Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Bret Micheals?

The title of this post?  Stay with me... I am getting to it...

Before I continue... I do understand that there are far more important issues at hand.

"Peace" between Israel and the Palestinians is "unstable."

The pending "Fiscal Cliff" threatens dire circumstances for our already weak economy.


It is estimated that well over 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during 2012... in the USA alone.

Lest we forget... this is MOSTLY a fashion blog.  Inconsequential in the grand scheme of truly important matters but hopefully fun for me and those of you that take the time to read.

BUT... it is also intended to address crucial subjects such as...

WHY DO WOMEN WANT TO LOOK LIKE MEN?

I have to admit... I chuckled a bit (actually out loud) while typing this post. 

Hee Hee

I hope that I am not the only one tickled a bit by my incredible wit?

Even that was supposed to be a little funny.

Hee Hee

Anyway...

On Monday my sister was still recovering from the nasty sinus infection that she was fortunate enough to contract over the Thanksgiving Weekend.  You may recall from my previous post that I spent the weekend with them.  Wonderful weekend.

Anyway...

She took the day off from work so I dropped her kids at school on the way to the office.  Personally, I think she just wanted one day of peace and quiet after the mayhem of two elementary school aged kids at home for a full week.  Hee Hee

Anyway...

While in the "drop-off line," (BTW... a remarkably efficient system) I noticed one of the teachers.

She looked like a man.

Why?

She had long flowing blond hair, a reasonably nice figure and a pretty face.  She could have been so much more feminine with just a little effort?

I did not take her picture for two reasons...

1)  Rude.  Simple as that.  She did not ask to be on my blog.

AND

2)  There was no need.  I could Google her picture so easily.

Here you go...

This is her... I kid you not!  Twins!  Separated at birth!

Bret Michaels!  I swear!

Unfortunately (okay... I already mentioned Gaza & Cancer), she elects to take on the persona of a frustrated former front man for '80's big hair band. 

Why?

Now do not get me wrong, I LOVE Poison.

I am not old enough to actually remember them gracing the airwaves with regularly but Big 'Sis gave me a box of her old cassettes (yes, cassettes... how old am I???) when I was around 13.

Some of those old songs still stick with me.

Honestly.  Every Rose Has It's Thorns is a classic ballad that all reading this blog should listen to again (or for the first time) right now. 

Try this You Tube link.

Bring back any memories?

Okay, so Poison is not exactly Bach or Beethoven (not that I really appreciate their genius either) but their artistic talents speak so clearly to a love struck 9th grader.  Occasionally even one a bit older.  Hee Hee

Back to the fashion...

Why do women do this?  Does anyone know?

We have the ability to be so feminine.  I personally like being a woman.  I like dressing like a woman.

Why do women want to be men?

Generally, men are stupid.  Funny stupid, but stupid nonetheless.

Hee Hee

Men have no sense of style.  None.  I cannot begin to recount the number of times I have seen a couple out for the evening.  Girlfriend... sharp, even sexy... boyfriend... did you just get out of bed?

Men say stupid things.  Sometimes they know it and say it anyway.  I have decided that this is out of their control... kind of like breathing.  Sometimes they sincerely do not realize how stupid their statement is.  I have also decided that this is out of their control.  Merely ignorance based largely in an inability to observe even the most obvious things going on around you.

Hee Hee

Men are a mess.  I know it is hard but the beer can really will not fly to the recylcing bin on it's own.  Same goes for the pair of jeans on the floor, the half read news paper...

I could go on and on.  Hee Hee

Before I sign off let me be VERY clear.  I truly LOVE men.  I am not a hater.  I just do not understand them.  Men are great... they are just men.  I accept them as such.  I ask nothing more than what they are capable of providing.

Which brings me back to the point of this post...

Why do women want to look like men?

God LOVE Bret Michaels... BOTH of them...

Hee Hee

I hope you half as much fun reading this one as I had writing it?

