Jessica is a Manhattan-based influencer who runs the Steele Maiden; a place full of her creative passion. Not only we love her elegant style and the tones she coordinates, it’s inspiring to see all of her seasonal outfits and view the beautiful NYC (and other choice locations) background. Reading her articles will add a little more sparkle to your day. Please enjoy Jessica’s live your color interview featuring Tabbisocks’ Ribbon Sheer Tights , Classic Rib Tights and Clear Dots Socks.
1. Where did you grow up and how did it shape who you are today?
I grew up in a small town in southeast Pennsylvania called West Grove. Lots of cornfields, cows and country music. I loved growing up there and I still love going back there. I think it’s because of that tiny rural town that I had a lot of room for my mind to create big city dreams.
2. What kind of work does your family do?
When he’s not working with me on my blog (he’s the photographer!) my boyfriend works in logistics and tech support. It couldn’t be further from what I do all day and I love that. We solve problems in completely different ways but almost always agree on the solution. And it’s great to be able to bounce ideas off him since he brings an analytical perspective to everything (which isn’t my strong suit).
3. Why did you decide to start your own blog?
I work in the Fashion Industry full time (I’m an Art Director for a designer jewelry brand) and so I’m creative all day… but it’s always for someone else. I felt like I needed a space where I could present my own ideas and make my own direction.
4. What’s the most important part about creating your blog articles and why?
I want everything I create to feel authentic and inspiring in some way. This digital space has become really crowded and I think it’s easy to just create content for the sake of it or want to become a blogger for some imagined 15 minutes of fame. But I always try to ask myself - is this something my followers will find interesting? Will it inspire them to look at their own wardrobes or cities in a new light? And of course, is it true to me?
5. What would you like to try on your blog in the near future? I’d love to be able to find the time to create video content. And I’m always looking for new places in New York to explore.
6. What do you like to do for recreation?
I love hunting for vintage handbags, running, margarita date nights with my boyfriend and going on road trips.
7. What is your favorite place in Manhattan and what do you recommend doing there if we’re visiting?
I have a million favorite places, it’s so hard to pick! And it definitely changes by season. But if you were coming for a visit, I’d say take a trip to the Top of the Rock for full city views (buy tickets for first thing in the morning and avoid the crowds!), go row-boating on the Central Park lake (one of my all-time favorite date ideas), visit a museum - I love the Met or the MoMA, and then end the day listening to live music (Jazz Standard in Flatiron is my favorite) and grabbing a drink at Dear Irving (a hidden speakeasy in Gramercy Park).
8. What is your favorite quote to live by and why?
I recently saw a quote by Honoré de Balzac that says “All happiness depends on courage & work.” I really love that. I believe it takes a lot of courage and hard work to chase after (and hold on to) the things that make us happiest.
10. What does "#LiveYourColor" mean to you?
To me, ‘live your color’ means living in a way that feels true to who you are. Maybe you’re a soft purple or a zesty yellow. Everyone’s different and that’s what makes this world such a dynamic place. I’ve always thought of blue as my signature color - that shade of blue that the ocean turns just before sunset, a kind of faded, washed out blue.. like perfectly worn in denim). Sometimes if I’m trying to decide if something is right for me, I think of it in terms of that color. Does it make me feel as confident, at ease and happy as that color does? If so - then I go for it. Living your color is crucial.
All images by Ana of The Steele Maiden, follow her on Instagram!
Shop Jessica’s look at Tabbisocks!