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 --

FRIDAY: Would You Wear A Leather Skirt To Work?

My name is Jordan Michaels and I love leather skirts.

"Go on, Jordan."

My fascination began in college but it really predates that.  I fell in love with skirts in high school and was always intrigued by the "older" girls that I would occasionally see wearing a leather skirt.

"Jordan, your feelings are completely natural.  Continue."

It started out simply as a great item to wear dancing but before long I found myself wanting to wear my leather skirt while shopping and eventually even to class.  I was arguably obsessed.

"Hmmm... that may be a bit unusual?  Go on."

Over time I graduated and began my professional career.  My collection of leather skirts continued to grow.

"Why do you think you felt the need to graduate?"

I thought this was about my obsession with leather skirts?  Are you not a psychiatrist?

"Psychiatrist?  No, I'm your very bored niece."

So much for the therapy session... on to today's outfit...

So... my simple question...

Would You Wear A Leather Skirt To The Office?

Obviously, I do...

Tailored & feminine white blouse... check.

Attractive & feminine jacket... check.

"Conservative" boots with "sensible" heels... check.

Black pencil skirt... check.

The perfect office combination in late October.

Why would the fact that the skirt is made of leather be an issue?

Fortunately, for me, it isn't.

I have always loved the added buckle detail in these boots.  So much more fashionable than my Born boots... just not as comfortable.  

These are great boots but they are not Born boots.

Wearing Born is like wearing pillows on your feet.

So... 

Have you worn your leather skirt to the office?

If not, would you consider wearing one to the office?

Do you even think that it is appropriate?

Have A Fabulous Day!

-- Jordan Michaels --

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 --

Boots Weather...

September in Dallas is always something to behold.

One day it can easily be 100 degrees (Fahrenheit) and the next it can just as easily be in the 60's.

Today's high temperature was right around 70 degrees.  A chill in the air due to the off and on rain.

So how does The Leather Skirt celebrate such a welcome on rush of fall?

Why boots... and my classic black leather pencil skirt, of course.

When I sauntered out of my apartment this morning here is what I was wearing.

If you are an avid reader of my blog, you will not be surprised to learn that I am still wearing this ensemble, head to toe.  This outfit will take me from the office and well into my evening dinner plans.

There is simply no better day/evening transitional piece than this awesome skirt.

Believe it or not, I did not start with my skirt when pulling together this outfit.  I actually started with a pair of my beloved tall black boots.

I could have selected my beauties by Born.  Imminently comfortable.  Fantastic "walking boot."

But I decided that since today would be spent driving from location to location with very little walking... a "touch" of fashion would prevail.

I think the buckle is a nice touch.

How about you?

Since I would not be hibernating in the office all day, I felt like a crisp blouse would be better suited than a sweater.  Black & white vertical stripes should do the trick.  Sharp & comfortable.

It just so happens that I think this blouse and this skirt are a "match made in heaven," too.

Can you believe that tag?  Do you even remember Casual Corner?

It used to be one of my favorite stores... until I discovered Harold's.

It seems that my liking a store is the kiss of death.

Look out Ann Taylor LOFT & Talbots.  Hee Hee

Today was a bit of an interesting experience.  People are funny.

While out I decided coffee would be nice so I popped into a local convenience store.  Pour my cup, go up to the register and I am greeted by the cashier.

At first all is typical, "Can I help you?" Etc, Etc...

Then I notice that as she is making change she is "double taking" but not looking me in the eye.  She is clearly confused as she is fixated on my skirt.

Can I let this opportunity go?  Of course not.

So I say, "Yes, it is leather."

Clearly surprised, she responds, "Oh, I hadn't noticed."

Noticed what?  How does anyone "not notice" something when they are clearly looking?

Anyway...

I reply, "The skirt.  I thought I noticed you admiring my skirt but you seemed a bit confused."

Her, "Oh... oh, yes, the skirt.  I guess I was wondering?"