As always, I look forward to reading your comments.  I get so excited every time that I see a new one.  I read them all!  I do try VERY hard to circle back to each and every one.  Please be patient with me.

HAVE A GREAT DAY

-- The Leather Skirt --

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL!!!!



My apologies for my absence from the world wide web the past few days.

It was actually intentional.

I went into this past weekend and decided that a couple of days away from the blog would be good.  It was starting to feel a bit like a chore.

Anyone else ever feel that way?

It was a good hiatus.  Now I miss my blog again.  I miss your blogs as well.

I promise that I will try to get caught up over the weekend.

Speaking of weekends...

HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING!!!

Try not to go broke "saving money" on Black Friday.

Hee Hee

I hope you all will be around family and good friends all weekend.  I will be at my sister's place with she and her kids most of the holiday weekend.  I am sure we will have a blast.

-- The Leather Skirt --

Friday, November 16, 2012

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 --

Thursday, November 15, 2012

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 --


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

I Think It Is The Early Sunset...

I honestly do not know what it is but it seems like the days are flying by even faster than normal of late.

Does anyone else feel like that?

Needless to say, I am exhausted.  Tonight's post will be brief.

I think it is the change from Daylight Savings Time?  I seem to recall from school that it was Benjamin Franklin that first proposed the concept of Daylight Savings Time?  Whoever is responsible... I do not like the idea very much.

If you ask me, Arizona has it figured out.  they do not change their time.  

I do not care if we are "Springing Forward" or "Falling Back"... I am always discombobulated for weeks after the change is made.  My system is just to easily confused.

Anyway... Houndstooth... I just felt like Houndstooth today.

My beloved houndstooth skirt from Harold's.  A simple white oxford and these fabulous new high heels from Kohl's.  

Simple... I like simple.  Simple is not so bad.

Black & white ensembles are easy for sure.  Nonetheless, they are always one of my favorites.  I like wearing black and white together.  

I always like seeing different B&W ensembles on other blogs.  

My closet is filled with black and white pieces.  




You could say I am a bit obsessed.




Sooo... what do you think?

Before I go... I just have to recommend beautiful Amy from Leopard & Lillies to you.  She looks far cuter in her houndstooth than do I.  Drop in, take a look for yourself.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

-- The Leather Skirt -- 

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

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 --

Monday, November 12, 2012

Answers To Your Questions...

Each day I am both pleased and amazed to see that someone has taken the time to leave a comment on my blog.  The gesture never goes unnoticed or unappreciated.  I know that it takes some effort and I thank you SO much.
A few days ago I offered to answer some questions… assuming that anyone out in the Blogosphere cared enough to even ask.

Surprisingly, many of you did.
Many thanks to Amy from Dreaming In Cashmere, Laura from Laura Wears, Heather from Pearls & Paws, Alison from Styling My Life and Erin from Truffles & Ruffles.

I personally "follow" each of these wonderful ladies and encourage you to do the same if you do not already.
Some questions were essentially the same but many were quite different.  I will do the best that I can.


Rachel from Rachel's Lookbook asked...
"Obviously you love leather skirts and I love adoring your leather skirt, but tell us more maybe about how you started to love leather skirts and what is your favorite style of leather skirt?"
I have actually started writing a far more detailed account that answers this question.  I have not posted it as I did not think anyone else would care.
The short answer…
I started wearing skirts and heels almost daily early in my high school days.  I liked feeling “grown up.”  This continued even as I entered college even though most of my friends were far more “casual” in their appearance.

My first leather skirt was purchased basically for dancing but it was not long before I was wearing it on a regular basis.  Obviously, I still enjoy wearing them today. 
Favorite cut... definitely "pencil" but these new pleated styles are catching my eye recently.
So... Are you interested in the “longer version" at all?


