008: Count Your Blessings
Empty Pools + Jackets With Jersey + Adventures At Camp
Cover Credits: Olivia’s Pool, Burbank, California; photo and collage, Amy Lu .
Happy November Fashion Lovers and Friends
Thank you for reading, sharing, and (hopefully) subscribing to my newsletter. Starting over in the digital world in 2025 is a grind of epic proportions. Some days it feels nearly impossible, especially because I’ve chosen to grow organically and share authentically, neither of which are particularly algorithm-friendly. Good thing I love fashion as much as I do. I will probably shop, style, write, and photograph fashion stories forever. It’s my love language. I’m so happy and grateful that you’re here. Truly, thank you.
November is that sweet spot between fresh back-to-school routines and the excitement of holiday dressing around the corner (SPARKLES). This style no-man’s-land only lasts a few weeks, and it got me thinking about pieces that can seamlessly transition between both worlds.
This month, I took a closer look at a fashion classic having a major moment: the leather bomber jacket, especially oversized brown ones. I paired it with a foolproof companion, the jersey dress. Together they achieve that elusive “I care, but not that much” energy, along with the delightful paradox of “I’m hot in a tight dress and perfectly comfortable in an oversized jacket.”
Truthfully, I’m not usually a spandex-jersey-dress kind of gal, but prepping for this shoot changed something. I’m giving it a go. The look is incredibly flattering on almost everyone, especially tone-on-tone. Normally, I’d wear this type of jacket with a lace-trimmed slip dress or layered over a turtleneck and mid-calf pencil skirt, but I highly recommend trying this polished meets comfy combo.
I haven’t invested in a bomber yet, still undecided on which one. Since it’s hot here in LA, I have time, though the moment is now. There are so many gorgeous styles available across a variety of price points. I used to have a beautiful brown leather one from Roots but gave it away years ago (darn it!). I’m thinking of getting a quality black version, since I’d likely wear it the most. A maroon one feels more current and noticeable, though I’d probably look at less expensive labels for that, because how often will I actually wear it?
Below, you’ll see the shoot I did with Eva from LA Models, who is an absolute gem of a human. We shot at a friend’s empty pool in Burbank, a location I’ve always loved. The worn-in light blue walls and wide-open space create a beautiful backdrop for chic clothes. Thank you, Olivia, for letting me bring my fashion dreams to your backyard.
For this month’s Lu’s List, I’m highlighting dress-and-bomber-and-pump combos in fall’s richest palette. My favorite thing about this look is that it needs no embellishment. Simplicity at its best. Clothes feel wonderful this season. Color is back. Proportions are interesting again. Statement coats are the icons of the moment, which makes getting ready a breeze.
Plot twist: I went to camp in Texas this month. Not my usual vibe. I’m definitely more of a “chic resort with a lovely bar and great shopping nearby” kind of girl. Then again, I’m a Gemini and an enthusiastic adventurer. Truthfully, it was more glamping than camping: gourmet meals, lots of prosecco, sound baths, breathwork, and yoga on adorable The Everygirl -branded mats. Still, it was camp. I slept on a bottom bunk and never once pulled the heels out of my suitcase. Obviously I packed several pairs, just in case.
I’ve included a few of my outfits below. I hate being photographed.I’m just not great at it. During a magazine shoot once, the photographer paused and said, “You look…what’s the word? Insecure. You look insecure. Try to relax.” Shockingly, that did not help. I’m not sure why I have such an aversion to being on the other side of the lens, but I’m committed to sharing my looks for the love of fashion and this new project. If even one outfit inspires someone to elevate their everyday, it’s worth it.
Enjoy this issue! Thank you for your support, and always feel free to reach out.
Love and Style,
amyluxox
New Proportions
Snug, ruched jersey pieces are the perfect complement to this season’s signature item: very oversized leather jackets. These jackets look their best when paired with something tailored or tight, unless you’re intentionally leaning into the all-over oversized silhouette. I’m thrilled by the variety of leather and pleather bomber styles available right now. Outerwear doesn’t always enjoy such a moment, so if you’ve been craving one, this is your sign to shop sooner rather than later. You can see more images from the shoot over on my Amy Lu .
Lu’s List: The November Edition
Although I love thoughtful layering and standout statement pieces, I’m equally obsessed with simplicity. The best-dressed people, in my opinion, are the ones who wear their clothes, not the other way around. Simple combos are the easiest way to pull that off: jacket, dress, shoes—check, check, check. Simplicity keeps you aligned—and surprisingly chic. In my mixes, I like to pair high and low price points, classic and contemporary pieces, something feminine and sexy with something bold and effortless. Maybe that’s why certain looks keep resurfacing, timeless and endlessly wearable.
