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 --

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 -- 

Veteran's Day...

Veteran's Day

This IS NOT a political day, it is a special day... a solemn day... a day of celebration and rememberance.

No matter your position on war or the military... remember many have died (and many more are in harm's way, willing to die) in support of their nation... some in support of missions that they themselves do not even believe in.  They do it anyway... they gave an oath.  Many before them did it anyway... they gave an oath.

This is a commitment that should be honored and respected.  Today is the day.

HUG a veteran today.  THANK them for their service, both in times of peace AND in times of war.

In memory of all of those brave men and women that have served.  These brave soles have done things no one else would and because of that I can sit here and publish a silly fashion blog.

That fact will never be lost on me.

We have a special service planned at church today.  I am looking forward to it very much.

Anyway... to lighten the mood... fashion!

In  a VERY vane effort to pay homage to our Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Marines... I once again chose a Red, White & Blue ensemble.  Hollow gesture and somewhat meaningless but it is what I can do.

This outfit was originally intended to be worn the day of the final US Presidential Debate between President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney.  Alas, the day came and I forgot.

Ugh!

Oh well, that only means I get to wear it today without risking a "repeat" too quickly.

Hee Hee

I hope you like it?

"Red, White & Blue"... what a great excuse to pull out these beloved new high heels.

I find myself wearing these shoes more and more.

I truly LOVE them!

Great pair of shoes from Kohl's... yes, Kohl's.


Ann Taylor LOFT has become one of my favorite stores to shop lately.

This skirt is incredible.  It is so easy to "dress up" or "dress down."

I only purchased it a few weeks ago but have already worn it to church, work, the soccer field and out shopping.

Versatile.

To compete the ensemble I went with a simple white oxford.




The are few things in a woman's closet more versatile than a classic white oxford.


This one just happens to be such a great shirt that I also bought it in red and black... two of my favorite colors!

I think they go so well with one another.  how about you?

The completed look...

Sooo... did I do well to celebrate Veteran's Day?

If you know a Veteran or simply bump into one... please thank them for their service... they deserve it.

As always, I truly enjoy reading your comments.

I look forward to seeing what you have to say.

HAVE A FANTASTIC VETERAN'S DAY!!

-- The Leather Skirt --

Red... No, Not The New Taylor Swift Album...

If you read my blog, you know that I enjoy wearing "classic" pieces.  Pencil skirts.  Tailored shirts and blouses.  Fitted sweaters.  "Dress" shoes.  Boots.

I am typically careful not to select pieces that are too "trendy," preferring to stick with things that will stand the test of time.  However, I am not necessarily afraid of arguably "different" textures and materials (my love of leather skirts, for example) and I do not shy away from color.

Of course, black and white (with a hint of beige) are significant parts of my wardrobe.  They work together as one of my favorite combinations in an ensemble.  Call it boring... I prefer "sharp," "timeless," even "sophisticated."

Red is a "timeless" color as well.  Even "bold."

It is easily over done in an outfit but if it is used as part of an overall "look," I find few colors more appealing.

In fact, I think red and black together makes for one of the sharpest combinations possible.

So... Today I paired them up for one of my favorite ensembles in some time.

I am LOVING today's outfit!

Multiple compliments already today!

Yesterday's ensemble started with the shoes.  I woke up and decided that I just HAD to wear my leopard print heels.  It was a good day.

Today's ensemble was a little different.  I started with this incredible red pencil skirt from Kohl's.  Yes, Kohl's.  I know... who knew?

I really am not a huge Kohl's shopper but from time to time I stop in just to have a look around.  They really have come a long way. 

I saw it online and decided I just had to have it.

The only other red skirt in my closet is leather.  Although I have worn it to work, I am not sure it is really appropriate?

This one works in the office.  It works for dinner.  It works for shopping.  It works for anything.

It will be worn many times in the coming months so be prepared.

With "chic" and "sophisticated" on my mind... enter a great black blouse to go with the red skirt.

When I say "Great black blouse," I mean it.  This one wears so well.  100% silk.  Amazing cut.  "Girlie" cuffs.  Cute.

How did it ever get "lost" in my closet to begin with?

An incredible combination.

Red and black are truly "made" for each other.

Agree?

To finish off the outfit I almost opted for my beloved  Stuart Weitzman black heels.  I even considered a pair of tall back boots but in the end I decided I just wanted to wear another pair of high heels.

Call me obsessed.

Hey, I recently joined the "Society of High Heel Lovers."

