Showing posts with label Leather Pants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leather Pants. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Style Icon - Katie Couric - Leather...

Katie Couric is one of my favorite television personalities ever.

She is definitely an icon of style in my mind.

Simply put, she has incredible taste in clothing.

Classic.  Demure.  Ladylike.  Sophisticated.

This is my third post regarding Katie Couric's flawless style.

Today I focus on my favorite wardrobe essential... leather.

Katie obviously agrees that leather is essential this season.

Disclaimer:  I took all of these photos directly from Katiecouric.com.  Credit where credit is due.

Classic black pencil skirt & white blouse.  Perfect.


The black pencil skirt gets a little more casual partner this time.


This time she pairs her black pencil skirt with a very feminine blouse to soften things up.

Black leather skirt.  Versatility.  Are those two words interchangable?



Nothing beats a black pencil skirt & a red top... nothing.


A brown leather skirt seems to even work well with red and that is a pairing that I don't think I would have come up with on my own.  Bravo!



Naturally these two colors are made for each other. 


Of course, nothing is ever hotter than a red leather pencil skirt but Katie is so flawless that she takes this red hot number (pun intended) and creates a classy silhouette in this black/white/red combination.

Full disclosure... black/white/red is perhaps my favorite combination.


Katie does not limit herself to the "safety" of a traditional leather skirt either.
She is not afraid to rock her leather pants.



... Or even a leather dress...



I don't even own a leather dress.


Amazing legs, huh?

She either works out 20 hours a day or has been blessed unfairly.

Hee Hee

Katie even knows how to make leather a little more demure.
How fabulous is this incredible peplum number?

One word... sophisticated.


Even in red this leather tee just seems to make this otherwise "dressy" pencil skirt ensemble appear to be a bit more casual.  Nice!


I am not sure about the leather dresses... I may not be ready for that?  Perhaps under a classic blazer?

Otherwise... I want all of these items in my closet!

Katie... Your style inspires me daily.

Although I never intended this to be three posts, I will likely post a few more times regarding Katie's incredible style simply because I love it that much.

Hope You Have A Lovely Day!

-- Jordan Michaels --

Given today's post, I think Katie may deserve my moniker more than I do.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Saturday Is Made For Leather...

I am the BIGGEST fan of dressing in the Fall.

THE BIGGEST FAN!!!

I am not really sure just how "Fall" today really will be as the forecast calls for temps well into the 70's (Fahrenheit) but the winds are supposed to be quite stiff so it should feel a little cooler.

Truth... I am tired of waiting... it IS November 10th!

If you read my blog at all, you also know that I am a HUGE fan of wearing my leather skirts.

I know, I know... understatement.

If you are new to my blog, you probably guessed that by the title alone.

However, during the Fall and Winter there is just NOTHING in my closet more fun to wear than my beloved leather pants.  LOVE them!

I have left comments on a number of blogs in recent weeks regarding my "Saturday Uniform."

I call it a "uniform" but it is really more like a "formula."

Simply put...

Leather Pants + Great Sweater + Heels = Wonderful Ensemble.

This particular pair is from North Beach Leather... one of the finest purveyor's of leather clothing that I have ever discovered.  Unfortunately, like Harold's, Casual Corner and so many other retailer's that captured my attention... North Beach Leather was also felled by the Great Ressession.

Life goes on.

I still have my leather dress slacks so it cannot all be bad.

I have a pair of leather jeans and I wear them from time to time but I find myself gravitating towards my "dressier" pair more and more frequently.

What can I say?  I like being "dressed up."

In addition to leather, I like black.  Black is versatile and always chic.

Naturally, my only leather pants would be black.  Have seen some great colors this Fall but the only ones that have made my heart flutter a bit have been the burgundy.  Hmmm... 

In addition to black, I like RED, I like RED very much. 

Put red and black together... match made in heaven.

I'm just saying...

This sweater is from Casual Corner.  I could not even guess how long I have had it.  Does anyone even remember that store?

100% cashmere.  Soft.  I mean... super soft.

Add in a wonderful cowl neck collar... perfect sweater in my eyes.

I tucked the sweater in just for this picture.  I wanted to show you a closer look at the seem work and detailing that North Beach Leather put into their work.  Flawless.

Truth... this sweater is far too short to be tucked in so I always wear it out on the weekends.  Sometimes when I wear it to work I hassle with trying to keep it tucked simply because I think any top that is tucked in  is sharper and provides for a more "finished" look to the ensemble.  

