Yesterday, I was having lunch with an associate, and the inevitable style question popped up.  But this was an excellent question.  And hence, the topic of my daily blog. 

Can you build a wardrobe around a favorite accessory, such as a favorite purse or leather jacket.  Not only is the answer “yes” but it is a very smart idea.  Good accessories are what make a signature style.  They are often the “investment” pieces in your wardrobe.  If you have a great sense of style, but are limited by the choices available in plus sized clothing, you will find that an accessory will never let you down. 

If you have a limited income, I always recommend that instead of buying a large quantity of cheap junk, that you invest in a great piece, such as a purse, a leather jacket or a great pair of shoes that you can wear every day.  While you want this purse or leather jacket to make a statement about who you are, take care that it is versatile enough to be worn throughout your life. 

If you are limited to the clothing choices available in plus sized clothing, a great purse is the perfect centerpiece to your wardrobe.  It is guaranteed to be a perfect fit and the choices are without limit.  Again, you will want to invest in purses of the best quality and highest versatility. 

Once you have selected your “centerpiece” purse or leather jacket or shoes, then begin to select wardrobe pieces that will work around it.  Work toward pieces that will allow the purse to stand out or be complemented by the piece.  Neutral pieces or those that pick up the color in the purse or leather jacket will work best.  What you do want to avoid is being too “matchy matchy” with everything the same color, style and print as the amazing piece.  It may look great on Barbie but she’s only 18 inches tall!  In the real world, too much of a good thing is just that…

We are going to be talking a lot about accessories in the upcoming blogs.  Look forward to having you join us! 

Looking for a beautiful outfit to wear for a casual evening out?  Once again, I am calling on a few of my favorite trends this season:  black and white, beautiful leather jackets and animal print. 

This leather jacket is a buttery soft and elegant yet sporty suede design.  With this leather jacket’s round neck,  full length sleeves and simple button front, you have many options for tops to wear underneath.  Once again the buttons on this jacket are like and accessory with a faux horn button closure.  Don’t mistake casual for sloppy fit:  with front and back princess seams, another seam at the center back, and a waist seam, this leather jacket will fit like a leather glove.  These are couture details which require care in construction and are often found only on couture originals at a much higher price point.  The cross stitching detail at princess seams and front and back sleeves really make this jacket look sharp.

Under the jacket is an geometric print blouse constructed of neat and comfortable stretch jersey.  The neckline is very interesting–the blouse itself has a round Neck but sewn into the neck is a V-Split Neckline. This is a great choice for those ladies who prefer to cover their arms and are looking for something with a little more style than a mass produced tee-shirt.  The full length sleeves have a black stretch velvet trim shirring detail at the sleeve cuff, front and back shoulder yoke

At the bottom are luxurious and comfortable stretch moleskin pants.  Everything about their construction says style and comfort: the pans sit just below the waist with no waistband to pinch and dig.  The fit so well because of an invisible dyed-to-match zipper at front, and princess seams or great fit and easy alteration.  The Bootcut Leg and the Flat Front are very flattering while still looking stylish.

This great outfit is set off by the printed haircalf handbag with cut out patent leather handles.  I just love the inside zipper pocket and magnetic closure. 

Look great, feel great, have a great time!

  So often, women who are more of a spring skin tone…that is blonde with light skin and eye tones are at a loss for what to wear in the Fall and Winter.  This season, there are beautiful warm autumn blends, such as lavender to wear with brown, which give them beautiful options without appearing washed out. 

This beautiful leather jacket of a foiled suede is so elegant with its tailoring and buttons.  Notice the way the leather jacket is constructed and the softness of the suede.  The blouse under it has browns, lavenders and creams all blended together in a very wearable pattern.  It is paired with brown and lavender plaid pants with a flattering cut that is generous through the hip and thigh and a slight boot cut.  I must admit I am still getting used to the fact that it is perfectly fashionable to wear plaids and prints together, but with this top and leather jacket, it looks sensational. 

When I think about a word that describes this outfit, it is approachable. That is often not an adjective I would use to describe for an outfit anchored by a stunning leather jacket. 

Plum is a great pop color for all of you Winters out there.  This is another piece that just makes an outfit look so put together in an effortless way.  On the upscale side, it is crafted from a stunning glossy Anaconda Textured Suede.  For the part of you that wants to still look buttoned down, this jacket carries classic details such as the notched collar, full length sleeves with button detail, a fine cording trim, self-covered button closure (a couture finish detail), and princess seams at front and back. This is one of the shorter and more tailored jackets, so it is a great possibility for someone who is petite. 

I fell in love at first site with this evergreen jacket.  It is so soft (like butter) because it is made from distressed Nappa Leather from Italy with a marbled leather finish.  It is a very versatile piece–because of its band collar, this jacket can be worn over a tee shirt, collared blouse or turtleneck. While it has a very modern feel to it, the full length sleeves, patch pocket at bust, and straight seams at front and back give it a very classic fit and feel.  The silver zipper closure will tie it to all of your silver accessories this season. 

This jacket is very urban chic.  It will look great with jeans or as a pop to neutrals.  There is a real trend this season to looking like you just grabbed something out of the closet and threw it on with one accent piece to tie it all together.  I see a jacket such as this one working well for that trend…that piece that you just added as an afterthought that catches every eye in the room! 

Leather is an investment.  Quality pieces that are cared for carefully will give the wearer many years of enjoyment.  Click here for fabric care tips for leather.