SUNDAY: A Red Leather Day...

I had something different planned to wear today.

Completely different actually.

Yes, I am the one... I am the obsessive planner.

I typically pick out my outfits the night before... I actually do that... have for years.

I had something completely different planned for today last night but when I got up this morning all I could think about was wearing my red leather skirt.

Weird?

Perhaps?

Maybe I was experiencing some kind of strange "skirt withdrawal" after having spent the day in slacks yesterday?  Perhaps it was some kind of unconscious therapy?

Hee Hee

Does anyone else ever have similar kinds of feelings... is that the right word?  You know... that moment when some article of clothing is just calling your name?

Whether anyone else does or not, I accept my little quirks.

Hee Hee

I was sooo happy with today's outfit and compliments were numerous despite the fact that I spent almost the entire day at home.

When an ensemble can begin with one piece and finish looking like this, why wouldn't you build around whatever item seems to be calling you that particular day?

I started with the red leather skirt and added in perhaps the most comfortable turtleneck sweater a girl could ever wear?

It happens to work flawlessly with this skirt, too.

What a glorious day it was.

I got up this morning and dressed right away.  Always my favorite way to start a day.

I walked up to the coffee shop with a neighbor for some java and some gossip.

Back home for a little time on the computer and some quiet reading.

Another neighbor stopped by for lunch and then I went with her to pick up a couple of things just to spend a little more time together on our relaxing day.

Back home for a Meg Ryan marathon.  

I have always loved the girl next door.  Wonder what happened to her?  She hasn't been in a movie in some time as far as I know.

When Harry Met Sally followed by Sleepless In Seattle and then Courage Under Fire.

Great movies.

Relaxing afternoon and evening at home.  Sometimes I like having nothing better to do.

Confession time...

I am the weirdo that likes being "dressed up" so I wore this ensemble all day long but the tall boots didn't make it through all three movies.  Am I forgiven?

Hee Hee

Such a lovely day... wrapping this post up and then I'm off to bed.  The work week beckons.

Hope Your Sunday Was As Great As Mine!

Have A Wonderful Week!

-- The Leather Skirt --

Red Leather At Work...

Not much time to write today.  That is the way things go now and then.

I am sure that many of you are thrilled to read that anyway.

Hee Hee

SOOOOO...

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Did I select enough conservative pieces to "downplay" the obviously edgy red leather skirt?

Office appropriate today?

BTW... if you stopped by my last posting... thank you.  I hope that I answered most of your questions.  

 
If you left one of the AMAZINGLY SWEET comments... I am speechless.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Have A Great Day!!!!

-- The Leather Skirt --

A Random Day Off...

Before I go on... Two things...

First... God's Blessings to all that are so harshly impacted by Hurricane Sally.  My heart goes out to you all.

Second... I will begin working on your questions from my previous post immediately.  Hopefully I will have the answers posted in a day or two?

So anyway...

I took today off.

No particular reason.

I just needed a day.

Do you ever feel that way?

I will not be laying around the house but I am not using my day for errands either.

Today is a fun and relaxing day just for me.

I was up early, met a an old college friend for breakfast.  I have a "lunch date" in just a few minutes.  Planning some shopping after lunch and then dinner with my friend Cindy.

Rob has given her the night off.

Hee Hee

Will be a wonderful day ahead.

Here is what I am wearing...

My beloved caramel leather skirt...

This lovely beige blouse...

and the best pair of shoes I have ever owned!

Simple ensemble.

Earth tones.

A little cheetah and leather for just a little "edge."

If you have been reading my blog for awhile you have certainly seen this skirt.  I really do wear it often.

You may recall from this post that it was a gift from Mom last Christmas?

Mom rocks!  She still always looks fabulous.  You will rarely "catch" her away from home without her heels and a skirt.  It is just how we roll.  That did not even sound right.

Hee Hee

The skirt is made by Danier.  It is softer than I could ever explain.

You have heard of "buttery soft leather"... I am sure that this skirt is the reason that term was first written.

 

I chose this wonderful blouse just to provide a little "feminine softness" to counter the "edge" of wearing any leather skirt, even one that is not black or red.

Almost wore the red one today.  Almost.

This lovely blouse has been in rotation for many years.  I wear it all year long.  The long sleeves make it appropriate for cooler months but the light material and color make it so comfortable, even on the hottest days.

Besides, I do not mind telling you that I feel quite "girlie" when I wear it.

Nevermind the wonderful color and cut... look at the cuffs and those cute little buttons.

I almost want to giggle as I type. 

Hee Hee

Despite my obsession with leather I really am quite the "girlie" type.  Honest. 

I really think these two garmets were "born" to be paired together.

The different textures.

The color pallet.

