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 --

The Hemline...

This skirt is just fun to wear.  It really is.

Shouldn't clothes be fun to wear?

A little fun attire on such a dreary day just seems appropriate.

The hemline at the end of the fluted shape makes it so feminine.

I like sharp & polished very much but from time to time I like to break out a little "girlie," too.

Hee Hee

Isn't that just pretty?

Throw in a more masculine silk oxford style blouse just to provide a little balance and we're all set for a day at the office.

I think they work together pretty well.

The red blouse seems to pull that pinstripe out of the skirt.

And out the door I went...

Today on the DART train I was told by another businesswoman that she couldn't help but notice the adorable lace on the hem of my skirt.

Hee Hee

As I was stepping off the train, another lady asked where I had gotten the skirt.  Sadly, that answer is Harold's.  Temporary sadness followed by elation.  I love a good compliment.

Hee Hee

HOPE YOUR DAY WAS WONDERFUL!

-- THE LEATHER SKIRT --

Those Red Heels Again...

What can I say?

They are gorgeous shoes &  I love wearing them.

This post has to be quick.  I have loads of preparation to do this morning for a client meeting this afternoon.  No time for droning on today.

Simple black pencil skirt + red oxford + a fabulous pair of red heels = blow away the client!

HAVE A FANTASTIC DAY!  

-- THE LEATHER SKIRT --

Trophy Day...

Please... no heart attacks...

Yes... this is a denim skirt...

Yes... that is essentially a t-shirt and a pair of low cut boots...

Yes... this is the outfit that I wore today...

-- LET ME EXPLAIN --

Today was Trophy Day at the soccer complex.

Trophy Day is a mixture of excitement, chaos and quasi organization combined with far too little manpower.  You see... no one EVER wants to volunteer for these types of chores.

Enter my Big Sis... the queen of volunteer...

Hee Hee

This time she roped me in although I didn't know it until I was already committed.  She is a sly one that older sister... 007 would be proud.

FIRST...

She sends in the niece & nephew early in the week with an invitation to watch their respective soccer games on Saturday.  Smart.  Hit me before I can commit to anything else for the day.

How can I refuse?

NEXT...

About midweek she informs me that this weekend's games are spread out with several hours in between so I should just plan the whole day with them.

Not a big deal...  I love spending time with the only family that I have here in town.

THEN...

Saturday morning... early... The phone rings.

On the other end of the line... one of the few people that know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I will be up at this early hour... my Big Sis...

"Jordan, I need a favor today."

"Sure, what do you need?"

"Today is Trophy Day and we could use some help distributing them.  Could you lend a hand?"

"I suppose so, what will I need to do?"

"It's simple really, open boxes, hand out trophies to coaches... that sort of thing."

"Okay, happy to help."

"Great!  Can you meet us at the soccer complex in an hour?"

"Uh... sure."

007... I think M would be proud of how coyly she roped me in.

Sooo... Let the outfit scramble begin...

Hee Hee

I suppose high heels are out?  My leather pants?  Probably not.  Perhaps a cashmere sweater?  I imagine that wouldn't be wise either.

As I dig and dig in a harried and panicked state what appears?  This little denim skirt that probably hasn't seen the sun in years.  I don't own a pair of jeans so this seems like the logical solution.

Cute, too.  Huh?

It happens to also be from Harold's.  Ahh... Harold's.

Mix in a simple t-shirt (albeit a quite soft t-shirt) in a shade that will hopefully repel its share of dirt and grime...

... Throw in a pair of boots that at least have a chunky enough heel to keep me from getting stuck in the mud...

... And an outfit is born...

Okay, so they are not Doc Martins.

Hey... I'm an "inside girl" at heart.

Hee Hee

Now...

Trophy Day...

For those that do not know...

On Trophy Day, teams of children approach what passes for a makeshift stage in what can only be described as a chaotic manner.  Try as they might, the coaches and parents are virtually helpless to provide any sort of organization to this all out attempt to gain access to their prize.  The kids are relentless.

Hee Hee

Some teams are better than others but all are less than organized.  I am being polite.