Hee Hee

Seriously though, aren't these red heels simply amazing?

Are you ready for this?  Kohl's... yes, Kohl's.

As you may recall from a previous post... the Kohl's website had some unfavorable reviews but I elected to buy them anyway.

I am telling you, great shoes!

Very comfortable.  Wore them all morning.  Walked to the DART station in them.  Walked to the office.  Walking to lunch in a moment.  Wonderful shoe.  What mare could a girl ask for?

So it all comes together like this...

What do you think?

VERY quick story...

I stopped for coffee on my way to the DART platform this morning.  Not at all unusual.

However, I had to very sharply dressed ladies tell me that they really liked my shoes.  One even commented that my whole outfit was quite sharp.

I always enjoy the compliments.  If you read my blog you know that I do.  You also know that I am quite happy to have some fun with anyone not quite as complimentary.

Hee Hee

One such young lady (very young... maybe 20?) awaited me as I stepped onto the train.

She looks at me, gives a face and mumbles to herself... "Bright."

I cannot just let these moments go.  Hee Hee

I look at her and ask, "I assume you meant the sun?"

"What?"

"You said bright just now."  "I assume you mean the morning sun?"

She was clearly embarrassed and caught a little off guard, she looks at me a bit confused and says, 

 "Yes... yes, the sun."  

Hee Hee

Nothing makes my day more!

Hee Hee

Of course, the skirt and the heels are VERY red.

Hee Hee

I look forward to reading you comments.  They always mean so much to me.

Have A Great Day!

-- The Leather Skirt --

The Great Debate I...

Blogging at lunch again today.  I do not really like to do that but I missed my post yesterday and I wanted to ensure that I got one up today.

 

Soooo...

 

Without giving away my political leanings...

 

I thought I would try to give a nod to tonight's very important US Presidential Debate between President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney.

 

Yes, I know this is actually the second debate between the two candidates but I did not select anything "special" the last time out.

 

This time...

In the spirit of our American political season, I chose a "Red, White & Blue ensemble."  Is there anything else that would be more fitting?

What do you think?

LOVE this blouse.

One problem, it is not as warm as the weather man promised it would be. 

Thankfully I keep a sweater at the office for just such "wardrobe malfunctions."

Hee Hee

This blouse is truly wonderful.  It just a joy to wear.

Lightweight.  VERY "girlie"... which I like.

Perhaps even just a little "sexy?"

Certainly very elegant in my book.

 LOVE this new skirt, too.

You may recall that I recently acquired this classic item from Kohl's... "Yes!"... Kohl's!

Honestly, I am not a huge fan of Kohl's but for less than $30 this skirt was just too good of a deal not to at least try.

Vibrant color.  Great cut.  Fully lined. 

Great classic pencil skirt.  I foresee years of wear at work and at play for this one.

What do you think?

And the finished ensemble...

Well?

What do you think?

Before I close I want to offer my best wishes to our two candidates.  I am confident that both of you are intelligent and driven.  I am confident that both of you care and want the best for our country and the rest of the world.

 

I wish you both the best of luck tonight.  Your country is watching.  Many around the world are watching.  It is a critical evening for you both.

 

I ask only one thing... be truthful.  Tell us all what you think, where you plan to lead us.  We are also bright people.  We will make an intelligent decision.  All we need is an honest comparison.

 

In the end, no matter who the winner of the election turns out to be...

 

I hope that our President will always do their best to consider the many above the desires of the few.

 

-- The Leather Skirt --

The Hounds REALLY Have It...

I truly LOVE the houndstooth pattern.  I have for as long as I can remember.

Maybe it is a 101 Dalmatians thing?  I know that is not exactly the same thing, but hey, that Cruella DeVille sure knew how to do a black and white pattern, huh?

A classic black and white ensemble.

What do you think?

If you have followed my blog for some time now, you have seen this fabulous skirt before.  I last showed it on the blog here.

This is one of my many items from Harold's. It really is an incredible skirt.

Amazing quality.

Great fit.

Classic pattern.

What more could a girl want?

Harold's... say it with me... Ahh... Harold's.  I really do miss that store.  Of course, Ann Taylor LOFT has been easing my pain just a bit recently.  Hee Hee

Like the skirt?



The heels are brand new.

First time in the sun. 

As I mentioned in this post, they are from Kohl's.

At $28 I just HAD TO HAVE THEM.  At that price, how could I not at least TRY them?


