The next item on my plan for world domination
AKA my A/W wardrobe but that doesn't make nearly as impressive a title. With hindsight it does make more sense though... But I can't be bothered to change it now, so moving swiftly on with the big reveal.
Actually it's not even a big reveal as I mentioned it last week (this is going well today, isn't it?) but on further consideration of my plan that I highlighted yesterday - ie getting together an excellent A/W wardrobe that will mean I am super organised and make the most out of all my clothes, these are definitely a must.
We're still on the black theme but this time we're talking essential trousers - well, jeans. We're also talking leather. Ok, so some people may be talking leather but personally I'm on the pleather hunt.
There is definitely something to be said for leather. For sure. One of my closest friends last week, when we went to the Chiltern Firehouse for lunch, had these newly purchased beauties on. Oh my lord alive, they were amazing on her. Absolutely amazing. In a different league from the M&S ones I tried on (sob). I do think though that you need to have a beautifully rounded derriere for these, as opposed to my blobby, pancake landslide of a behind.
Claudia leather panel leggings $495 from Club Monaco (not available online in the UK but do go and have a look at their new shop at Sloane Square - I can't wait to go and have a look - armed with my definitive "not to be strayed from" shopping list, of course)
However never fear if a) you didn't want leather b) you want to cry at that price and c) you're slightly scared of the leggings aspect of these. Big fat yes to all three from me. I have found what I think is a pretty darn fabulous alternative.
These from Esprit are much more jean like - pockets on the rear for a start (this was the major downfall for me and my flat behind on the M&S ones - well one of the many downfalls if I'm honest. To be fair, the major one was the fact I couldn't do them up) - a million miles more flattering on the majority of people.
And *hyperventilates here as a tall person* they do them in different lengths. Pure unadulterated joy.
Now there is me saying last week - oh I can't find any faux leather jeans at all and hey presto, I find two other pairs at Esprit.
( I know we're all about the black today and I won't lie - this is not my favourite colour but I have two friends who absolutely love - seriously love love love it, and to be fair it is the most amazing Autumnal shade - these are perfect if you're slightly concerned about the Suzi Quattro side to black leather trews. Me? Nah. Bring on the rock chick.)
Or the plain ones (they do these in different lengths as well *still skipping here*)
And whilst we're on the subject of faux leather - (they do actually have some real leather trousers which you can look at but to be honest, the faux leather one look a gazillion times better and are a third of the price AND go in the machine) at the bottom of the screen when I was looking at the above, I spy the following "Things you might also like"
Well what do you know - I think I do. Black and leather looking? If jeans aren't your bag then these are definitely an option.
Esprit faux leather top with a jersey back £45 How perfect with jeans - either smart or casual? This would have been a perfect option for my Big Outfit lunch out last week.
Ditto this dress which reminds me of a cross between my Sandro dress with leather panels and my Me+Em swing dress from last year. I got so much wear out of both of them - this would be perfect for pretty much any occasion.
Also LOVE this which has massively irritatingly gone out of stock in between me seeing it and posting. Not surprisingly really as it is so fab.
However I think my favourite faux leather item - seeing as I am in love with all things dresses is definitely the Sweatshirt dress. Genius. This would work for the pub or out for dinner with heeled ankle boots, ideal for the school run in either biker boots or sneakers and opaques (dare I mention we could still have bare legs with this weather?!)
How fab is this?
Esprit Sweatshirt Dress with faux leather skirt £39. All those issues of what top to wear with a skirt? GONE!
Or in the black. (I prefer the grey although the black may look better in real life - I'm not digging the almost sheer tights and boots combo - personal taste of course)
So there we have a round up of faux leather - the starting point having obviously been my Must Have pleather trousers with all the rest being a "nice to have" or a pretty great alternative. So where do you sit on the pleather trousers? Still happy with your coated jeans or are you wanting to up the shine ante like me? Or do you fancy a skirt instead? Clearly my inner goth is rearing their pleather coated head, desperate to get out - I'm loving it all.
Finishing with my outfit from yesterday. I totally caved on wearing boots - I love this weather, I really do but I am gagging to bring out my old Autumn favourites!
Cream silk sleeveless blouse - Zara
Boucle jacket in navy, cream and khaki - Zara
Jeans turned up - Earl
Navy Newbury boots - Rag & Bone
Medium Marcie satchel in whiskey - Chloe
Tomorrow I'm starting my course on Autism all morning and then a total treat afternoon of drinks in London with The Husband. Oh my lord - have just thought - what on earth to wear?! Off to check the weather forecast - have a good evening everyone x
Hi Kat, I've been stalking you for nearly a year now!! You always make me laugh with your mini missions for the perfect outfit (does it really exist) Anyhow I'm interested to know about the autism course you are going on. I work at The Orpheus Centre in Godstone, a college for young adults with varying needs and disabilities and I have been looking for a course locally for a while now. Could you send me some details to pam@kennelfarm.com please. Many thanks, Pam x
ReplyDeleteOh what a lovely comment, thank you - yes I get randomly obsessed and yes of course the perfect outfit exists - until the next time...! I will email you tomorrow xxx
DeleteEsprit..v interesting..also, becos of your suggestion I got a black poloneck in Mango (SO cheap) and am very pleased with it. Should go nicely with Whistles joggers. And..have you read The Rosie Project? Its to do with Aspergers and is very heart warming and very funny.