Hee Hee

Sis is in charge.  I have been given "box duty" since I'm merely a rookie.  Box duty entails finding (always an adventure) and opening said box to reveal the shiny awards.  This is a labor intensive position that only the naive would accept.  Enter the "green horn" named Jordan.

Hee Hee

I am not complaining, although I know it seems that way, I am simply stating the obvious.

How many teams are in this league, you ask?  My guess... 4 million.

Hee Hee

They just kept coming... and coming... a steady stream.

Our only breaks came when it was time for Sis's kids to play.  I even worked through lunch.  I am whipped!!!

Sis... you owe me BIG TIME for today... BIG TIME!!!

I'm thinking that she is getting about 75% of the wheel time when we drive back east for Thanksgiving.

Hee Hee

Enough complaining.  Tomorrow is another day.  Off to bed.

Hope Your Weekend Is As Wonderful & Blessed As Mine Has Already Been!!!

-- Jordan --

Polka Dots & A Pop Of Color...

TGIF...

I honestly LOVE my job.  I know... GEEK!!!

Oh well, I actually do enjoy what I do for a living and my boss is wonderful in every respect.  Actually, she rocks!

I am lucky and I know it.

Now that I have said that, I am SO HAPPY that Friday is here... SO HAPPY.

It has been a busy week at work and I have almost NOTHING to do this weekend.

Ahhh... the most blessed weekend... the one with nothing on the agenda.

I'm attending a couple of soccer games on Saturday but I may not even leave my apartment on Sunday.

This incredible jacquard skirt was a purchase that I made from AT Loft last September. After seeing this post on Lindsey's fabulous blog called Saucy Glossie I immediately went to the website and made the purchase.  I paid full price... not even a second thought. 

Personally, I think Lindsey looks much better in the skirt than I do but I love it nonetheless.  I wear it often.  It was well worth full price.

Anyway...

A little "pop" of pink just seemed appropriate today.

Hee Hee

I wear this skirt with other tops but this one is by far my most favorite pairing.  It is like they were made for each other.  Some things just "sing" to me.

I mean... Look!  How amazing is the similarity?

Polka dots anyone?

How did I mess up the lighting so badly?

Perhaps it is time for a better camera?  Mine is sooo old.

I could easily have gone with any of my black shoes or boots.

Sooo... were the pink suede heels the right choice?

Hope Your Weekend Will Be As Awesome As I Expect Mine To Be!

-- The Leather Skirt --

The Witches Of Eastwick...

Remember that movie?

Jack Nicholson was such a hottie... still is actually.

Hee Hee

Today I feel a little like Susan Sarandon in that movie.

No... not at all Hollywood movie star glamorous... just "vamped" a little for the day.

What is a Halloween ensemble without a little orange?

Believe it or not... orange is just not present in my closet.  Not sure why?  It is not that I don't like orange.

Huh...

Maybe I have a new mission?

Hee Hee

Anyway... moving on...

Given limited options in my closet, I went with this top...

Interesting stitching at least.  Not even sure how long I have owned this item?

Years, I imagine?

Mix in a simple black skirt that I picked up from Harold's several years back and Halloween is covered.  Right?  Some interesting stitching in this otherwise simple flared skirt, too?

I almost grabbed any number of other black skirts in my closet but when I stumbled onto this one I decided it was time for a long overdue spin in the sun.

I'm not sure it has ever graced the pages of this blog and I couldn't even tell you the last time I wore it.  Sad.  Clothes should never feel neglected.

Hee Hee

Isn't it fun discovering something in your closet that you had forgotten?  It is almost like buying something new... accept that it is far less painful on the credit card.

Hee Hee

Blurry picture.  I'm sorry.

Trying a new location in my apartment and the morning sun isn't quite where it needs to be... I hope?

Finish things off with those Franco Sarto patent leather pumps that have become far too common on this blog of late and we are all set for the day.

And... the whole ensemble...

 Well?

Did I adequately pay homage to the day?

You didn't REALLY think that I would be one to wear a costume?  Did you?