Heather from Pearls & Paws asked…
“What inspired you to start a blog and what are some of your favorite daily blog reads?”
--AND--
Amy from Dreaming In Cashmere had a similar question…
“I would love to know...what is your favorite thing about blogging and what are your daily reads?”
Inspiration… that one is easy.  I really, really, really LOVE fashion.  I started reading fashion blogs off and on about 2-3 years ago.  Some of my early favorites were This Time Tomorrow, Late Afternoon and the Brooklyn Blonde.  Of course each of these ladies now have incredible followings.  I still "follow" each of them.  Still amazed by their style.
One day just over a year ago I decided to “take the plunge.”  I honestly figured that I would grow bored with it in just a few weeks.  I have tried hobbies of all sorts over the years but none have really managed to hold my attention for very long. 

The bowling league was probably the most comical.  Ever try bowling in high heels and a pencil skirt?  Kidding, of course… or am I?
My favorite thing about blogging… easy… reading the comments that you ladies leave on my blog.  Honestly.  LOVE reading them… always!
My favorite daily blogs... this one is far more difficult.  I could easily name 20 but I am going to purposefully limit myself to these five. 
These ladies are not only very stylish (and they are) but they are also talented writers.  Each is heartfelt and sincere.  All make me smile, some even make me with a loud laugh.  Just a joy to read their respective blogs and some inspirational style to boot.  What more could a girl ask for?
Fashion and life should be fun.
In no particular order…

Crazy Style Love
Jenny is amazing.  She has such a "classic" sense of style.
Whenever I comment on her blog it is almost always using adjectives like...

"Flawless." 

"Timeless." 

"Perfect." 

All well deserved.  I want her closet.
For All Things Lovely

Megan is a charming southern belle from South Carolina.

She is a blogger that always manages to exude such grace and class... all the time.  LOVE her style, too!

Her text is always brief but always so witty, too.  Talented writers can say so much with so few words.  

And then there are writers like me.  Hee Hee


Love Your Clothes, Love Yourself

I first discovered this little wonder when it was still called CK Staying Warm.  I like the new title but the old one is still my favorite as it gives such insight into just how funny Ck really is.  She is a hoot!  Her blog always makes me laugh... sometimes out loud.  I try not read her's at work.

Oh... and her style is pretty great, too!

Perhaps her style is a little more "casual" than mine but as you can see from the picture, she knows how to do "dressed up," too!



Doesn't the title of Amy's blog make you want to drop by all by itself?

It should not be surprising that this blog is one of the cutest that I follow as Amy is an absolute doll.

Look at the picture... isn't she just as cute as a button?

Like CK above, Amy's style is more "casual" than mine but she is always "pulled together."

I cannot imagine that you would ever catch her looking like she just rolled out of bed.

Besides... she might just love a great pair of heels even more than me.

Hee Hee


Another Amy that I love. 

This Louisiana girl is a dream in my eyes.

I simply adore her style and she is a talented writer, too. 

I would describe her style as a bit "trendy" but always with a nod to "classic" pieces.  Timeless elegance.

She just oozes class. 


Add caption
Ani is a recent discovery of mine.  She is the sweetest thing.  You should read her blog if for no other reason than that.

However, she is very elegant.  So stylish.

I mean... look at this picture... how chic is this look?

And... I always enjoy her cute stories.  She describes herself as witty... she absolutely is that and then some!

Her blog has me laugh out loud from time to time, too.  I try not to read it at work either.  Hee Hee

Whew... who's idea was it to limit me to only five?  Boy that was far HARDER than I ever imagined.  I missed so many that I LOVE.  Alas... this post is already too long so we move on.

A couple of fairly new blogs.  A couple well established blogs but not quite as much "success" as say... The Blonde SaladI have always liked being a bit of a “maverick” so it only seems natural to gravitate towards some of the blogs that have been around a little less time and/or have a smaller group of “followers” than others.

