Review: Rag & Bone Harrow Booties

Rag & Bone Harrow booties in black leather

Sizing - I've read reviews that say the shoes run small, and other reviews that said they ran large...it's all very confusing. But in the end, I made an executive decision to order my regular size 39 and they fit perfect. Perhaps a tad narrow initially (which was remedied after a few wears, when the leather stretched), but the length was spot-on.

Comfort - It has a very thick heel, so it provides a sturdy surface to prevent one from teetering around as they walk. As I mentioned above, the width is a tad narrow, especially when one wears socks, so taking it out on its virgin voyage for a long visit at the mall was not a good idea. That long visit was cut short because my feet were having shooting pains up the archs (which disappeared the moment I took my feet out and placed them on level ground) I have yet to wear them again on such a journey, but they comfortably withstand a day at work.

Quality - It is 100% leather (mmm...the smell of new leather...) and it is well-made. It did come with an odd white glaze over parts of the shoes that made it look like it went a-tramping around some snow banks that have been sprinkled with salt. Perhaps that is the look that was intended...I have no idea. I did try to rub it off, but to no avail. I suppose it can take the pressure out of trying to keep it shiny and pristine since it never was in the first place...Ha!

Price - Ridiculous. At $495....I'm sorry, but there's no other word for it. But then again, I am the idiot silly person who got them nevertheless. Because I am a weak, frivolous ninny (acceptance is half the battle). However, I didn't pay full price for it -- that would have been pushing it. I pounced when ShopBop had one of their promotions and got them at 25% off. Still an exorbitant price, but at least I would only have to sell one arm, rather than both.

Versatility - One only has to Google "Harrow booties" and there will be a plethora of images and looks to gather inspiration from since these were quite the "It" item last year. A friend calls them my "pixie" boots, which actually, now that I've thought about it, they do kinda resemble. And I think that's cute. My only peeve is that it is not possible to wear socks with these because the front of the booties have a cleavage type detail that will make the socks visible (even my low-cut ones) and that is NOT a cute look to me. Until I can find something that is cut low enough, I shall have to wear this sans socks or with tights.

Would I Buy Them Again? Yes. They are well-made; they don't kill my feet; I wear them often enough since it pairs well with casual outfits, and tones down an excessively girly one; there's lots of colors and textures to choose from (smack me, but I am currently eying the grey nubuck ones)...And also, because I like expensive shoes. There's just something about them that makes one stand a little taller and walk more confidently down the hallways. And that, my friend(s)...is priceless.

If Only...Spring Escape

 

The weekend is approaching and given the cruddy "spring" weather outside, this would be a perfect time to make a little escape to someplace warmer...

Preferably where the view is similar to this...

Floaty dresses, Panama hats and strappy sandals - here I come!

If only...

Items shown:

Dress - Old Navy (kids!)

Hat - J.Crew

Sandals - Target

Bag - Pottery Barn Teen

Bracelet - gift from friend from Australia 

Suitcase - TJMaxx

Outfit: Spring Florals

 

I've never done such bold colors altogether in one outfit before and it looks a bit like spring threw up on me, actually...whoops!

Top - J.Crew

Skirt - Topshop

Necklace - H&M

Shoes - Manolo Blahnik BBs in blue suede

Random Files: Spring Haul from Dorothy Perkins

 

I usually do a haul-type activity at the beginning of every season to perk my wardrobe up a bit. This spring, I ordered from Dorothy Perkins after successful purchases from other European brands like Topshop and Zara.

They have amazing dresses at absolutely amazing prices. There's usually a code for $ off plus free shipping to the US, so make sure to utilize that (I used a 15% off one for this order). The quality of the items are on par (exceed, even) with stores like H&M. 

As far as sizing, because European sizing is smaller than the US, I ordered almost everything in a size 4.

I got my package within a week of ordering, which seems crazy fast especially when compared to Topshop (who is owned by the same parent company), which also ships direct from England.

1) Stripe Boxpleat dress, $29 - I have a stripes addiction -- specifically navy and white stripes. If something has it, chances are, I'll get it. This dress is adorable. I am anticipating it to be a workhorse for the summer.  