What do you think?

I wear a variety of boots and shoes with these leather pants.  I wear boots and "dress shoes" with these pants, it depends upon my mood on any given day.  I also like to add a little color to an ensemble with different shoes from time to time.

My default... black boots, always low cut.  Today I went with that as I feel like the red sweater has the "color thing" taken care of all by itself.  Hee Hee

Cute boots.  "Sensible" heels.  I am actively looking for some that I like with a little more heel height.  

I have seen a couple of pairs that I liked but it has been hard to justify the money as I just do not like low cut boots with skirts and, as you know, I rarely wear slacks.  

Will probably just get some more wear out of these although the "winter clearances" are not that many months down the road... Hmm...

Hee Hee


A quick update for my regular readers...

I have almost completed my "answers" to your "questions" from my post a few days ago.  I will try to get them posted on Monday.  I have a special ensemble in mind already for Veteran's Day tomorrow so I intend to get that posted first.

As always, I love reading your comments and appreciate them all so very much.  I do try very hard to return them in kind but I know I have been remiss of late.  I am striving to catch back up.  Please do not give up on me.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

-- The Leather Skirt --

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Saturday & Sunday...

Hey Guys!!!! 

Surprise, surprise... I have BOTH outfits that I wore/am wearing this weekend in today's post!  Whoo Hoo!!

Unfortunately, I am not terribly "inspired" today in terms of what I might have to say.  Many of you are thinking... "Finally!"  Hopefully at least some of you are thinking... "Dangit!"

Saturday was mostly work followed by a few errands near the end of the day.  I have left comments on many blogs regarding my favorite Saturday attire and yesterday was one such day.

Leather pants and a great sweater.  This really is my "go to" combination at this time of the year.

Here is what I wore to the office & then out for errands:



Bright enough for you?  I am not certain that I am "sold" on this sweater just yet.  What do you think?  I did get a few interesting looks while out & about yesterday but that could have been the pants and not the sweater at all.  Who knows?


I did not tuck it it.  I felt like the bottom of this sweater is really best left out.  It's a little more casual worn that out anyway.  Should have I tucked?


Love these shoes but I don't really think they are appropriate with a skirt (at least not at work) so they do not get a lot of wear.


Do you like them paired with the leather pants?

And the complete ensemble...


Today has been an ordinary Sunday.

I got up this morning, did my workout and then dressed for church.  I rarely bother to change once I have dressed for the day so I am sitting here in my apartment "over dressed" by most people's standards.

What can I say, I like to be "over dressed".  If you have read my blog at all that comes as no surprise.

Here is what I am wearing today:


You have seen this skirt before.  I intentionally chose a demure sweater to pair with it as I did not want anything to take away from the hem line.  I think it is gorgeous.  So "girly".


These shoes... well, these shoes... LOVE!



And the finished look...



As I said, not really very inspired today.  Actually a little tired.  Going to catch up on the last few episodes of "Pretty Little Liars" that I have on the DVR and call it a day.  Not a big TV watcher but that is a show that caught my eye several months ago.  I am now addicted.  Yes, I know it really isn't for adults.  Hee Hee.  Have you watched though, it certainly isn't for kids either.

Have A Great Week!

- The Leather Skirt -

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!!!

I wish you all the most wonderful and prosperous 2012 you could ever imagine!

I am so sorry that I have been away from posting for so many days.  I have actually missed it more than I would ever have thought that I would.  Odd feeling.  Does anyone else get that way when you miss more than a couple of days between posts?  I will try to do better... starting today.  We'll see?

Anyway, my New Year's Weekend was WONDERFUL!  I hope that yours was half as much fun because if it was you had an absolute blast!

On Friday during lunch with some girlfriends, my phone rings.  One of my college friends (Amy) is inviting me down to Austin for the weekend.  Amy has a great place just steps from Austin's famed 6th Street and she has been after me for some time to come down and visit.  Not only that, a New Year's night BBQ had already been planned for Amy's place and we were all invited.  Apparently it is silly to pass on New Year's Eve on 6th Street so the house party would have to wait until Sunday night.  She had several friends coming over so it would be a fun evening for everyone.  On a pure whim we all decided  to load up the next day and head down to Austin for the weekend.

Saturday after lunch, Cindy (mentioned in this post), myself and two other sweet ladies (that will remain nameless) met at my place, loaded up the car and made our way south.  Yes, Rob agreed to keep the twins all by himself all weekend so that Cindy could have a "girl's weekend".  YOU ROCK ROB!  

