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

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

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

All Dazzled Up

vintage sheer tank  |  Madewell metallic skirt  |  Banana Republic Lanah wooden platforms

A touch of metallic to liven up my neutral wardrobe. Even though I keep my ensembles pretty simply colored, I love to add color through my nail polish. I especially love this new Essie Bikini So Teeny color that was given to me as an early birthday gift from a sweet friend.

: @jessicaswu
: @jemappellemoi

Streets of LA

Madewell blazer  |  Free People vegan leather jacket  |  H&M bodysuit  |  Urban Outfitters skirt  |  BDG oxford heels

Walking around the streets of LA... and trying not to be killed my oncoming traffic. Oh the reality of fashion blogging (i.e. awkward stares and glances, perpetual running away from cars, frequent lighting checks, etc.) 

Downtown LA is one of my favorite go-to spots for an afternoon of anything really. A trip to downtown LA consists of brunch at Bottega Louie, snapping blog photos, lattes at Urth Caffe, and a quick trip into Little Tokyo for a little shopping stroll.

: @jessicaswu
: @jemappellemoi

Afternoon Stripes

ByCorpus tee  |  Madewell coated oilwell denim  |  Banana Republic "Peyton" heels

The afternoon light in Pasadena cast such a dreamy quality down this brick alley. It's a nice to change to switch it up and dress more casual chic in this pair of Madewell coated oilwell denim pants.

Now that summer is here and I get three glorious months off since I'm a student. I actually feel rather lost with what to do with myself. This past semester has been so hectic with balancing 17 units at school, interning 20 hours a week, and working a retail job. So the sudden transition from chaos to tranquility is a bit of a shock. As a result, I've loaded up today with a schedule full of cooking and baking to fill the void.

Follow me on instagram and twitter to keep up with my daily outfits and food posts!

: @jessicaswu

: @jemappellemoi