Monroe Steele

If you need someone to shepherd you through ever-changing fashion trends, Monroe Steele is your gal. Her blog Fashion Steele NYC is a one-stop shop where luxury, thrift and street style meet. But the aspect of her work that makes Steele the perfect tour guide into the world of fashion? She shows you how to join in on the fun. “I want to let people know where the fashion steals can be found,” she says.

On three places newbie fashionistas should be shopping. “First, I love & Other Stories. It's like an off-brand H&M, but so much better. Their clothing is luxe and they make the best basics and minimalist jewelry. I also really like Bonadrag.com for discovering indie designers. Last, The Real Real is my favorite place for designer deals. A lot of people think it's only consignment or used items, but a lot of major brands actually list their overstock there. I just got new Balenciaga boots in a Saks Fifth Avenue box for 90 percent off the original price!”

On a beauty trick she swears by. “I always keep a spare Kabuki brush in my purse. In fact, I have four total—one for all the different bags I carry. It’s perfect to have on hand for all those shiny and greasy face moments.”

On something no one knows about her. “I’m a huge reader. Even though I have a Kindle, I rarely use it because I love the actual feel and smell of a book. I also put a lot of time into building those cool custom floating bookshelves to show off all my books like art. It’s a big passion of mine. Right now, I'm reading You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero who also write You Are a Badass about how to stop doubting your greatness and start living an awesome life. I refer to that book every few days, it's that good.”

On her perfect day in New York City. “I love eating pastries at a restaurant with a secret garden out back, checking out every sample sale the city has to offer and enjoying a glass of red wine on a rooftop. No matter what, there’s always so much to do.”