OOTD: Soccer Saturday...

My niece and nephew have invited me to their soccer games today.

I will be the first to admit, I really do not know much about the game.

The kids seem to enjoy playing so I suppose that is all that matters.

However, I must confess... it really is not my favorite thing to do on a Saturday.

I go because they like Aunt Jordan to be there.

However, the day will be nice despite the soccer.

Hee Hee

You see, the first game is early in the morning and the second game is not until after lunch.  In between, brunch with Sis and her kids.  Now that is my idea of a relaxing Saturday morning.

Hee Hee

So how does a confessed member of the Community of Girls Who Love Skirts deal with such a day?

By wearing slacks... of course...

Breath... just breath... I know it is a switch.

I will not except liability for any medical bills associated with heart failure or the like caused by today's wardrobe choice.

Hee Hee

This ensemble is certainly "casual" for me but it seemed appropriate.

I have been to the games in a skirt and heels before but today I thought that I would be a little more low key.

There is a chill in the air this morning.  A real chill in the air.  Brrr...

It is shaping up to be a glorious fall day in Texas.

In order to compensate for the rather subdud nature of the slacks and the top, I opted to go with some color and chic texture.  I think this wonderful burgundy leather blazer makes things a little more interesting.

What do you think?

I think the jacket really pulls out the color in the pinstripe pattern on these slacks, too.

Win. Win.

Add in these cute little burgundy'ish short boots and I think I have come up with an ensemble that I will be happy with for the day.

So... Did The Leather Skirt do well for a chilly day of soccer?

Hope the kids win!

Have A Wonderful Saturday!

-- The Leather Skirt --

BLOGAVERSARY: Two Years Today...

I will celebrate my blog's 2nd Anniversary today despite my significant inactivity during most of 2013.

Undeserved?

Perhaps?

I guess you could make that argument?

No matter... TWO YEARS AGO TODAY, this little piece of me "launched" with this simple post.

I have shared some funny encounters with you all, such as the one in this post.

I have answered some questions about myself.

I have shared some wonderful surprises with all of you.

I have shared some heartache with you as well.

Some things have changed, some have not.

The world is radically different in so many ways but not at all in so many others.

Happy 2nd Blogaversary to The Leather Skirt!

To celebrate, today I take a break from fashion for a brief moment to ponder more serious matters...

God, please look after all of those in need.  You know who they are and you have the ability to provide.

Political leaders the world over, bring peace to our lands.  War only leads to more war, even when we think the matter has been resolved.

Political leaders here on our American shores, squabbling amongst ourselves rarely results in appropriate resolution of serious problems.  Put down your pride and come to the only logical conclusion, compromise.

Readers of my blog, smile today, only YOU get to decide what kind of day you will have.  No one else gets to decide for you.

God's Blessings To All

-- Jordan Michaels --

Bret Micheals?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY DO WOMEN WANT TO LOOK LIKE MEN?

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

Hee Hee

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

Even that was supposed to be a little funny.

Hee Hee

Anyway...

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

Anyway...

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

Anyway...

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

She looked like a man.

Why?

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

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

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

AND

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

Here you go...

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

Bret Michaels!  I swear!

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

Why?

Now do not get me wrong, I LOVE Poison.

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

Some of those old songs still stick with me.

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

Try this You Tube link.

Bring back any memories?

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

Back to the fashion...

Why do women do this?  Does anyone know?

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

Why do women want to be men?

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

Hee Hee

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

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

Hee Hee

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

I could go on and on.  Hee Hee

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

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

Why do women want to look like men?

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

Hee Hee

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

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

HAVE A GREAT DAY

-- The Leather Skirt --

Insomnia... And Some Blogs I Recommend...

Okay, so I have not posted anything in several days.  Sue me.  Actually, please don't do that... enough headaches right now.  Hee Hee

Anyway, Sis has the kids back east visiting their father.  Without all of the unnecessary personal details, let's just say the situation is all but perfect.  My sister is a tough cookie and the kids are making the best of things.

On to brighter... err... darker things.

It is almost 2:00 am and I have a big meeting at 8:00 am.  I cannot tell you how much I HATE EARLY MEETINGS!  Who calls a meeting so early?

I guess that I am nervous?  Honestly, not an emotion I often have.  What else could explain my being awake at 2:00 am?  Believe me, I need my beauty sleep.  Hee Hee

Before I post these photos please understand that the clients we have coming in are no nonsense types.  All business.  Very old school.  They probably do not even want to hear from the female executive?

Boring.  Formal.  Conservative.  Appropriate.  These are the words for the day.  With that said...

I have had this suit for many years.  I suppose the boxy cut in the jacket gives that away? 

This was actually one of my first really big apparel buys after graduating college.  Everyone should have a great "interview suit" and this was/is mine.  Kasper makes good stuff... or at least I think so.

Despite the obvious flaws (read ALL BLACK) it really is a suit that I love to wear.  There is just 'something' about wearing a great suit.

The collar adds a little interest.  It 'sits up' just right.  I like it.

You have seen these lovely shoes before.  I actually wear them frequently.  A great pair of black heels is a flawless addition to any ensemble if you ask me.  Ok, maybe an 'easy' addition, too.  Hee Hee

Okay, now it is time for a brief tangent...

