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

Tweed-y

Free People lace crop top  |  Banana Republic flared jacquard skirt  |  Free People Jackson crossbody

Mixed it up with a tweed skirt for a lunch out with my blogger babes! I got to spend time with Jo, Christine, and Nica today for a little vegan lunch and shopping.

: @jessicaswu
: @jemappellemoi

Daisy

Free People fitted in daisies dress  |  Free People double layer rosary  |  Banana Republic heels  |  vintage Coach bag

I recently discovered a hidden gem of shops called the OC Mart Mix, which houses all sorts of quaint little boutique shops and food shops. From Portola Coffee Lab to Birdie Bowl to Shuck Oyster Bar, the store offerings are so intriguing. The Alchemistic cafe au lait at Portola Coffee Lab is deliciously astounding. As a self-pronounced caffeine addict, I must admit I've been craving another cup. From my dress to my nails, I've got a black and blue vibe going on with this outfit. 

To top off my OC Mart Mix experience, I ran into fashion blogger Rachel of That's Chic again! Hi Rachel!

: @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

Moto Chic

Free People vegan leather jacket, Forever 21 blouse (similar), BDG mid-rise twig denim, Jeffrey Campbell Tardys

This. Vegan. Leather. Jacket. I think I'm in love. This jacket was a Christmas gift from my parents and I absolutely adore it. 

My latest shoe obsession is this pair of Jeffrey Campbell maroon Tardys (purchased for a steal on Nasty Gal during their Black Friday sale). They're definitely a "man repeller" shoe. In general, guys don't understand the awesome-ness of these ass-kicking shoes, but I adore them. To be honest, fashion was never a means to please men anyway. In my eyes, fashion is a form of expression aimed to please the wearer – not the observers.

Lastly, I apologize for my long absence from the blog. I've been immensely bogged down by my internship, work, and school LIFE. But I'm getting back into the groove of things and getting better at this balancing act.