OOTD: I Feel Like A Girl Today

I am feeling really "Girlie" today. 

I haven't even left the apartment yet but I am already so happy with this ensemble that I couldn't wait to share it with all of you.

Maybe it is this wonderful polka dot number that I picked up at Harold's a few years ago?

Or maybe it is this fabulous pair of heels from Stuart Wietzman?

I don't know about you but both of these just feel so feminine to me.  I love to wear them both.

Throw in a little color in a lightweight turtleneck and things simply come together well.

 So it all comes together like this... 

Well?

Have A Wonderful Wednesday!

-- 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 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 --

Jordan Turns 40 Today...

No not me, a dear friend who also happens to be named Jordan.  Got you, didn't I?  Hee Hee

I have known her for years.  We worked together and have kept in touch through job changes, marriage, kids and the passing of time.  She is one of my girlfriends that I often meet for dinner & drinks.

She & I have such similar wardrobe taste and habits... even since she has become a mother.  Impressive.  Jordan may also be found at the grocery store on Saturday morning rocking her leather skirt!  Kinship like that runs deep I tell you.  Hee Hee

Her husband (Billy) actually calls me "Other Jordan" whenever we are together.  I prefer "Sexy Jordan", perhaps "Jordan The Great" but, alas, I guess his wife does deserve top billing.  Hee Hee

Anyway...

Birthdays... ugh... birthdays... might as well have some fun!  You only turn the big FOUR-OH once!

HAPPY 40th TO JORDAN!

I will be there far too soon (she is older... much older... okay, maybe not MUCH older, but older nonetheless!)... but tonight we get to party and at someone else's expense!

Billy has set it all up.  Adults only tonight.  Dinner reservations have been made.  The dance floor has been confirmed.  Hotel rooms have been acquired.  Fun will be had by all!

Special occasions deserve special attire.  Today I pull out a skirt that gets far too little love.  I last showed you this baby way back on Valentine's Day.  Hard to believe but that may have been the last time she saw the light of day... or the dark of night.  Somehow red leather is hard for me.  I am actually a little self conscious about it.  Wear my black & caramel leather skirts all the time but the red just hangs there.  Maybe that is telling me something?

Anyway... here she is...

I wish that you could really appreciate the look, color and feel of this skirt.  Truly fabulous.

$25.00 on EBay so I guess two appearances a year is a good investment?  What do you think?  I did wear it to work the one time.  Not sure that I can do that again... not even me.  Hee Hee

Mix in a cute white shirt from Talbots and the red is muted just a little... or...

Is the red actually highlighted all the more?

Thoughts?

My Stuart Wietzman's.  How many times have you seen these before?

I told you that they are wonderful for walking... we will see if they are great for dancing, too!

And the whole look...

Tonight is just going to be a blast but the whole day will be special.

I am heading over to pick my friend up for lunch later today.  She actually does not know about the party tonight (so thinks her husband anyway) so I invited her to a quiet lunch to celebrate her big day.

Just the two of us, no kids.  No men, just Jordan & Other Jordan. 

After lunch we will do a little shopping before I return her to her family in the late afternoon.

Billy is supposedly putting the finishing touches on tonight while I have her out.  Does he really think she is not suspicious?  Men are stupid.  Hee Hee

I am so looking forward to my day AND tonight!

-- The Leather Skirt --

Red, White & Black...

Simply one of my favorite combinations.  I just think it is so classic.  So sharp.

Not to mention easy.  Hee Hee

What colors (or lack of color, Hee Hee) do you like combining in outfits?

In keeping with two trends that I started on my blog yesterday, I am showing you more polka dots AND more wardrobe items that I have worn on my blog before.  Get over it.  Hee Hee

This is a simple cotton shirt.  I actually have it in several colors.  I am a HUGE fan of "mix & match" items for my closet.  The more things I feel like I can pair with a potential new acquisition, the more likely that item is to leave the store and find a new home in my closet.

What is important to you when shopping for new wardrobe pieces?

BTW... my dry cleaner is really pleased that I purchased this cotton shirt in multiple colors, too.  I am not much of a ironing girl.

Pair the shirt with one of my favorite skirts. 

The skirt was last seen here, with the soft pink version of this shirt.

Which combination do you prefer?