Me, "So, do you like it?"

Her, "Oh... oh, yes, I suppose so?"

Me, "Well, thank you for the compliment."

With a perplexed look on her face she wished me a good day.

I just LOVE catching people off guard like.  Don't you?

Question, why did she not seem to have any interest in my awesome boots or my blouse?

Hee Hee

The rest of day, rather mundane.  No other episodes of interest to report.

Officer Jordan out...

Have A Great Weekend!

-- The Leather Skirt --

Winter Has Returned...

Okay, so many of you are laughing at the mere thought of Winter in Dallas.  I know.  Don't laugh.  Cold is relative just as hot is relative.  Remember your laughter at me now when you are complaining about how hot it is where you live next August.

Now that we have cleared that up... it is rather cold today.  England cold, actually.  The temperature is not really all that low but it is damp, a little breezy... just uncomfortable.

How else should a stylish lady (I said to stop laughing!) deal with a chilly day?

Why leather, a great blazer and comfy boots, of course!

Today's attire...

As anyone that reads my blog (or I guess anyone who just read its name?) knows, I love my leather skirts.

I wear them to the office regulary but I think it is very important to take some of the "edge" off the skirt when I wear it to the office.  Considering this fact, the items that I pair with the skirt are critical in my opinion.

Although I do not always wear a blazer to work with my leather skirts I do think it is appropriate.  In my opinion, a good blazer provides a professional finish to virtually any ensemble. 

This particular blazer is just one of many items in my closet from Harold's.  All together now... "I miss that store."  I really do.  Talbots is a satisfactory replacement but it just isn't the same.  The world is a less happy place without Harold's in it.  Okay, perhaps that was a little melodramtic.  Hee Hee

So what do you think of my blazer?

I think this blouse is a perfect partner as well.  Subtle & classy.  I will even pair this blouse with a leather skirt without a blazer on a warmer day.  I hear you snickering about my thinking it is cold.  That isn't nice.

I think that the black tones in the blazer go well with the skirt.  What do you think?

My beloved tall black boots by Born...

And the finished look...

A quick story for today...

Do you remember my "office building friend" with the leather pants?  I first mentioned her in this post and then again here.  Believe it or not... we are twins today!  I have a full fledged convert.  I have to admit, I felt rather proud (not sure if that is appropriate?), maybe a little vindicated, when I saw her getting on the elevator ahead of me this morning.  She had a leather skirt on... kid you not!  I am sure it was her.  Unfortunately, I couldn't catch up to her so we didn't get to talk.  Hopefully I will see her when I return to the office in a few minutes.  We'll see?

WHOOPS!  Turns out the lady that I saw on my way in to the building yesterday was not my "friend" at all.  Not sure who she was but it wasn't the lady that I have encountered in the post mentioned above.  Ironically, as I raced back in from lunch (about 15 minutes after finishing the text above) I saw her out smoking in a completely different outfit.  Unless she did a quick change, I was mistaken about whom I saw earlier.

Oh well, it would have made a nice story, huh?

Obviously my friend has come around on the idea of a leather skirt at the office.  What are your thoughts on the matter?  Is it appropriate?

One last thing... on this post I answered a question regarding my least favorite trend.

Originally I said that my least favorite thing are baggy jeans.  I still don't like that but I want to ammend my answer today.  Is that okay?

Whether it is or not...

I actually dislike seeing women go out in their pajama bottoms.  Do they know that these are not actually pants?  Do they care?  I don't know but I am certain that it is unattractive.  Spend another couple of minutes and at slip on a pair of jeans.  Is that asking too much?

Now that I have probably offended a few... lunch is over... back to the grind...

Have a fantastic day!

- The Leather Skirt -

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!!!

I wish you all the most wonderful and prosperous 2012 you could ever imagine!

I am so sorry that I have been away from posting for so many days.  I have actually missed it more than I would ever have thought that I would.  Odd feeling.  Does anyone else get that way when you miss more than a couple of days between posts?  I will try to do better... starting today.  We'll see?

