A Blue Pencil & A Cheetah...

This title is kinda cute, huh?

Sounds like the start of a joke...

In the middle of a train station I walk up on a cheetah holding a blue pencil...

Okay, maybe not?  I tried.

I still think the title is cute.

Anyway... today's ensemble...

I really am quite happy with how this outfit turned out.

Classic.

Simple but with just a little flair.

Start with my beautiful blue pencil skirt in a finished denim from Ann Taylor LOFT... where else?

Ann Taylor & J. Crew simply make the most gorgeous pencil skirts... hands down.

Add in a little "pop" of color but in a very feminine material.

And... then finish the look off with a fabulous pair of high heels...

This just occurred to me... how many times have I worn a pair of high heels in the past two weeks?

I know that I wore these babies once for sure.

Hee Hee

Okay, I admit it... I am bordering on obsessed with wearing high heels now.

Hee Hee

It's funny because for so many years I wore only "sensible" heels and couldn't understand why a woman would want to "torture" herself.  Boy was I wrong!

I assume that my fellow Society Of High Heel Lovers approve of my recent obsession?

Hee Hee

Oh... almost forgot... I have a date tonight!

How do I look?

HAVE A FABULOUS DAY!

-- THE LEATHER SKIRT --

Not Sure I Like These...

Saturday is generally errand day.  Groceries.  Dry cleaner.  Miscellaneous little chores.

I imagine that anyone reading this blog understands.

However, I am not your typical girl.

I just don't run around in sweats or even jeans.

That just is not my style.

The girls out and about in their PJ's really confuse me.

I like being "dressed up" very much. I like it so much that I don't even consider myself "dressed up" most of the time.

This is just how I dress.

In my mind, "dressed up" is a cocktail dress and strappy heels, not a simple pencil skirt, a nice top and heels. 

During the cooler months of the year my "Saturday Uniform" is often my leather pants and a sweater.  I like it because it is easy yet still sharp.  In my mind, there is not a better casual/chic combination.

However, I am a long time member of the Community Of Girls That Love Skirts, too.  Anyone who reads my blog regularly knows this to be true.  I am poet but I didn't know it.  Hee Hee

I am a new but committed member of the Society Of High Heel Lovers, as well.  I don't wear high heels every day but my collection is growing and... I love wearing them.

Those memberships do not stop on Saturday, they just don't.

Sooo...

For today's ensemble I started with my favored black leather skirt from North Beach Leather...

Just to soften things up a bit I opted for my pink oxford.

A match made in heaven.

I really do think they go well together.

How about you?

This is what I am not so sure I was happy with as the day progressed.

Did these do my outfit justice or should I have gone with a pair of tall boots?  Perhaps even my high heels?

I do think these shoes are cute.  I must, I bought them.  I am just not sure they worked at all in this ensemble.

I think the high heels would have been "too dressy" for errands although I am hardly above being "too dressy"... Hee Hee.

The boots are my standard when I wear my leather skirts this time of the year.  I just wanted to try something different today.  

I am just not convinced that the shoes worked at all.

Here is the whole ensemble.

What do you think?

Hope Your Day Was Fabulous!

-- The Leather Skirt --

Pinstripes & Leopard...

I didn't really know it when I first posted here but I was starting down a new fashion road.

Within a month, my collection of high heels had grown and I had joined the Society Of High Heels Lovers permanently.  That was just a little over a year ago.

Today I am wearing the second pair of high heels that I ever purchased.  I now have others but these probably remain my favorite.

Leopard print is just so cool but I am generally not ready for anything more than an "accent" or an accessory when it comes to the animal kingdom.  The ladies I see sporting the leopard print  and snake skin skirts, pants, tops & jackets always look exquisite but I am just not sure that fits my style.  For now, these babies will satisfy my thirst.

Today's outfit really is pretty simple, nothing particularity dramatic but I love the look nonetheless.  Corporate chic really is my comfort zone.

One word comes to mind.  Polished.

As a long time member of the Community Of Girls Who Love Skirts it is only natural that I would gravitate towards a great pinstriped pencil skirt.

Add in a feminine blouse.  This one wears so well, too.

Perfect for a warm Autumn day like today.

... And another word that comes to mind... classic.  I like classic.

Pulling it all together...

So... what do you think?

I don't mind telling you, I had a few compliments on this ensemble already today and I just made it back to the office from lunch.

Hee Hee

HOPE YOU HAVE A FANTASTIC DAY!

-- THE LEATHER SKIRT --

MONDAY: Houndstooth...

Houndstooth

Is there a better pattern?

If there is, I just cannot imagine it.

Mix in a great pair of high heels and a little red... impeccable.

Agreed?

These beauties came from Kohl's about a year ago.

They were an early acquisition as I seek to broaden my collection of high heel shoes in an effort to improve my standing within the Society Of High Heel Lovers. 

I know that this particular print is all over the place but you can look here if you are interested in what Kohl's has at the moment.  Unfortunately, no shoes.  Sorry.

So does the skirt match the pair of heels or the other way around?

I suspect I have to say the latter since this lovely skirt has been in my closet for far longer.  I picked it up at Harold's (collective swoon of disappointment) before they went out of business a few years ago.  I still miss Harold's. 

The red oxford provides a little punch of color and fits right in.

Pretty together... yea?

Whoops... let the time slip up on me this morning... better run!

Have A Great Monday!

-- The Leather Skirt --

OOTD: Red & Black Together Again...

It is no secret to anyone who either knows me or has ever read my blog... I am a HUGE fan of virtually any red & black ensemble.  Red/White/Black ensembles rock, too!

Some call these "basics" but I think red is far too dramatic to be considered basic.  Don't you?

