I don't wear this faux leather skirt nearly enough, given that it is actually a pretty cool skirt. I think maybe that is the problem... maybe it is too cool for me! I'm not really used to wearing much leather or faux leather, except in shoe, boot or bag form. But, using my imagination I can discern that the weather seems to be making a very veeery gradual descent into overall cooler temperatures, so I'm thinking about those parts of my wardrobe again. And about giving all those little sundresses a break. I think this skirt deserves to make a few more appearances and get worn, dammit.
I made it using Vogue 1170, and it first appeared along with my review of the pattern, here.
Below left; worn with a matching, wool and faux leather military style jacket with knitted sleeves. Haha, of course this skirt and jacket wasn't ever intended to become a matching set, just that I had some of the leatherette leftover, enough to squeeze out some of the pattern pieces of the jacket. Bonus outcome, a sorta suit! Random observation, I am fair dinkum sweltering in this photo here! so this will be a very good ensemble for winter; some day when I get the fashion urge to channel Star Trek or something.
Below right; peeping out from one of my most recent creations, the bell sleeved denim top. I have to admit; this is my favourite of the bunch. I'm kinda head over heels in love with it. I like the contrast of the unpretentious honesty of blue cotton denim against more sophisticated smooth and glossy leather; and the casual, easy-fitting and very un-body-con vibe of the shapes here reminds me of those lovely Japanese pattern book looks.
Below left; with a plain white Tshirt and black snakeskin cardigan; hmm another of the faux leather components of my collection! This might even be an office appropriate outfit; not that my office requires one. I have a friend who does the very same job I do, and we often joke about our "work wardrobe", haha. Which generally features shorts and thongs, or a dressing gown and slippers, depending on the season, and a dog under the desk at your feet. I would need an outfit that fitted smartly into a real office for about 2% of my actual working week, tops. But I would wear this for such occasions.
Below right; the colours blend in nicely, and the vertical lines of the folds in the skirt are nicely visual juxtaposition against the random diagonal folds of this painted silk, Issey Miyake top. I was pretty pleased to discover this skirt and top look great together.
Below left; I like unexpected things and what could be more unexpected than a leather petticoat? Skirts underneath a dress or dresses over a skirt, take your pick; is a terrific combination for a cooler day. I'm wearing here my trusty eggplant dress; add a big drapey berry coloured scarf over the top, and I think this is a nicely layered autumnal ensemble. Below right, maybe a bit smarter or more preppy whatever that means; I'm wearing a little triple-collared shirt with a net cardigan over, all in visually peaceful gentle shades of grey, coffee and white. I've always loved these subtle pale neutrals here. When I started my blog my aim was to branch out and incorporate new and more interesting colours into my wardrobe. So I do enjoy flirtatious adventures with real colours sometimes, but only tempered with plenty of safe retreats to my ol' pale and drab faithfuls. I think I enjoy colours like a holiday, playing with them for a few exciting funfilled days at a time, and getting back to my neutrals is like coming back home into your own comfy familiar space again.
Hmmm. Waxing lyrical about colours as a metaphor for life again, for heaven's sake. Somebody stop me. Anyhoo, whatever; I think I've ignited a fresh love for my comfortably, blessedly colourless faux leather skirt. Now I just need the weather to co-operate so I can wear it!
Oh, what am I wearing today?? today I am wearing the eggplant dress just above, but sans the extras. Like I said, it still feels like summer here, no joke.