Classically Striped

Banana Republic striped fit-and-flare dress  |  Jeffrey Campbell Tardy Lo's  |  H&M hat (similar)

How gorgeous are these Autumn colors?? This is my favorite tree because it's bursting with all the rich colors of my favorite season. Even when the leaves fall, it leaves the ground scattered with a brilliant array of color. 

As much as I love black on black with a splash of another dark color topped off with a black hat, sometimes I just feel more preppy and classic. That's exactly what this dress is –  classically striped with a touch of prep and great construction. 

Give me a gloomy day & a cafe latte and I'm in love.

Victorian Gloom

Express lace top  |  |  Banana Republic fur vest  |   Free People Spanish court skirt  |  Jeffrey Campbell boots

I really believe I should have been born in the Victorian era, or possibly even Britain. Albeit a touch extravagant and luxurious, lace, fur, and a hat, the perfect outfit recipe for a gloomy weekend. Give me a hat, some boots, and a little something special and I'm good to go.

Falling Back

Banana Republic leopard coat (similar)  |  Free People smocked crop  |  Lucca Couture leather shorts (similar)  |  Pretty Polly mesh faux suspender tights  |  Dolce Vita OTK suede boots (similar here and here) 

I give a little, into the moment like I'm standing at the edge (I know)
But no one's gonna turn me around 
Just one more step, I could let go 
Oh and in the middle, I hear the voices 
And they're calling for me now (I know)
But nothing's gonna wake me now 
Cause I'm a slave to the sound

Falling, falling, falling, falling 
Falling, falling, falling, falling 
Falling, falling, falling, falling 
Falling, falling
Oh and now I'm falling 

(Haim)

I love me some Haim, and their song 'Falling' is perfect for when we turn our clocks back – marking the official start of the entire holiday season. Get ready for Starbucks red holiday cups, brisk weather, sumptuous amounts of baked goods, and holiday cheer.

California Autumn

Zara sweater  |  Madewell dress (similar)  |  Jeffrey Campbell Litas  |  Free People Patton Porkpie hat

We're neck deep into October and still averaging 70 degrees on the daily. As much as I love Autumn, I must admit that California does not reflect the true essence and weather of my favorite season. However, as a Cali native I must stay true to what is my California Autumn. Besides, it allows me to continue wearing my favorite dresses and layer up with winter white sweaters (and of course… a hat).

: @jessicaswu

: @jemappellemoi

Textural

burnout white tee  |  Madewell metallic skirt (similar)  |  Free People Patton Porkpie hat  |  Aldo faux fur bag

I'm a neutral-colored girl, hands down. I prefer my charming oatmeals and shades of grey to flamboyant pinks and bright blues. However, I love my textures and prints. Adding different textural elements on an outfit instantly jazzes it up, making it more aesthetically appealing and enjoyable to the eye. Hence, my metallic Madewell skirt, burnout tee, and faux fur bag. But if we're being completely honest here, donning my faux fur bag wasn't initially a textural statement... I just really wish I had a cat and well... there you go.

Also, my best blogger babe Jo of Cosmic Barbies came down to FIDM to shoot some blog photos and have a lovely brunch date at Bottega Louie.

: @jessicaswu
: @jemappellemoi

LA, That's Where I Wanna Be

vintage top  |  Lucca Couture leather shorts (similar)  |  Free People Patton Porkpie hat  |  Jeffrey Campbell boots

As a Los Angeles local, I've always noticed this bridge as an iconic feature of the city – making appearances in various LA-based movies and television shows. That being said, of course I had to make a photo pitstop for the blog. Cue the unwanted honks and wolf whistles from passing cars. Needless to say, it was an eventful little photo session that made me further appreciate my wondrous city, full of its charms in the form of graffiti, grime, and outspoken inhabitants. 

I LOVE LOS ANGELES.

: @jessicaswu

: @jemappellemoi

'Back' in Royal Blue

DeJaVu blue dress

Every day is summer in SoCal. Let's just pretend I'm oceanside at some tropical Mexican riviera in this backless blue dress courtesy of DeJaVu.

: @jessicaswu
: @jemappellemoi

Féline

Coincidence & Chance overall denim jumper  |  Zodiac bra top  |  Féline beanie

You're from the 70's, but I'm a 90's bitch.

Felt like repping my birth generation in this grunge-y get-up. I'm a 90's baby for sure and I'll always dig the denim overalls and beanie look. Somedays, you just gotta kick old school by your local riverbed and not take life too seriously.

: @jessicaswu
: @jemappellemoi