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

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.

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.

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

A Little Spring Shopping - May 2015

I may or may not have used shopping for wedding clothes and my weight loss as an excuse to buy some new clothes (and shoes, and a bag, and nail wraps). After hibernating all winter, I want bright colors and fun.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

Jumpsuit - This beauty was my answer to a casual wedding. I wore it with some great silver jewelry from Stella & Dot and the silver sandals. I can also wear it with a white blazer and some pumps to work or with strappy sandals to another event.

Graphic Tees - My affection for fun, graphic tees is well known. These two are fun new additions and nods to two movies I love.

Tropical Print Moto Jacket - This jacket was an impulse buy, which I rarely do anymore. I'm sure it's going to get lots of use because I love it so much. The tropical print is a spring trend but it's a little different done in a moto jacket.

White Jeans - I had to replace the white jeans I donated, because they were too big. I scored a pair similar to these from the Talbots Outlet, for only $34.

Jamberry Nails - I hosted a little Jamberry party for my friends and had quite a few hostess credits. These are a few of the patterns I purchased with my credits. I have become a Jamberry devotee. They look great and last two weeks or more. You can't beat that!

Paris Market Tote - This bag is one of my favorites. I love that I can carry all of my items for work and it still looks chic. I also own it in black.  The black version is on sale for 50% off right now!

Silver Sandals - I needed a neutral pair of sandals that would work for an outdoor wedding but also stand up to wet grass and dirt. I've ruined several pairs of shoes because of poor yard conditions. These were perfect and a great find. I snagged these at Saks Off 5th for $30.

A Basic Foundation

I love edgy, funky and standout pieces but I mix those with my classic pieces that stand the test of time. These go to basics are a great foundation, no matter your personal style. A while back I took a basic t-shirt and jeans and added accessories and shoes to make three different outfits. These basics can work for anyone as a foundation for their wardrobe.



Click photos for buying information.

At first glance these items don't seem exciting or stand out.  That's really the point. They are the foundation of an exciting wardrobe. They are the canvas for your statement necklace or coat, your fancy top, or that amazing jacket you just had to buy. You can even mix and match these basics for some great outfits. Add a few accessories and you're set.

White Button Up Blouse - can be worn with jeans or a skirt. Add a necklace or a scarf and you're set.

Motorcycle Jacket - I wear my leather moto jacket with jeans and with my skirts and dresses. If a biker jacket isn't you, choose a more simple leather or faux leather jacket. If you select a style with few embellishments and a flattering shape, it will last for years.

Cashmere Tee - I wear my lightweight cashmere tee alone and layered with a shirt. I throw it on with jeans on the weekend and with a skirt for work. The lightweight cashmere is warm but not too hot for layering.

Simple Women's Cut T-shirt - A simple t-shirt is so versatile. A women's cut is more flattering for women (petite to plus) and isn't boxy. I love my gray t-shirts. I have quite a few but any other neutral would do (white, black, ivory, tan). I usually snag mine at Old Navy or Target. I think paying a ton for a t-shirt is crazy.

Black A-Line Dress - Most lists say that you should buy a black sheath dress. I disagree. An a-line dress is flattering on all body types and it's more forgiving when you gain or lose a few pounds. If the fit is good you won't even need Spanx (bonus). I'm a pear shape (I'm sure you've noticed) and an a-line dress looks better on my shape than a sheath. My sister is tall and lean and proportional. She looks great in both.

Black Ankle Boots - They go with everything! Pants, skirts, dresses, casual or a bit dressy. I wear mine constantly. They work for more than half the year.

"Nude" Flats (or Heels) - I have both nude flats and nude heels. If you want something in between, go for a mid or kitten heel. They elongate your legs and will work with every outfit you own. Remember, nude is not universal. You'll want to try on your "nude" flats or pumps to make sure they work with your skin tone. My friends with darker skin tones will want to gravitate toward a tan or brown shoe.