2) Sheer Insert dress in Blush, $44 - I loved, loved, loved this dress...but unfortunately, it did not love me. In my normal size 4, the bodice was simply too tight (stuffed in a sausage casing, anyone?) This is one where sizing up is advisable. This was a return for me, as they do not have an exchange program.

3) Waffle Skater dress in Ink, $35  - A love -- navy and white are probably most favorite combination. The dress (worn here) looks classic with just enough detailing to make it girly. The length is appropriate to be worn for work, and it can be worn both in the warmer and colder months.

 

  

4) Jersey Midi dress in Black, $12 - I got this in a size 2, because size 4 was unavailable. It fits perfectly. The cut and length of the skirt was perfect. The price ($12!!) was perfect. Makes me break out in a cold sweat when I remember the amount of $$ I've spent on Rachel Pally clothing that is essentially made of the same material.

5) Jersey camisole in Black, $17 - Basic camisole with adjustable straps, this top is nice and flowy. Even though it is a bit expensive for a basic top, it is the perfect staple that can be dressed up (shown here) or down.

6) Notch Neck dress in Ink - $39 - These type of pencil dresses are my HG dresses. They just exude the perfect amount of femininity and sensuality, whilst still being quite conservative. Sexy librarian chic, I call it. However, they are also the type of dresses that rarely fit well right off the rack. Because I have minimal fat around the small of my back (plenty elsewhere though!), I usually end up with a substantial amount of fabric bunching around there, looking like I have a second butt. It is the case for this dress. Else it fitted perfectly in a size 4. This was a return.

*****

The only unfortunate thing is that Dorothy Perkins does NOT offer free returns for orders to the US, unlike Topshop and ASOS, and there is no exchange policy.

 I had 2 items that didn't fit me quite right, and it cost $22 for me to ship it back to England via USPS. I'm afraid that is simply too expensive for me to risk having to pay for when ordering from them because it essentially negates the fabulous pricing and promotions that is offered (yes, I am cheap weird like that - I have no issues spending  $$ on items, but not when it is for something as "boring" as shipping)

So until they start offering free returns as well, I will be staying away.

Beauty Bit: Spring Nailpolish

Don't You Lilac This?

No, wait...that came out wrong....

Don't you like this?

Can't wait till flowers start poking their heads up from the earth. 
I am that mad woman who stares intently at the ground, trying to see if there are any specks of green amidst the dirt. 

It gets a bit awkward when my neighbors catches me crouching by the flower patch for the past 20 minutes.

Mad as a March hare

O.P.I Don't You Lilac This?

3 Ways: Spring

It is officially Spring (according to the calendar...not according to the weather gods) so I am celebrating this with a Spring Week here. 

Also, it is to distract myself from the frigid temperatures outside. 

Else I would gorge on chocolates, and I would rather save my clothes the agony of being stretched even more to accommodate this post-winter-but-pre-spring-depression binge.

These are some outfits that I am looking forward to wearing when the temperature finally catches up to the calendar.

1) For Work

Turtleneck: Uniqlo / Skirt: J.Crew No.2 Pencil Skirt / Shoes: J.Crew Etta / Necklace: H&M

2) For a casual day...

Shirt: J.Crew / Jeans: Forever 21 / Flats: J.Crew / Trench: Banana Republic

3) For a spring date...

Turtleneck & sweater: J.Crew / Skirt: homemade by me / Boots: Target

Things I look forward to every spring:

- wearing colors and lighter-hued neutrals

- putting my winter coats away

- flowers pushing their way up

- a cool, crisp morning when taking the dog out for a walk

- wearing flirty skirts and dresses

- Easter candy =)

 

If Only..Breakfast in Bed

 

Breakfast is probably one of my favorite meals of the day. 

Which is unfortunate, because I don't usually have it.

Or perhaps that's what makes it so special...

