Back To Work...

If there is anything good about having pneumonia it is the rest.  For a working girl like me though it means facing a tough return to the office after a long absence.  I did spend some time over the weekend trying to read thru some e-mail that was beginning to collect dust in my "in basket" but my other routine responsibilities were largely waiting on me when I returned to the office this morning.

I truly LOVE my job so this is both a blessing and a curse.  I do not like feeling like I am behind in any way but at the same time it is really nice to be returning to my routine... to my version of "normal."

Anyway...

It is still "Dallas Chilly" today, at least it was this morning.  When I went out for lunch it was far more comfortable but we all knew it was October this morning.  Hee Hee

So how does a fashionable girl begin her first day of work on a chilly October morning?

My beloved tall black boots by Born, of course.

I have shown you these many times and I have bragged on the comfort of any pair of shoes made by Born so many times as well... BUT they are both just so wonderful... I cannot help myself.

I am telling you, go to either Shoes.com, Shoeline.com or Zappos.com for a wide selection of the newest Born styles.  You will thank me later.

If you read my blog regularly, you know I have another pair of tall black boots that offer a little more interesting embellishment around the ankle.  Simply put, they are cuter boots... BUT they are not nearly as comfortable and these do just fine at the office... thank you very much.

What do you think?

I first showed you this lovely polka dot jacquard skirt from AT LOFT back in September.

As I mentioned, fellow blogger Saucy Glossie debuted this skirt on her blog and I just HAD to have it.  Before you could count to ten I had "linked" over and purchased it... at full price!

What do you think?  Worth it?

Personally, I love the skirt.  Wonderful cut.  Beautifully subdued polka dot pattern.  Lovely.

I see years of love and attention for this recent acquisition.

I think it goes really well with my boots, too.

How about you?

I paired the skirt and the boots with another of my often worn wardrobe items... this lovely rose colored sheen blouse.

I think the sheen fabric makes it a little more sophisticated.

Plus, it really seems to "pull out" the polka dot pattern in the skirt.

Bonus!


What do you think?  Good choice?

And the completed ensemble...

Well, that will do for now.

It has been a LONG first day back to work and I do not mind admitting that I am a bit tired.

Probably off to bed soon.

No funny or interesting stories from today anyway.

A lot of "welcome back" and "glad you are feeling better" from all.

It is nice to be made to feel so welcome.  So missed.

Hope You Had/Have A Great Day!

-- The Leather Skirt --

The Ann Taylor Polka Dot Jacquard Skirt...

Yes, it arrived yesterday.  Yes, I know that I just wore this blouse here a few days ago... but from the moment I saw this wonderful skirt, there was no other blouse in my closet that I wanted to pair it with.

I am so happy with the outcome. 

When I saw it, I did not hesitate.  I immediately jetted over to Ann Taylor Loft's Website and ordered my own.  LOVE IT!  When I saw the package in my mailbox last night I almost cried.  Kidding.

Seriously, I knew that it would get its debut today.  I simply could not wait to wear it.

It is only lunchtime and I have received numerous compliments.  Numerous.  One while waiting on DART this morning.  Two in the elevator coming up to the office.  Yet another from the shoeshine man down in the lobby.  Pause... breathe... Albert is one of my most valued fashion critics.  He has been "helping" me for years.  If Albert doesn't like something I wear, it is not likely to see the rotation again.  Hee Hee

Do any of you have a gentleman that you look to for advice/critics on your wardrobe?

Moving on...

Unfortunately, the pictures I took are less than ideal.  None of them really show the detailing in this lovely Jacquard Elongated Pencil Skirt from the Loft.  As of this post it was still available.

For this reason, I beg Lindsey's forgiveness for using this photo.  I hope that is okay?  Her pictures just do such a far better job of illustrating just how gorgeous this skirt truly is.  She has styled it pretty amazingly as well, huh?  If you have never read her blog (Saucy Glossie), you are missing out.  Impeccable style.

So on to my boring photos...

First, the skirt... It is the subtle polka dot detailing that makes it unique in my eyes.

Next, the blouse.  Again, that subtle polka dot pattern.  match made in heaven.

Well?

And together...

Throw in my lovely beige suede heels...

... and an ensemble has come together.

I am LOVING this outfit!  This combination is probably going to make regular appearances in the rotation.

Hee Hee

Is there anything in your closet that you find yourself wanting to wear all of the time?

Any combinations that just seem to keep calling to one another?

So now I am off to wonder the halls of our building in search of another compliment or two.  To obvious?

Hee Hee

Have A Wonderful Day!

-- The Leather Skirt --

A Touch of Pink II...

Okay, so yesterday was a bit more than a "touch" of pink.