Credits From Left to Right:
Rotate Cropped Faux Leather Bomber ($480), available at mytheresa.com. I grew up in the eighties, so I’m clearly drawn to design details from my past: V-shaped topstitching, concealed closures, and elasticated hems and cuffs. I love this color, too!
L’AGENCE Larelle Midi Dress ($495), available at lagence.com. Sleek and sophisticated—absolutely! I love this dark port color and the gold button detail. It’s definitely fitted and might warrant Spanx—there’s nowhere to hide in this dress—but I think it would be a great addition to a fall wardrobe and could easily serve as a holiday party dress. Beyond pairing it with this leather jacket and pumps, I’d also try it with a blazer or shawl, leggings, and tall boots for a more casual, layered look.
Stuart Weitzman Power 85 in Boysenberry ($495), available at stuartweitzman.com. Pumps are one of those things worth investing in—it’s hard to feel (and look) cute when you can’t walk in them. I find Stuart Weitzman heels to be among the most comfortable, and they truly stand the test of time (I still have several pairs from my Toronto days). This classic silhouette comes in a range of suede and leather shades, so you can pick the one that best suits your wardrobe.
Aritzia Falcon Jacket ($248), available at aritzia.com. Love this classic cut and the light brown color—so current. This lined bomber jacket features pockets and is crafted from Aritzia’s ‘UnReal’ leather, making the price point more manageable. It’s also available in black and a deep brown hue.
Alex Perry Draped Crêpe Jersey Gown ($2150), available at mytheresa.com. This dress is heavenly—probably not on me, but on someone tall and long it would be extraordinary! It’s giving full golden-goddess vibes. I could definitely see Angelina wearing this for award season. The draping and ruching are so flattering, and the gathered knot detail is utterly statuesque.
Gianvito Rossi 105 Suede Pumps ($702), available at mytheresa.com. Absolutely timeless and sophisticated. Definitely meant for high heels—so maybe not a day-to-day option—but incredible with this dress for a special event. I also love this color paired with denim; it’s a neutral that still pops.
Anine Bing Kelanie Jacket ($600), available at aninebing.com. Anine Bing nails the trends that actually matter. This bomber hits all the classics—flap pockets, exposed zipper, elasticated waist and cuffs—plus that deep brown hue everyone’s coveting this season. Made from recycled leather, it’s a chic, responsible pick you can feel good about.
Wilfred Fernanda Dress ($110), available at aritzia.com. This dress is both office- and event-friendly. It’s figure-hugging, but the gathered details at the waist and shoulders, along with the slight A-line silhouette, make it more comfortable and flattering. In addition to this mocha brown hue, it’s also available in deep red, dark blue, and black.
Aqua Women’s Azure Pumps ($138), available at bloomingdales.com. Slingback pumps are a great option for anyone who finds heels uncomfortable. I love the subtle nod to high-vamp heels, too. These come at a fantastic price point (yay for shoes under $200!) and are also available in dark beige and black.
ALC Otto Leather Jacket ($1295), available at alcltd.com. This jacket is so beautiful! It’s elegant and polished—a slightly more elevated take on the leather bomber trend. Here, I’ve paired it with a jersey dress and pumps, but I’d also be excited to style it with skinny jeans and fringe boots for a night out, or wide-leg trousers and heels for a chic daytime look.
Veronica Beard Charissa Gathered Stretch Cotton Jersey Sheath($298), available at saksfifthavenue.com. It’s these sorts of classic garments that make getting dressed up easier. Basic perhaps but so simple to style and really versatile. Bring on the gathered detail across the front!
Monolo Blahnik BB 70mm Kid Suede Stiletto Pumps ($865), available at bergdorfgoodman.com. The perfect black pump.
Shiny People In Bombers
I love referencing celebs for trends because, in addition to having the budget for great clothes (ca-ching, ca-ching) and the constant paparazzi motivation to curate their street style (snap, snap, snap), they also receive the newest samples on loan—sometimes even gifted—and work with top-tier talent who help style and polish their looks to perfection. Here are a few of my favorite leather-bomber, head-to-toe kits done right.
Credits (From top left):
Khaite Runway F/W 2025 (Courtesy of Khaite), love the playful proportions and mix of textures with the all black look.
Kate Moss in Isabel Marant at PFW F/W 2025 (Courtesy of Isabel Marant), the sheer stockings and silk short combo is so pretty and the 80’s style studded boots add the perfect dose of edge.
Sienna Miller In Chloé at PFW F/W 2024 (Courtesy of Chloé), black and white is always perfect and the delicate slip dress is the perfect compliment to the bulky bomber.
Bella Hadid in Saint Laurent at PFW S/S 2026 (Courtesy of Saint Laurent), love the sophisticated pinstripe trousers and unexpected chunky brown belt.