I don't have breakfast on a regular basis during the work week -- there is simply just not enough time (since I'd rather sleep till the very last minute before having to rush around, getting ready. Sleep trumps eating, in this case)

But on the weekends, I will try to have at least one GOOD breakfast that doesn't require me to gulp down my piping hot tea in a minute in order to be on time.

Bacon...sausages with maple syrup...scrambled eggs mixed in ketchup....eggs Benedict....

MIMOSAS!! 

Mmmmmm....

 

Breakfast in bed is a luxury that is few and far between...but now that the sun rays are finally starting to have some warmth towards it, there's nothing quite like a lazy morning spent in a sun-drenched bedroom, sipping the first hot cup of tea and contemplating what to do for the rest of the day...

Even better if someone else brings it to you...

If only...

Outfit: First Day of Spring!

 

 I can't help it...when it is cold outside, I dress in dark colors. 

So when Mother Nature decides to finally bestow a day with season-appropriate temperature, my heart lifts and I instinctively incorporate more color into my outfit

 

 Sweater - Banana Republic

Dress - Dorothy Perkins Waffle Skater Dress in Ink 

Belt - Banana Republic

Boots - Rag & Bone Harrow Booties

Random Files: My 5 Biggest Time-Wasters

Perhaps it's just me, but I am an awful procrastinator.

I procrastinate in general, but it is particularly chronic when it is time for me to either wake up, or go to bed.

You will find me laying in bed, with the iPad propped up, and check back an hour later, and I'll still be in the same position.

These are my most frequented sites and apps when I just want to be in my own mindless/brainless zone:

1) Instagram
Great place to see pretty (staged and non-staged) pictures, find new restaurants to try, outfits to copy, and essentially stalk the pretty have-everything people =)

2) YouTube 
 Like I've mentioned here, I am an avid YouTube viewer. Primarily due to beauty guru channels, but there's a smattering of aspiring filmmakers and singers, as well as a HILARIOUS documentary style videos from ZeFrank that I subscribe to. ZeFrank's True Facts videos literally make me cry with laughter at times. Which makes it a little of a pickle sometimes, as I do watch them whilst on my lunch break at work at times.

3) Games like Candy Crush, Panda Pop and Frozen
This...is like the black hole. The Bermuda triangle. I can lose myself and spend HOURS playing. Which was why I resisted until the end of last year, when I was off on a month-long vacation and then I fell folly to it. However, one of the pros of this is that the games are free (as long as you resist buying extra lives, extra moves, boosters, and what-nots) so it's a good way for me to distract myself when I have a bad case of itchy fingers, wanting to buy something

4) Wikipedia
Does anyone Google something and click on the link that leads to Wikipedia, and then spend the next hour just going through the related links within the site and end up at the most random topic ever? Like you start out reading about Abraham Lincoln and after an hour, end up learning about mollusks...

5) Amazon.com
I love Amazon. It is my go-to site to find cheaper prices on DVDs, kitchen tools and toys for my daughter. It is also my first resource for obscure, hard-to-find, long-forgotten books like the Shoe People series that I loved when I was young (my daughter loves them too) to buying bulk packs of food that remind me of home (a case of 30 packs of Indomie, anyone?). This company is genius. But it can get expensive...I just spent $50 on chocolates from England (because American chocolates just doesn't taste that good to me)  and another $40 on random books that I got for my daughter. All unplanned...

Beauty Bit: Battle of the Hand Creams

 

This winter has been harsh. And the worst is when you are outside when it is biting cold. Your face stings, and your hands hurt even when they are gloved and tucked into your pockets.

With that, comes dry, flaky, peeling skin on my paws, especially around the nails and fingertips. When I was clearing out my linen closet, I came across a number of different hand creams and salves that I have (some which I've forgotten about) and I figured I'll test them to see which will provide the most relieve to my unsightly digits.

