As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.
As evidenced on this blog countless times, a denim jacket is my go-to when it comes to lightweight jackets. Sure, there’s been a blazer or a cargo jacket here and there, but for the most part I stick to the basics. But sometimes you want something that feels a little more interesting, something cooler than the usual suspects. Enter – the kimono. The spring jacket you definitely don’t already have in your closet, and definitely need.
SHOP THE STORY
It’s no secret at this point – I’m really craving Spring. But if I’m going to justify a new purchase at this point, it needs to feel like it can work for right now as well as 3 months from now when the temperatures are safely in the Seventies. Here – my top picks for pieces that will take you seamlessly from Winter to Spring:
The Striped Twinset: I love the rich brown and ivory stripes on this cardigan twinset and the fact that it manages to be retro and also completely modern all at once. I’d wear it now with a crisp pleated midi skirt to the office and later with cut-off jean shorts and metallic loafers for a sort of Brigitte Bardot of 2016 vibe.
The Bold Trouser: Cropped trousers are the shape of the season, and I love the ocean blue hue on this slightly slouchy pair. For the last days of winter I’d toss them on with a classic camel overcoat, but once it warms up I’d match them with an off the shoulder top and a bright pop of pink lipstick.
The Pink Ankle Boot: Sneakers, Flats, and now even pink ankle boots. Subtle enough to match with nearly everything in your wardrobe, but bold enough to put a little Spring in your step – I’m making a serious case for blush pink shoes this season. These go great with a beat up pair of boyfriend jeans, but they’d be just as cool with a floral dress, bare legs and oversized sunglasses once the weather warms.
The Printed Tunic: A definite Spring staple, if you want to pick this up early (and since it’s 20% off right now you probably should), you can layer it with a turtleneck sweater and denim jacket. Then later, shed layers and accessorize with heeled suede sandals and a long pendant necklace.
The Nautical Extras: I never get tired of adding a nautical touch when Spring rolls around. Oversized white shades and a navy, paisley clutch are perfect now with a trench coat and denim flares or later with a striped tee and faux leather mini.
While I still can’t quite believe that Christmas is this week, I’m having an even harder time believing that the end of 2015 is just around the corner! But before the year slips away, it’s time to pull out some sequins, dust off your dancing shoes and celebrate the last 365 days. Adam and I hid out in his family’s cabin last NYE but this year feels like one to go out and sip champagne with the rest of New York. Here, a few outfit ideas to get you in the mood. I’m loving this sequin shift (40% off right now!) with tassel earrings and embellished heels – or this cutout lace mini with metallic clutch and a pair of strappy heels.
EXTRA EMBELLISHMENT
LUXE LACE
Seasonally speaking, I’m not sure there is anything more beautiful than Fall in the Northeast. New York is just starting to turn it’s leaves, but on a quick overnight trip to the lake house in the Poconos this weekend – Adam and I got to really surround ourselves with foliage. And it just never loses it’s magic for me. Since it was already pretty chilly in the mountains, I layered up – starting with this plaid poncho.
SHOP THE STORY
As I’m writing this I’m curled up by the fire at my parent’s house in PA. Which basically is the very coziest way to spend a Sunday. Another good way to spend the afternoon? Online shopping. There are some killer sales happening right now which is perfectly timed since the weather looks like we’ll be saying goodbye to bare legs and light jackets very soon. Below a few of my favorites..
(Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4, Photo 5, Photo 6)
Anthropologie – Sales are few and far between here, but this weekend they’re offering 20% off all full-priced apparel w/ code FALLFUN. I’m wearing this dark orange turtleneck in photo 4 above and am obsessing over this vest.
French Connection – Save 30% off all coats and jackets with code FC30CJ – I wear this denim jacket (in photos 3 and 5) constantly and swear I’m going to finally pull the trigger on this leather moto jacket today.
LOFT – 40% off sweaters and tops – this slouchy sweater would get a ton of wear and I love the mixed print on this top.
J.Crew – 30% off outerwear, sweaters, shirts and t-shirts w/ code LAYERUP – now would be a great time to purchase a winter coat like this one or this one.
Ruche – Extra 40% off sale items with code EXTRA40 – I’m loving this marigold color for Fall and this floral dress would be so pretty paired with tights and a berry lipstick.
Nine West – 40% off select fall styles – these black pointy toe boots add instant chic (shown in photo 6) and these Chelsea boots are a total wardrobe classic.
Madewell – Extra 40% off sale items with code EXTRA40 – this cardigan (shown in photo 1) is a total steal and I’ve worn it at least once a week since picking it up and this plaid scarf would add a cozy touch to any outfit.
Talbots – 30-40% off select fall styles – I’ve been loving this teal slouchy sweater paired with this paisley scarf and this quilted cross-body bag (shown in photo 2) has been a favorite of mine so far this Fall.