Austin or bust!

Once we got settled in at our friend's place we changed for the night and headed out to explore 6th Street.

Before I go on, for any Austin readers (or future visitors), I apologize in advance for not giving specific names of clubs.  I am horrible with names in general but then when you add in the fact that we spent some time in at least 6 or 8 different places it is nearly impossible for me to keep them all straight.  What I can tell you is simply this, Austin is great, 6th Street was a blast!  I would highly recommend that you go sometime and simply bounce from place to place.  Each place has its own truly unique vibe.  What an experience!

We had been told by Amy to expect anything in terms of dress out on 6th Street and our fellow patrons did not disappoint in that regard.  As you would imagine, lots of denim but there were also MANY people dressed to the nines and everything in between.  As anyone that reads my blog with any regularity knows, I like it when people dress well before leaving the house.
What really struck me as much as anything was how eclectic the group was with regard to age.  We had been prepared for the wide variety of wardrobe choices but I was amazed to see such a wide range of ages amongst the revelers.  I am told that this is quite common and not at all limited to New Year's Eve.  Fun!

Snapped these when I got back home yesterday.  Here is what I wore on NYE...


 Simple but it fits my style.  I did not feel out of place for so much as a second.







I really do love these boots.

Cindy wore the leather pants that I mentioned in this post, one of the other girls wore a red leather skirt that I wish I owned, one wore a fantastic sequined mini skirt that I would not dream of trying to pull off and our Austin hostess simply wore jeans. Amy looked hot though.  A good looking group if you ask me.  Hee Hee

Here is what I wore for the New Year's Day BBQ at Amy's place...





Okay, as it turned out I was a bit over dressed.  I am always the one that is "over dressed".  Everyone (and I mean everyone) showed up in jeans.  I only own two pair of jeans and I rarely wear them.  I like skirts.  I like being "over dressed" by most people's estimation.  This is how I am.  Perhaps I will share a little of why that is the case in a future post?

BTW... sweet Cindy wore a denim skirt.  She knows me well.  I am sure that she did not want me to be totally alone in the room.  She knew I would not have jeans in my luggage.     Denim skirt... perfect compromise.  I am just not that quick.  Perhaps I will look for one?

Regardless, as you know, I love these boots.  I think that the skirt is rather casual (at least by my standards) as is the shirt.  Honestly, this is an ensemble that I would put together just to hang out at home.  Despite these facts, I took a little ribbing from the other girls and even some of the guests that arrived later.

As always, I get the routine question, "Why are you so dressed up?"  Does anyone else get that asked that or is it just me?  Why do people even ask that question?  Would they actually prefer that I run around looking sloppy?  Sometimes I want to reply, "Why do you like you just got out of bed?"  Alas, Mom raised me better than that.  Hee Hee.

Despite the occasional dumb question and a few silly comments the BBQ was really fun.  I even met a guy that I might actually like.  He lives in Austin so who knows if it even matters but we agreed to talk and e-mail before he left to go home.  I think Cindy is more excited about it than I am.  Hee Hee.  

Wish me luck.  We'll see?

One funny story from NYE and then I will bring this long post to a close.  It has been a LONG day and I am off to bed.  Another LONG day awaits me at work tomorrow, too.  I did not check e-mail all weekend so you can imagine what that does for the first few days back in the office.

At one of our stops Saturday night, the waitress brings drinks to our table compliments of a few guys on the other side of the room.  This is actually the first time that such a thing has ever happened to me.  Honestly, I didn't really know what to do.  None of us did.  I have to admit, I thought this was only something that happened in movies.  Fun though.

When asked whom exactly had sent the drinks, (pointing to the group of guys across the room) the waitress explained that she had been asked to deliver to the table of ladies wearing leather whatever they were drinking.  A leather skirt gets attention, no way around it.  Hee Hee.  We certainly did not want to be rude to such sweet gentlemen so we graciously accepted their gesture.  Hee Hee

There are four of them standing there together.  Cute guys.  Unfortunately, these guys are younger... a lot younger.  I am not that old but I just cannot date a guy that is still in his early twenties.  I just can't.