The cut of each.

They really are quite complimentary... at least I think so.

What do you think?

 

Throw in my current favorite footwear...

Ann Taylor has simply designed a fabulous pair of heels.  Fabulous!

The ladies in the office would probably tell you that I wear them too much?  Perhaps you think the same?

They truly are wonderful shoes.  Incredible look.  Comfortable.  Trendy... yet, classic.  Perfect!

It appears that they are still available here if you want a pair of your very own.

I am so happy that I made the purchase... so happy!

So here is the whole ensemble...

 

What do you think?

Oops... look at the time... going to be late for lunch... gotta go!

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!!!

-- The Leather Skirt --

Red... No, Not The New Taylor Swift Album...

If you read my blog, you know that I enjoy wearing "classic" pieces.  Pencil skirts.  Tailored shirts and blouses.  Fitted sweaters.  "Dress" shoes.  Boots.

I am typically careful not to select pieces that are too "trendy," preferring to stick with things that will stand the test of time.  However, I am not necessarily afraid of arguably "different" textures and materials (my love of leather skirts, for example) and I do not shy away from color.

Of course, black and white (with a hint of beige) are significant parts of my wardrobe.  They work together as one of my favorite combinations in an ensemble.  Call it boring... I prefer "sharp," "timeless," even "sophisticated."

Red is a "timeless" color as well.  Even "bold."

It is easily over done in an outfit but if it is used as part of an overall "look," I find few colors more appealing.

In fact, I think red and black together makes for one of the sharpest combinations possible.

So... Today I paired them up for one of my favorite ensembles in some time.

I am LOVING today's outfit!

Multiple compliments already today!

Yesterday's ensemble started with the shoes.  I woke up and decided that I just HAD to wear my leopard print heels.  It was a good day.

Today's ensemble was a little different.  I started with this incredible red pencil skirt from Kohl's.  Yes, Kohl's.  I know... who knew?

I really am not a huge Kohl's shopper but from time to time I stop in just to have a look around.  They really have come a long way. 

I saw it online and decided I just had to have it.

The only other red skirt in my closet is leather.  Although I have worn it to work, I am not sure it is really appropriate?

This one works in the office.  It works for dinner.  It works for shopping.  It works for anything.

It will be worn many times in the coming months so be prepared.

With "chic" and "sophisticated" on my mind... enter a great black blouse to go with the red skirt.

When I say "Great black blouse," I mean it.  This one wears so well.  100% silk.  Amazing cut.  "Girlie" cuffs.  Cute.

How did it ever get "lost" in my closet to begin with?

An incredible combination.

Red and black are truly "made" for each other.

Agree?

To finish off the outfit I almost opted for my beloved  Stuart Weitzman black heels.  I even considered a pair of tall back boots but in the end I decided I just wanted to wear another pair of high heels.

Call me obsessed.

Hey, I recently joined the "Society of High Heel Lovers."

Hee Hee

Seriously though, aren't these red heels simply amazing?

Are you ready for this?  Kohl's... yes, Kohl's.

As you may recall from a previous post... the Kohl's website had some unfavorable reviews but I elected to buy them anyway.

I am telling you, great shoes!

Very comfortable.  Wore them all morning.  Walked to the DART station in them.  Walked to the office.  Walking to lunch in a moment.  Wonderful shoe.  What mare could a girl ask for?

So it all comes together like this...

What do you think?

VERY quick story...

I stopped for coffee on my way to the DART platform this morning.  Not at all unusual.

However, I had to very sharply dressed ladies tell me that they really liked my shoes.  One even commented that my whole outfit was quite sharp.

I always enjoy the compliments.  If you read my blog you know that I do.  You also know that I am quite happy to have some fun with anyone not quite as complimentary.

Hee Hee

One such young lady (very young... maybe 20?) awaited me as I stepped onto the train.

She looks at me, gives a face and mumbles to herself... "Bright."

I cannot just let these moments go.  Hee Hee

I look at her and ask, "I assume you meant the sun?"

"What?"

"You said bright just now."  "I assume you mean the morning sun?"

She was clearly embarrassed and caught a little off guard, she looks at me a bit confused and says, 

 "Yes... yes, the sun."  

Hee Hee

Nothing makes my day more!

Hee Hee

Of course, the skirt and the heels are VERY red.

Hee Hee

I look forward to reading you comments.  They always mean so much to me.

Have A Great Day!

-- The Leather Skirt --

Jordan Turns 40 Today...

No not me, a dear friend who also happens to be named Jordan.  Got you, didn't I?  Hee Hee

I have known her for years.  We worked together and have kept in touch through job changes, marriage, kids and the passing of time.  She is one of my girlfriends that I often meet for dinner & drinks.