Please don't misunderstand... costumes are fun and I have no issue with them at all... that just isn't "my thing" at all.  It just isn't.

HAVE A MOST FANTASTIC DAY!

TRICK or TREAT

-- The Leather Skirt --

Thank Goodness That's Over...

Okay, I admit it, the title is just a little dramatic.

No... nothing is wrong...

...at least nothing that is actually important anyway.

However...

This was me on Monday just before I left for work...

My computer was sick... or at least I thought it was.

Turns out that the internet was down in my whole area of town ALL day on Monday and the vast majority of the day on Tuesday.

Almost two full days without access to the internet... it has been sometime since I had to go through that.

Not an experience that I wish to repeat without a beach involved.

Hee Hee

I did say that the title of my post was a little dramatic.

Anyway, all is well again and I will do my level best to get a new outfit post up tomorrow.

In the meantime, at least I can take a few minutes to try and catch up on your incredible style and wonderful musings from the past couple of days.  Let the blogging begin...

-- THE LEATHER SKIRT --

Five Of My Recent Favorites...

Any blogger worth her keyboard is familiar with all of these top rated blogs.

You all know them...

LOVE Andy from the Style Scrapbook, Helena from the Brooklyn Blonde and, of course, Chiara from The Blonde Salad but those ladies live in a different world from me.

Each of them has incredible style and I follow them myself.  On occasion I even find inspiration that causes me to do irrational things like pay full price for a skirt that has to find its way into my closet.

However, most of the time it is just fun to read (occasionally comment) their blogs and see how they interpret different trends.

HOWEVER... THIS POST...

... is not about these stars of the Blogosphere at all, it is about some far lesser known ladies that are, in many ways, bigger stars in my world.  They are quite fashionable (a given) but they are also "real people."

I don't mean that as anything disparaging to the other ladies at all but they have figured out a way to make a career to some degree in the world of blogging so things are different for them in every respect.

These five ladies are "regular people" with "normal" lives and they slip in some blogging in their spare time.  Although they may see a little income from their efforts, I am sure that it is mostly fun for them, I know that is my primary motivation.  They shop in the same places that I do, Ann Taylor, Nordstrom, Talbot's and similar retailers.  They have jobs.  Some have kids.  I appreciate them more than I can explain and enjoy their daily musings very much, so much that I thought I would share.

In no particular order...

Suburban Faux Pas by Krystin

The name of her blog alone makes me smile.  Cute & original.

Krystin and I are so alike, too.  Check out the "about me" portion of the blog.  I'm one that likes to be "dressed up" for the Post Office run, too.  Hee Hee

You go girl!

The Classy Cubicle by Mary is a daily guide for any fashionable girl.  Just my opinion.

Mary has "corporate chic" down to a science.  As you know, I like "corporate chic."

She is always sophisticated, always sharp.

Read her About This Blog section, too.  It sounds like she grew up in my home?

Mary, are we sisters?

Hee Hee

Walking In Memphis In High Heels is what the lovely Laura does daily as she has strolled into my heart.  I truly LOVE her blog.  Simply put... she is fabulous... cute and fabulous...

I am pretty jealous of both the skirt and the shoes in this one... don't mind saying.  Hee Hee

Laura flawlessly balances between trendy and classic.  Amazing taste.

Lacey from  A Lacey Perspective is a a recent discovery.  This DC girl's style is a little more eclectic than mine but that is hardly a bad thing.

THIS... was one of my favorite recent ensembles of hers...

Lacey, while you are rocking your way around our governmental halls in such fabulous style, can you get these guys together on anything for us?

Guys... can you agree on something?

Maybe they can at least agree that you look great everyday?

I digress...

Megan has an amazing wardrobe.  Her blog is called For All Things Lovely with good reason.  All things on her blog are so lovely.  Her style is simply impeccable.

Isn't that a perfect little combo?  Easy, yet sharp.  Very sharp.

I WANT that skirt... I want it...

Hope You Find Something That You Like In Each Of These Great Blogs!

-- 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 --