I watch as they are clearly discussing our group once the drinks have been accepted.  Guys think that they are so coy but they really are not.  Hee Hee.  Three of the guys are clearly cojoling one of the others to walk over and speak to us.  Guys are so much fun to watch.  Don't you agree?  Hee Hee.  Finally, after enough coaxing from his buddies he makes his way across the room and asks if he can sit down.  Naturally we let him.  Hey, he was the one that was "brave" enough to walk over, right?  I do not know if he was the "sacrificial lamb" that was supposed to soften us up for the rest of his team or not but I do know that none of the others ever came over to help him out.  Instead, they left him to deal with five 30'ish ladies on his own.  Hee Hee

He held his own.  Hee Hee.  He was sweet but just too young.  He only graduated from college last fall!  Let's just say that my graduation year was before that.  Hee Hee.  After sitting with us for a few minutes he asked me to dance.  I did.  How could I not?  We sat back down and talked a little more.  The girls then decided it was time to move on to our next stop.  I think they were trying to help me out.  Hee Hee.  

A little secret for any guys that might be reading this blog... this is why the ladies travel together... Hee Hee.

As we are preparing to leave, my young suitor asks for my cell number.  Ouch!  I was really hoping to not have to deal with that request.  Hearing this request, Cindy immediately steps in to rescue both me and the young man's ego..., "Jordan, you probably shouldn't lead him on."  "You know that you and Rob have discussed trying to reconcile and another man will just complicate that for you."  Cindy is so smooth.

I turn to the young man and he sheepishly replies, "I understand."

Should I feel bad?  I really do not but should I?

Out the door we headed.  We made at least 3 or 4 more stops before the new year arrived.  Lots of fun.  The girls are such fun to spend time with.  Austin was marvelous and 6th Street certainly did not disappoint.

Hope your weekend was fun, too!

- The Leather Skirt -

Sunday, December 11, 2011

What Do You Wear For Saturday Errands?

Well, what do you wear to run your weekend errands?  

If you read me my blog at all you probably know that I am not really the "jeans & t-shirt type" so naturally my weekend look is a little different.

Today, I spent a great deal of time Christmas shopping in addition to the usual stops at the grocery store and dry cleaner.  To finish the day I met some girlfriends for dinner, drinks and gossip.  Fun.  It's tough to beat a day of shopping and time with good friends.

Speaking of Christmas, a fairly large box arrived from mom sometime Friday afternoon but she left me strict instructions not to open it until Christmas.  Ugh!  Mom always sends me something for Christmas but this is by far the biggest box that has had my name on it since I was about 15 years old.  I feel a bit like I am 9 years old again each time I walk by it.  Hee Hee

Okay, on to what I wore...


As I have commented on many blogs, my favorite Saturday look is simply a great sweater and a pair of my leather pants.  Easy.  Comfortable.  Just a bit of edge.  Sometimes I go with the jeans but this time I opted for the slacks for a "dressier" look.  Believe it or not, this really is how you will catch me most Saturdays during the cooler months of the year.

 

I wish the pictures did the color of the sweater a little more justice as it really is not gray at all.  It is actually a lovely olive shade and quite complimentary to the black slacks, at least in my opinion.



To finish off the look I opted for a pair of my short boots.  I like my shoes but I am certainly a "boot girl", too.

So there you have it, simple.  No bright colors.  No "girly" textures or patterns.  I think the leather pants do enough on their own so when it is a simple day of errands, finished with a relaxing dinner and drinks with friends I like to keep is easy and comfortable.

Well, what do you think?

- The Leather Skirt -

Friday, December 2, 2011

Guess Who Wore Her Leather Pants To Wrok Today?

Wrong... 

You thought it was me, huh?

This is what I went with today.  Actually not what I had planned last night but occasionally the morning brings necessary change, this time in the form of a rather unfortunate stain on the back of the blouse that I had not noticed the night before.  It was quite late.  Such is life.  Since this was an am ensemble there is but the one picture that made the cut.  Sorry.


Wore this sweater & blazer with black slacks & some burgundy'ish (it's a new word... look it up) booties. Rather conservative, huh?  No real "story" to tell.  Honestly, aside from the booties, I am not sure that I am even happy with today's attire.  Oh well, tomorrow is a new day.

Now, back to the point of this post...

If you have read my blog from the beginning you might remember my encounter with the lady smoking just outside my office building entrance one day when I wore my leather jeans to work? 

In case you do not, you can go back and read here to catch up.

Anyway, on my way out for the day this afternoon, we rode down together on the elevator.  Just the two of us, several floors.  Dum Dum Dum  (feel & hear the sound effects?)  Anyway...

I am a people watcher by nature.  I notice when people are milling about.  I notice what people are wearing.  I even "pass judgement" quietly to myself once in awhile.  I know, not nice.  I hope that I still am on Santa's "nice list" but perhaps not?  Anyway...

