Monday, November 30, 2009

Leather Up

Leather has been spotted all over the runways, in fashion magazines, and in clothing stores everywhere this season. It's no surprise given the fact that shine and glossy leggings are still very much in style. It also makes sense with all the rock star and grunge styles such as studs, rhinestones, exposed zippers, motorcycle jackets, rock & roll graphics, and ripped denim being in. I love the way leather looks. There's nothing I like more than seeing a great leather jacket or skirt paired with some feminine lace or floral prints. This is the perfect way to look tough yet still sweet. Leather is also a common material used in shoes and handbags. However, I realize that many of us (myself included) do not want to wear real leather for both political and financial reasons. Therefore, I recommend giving faux leather (also known as pleather) a try. Synthetic leather looks just as good as real leather does, is much easier on your wallet, and is animal-friendly. So take a look at my faux leather finds below.

Tiered Leatherette Mini Skirt, $20.00, shown in pewter; also available in black, sizes 0-8, ardenb.com

Military Cap, $$12.00, bakersshoes.com

Studs Belt, $14.00, available in sizes M and L, bakersshoes.com

Pleather Skinny Jean, $59.00, available in sizes 1-11, babyphat.com

Distressed Leather Vest, $28.99, available in sizes S-L, charlotterusse.com

Leather Skinny Pants, $26.99, available in sizes 1-11, charlotterusse.com

Python Zipper Wallet, $4.99, charlotterusse.com

Ruched Leather Mini Skirt, $22.99, available in sizes S-L, charlotterusse.com

Belted Warrior Skirt, $29.00, available in sizes X-Small-Large, forever21.com

Belted Faux Leather Moto Jacket, $39.50, shown in ivory; also available in black, sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Biker Style Vest, $32.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Pleather Bow Headband, $3.80, forever21.com

Beaded Pleather Vest, $27.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Pleather Strip Bib Necklace, $14.80, forever21.com

Envelope Shoulder Bag, $32.80, shown in blue; also available in black, forever21.com

Tiger Stripe Flats, $9.50, shown in purple; also available in red. grey, and white, sizes 6-10, forever21.com

Pleated Clutch, $17.80, forever21.com


Trooper Lace Up Boots, $29.80, available in sizes 6-8, forever21.com

Stylish Faux Leather Blazer, $39.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Accent Pleather Belt, $6.80, shown in grey; also available in black and purple, sizes S/M and M/L, forever21.com

Marianna Platform Pump, $24.80, shown in black; also available in silver, sizes 6-10, forever21.com

Leatherette Zip Front Dress, $34.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com


Tripp Black Pleather Jacket, $39.00, available in sizes XS-XXL, hottopic.com

Black Bow Driving Gloves, $12.99, hottopic.com

Pink Faux Leather Heart Fingerless Gloves, $12.99, hottopic.com

Abbey Dawn Faux-Leather Crop Jacket, $40.80, available in sizes small-x large, kohls.com

apt. 9 Stretch Faux-Patent-Leather Belt, $12.00, shown in red; also available in black, sizes S-M and M-L , kohls.com

Hello Kitty Pink Faux Leather Watch, $16.49, kohls.com

SO Black Faux-Leather Watch, $8.49, kohls.com



Apple Bottoms Jacket Thrilla faux Leather Bomber, $49.99, available in size M and L, macys.com

Baby Phat Leggings Faux Leather, $39.99, available in sizes 1-11, macys.com

Grass Jacket Faux Leather Bomber, $44.25, available in sizes S-L, macys.com

Jolt Jacket Ruffled Pleather, $39.99, available in sizes M-XL, macys.com

Jou Jou Jacket Faux Leather Bomber, $44.99, available in sizes S-L, macys.com

Rampage Skirt Faux Leather Mini, $27.30, available in sizes S-L, macys.com

First Place for Fashion Pin, $14.99, modcloth.com

Winter Solstice Headband, $11.99, modcloth.com

Buck Cherry Wallet, $19.99, modcloth.com

Strap Knee High Boots, $34.99, available in sizes 6-10, pinkice.com

Snake Skin Bolero, $24.99, shown in brown; also available in charcoal grey, sizes S-L, pinkice.com

Studly Cuff, $14.99, pinkice.com

Toasty Floral Ring, $9.99, shown in teal; also available in brown, pinkice.com

Silence & Noise Acid Wash Faux Leather Skirt, $68.00, available in sizes 0-12, urbanoutfitters.com

Faux Leather Lace Up, $24.00, shown in white; also available in navy and metallic silver, sizes 6-10, urbanoutfitters.com

Crinkled Foldover Boot, $15.00, available in sizes 6-10, wetseal.com

Distressed Braided Hobo, $34.50, wetseal.com

Faux Leather Tube Dress, $15.00, available in sizes M and L, wetseal.com

Sparkle Bow Bootie, $29.50, available in sizes 6-10, wetseal.com

Pleather Skinny Pant, $19.99, shown in taupe; also available in black, sizes 0-15, wetseal.com

Pleather Stud Mini Skirt, $22.50, available in sizes S-L, wetseal.com

To look like a rock star, pair a faux leather skirt or some pleather pants with a rock & roll grapic t-shirt, a faux denim vest, a pair of hoop earrings, a studded bracelet, and over-the-knee boots. You can also try this look with a synthetic leather vest and a destroyed denim skirt. For a grunge-inspired look, wear a fake leather jacket with some ripped jeans, sneakers, and a plaid top underneath. Another grunge inspired look to try out is pairing some faux leather leggings with a plaid shirt dress and sneakers. If you're already planning your Halloween costume for next year, you can wear fingerless synthetic leather gloves with a military jacket, parachute pants, a fedora hat, and exposed zipper boots to go as the late Michael Jackson. For a holiday party, pair a pleather dress with some glitter tights, rhinestone stilletto shoes, chandelier earrings, a bib necklace, a faux pearl bracelet, and a bow headband (article on bow headbands coming soon!). For a boho-chic look, pair an oversized fake leather handbag with a peasant top , a maxi skirt, wedge espadrilles, bangle bracelets, and feather earrings. For a cute fall look, wear a synthetic leather belt with a shirt dress of your choice, some jeggings, a pair of slouch boots, and a cuff bracelet. If you ever want to add a sweet, feminine touch to this tough look, try pairing your pleather with bow necklaces, bows, polka dots, flower accessories, floral prints, butterfly prints, lace, ruffles, and feather prints. Let me know if you have any more suggestions!