Midlife crisis time

I can't get enough of leather.  Or pleather.  I'm not proud but I am all over it.  In fact, must..stop...flooding my wardrobe with it.  I fear I'm starting to look part serial killer.  At the very least, I'm ever so slightly concerned it's the start of a mid life crisis.  Although if I'm honest, I'm rather miffed there wasn't more of it around when my kids were tiny as it's the perfect wipe down fabric for snot, puke, poo or babyfood (admittedly if it were poo I would have washed it.  Maybe... oh who am I kidding, I so would just have hosed myself down with half a pack of wet wipes and a gazillion squirts of Lime, Basil and Mandarin). 

You will all be pleased to hear, there is no Harley on order.  And I'm still resisting the temptation to do "double leather" (I actually feel a bit sick imagining what comes up if you google that.. ).  I do genuinely think though that, like leopard print, leather or faux leather (and really, the latter can be easily as good as the real thing) these days it's totally acceptable in any outfit.  A while ago, I personally felt, it was really only the domain of the out out.  School run in leather trews - are you freaking kidding me?

But now, there is no occasion where we can't drag out a bit of leather.  I'm blaming blue denim.  And me falling out of love with it and having to replace it with something and hey ho - it's now the leather and pleather that I can't get enough of.  

Looking for new trousers for the Spring and I've already said that I'm in the market for comfort (she says, hoping this isn't the final step before zimmer frame), so I was over the moon when I found the Tall version of these joggers which I've been umming and ahhing over (got to love ASOS and their 28 day returns policy).  I got the regular version a couple of weeks ago and wasn't sure - basically they were too short on me.  Duh.  But I loved the fit at the waist.  Then found the Tall version reduced and I am officially in love with a pair of trousers.  My new season version of the New Look coated jeans.

Can't recommend the regular ones highly enough if you're not 5ft10.  Really great quality - I would honestly defy you not to double take and think they're leather.  They also have a wide flat drawstring waistband which is much more flattering than an elasticated version.

ASOS Leather Look Joggers £35.  They also do these in a Tall version which are in the sale as well.  ASOS Tall Leather Look Joggers were £35 now £21.

Plus outfit inspiration right here.  The most versatile pair of trousers in your wardrobe, I'm betting you now.

Other options which aren't joggers but are still a good price (these ones have a proper waistband).

Killing Moon PU High Waisted leather look trousers from Topshop £42



Another option from MaxMara in the Matches sale.  

Juditta Trousers were £275 now £135



Joggers though are clearly the way to go - new in season at My Theresa from Isabel Marant.  To be honest, if I had a choice looking at these and the ASOS ones.  Hmmm, well I love you Ms Marant but I have to say I'd still go for the ASOS ones.

Jan faux leather joggers from Isabel Marant £155




Or there are the skinnier versions (for me at the moment, it's the looser ones which have the most appeal.  You may or may not have noticed that I slightly overdosed on skinny pleather/leather trews this Winter) from Marant as well.

Jeffery Faux Leather trousers by Isabel Marant £155



Moving onto some more interesting colour options - pink.  Now bear with me.  I appreciate this is a tad WHOA but this with all those winter greys you've got hanging around, with a white tee, black blazer and black flats, wouldn't these be a great alternative to a Spring outfit, making use of those other things you already have in your wardrobe. 

ASOS Leather Look Joggers £35 These are the same as my black ones and I honestly can't recommend them highly enough.



Moving onto skirts and culottes now.  Again - I'm a fan of these and have one leather A line midi, pleated pleather midi and pleather culottes.  

ASOS Midi Pencil Skirt in leather £85




When it comes to faux leather/suede numbers, River Island really does come up tops.  In the pencil department anyway.  These are great for work with a blouse (and I have lots of those coming up shortly) or I like the idea for more casual with an oversized knit.  I say "like the idea" as I've never mastered the pencil skirt.. haven't managed to find one the right length and don't ever seem to have the occasion to wear it.. I could do for a lunch but then I already favour the A line versions.  One day maybe... tis a case of not being able to do all of the fashions all of the time.  Other people - please rock them for me...

Black Faux Suede Pencil Skirt from River Island £32




Black Whipstitch Leather look skirt from River Island £45






Navy leather look block panel pencil skirt from River Island £32




And another navy version at Autograph at M&S £49.50  I've seen this in the flesh and it really does look and feel exactly like leather.



If you thought pink was out there, this one may well have you running for the either the hills or the sick bucket.  I have to say I'm quite taken with it.. in another life.  Because we're talking white.

ASOS Leather Look White skirt with utility pockets £50



However whilst I haven't managed to master the pencil skirt, I am a definite advocate of the flared midi variety. 

And although the pink trousers above may be a tad out there, it doesn't seem remotely as much of a leap to wear a pink skirt. 

PU Pleated Midi Skirt from Topshop £55



Very like a skirt, but not a skirt.  Culottes.  In the most amazing blush colour. 

ASOS Leather Look Blush Structured Culottes £35



Mango A Line faux leather skirt in grey was £49.99 now £32  This look could not be more me.  I LOVE it all.  Shoes shoes which are admittedly, I now have to acquiesce, a step above my paygrade with regards to heel height.  But generally, I am having a complete shoe boot love in (as I mentioned).  




And a cross between a full and a pencil skirt.  In the flesh this looks identical to the Whistles number which is about ten times as much (admittedly leather though...)

PU Midi Wrap Skirt from Topshop was £45 now £22




Other culottes - just to prove I practise what I preach, these are the ones I have from River Island which I love.  Size bang on. 

River Island Faux Leather Culottes were £38 now £24.50



And if we're playing leather bingo, I'm so tempted to get the pleather dungarees I had on the blog the other day, just so I can yell house.

So am I heading towards a mid life crisis with my ongoing leather obsession?  Or I am just heading towards serial killer vogue?  Please tell me I'm not the only one?

Here today in the new joggers.  For £21 I couldn't say no and I have high hopes of them being one of the most worn items of clothing this season. 



Black and white top - H&M
Faux leather joggers - ASOS
Military jacket - Zara
Cracked leather Stan Smiths - adidas
Yellow scarf - hush
Hazlemere tote in black - Village England
Sheepskin black wrist warmers - Topshop

Hope everyone else had a good day.  Day two of the holidays, this morning we had a not too well 9yr old - just a sore throat and hacking cough but by early afternoon he was climbing the walls, so I wrapped everyone up and we all walked into town with the dog.  Paninis at Caffe Nero (only place you can take the dog in - such a shame as other towns have so many dog friendly cafes) and a quick purchase of The Martian on DVD for a movie night tonight.  Whilst the kids have showers though, I've got a cheeky half hour planned perusing the new Spring collection at hush which is now online!  Wishlist here we come...