So is this a classic?

Hmm, so I'm on my second classic and already I'm going a bit off piste.

Well - I don't think it's off piste for some, but for me, it definitely is.  However I have to put it in now as I'm wondering if it's something I need in my wardrobe and it really is the perfect time to buy them. 

Today I'm talking about a Biker Jacket. 

Ok so I do have one of sorts - I've had it for donkeys years and I have to say I love it.  But I don't wear it that often.  Why?  I don't know.  It just never seems quite right.  I feel slightly too try hard in them and fear that there's a hint of a female Alan Partridge about me.  
I somehow manage to look more Rick Parfitt than Rick Owens in it.  And I think that's because I never know really exactly what to put with it. 

But when I do get the outfit right with mine, I absolutely love it.  I really really do.  So it's essentially about getting the appropriate outfit and they can be a godsend.  And I think that this season - with my dress obsession getting out of hand (will I actually end up wearing them during the day.....??), they may come into their own.  Because actually, it's pretty hard to team a jacket over a dress - it's hard to get the right length coat and a blazer can look, well - all a bit worky...or just too dressy when you're going to the supermarket. 

However... a little biker jacket could be the answer to all our prayers.  And I know that so many people (that I know in real life for a start) wear them all the time and look freaking ace in them. 

So I'm going to give it a go. 

My two go to places would be All Saints and Mint Velvet.  I'm not going to mention Rick Owens but if money was absolutely no object, then it would be a Rick Owens for sure.  So actually I am going to mention him, but just the once. 

See it and weep. 

Rick Owens Washed Leather Biker Jacket £1,395 (only over £1000 more expensive than anything else here.  Snort)

Now this isn't an exact replica but I have to say for a gazillion pounds less - this would be my choice.  I love this.  I would go so far as to say, I love it pretty much the same as I love the above RO one. 

Black Leather & Suede Jacket £259 from Mint Velvet



Some more traditional jackets at All Saints and this one I have tried on so many times.  I love it but I just don't know up till now if I'd get enough wear out of it.  Maybe this will be my season?

Cargo Leather Jacket from All Saints £298 in black/grey  This is a great shade.  It's not a dark gothic black, it has a softer hint of charcoal to it.



However for an even softer option, suede could be the solution and especially a paler version.  I love this one.  RIdiculously impractical but these are the sorts of jackets that do look better with a little bit of wear to them.  As this probably doesn't include splashes of red wine or curry, I'm not sure I could justify a pale suede jacket.  But doesn't mean I don't still love it.

Suede Western Biker Jacket in light khaki from All Saints £328




But fear not there are still some bargains to be had at Mango (thank the lord for Mango).  As well as being very competitive prices, they are really good quality leather and suede.

Leather Biker Jacket was £107.99 now £53.99



I have to say though, I am still very much drawn to the less "biker" aspect of biker jackets which is probably why this one would get my vote.  Even though it's pretty much just a leather jacket...but a gorgeous gorgeous one at that and sometimes it's better to accept a variation on a theme if that works for you.  And you'll actually wear it. 

Pocket Leather Jacket was £143.99 now £71.99




Full on suede and a waterfall shape which can be super flattering and easy to wear.  It's also less full on Hell's Angels if that slightly puts you off.  The suede, combined with the grey shade and not black means it's a lot softer and more feminine than some.

Mint Velvet Steel Suede Waterfall Jacket was £220 now £99



An alternative to this style could be the same shape but in a lighter fabric. 

I spied this at Banana Republic and just loved it.  A pretty in pink pastel sugary jacket in an edgy biker style.  Perfect.

Banana Republic Multi Zip Moto Jacket £110



In the sale - bargain at Mint Velvet.

Mint Velvet Grey Jersey Biker Jacket was £129 now £39



Then of course, there is the pleather option.  I've decided if it's good enough for Stella McCartney, then it's good enough for me.  Of course, there is pleather and there is pleather and definitely some can be better quality than others.  However generally, in recent years, they have improved markedly and often it's really hard to tell the difference. 

These really do come into their own if you're not sure how much wear you'll get out of one.  I have fessed up and said I don't get that much wear out of mine.  I will also come clean and say that I do have a navy pleather one.  From Penneys.  (so Primark).  For the sum total of about 20euro.  Which, I have had for about 4 years now and which I do wear about as often as my leather one which cost 20 times as much. 

And this one I've found is probably my favourite of all of them. (so I may have ordered it....arrives tomorrow)  Am very much hoping it doesn't feel like I'm wearing an industrial bin bag - in my head, it's not going to look as shiny as it does here... this isn't going to bode well, is it?

ASOS Tall Biker Jacket with zip detail was £55 now £24



They also do it in a non tall version although that's £27.50....



I do think though that sometimes a less shiny version does look less plastic and more leather (I can't say I have the highest hopes for the above jacket but I have a couple of other things to send back to ASOS so in for a penny, in for a pound....) and I love the slight padding on the shoulders of this one. 

I'm assuming that it's slight padding as opposed to Dynasty style shoulder pads.

ASOS Structured Shoulder Biker Jacket with Quilted detail was £65 now £45.50



So are you a biker chick?  Or is it something that, like me, you've always struggled to get your head round.  I'd love to hear if you've mastered the style and how you wear yours.  

I shall be doing some trying on of them shortly - when it gets slightly chillier.  I did go shopping today with the three small things and I managed the sum total of NADA for me.  Not even a hint of a look.  I did school shoe shopping at Geox for the two boys (with a free watch which they are over the moon about) and a trip to Smiggle which was the equivalent of a really nice pair of shoes for me that I spent on smelly rubbers and pencil cases (which they LOVE.  So worth it..... hmmmmm) 

Lunch at Wahaca (best Gluten Free options ever if this applies to anyone) and seats in the Campervan which is perfect for the boys.  All in all, we survived.. (even though I was at mutterings through gritted teeth by the end, I will admit) 

Home and off for a swim with friends and now I have a huge (not healthy) salad waiting for me.  With a glass of wine.  I have tried to abstain in the holidays.  Which was a stupid idea so I abandoned that after an hour. 



Porcelain blue print dress -  & Other Stories
Tan lace up sandals - Forever 21
Whiskey Medium Marcie Satchel - Chloe 

Playdates for everyone tomorrow morning at ours, I'm getting up at the crack of dawn for a lovely long walk with the dog but I shall be back with the start of my holiday packing saga.