Tee: Old Navy
Scarf (as cummerbund): H&M
Skirt: Saks Fifth Avenue via eBay
Booties: Miss Sixty (similar)
So, I have a thing for leather clothing. I always have, and am always cised when it comes back in fashion. In the late '90s, my uniform was a pair of leather jeans with a fitted v-neck or turtleneck sweater and I still have all my size 10 leather pants waiting for if I ever return to that size. I search eBay for reasonably-priced leather pieces and have wanted a long black leather skirt for years; when I saw this one selling for under $50 I had to get it. You can tell by the snaps on the bottom and the fly that it's not a modern skirt, but I don't care. It's big, soft, and has ginormous pockets. I feel like a cowgirl in it, and want to pair it with a pair of sturdy boots, a hat, and a bandanna around my neck. I feel as though I would be protected from the elements, could hop on a horse, and even hide things under here. Most flattering skirt I have ever owned? Nah, but it's surely one of the most fun!
I think it is really beautiful!
I sure wish I’d seen this post earlier! I thrifted a skirt almost exactly like this one a few years back and just recently donated it back because I just could not figure out how to wear it. I love it on you!
AWESOME skirt! I do think it’s flattering, and can think of a bazillion ways I’d wear it, too! Must go hunting on eBay…
Love it – so luxurious. I like your makeup with this too.
What a score for a leather skirt! I am not a leather skirt fan because I don’t think it’s cold enough to wear them in Southern California. Love how you kept the outfit simple to highlight the belt and skirt!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
I think the retro detailing actually makes it much more beautiful and interesting. What a great find! I can’t wait to break out my $3.75 leather skirt from GoodWill, if only fall would ever get HERE 🙂
You look *awesome*. Love your taste in clothing.
I think you look great Allie! I barely wear leather, because I live in FL and I would be sweating my butt off! 🙂 I also have to say that Emerson looks so cute!
Wow, you look great and the outfit is so cool! Love how you softened the leather with the print scarf – PL (physwalkofcats.wordpress.com)
I’d never heard the word “cised” before yesterday, and then it appeared twice in succession. I had to look it up in Urban Dictionary to find that it’s a DC-Metro-area speciality! So thank you for expanding my vocabulary.
The scarf is beautiful!
This weekend I was at a party and there was a friend from another state and they kept using local slang on him and he was terribly confused. It made me realize cised isn’t used often enough and I jsut HAD to put it in a post! 🙂 Though it was funny to talk about “bammas” to someone from Alabama… completely different meaning in the DC area!
…and off I go again to the Urban Dictionary. I think I need to take a class in DC slang.
Oh, no! Hopefully that doesn’t originate from Alabama. Then my feelings would be hurt 😉
Oh no, not at all! Just random DC-area slang!
I love that you take things I would never think of wearing together and pull them off beautifully with your panache and sass! You inspire me to step outside of the box, Allie. Thanks for that 🙂
I see nothing wrong with the skirt. The proportions are exaggerated compared to what we currently see in the stores. You’ve taken a gorgeous vintage item and updated it with contemporary pieces to make a unique ensemble. And that’s a good thing. 🙂
Your shoes…I like them!
I cannot even imagine trying to wear that skirt but somehow you look awesome! I used to have a floor-length denim skirt in middle school. I did not look awesome.
I don’t think the skirt is all wrong, it’s vintage. Not so long ago skirt waists hit higher and if the skirt was flared the flare started right at the waist. It looks odd to our eye at present because that’s not how current skirts are cut.
Today’s waistbands sit lower on the waist and are often contoured with flare starting lower. I think adding the wide scarf at the waist works nicely.
Having just spent the weekend on a horse I think I’ll stick with jeans or a split skirt. That’s a lot of stiff material to be dealing with in the saddle.
I did read the text, but you put yourself out there and I responded. I do admire your confidence !
I love that you took the piece and made it your own. That scarf makes a great belt, the fitted white tee is so flattering to your figure, and those silver hoops rock~go, Allie!!!
This is one of the “true fashionista looks” where you take an item that’s not “in” but make it beautiful and stylish by the power of style! But i want to ask you about your hair. It looks especially pretty , have you got a new haircut/style?
I cut my bangs with cuticle scissors a week ago, and today I straightened with the flat iron. Worked out nicely, though I really need to get myself to the salon for a proper cut!
Yes the skirt is “all wrong” but altogether the image you make today is deliberate, aware, polished, and gorgeous in all details head to toe. This to me is a perfect example of personal beauty in fashion and not being enslaved to a few certain looks that are supposedly currently “permitted” to be attractive. There are going to be people seeing you today and being inspired in individuality and beauty!
Wow, thank you!
Rock on lady! Sometimes it’s good to just have a fun piece and not give a darn if it’s “uncool” or “unflattering”. It’s all about how you feel:) Can I also say that I kind of wish they made your daughters outfit in my size?
Seriously, when she picked it out this morning I thought how I wouldn’t mind that ensemble in my closet! 🙂
Everyone has an opinion, but, frankly, I LIKE this look…like a funky fun cowpoke! I love leather too and try wear it whenever I can. It began with my love for Billy Idol back in the 80s (now I’m aging myself) and just continued from there LOL!!
Miss Emerson looks very coordinated herself!
Loved me some Billy Idol!! Well still do…!!!
that skirt is all wrong!
Tell me something I don’t know. Did you even read the text or did you just scan the pictures?
I read the text! To me looking at just the photos means missing out on so much and is too shallow of an experience. I want the details!
Sheesh. Why contribute to the discussion when you can just be a jerk? C’mon gretchen, make the world better, not worse.