Leather & Suede...Tricks of the Trade

For my first report for Firing the Passion for Fashion, and hopefully for the next few, I'll be talking about Fall/Winter 2009-10 looks. This fall it seems like it is all about shutting it down with channeling your inner-biker girl and glamming it up to create the perfect combo of Glam Rocker. You'll be seeing tons of leather this season--from jackets to vests, and leggings to pants. There will be fringe, grommets, zippers, and tons of black!

Today, we're talking leather & suede...and wearing and pairing it right! Leather leggings were HOT on the runway for Fall Collections. So I have channeled my inner fashion fairies to take looks right off the pages of magazines and use contents of my closet to re-create the look. I just so happened to have some faux leather leggings. Amazing. I bought them last fall, as it seems I always tend to buy pieces right before they become key components for the very next season. I think its embedded in my genes...my mother has great fashion sense.

You'd be amazed at how flattering leather leggings can be; but make sure to buy them in the correct size...if you get them too tight they will pull and create creases that will bring attention to places you don't want, and if you get them too large, you will be in a constant battle of pulling the things up (as the fauxleather that these leggings are made from tends to stretch). I would recommend you buy the ones that go all the way down to your ankle. They are more suited for colder weather. I mean, seriously, would you wear capris in cold weather? You can find a pair of faux leather leggings at American Apparel for around $45. Or if you want to save some extra cash, keep checking at discount retailers like TJ Maxx for probably around $15-20!

For the next component of this look, let's talk about shoes! Leather leggings are awesome paired with gladiator heels or short, ankle-high booties. Find yourself a pair of suede booties and you will be to die for in your new look! I am crazy-in-love for leather and suede paired together!! For an extra biker glam oomph, find a bootie that has a fabulous extra detail. Mine have wrap-around ties. But you could go for zippers, bows, or side cut-outs. My suede booties are Nine West...so they are extra affordable!!

*xoCHMxo*