Monday, October 31, 2011

Thank You & May I Say I Am Honored Beyond Words...

Ladies, I am absolutely BLOWN AWAY that you all take the time to read my thoughts.

When I decided to start this blog a few days ago I never really thought that anyone would take the time to read my ramblings, especially those concerning my wardrobe choice on any given day.  The "Are Those Real Leather?" post has been the most popular one yet.  I am amazed.

This blog is proving to be such fun! Maybe even more fun than I had envisioned.  The only problem... time, I never seem to have enough of it. I have so much to say and new ideas for posts almost hourly.

For example, I wore one of my leather skirts to work & then out to a Rangers "watch party" for the World Series late last week.  Some good stories to tell.  Also, I am trying to pick between a couple of things in that pescky Talbots catalog again and I sure would like your thoughts.  BTW... if you read this post, I decided to wait on the suede skirt and ordered the ruffles.  Looking forward to its arrival.  Maybe I can get back to those two posts soon but I really want to tell you about my weekend in the suburbs in the next post.  I guess I am getting my stories kinda backwards... oh well?

Until I can get the next post up, I hope that this heartfelt THANK YOU to all that stop by my little corner of the internet will do?  Again, I am HONORED that you have taken the time.  I hope that my future posts can remain interesting & entertaining enough that you will continue to pop in now and again.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK!

- The Leather Skirt -

Friday, October 28, 2011

Style Icons - Megyn Kelly...

Some might ask, "How do you describe your style?"  My answer, "Conservatively Trendy."  So where does that come from... Hopefully this series of posts will demonstrate what I mean.

Accordingly, I am going to start a new series I call "Style Icons" today.  

I am not sure how long this will last?  First, my screen caps are awful.  I didn't realize that until I sat down to actually do this first one.  Ugh!  Second, we'll see what kind of a reaction I get from all of you?  I hope you will enjoy getting to know a little bit more about what guides my fashion sense. 

I am a little different.  I guess to be so willing to open up on the world wide web you have to be just a little different anyway, huh?  But in this case, I mean that I tend to take my fashion inspiration from places other than Hollywood actresses and supermodels.  There are some phenomonallly fashionable ladies in Hollywood but they live in a different world than do I.  First, they have an almost limitless amount of money to spend on clothes.  Second, they tend to run in far more "creative" or "fashionable" circles than do the rest of us.  In other words, anything goes.  In my world, there are always limits.

However, I have found that there are ladies on the television every day that are far better icons for me.  I tend to pay close attention to the talented, beautiful & stylish ladies that bring us the news & weather.  They live in a world where trendy appearance is so critically important but yet some measure of conservative persona is absolutely a must as well.  That is my style for sure.

So, today I present to you one of my all-time favorite style icons... Megyn Kelly.  Megyn, if you are reading this blog post... my apologies in advance for the pictures.

Honestly, I know very little about Megyn except to say that she recently had a baby.  When you see the pictures, I think you will have the same thought that I had... "How could that be?"  She is an anchor on the Fox News Channel (calm down, I watch several news networks, the locals, CNN, MSNBC, Fox... I like perspective) during the week so I get opinions from many sides of an issue.

What I noticed about this ensemble was how an otherwise ordinary white top becomes something more interesting simply because of the sleeves.  Not being a designer I do not pretend to know what that would be called.  Ha!  Also... that skirt is simply gorgeous.  

Could I wear this to work?  Check.  Could I wear this on a date? Check.  Would I wear this just to go shopping? Check.  PERFECT!
 

I know that the picture does not do the color of this dress justice.  Too bad.  It truly is the most lovely shade of purple that you have ever seen.  Ignoring a color that I love, I think my favorite part of this dress is the way it hangs.  Again, an otherwise boring dress has some interest.  

Could I wear this to work?  Check.  Could I wear this on a date? Check.  Would I wear this just to go shopping? Check.  PERFECT!


This one is a little boring but, oddly, I like it very much.  I think I might have paired the skirt with some color?  Maybe then I would just be in love once again.  I went ahead and included it though because I can see so many uses for this top and I really do like the skirt.  Conservative but cute.

Could I wear this to work?  Check.  Could I wear this on a date? I would wear either but certainly not together.  Would I wear this just to go shopping? Again, not together.  



