Print Party

Zara blazer (similar)  |  Banana Republic fluted skirt and shoes  |  Free People smocked crop top

One of my favorite match ups is print on print. It's an easy and exciting way to spice up any outfit. With pairing prints together, it's essential to keep in mind that the color palettes of the different prints should be similar in tone so the prints still compliment each other and don't clash. To add more dimension and interest to my striped, fluted skirt, I threw on a dark green and navy blue plaid blazer – both different prints yet in the same dark color family. Voila, a easy way to rock some print on print!

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.

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

'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

Black and White

Banana Republic blouse  |  Free People brocade flocked skinnies  |  Free People Patton Porkpie Hat

Black and white. How much more simple and perfect can it get?

: @jessicaswu
: @jemappellemoi

No Parking for Wednesday Addams

Free People WTF Dot Wash tee  & rosary  |  Madewell coated skinnies (similar) & Hepcat shades |  Banana Republic Peyton heel

Channeling what Wednesday Addams would look like if she went wondering the modern day streets of LA.

All black, juvenile braids and sassy facial expressions. Little pale, dark-haired, grim Wednesday Addams was my favorite childhood character, who spawned my fascination with writing poetry about death and macabre. With Wednesday as inspiration, I took an edgy approach to the streets of LA and stumbled upon some kick-ass hidden graffiti.

“	Child of woe is wan and delicate...sensitive and on the quiet side, she loves the picnics and outings to the underground caverns...a solemn child, prim in dress and, on the whole, pretty lost...secretive and imaginitive, poetic, seems underprivileged and given to occasional tantrums...has six toes on one foot...	”
	—  Charles Addams

: @jessicaswu
: @jemappellemoi