Anyway, my New Year's Weekend was WONDERFUL!  I hope that yours was half as much fun because if it was you had an absolute blast!

On Friday during lunch with some girlfriends, my phone rings.  One of my college friends (Amy) is inviting me down to Austin for the weekend.  Amy has a great place just steps from Austin's famed 6th Street and she has been after me for some time to come down and visit.  Not only that, a New Year's night BBQ had already been planned for Amy's place and we were all invited.  Apparently it is silly to pass on New Year's Eve on 6th Street so the house party would have to wait until Sunday night.  She had several friends coming over so it would be a fun evening for everyone.  On a pure whim we all decided  to load up the next day and head down to Austin for the weekend.

Saturday after lunch, Cindy (mentioned in this post), myself and two other sweet ladies (that will remain nameless) met at my place, loaded up the car and made our way south.  Yes, Rob agreed to keep the twins all by himself all weekend so that Cindy could have a "girl's weekend".  YOU ROCK ROB!  

Austin or bust!

Once we got settled in at our friend's place we changed for the night and headed out to explore 6th Street.

Before I go on, for any Austin readers (or future visitors), I apologize in advance for not giving specific names of clubs.  I am horrible with names in general but then when you add in the fact that we spent some time in at least 6 or 8 different places it is nearly impossible for me to keep them all straight.  What I can tell you is simply this, Austin is great, 6th Street was a blast!  I would highly recommend that you go sometime and simply bounce from place to place.  Each place has its own truly unique vibe.  What an experience!

We had been told by Amy to expect anything in terms of dress out on 6th Street and our fellow patrons did not disappoint in that regard.  As you would imagine, lots of denim but there were also MANY people dressed to the nines and everything in between.  As anyone that reads my blog with any regularity knows, I like it when people dress well before leaving the house.

What really struck me as much as anything was how eclectic the group was with regard to age.  We had been prepared for the wide variety of wardrobe choices but I was amazed to see such a wide range of ages amongst the revelers.  I am told that this is quite common and not at all limited to New Year's Eve.  Fun!

Snapped these when I got back home yesterday.  Here is what I wore on NYE...

 Simple but it fits my style.  I did not feel out of place for so much as a second.

I really do love these boots.

Cindy wore the leather pants that I mentioned in this post, one of the other girls wore a red leather skirt that I wish I owned, one wore a fantastic sequined mini skirt that I would not dream of trying to pull off and our Austin hostess simply wore jeans. Amy looked hot though.  A good looking group if you ask me.  Hee Hee

Here is what I wore for the New Year's Day BBQ at Amy's place...

Okay, as it turned out I was a bit over dressed.  I am always the one that is "over dressed".  Everyone (and I mean everyone) showed up in jeans.  I only own two pair of jeans and I rarely wear them.  I like skirts.  I like being "over dressed" by most people's estimation.  This is how I am.  Perhaps I will share a little of why that is the case in a future post?

BTW... sweet Cindy wore a denim skirt.  She knows me well.  I am sure that she did not want me to be totally alone in the room.  She knew I would not have jeans in my luggage.     Denim skirt... perfect compromise.  I am just not that quick.  Perhaps I will look for one?

Regardless, as you know, I love these boots.  I think that the skirt is rather casual (at least by my standards) as is the shirt.  Honestly, this is an ensemble that I would put together just to hang out at home.  Despite these facts, I took a little ribbing from the other girls and even some of the guests that arrived later.

As always, I get the routine question, "Why are you so dressed up?"  Does anyone else get that asked that or is it just me?  Why do people even ask that question?  Would they actually prefer that I run around looking sloppy?  Sometimes I want to reply, "Why do you like you just got out of bed?"  Alas, Mom raised me better than that.  Hee Hee.

