Top: A.P.C
Jeans: J Brand
Scarf: Alexander McQueen
Shoes: B Brian Atwood

It’s officially getting colder which means I can officially start layering up. And Halloween is just days away! My favorite holiday! So it’s time to start unleashing my favorite spooktastic wardrobe pieces. Normally I’m not a skull person. For years I affiliated skulls with gothic individuals and the original Hot Topic crowd (you know before Hot Topic started selling Hello Kitty and Justin Bieber attire, a vast improvement in my opinion but that’s neither here nor there.)

Long Live McQueen!

However, since I’ve fallen in love with the late Alexander McQueen and his signature skull design, I’ve learned to appreciate the once gothic symbol. I have since been told that the skull is actually symbolic of being a free spirit. I’ll go with that! One of my favorite accessories is my McQueen scarf that I bought years ago when I had to work on Halloween. It was my way of “dressing up.” A nice substitute for a Halloween costume that I figured I could wear all year round. One of my favorite things about wearing that scarf is that for whatever reason it compels other McQueen fans to tell me how they began their love affair with the legend and mastermind. By far my favorite story is that of a woman who said she actually met McQueen in an airport once. After he passed away she went on a mission to find a Union Jack flag with the McQueen signature skull and the phrase “Long Live McQueen.” She succeeded and that’s her favorite accessory. I’ve always loved that scarf but since my story is not nearly as fascinating as my fellow fashionista I have not felt worthiness enough of that particular design. Maybe one day.

Not only does my investment work as a conversation starter between myself and fellow McQueen enthusiasts but it also serves to keep me warm on a blustery California afternoon.

I also have a soft spot for pink skulls a la Tarina Tarantino.

It was even cold enough today to debut my Akris Punto Coat!