Surely leaving them behind would be some kind of misstep?  You know, the kind of oversight that leads to unforeseen difficulties in your life as a way of making sure such a clear mistake never happens again.

Hee Hee

As you might recall, the reviews for these shoes on the Kohl's website were not stellar.

I am here to report... poppycock!  Fabulous shoes!

As you know, I am just now experimenting with higher heels and I wore them all day.

Confession... I had my "sensible heels" in my bag just in case but I never even thought about pulling them out... AND... I did some walking today.  Is there any better indicator of a great pair of heels?

As I mentioned, I now have the four pairs of high heels that I debuted on the blog here.  I have worn them all recently.  Man, I had no idea what I had been missing!  These shoes are such fun to wear!

I am easily distracted...

The blouse is actually "new" as well but only because I recently rediscovered it in the back of my closet.

Isn't that the best?

A long forgotten "love" reappears after many years.

If you ask me, it is better than buying something new.  Bite your tongue!  Hee Hee

The picture doesn't show it very well but this really is a very "girlie" blouse.  Feminine neckline, cute collar and big, "girlie" cuffs.  Super cute buttons on the cuffs, too!

You will see much more of this "new" blouse in the months to go... bet on it!

Besides, it makes such a lovely compliment to this skirt, too!

Don't you think they just "go" together?

Cute buttons on that skirt, too, huh?

I always like a little extra detail in a garment.




So here is how it all came together...

WARNING... I AM ABOUT TO RAMBLE...

By the way... I am sold... lock, stock and barrel.

I may have worn my last pair of "sensible heels."

Okay, that is a little extreme, I have too many shoes in my closet to consider getting rid of them all.

Besides, I absolutely LOVE wearing many of them.  Insert... the often worn Stuart Wietzman lovelies here. 

Hee Hee

The ironic thing, I have watched ladies walk by in high heels for years and always wondered how they did it.

I am a devoted wearer of heels, have been for so many years.

Rarely will you see me in any kind of flat, aside from my tennies.

In fact, I actually own very few.

I guess wearing a higher heel always seemed a bit intimidating.

Perhaps I was intrigued?  Perhaps not?  Intimidated... certainly.

But then I began following you fashionable ladies out there in the blogoshere.

Post after post featured high heels and platform shoes.  I began to truly appreciate how much a truly great pair of heels could add to an otherwise average ensemble.  There is just "something" about them.

Yes, they are a bit "sexy" but it is more than that.  Something less obvious.  Something that is harder to explain.  But there is undeniably "something" about a pair of shoes when the heel gets a bit taller.

Can you put it into words?

Regardless, I was certainly intrigued... yet still a bit intimidated.

Some confidence might have grown from some of what I read.

So many ladies really do wear these wonderful shoes all day.  Some may take their blog pictures and then change shoes but many do not.  As my obsession began to grow, I began to take notice of some of the ladies around me "in real life."  I often saw ladies in high heels during lunch.  Do they get to work, switch shoes and then switch again for lunch?  Hardly practical.  Perhaps they do wear them all day?

Do you wear your high heels all day?

Personally, I have enough to worry about without having to select two different pairs of shoes each day... and then figure out when I need to be wearing which pair.

Too much trouble.  I need shoes that "work", not just "look good."

Enter Dillard's a few weeks ago.  While shopping I discover my first pair of platform heels.  The were an absolute steel AND were "calling" to me from the rack.  They looked like SO MUCH FUN... how could I not at least try them on. If you read my blog, you know that I bought them.

They are fun to wear.  LOVE them.  They are far more comfortable than I would have ever dreamed.

My obsession grew.

Hee Hee

So here we are, now I own four pair of high heels and I am on the hunt for more.  I am addicted.

Do you prefer "high heels", "sensible heels" or flats?

So what is The Leather Skirt going to do?  Replace my entire collection of shoes?  Hardly.

What is more likely?  I have probably purchased my last pair of "sensible heels."  

The last couple of weeks I have not even noticed a pair of "cute shoes" unless they had a higher heel than I have historically worn.  I do not notice them when I am blogging.  I do not notice them when I am around town AND I certainly do not pay them any attention when I am shopping.

I am committed.  Or is that, I need to be "committed?"

Hee Hee

Either way, I am loving my new high heels and I am on the hunt for more!

Well, I have rambled on far too long.  It is time to wrap this up.

Have A Great Day!

-- The Leather Skirt --

Their First Spin...

As I mentioned a couple of days ago, I have really been "drawn" to higher heels of late.  I have purchased four pair with heels right around 4 inches.

