I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Biker (Moto) Jackets

I am obsessed and love biker/moto jackets. Specifically, I'm obsessed with purchasing a new biker jacket, in leather. You can see evidence of my biker jacket love here and here. In fact, as many of you know, I wore my fave jacket when leaving our wedding. I grabbed my great faux leather moto jacket (pictured below) at Target quite a few years ago. It's held up amazingly well. I wear it constantly. But after all of that love it's looking a tad worn in a few places and even worse, it's getting too big. I've lost and am still losing some weight and my beloved jacket is beginning to look baggy and a bit frumpy. I'm not asking for sympathy, after all a new jacket is in my future. Maybe someone else will grab it from Goodwill, when I donate it, and love it as much as I have.


Leaving our wedding reception.

I've found quite a few that I like but I'm still looking for the perfect option. There are so many great faux leather options out there but this time I really want to invest in a leather version. I know I will wear it and love it and I will get my money's worth. The versatility of this jacket is endless and I adore its ability to toughen up a pretty outfit (like a wedding dress).

I also love biker jackets for their simplicity. Pair them with sweaters, jeans and boots or a t-shirt, jeans and heels. Any combination will work. The only limit is your stylish imagination.

 

 

Celebrities like Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and Keri Russell love biker jackets as much as I do. They are constantly photographed wearing this classic style. Of course Victoria's Jacket is Balenciaga and she's wearing it with a Birkin. Kate's jacket is YSL. She usually wears hers with a t-shirt and jeans. I'm not sure who designed Keri's jacket but I love that she's wearing it with a plain white t-shirt and some distressed jeans. I already own every piece of this chic outfit. Now all I need is a new jacket!

 

Do you own a biker jacket?

photo credits (top to bottom): Harper's Bazaar, Stockholm Street Style, Rue Magazine, modelsjam.com, getty images, unknown photog, getty images

What I Want - Fall 2014

For the last few seasons I've created a board on Pinterest and saved my must have items for the seasons. These are the items I really want and are on the top of my list. They will be the first items to get my fashion budget.



Click on the photos above for buying information.

Matte Wine Lipstick - I'm loving matte lips right now and as you know I'm a huge fan of the Maybelline Color Sensational line. They just came out with some of the colors in a matte finish and I love the wine shade, Divine Wine.

Tweed Moto Jacket - Moto jackets are so versatile. I have traditional leather options. This tweed version adds a polished twist to the tough moto silhouette.

Fun Graphic Tees - Graphic t-shirts with cool sayings and phrases are on my must have list. When I spied this t-shirt, I had to have it. A shirt that says, I EAT GLITTER FOR BREAKFAST is so me.

Pointed Toe Loafers - Heels are great but I constantly find myself gravitating toward my flats and low heel options. The pointed toes bring more sophistication to these loafers.

Leopard Clutch - Leopard is a fall trend but I've had an oversize statement clutch on my must list for several seasons and haven't found one that's perfect. This one from etsy is fantastic.

Faux Leather Midi - I've been hunting for a midi length leather or faux leather skirt for a while now. Short skater skirts are easy to find but those don't work for me. This length is perfect. It's on the top of my list.

Fashion Frustration - Pants Two Ways



For much of my life I've had a recurring frustration. I would come up with these fantastic outfit ideas, in my head.  When I went shopping I would find out that my outfit included an item that wasn't yet available. Six months to a year later, the item would come onto the market. Which is part of the reason I considered a career in fashion design. I've often looked high and low for an item, only to find that no one is making or selling what I have in mind. Like the sheer organza blouse I wanted several years ago, which you can now find everywhere. The internet has helped this issue some but many times my challenge isn't just that the item isn't being sold but that it's not available in my size. For about two years now, I've been on the hunt for a pair of camouflage pants in a narrow cut (skinny). At first I couldn't find them anywhere. Then I couldn't find them in plus sizes. Now, they are all over but every blogger is wearing them and plus size versions are still scarce.  Camo is a huge trend right now. It's frustrating because instead of being unique, I will look like everyone else. Even though they are all over the blogosphere, my love of them hasn't dwindled. I just found a pair at Old Navy and instead of whining about the fact that I will look like a copy cat. I will take the trend and make it my own.

