for the love of leather

I think the mere mention of leather clothing scares some people.  Its must conjure up pictures of motorcycles, rock bands, Grease, Billy Idol....I am not sure.  I happen to love it...the idea is to wear one key piece and let that make a statement or have leather details incorporated into your outfit.  There are lots of choices out there for adding leather to your wardrobe--here are some of my favorites:
Yes, yes, I know I have mentioned last years find from my NYC trip--my Elizabeth and James leather shorts--not too short, with pleats & pockets, I have worn them in all seasons.  Twelve8Twelve has a similar pair and I have since then seen leather shorts everywhere from H&M to Neiman Marcus.  The key is not too short and not too tight.  And yes, you can wear them.  Add opaque tights, and a silky tie neck blouse or a casual tee.
Last year I found the most fantastic Woolly Minded Leather Trim Cardigan  at the Barneys sale--the perfect grandpa sweater with a twist.  And Elizabeth and James have added leather sleeves and details to tops and jackets that are so amazing--these mixed material designs are one of my favorite fall looks. Burberry has leather details on many of their coats this season, this amazing collection of leather sleeved outerwear is definitely destined to be another classic. Love.  If you want to make less of an investment, go for the Neiman Marcus Leather Sleeved Tweed Jacket for a perfect little piece to update your wardrobe.  Add some attitude and you are good to go.
If shorts are not really in your comfort zone, a lovely leather skirt is always an option--H&M leather pencil skirt has a high waist and a just above the knee fit that is modern and classic at the same time.  I am also going to say that the leather and pleather leggings I have seen out there are great--as with the skirt, be picky about the feel and look of the leather or faux leather--and as always but especially with this piece, fit matters just as much.  You can afford the look of a classy leather pant or legging, you cannot afford to be seen in anything shiny and/or patent leather.  I saw a woman in previously mentioned such pants downtown last week and, well, I have no words.  Except for don't do it.
Fall is such a fun time to discover new trends and figure out what works with what you have already in your closet.  Maybe you own a tassle necklace, a skinny belt for putting around a sweater, or cool headband in leather already--you can search out a new piece or use what you have in a new way to embrace one of the coolest trends out there.