I know some of you are thinking... FOUR INCHES... that is not even close to being a high heel.

For me it is quite a change.  I am intrigued.

Since this is a bit out of my comfort zone... maybe literally uncomfortable... I decided a Sunday might be the best day to give the new red heels a spin. 

As you may recall, the reviews on the Kohl's website were not stellar when I purchased them.

Verdict... LOVE them!


Are they like wearing tennis shoes?  Of course not but they were suprisingly more comfortable than I had feared... even by the end of the day.

As many of you already know, walking in these is a little different but I did well, especially considering that I am so inexperienced.

Style over function?

Perhaps... but I truly love wearing them.  I see many new pairs of shoes in my future.

Santa... Santa... did you hear me?

Hee Hee

Since it is still quite chilly (Yes, "Dallas Chilly") here, I opted for another cashmere sweater, this time in a lovely red to match my new shoes.

This one happens to be an old Ann Klein catch from many years ago.

She gets many days of wear once the temps begin to drop.

Doesn't that collar just say "Snuggle?"


The yellow sweater I showed you yesterday is lovely but nothing like this one.

Soft is an understatement.

They are just different.  This one wears "different."  It hangs better on my body.  It feels more luxurious.  It is simply a "nicer" garmet.

Does that even make sense?

It is late, I am not sure I am all here.

Hee Hee

I decided that red high heels and a red sweater were enough bold colors for today so I finished the ensemble off with a simply black pencil skirt.

I have had this one for so long I could not even begin to guess where it came from.

Truth... the tag was not even in it anymore so I cannot tell you who made it either.  I looked.

Well loved.  Well worn.

Hee Hee

And the finished ensemble...

What do you think?

 

So now a quick story...

Children's birthday parties... is there a dress code?

Here is why I ask...

I invited Sis and her kids to have lunch after church today.

After several days of Aunt Jordan laying around their house, the least I could do is spring for lunch.  Afterwards my nephew was headed to a birthday party and he asked his me to go.

How could I say no?

Besides, Sis didn't really know anyone so she was really hoping I would go.

Perhaps she put him up to asking?

Hee Hee

Anyway... Chuck E. Cheese.  Yes, Chuck E. Cheese.  Stop laughing.

The kids go wild in this place.  It is loud.  Music blaring.  Video screens playing all sorts of kid related mayhem.  Games EVERYWHERE.  A six foot mouse running around giving high fives to the kids.

In short, eight year old paradise.

Here's the thing, Sis and I show up in skirts and heels.  Typical day.  Nothing fancy.  No other mother does.  Some are dressed neatly, some not so much.  Whatever... your deal, not mine.

What is interesting to me is that three different ladies stopped us and asked, "Why are you so dressed up?"

This is an interesting question to me.  Has it become some kind of sin to be "dressed up?"

Each lady truly had quite a perplexed look on her face when she stopped us to ask.  Confusion reined supreme in her world.  As if the fact that each us was actually wearing a skirt was some kind of warning of an impending disaster.

Should I have taken this question as a compliment to my new shoes?

Hee Hee

There are so many ways to answer said question but my sister is far sweeter than I am so she politely responded to all three, "We came here directly from church."

Explanation/apology accepted.

Confused look on face gone.

Attire of choice permitted.

Now I am going to be honest, I do not think that any of these three ladies were intentionally rude.

One did respond, "You should keep a change of clothes in the car."

She smiled.  I think she was sincerely trying to help.  I politely replied, "Well, actually, we dress this way most of the time.  Today is not really any different."  She nodded.

I think perhaps that thought still confuses her a bit?

WARNING... IMPENDING DISASTER!!!!!

Hee Hee

So again, is there a dress code for a children's birthday party?

I guess you could say we were "over dressed" but that can be said about me almost every day.

What bothers me, no one seems to mind the "under dressed" anymore?  What about the lady that looked like she just rolled out of bed?  Was her choice of (PJ's, I think?) attire more appropriate?

Oh well... enough ranting... it is late.

Have A Marvelous Monday!

-- The Leather Skirt --

My New Babies...

I am almost 5' 10".  Rather tall for a lady.

I like heels anyway.  Have for years.

In fact, I own almost exclusively heels.

Very few flats are even in my closet and they are almost never worn.

Truth... even with all of the walking that I do.

I feel prettier in heels.  Yes, perhaps a little sexier, too?

I just think women generally look better in a pair of heels... me included.

How about you?