Laura from Laura Wears asked...
“I am always interested in what other bloggers do in their free time?”
--AND--
Alison from Styling My Life had the same question along with some others…
“ I would love to know what you do in your spare time, what your full-time career is, if you have any pets, what your biggest splurge was, how long you see yourself blogging for and what you hope to accomplish with your blog?”
www.stylingmylife.com
Spare time… Honestly, I do not have a great deal of that but when I do get a chance to relax I mostly enjoy one of four things. 
First… I spend too much time blogging.  Hee Hee
Second… time with friends.  I am quite fortunate to have a good group of girlfriends (mostly from college, work and church) to do things with.  Mostly we meet for dinner and/or a drink.  Gossip time.  Hee Hee  We do occasionally meet to do some shopping (I do not shop much but I really do enjoy shopping with friends) or even to take in a movie or concert.
Third… movies.  I enjoy movies.  I am not a big TV watcher but I have been known to get up on a Saturday morning, run my errands by lunch and then return to my apartment for a DVD marathon more than once.
Lastly… Sis and her kids.  Although I am spending less time with them than I did the first several months after they moved here, I still find myself driving out for dinner, soccer games or sometimes to simply hang out.
My career… I work for a consulting firm that deals mostly in land acquisitions for large entities that prefer to keep acquisitions very quiet.  My title… VP of Market Research.  The simplest explanation, I am a corporate spy.  No James Bond kind of stuff.  Not nearly that exciting.  Honestly, most of the information that I gather, analyze and present is available right on my laptop but I do spend time “in the field” doing research as well.  Because our clients value their anonymity so greatly most of our staff is actually contractually bound to not maintain social networking accounts such as Facebook, My Space and Twitter.  I suspect that Instagram will be listed when our contracts are renewed at the end of the year? Blogging is not specifically banned but for this reason I choose not to publish pictures of myself when I blog.  I simply prefer not to take any unnecessary chances.
No pets… I love animals but as little time as I actually spend at home, it just would not seem fair.
How long will I blog and … I will blog as long as I continue to enjoy it.  The day that it stops being fun and starts feeling like work will be my last post. 
--AND--
What do I wish to accomplish… Honestly, nothing.  I never expected anyone to read it when I hit “publish” the first time.  I amazes me that so many do.  I am incredibly honored by that fact.
With that said, I guess I would like to see more and more ladies wearing leather skirts, not just to parties and concerts but everywhere.  I know that this is largely driven by fashion trends, television and movies but if my little corner of the internet convinces just one fashionable lady to wear one somewhere out of their “comfort zone” just once, then I would consider the blog a success.  I suppose that is the one message that I would like to share?



Erin from Truffles & Ruffles asks…
“What are your top 5 wardrobe essentials?”
This was a harder answer than I expected it to be.  Seemed simple enough when I read it.  The best list I can come up with…
1)   A great skirt.  I almost always start with the skirt I intend to wear when putting together my daily wardrobe.
2)  Black.  I truly LOVE black.  Versatile.  Classic and always chic.  It is not very often that I end up with an outfit that doesn’t have something that is black.
3)  Heels.  Aside from working out, swimming and a VERY rare appearance of a pair of sandals I ALWAYS wear heels.  Lately I have been VERY infatuated with higher heels.  LOVE how a great pair of heels “finishes” an ensemble.
4)  Lipstick.  I know that you never see me in my photos but I NEVER leave the house without lipstick, not even to run.  Hee Hee  In case you care, my favorite brand is Mary Kay.
5)  Basics or Classics.  I am really fond of some trendy things.  For example, right now I am quite infatuated with polka dots and houndstooth.  But… I never lose interested in “classic” pieces.  Some might look at my closet and describe it as “dull” or “boring” but I prefer “classic”, “timeless” and “versatile.”  I have a lot of black, white, beige, pink, red and blue in my closet.  There is not  much vibrant color or trendy patterns.  When I am shopping I like to find items that can easily be paired with multiple things so that they get lots of wear.  I rarely buy things that I do not LOVE and if I like them that much, shouldn’t I wear them?

Whew… that was both harder and more fun than I expected.
Thank you so very much for your interest.  I hope I answered your questions satisfactorily?  Feel free to leave another if you wish.
As always…
I look forward to your comments.  They truly make my day.
Have A Fantastic Day!
-- The Leather Skirt --