Jeans (Dark Wash) - A great fitting pair of jeans (skinny or straight leg) can be dressed up or down depending on the day. I own both skinny and straight leg jeans. There are lots of brands and they all have a different fit. I love NYDJ jeans. They work for my pear shape and come in tons of styles and colors. You can always find them on sale for great prices at places like Nordstrom Rack, 6pm.com, and Amazon.com.

I'll expand on styling these basics over the next few weeks.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Transition Pieces

My favorite wardrobe pieces are those that can be worn during multiple seasons. I have a floral skirt that you've seen a few different ways. I wear it in the spring and summer with light tops and sandals and in the fall with tights and sweaters. As the stores and online retailers clear out their summer merchandise you can take advantage of the discounts and snag items to wear now and into the fall. Here are just a few picks.



Printed Shift Dress - ASOS

 

A floral dress can be a versatile piece in summer and in fall, throw on a jacket (like the one below) and some pumps and you're ready for work. Dress it down by adding sneakers and a denim jacket.

 



Speckle Moto Jacket - Piperlime

 

I love tweed jackets! In a mid-weight, they are seasonless. It's also a timeless piece. I wear my tweed jackets with dresses and skirts, as well as with jeans and t-shirt.

 



DOCKLAND Sneakers in Gold - Asos

Slip on sneakers are an on trend item right now. In a color like this gold metallic, you can wear them now with shorts or a cute floral dress. You can also wear them into the fall and winter with warm socks, jeans and a sweater.

 

 

NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans - Amazon

 

The old fashion rule of no white after Labor Day no longer applies. A cute tank and sandals can help you close out the summer in these jeans. Add a tweed jacket and swap out your sandals for some sneakers or ankle boots and you're ready for fall.



 

Linen Midi Skirt - ASOS

The length of a midi skirt makes it the perfect fall transition piece. It works in the summer with a tank or short sleeve top and you can wear it on cooler days with a sweater or a cute jacket.

 Do you have favorite transition pieces?

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

Moto In the Tropics

I love a great biker jacket. I own quite a few in different fabrics. When I spied this one, while standing in line to check out at Kohl's, I knew I had to have it. Impulse buys are rarely something I indulge in these days. In the past, I spent lots of money on items that I didn't really love and rarely wore. Last spring I saw a biker jacket, in a fun print, on one of my favorite clothing store sites. It was amazing and I loved it but the price was close to $200. I just couldn't justify spending that much. When I saw this similar jacket in a fun tropical print, I flipped. It was a great substitute at a great price. I've already worn it to work a couple of times, with a skirt and pants. Casual but polished was what I needed to go to a few appointments one day last week. This jacket and the heels, amped up my basic outfit.

This jacket was a perfect excuse to try the jeans and heels look. I grabbed my favorite black kitten heels and threw together this combo. 

Jacket: Kohl's, Top: BB Dakota via Amazon, Jeans: NYDJ via Amazon, Shoes: Target (no longer available), Sunglasses: Ray-Ban via Amazon, Jewelry: Stella & Dot

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.

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!

Frugal Fashion Friday - Rock the White

The best laid plans... Originally I had planned to do an outfit post.  I loved the outfit I wore yesterday. It was a bit of an 80's flashback but also current.  I mixed black and white with neon colors. I was wearing a sheer maxi with an underskirt.  My Honey {msL} took some photos and when I began to crop them, I realized that my Spanx were showing in every photo, all the way to the top of my thighs!  Obviously, I was too eager to take photos an didn't take the time to check my outfit in the mirror.  Oh Well.  Here is a cropped shot, minus the Spanx.