Soap & Glory Hand Food, $5 - This smells lovely. It's sweet and light, and the product sinks in easily. It does make hands feel a little slippy for awhile. Unfortunately, it's probably best suited for hands that are not as dry as mine were, because they started looking like they needed another application after a few minutes

L'occitane Shea Butter Dry Skin Hand Cream, $28 - This is definitely a pricey brand. The one I was using is part of those gift sets that they have. The texture of the cream is quite thick, and that makes the cream a bit harder to sink in. I don't particularly care for the scent -- it smells like baby powder, which isn't terrible, but not something that I would pick over others. However, it doesn't have a slippy finish like the Soap & Glory, and it does relieve my hands a bit better as well. Reapplication is still needed on a frequent basis though.

MOR Emporium Black Collection Hand Cream in Snow Gardenia, $20 - This product wins the luxury award, hands down. Just looking at it makes me feel pampered. The scent is gorgeously seductive -- it's not the most subtle, so you'll either love it or hate it. The texture of the cream is similar to the L'occitane - it is thick and one has to work it into the hands. It is not slippy, but unfortunately, it doesn't do much for my horribly chapped hands. Probably best for a night-time application right before bed to pamper oneself. It will probably fine during the warmer months as well

Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Hand Therapy, $8 - The only reason why I have it is because I got it as a gift from a friend. I would not have picked it for myself since this scent is NOT pleasant at all to me. The cream is a bit liquidy and one wouldn't expect much out of it. This is where I'm wrong...unpleasant scent or not, this does work. It sinks in to the skin fast, and it literally made my hands look and feel like normal again. Reapplication happens less frequently as the product seems to keep my skin hydrated and moisturized longer. 

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, $2 - When all else fails, and nothing is keeping the moisture in, there's nothing like good ol' (and cheap!) VPJ to the rescue. Wash your hands, and put it on. Or you can even put on your hand cream first, then use this to seal in the moisture.

3 Ways: White Jeans

 

No white before Labor Day

Frankly, I don't run with the crowd that sticks vehemently to this rule. I actually don't even KNOW anyone who runs remotely with that crowd, so it's a bit of a lost cause if my lifelong wish is to annoy those type of people.

I, for one, can't wait for the time I can wear them again.

Namely, when the snow has finally melted and all the spring showers have run its course. 

Because white jeans splattered with muddy water or slush will send a nervous tick to my eyelid and make my blood pressure sky-rocket.

 

1) Work 
Silk top - J.Crew
Necklaces - Etsy and Forever 21
Shoes - Manolo Blahnik BBs in copper patent

2) Casual day
Sweater - H&M
Belt - Linea Pelle
Boots - Rag & Bone Harrow 

3) Date
Top - Dorothy Perkins
Necklace - J.Crew
Bracelet - Forever 21
Shoes - Manolo Blahnik BBs in blue suede      

J.Crew Matchstick Crop Jeans

If Only I Could Cook...Toad-in-the-Hole

I have been hooked on watching YouTube for a long time now. Which is why I wanted to smack myself in the head for not thinking of going there to look up recipes and cooking techniques until now. Plus, there's the added benefit of hearing the ingredients and cooking terminology being pronounced (like seriously...how does one really pronounce Worcestershire?)

With that, I stumbled across the Sorted food boys. 

I'll admit, the main reason I was drawn to it was because they were English
(see here for my secret dream)

First recipe I tried was their Toad-in-the-Hole. And it wasn't half bad - not that I know what it was truly suppose to taste like...It turned out a lot better than the BBC Good Food recipe I used awhile back at any rate.

(I always thought it was a weird name for a food dish. It supposedly resembles the literal meaning of the sentence, but in all honestly, all I can think of are giant...well....sausages. Yes....those kind. It's probably due to the fact that I have a mind not unlike an immature teenage boy and am easily amused)

Pair that with mixed vegetables cooked with bacon and a blackberry custard tart and we have dinner!

Outfit: Dose of Sunshine

 

Sweater: J.Crew

Jeans: Citizens of Humanity

Shoes: Chanel

Bag: Chanel GST in black caviar

 

I don't know about you, but I am getting mighty tired of the snow and cold. 

Days when it is sunny AND above 40 degrees are greeted with unbridled enthusiasm and happiness.

To actually go out without having to wear boots and socks?
What a novelty!

Spring....no...actually, summer....I am eagerly waiting for you.