If you missed it, click over to A Touch Of Pink to see my $10 pink suede skirt.

I am really into polka dots at the moment.  I suspect that these posts are evidence enough of that fact.

The problem, I just do not want to wear the same pieces day after day.  Truth time... I actually do want to wear some of my favorites EVERY single day... but then who doesn't it?  So more accurately, I know that I really should make more of an effort to expand my horizons.  This blog has actually been very good in that respect.  If the blog has given me nothing else, it has given me that.

Anyway...

Need more polka dots.  Dilemma.  Already spent "fashion budget" for the month.  Greater dilemma.  What to do?

Dig through the abandoned wasteland that is the back of my closet.  This is the region that only the US Marine Corps should actually venture.  Even the spiders are a little scared.  Do not laugh, you know you have the same kinds of "nooks and crannies"... "corners and cubbies."  You know, the portions of your closet where things just get lost... the abyss... the Bermuda Triangle.

Once again, I digress... moving on...

In the back of the closet I found this little gem... my very own polka dot skirt in a simple black and white pattern.  Subtle, yes but cute.  I see why I bought it... at Harold's... I know.

What do you think?

It is not the cut that I ordinarily prefer.  Perhaps that is why it got "lost" to begin with?  Never mind, she has found the sun again.  Perhaps another spin soon?  We will see?

I also wanted some color today.  The weatherman says rain tomorrow for sure.  In fact, sounds like a truly craptastic day ahead. 

BTW... "craptastic" is not my word... belongs to Kassi over at The Closet Intervention.

She is great, take a look at her blog.

And another misstep.  Aah, the hazards of blogging.  Moving on, round two...

I decided to let the skirt speak for itself and went with a simple white oxford.  I think too much color on top and the polka dots would have been "lost" in the ensemble.

Dizzy yet?

Well?

Still in need of some color I opted for a "touch" of pink... rockin' pink...

These Evan Picone suede heels have been a staple of my wardrobe for as long as I can remember.

"I love it when a plan comes together!"

Some TV or movie character said that.  Who was it?  Anyone?

And the smartly dressed Dallas executive looks like this today...

I hope your day is wonderful today and if it rains where you are I hope it is a truly "craptastic" day!

-- The Leather Skirt --

Polka Dots & Pink...

A second outfit post this week.  Wow, what's a girl to do?

I am SO unmotivated today.  Does anyone else ever get that way?

Sitting here at my desk doing something I NEVER do... writing a blog post.  Occasionally, I will take 10 minutes to breeze thru some of my favorite blogs while I am at the office (I just need a momentary break sometimes) but to actually sit here and invest the time to write a post... NEVER.

As I said, I really do not want to be here today.  Friday, I guess?

Check out this wonderful blog - The Stylish Housewife.  She is a lovely lady & her blog is inspirational.

Today she asked about outfit planning.  I left a 'comment' stating that i like to plan the night before.  I really do.  Today's outfit is no exception.  The weatherman said that it would be beautiful today.  It is.

Anyway, I knew that I have a lunch date and then a meeting in another building not far from my office today so I will be spending sometime outside.  What better reason to come up with something light and airy.  Fun and feminine.  At least I think so.  Here is what I am wearing today...

I started with my soft pink blouse.  I have shown you this blouse before in a little edgier look as I paired it with my black leather skirt.

I have paired this blouse with my Carmel leather skirt that I recently showed you here. 

Do you think that would be a good ensemble sometime soon?

Today I opted for a 'lighter' touch.  I went with my black & white polka dot skirt that I debuted for you here back in December.  What do you think?

I think they work well together. 

How about you?

Next, a great pair of shoes.  I just LOVE my Stuart Weitzman heels.  They are wonderful 'walking' shoes.  Yes, I will wear these all day today... even after I get home.  LOVE them.  Tennies are for working out but that's just me.

So here it is all together...

Thoughts?

I am feeling really 'pretty' today.  I don't mind saying.  Hee Hee

Well, I have wasted the morning away... time for lunch.  Hee Hee

- The Leather Skirt -

A Touch of Pink...

Pink is such a lovely color.  I like all shades of pink.  Not only is it pretty and feminine it is remarkably at home when paired with any number of other colors. 

Pink comes in so many rich hues from quite soft to very bold.

Today I chose to go with a soft pink ensemble... almost head to toe... almost.  Apparently I am in need (or is it want?) of a pair of soft pink heels.  Hee Hee

I started with a recent EBay gem.  Some of the softest suede I have ever owned.

Cute little pleats at the bottom, too.

$10... Seriously.  Who would part with such a beautiful skirt for a mere $10?

Oh well, there loss... my gain.

Do you agree?