Gigi Hadid out in Paris wearing a Charlotte Simone leather jacket (© Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images), this is a great example of how a super simple look (monochromatic jeans, t-shirt, belt and sunnies) can be transformed into a bold look by adding a statement jacket.
Khaite Runway F/W 2025 (As before), love the volume on this piece.
Saint Laurent Runway F/W 2025 (As before), the palette is magical in this look, somehow making 1984 on the top and 1884 on the bottom workout perfectly.
Hailey Bieber out in LA 2024 (©Backgrid), she’s definitely tall and gorgeous so kind of looks incredible in everything but I particularly appreciate her use of color and mix of high-low plus she is the best at baseball hats.
Hailey Bieber out in LA 2024 (©Backgrid).
Zoë Saldaña in Saint Laurent at PFW F/W 2025 (©Getty), I love this whole situation including the white button up and pleated khakis. This jacket is amazing.
Gigi Hadid in NYC in the fall of 2024 (©Getty), this is not a bomber jacket but it’s brown and oversized and I really like how she styled it over a long plaid shirt with light colored trousers-very cute:).
Saint Laurent Runway F/W 2025 (As before). Collage,@amyluxox.
A Little History
A bomber jacket may feel like pure fashion today, though its story, like most things in fashion, started from a place of practicality. Early aviators in the 1920s and 30s braved open-cockpit planes and bitter cold at high altitudes, so the U.S. military issued leather flight jackets with shearling linings, knit cuffs, and high collars to keep them warm. The now-iconic A2 design of 1931 added streamlined structure and practical pockets, giving pilots a uniform that was functional and looked sharp. These jackets quickly became symbols of courage and camaraderie, often hand-painted with art and decorated with pins and patches that made each one personal.
After World War II, pilots continued wearing their flight jackets at home, and a shift took place. What began as technical gear transformed into a style statement. Hollywood seized on that effortless cool: James Dean and Marlon Brando turned leather jackets into cultural shorthand for rebellion. Later, the nylon MA-1 bomber—born from Cold War innovation—swooped from runways to streetwear, embraced by youth subcultures who loved its attitude and edge.
Designers eventually joined the flight, experimenting with proportions, textures, and colors to make the bomber jacket a true fashion chameleon. The bomber jacket doesn’t just tell a story, it invites the wearer to feel a little bolder every time they zip up.
From Left to Right:
Tom Cruise as Pete Maverick from the 1986 film, Top Gun. (Paramount Pictures).
Woodrow W. Crockett’s Flight Jacket. (The Smithsonian).
Sergeant Ray Hooe, Lieutenant Elwood Quesada, Lieutenant Harry Halverson, Captain Ira C. Eaker and Major Carl Spaatz stand beside the Fokker C-2A Question Mark after seven days in the air. (National Archives).
Albert Einstein’s Iconic Cossack Leather Jacket Purchased by Levi’s for $147,000 at Auction in 2016. (Levi Strauss)
Steve McQueen as Captain Virgil from the 1963 film, The Great Escape. (Getty)
Amelia Earhart. (Getty)
Women Airfare Service Pilots, “Pistol Packin’ Mama”. (United States Air Force Museum)
Marilyn Monroe in Korea. (Julien’s Auctions/AP)
If I had To Choose One
With all the time I’ve spent looking at leather bomber jackets this month, I’ve been narrowing in on my top pick. Ultimately, I’ve landed on a black one—the front runner is by Nour Hammour (top middle row). I love the idea of oversized and bold—especially the long, below-the-bum silhouette—but I’m short and petite, so it would take a lot of effort to style without feeling like I’m swimming in it.
The Isabel Marant one (top right) is style perfection, but … and honestly, I’m just not that cool. I could try the look on for a night or two, but I definitely wouldn’t wear it enough to justify the price. The Gap one (bottom left) is a great option for a younger person—it’s a bit reminiscent of the mall-rat jackets from the ’80s, which isn’t quite my vibe, but it’s solid. Zara’s (bottom right) is cute and gets the job done—I actually used it in a shoot a couple months ago.
The Zadig & Voltaire (bottom middle) and AllSaints (top left) ones are both great too, but I prefer the elevated look of the Nour Hammour jacket. I’m also toying with the idea of a brown or red one, like the ones I used in the shoot with Eva—both of which are really reasonably priced.
From Left to right:
AllSaints Felda Leather Jacket ($789), available at allsaints.com.
Nour Hammour Briar Cropped Bomber Jacket ($1470), available at nour-hammour.com.
Isabel Marant Leather Jacket ($3650), available at farfetch.com.
AllSaints Felda Leather Jacket ($789), available at allsaints.com.
Gap Leather Jacket ($198), available at gap.com.