ReplyDeleteoh I LOVE a polo neck - I need to do a huge try on session of polo necks, coming up shortly! And no, The Rosie PRoject is on my kindle list to read next! Spooky xx
DeleteI haven't thought about Esprit since the 80's, but glad they are still around and putting out great pieces. I really like the pleather jeans in black. I started out with black wax coated J a Brand jeans and then I took the plunge with Paige leather leggings (leather in the front and ponte in the back) at a great sale price. Last year, I went on full leather jeans that lace up on the sides with the Isabel Marant x H&M collection. I have yet to wear my dark chestnut brown leather shift dress that I bought a couple of years ago, but that was mostly trying find cool shoes to match (I should have stuck with trusty black, lol).
ReplyDeleteWow you're embracing it full on! You go girl!! x
DeleteI haven't been to an Esprit in years but like all of those dresses. Also, my PC changed 'esprit' to 'escort' which has a whole different meaning!
ReplyDeleteOOPS!
DeleteHow do u manage to look so good all the time with 3 children. I have 4 children and normally just throw on jeans. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
ReplyDeleteOh no honestly it takes me 10 mins (have you noticed I wear sunnies a lot...!) - I plan the night before what I'm going to wear - am vaguely organised in one respect of my life. x
DeleteI don't know if you're going to write about it but I'd love to hear about the course.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm dying to wear my pleather trousers but it's still too hot over here in Israel - it should be 91 (29) degrees tomorrow. One more month...
I won't write about the course on here, but if there's anything specific you'd like to know, do email me on doesmybumlook40@gmail.com
DeleteWow, loving the Esprit jumper dresses would be so handy, I think as I am a little on the shorter side will have to watch the length but love the concept! Will search out and try on, thanks for the tip off xxx
ReplyDeleteI find most dresses on the HS (actually full stop!) are cut for the more diminutive amongst you so I bet you'll be fine!
DeleteI love the sweater dress, really love it, it reminds me slightly of the Hush Rosie dress which I have, although that is not leather, so completely different, but you know what I mean!
ReplyDeleteA x
ooh no it's very similar, you're right! x
DeleteGreat blog - Esprit is my secret pleasure - they have some great stuff in and if you are tall the fit is fab. Love the leather pocket dresses, might have to take a little lookie later when in town...thank you.
ReplyDeleteOoh this is interesting - actually I do remember a huge shop they had in Amsterdam and they're all super tallies there!
DeleteGah. I bought a pair of Esprit pleather trousers/jeans in the sale last season and have yet to wear them. I've tried them on a number of times but just can't get past the overwhelming accompanying blast of '80s-ness - when I look in the mirror, I just see David Hasselhoff as Knight Rider. Maybe they're not the right fit on me, but there's something about the slight shine and the sort-of-wrinkling that I just don't love. Ditto my black coated skinnies - haven't worn them yet either, for all the same reasons... Oh well - I shall persevere...
ReplyDeleteOh I am guffawing at Michael Knight. You may have just ruined them for me...... DARN
DeleteHi Kat, two winters ago I bought a pleather dress from G-star in a sale. Its my favorite and I'm happy to see that's it is now right on trend. I wore it to the office one day and during a very serious & important meeting one of my collegues suddenly cried out: YOU ARE WEARING A LEATHER DRESS IN THE OFFICE!!! I had toned it down with a very soft little cardy, It was so funny and I did wear it quite a lot after that especially to choque that particular collegue....hahahha
ReplyDeleteLike your style !
DeleteEmma
Totally - you go girl x
DeleteThis is a very timely post. I have been contemplating a pleather dress, and you may have tipped me over the edge! I have pleather-fronted leggings from Next last season, and they are amazing at holding everything in. Sadly though, I am still trying to lose the half a stone I put on over the holidays so they've had to go away for now. It's a fine line between rock chick and overstuffed sausage!
ReplyDeleteBecky x
oh I love a bit of pleather in the Winter - and for every day. Just fabulous!
DeleteWow, Esprit are ROCKING with the faux leather this season
ReplyDeleteFab, aren't they?!
DeleteHi Kat, Loving your blog all the way from Stockholm. Actually managed to pick up a similar pair of leggings at club monaci in the sales last year at 75% off... Club monaco are not huge here so good for me. Anyway, they are really fab for not-so-skinny frames. Now, all thanks to you I've become a skaters addict and I just found the best pair at Tiger of Sweden (great brand, worth checking out). They are black shiny mock croc leather and white rubber soles, now to my question: How long into fall can they be worn, I'm actually loving them with opaques and an A liner mini but would love your view on this. And again, thanks for blogging. You inspire this soon-to-be-40-full-time-working-in-finance-mom to NOT look completely frumpy and worn out :-). / Chris
ReplyDeleteoh wow - that sounds AMAZING! You lucky thing. Club Monaco is v new in this country - I remember a fab white top I got from there mid 90's from their Soho shop in NY. Ok but re skater shoes - well I reckon as long as you can handle a chilly ankle....! Although having said that - with opaques, I think you'd be fine well into winter, depending on the weather and how waterproof yours are!
DeleteCan't seem to put a link but there is a grey sleeveless wool coat on the warehouse site at the moment that is wonderful and I think will be amazingly useful. If you know a student there's a 20% off at the moment and open university students can also claim this through Unidays. Have just ordered it.
ReplyDeleteOOH that sounds lovely - Warehouse are deffo having a moment this year. x
Deleteoh boo no I haven't seen them recently although they've got some great lookey likies at M&S.
ReplyDeleteI love this outfit you Kat! You look fantastic! The Esprit dress is great & I love the tee too! I have a great jumper from M&S with a pleather front which I can't wait to wear again! Ax
ReplyDelete