Old Navy Plus Size Skinny Twill Pants in Forest Camo (other sizes)

 

I see camo as a neutral.  It works well with almost any color (black, brown, blue, maroon, etc.). You can dress it up or down. You know that one of the most imporant factors for me when purchasing an item it ensuring that I can wear it multiple ways and multiple places.  I would definitely sport these pants during the day and for an evening out.

 

Click on the photos above for buying information.

 

For weekend errands or a casual day, I would wear my pants with a rock t-shirt (I already own a similar vintage shirt), a leather jacket and my favorite low heel booties. I'd add a sparkly necklace and ring and this pretty but practical, maroon bag.

 

Click on the photos above for buying information.

 

 For a night out, I'd swap my biker jacket for a tuxedo jacket and my t-shirt for a lace or embroidered top. Instead of low heel booties and a practical day bag, I would wear a great pair of heels and a statement making clutch. I'd add some sparkle with dangle earrings and a couple of bracelets. Adding the feminine touches gives a fun mix of tough and pretty, which I love.

 

How do you adjust a trend to make it work for your style?

 

 

Frugal Fashion Friday - Leather for Spring (or anytime)

Today is another installment in our spring fashion for curvy girls series.  I'm sure you're wondering why this is also a Frugal Fashion Friday post.  You all know I believe in remixing your clothes. I also believe in quality over fast fashion.  However, sometimes inexpensive fashion can also be quality.  Case in point are the two jackets in the outfit photos below. They are both faux leather.  I love leather but I found these jackets for bargain prices and I wear them both as much or more than my leather. The black cross zip, biker jacket is from Target. I scored it more than two years ago and I wear it constantly.  It's great with jeans and a t-shirt.  I also love it over a dress or a maxi skirt. The olive moto jacket has interesting detail and goes with everything.

I personally love jackets to lend polish or interest to an outfit.  Add a black, cross zip, biker jacket to a simple t-shirt and jeans and you're instantly transformed into a bad ass (well in my mind, anyway). Add a biker or moto jacket to a pretty skirt and it toughens it up and it gives it edge. These jackets are also transitional pieces. I wear mine spring, summer and fall. They're ageless and timeless pieces that anyone can wear, no matter their size.

Faux leather can look cheap. I've seen faux leather jackets that aren't fooling anyone.  They don't look like leather at all.  The key is the finish and detail.  Does the faux leather feel or look plastic? Make sure it gives the appearance of real leather. Check the hardware. Are the zippers good quality? Are the snaps or buttons set well? If you can answer yes to all of these questions, then you have a high quality, faux leather jacket.  I paid about $30 for each of these jackets. These jackets have been a great value. The price per wear is pennies and they are still going strong.

Obviously, I wear leather (or faux leather) regardless of trend.  Leather is a classic look that transcends time.  A quality leather or faux leather jacket is a great buy that you can wear for years.

Be sure to check out the other ladies and their blogs:

Curvy CEO

Girls of Plenty

Grown and Curvy Woman

Heart, Print and Style

Society of Curves

Costume for a New Year

I'm finally back.  I took a much needed break over the holidays.  Using some of my vacation time, I spent time with family and friends, made Christmas presents and rested. Work and wedding planning have been my focus this week but I'm back in the swing now. We hosted a New Year's Eve party at our house for a few friends.  This year we decided to have an 80's themed party.  Everyone dressed as their favorite 80's icon.  We listened to a fantastic 80's playlist, compiled by my friend and music maestro Carl and even drank Bartles and James wine coolers. I decided to dress as Madonna.  I knew I had a few pieces I could use but I wanted to buy some new ones that I could wear after the party and into 2013.

1) Contrast Moto Jacket - F21, Leggings - Torrid, Rhinestone Necklace - F21 (no longer available online), Bangle Sets - Nordstrom Rack and Bloomingdales, Sam Edelman Peyton (no longer available, similar here) - Nordstrom Rack

 
My friends at Potomac Mills Mall invited me to come to the mall and shop in the Fashion District.  They have great stores like Nordstrom Rack, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Forever 21, Torrid, Bloomingdales, and TJ Maxx. They gave me a gift certificate to use during my shopping adventure.  I was thrilled to shop in some of my favorite stores.  You've read about my amazing finds from Nordstrom Rack and NM Last Call. It was so hard to choose my items. It was sensory overload and I kept finding all sorts of other great items. Staying focused was hard. I knew I wanted to get some great pieces that I could wear over and over and I had to keep my eye on the goal.

