Recently in Leather Category

I saw a woman wearing a jacket that looked exactly like the Balmain jacket above at dinner not too long ago. To amuse ourselves, my girlfriend and I decided to try and guess if it was really Balmain, or if it was 'inspired' by Balmain.  We were close enough to see that it didn't hang that well on the woman and looked just a tad 'off'. But since neither of us had seen or tried this jacket on in person, it was hard to decide. In the end, we agreed it was indeed Balmain and toasted to this lucky woman's good fortune on owning it. Seriously, even on sale it's ridiculously priced.  And yes, a lot of work went into it and if you really loved something it matters not what it costs but I could never justify a twelve thousand dollar trendy biker leather jacket not to mention I'm certain my husband would divorce me if I did on grounds of insanity.  What about you?  Balmain Peak-shouldered leather jacket $9376.50

Every once in a while, a piece of clothing will render me senseless.  Such was the case when I spotted this Rodarte leather and python jacket at Barneys this weekend!  I almost stopped breathing when I saw it!  Jackson (Concierge at Barneys) called it a strait jacket, but it was one that I willingly strapped myself into.  The fit was amazing, high up on the arms and snug through the shoulders-- with so much going on, you need this to be razor sharp or you'll look sloppy.  The details really make this piece; the unexpected knit collar softens up the distressed/marbelized leather, and the strips of python on the arms and multiple straps add texture to the jacket.  It's had to understand Rodarte's magic until you actually wear one of their pieces.  Now I get it.  I'm a believer!  I will save and starve (as Kate Moss says, "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" so who needs food, right!?) until I get this!  The sizing is really crazy, though.  This is a size 8 I'm wearing (US size 8!), my SA suggested a size 6 which is more like a 0.  This isn't something you want to buy online, go try it on.  Or call Korey at Barneys New York 469-221-4809  and email him for more details.

I have had a gray obsession for years. It's a softer alternative to black and is always so chic and pretty.  I especially love wearing tonal gray shades together; it gives your outfit depth and keeps it from looking blah or depressing cuz let's face it, gray is not the most cheerful of shades!  Gray is sophisticated with silver jewels but with gold it is stunning and unexpected.  To add a bit of gray to your wardrobe, I found a few of my favorite grays of the season.  Starting clockwise from the left:
Dacute Light shearling jacket $1295

Rebecca Taylor The Socialite satin dress $295

Preen Line Asymmetric cotton trench $690

Lee Angel Serena glass-pearl necklace $285

Pringle of Scotland Rabbit-trim cashmere scarf $1350

Adam Woven jersey sweater $275

7 for all mankind Roxanne corduroy skinny jeans $180

Milly Jersey long-sleeved dress $395

Brian Atwood New Davis suede boots $1475

3.1 Phillip Lim Silk eyelet-embellished dress $525

Juicy Couture Sequin-embellished sweater $200

I found the most delightful little boutique while wandering on 3rd street in LA this week. From the window I got a peek of an actual studio behind the store where seamstresses and pattern makers were working. Intrigued, I walked in to get a better look and discovered a hidden gem-- designer Elaine Kim. Elaine is no stranger to the fashion industry, the force behind ultra popular brand "Product" in the 90s, she returned to LA from NYC to focus on raising her young family. A couple of years ago, she could not resist her true calling-- to dress women in easy pieces that may be worn in multiple ways for multiple occasions. I spent an hour in the store and would have taken every single piece in there if not for the upcoming Christmas season (always feel guilty splurging on myself when I should be focusing on giving to others!). I did, however, pick up a few key essential pieces that will kick up my wardrobe. If you live in LA, you must go check out Elaine's boutique! She is there almost daily and will give you the best styling tips, ever.

1. Dasha Cashmere Scarf Jacket: This will be my daily piece, I can wear it backwards, wrap it around like a capelet and pin it with a vintage diamond brooch or just leave it hanging open for that nonchalant ease.

2. Delta Slim Pants with leather zip detail: Holy crap, I have never worn a better pair of slim fitting pants. The fabric is ultra thick and holds in every single flab-- it's like a girdle for your legs and butt! And the leather zipper on bottom back of the leg is genius, leave it open so you can wear high platform boots and elongate the slim silhouette.