With that said, I have always been very careful, even rather conservative with my choice of heel heights.  Part of it is probably my height, part of it is probably the fact that I will spend the day in them and I know it.

Same is true for the length of my skirts.  Have to be careful not to buy them too short.

Off the subject... let me re-focus... high heels...

Lately I have been drawn to higher heels.

It started with these beauties that I purchased off the Dillard's clearance rack.


I had never worn a pair of platform heels before, never mind actually owning any.  They "called to me" in the store.  They just looked like such fun.  I had to at least try them.  Didn't I?

Well... verdict... LOVE THEM!!!

Love wearing them.  Love actually building outfits around them just to have an excuse to wear them.  Love everything about them.

Confession...

Still getting used to walking on them so I am carrying along a backup pair when I do break them out.

So far, I have only changed them out twice.

Sooo... where does this lead me?

To my new babies..That's where...

What do you think?  

I couldn't help myself.  I am addicted.  In fact, I am seriously thinking of getting another pair or two this weekend.  I am committed... full speed ahead!

"Cheetah is the new black."  I read that somewhere?

Well, I am not sure about that but I do know that the trend is growing on me.  That is for sure.

Ann Taylor LOFT teases me with a daily e-mail.  Most of the time I am a good girl but when this e-mail arrived in my inbox I could not ignore it.

The beauties are available here if you like what you see.  The website says they are only available online.

I actually received these in the mail a couple of weeks ago but, alas, pneumonia short circuited their debut on the blog.

I plan to give them their test run next week.

Visions of outfits are spinning in my head.

Smiling now.

Hee Hee

These next two pair arrived just yesterday.

Does Sis know I have been doing some online shopping?  Hope not...

Hee Hee

Confession.  I am not a HUGE Kohl's fan but they are growing on me.  I have some things from there that I adore and the prices are hard to argue with.

So these are a couple of pairs from Kohl's.

You can find them here and here if you are interested.

The reviews are not stellar but for the price I thought I would give them a spin.

Besides, believe it or not, I have no red heels... at all.  I have a pair of red sandals but nothing appropriate for work.

Cute little bow up front, too.

For less than $30... how could I go wrong?






As much as I love the cheetah print heels... I actually LOVE these even more.

I am so enamored with the houndstooth print... have been for years.

I know, I know, I will get far more wear out of the cheetah print heels but you have to admit... these are cute!

I think we will give them a spin with my beloved houndstooth skirt that you have seen before in this post from November.

Have I really not worn that skirt in almost a year?  Surely that is not true?  I bet I just missed posting it?

Yes, that has to be it.

So what do you think?

Would that just be too much "matchy - matchy?"

So here we go... high heels and The Leather Skirt... adventure awaits!

-- The Leather Skirt --

Not What I Was Planning Today...

Today I am showing you a new sweater that I picked up off a clearance rack (well, online) at Kohl's just a couple of days ago.  It really is not appropriate for a 90 degree day but I cannot help myself.  I just love the color and the collar.  Besides, my office is ALWAYS cold anyway.  Oh, and there is the small fact that I wear many of the same things all year long... not much for following seasonal trends.  This is what happens when you are so fond of black and white and leather.  Hee Hee

Anyway, I actually had not planned to wear this outfit today at all.  As I have mentioned before, I am very good about planning my outfits at night.  This morning was a moment of "blogger inspiration".  Yes, that is a term.  Look it up.

WEBSTER'S:  "Blogger Inspiration" - the moment that someone viewing a cute outfit decides to duplicate it for their own personal wardrobe.

Seriously, look it up.

I digress...

The offending blogs are:

 

With Or Without Shoes

AND...

Nany's Klozet

When I was running thru my favorite blogs (just recently discovered these two) this morning, I was drawn to each of these lovely printed skirts.  Immediately I decided to rummage thru my closet... there must be something... something...

Here is what I came up with...

This baby has been hiding out in the darkest corners of my closet for months... maybe years.  Honestly, I am not certain how long it has been since I wore it?  Sad.

I think it's cute, girly.  What do you think?

As I mentioned, I pulled out the new sweater to protect me from the "office elements" (also, a term) and to provide some color.  Besides, I like it and needed only a small reason to wear it.  Hee Hee

Next, pull out the beloved Stuart Wietzman heels that I have shown you many times before...

Taada... an outfit is born...

What do you think?

I feel a bit "girly" again today.  Do not mind saying.

Time for idle chat is over.  Off to make some money.

- The Leather Skirt -