Despite the occasional dumb question and a few silly comments the BBQ was really fun.  I even met a guy that I might actually like.  He lives in Austin so who knows if it even matters but we agreed to talk and e-mail before he left to go home.  I think Cindy is more excited about it than I am.  Hee Hee.  

Wish me luck.  We'll see?

One funny story from NYE and then I will bring this long post to a close.  It has been a LONG day and I am off to bed.  Another LONG day awaits me at work tomorrow, too.  I did not check e-mail all weekend so you can imagine what that does for the first few days back in the office.

At one of our stops Saturday night, the waitress brings drinks to our table compliments of a few guys on the other side of the room.  This is actually the first time that such a thing has ever happened to me.  Honestly, I didn't really know what to do.  None of us did.  I have to admit, I thought this was only something that happened in movies.  Fun though.

When asked whom exactly had sent the drinks, (pointing to the group of guys across the room) the waitress explained that she had been asked to deliver to the table of ladies wearing leather whatever they were drinking.  A leather skirt gets attention, no way around it.  Hee Hee.  We certainly did not want to be rude to such sweet gentlemen so we graciously accepted their gesture.  Hee Hee

There are four of them standing there together.  Cute guys.  Unfortunately, these guys are younger... a lot younger.  I am not that old but I just cannot date a guy that is still in his early twenties.  I just can't.

I watch as they are clearly discussing our group once the drinks have been accepted.  Guys think that they are so coy but they really are not.  Hee Hee.  Three of the guys are clearly cojoling one of the others to walk over and speak to us.  Guys are so much fun to watch.  Don't you agree?  Hee Hee.  Finally, after enough coaxing from his buddies he makes his way across the room and asks if he can sit down.  Naturally we let him.  Hey, he was the one that was "brave" enough to walk over, right?  I do not know if he was the "sacrificial lamb" that was supposed to soften us up for the rest of his team or not but I do know that none of the others ever came over to help him out.  Instead, they left him to deal with five 30'ish ladies on his own.  Hee Hee

He held his own.  Hee Hee.  He was sweet but just too young.  He only graduated from college last fall!  Let's just say that my graduation year was before that.  Hee Hee.  After sitting with us for a few minutes he asked me to dance.  I did.  How could I not?  We sat back down and talked a little more.  The girls then decided it was time to move on to our next stop.  I think they were trying to help me out.  Hee Hee.  

A little secret for any guys that might be reading this blog... this is why the ladies travel together... Hee Hee.

As we are preparing to leave, my young suitor asks for my cell number.  Ouch!  I was really hoping to not have to deal with that request.  Hearing this request, Cindy immediately steps in to rescue both me and the young man's ego..., "Jordan, you probably shouldn't lead him on."  "You know that you and Rob have discussed trying to reconcile and another man will just complicate that for you."  Cindy is so smooth.

I turn to the young man and he sheepishly replies, "I understand."

Should I feel bad?  I really do not but should I?

Out the door we headed.  We made at least 3 or 4 more stops before the new year arrived.  Lots of fun.  The girls are such fun to spend time with.  Austin was marvelous and 6th Street certainly did not disappoint.

Hope your weekend was fun, too!

- The Leather Skirt -

I'm Back...

Whoa, has it been a miserable few days this week.  One of my favorite blogger reads (Skippy Says) posted about being under the weather a few days ago.  I did not have even that much strength until yesterday.  My little bout with whatever it is/was (I am as bad as any man you will ever meet when it comes to staying away from doctors... that is unless there is an extremely handsome single one... hee hee) started on Sunday and did not really let go at all until late yesterday.  I managed a few blog reads yesterday afternoon but today is my first post in a week.  For the many that sit by their computers anxiously awaiting my witty words each day, my most humble of apologies.  Almost typed that without a giggle.  

Just in case my sarcasm was not clear, the apology part was sincere.

BTW... Skippy's blog is great so if you are unfamiliar, you really should check it out here.  Today she is showing us all how to make Skinny Jeans Snack Bars.  Who wouldn't like that at this time of the year?