Random Files: What's In My Bag? Mom Essentials

Besides normal run-of-the-mill essentials one carries around (cash, ID, credit cards, etc), there  are certain things that HAVE to be in my bag because I am a mom:

1) Baby wipes - These are hands down, the number one item. They are a must-have simply because they take care of a myriad of potential situations when we are out of the house, ranging from sticky fingers and faces, to dirty tabletops or surfaces, to the obvious one of potty-time. And to the less obvious ones when my daughter decides her doll/stuffed animal needs a (wet) blanket. Or a bath. I stock up on Guardian brand  wipes when I am back in Malaysia because they are more compact than the ones in the States, even those travel sized ones (and lets be honest, the bunny is stinking cute)

2) Hand sanitizer - Because kids know no boundaries when it comes to germs. Bath and Body Works ones are perfect due to size, price and variety. And they smell delicious.

3) Hand cream - Because scaly fingers are not pretty. And my child will pick at dry skin. Until it bleeds. Gross? Yes. Shall we leave this subject? Yes.

Beauty Bit: Skin Staples

 

I am not loyal by any means when it comes to beauty products. A sucker for packaging and anything new, it takes quite a bit for me to repurchase items...much less again and again.

These items can probably be considered as Holy Grail (HG) products for my greaseball oily, blemish prone and hyperpigmented skin (well...that sounds really attractive doesn't it....it's a wonder that I don't go out with a paper bag over my head sometimes)...

1) Korres Wild Rose 24 Hour Moisturizing and Brightening Cream - $35 A mouthful of a name, but smells A-MA-ZING (straight-up pungent rose smell), is hydrating (perfect for winter months), doesn't aggravate or break my skin out and helps with the hyperpigmetation and clarity of skin

2) Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial $48 Another mouthful --- what is with the long names here? This is essentially a more potent version of the moisturizer. It does sting slightly when applied, but one gets to wake up with glowy and hydrated skin. Worth the slight discomfort

3) Revlon Colorstay Foundation for Oily/Combination Skin - $12  I've tried many foundations from both drugstore and high-end brands. And I always come back to this. There's nothing else out there that can beat this in terms of price point, how long it keeps the oils at bay and staying power. Plus, one can always find it on sale.

4) St. Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Scrub $6 Whether you have an active breakout, or one that is surfacing, one use of this is all it takes to reduce the swelling, and sometimes, get rid of it completely.

5) Beauty Blender $20 The perfect makeup tool to use with the Revlon Colorstay, mine is looking a little worse for wear after almost 5 months of daily use. Using it damp, it gives a more natural looking finish compared to brushes. It is very pricy, especially considering it is essentially just a sponge...Real Techniques have recently released a similar product that is less than a third of the price of the Beauty Blender, so I am looking forward to trying it.

Review: Topshop Floppy Hat

 

I like hats, but hats usually don't care for me. 

I'm sure it has something to do with my moon face and substantial cheek fats

But, I persevere. Because hats are cool. 

Well...some of them are, at any rate.

 

I've been obsessed with floppy hats lately and ordered one from Topshop.

(It arrived 2 weeks later - it ships from the UK...so note -- plan your purchases if there's a particular event you are buying for...unless you're willing to pay for expedited shipping)

And I love it.

It arrived flattened and smushed into my postbox, but no harm done - it fluffed and flopped back easily.

Made out of 100% wool, it has a nice weight to it and it flops perfectly - unlike the picture of it on Topshop's website. 

The fit is comfortable (although I would recommend holding on to it on windy days) and I think it will be the perfect accessory to give that little smidge of bohemian whimsy to outfits.

 Topshop Big Floppy Hat $56

If Only...Tea Time

The weekend is drawing near (Hallelujah)

With the temperature outside as it is, it would be lovely to catch up with a close friend over a hot pot of tea. And having any excuse to buy fresh flowers and sweet treats is a good one for me. 

 

And of course, make it a point to dress up in floaty tops and twirly skirts.

Because they are just plain fun.

