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.

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

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

Gypsy Junkies: It's All in the Back

Gypsy Junkies Axel Caplet  |  Free People cut-off shorts  |  Jeffrey Campbell Alexey ankle boots

I had been lusting over this Gypsy Junkies axel caplet ever since the June Free People 'Washed Ashore' feature with Behati Prinsloo... so I finally caved. It feels like the softest cotton tee ever with this awesome detailing on the back! If it wasn't so humid in Vegas this past weekend, I would have worn this tee every single day. 

While in Vegas, I had dinner at Bachi Burger and tried the 'No Meat Here' burger. It was heavenly! For vegetarians and carnivores alike, the layers of eggplant, tofu, and greens on top of a shiitake mushroom patty and wheat bun were amazing. It had so much flavor that the meat wasn't even necessary. For the meat lovers, the rest of my group were dying over the Oxtail Chili Cheese Fries, Miyagi-san's Burger, "Banh Mi" Burger, and the Crusty Crab.

: @jessicaswu
: @jemappellemoi

Feeling Patriotic

Free People Big Dipper Tee  |  vintage high waisted denim shorts  |  Jeffrey Campbell Arizona ankle boots

Happy Fourth of July!

My take on patriotism for this Fourth of July... which translates into high waisted denim shorts, a supremely oversized white tee, and basic black ankle boots topped off with braids that make me look like a teenager.

This past week has been insane! I was out and about every day celebrating my birthday week. Ever since I became a pescatarian, I've been eager to try out new vegetarian and vegan places. So I discovered this AMAZING vegan place called Native Foods Cafe. Everything there is beyond delicious and great for both vegans/vegetarians and omnivores. My favorites include the Greek Gyro bowl, the Twister Wrap, and the Oatmeal Creme Pie.
Needless to say, I went there again for lunch today.

Greek Gyro Bowl – Thinly sliced Native Peppered Seitan sautéed with shallots on quinoa, steamed vegetables, and kale with lemon garlic sauce and hummus. Served with grilled flatbread.

: @jessicaswu

: @jemappellemoi

A Night on the Town

T By Alexander Wang bustier shirt  |  Dolce & Gabbana patterned skirt  |  Isabel Marant strap sandals   

Floral Knit shirt |  Josh Goot gray skirt  |  Jeffrey Campbell black platform booties 

Zara printed jacket  |  CÉLINE short sleeve top  |  Rebecca Minkoff black leather shorts  |  Forever New flat heels

From polished to edgy to casual chic, these are my ideal looks for a night on the town. 

Polyvore makes playing dress up so much more fun.


: @jessicaswu
: @jemappellemoi

Urth Angel

ThreadSence maxi dress (similar ones here)

If you follow me on Instagram (@jessicaswu), you know that I'm a bit of a caffeine addict. So being based 20 minutes from LA makes access to Urth Caffe all too easy. I love their variety of  organic lattes and their green tea tiramisu is to die for. Until recently, these graffiti wings were located just outside the Urth Caffe in the Arts District on Hewitt. Much to my dismay, during my last visit, I found that the wings (and all the amazing graffiti art) had been removed.

Personally, I really enjoy seeing graffiti art (emphasis on the art). I feel that it truly embodies and represents the city of its locale. That being said, San Francisco has the best graffiti art by far. Visit the Mission District and see for yourself if you don't believe me (then stop in Philz Coffee for a Mint Mojito Coffee and Tartine for a Hazelnut Tart while you're there)!

: @jessicaswu
: @jemappellemoi