Next, my standbys, the black Stuart Wietzman heels.  These have appeared too many times to count.  Sometimes I think I wear them every single day.  My co-workers may as well?  Hee Hee

Imminently walkable and so classic.  Two things I adore.

 And the finished product...

That is three days in a row that I have managed to get an outfit post up.

Already thinking about tomorrow.

Look out!

-- 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 -

Polka Dots & Pink...

A second outfit post this week.  Wow, what's a girl to do?

I am SO unmotivated today.  Does anyone else ever get that way?

Sitting here at my desk doing something I NEVER do... writing a blog post.  Occasionally, I will take 10 minutes to breeze thru some of my favorite blogs while I am at the office (I just need a momentary break sometimes) but to actually sit here and invest the time to write a post... NEVER.

As I said, I really do not want to be here today.  Friday, I guess?

Check out this wonderful blog - The Stylish Housewife.  She is a lovely lady & her blog is inspirational.

Today she asked about outfit planning.  I left a 'comment' stating that i like to plan the night before.  I really do.  Today's outfit is no exception.  The weatherman said that it would be beautiful today.  It is.

Anyway, I knew that I have a lunch date and then a meeting in another building not far from my office today so I will be spending sometime outside.  What better reason to come up with something light and airy.  Fun and feminine.  At least I think so.  Here is what I am wearing today...

I started with my soft pink blouse.  I have shown you this blouse before in a little edgier look as I paired it with my black leather skirt.

I have paired this blouse with my Carmel leather skirt that I recently showed you here. 

Do you think that would be a good ensemble sometime soon?

Today I opted for a 'lighter' touch.  I went with my black & white polka dot skirt that I debuted for you here back in December.  What do you think?

I think they work well together. 

How about you?

Next, a great pair of shoes.  I just LOVE my Stuart Weitzman heels.  They are wonderful 'walking' shoes.  Yes, I will wear these all day today... even after I get home.  LOVE them.  Tennies are for working out but that's just me.

So here it is all together...

Thoughts?

I am feeling really 'pretty' today.  I don't mind saying.  Hee Hee

Well, I have wasted the morning away... time for lunch.  Hee Hee

- The Leather Skirt -

Valentine's Day... The Red Leather Skirt Edition...

I did it, I wore the red leather skirt today.

This skirt...

How beautiful is that color?

When I first saw it on EBay I almost did not buy it.  I mean, it is red for goodness sake!  Where in the world would I wear a red leather skirt?  Surely even I would not wear such a skirt to work... would I?  As much as I work it is hard to justify purchases that cannot spend at least some time at the office.

This beauty was made for Saks Fifth Avenue but I bet I bought it for far less than its original owner.  Are you ready for this?  $25.00!  Shipping and all!

I decided that for that price I would get it home and then decide if I actually had the courage to give it a spin.

What do you think?  Was it worth a role of the dice?

As for today, honestly, I was a bit aprehensive about wearing the skirt but I talked myself into it. 

But... I wanted to ensure that I had not stretched the limits of our rather conservative office dress code too far so I was VERY careful to pick complimentary pieces that I think helped to minimize the "extremeness" of a red leather skirt at the office.

What do you think?  Did I do well in my choices?

Pretty little "girly" blouse.  Feminine and professional.  Understated.

Naturally, I tucked the blouse in though.  You just cannot let a skirt like this not be on full display.  Hee Hee

Senseable collar.  Not too much showing... you know what I mean.

They work together rather well.  I may put these two together on their own one weekend soon?

Again, in keeping with my effort to make the whole ensemble as "professional" as possible... I went with a simple black blazer from one of my suits.  Tasteful.  Understated.

I thought briefly about my beloved tall black boots but decided at the last minute that these Stuart Wietzman shoes would be more "professional" and would help to play down the color of this skirt.

What do you think?  Would have you gone with the boots?

And the full ensemble...

Well, was I successful?  Did I pull off an acceptable office look while wearing my red leather skirt?

In the end, the experience could not have been any less eventful.  A couple of people at the office commented about how much they loved the color... that was it.

I think this baby will see the light of day again soon...

BTW... Valentine's was kinda lame for me.  How was yours?

I met an old college buddy for dinner.  We have done this every year when both he and I do not have a Valentine's Day date.  Sadly, there have been far too many Valentine's Day dinners between the two of us over the years.  Hee Hee

No frowny faces... it really is okay.

- The Leather Skirt -