Ok, Ok, onto what I will be wearing to work today...

Today I opted for my old standby combined with something you have not seen before.  I know you have not seen this blazer because it was one of those lovely "finds" that we all have when we stop ourselves from going with the same old same old and actually "shop your closet" for a few minutes.  Honestly, one of my favorite things to do is play stylist right out of my own closet.  About once a month (okay, maybe 3 times a year) I will actually spend the evening just going through my closet matching up potential ensembles.  At the end of this event I have accomplished a number of important things:

1) I have avoided an evening of television.  Couldn't we all use less mind numbing?

2) I have discovered some lost pieces that I really do love but simply forgot I had.

3) I get to laugh at myself for some of the things that I apparently thought looked great at one time.  I must have, how else would it have gotten into my closet?  Next time I get into my closet I may just have to take some pictures.  We'll see?

3) I have prepared a pile of clothes that someone will find far greater use out when I donate them to local charities.  I send old clothes to two or three local charities but one of my favorites is the Salvation Army.  They do such outstanding work in the community with the funds that they raise.

4) I have assembled some inspiration for my own personal style for the coming weeks without spending a dime.  Yea!

Does anyone else ever just tear through their closet like that?

Last night was not one of those full blown episodes but I did spend a few extra minutes just "hunting" and matching things up.  Here is what I came up with.  Hope you like it?

 

What do you think of the blazer?  I didn't really want anything to take away from it so I went with a simple black shell underneath.  I wish the picture did the texture better justice but at least the pattern is clear.

Just a little closeup in an effort to show the texture of the jacket.

I thought about my favorite black pumps but ultimately decided to go with the tall buckle boots.

Here is how the ensemble came together.

One last thing... Mom called early this morning.  She wanted to make sure that she caught me before I left for the office.  First thought, "What is wrong?"  Thankfully, nothing is wrong at all.  She simply wanted to make sure that I took the package that I mentioned in this post to work with me today.  She would not say why but was insistent that I not for get it.  Odd.  It is already in the car.  We'll see?

Well, that will have to do for today.  Work beckons after a few days away while sick.

- The Leather Skirt -

Blogging On My Lunch Break...

Today the weather in Dallas is awful.  Cold.  Windy.  Rainy.  Winter.  One of my favorite blogger buddies (Kassi from The Closet Intervention) used a new word in her post today.  The word - "Craptastic".  I looked it up, means - Crappy weather, fantastic day.  True.  Try Websters if you don't believe me.  Hee Hee

Anyway, it is the perfect word.  The weather really is crappy but I intend to have a fantastic day anyway.

Drop by and check Kassi's blog out if you don't already follow her.  She is great!

Moving on.... Does anyone else do their blogging on their lunch break?  Am I the only one?  Ordinarily I do not go home for lunch but today I decided I did not want to wait to get my outfit post up.  I am so thrilled with how this ensemble looks.  I just didn't want to wait until the end of the work day.  Hope you like it, too?

Well?

LOVE this hounstooth skirt.  You might remember from a previous post that I found this baby at a local resale shop for a mere $7.00!  What do you think of it?

I have already gotten my money's worth and since it has fast become one of my favorites, it will get many more spins to be sure .  Funny how our favorite wardrobe items change from time to time, huh?  

Another of my blogger buddies (Bessie from Bravoe Runway) just posted about how a recent acquisition has made its way to the top of her "favorites" as well.  Bessie puts the "S" in sophistication.  Drop by and check her blog out as well.

This is perhaps the softest sweater that I have ever felt.  As a result, I have it in at least three colors.  Hee Hee

Perfect for a craptastic day, huh?

Perfectly "walkable" and cute.  Hard to think of a better reason not to pull these babies out on a craptastic day!  How cool is that buckle?

Well, lunch is rapidly drawing to a close.  Gotta run.

Hope You Have A Fantastic Day!

- The Leather Skirt -