Today I opted for a wonderful skirt that I picked up from Ann Taylor LOFT last year.  HUGE fan of ATL.  If you've never browsed their stores or website... I cannot encourage you enough.

LOVE their classic and tailored styles.

Advertisement over...

How amazing is this skirt?  

I hear Taylor Swift singing...

I love my red leather skirt, too but I think I'm saving that one for the weekend.

I wear my black leather skirt to work regularly but I am not 100% convinced that a red one really works at the office.  Certainly one doesn't work without a blazer and today is just not a "layering day" here at all.

Pair it up with a simple black blouse so that the skirt remains the "star of the show" and I'm ready to go.

 

However... I just couldn't resist the opportunity to break out these babies...

I guess the skirt may not enjoy a "starring role" anymore?  Best supporting actress?

I only joined the Society of High Heel Lovers about a year ago but I am fully "in" now.  I have been a devotee to "conservative" heels for years but there is just something about a higher heel that I have come to adore.  I wear them several days a week now.

Speaking of the Taylor Swift lyrics bouncing around in my head... I even wore high heels when I took my niece to the Taylor Swift Concert at Cowboys Stadium a few months ago.

LOTS of stairs... LOTS of stairs.  I admit it... that one was probably a mistake but... in my defense... I was not the only Mom/Aunt there sporting her heels that night.  Hee Hee

Okay... enough of that... I'm on the clock...

Here the three are together...

That felt pretty good.  I am going to try to be more consistent with my OOTD posts again.  We'll see?

However, this one had to be quick, 11:00 am conference call so I need to refocus.

Have A Wonderful Day!

-- The Leather Skirt --

Style Icon - Katie Couric - Red...

Katie Couric - Style Icon - Katie Couric - Wearing Red

Katie Curic is one of my favorite television hosts and one of many that inspire my personal style.  I have but one word for Katie and her style... FLAWLESS!

I have always been a huge fan for years.  I watched the Today Show and now I record Katie's show every day, too.  Confession... I do not always get to watch it (Sorry, Katie) but there is always at least one episode sitting there on the DVR. 

Her personal style is just one of the many things that I admire but, alas, this is a fashion blog so lets talk color, cut and shoes!  Hee Hee

RED... LOVE RED and it appears that Katie does, too. 

I guess most of us like a little red now and then though, huh?

Suddenly Taylor Swift is bouncing around in my head.  Hee Hee

Here are just a few of Katie's recent looks incorporating the color red that caught my eye.  I want them all.

Being a dedicated member of the "Community of Girls Who Love Skirts," I am not much of a "dress girl" but this one caught my eye.

... And this one is even better...

Another recent look from her daily show.  Naturally, I like the leather skirt... Hee Hee... but the whole look is sleek and sophisticated without being over the top.

Classic.

 

Katie is sartorial genius.

-- The Leather Skirt --

I Know I Just Wore A Red Skirt But...

I cannot help myself.  I am LOVING RED at the moment.

I have always loved red but it seems like I have an even deeper passion for it of late.

Hence today's outfit...

Red pencil skirt from Ann Taylor Loft...

Nothing beats a great pencil skirt.  

Just renewed my annual membership in the Community of Girls Who Love Skirts.





Beige sweater with a great turtle neck to help with the morning and evening chill.

Add in a wonderful pair of red high heels from Kohl's.

Still LOVE my new high heels!  I just cannot seem to get enough of them.

Still a committed member of the Society of High Heel Lovers.

Hee Hee

And the completed ensemble...

Believe it or not... that is it.  not much else to say.

I am in a HUGE hurry to get out the door this morning.

As always, I look forward to reading your thoughts.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!

-- The Leather Skirt --

Something New... Something New...

Have I mentioned how much I truly LOVE Ann Taylor LOFT?

Of course I have.

Hee Hee

Actually, you might even describe me as a bit obsessed.  I cannot help myself.  Their clothes are just soooo my personal style.  I get their e-mail solicitations daily and I cannot help but go look.

Is there ever anything new on the website?

Rarely.

Does it matter that I know that?

Not at all.

Is anyone else that obsessed with a specific retailer?

Anyway... today's ensemble...

What do you think of the color of this skirt?

Ann Taylor calls it Teal Night.  I prefer to think of it simply as gorgeous.  LOVE the color, whatever you want to call it.

I cannot tell you how much I like this skirt.  I do not have the words.

The only thing that is somewhat troubling... teal is not quite as flexible as black or white... my fail safe "colors."

Fortunately, all of my black and white tops will go well with it.

Hee Hee 

It is still available here if you like what you see?

Speaking of black and white...

I went with my striped blouse from Casual Corner today.

Do they "work" together?

This is a great blouse.  I have had it for years.  

I wear it quite often.  I just think it is quite sharp.  How about you?

One of my favorite ensembles is pairing this blouse with my black leather skirt.  I wear that combination at least once each Fall/Winter... probably more often than that.

Hee Hee

To finish things off I finally got a chance to wear my new black patent leather high heels.

How gorgeous are these shoes?

I found these babies at Nordstrom Rack while out shopping with my dear friend Cindy a few days ago.

You may remember that her wonderful husband Rob gave her a "day off" to spend some time with me?

Franco Sarto high heels for $44.97!!!  I just HAD to have them.  Besides, how many different outfits go well with black heels?

Sometimes I justify needless purchases far too easily.

Hee Hee

And the finished look...

Just another standard ensemble for a member of both the Community of Girls Who Love Skirts and the Society of High Heel Lovers.

Hee Hee

What do you think?

Well, lunchtime is over.  Gotta go!

Looking forward to reading your thoughts.  Your comments always make my day.  Yea... I really am that shallow.

Hee Hee

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 --