This is a photo heavy post. You can see and read more after the jump.

Frugal Fashion Friday - My Picks for Fall Coats and Jackets

Over the years I've built quite a collection of coats and jackets. One of the reasons I like fall and look forward to the change of seasons is great jackets and coats.  If it weren't for these fun toppers, I might consider moving to a warmer climate. When the weather starts to get cool, I begin to create my list of must have coats and jackets. Here are a few of my favorites, this year.

A leopard car coat has been on my list for several seasons.  I just haven't found quite the right coat, I wanted low fur pile, tan with black accents. This one from ASOS is perfect. I love motorcycle style jackets.  These two, one in tweed and one that's a mix of faux leather and knit are fresh takes on the traditional style.  A trench with faux leather accents is a fun twist on the classic.  Tweed added to a white denim jacket gives polish to an easy weekend jacket. A sequin bomber is glitzy and statement making, enough said.  The graduated profile of a traditional blazer will work well at work and with jeans. This Victorian style coat looks modern in a red floral print.

Do you love coats and jackets as much as I do? Make sure to check back next week.  I'll be announcing a fantastic giveaway of one of my favorite Stella & Dot jewelry pieces!

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - Leather

As I'm writing this post, I just realized that all of the leather items I chose are black (well one is gray).  I love leather and faux leather but I have a special love for black leather.  I think it's the fact that I equate leather to toughness, rockers, and bikes (motorcycles not the kind you pedal).  Black leather is sexy, it's rich and it's bad ass.  Colored leather is fantastic, in fact I own several items that are colored leather and colored suede, not counting shoes.  You don't need a Harley to wear leather.  You can do it in a sophisticated way, with a pencil skirt or a peplum top.  If you don't want to do a full leather piece, go for leather trim on a coat or jacket.

Click on the collage above for buying details

If you aren't a fan or real leather, there are so many fantastic faux leather options.  Most of the items above are faux leather.  They look great and they are less expensive than real leather.  Even if you're more ladies that lunch than lady rocker, you can make leather work for you.  A leather (faux leather) skirt is on my list of must buys this season. What's on your list?

Inspiration - Taylor Tomasi Hill

Taylor Tomasi Hill (former editor of Marie Claire and currently exec at Moda Operandi) has been lauded as a street style darling.  The thing I love most about her style is the ease with which she mixes tough pieces with girlie pieces. Her style seems effortless yet chic.  Of course she has access to all of the top designers and latest fashion. However, it's the clothes and accessories that she chooses to pair together that inspire me.  Here are a few of my favorite looks.

Print skirt with a biker jacket and Chanel bag

This makes me want a bright yellow skirt

Bondage shoes and jewelry with a tuxedo jacket

Shearling boots and jacket with classic skirt

So basic yet chic. It's all about the accessories!

The Future's So Bright

I purchased this skirt a couple of weeks ago. I got it in black and in this bright blue color. They were on sale and I decided that the bright blue would be great for spring and summer. I combined the bright blue with a great green sweater tee that I've owned for years, some new bright pink flats that were discounted at Target and my favorite moto jacket, because it's still cool in the morning.  This day it was in the low 70's. I'm still shocked that we are having 70 degree weather in DC, in February.  This outfit was insprired by the post "Pop" by fellow DC fashion blogger Lacey of A Lacey Perspective.  I love her bright neon skirt and striped sweater combo.



Jacket - Mossimo for Target (no longer available), Sweater T - Isaac Mizrahi for Target (no longer available), Skirt - Bobeau via Nordstrom (now at Nordstrom Rack), Shoes - Target, Bag - Calvin Klein, Belt - Talbots, Necklaces - gift (monogram), Tosca, Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl's (no longer available), Ring - JewelMint (Metal Mosaic Ring), Earrings - ? (very small czs), Sunnies - Dolce & Gabbana via Loehmann's, Lipstick - Maybelline Fuchsia Fever, Nails - Essie Steel-ing the Scene

Months ago I fell in love with the Chelsea sunglasses by House of Harlow 1960. They retail for $138 and that wasn't in my budget. Last Monday, I stopped by Loehmann's and got these Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses with a similar shape for just $40!