I went ahead and left both pictures in for this ensemble because the closeup shows the dress better but I am hoping the shoes show fairly well in the first one.  I LOVE what I call "statement shoes" and these little babies are certainly that.  They are just a perfect shade of cranberry red and compliment the otherwise ordinary gray tones on the dress so dramatically.

Some might think, that dress is too tight for the office.  Perhaps?  Personally, I think the mock turtle neck and the fact that it comes down well below the knees makes it workable.  Just conservative enough.

Could I wear this to work?  Certainly with a blazer.  Could I wear this on a date? Check.  Would I wear this just to go shopping? Check.  NOT BAD!

Left both of these in because I wanted you to see just where the skirts falls above her knees.  If you are going to wear leather skirt to the office, the length is extraordinarily critical in my mind.  Knee length is best but just slightly above the knee can work with appropriate compliments in your outfit.  What do you think?

Obviously, I like this outfit a great deal.  In fact, you might see me in something similar to this ensemble almost any day of the week.  The leather skirt is sharp but I also like it paired with the otherwise overly conservative jacket, complete with the militaryesque (my own word... I may even request a patent) belt.  In my opinion, this jacket NEEDS something "edgy" like a leather skirt.  It would be just too boring without it.  Conversely, a skirt like this NEEDS the jacket if it is to spend the day at the office.  Perfect combination.

Could I wear this to work?  Check.  Could I wear this on a date? Check.  Would I wear this just to go shopping? Check.  PERFECT!

Believe it or not, I think my favorite outfit was the first one but I certainly like the last one a great deal as well.  Which one is your favorite?  Would you wear any of them?  Anything you would never wear?
Is the "Style Icon" series an interesting idea?  Should I continue it or not?

Looking forward to reading your comments.

- The Leather Skirt -




Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Are Those Real Leather?

Has anyone ever been asked that while wearing your leather skirt, pants or shorts?  I get asked that almost every time I wear mine... never ceases to amaze me, never ceases to amuse me.

Friday was one of those days.  Friday is "Casual Friday" in our building, at least for most of the offices.  I am not really a big "casual girl" by most people's definition.  I like to be "dressed up".  It makes me smile to get up each morning and pull something together... especially on those days that I feel like my efforts have really paid off. I was happy with my efforts on this day.

This past Friday I decided to go with a pair of leather jeans that I picked up via Ebay recently.  They are North Beach Leather and simply fabulous.  I suspect they will get plenty of wear over the next few months?  I don't think North Beach Leather exists anymore?  Too bad, they make great stuff.

I paired my leather jeans with matching black booties, a light sweater and a matching wool blend orange blazer.  After all, it is almost Halloween.  In my humble opinion, very conservative but casual & sharp as well.  Perfect for the office, perfect for drinks later that night, too. 

On my way to the car I have my first interaction of the day.  Two men on their way out watch as I walk by.  No cat calls, just a polite gaze as I breeze through their field of vision.  I am not offended, this is something that I expect and even appreciate.  I figure if you don't want men noticing you, wear over sized sweats, right?

Next, I run in for coffee while getting some gas.  Although there are certainly people taking notice, no one says anything until I get into line.  While waiting for the register a lady behind me says, "Are those real leather?"  This is the most common of ice breakers amongst the curious and somewhat confused.  Ha!  

The rest of the conversation goes something like this...

Me:  "Yes, they are."
Her:  "Why are you wearing leather pants?"
Me:  "I like them."  "Why do you ask?"
Her:  "Aren't they hot?"  "I would think that they would be hot?"  
Me:  "Actually they are quite comfortable."
Her:  "Are you sure that they are not hot?"  "I would have guessed they would be hot?"
Me:  "No, they really are quite comfortable."

Saved by the call of the register, the questioning stops.  Who knows where this conversation was headed? 

Upon arrival at work I approach the parking garage building entrance.  Near the entrance there are always people taking in the last cigarette of the morning before making there way to their respective offices.  This morning would be no different, except...

As I approach the doors I hear another lady call to me.  Pretty (30'ish) and sharply dressed.  I actually liked her suit very much.  She must work in an office that doesn't adhere to the common practice of "Casual Friday"?  I have noticed her a number of times before.  Seemed nice enough.

Anyway, as she points to my leg, she asks, "Are those real?"