3. Deidre Leather Vest: I have dozens of leather jackets and vests and really didn't need another one but this is a butter soft lambskin with a dramatic high collar detail. I wrap the Dasha Cashmere scarf jacket around it which makes it into a whole other jacket. Zip it up and Elaine says it gives the look of "authority". Unzipped, it's an effortless chic piece to throw on over long tanks and jeans.

If you do not see your size online, call Elaine and she will make it for you! All of the pieces are made here in the US, and the cashmere is handknitted by LA artisans. Elaine Kim 8373 West Third Street LA. 323-937-0355

Karolina Zmarlak is one of NYC's hottest up-and-coming designers. In just a few short seasons she has won the Gen Art's Styles 2005 styles award in the Eveningwear Category, has lead design direction on various projects in New York, Delhi, Paris and London, and has presented her ready-to-wear collection to influencers including Fern Mallis, Amanda Hearst, and Alexis Bryan Morgan. Zmarlak is truly a genius in the way she manipulates the fabrics she works with. Her pieces are versatile -- each piece is reversible, designed to bind and tighten, and wrap or cocoon over the body. Literally you could wear any one of the designer's pieces in an endless array of ways. With so many of us looking to tighten our spending, Zmarlak's pieces strike me as a great investment (you can buy one piece, wear it three different ways and no one will know you're wearing the same outfit multiple times!). Check-out Karolina Zmarlak's collection on her website or at Takashimaya, Debut, and Eva or stop by Eva on October 29 when the designner previews her S/S 2010 collection. Invite after the jump!

I have been traveling for a couple of weeks and have been wearing a uniform of this Robert Rodriguez leather jacket with skinny jeans and little tank tops.  I am not one for embossed leather but this one fit me so well I had to have it!  The elongated back is especially handy when wearing lowriders at the airport and having to bend down to pick up every thing from luggage, carry on bags and whining toddlers.  I've worn this almost daily and it's now ultra soft and comfy-- love it when leather jackets get all broken in like this!  I actually had to give mine up to my best friend in Taiwan, Kelly Lin (follow her on twitter here!), and now have to order another one for myself.  Robert Rodriguez Croc Embossed Leather Jacket $792

I don't care that it's still 100 degrees here I want this jacket!!! Diane Von Furstenberg does amazing draping on her dresses and now she's done it on a rock star worthy shearling jacket! This taupe suede leather reversible short jacket with ivory shearling lining will be a basic for me this fall to layer with just about everything! I love the draped lapels with raised seam detailing and an asymmetric hem-- the unfinished raw look to it is what makes it so cool! 
Diane Von Furstenburg Iggy Stardust Reversible Jacket $1100 here. 

I'm off to NY fashion week, I'll be attending the DVF show on Sunday and be having dinner with DVF herself at her studio afterwards!  Will keep you posted on the latest and greatest from the tents so stay tuned my snobs!

I am sobbing over missing out the size 34 in this perfectly structured leather jacket from Ungaro. I even emailed the Ungaro press office in Paris but got an automated reply that the office closed for the month of August. I always forget that Europe shuts down for an entire month each year. Does not make sense, why not take July off? August is when all the yummy Fall items arrive and when we need assistance!!! Anywho, this jacket has the season's must have biker style but softened up with the rounded collar, nipped in waist and storm flap.  And I do not need to go into the delicious anthracite color do I?  You've got eyes and can see it is gorgeous!  I would wear this daily if I could get my hands on it. Yes it is pricey but what do you expect from perfection?

Ungaro Leather Jacket $3,350 at Net-a-porter.com

Loeffler Randall announces the relaunch of its website with e-commerce. Now you can shop directly from the urban cult fave designer (including exclusive that aren't offered anywhere else!) I am dying for the black draped leather jacket; soft and pretty but with a tough girl edge in black leather, $795 here. Also loving the Nude sequin shoulder dress, so casual chic, $375 here.

Check out Loeffler Randall here.

Am conflicted about the peak shoulder trend.  I love it on myself (I have very narrow shoulders which can make my head look big... okay fine my head is big anyway but the small shoulders don't help! Big head, big brains, right?) but find it unflattering on girls with wide shoulders.  Rihanna looks great in the Balmain to die for leather jacket but anyone bigger should tread carefully.  If you love the look, Erin Fetherston has a fab peak shoulder leather jacket that is not too exaggerated and will work with most figures.  What do you think of the peak shoulder trend?  Snob or Slob? 

Erin Fetherston Peak Shoulder Leather Jacket here.