As I step into the elevator I can't help but notice that she is wearing a very sharp pair of black leather slacks with her tailored white blouse and wool camel colored blazer.  VERY sharp.  Sharp, indeed!

Although I am rather certain that she didn't recognize me (she seemed a bit distracted as she was toying with her unlit cigarette), I absolutely knew who she was right away.  Naturally, I immediately recalled some of our previous discussion and found her wardrobe choice for the day rather odd accordingly.  

So what do I do?  Do I work her over about being a hypocrite?  Do I congratulate her for seeing things my way?  Do I ask her silly questions?  Do I simply bask in my satisfaction quietly.  I know that is what a true adult would do but I am not always "the adult in the room"... so...

I turned to her, pointed to her pants and said, "Are those real?"  I just couldn't help myself.  Hee Hee

Shocked and somewhat embarrassed (I think this is when she remembered who I was), she looks down and says, "Yes, do you like them?"... a pause...  "Didn't I see you wearing some recently?"

Me:  "Yes, you did."  "In fact, I recall that you were quite interested in why I was wearing them to work."

Her:  "Actually, I think that I was rather rude that day."  "Is it too late to apologize?"

Me:  "Of course not."  

She interrupts... "I must admit, I was a bit nervous about wearing them today but they were a birthday gift from my husband and we were going to meet for lunch so I felt obligated."

Me:  "Well, how do you feel about wearing them now?"  

The elevator reaches the ground floor so her response is brief, "Wonderful."  "I cannot tell you how many compliments I have received today."  "I am sure I will wear them on a Friday again soon."  "Again, I am sorry for my behavior before."
Sweet, huh?  How can I not feel good about that?  This is why I never let people's inquiries bother me.  Honestly, in many cases I think it is sincere curiosity, combined with a little envy.  It does take a certain amount of "courage" (I use that word so VERY lightly) to step out of your comfort zone and open yourself to criticism.

Chalk up another "convert" for The Leather Skirt!  I couldn't even type that without smiling.  Hee Hee

Speaking of stepping out of your comfort zone.  I have been asked about photos of myself several times.  I will explain in further detail later but it simply isn't a good idea for me to do that.  Part of it is being self-conscious but that is such a very small part of my apprehension.  Can I leave it at that for now?

HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEKEND

- The Leather Skirt -

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane...

Tomorrow morning (early) I head back east for the Thanksgiving Holiday.  Family and old friends.  Always an occasion to love and embrace.  Work keeps me so busy that I do not get this chance often enough so when it comes I just relish in it!

Before I go on, I hope all of you have a MOST WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!

Anyway, I am actually not much of a fan of the airplane in general.  They are loud and uncomfortable.  They can only be accessed through airports that are crowded and inconvenient.  During this, the busiest travel time of the year, it is only worse.  I know that some of you out there are reading this thinking that I am such a whiner... perhaps, but I am just speaking the truth... I don't like to fly... I don't like anything about it, which brings me to my outfit of choice for tomorrow's journey.

Many people opt for tennis shoes and jeans or even sweat pants for these types of journeys but you know that neither really fits with my personality.  I am going to always be "dressed" by many people's standard.

With that said, if I have to do something that I really don't want to do, I suspect that I should do it wearing something that I truly love to wear.  Hence...


Naturally, I broke out my leather skirt for the trip.

I paired it with an oxford style blouse in this soft pink to lighten the look a bit.

I am traveling to visit family after all.  Hee Hee.  Actually, I probably could have worn a suit and fit right in at home. I will get to that in a later post.

 I know that you have seen this skirt before in a previous post but I always like to include a closeup simply because the leather is so soft.  I wish that the picture could truly do this fact justice.

The blouse is simple and relaxed, a perfect compliment for a day of travel.
Don't you think the two flow well together?

Ordinarally I would immediately reach for my tall boots to pair with this outfit but I am planning something a little different.  We'll see if I change my mind come the morning?   I intend to wear these instead...

I have to have some kind of a heel.  That is a given.  But these babies give me the flexibility to slip them off now and again during the flight.  Yes, I said it, I like to let me toes breath just a little while traveling in such cramped quarters.  That's right, I'm the one.  Hee Hee.

It might be a little cool back home for these but I think as long as I don't get surprised by six inches of snow I will be okay.  Hope so?

Back in a couple of days with a short review of what I wore during the holiday break.

- The Leather Skirt -