I think this soft pink oxford make the perfect partner for this lovely skirt.

I showed you this oxford style blouse paired with my black leather skirt back in November and paired with my beloved black and white polka dot skirt April.

Which ensemble is your favorite?

Since I have yet to acquire the aforementioned soft pink heels I elected to go with my white Bandolino's.

Funny, these shoes only made there "blog debut" a few days ago and both appearances have been after Labor Day.  Fashion rules... smashion rules.

And the full look...

I am out the door in just a moment.

I feel really pretty this morning.  Don't mind saying.  I just love it when an outfit makes me feel like that.

How about you?

Looking forward to a wonderful day.  Hope your is blessed, too.

-- The Leather Skirt --

Thank You Camilla, I Have Been Inspired...

Hello Lovely Ladies!

There is an outfit post here but early this morning, while reading my favorite blogs, something caught my eye.  I have been pondering it all morning so I just had to run home for lunch and get this post up today.

Camilla has a wonderful blog.  I just love this lady's style.  She is unique, yet classic... all at the same time. 

On today's post she mentioned coming "home" regarding her style choices.  In her own words:

One way or the other I always end up recreating a look in which I feel totally comfortable in. As much as I like to experiment and engage myself in different styles eventually I always come back "home", and home to me means bows, skirts, a curl here and there and a touch of pink of course.

This quote got me to wondering, why do so many of us work so hard to either impress someone with our dress and/or to not be noticed at all?  Trends are wonderful and there is nothing wrong with interpreting them in your own personal style but I have to ask, "Why do we try so hard?" 

Another blog that I would highly recommend is written by the lovely Abby. 

In one of her recent posts, she mentioned how good she felt wearing a vintage Diane von Furstenberg dress that she recently acquired.  She said that she wanted to wear it everywhere, even to take out the garbage.  My question.  Why not?  I encouraged her to wear the dress anywhere she wants.  She should.  She likes it.

Another Abbey that I recommend has a blog called District Dress Up.  If you have not stopped by her little corner of the Internet, you should.  Abbey impresses me because she is so young, yet so sophisticated in her dress.  She doesn't seem "trapped" by the trends that so many her age seem to want to follow.  Her style is classy and she is always so stylish, never overdone, never underdone.  Classic.  She inspires me as well.

Anyone who knows me will tell you, I dress for me and for me alone.

I am the one in the room that seems to always stand out.  Not because I am wearing clashing colors, unwashed clothes, weird things (although I admit the leather skirts are a little unusual) or because my hair is some off the wall color or I have a nose ring.  Sadly, I stand out because our society has gotten so lazy in its appearance.  Just an observation, not necessarily a criticism.

For me "home" is a skirt I love, a sensible pair of heels (no sky highs in my closet) and a great top.

This is how I am most comfortable.  I wear this combination almost everywhere I go and for almost anything that I do throughout the week.  Why shouldn't I?  Do I sometimes feel a little "over dressed"?  I suppose so but it truly doesn't bother me for very long.  Why should I "dress down" if I don't want to?

What would be "home" for you?

Oh yea, today's outfit...

It is going to be so nice today so I decided to go "light & airy" today...

I just adore this polka dot blouse.  Light.  Soft.  Feminine.  LOVE.

This is just the cutest skirt.  Casual.  Dressy.  It is just easy to work into an outfit.

The belt is such a nice touch, too.

Despite the warm weather I decided to go with my beloved tall Caramel boots.  It is just February 1st!

And the finished product...

What do you think?  I have already been complimented two or three times today.  Hope you guys will send some more love my way?

Well, lunch is over... gotta run...

- The Leather Skirt -

Feeling Like A Girl Today....

It has been a LONG week.  What do you mean it is only Tuesday?  I am wearing down as the holidays approach.  Is it always this stressful?  Enough complaining.  Hee Hee  

This post will be a quick one... Onto today's ensemble...

I have shown you this skirt before here.  But that time I paired it more with a beige sweater.  This time I wanted a little more "feminine" look.  

Isn't this blouse simply gorgeous?  LOVE the sheer material (I have to be sure to wear something appropriate under it... the lone drawback) and the feint polka dot pattern. 

The collar is nothing special but for some reason it just speaks to me.  I really like how it feels to wear this blouse.  I am betting you will see it again.

If you ask me, the two are perfect compliments for one another.  What do you think?

 

To finish the "girly" nature of today's attire I went with some suede heels that I have been dying to show you.  They are a very light beige with the cutest little bow toes.

And now, all of it together...

 

I told you that today's post would be a quick one.  Sorry for such poor commentary the past few days.  I will try to do better later this week.  Promise.

- The Leather Skirt -