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#4)

Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess.
-Edna W. Chase

Jackets are one of my favorite clothing items.  I love some of my jackets so much that I hate to take them off when I go inside. These jackets are standouts and cool additions to any wardrobe.

If I happened upon this jacket in a thrift store, I would pass it by.  Her combination of the jacket, hat, sleek pants and spiked jewelry is fantastic.  The mix is what turns this jacket from something the Golden Girls wore to a fun topper.



photo credit - facehunter

  I LOVE this jacket. Such a fun twixt on a traditional tuxedo jacket. It makes the outfit!

photo creidt - facehunter

 How can you go wrong with studs and leather?

photo credit - glamcanyon

This has to be one of the coolest jacket/coats that I've ever seen. You can unzip the lower part of the coat and turn it into a jacket. Fantastic!!

photo credit - Scent of Obsession



Inspiration - Street Style Leather Edition

I'm so happy that the weather has turned cooler and I can wear my leather (and faux leather) jackets.  They are so easy to wear with everything from jeans and a tee to a frilly dress. I love them styled in every way imagineable.  There are so many great style inspirations to be found.

I love this outfit because with the exception of the sheer skirt, I would wear this and I have (seen here). It's such a comfortable and easy look but also polished.


Models Off Duty

I just purchased a hat similar to this one. My came from Target for only $8.50!  I can't wait to style mine in a similar way.

Cats and Rocking Chairs

The mod pattern of this skirt and the cool jacket are a fantastic combo.  But what else could we expect from Marie Claire fashion editor, Zanna Roberts Rassi.

Zanna Roberts Rassi

Skinny pants, booties, moto jacket, cowl scarf, long gloves, and chain strap back, all in black.  This outfit is so chic there are hardly words.  I can't wait to try this out myself.

Come Over to the Dark Side We Have Candy

Sweet tulle ruffles and a tough leather jacket are opposites that work together.  I will have to try a similar look with one of my dressy skirts.



Vintage Lollipops


The added fun of the color of this dress lends even more to this similar ruffles and leather outfit.  So cute.

Keiko Lynn

My Perfect Fall Outfit

The chill in the air this week has made me think of fall clothes and layering.  This morning I put on one of my favorite maxi skirts, the pale green skirt that my Mom and I made together last February.  I combined it with a jacket that I've never worn it with before. I'll have pictures soon. The maxi jacket combo made me think of my favorite combination of a moto jacket and a girly maxi. I've been pining away for a pleated maxi since last fall. I just found one at asos and I'm thrilled.  Now I just have to save up my money.

My Perfect Fall Outfit by realgirlrunway

Each piece of this outfit is great on it's own and combined it's so easy to wear.  I love the pops of color with the black and the fun jewelry.

Moto Jacket
This jacket is from my favorite new store, Fashion to Figure.  They sell items in sizes 12 - 26.  This jacket has a classic style but a modern cropped cut. As a bonus it's lined in leopard print fabric! 

Suede Booties
These suede booties are classic and can be worn with pants or a skirt. I love pairing them with this girly skirt. They are easy to walk in for weekend errands and shopping.

Crop Top
Usually the words crop top make me shudder. This one is just the right length and will look loose and flowy with the skirt.  I love the maroon color, perfect for fall.  It's also from Fashion to Figure.

Pleated Maxi Skirt
This black, semi sheer pleated maxi is girly but so versatile. I can see it dressed down with this jacket and boots or dressed up with a sparkly top. I'm in love!

Portfolio Clutch
I love clutches but for every day use they are usually way to small for me. This one is really big and I love the mustard yellow color.

Necklaces
These unique necklaces are from JewelMint.  They are the Victorian Charmer Necklaces and the vintage vibe is so sweet. The layered look is great as well. I love the magnifying glass the most. 

You can make these your own by:

Register for a JewelMint Account

Use code: RGRJM50 (at checkout)

to get 50% off your first order!

Bracelet
I think I may have squealed when I saw this bracelet.  Believe it or not I've been looking for a claw bracelet since I saw one on another blogger months ago. The claw scary but cool and very fall, Halloween.

Stay tuned, I'll be making a great announcement soon about my friends a Fashion to Figure.