Me:  "Are they real what?"  I know what she means but I like to toy with people sometimes.
Her:  Still pointing.... "Are they real leather?"
Me:  "Yes, they are."
Her:  "Do you think that is appropriate for work?"
Me:  Taken a back just a little... this is rather forward... "Actually yes, do you not?"
Her:  "No, I think that leather pants should only be worn to concerts & dancing... stuff like that."  She goes on...  "I see you walking in quite often."  "You wear leather skirts to work often, don't you?"  "I have thought about saying something before but decided not to for whatever reason."
Me:  "So why was today different?"
Her:  "I just think the pants are too much."  "The skirts are one thing but the pants are just too much."
Me:  "Well, I am not sure why you feel that way but as far as I am concerned how I am dressed should never be a concern of yours."  "By the way, I actually like your suit quite a bit."

Not sure if it was my response or my compliment of her suit but either way she had no witty response so I politely wished her a good day and moved along.

Up the elevator I go.  While waiting for my floor, a gentleman (50'ish?) sheepishly clears his throat and says, "Can I ask you something?"

Me:  "Sure."
Him:  Still somewhat uncomfortable... "Are those real leather?" 
Me:  "Yes."  "Why do you ask?"
Him:  "Just curious."  "I don't see many women wear leather pants."
Me:  "I wear mine quite often, especially on the weekends."  
Him:  "Well, if you don't mind my saying, I think they look great."
Me:  "Thank you, thank you very much."  "I actually needed that just a little just now."

I arrive on my floor and off the elevator I go.

Work is an interesting array of reactions throughout the day although after three years in this office my co-workers are quite used to seeing me in the office wearing leather skirts and pants.  My blog is actually called "The Leather Skirt" because some of my fellow worker bees actually call me that occasionally.  I can see where it might seem mean but mostly I think it is complimentary.

Upon leaving the office and getting back to our apartment building several of us like to walk up to a local establishment for drinks.  Friday night would be one of those nights.  On this night there were seven of us but I am the only one wearing leather.  My friends all have similar wardrobe tastes so this is a little unusual.  In a group of this size there are often at least two of us wearing leather, sometimes three or four.

The night is fun.  Mostly just hanging out and talking.  Some of the best times.  LOVE these girls. One last story though...

We are there for at least a couple of hours and the server comes and goes frequently.  I never notice her paying me any particular attention until we get up to pay the bill.  Apparently she notices us headed for the door because she made her way across a crowded business rapidly just to speak with me before I leave.  My first thought, did I leave something behind?  Hand bag, check.  Cell phone, check.  What could it be?

Her:  "Are those real leather?"
Me:  "Why do you ask?"
Her:  "I have a bet with another server"  "She says that it is real leather but I think that they are fake."
Me:  A little agitated... "Well, pay up, I am afraid that they are very real."
Her:  "Are you sure?"  "I have some faux leather leggings and they look real."
Me:  "I am quite certain."
Her:  "Can I touch them?"
Me:  "Actually, I think that might be a little weird."
Her:  "Please."
Me:  "I would rather that you not."

Frustrated, she scurries off.  I am not sure who ended up paying on the bet?  Ha!

I am an avid reader of many blogs and this 'link' goes to a post with a similar story.  Natalie of  Lucy & The Runways had some similar experiences last week as well.  I think she handled them so well that I wanted to share her story as part of this post.  Natalie, I hope that was okay?

Has anyone ever had a similar experience while wearing some of their leathers?  How do you handle it?  Did they ask to touch your garment?  Did you let them?

Looking forward to reading your responses,

- The Leather Skirt -

Friday, October 21, 2011

PerSuede Me...

Ladies,

I have a dilemma... My Talbots catalog came today.  Yes, I actually checked my post office box again... second time this week.  Sometimes lunchtime just needs to be spent outside.  I am on a role... taking walks, checking the mail... yea me!  Ha!

Anyway... I am just the biggest fan of all that is Talbots.  I loved Harold's & even Casual Corner, too.  Remember them?  Am I showing my age?

The problem is simply that there is only so much money to be spent on clothes (there is also limited closet space in my apartment) so it pays to be wise.  Given all of that, I am looking for some advice...

I want this skirt... I need this skirt in my life... I just adore the detailing & I can imagine just how soft it is.  I have a leather skirt that I picked up at Talbots a few years back and it is still one of the softest things I have ever touched.  May have to wear that tomorrow... hmm...


BUT before I spend $249.00 on a suede skirt, I wanted to see what you guys think of it?  Is this corporate chic or strictly nights & weekends?

