Local Fall Fashion Preview: Add Some Leather To Your Wardrobe

In a Fall Fashion preview from one of our local magazines, the writer gives a nice plug for adding something leather to your wardrobe.  My take is that anyone can own a black leather jacket, but it takes some fashion daring to pull off a black leather skirt.  I agree with the writer about pairing it with a white flouncy blouse, but not about pairing it with zebra tights.  My ideal "black leather skirt look" is a slim, pencil-style skirt paired with a crisp white blouse, wide black leather sash belt, and black leather pumps or boots.  Angelina Jolie came close to perfecting this look recently (see photo)!

"You will want to add, if you don't already have it, something leather, especially in black, to your wardrobe for the fall and winter.  A leather jacket, or a jacket with leather accents.  A leather skirt will take you anywhere.  Make it innocent with a winter white flouncy blouse.  Take it out on the town with zebra tights and a geometric top.  Make it weekend casual with an oversized sweater, tights and flat boots.  Ditch your ideas about leather being only for the rockstars.  Anyone can wear leather and make it classy...and sassy!"

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is finally here!

DRAFT: PHOTOS COMING SOON!!!

Every summer, I anxiously wait for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale because it's usually the first real look at Fall and Winter fashion. Yes, higher-end retailers like Neiman-Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue already have some Fall fashions online, but at least I feel like some of the things at Nordstrom are within my price range.

That said, here are some of my favorite leather looks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

This Guess asymmetrical funnel neck leather jacket (regular $398; sale $259.90) is such a versatile look. I love the funnel neck styling and the fact that it looks great paired with both jeans as well as a skirt. I can see wearing this with skinny jeans and sexy black boots.

While wearing this Vince leather shift dress (regular $895; sale $598.90) is outside of my own comfort zone, I think it's a great look.

These Hue denim leggings (regular $39; sale $25.90) are available in six bright colors and will look great with tall sexy boots.

This Nic + Zoe tweed pencil skirt (regular $129; sale $85.90) looks great with tall boots!

This Classiques Entier lamb leather skirt (regular $268; sale $178.90) is a great look with a blouse as well as with a nicely contrasting jacket.

This Classiques Entier lamb leather jacket (regular $498; sale $329.90) is a great dressy take on the trendy moto-style jacket. Although I would wear it with skinny jeans or leggings, I can't help but wonder how it would look paired with the leather skirt above.

I have a real weakness for leather trenches, and this Classiques Entier lamb leather trench (regular $698; sale $459.90) is very nice, although I'd prefer it was available in black in addition to the only color option, deep burgundy.

This Nic + Zoe pleated knit skirt (regular $119; sale $78.90) looks great with tall boots!

Nordstrom is carrying several styles of leather pants, both real and faux, but this pair of Vince leather jeans ($1,150) is my favorite style and looks great paired with spiky-heeled boots!

These Lanvin long lambskin leather gloves are amazing, but unfortunately, way out of my price range at $1,175! They're an impressive 24 inches long and available in classic black and bright red.

Finally, these Via Spiga "Bethany" boots (regular $398; sale $259.90) are the classic knee-high leather dress boot. They would look great with both skirts and with skinny jeans tucked into them.

It's early in the season and I'm sure Nordstrom will have more great leather to share with you!

Yahoo article on "Who wears leather pants better?"

This fashion article of Yahoo! got my attention today. Although I'm not really a fan of either of these women, it's nice to see leather pants get some attention in the middle of this very hot summer. Enjoy!

Neiman Marcus Pre-Fall Trend: The Leather Leg

It's hard to think about wearing leather at this time of year, especially since where I live, the weather forecast is for 100+ degrees the next several days. However, it's also this time of year when retailers start clearing out their spring and summer merchandise to make way for fall. I've checked several websites, and the only one who is really embracing fall fashion already is Neiman Marcus, with it's Pre-Fall Trends.

Now I've been a big fan of leather leggings since the trend emerged a few years ago. Now I must clarify, real leather leggings, not the shiny, faux leather leggings. Yes, real leather leggings can be expensive, but I've seen several pairs on eBay sell for under $200, and if you time it right, you can snatch a pair for closer to $100.

That said, I was very pleased to see that Neiman Marcus listed "The Leather Leg" as one of it's pre-fall trends. Although prices on NM's leather leggings run from $700 to $3200, it's a great place to get ideas for how to pull off the Leather Legging Look!


Try mixing textures: these outfits work for me because they do a great job
of mixing textures. In this case, the quilted satin jacket and tweed jacket are
nice contrasts to the sleek leather leggings.


Be bold: it's hard to go wrong with a belted trench and leather leggings.
However, as much as I like leather trenches, it might be too much unless
it's a suede leather. This is why the second look works as it pairs a smooth
leather dress with suede leggings.


Create different looks with the same leggings: these Vince leather leggings
are my current favorite for their nice sheen and fit. Yet the longer tunic top
and the long-sleeved knit shirt make for totally different looks. I also think
the stripes in the shirt are great for creating contrast.


Tees work, too!: for those early fall days when the weather is still warmer,
try pairing a stylish tee with leather leggings and strappy sandals.


Leather leggings can be dressy, too!: for a dressier look, pair leather leggings
with a charmeuse blouse or a pattern cardigan sweater. I could actually see
wearing these leather leggings looks to the office! Slightly more conservative,
but still with that sexy edge that wearing leather gives.