A Love Affair with Leather

It’s September, and that means fall is right around the corner! With the grunge look making a comeback this fall, I’m already seeing plenty of leather, distressed denim, and plaid. I am so glad leather is sticking around as a year round look, especially since I invested in so much of it in the Winter/Spring. I especially love the warm weather leather looks involving leather shorts, t shirts, and mini skirts. I don’t really mind the faux leather vs. real since it’s so much easier to clean, but I do love the smell of a good leather jacket. Leather is popping up in everything from jewelry to accessories to leggings, and the colors are getting bolder and brighter. Here are some of my favorite leather pieces (real and faux) that have made their way into my closet:

Bailey 44 Quixote Tee, Piperlime

Paneled leather leggings, Forever 21

Free People cropped denim skinny with vegan
leather panels, Piperlime

House of Harlow Sunburst Button Earrings, Piperlime

BCBG tee, Piperlime

Sanctuary Quotation Shift, Piperlime

Tinley Road Pencil Skirt, Piperlime

Leather Hardware Bracelet, Tobi

Here's how I wore some of those pieces: 

 

I can’t wait to add more leather pieces to my collection. Some things I've got my eye on:

Peplum Belt, ASOS

Eggplant Pave Wrap, Bauble Bar

Quilted Mini, Zara

Put a Spike On it Bracelet, Tobi

Leather Shorts, Forever 21

Tee with leather trim, J.Crew

In this seasons' hottest color: Cobalt

Hudson Leather Wrap, Stella and Dot

Cobalt Quilt Belt Wrap, Bauble Bar

Tinley Road Vegan Leather Top, Piperlime

And I love this 2 in 1 jacket/vest from Love Culture. It's a little pricey, but kind of worth it for two great pieces!

Where to Shop:

Tobi www.tobi.com
Piperlime www.piperlime.com
Forever 21 www.forever21.com

ASOS www.asos.com
stella and Dot www.stelladot.com
J.Crew www.jcrew.com
Love Culture www.loveculture.com
Zara www.zara.com

Some of my favorite looks on Pinterest feature leather. Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific wore a casual chic warm weather look today:

Here are some of my other favorite Pinterest looks involving leather pieces. They are great inspiration for incorporating leather into your wardrobe as well as mixing leather pieces and colors! 

We're definitely going to see a lot of leather and plaid this season. This is such a glam take on the combination!Hmm, this looks a lot like my BCBG tee above.

 

A leather jacket can instantly add edge to an otherwise feminine look. 

Or transform an ultra casual outfit. 

Try some colored leather!

My tips for wearing leather this season:

• -          Don’t be afraid to try it! Look how easily a basic leather jacket from Forever 21 can transform a look. Go for basic pieces in leather, like a jacket and pencil skirt, or just try some leather trimmed pieces for a more subtle edge!
• -          Don’t overdo it either. Some major fashionistas can do head to toe leather and look amazing (a picture of Jessica Alba on Pinterest comes to mind), but most of us can’t afford those expensive ensembles and end up looking a little cheap. Pair leather leggings and a leather cuff, or a leather mini skirt and leather jacket. Just don’t pile on too much, or you’ll look like a biker.
• -          Leather does not have to be pricey. Some of my favorite pieces are from Forever 21 and Tinley Road. However, I don’t recommend running out and buying piles of cheapo faux leather clothes either. Invest in a few standout pieces – a leather tee, leather jeans, a leather bracelet, a bold belt- and pinch pennies on things like leather leggings and shorts. Faux leather tends to be cheaper than the real thing, but some pieces with leather trim are very reasonably priced.  
• -          Leather doesn’t have to be black! It’s already been established that cobalt blue is big this season and taking over the leather world. Ox-blood/burgundy, white, gray, and cognac are other fabulous colors to try. Save some of the brighter colors for spring, such as orange, pink, and yellow.
• -          Leather + denim = LOVE. This is absolutely the easiest pairing out there. A chambray button down with leather jeans/leggings is comfortable, classic, casual, and chic all at once. This go to outfit can be worn 3 out of 4 seasons, with boots (tall or ankle), flats (especially leopard), pumps, or wedge sneakers. This might be one of the most versatile looks of all time, and it’s appropriate for all kinds of settings: class, work, parties, drinks with friends, out to dinner. You can also accessorize it in all sorts of ways: add a velvet blazer, a big statement necklace, or a ribbed beanie. This pairing can be almost whatever you make it: edgy, glamorous, or casual.

That’s my take on leather! Check out my Pinterest for more great looks! Asiallyn on Pinterest

xoxo,

Asia