She & I have such similar wardrobe taste and habits... even since she has become a mother.  Impressive.  Jordan may also be found at the grocery store on Saturday morning rocking her leather skirt!  Kinship like that runs deep I tell you.  Hee Hee

Her husband (Billy) actually calls me "Other Jordan" whenever we are together.  I prefer "Sexy Jordan", perhaps "Jordan The Great" but, alas, I guess his wife does deserve top billing.  Hee Hee

Anyway...

Birthdays... ugh... birthdays... might as well have some fun!  You only turn the big FOUR-OH once!

HAPPY 40th TO JORDAN!

I will be there far too soon (she is older... much older... okay, maybe not MUCH older, but older nonetheless!)... but tonight we get to party and at someone else's expense!

Billy has set it all up.  Adults only tonight.  Dinner reservations have been made.  The dance floor has been confirmed.  Hotel rooms have been acquired.  Fun will be had by all!

Special occasions deserve special attire.  Today I pull out a skirt that gets far too little love.  I last showed you this baby way back on Valentine's Day.  Hard to believe but that may have been the last time she saw the light of day... or the dark of night.  Somehow red leather is hard for me.  I am actually a little self conscious about it.  Wear my black & caramel leather skirts all the time but the red just hangs there.  Maybe that is telling me something?

Anyway... here she is...

I wish that you could really appreciate the look, color and feel of this skirt.  Truly fabulous.

$25.00 on EBay so I guess two appearances a year is a good investment?  What do you think?  I did wear it to work the one time.  Not sure that I can do that again... not even me.  Hee Hee

Mix in a cute white shirt from Talbots and the red is muted just a little... or...

Is the red actually highlighted all the more?

Thoughts?

My Stuart Wietzman's.  How many times have you seen these before?

I told you that they are wonderful for walking... we will see if they are great for dancing, too!

And the whole look...

Tonight is just going to be a blast but the whole day will be special.

I am heading over to pick my friend up for lunch later today.  She actually does not know about the party tonight (so thinks her husband anyway) so I invited her to a quiet lunch to celebrate her big day.

Just the two of us, no kids.  No men, just Jordan & Other Jordan. 

After lunch we will do a little shopping before I return her to her family in the late afternoon.

Billy is supposedly putting the finishing touches on tonight while I have her out.  Does he really think she is not suspicious?  Men are stupid.  Hee Hee

I am so looking forward to my day AND tonight!

-- The Leather Skirt --

Valentine's Day... The Red Leather Skirt Edition...

I did it, I wore the red leather skirt today.

This skirt...

How beautiful is that color?

When I first saw it on EBay I almost did not buy it.  I mean, it is red for goodness sake!  Where in the world would I wear a red leather skirt?  Surely even I would not wear such a skirt to work... would I?  As much as I work it is hard to justify purchases that cannot spend at least some time at the office.

This beauty was made for Saks Fifth Avenue but I bet I bought it for far less than its original owner.  Are you ready for this?  $25.00!  Shipping and all!

I decided that for that price I would get it home and then decide if I actually had the courage to give it a spin.

What do you think?  Was it worth a role of the dice?

As for today, honestly, I was a bit aprehensive about wearing the skirt but I talked myself into it. 

But... I wanted to ensure that I had not stretched the limits of our rather conservative office dress code too far so I was VERY careful to pick complimentary pieces that I think helped to minimize the "extremeness" of a red leather skirt at the office.

What do you think?  Did I do well in my choices?

Pretty little "girly" blouse.  Feminine and professional.  Understated.

Naturally, I tucked the blouse in though.  You just cannot let a skirt like this not be on full display.  Hee Hee

Senseable collar.  Not too much showing... you know what I mean.

They work together rather well.  I may put these two together on their own one weekend soon?

Again, in keeping with my effort to make the whole ensemble as "professional" as possible... I went with a simple black blazer from one of my suits.  Tasteful.  Understated.

I thought briefly about my beloved tall black boots but decided at the last minute that these Stuart Wietzman shoes would be more "professional" and would help to play down the color of this skirt.

What do you think?  Would have you gone with the boots?

And the full ensemble...

Well, was I successful?  Did I pull off an acceptable office look while wearing my red leather skirt?

In the end, the experience could not have been any less eventful.  A couple of people at the office commented about how much they loved the color... that was it.

I think this baby will see the light of day again soon...

BTW... Valentine's was kinda lame for me.  How was yours?

I met an old college buddy for dinner.  We have done this every year when both he and I do not have a Valentine's Day date.  Sadly, there have been far too many Valentine's Day dinners between the two of us over the years.  Hee Hee

No frowny faces... it really is okay.

- The Leather Skirt -