Zadig et Voltaire Liston Cropped Leather Jacket ($748), available at zadig-et-voltaire.com.
Zara Faux Leather BomberJacket ($79.90), available at zara.com.
Lulala: October Style Notes
October was a great month. I squeezed in a few little zippy trips, which I love because planning outfits is half the fun. Most days I’m mom-ing and working from home in leggings and fleece, so I adore any excuse to dress up. As I mentioned earlier, I even went camping. Yes…camping.
Camp Everygirl hosted a retreat just outside Austin for about 100 women (most of whom had never met) purely for fun. There were so many grown-up activities: crafting, book clubs, water sports, yoga, breathwork, journaling, bedazzling, hiking, chatting, and eating great food. Four days and three nights of pure adventure, minimal technology, and meaningful connection. Genuine connection feels rare these days. Everyone seems buried in their phones, and social media doesn’t always feel all that social.
Packing for camp as an adult was surprisingly delightful. The last time I went to sleep away camp I was twelve, sporting Chip & Pepper tees, logo sweatshirts, and khaki shorts. Oddly enough, those could walk right onto a 2025 Pinterest board. Fashion is a circle, people.
I also spent a night in Austin, checked out Caroline downtown (so good, so friendly), and went to a Bob Woodward talk at the Paramount Theatre. Super fascinating. Though, in the dark, my cute outfit was mostly just appreciated by…me. Still counts.
Clockwise from top left:
Top Row:
Hillhouse Mini Nap Dress. I can’t say enough great things about these dresses, they are easy, flattering and comfortable. I probably got more compliments on this dress than anything else I had on all month.
Aritzia Tank and Cardigan Sweater Set, Goldie Denim, Stuart Weitzman Sandals, Mansur Gavriel Clutch. Oh Aritzia private label, I appreciate you, so easy to wear. These jeans are a bit too ripped for me but I like the fit so I keep wearing them
Pendleton Hooded Towel. I love these pretty towels-I was channeling my inner Bodhi from Point Break.
Anine Bing Tank Top, The Great Denim, Isabel Marant Booties, Marc Jacobs Cross Body Bag. This is my go to uniform this season. It’s love all black but all of these pieces have something a little extra about them which makes me feel happy.
Anine Bing T-Shirt, Agoldie Denim Shorts, Le Cafe De La Plage Hat. Anine Bing is great at curating elevated basics, I also appreciate that her styles are generally timeless, I prefer timeless and classic. This is one of my favorite cafe’s in LA-it’s actually in Malibu but they have incredible coffee and have started selling really cute merch.
Middle Row:
Ulla Johnson Blouse, The Great Jeans, Stuart Weitzman Sandals. I don’t wear this top often because it’s quite hippy dippy so I need to everything else organized before I wear it, but it’s so pretty and the details are lovely.
Lululemon Leggings, Athleta T-Shirt, Nike Air Sneakers. I usually wear black yoga gear but am making an effort to break out some color. The Athleta T-Shirts are great, I’m happy I finally found cute shirts to wear to yoga.
Aritzia Tank and Cardigan Sweater Set, Wilfred Shorts, Stuart Weitzman Sandals. This has served as my other uniform, I wore it a lot this summer and fall.
L’Agence Swimsuit, Saint Laurent Sunnies. This swimsuit is great, just basic black but the gold coin detail makes it feel a bit special. Also, the website said size down and I wish I listened.
Bottom Row:
L’Agence Swimsuit, Saint Laurent Sunnies, Goldie Denim Shorts, Nike Air Sneakers. I am happiest in jean shorts and flip flops. I have sneakers on here as I was going on a little hike before the beach.
Hillhouse Nap Dress, Haviana Flip Flops. Loved this dress so much, I bought it again.
A Reminder
The Every Girl Camp was held at The Retreat at Balcones Springs -about an hour north of Austin. The venue primarily serves as a camp for kids in the summer however it doubles as a place for weddings, conferences and events. I highly recommend checking it out if you have the chance. The staff was incredibly warm and accommodating, the food was really delicious, and the grounds are massive and beautiful.
A couple of the days included a scheduled hike that meandered through the woods and ended up at a beautiful lookout of Lake Travis. The trail is adorned with hand-painted, inspiring quotes nailed to trees—tiny surprises at every turn. One of my favorites was a classic Willie Nelson line, reminding us to “look for the good.” It seems so simple, yet somehow it’s easy to forget.
The whole experience felt like a little reset—a chance to slow down, breathe, and soak up nature and community. If you ever get the chance to visit, I’d highly recommend it. I also highly recommend putting down your phone and connecting with a human-it’s good for the soul.
Can’t believe that it’s already November! How did that happen? Here’s to a great day, week, and month ahead. ❤️