Jacket - One Stop Plus (no longer available, similar here), Tank - Target (no longer available, similar here), Skirt - Nordstrom (no longer available, similar here), Necklace - c/o Stella & Dot, Kristin Biggs, Bracelet - DIY via Goodwill, Shoes - DIY

My sweet pup Blue joined me during pictures.  He was also featured this week as a Fashion Dog on my friend Vyque's blog, Fasshonaburu.  Since my outfit featuring bargain buys, DIY and Stella & Dot didn't work out, I decided to join the lovely bloggers on Long Distance Loving for today's Friday's Fancies post, Rock the White. Check out how I add color to my white after the jump.

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Black Leather

The title of this post should have really been DUH!. If you've been a reader for a bit, you know that I love me some leather, especially black leather. I just think so many things look better in leather or faux leather (I own both). It's a borderline complete obsession. I even wore my black leather moto jacket leaving our wedding reception.



A quick snap taken by a friend.

Here are  just a few items that are on my list. Some have been on my list for some time (the leather midi skirt) and others are new (the slip-ons and the laser cut cuff). Some fanastic deals (hello $71 leather pants). All of the pieces can be mixed into my current wardrobe.



Click on the items above for buying information.



What's your obsession?

Looks I Love - JewelMint October Picks

Every month JewelMint comes out with their latest jewelry pieces.  I love seeing the new and exciting ideas they've come up with.  Usually I love so many that I can't afford them all.  This month there are some amazing pieces.  It would be easy for me to pick a ton but I decided to show you my four favorites and tell you how I would wear them.

Clockwise from Top Left:  Desert Rose Necklace, Soleil Bracelet, Diving Belle Earrings, Yves Rings

Each piece is truly unique in it's own way. 

Desert Rose Necklace
The necklace can be worn so many ways, long, loose, short and choker. I even see wearing it as a bracelet. The necklace would look great with an evening dress but I can also see it with a loose tee, jeans and a moto jacket.

Soleil Bracelet
This bracelet has a vintage look with the scarb theme. I'm sure I would wear it with my Scarab Ring and it would look fantastic. I picture wearing it with a maxi dress in a great print.

Diving Belle Earrings
These earrings are simple but stunning and a statement piece that could be worn all by themselves. They'd be beautiful worn with an LBD or with a basic white button down.

Yves Rings
The rings can be worn stacked or separately. Mixed metals are a big trend for fall.  I love the idea of wearing them stacked on one finger with multiple necklaces in mixed metals.  I would wear them with my Unlock My Heart Necklace and a slouchy sweater to continue the love locket theme.

Pick your favorite pieces.  My friends at JewelMint are offering you 50% off your first piece! Just click on the link below, register for your Jewelmint account and enter the code at check out.  If you already have an account but haven't ordered your first piece, you can also use the code when you check out and buy your first piece.

Register for your JewelMint Account

Use this code for 50% Off: RGRJM50

Which pieces are your favorites?  



Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#2)

“Fashion has to reflect who you are, what you feel at the moment, and where you’re going. It doesn’t have to be bright, doesn’t have to be loud. Just has to be you.”  - Pharrell Williams

 

 

The message of this quote is affirming.  Being true to yourself is so important.  It's easy to follow the crowd but being unique and loving yourself can take courage.  I am inspired by many different people and types of fashion.  Here are a few of my recent inspirations.  I hope you find something inspirational in them as well.

Love the winter layers and the black and gray palette.  I can see myself wearing lots of tights and boots again this winter.

photo credit: Lyly Marais via chictopia 

The olive and green combo of Sarah's outfit is great.  The midi dress and booties is a fashion forward combo.

photo credit: Sarah Conley Style IT online

One of the easiest and coolest DIY projects I've seen in a while.  Fishtail skirts are a personal favorite of mine. My DIY will be a little longer in the front. 

photo credit: Geneva of a pair & a spare

I'm not sure which I like more the leopard dress, the red velvet shoes or the multi-colored hair.  Her funky style is so unique.



photo credit: Madeline of Jean Greige

An easy weekend outfit with style. Layered tops, a moto jacket and heels are an unexpected combo. 

photo credit: Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific