16 October 2013

Testing Out the Leathers

colorblocked mara

I took these pics over the weekend while playing dress-up with a new skirt.

While I personally like the black leather-embellished pieces that are so en vogue this fall, I don't think I have the swagger to pull them off. So when Anthropologie put this cute faux leather skirt on their site, I took my first dip into leather embellishments during their last promo sale (ordered online since it is apparently an online-only piece).

It's brown-toned, so to me it's softer than black. And it's got a full skirt silhouette which eases it off the edge factor another bit. And a glittery waist? Full-on girly but not. Perfect for me to try.

So ... I don't know.

I think I may like the idea of the skirt better than the skirt itself.

colorblocked mara  colorblocked mara

First, it arrived really wrinkly and I'm not sure how to get wrinkles out of faux leather. I mean, do I lay it out flat in the sun somewhere? And then does it mean that the material is prone to wrinkling? 

Also, it's a leather piece for us softies, but still a leather piece. So cute as it may seem, I don't know if I'd actually wear it. Plus I kind of can't kick the whole I'm-wearing-a-vinyl-tablecloth feeling.

So ... I've since exchanged this skirt for one a size smaller since the waistband is extra stretchy and I felt like my regular size wouldn't hold the fabric of the skirt in place well. I'm going to give this skirt another go - I think it'd pair well with a denim shirt and the fabric is definitely substantial enough for cooler weather.

But I'm kind of still on-the-fence about this piece. Even with the promo sale, it's not a cheap piece. So this is another piece I'd like your advice on - what would you pair with this skirt? And what do you think about the whole leather embellished trend for fall?

colorblocked mara

colorblocked mara

Top: J.Crew factory merino charley (worn here - cotton version, sim)
Skirt: Champagne & Strawberry via Anthropologie colorblocked mara (sim in B&W)
Necklace: Pam Hiran via Anthropologie sparked agate collar (worn here - sim, sim, sim in pearl)
Bracelets: J.Crew factory (sim, sim, cuff, darker), J.Crew & Asos (set)
Shoes: Jessica Simpson jaide (worn here - sim, slingback)

colorblocked mara

62 comments:

  1. This skirt is gorgeous!! It looks great with a solid top...I would especially love it with a crisp white shirt. So, I've apparently evolved from only wearing items with subtle leather accents to now owning faux leather shorts and a leather pencil skirt. This leather trend can convert you into a leather-wearing kind of woman.

    Those wrinkles look like the result of poor packaging. You may be able to iron them out (on a med heat setting) by using a cotton cloth as a barrier between the faux leather and the iron for pressing.

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    1. I've been disappointed with Anthro's packaging lately. They just chuck expensive stuff into big ole plastic bags and send them along their way. I understand trimming costs when able, but it kind of makes the whole mail order experience sucky.

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  2. I bought a leather skirt from Piperlime this season and have already returned it. It had a weird crease in it and I feel like that made it fit me weirdly. Then I also thought about the wrinkles and i realized that if I didn't iron my normal clothes, I'm definitely not ironing/cleaning that skirt.

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  3. Hehee, there's a reason your blog has it's name--your shoes are DA BEST. I love those so much. That's gotta be the perfect leopard print. Not too large, not too small, perfect coloring... beautiful heels!

    Hmmm... to get wrinkles out of faux leather, I would try ironing it with something thin (like a bedsheet) between it so that it doesn't get too hot. I've had to iron out some strange materials for art classes (using thick papers and weird drawing surfaces), and that usually does the trick. G'luck! <3

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  4. I have the same problem with my faux leather skirt...it's so wrinkly and you can't iron it! I'm thinking I might try turning it inside out (since it's lined) and use my steamer on it.

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

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  5. The skirt looks great, Lisa! I think it's the wrinkles that are throwing you off. If you are friendly with your dry leaner, maybe she/he can advise you of a way to get them out? I love the fullness of it and I think it's very flattering.

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    1. I think I'm going to keep experimenting with it a bit more. But first I need to de-wrinkle!

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  6. Maybe go casual with a loose gray/white/black tee? Or a chunky sweater and tights?

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  7. If you're iffy, then you must return.There are other pieces out there that deserve your love and your money. And if you must flirt with the leather trend, then there should be the perfect thing out there for you since it's so au courant. That said, this skirt looks super cute on you, of course, but I would pair it with either a white tee/crisp button up or chambray as you'd mentioned. Maybe leopard since that print goes with the colors of the skirt and you've already hinted at that pairing today with the shoes...

    M @ http://myclosetcatalogue.com

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  8. Hm, while I really like black and brown together, I'm not sure about this skirt tbh. It could just be the wrinkles, which maybe you could get out by having it steamed at a dry-cleaner's? Or maybe that would damage it... I reckon you could pull it off, but I'm honestly not sure what to pair it with. A sleeveless white blouse, perhaps? Those Schuler and Son boots you've got? At the end of the day, the main thing is whether you're comfortable in it, and "wearing a vinyl tablecloth" doesn't sound very pleasant...?

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    1. The good thing with this skirt is that I wouldn't need to be afraid of spills, hehe.

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  9. This is a super cute skirt Lisa! I personally think it would be cute with a striped tee or a band tee. And it will be so cute with sweaters! I bet you will get a lot of use out of it!

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  10. I think it looks cute on you! I'm not sure I could pull it off but I think it's a fun mix of a hot trend and a cuter, more feminine styling. It would definitely look cute with a chambray top and I think it would look nice with a gray sweater.

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  11. Honestly, I am not sold on the skirt. Maybe it's the two tone... however you can always try it on with a crisp white button down shirt.

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  12. I love all the leather(ish) pieces that are coming out this fall. But then again, I like an edgier look so it's not a stretch for me to wear them. But they can't look fake. I'm really not loving this skirt on you. It's too full, and I'm not liking the brown color. Plus it does look vinyl-ish. I think you should continue to look for another piece. Perhaps a shirt? with touches of leather. Or a skirt with accents of leather? Keeping looking!

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  13. Hm, I think I am in the minority - I am not a fan of the skirt. It kind of reminds me of a plastic bag with all the wrinkles. There's definitely better options out there!

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  14. New Subbie here!!! I am also not a fan of this skirt. However, I don't think you styled it badly. The shape, and fit work for your frame. Through my computer screen it doesn't look like it's worth a pretty penny. I think you probably could find something nicer for a high/moderate price point. I agree with Lorena regarding the crisp white shirt though. Love your style adventures anyhow :)

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    1. Thanks for your input! I know, the wrinkles are bad and it is kind of almost too vinyl-y.

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  15. I'm not a fan of this skirt either, I'm afraid. If you decide to keep it, a navy top in the same colour of the top part of the skirt would elongate the body.

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  16. I don't know. It looks nice to me, but when you are in doubt, then I am as well. You should always return everything you are in doubt about. A perfect buy is when you really, really want it. You look in the mirror and there is greed hahaha.
    Greetje

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  17. I absolutely love this look - I think because it mixes tough leather with feminine touches so well. There's something about the hot pink and the tan accents that just goes together beautifully, and the black adds a little bit of edge and surprise. I've definitely noticed the leather trend, particularly all of the skater skirts, this season, but I haven't been drawn to them, probably because they're often styled with grunge tees or studded black sheer tops, or looks that are too urban street style for my tastes. But this, this I adore.

    Liz

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  18. I think you are right to consider returning it. Faux leather does wrinkle lots. While I do think it would be okay with chambray and boots or booties

    You can definately do better though.

    I could see you in a leather pencil skirt...much nicer.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Ooh, haven't considered a pencil skirt - always thought it was too edgy for me, but maybe in a brown or tan ...

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  19. The skirt is so cute! I love how you paired it with a pop of fun color. I, too, wonder how to get the wrinkles out lol

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  20. I think you wear the skirt as best as one can wear it. Maybe it's the wrinkles, but I can't get pass the fact that the skirt itself looks like a piece of beef jerky. Sorry! :)

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  21. I wasn't sure about leather either. I bought leggings and a pencil skirt that have a tuxedo stripe of leather downs the sides to ease me in. If this skirt were not wrinkled, I think it would be fabulous.Guess ya gotta fire up the ole google to figure that one out!
    -Ash
    www.thestylizedwannabe.com

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  22. It looks good on you, but I understand your hesitation about it. The wrinkles would drive me bonkers. Can you steam fake leather?

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    1. I'm not sure about the steaming, will need to try it softly.

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  23. This skirt looks great on you, love it.

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  24. My issues with a leather piece is the wrinkles. I can't wear it without compulsively trying to iron out the wrinkles with my hands. LOL. With this piece, however, I might be willing to compromise.

    Abi
    aka The Belated Bloomer

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    1. I know - I only tried this skirt on at home and for pics. To wear out, I'd have to figure out what to do with the wrinkles.

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  25. If you don't love it, then don't keep it! You don't want to have regret! That being said, I think it's a fab skirt. I wonder if you would like it better with a different color- something darker like a burgundy or even a chambray? And I think it would be smashing with boots!

    Aubree
    look.feel.be

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    1. Thanks for the ideas, I think I'll play around with it a bit more ...

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  26. I am curious to know what you find out about getting the wrinkles out of a faux leather. I ironed mine in super low heat inside out and not sure it did anything. I would say if you are doubting the skirt then return it. The colors are very timeless but if you are not in love with it, you won't want to wear it.

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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    1. I've de-wrinkled vinyl banners before by laying them out somewhere warm - I may end up trying that. But you're right about not being comfy with something, then I wouldn't wear it. Considerations, considerations ...

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  27. Thank you for sharing this. I have been wanting to try this one on. I have to say it does look a little like vinyl. It looked more lush on the Anthropologie website but then everything always seems muted on their website and most of the time I am disappointed when I see the item in person. Sigh. Bizarre about the wrinkles. That would be a deal breaker for me. All that said - it looks great on you! So I didn't help in your decision at all. LOL
    xo,cynthia (aka the not helpful one)

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  28. Oh Lisa! That faux leather skirt is fabulous! Perfect colors for fall! You could totally wear it with a black tank/graphic tee/sweater or cream knit sweater...you have a lot of options! I am all for the leather embellished trend for fall! I need to invest in a few pieces:)!

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    1. A soft sweater would be a nice contrast with the leather, thanks!

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  29. That face is sooooo beautiful!!! Wow!

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  30. Lisa, I actually love the skirt. The shape and the colors ar so pleasing and not formulaic . I would love to see it with a cream sweat with an interesting stitch, or maybe. A plain tee and gorgeous Aztec scarf..
    I like pleather but not against my skin so much. A jacket is ok, but pleather pants would truly be
    PU.. I adore this outfit!
    XX, Elle
    http://mydailycostume.com/

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    1. Yeah, I don't think I am going anywhere near pants with leather - I keep thinking of that old episode of Friends when Ross tried leather pants ...

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  31. so elegant, love the color blocking and mix of texture!

    wanna follow each other on GFC/FB ?

    Kisses
    Hannah
    Elegantesque Blog

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  32. Yeah, the wrinkles are a total bummer. I really like it without wrinkles on the website, I can see why you ordered it. I wonder if you can call Anthropologie for care instructions?

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  33. I have the same problem with faux leather and wrinkles, but I used a steamer to get them out a bit and that works okay. Don't ever put faux leather out in the sun. It will ruin it. As for you not sure if you like the idea of the skirt or the skirt... Just pair it with a white fitted scoop neck tee and maybe a heavy gold chain necklace, or even just some chandelier earrings and leave the necklace out since the waist band is so pretty. I think you will like it more with simplicity and less color. The leopard shoes are amazing with it! I love this skirt and I need to research how to get wrinkles out of faux leather better too. If I find out, I will let you know!

    xx Easy Outfits, by Pip

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  34. I have no idea how to get wrinkles out of fake leather... and that is so ridiculous that they would send something which is going to be a total mess when it arrives and you can't exactly iron it!
    Chic on the Cheap

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  35. Great pairing with the bright sweater! The wrinkling would be frustrating. Perhaps a dry cleaner would know how to get the wrinkles out? I've become more picky with shopping lately and if I don't love something, I just return it. I'm also willing to spend more on pieces that I know I will keep for a long time and use often.

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  36. WOW, your skirt is INCREDIBLE!

    Georgi A
    georgiaadolpho.blogspot.com

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  37. Lisa, I am so with you. I bought the Modena dress. And I love it! But I feel like I could not pull it off. But I want to. I want to be a girl who can confidently wear leather (or pleather). I love the skirt on you. I think you styled it beautifully! I cannot wait to see what the other size looks like, because this one looks so good!

    Jenni

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  38. I love the shoes with it, too. I would try putting a sheet over the inside of it and ironing it on very, very low. Just skimming over it and see what happens. Good luck!

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  39. What a cool outfit...it like all of the different aspects and details. Really cute necklace :)
    http://www.thefashionableesq.blogspot.com/

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  40. What a Gorgeous Leather Skirt & how Beautiful you are wearing it. I love the Hot Pink Sweater tucked in and that stunning Statement Necklace. Your shoes as always are gorgeous & I love the bracelets.

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