Leather Weather

It turned fall winter over the weekend here in Chicago.  It went from a balmy 78 degree Thursday night to a chilly 30 degree Saturday morning, just like that.  I love the turn in seasons, if for no other reason than having a whole new (or new-since-last-winter) wardrobe to enjoy, but the brisk change in weather caught me off guard.  My parents were in town so we went on the architectural boat tour (highly recommend it — full of great anecdotes about Chicago, its buildings, and the characters and plots that populate the Windy City’s history), but it was so.cold. out on the water that my fingers and toes went numb and I couldn’t think about anything, least of all the Mies Van Der Rohe architecture, for the last 20 minutes of the trip.  Suffice to say — I’m not ready for this Midwest winter.  Yet.  I unpacked my fur vest, my heavy-weight Smart Wool socks, and my box of gloves and scarves and felt a bit more prepared, but still.  It’s time to invest in some winter weather clothing, and by winter weather clothing, I mean items with lots of insulating leather.  I’m pretty much OBSESSED with leather at the moment.

I’ll begin with something borderline impractical, but season-appropriate nonetheless.  First: I am this.close to ordering this leather-cap-sleeved dress ($229) for work.  I’ll wear it with a statement necklace ($28), black tights, and black booties (like this affordable style!  — $129):

I like it with this masculine-meets-feminine watch ($195) and bangles ($39 for 3) —

— and this personalized cuff (love the tiny scale of the initials! — $395):

Or, this Rebecca Taylor dress ($425) with this edgy necklace from Nina Garcia’s capsule collection with BaubleBar ($32) —

— accented with this bomb fox-head-clasp belt ($150 — insta-heirloom material!) and some cap-toed booties ($405)

For something more casual, check out this eye-catching tweed peplum top (love the cinched waist — $350), perfect with a chunky statement necklace (um, obsessed with Fallon right now. — $250), black skinnies and these studded Valentino flats ($640):

(Or get a similar, FAR less expensive variation on the Valentino flats here for only $49.)  Finish with this cool / edgy ring ($195) and this UNBELIEVABLE find of a cuff from Tory Burch, which I just HAD to have ($145 — but 25% off today with code TBFRIENDS!  Great time to buy your fall boots from Tory…)

And maybe this gold-tipped clutch ($45) to finish?

Very Vogue editor with all of the black.  Or, if black leather feels a bit too edgy for you, consider a yummy brown leather skirt ($267) with a fun, lady-like blouse ($118) and some glitzy studs ($295):

I’d finish it with the perfect flat ($195).  The shape is just ideal, and the color is wear-with-anything.  I also like that it’s in suede — in perfect textural contrast with the leather skirt and silky shirt.

And the Givenchy Nightingale ($1,935) is the dreamiest exclamation point…

Oh, leather.  I love you.  Hope you guys had a great weekend!