Love is in the Air: One Day, Two Ways

Valentine's Day…

Cue the cheesy movies about love stories, romantic dinner date reservations, plethora of Hallmark cards and boxed chocolates, and general love-themed galore. I can't lie… I'm a total sucker for it all.

In anticipation for Valentine's Day, I threw together two outfits with the common theme of one vegan leather jacket.

Free People vegan leather jacket  |  Free People crop tee  |  Free People skirt  |  Rag & Bone Harrow Boot

Daytime outing. My type of outfit for a daytime date consists of your comfiest, coziest tee paired with a girly skirt and awesome black boots. The vegan leather jacket adds a tough edge and keeps your ensemble from looking too feminine and cliche. 

Shop Ruche dress (similar and similar)  |  vintage strappy heels  |  Free People necklace  |  JewelMint earrings (similar)

Date night. If there's any night that gives girls a right to don a playfully fancy dress to dinner, it's Valentine's Day. That being said, I tried to counter the classic cliche with the same vegan leather jacket to mellow out the femininity. It's a great way to take the leather piece from day to night with ease. 

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.

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

Hear Me Roar

Volcom Panther-printed crop top  |  Free People Winnie wrap skirt

When in Vegas, don animalistic crop tops and scandalous skirts. But really, this is my interpretation of an edgy nightlife outfit for the Vegas Strip. Rawr.

P.S. I'm heading back to Vegas this weekend. I'm probably going to be on the road as you read this sentence.

: @jessicaswu
: @jemappellemoi

On Fire

Evil Twin dress (similar here)

This girl is on fireeeeeeeeeeee...

I actually really don't like that song, but it was the first thing that popped into my head so there you go.  This whole color scheme has never been one of my go-to color palettes. To be honest, vivid colors in general are not in my comfort zone. But what's life without a little discomfort and adventure? With that being said, I put on a fiery red dress.

: @jessicaswu
: @jemappellemoi

American West

Free People Oversize button down  |  Winnie wrap skirt  |  Minnetonka Buffalo Nickel leather hat

Channeling my inner American West with a glamourous twist inspired by Ralph Lauren F/W '13.

: @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