen with this eyelet and overall combo, but once the weather actually cooperates I can’t wait to wear them with a floral skirt or linen dress and bare legs. Ah bare legs. Do you even remember?! For now I’ll take bare ankles with cute ankle straps whenever I can.

Naturalizer Pink Suede Gianna Heels c/o

March 13, 2018March 12, 2018

MY NEW NIGHTLY ROUTINE WITH CLARINS HYDRA-ESSENTIEL

Things in my life have been fairly stressful lately. And this Winter weather just isn’t letting up (as I write this they’re calling for snow again in New York tomorrow). Combined, those two things can wreak absolute havoc on skin. Which is why after returning from my trip to Wyoming last month I knew I needed to switch up my nightly routine in order to help combat all of the factors that are working against me.

I first tried out Clarins’ Hydra-Essentiel skincare collection last year (full post here) and quickly became a total convert to their Silky Cream Moisturizer (I still use it regularly!). So when they offered me the chance to try a couple of their latest products, I was ready and willing.

Their latest Moisturizing Reviving Eye Mask and Replenishing Lip Balm are great for my routine right now because they’re super targeted. While I’m happy with my nightly cleanser and moisturizer I was finding that the skin around eyes was looking dry, dark and tired by morning and my lips were dreadfully chapped (is there anything worse?).

So I’ve been making a conscious effort to set aside an extra 15-20 minutes each night to really devote to my skin and my general well-being. That means a cup of hot tea, a good book and a generous helping of the Replenishing Lip Balm each night (it leaves my lips feeling plump and smooth almost instantly!). And then a couple of times a week I’ve been using the Moisturizing Reviving Eye Mask as an overnight mask. You can also just apply it for 10 minutes and remove, but I’ve been really noticing a difference in the texture of the skin around my eyes (less puffiness and dryness) and the overall brightness of skin tone when I leave it on overnight. Plus, that way I can apply it and then crawl right into bed without having to worry about getting up again to wash off. Win, win!

My plan is to stick to this new routine and by the time Spring finally rolls, my skin and I will be looking just as lively.

*A thank you to Clarins for sponsoring this post. As always all opinions are my own.

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