My top tip for the new season

May I please start be stating that this is My top tip, as opposed to it being Fashion Law.  I will say though, that there is a lot of leather around this A/W so it can't be too far from the mark. 

There are also lots and lots of midi skirts.  Which, I have discovered after trying on oodles of the full version buggers this Summer than they look utterly rubbish on me.  They look amazing on a nubile circa 20 model with her little cropped top.  On a 41 year old with less than firm abs and a waist that was last seen circa 1994, they look shite.  More Russian peasant tribute act than Alexa Chung.  

So I drew a firm line in indelible ink through that idea but my cunning plan to channel the midi skirt look is the rather magical and hugely forgiving A Line skirt.  Now I have mentioned this earlier this season (of the shorter variety) and yes, I also did a quick scoot round to see if there were many A line skirts around and no there weren't.  

But there do suddenly seem to be a little flurry of A Line goodies out there AND there are some in my beloved and set to be my new seasonal obsession - La Leather.  

Oh yes, I fully intend to throw myself headlong into a midlife crisis and crack out the leather.  (no smirking at the back - this WILL work, trust me.....) 

Ok so I'm thinking - A line midi leather skirt, boxy/sightly fitted jumper, collar or fitted shirt underneath, ankle boots and a slim fitting coat.  Or even a short fitted jacket.  Even a denim jacket for the Autumn with a fitted tee underneath.  I can definitely play around with this. 

Now this was due to be tomorrow's blog subject and I had something else lined up for today but - well, good old M&S are having a 20% off day today only and they have totally come up trumps on the leather skirt front for next season.  And 20% off leather skirts is something not to be sniffed at (I also bought my 7 year old some fantastic Birkie Arizona Navy alikes...)

I also appreciate that not everyone is going to be up to the leather midi skirt challenge and lots will prefer a shorter version.  Well fear not, I have them in spades.  Ditto pencil skirts which may be some people's poison of choice.  I have them all and for great prices too.  

Go forth and indulge in leather.  I may have.......

Starting with one that is a super bargain and very similar to the skirt I have on today.  Thus proving that leather skirts needn't just be for cooler temps.  I love this and had one like it on today, with skater shoes or sandals and a not too long tee.  Breton for me is just perfect, but this also works really well with a sweatshirt or boxy jumper.  (tiny clue as to what also may be in my box of new season magic tricks....)  Add tights and ankle boots, brogues, loafers - or hell, keep the skater shoes on (I draw the lines at socks and sandals peeps, Ms Chung is on her own with that one). 

Alternatively, balls to the jacket and just throw on an oversized jumper with a layer underneath and ankle boots for old school grunge bought up to date. (in my head this works....) 

Reiss Leather A line mini skirt was £175 now £55

Short/mid length A Line also on offer at M&S.  Yes I've had this on the blog before but they didn't actually have it for sale in the silver back then - that's only come into stock recently. 

Silver A line skirt on offer at £119.20 was £149


And in black same price 


A Bargain nude sale offer from Best of British at M&S was £199 now £69




At ASOS another amazing snag in the sale.  I know this sounds slightly random but I love this white one - would look amazing with navy for the Autumn, or tans and beiges, ditto black for a French vibe.  Imagine how fab this would be with a breton, a navy blazer and brogues or loafers.  Yes it is leather.  And as random as the white sounds, it's the most popular as it's still the most expensive.  The pale blue would be my next choice - again, with navy?  Or even a lilac top.  Gorgeous. 

ASOS A Line inverted pleat leather skirt was £75 now £37 



Also in pale blue for £31



And black for £27




Pencil skirts - well look no further for bargains. 

Mint Velvet Midi Pencil Skirt in leather now £59 in sale 



The same skirt in the pearl shade is £69 




Also a pencil skirt at Marks and Spencer with their 20% off. 

Leather Pencil Skirt was £149 now £119.20


Shorter pencil skirts at Mint Velvet again - if you find black too harsh then this may be an option - granite grey.  You will either love or hate the zip.  

Granite Leather Pencil Skirt now £59



They also do it in black or the Pearl Colour again £59



However for me, it has to be an A Line midi.  Below the knee, slim fitting through the hips (I do size up for mine as I like it sit on my hips and not too snugly on the waist - I am rather thick of middle so I do need a bigger size) 

This may have fallen into my possession last week..... Well for this price it would be totally rude not to. 

Whistles Lauren Midi Skirt in Black was £225 now £85



There are also some left in stock online at Whistles and also at House of Fraser. 

Clearly there is something in the air with a midi leather A line skirt and the name Lauren as that is the same title that Wishbone have given theirs.  This is the skirt I modelled for their Mother's Day feature which was definitely the first sowing of the seeds for ideas around it.  

The Whistles one is the exact same fit but they don't do it in a tan.  Alas, this is clearly popular as it didn't go into the sale (not surprisingly really as it's such a great great skirt for the new season)  Wondering if I "need" a midi tan one as well.... it really is the most stunning colour. 

Wishbone Lauren Skirt in tan £160  



Also in a black version 



There is also a variation on a theme for a discount at Marks and Spencer. 

Speziale Leather Panelled skirt was £199 now £159.20



And it's amazing what difference styling and a pose makes.... How similar is this to the Sportmax one?

Tobacco leather flare skirt was £783 now £391



And as if by magic, here I am in my beloved leather skirt from today.  I never thought I would get so much wear out of a skirt. 


Breton tee - H&M
Chestnut leather A line skirt - Zara
Cheetah print skater shoes - Next
Tan bag - Prada 

Tomorrow will be back with my post from today - tis also a great plan for the A/W, we're making great inroads, honest guv.  So come on - has the sun finally gone to my head or will anyone else be putting a leather skirt on their wish list this year?