If you read my first post, you know that I have a number of leather skirts and I do wear them to work regularly so the material is not really my concern.  Personally, I think suede is "more conservative" anyway.  My concern is the length and the leather detailing.  Is it appropriate?  Too casual?  What do you think?

---------------------

Okay, how about this one instead?  I can't buy them both, at least not this month and more than likely I will "fall in love" with something else next month anyway so it is pretty much now or never.  Ha!

This one is $149.00 but it is also probably more likely to make it to the sale racks a few weeks from now.  Perhaps I could splurge on the suede and take my chances? 



The ruffles are beautiful.  I think they add something "extra" to an otherwise ordinary skirt.  Don't get me wrong, nothing wrong with a good solid black pencil skirt but I already have a couple of those.  Tthis one is something different.

The question... is it too different?  Once again, can I wear it to work or will it be relegated to weekends?  At this price it has to be in the regular rotation... you know what I mean?

Can't wait to read your thoughts.  Have a great weekend.

Oh, almost forgot, wore my black leather trousers to work today.  A couple of funny stories.  The things people say...  I'll tell you about that in the next post.

- The Leather Skirt -

Thursday, October 20, 2011

In Style Magazine...

My November issue of In Style Magazine arrived yesterday.  At least that is when I finally got around to emptying the mail box.  I am in a VERY bad habit of only going by the post office to check my box about once a week.  There is rarely anything as exciting in there as the monthly edition of In Style Magazine anyway.  Who knows when it actually arrived?  Ha!

Anyway... I was so excited to see several pages dedicated to one of my wardrobe passions... leather.  Obviously, this is a trend that seems to be developing some traction but will it actually step into the mainstream or will I remain the only one in the building that wears leather skirts to work routinely?  In Style Magazine certainly appears to think I won't be alone again this season.  Yea!  What do you think?

How beautiful is that skirt?  I bet it is unbelievably soft.  The blouse is such an incredible cut & shade as well.  Perfect.  Tom Ford designs some fantastic stuff.  I wish that I could afford it.  Ugh!  Perhaps one day? 


Of course, Kate Bosworth is simply gorgeous and that certainly helps.

According to In Style there are five very important trends for Fall... Number 5... leather.  Yea!

I just LOVE the jacket to the right... so workable in my office.  The croc print skirt at the bottom is nice, too.  I certainly could work that into my wardrobe.  May have to stop by Bloomingdale's?



These ladies are all stunning and their dresses are equally stunning.  Not sure that I would get away with any of these at the office but perhaps on a date?  I especially like the red one although I think I would prefer it in one of the more muted pink tones.  I think red is best in smaller doses.  How about you?



So what do you think of this trend?  Do you think leather can ever make its way into the mainstream except in belts, handbags & jackets?

- The Leather Skirt -

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Day Two... The Midweek Blahs

Today is my second post but I find myself so poorly motivated.  I am truly sorry.

I have taken in my daily dose of blogger inspiration (all of you are so stylish), I have dressed for work (poorly I am afraid), drank my coffee and endured my daily commute.  Unfortunately, the stack of assignments for today do not appear to be opportunities to enrich my life.  this is not usually the case.  I really do LOVE my job.  Today, I am simply not motivated.  Perhaps it is the midweek blues?

The good news, I have a business lunch today and that is an excellent opportunity for some engaging conversation that leads to a far more interesting afternoon.  I will share again later.

Jordan - The Leather Skirt

Monday, October 17, 2011

My First Post

Hello, my name is Jordan Michaels and I am such a big fan of reading fashion blogs that I finally decided to start one of my own.  In this little corner of the internet you will learn a little about me and some of my obsessions.  Hopefully it will be fun for all of us?

One of my biggest obsessions is the leather skirt.  I own them in multiple colors, cuts & lengths.  I wear them frequently myself but I also love seeing other women wear them as well.  I think it takes a certain "confidence" to pull off a leather skirt, especially in the workplace, and few things make me happier than seeing other women that are strong and confident in their wardrobe choices.

My blog will be filled with my experiences while wearing my array of leather skirts, examples of other women wearing them well and other stories related to the leather skirt and all of its "cousins".  I hope the experiences and stories that I share will be entertaining if nothing else.

I "follow" so many of your blogs already and I hope that you will read mine regularly as well.  Let's go!