Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 66 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

October 31, 2017October 31, 2017

LUXE TEXTURES FOR FALL: CASHMERE, VELVET AND FAUX FUR

One of my favorite things about Fall fashion are all the luxe textures. And this outfit from Talbots I wore on our first day in Edinburgh checks off all my favorites. A classic cashmere sweater, velvet jeggings and faux fur vest. Not to mention plaid on plaid (when in Scotland.. do as the Scots do, right?).

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I like that all together it feels simple but because of the mix of rich textures it also feels super chic. It’s exactly the sort of thing I would wear to the office and then straight out afterwards for an event or holiday drinks this season. Plus, the fact that they’re separates means that you could also add any of them to a more casual look to elevate the whole thing. And can we talk about these velvet jeggings?? I know, I felt skeptical at first too but then I tried them on and proceeded to wear them on 3 separate occasions during our 10 day trip. They come in a bunch of colors but I’m loving the ivory color. Tomorrow I’ll be sharing an entirely different way to wear them.

P.S. This area in Edinburgh was called Dean Village and was truly like stepping back in time. Can’t wait to tell you more about our short but sweet time in Scotland.

Talbots Faux Fur Vest, Velveteen Jeggings, Cashmere Sweater and Plaid Bow Heels c/o

Thank you to Talbots for sponsoring this post. As always all opinions are my own.

October 30, 2017October 29, 2017

NIGHT OUT IN LONDON: LEOPARD RUFFLE DRESS

London calling! As we speak, I’ve made it back to New York and am fighting off a cold and jet lag (no easy feat) – but also am so excited to share with you all the places we went and naturally, all the things I wore. This look is from our first night out in London and one of my favorites from the whole trip.

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We headed to Camden Town (kind of the East Village of London if you will, and where I lived when I studied abroad there for a semester) for a night out and ended up grabbing last minute tickets to London’s Jazz Cafe where they were playing a tribute to Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks album. I’ve been a huge Van Morrison fan since high school so I was hoping they’d do the album justice… and was literally blown away. So good that Adam and I still haven’t stopped talking about it. Then it was a few more drinks, a little dancing and back to our first AirBnB of the trip to collapse into jet lag. For the record I don’t recommend this big of a night for your first day adjusting to a new time zone, but I also don’t regret it one bit.

This leopard ruffle dress (under $40!) and patent booties held up through it all and hopefully helped fit in with the British girls who just always look so effortlessly cool. Also, carried my vintage YSL clutch that is one of my most prized purchases from the vintage markets in Camden Town – bought almost exactly 10 years ago. How’s that for full circle?

October 18, 2017October 17, 2017

BEST OF: FALL BOOTS, HEELS AND FLATS

Is it just me or are Fall shoes the absolute best? Rich suede boots, fun little flats and the most decadent heels – I’ll take them all over sandals any day. As we speak I’m trying desperately to cram every last pair in my suitcase (did I mention Adam and I are headed off on a big trip Thursday night? Be sure you’re following on Instagram to see where we land!), but since I can’t take them all.. I figured I’d leave you with all of these to swoon over.

BOOTS & BOOTIES

From patent ankle booties to suede sock boots to slouchy knee high versions, Fall begs for a new pair of boots. Stick to versatile neutral shades and look for special details like wood heels or a touch of shearling.

SNEAKERS & FLATS

Embellished, plaid flannel, leopard print – sneakers & flats are more fun than ever this fall. Use them as an exclamation point on an otherwise casual outfit.

HEELS

Get ready for party season in pearl-studded, velvet ankle-strapped, or fire-starter red heels.

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October 16, 2017October 15, 2017

A TRAVEL GUIDE TO NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND

A couple of weeks ago (very much burnt out on work and needing a bit of an escape), Adam and I decided on a last minute trip to Newport, Rhode Island. I’d been wanting to visit for ages, and with the summer tourists cleared out but the weather still nice we decided to go for it. Let’s just say – it won’t be our last visit to this town.

WHERE TO GO HOUSE-HUNTING:

If you regularly troll the #Ihavethisthingwithdoors Instagram feed, then you’re going to want to take a walk through historic Thames Street. Right into town when you come off the Jamestown Bridge, we parked the car and strolled along the beautiful old homes tucked into narrow side streets before heading further down Thames Street to the main midtown area of Newport.

SHOPPING & EATING ALONG THE HARBOR:

Along the harbor you’ll find lots of cute boutiques to pop in and out of plus enough restaurants and bars to keep you full. We walked along the harbor for a bit before grabbing lunch at Diego’s (a Mexican restaurant with great margaritas and unexpected menu combos). The next evening we had a standout meal at Midtown Oysters (Adam’s vote for best lobster roll of the summer!).

THINGS TO DO:

A visit to Newport feels like it wouldn’t be complete without a tour of one of the many mansions. Leftovers from the Gilded Age – these homes were the ‘summer cottages’ of some of the wealthiest families in America. We toured The Breakers (once home to the Vanderbilts) but we heard good things about The Elms, Marble House and Rosecliff. Stunning interiors and architecture, a bit of history and a great activity if you end up having a rainy afternoon too!

After touring The Breakers, we headed just north up the coast to the Cliff Walk. With 3 miles of rocky cliffs to hike along, this is a beautiful way to take in Rhode Island’s coastline. The next day – we saw the western coast by taking a scenic drive along Ocean Drive (also known as ‘Ten Mile Drive’). Peppered with glimpses of gorgeous homes and stunning views of the coastal beaches – this drive nearly topped our similar memories of Malibu – which says a lot.

The drive ended with a trip to Castle Hill Inn, a hotel property that sits on a hill overlooking the water and Jamestown Bridge to the north. While they have a full restaurant inside, it’s their lawn area offering full drink service (note: this perk is closed in the late fall/winter) that was a highlight of our trip. Adirondack chairs are first come first serve, and we ended up with front row seats to watch the sailboats go by while sipping local beers. A perfect end to a weekend in Newport.

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October 12, 2017October 12, 2017

FALL FLORAL MIDI DRESS WITH OLD NAVY

I think I’ve been dreaming of this dress subliminally since about July. There are a million dark floral dresses out there for Fall but some are too bright, too fancy or too busy. This one is like the Goldilocks of fall floral dresses. Just right.

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It has long sleeves and an elastic waist (meaning it’s as comfortable as they come, even after all the apple cider donuts I ate before we took these photos) and the print is even better in person. I’m not lying when I say no less than 5 people complimented me on this dress since I got it. Also would be lying if I said I hadn’t already worn it 3 times since I got it last week. It’s going to be great layered under a suede jacket or over a thin knit turtleneck too once the weather gets chilly. And if all of that isn’t enough to convince you – it’s from Old Navy which means the price is right.

P.S. Thank you to everyone who took my polls on Instagram Stories about what type of content you’d like to see more of! And for those who didn’t get a chance – feel free to drop me a line to let me know! So far, the votes are for more everyday style, office wear, hair & beauty and NYC life. Excited to bring you more of what you want!

Old Navy Floral Midi Dress and Suede Mules c/o

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