Everyone should have a great suit for work.  If you are working (or planning to be working) in the 'professional world', you NEED one.  I hope that we can all agree on that?  Graduate college... check.  Buy suit... check.  If you are looking for work in the 'professional world' it is a must. 

So what do you do after that?  I think you read these blogs...

Jodi from Day 2 Day Wear just posted the things that she wears that make her feel good.  Personally, I think all of her items are perfect for the office.  Very feminine.  Very professional.

Margo from Classroom Couture has perfected dressing professionally.

Marion from Marion Berry Style is not only gorgeous but her sense of style is flawless.

Many of you are already familiar with Anh of 9 to 5 Chic fame but when you are talking about appropriate and fashionable office attire she is simply the queen.

If Anh is the queen, then these ladies certainly deserve the moniker of princess...

Bessie from Bravoe Runway

and

Annie from Stylish Petite

All of these ladies have 'corporate chic' down to a science.  They are simply amazing and provide me with daily inspiration.  Read, enjoy & hopefully have the same experience with them that I have.

Alright, it is now literally 2:44 am.  Perhaps I will try again to get some sleep?  I really do think that I am a little nervous.  Odd.  Huh.  Wish me luck... both with the last minute z's and with tomorrow's meeting.

- The Leather Skirt -

My News... The Good, The Bad, The Ugly...

Ahh... I have neglected my little corner of the Internet for so long that I seriously struggled for a moment to get logged back in.  Sad, but true.  Oh well, I have good reason for my neglect.

My last "real" post came on Valentine's Day.  A wonderful day for love... unless... you are my older sister.

As I have mentioned before (at least, I think?), I have two sisters.  One is a couple of years older and the other is a few years younger.  We are all college graduates and settled into our chosen "life's pursuits".  For my older sister that "pursuit" is wife & mother.  She reunited with & married her high school sweetheart after spending much of their college years dating other people.  They have been married now for several years.  She has given birth to a beautiful girl and a very handsome boy.  Once the kids were born she left the paid workforce to raise her family.  A noble pursuit.

Life in her household has been a "Hallmark Card"... a "Norman Rockwell Painting"... for many years.  It seemed as if she had won "life's lottery".  Handsome husband.  Beautiful children.  House in the suburbs.  Minivan.  PTA.  Soccer games.  They had it all... until Valentine's Day 2012.  My brother-in-law is an old-fashioned %$&*^%#!  I am trying to be nice... remember my Christian upbringing.  Hee Hee

You see, 2-3 days after Valentine's Day my sister called.  Not unusual.  Unfortunately this time was different.  She was asking if I would consider welcoming her and the kids to the Dallas area with me?  Apparently my brother-in-law was caught cheating on her... red handed... at their home... on Valentine's Day.  You can't make this stuff up.  She had spent a couple of days at mom's but decided a change of scenery would be good for she and the kids as they sort through what to do next.

I try not to judge (accept with regard to the betrayal of said liar, of course) or offer advice.  What do I know anyway?  I have never been married, not really ever even that close.  I am not a mother.  I am the one... the one that just doesn't place priority on those aspects of my life.

Anyway... my sister will talk with her husband, the father of their children.  She will counsel with our parents and others as she seeks what is best for her and her family but for now she feels these things are best done in different time zones.

So... on the next plane I went... packed up the U-Haul and drove back to Dallas with my new roommates.  Aunt Jordan now has her niece and nephew under the same roof several nights a week.  Currently I am maintaining my apartment and staying their a couple of times a week but I also spend time at the home my sister is renting.  I have yet to "permanently" move in and may not ever?  My sister needs some space.  I like my life as I have established it.  We don't know just how "permanent" this move really is at the moment.  Too many uncertainties so for now I have two addresses, my apartment in Dallas and my sister's suburban home.

Yes, I am in the suburbs.  Stop laughing.  I am also a "parent" several days a week.  I am fully engaged.  Family game night.  Family movie night.  Homework.  School functions.  Soccer games. 

Yes, soccer games.  Stop laughing.  I have figured out that the soccer field is no place for a skirt or for heels.  The first day of games was funny... don't mind saying.  My sister tried to warn me when I appeared "ready for work" in my typical attire.  What do I know?  May have been the first time that I was actually a little uncomfortable in my chosen ensemble.  Stop laughing.  I told a couple of people that I was going directly to the office from the game... even BEFORE they asked why I was clearly not "dressed for soccer"... Hee Hee.  Just a little white lie.  Actually I now have a cute little denim skirt and a casual khaki skirt that I bought specifically to attend these games.  I am not wearing jeans or sweat pants out in public.

I digress.  Hee Hee

Well, if you made it this far with me... thank you.  Your support is so appreciated.  As you can probably guess, balancing work, an extended daily commute, and "parenting" has cut into blogging.  I am not shutting down the blog but my post will be even less consistent than they were before.  I hope that you will stick with me for the next few months?  I also hope that you will offer a prayer for all of the families that are struggling with betrayal.  Sometimes these sorts of things strengthen relationships.  I hope this is one such time.

-- The Leather Skirt --