And one needs to feel girly sometimes

 

And then settle down for some good old-fashioned gossip sessions about the latest fashion, the crappy weather, Idina Menzel's Oscar performance...All is good.

Because close friends are the balm to one's soul. And it is exactly what the doctor ordered to combat a tedious work week.

 

If only...

Items shown:

Shirt - MANGO
Skirt - homemade by me
Shoes - Christian Louboutin Very Prive in Nude patent
Necklace - J.Crew
Earrings - Forever 21
   

Outfit: Cold Season Uniform

 

Shirt: J.Crew

Leggings: Zara

Boots: Merona from Target

Bag: Chanel Classic M/L Flap in Navy lambskin 

Lip Color: Covergirl Lip Perfection in Everlasting Immortal

   

I wear leggings almost every day I have to be out in public during the winter. 

It has the potential of being an issue, because I run the risk of people thinking that I don't wash my clothes. 

But since I may bump into one or two people on a GOOD day, it is a contained risk, and clearly one that I am willing to take.

People should be looking at the bag anyway.

   

Random Files: February 2014 Favorites

1) Chanel Classic M/L Flap in navy - Absolutely head-over-heels in love. I've never felt so excited and giddy unboxing a bag before...not even my very first designer bag. This is truly my cream of the crop, most favorite bag that I own.

2) Clear Nourishing Shampoo and Deep Nourishing Treatment Mask - One hears it all the time: "Don't wash your hair every day". Well, I am one who has been doing that all my life. But I tried to follow what they say...and ended up with oily, limp hair. And worst of all, I got myself an itchy scalp along with bumps and scabs. Too graphic? Sorry. I guess my scalp started breaking out and these hair products have really helped soothe and put it back on the right track.

3) Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Body Butter - This was part of my February Ipsy bag. It smells delicious. Actually, almost all of their body butter smells delicious. Definitely one of my favorite brands that Ipsy has introduced me to.

4) Rediscovering my old red lip favorites - Revlon Lip Butter in Cherry Tart and Covergirl Lip Perfection in Everlasting Immortal. Actually, my number one old-favorite is Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet. But it has mysteriously disappeared during one of the movements between the makeup drawer, bathroom, and my bag. Durn gremlins!

5) BBC Good Food - a great source of recipes that usually turn out successful. An important detail when we are talking about my sad attempts in the kitchen. Also, I dream of moving to England and marrying an English gentleman. So this is good practice to ensure that I can whip up toad-in-the-holes and steak and ale pies to feed said English gentleman. I dream...

Beauty Bit: Bath Oil vs Bath Bomb

 

Ahhh...baths....

It conjures up an image of glamour, luxury, sensuality...

When I think bath, I think of a lovely, big clawfoot tub, with mountains of bubbles frothing over the surface of the water, soft candlelight and romantic ballads playing quietly in the background. There would be a glass of champagne of course, and in the best of scenarios, a handsome hunky man to wash your back...

And then...back to reality.

Recreating it in my dinky bathroom with a builder basic bathtub definitely falls short from the yardstick of my daydreams.

That's where bath products come in.

Question becomes, bath oil or bath bomb? More specifically, "splurge" out for the expensive oils or make do with the not-going-to-condemn-you-to-a-month-of-instant-noodles bath bombs?

Here are my thoughts:

Jo Malone Bath Oil - Red Roses $65

 

There's no doubt about it, this item is luxury packed up in a pretty box. I am a complete sucker for packaging. And they made sure that I fell for it hook, line and sinker.

At $65, this is NOT cheap. However, when one really thinks about it, one can reasonably get 12-15 baths out of the bottle, and at a price per bath of <$5, it is actually not eyebrow raising at all.

Yes, this is the data analyst in me that reared its mathematical head.

The product itself is....okay. The scent was lovely and it didn't really require much for a bath (I guess a cap-ful was sufficient. But I am known to be an extremist. So three cap-fuls it is)

There were no angels breaking into chorus, no light showing me the right path, no hunky man appearing to wash my bag...but to be fair, those were not promised in the product description.

The bath oil is a solid, steady, meet-all-normal-expectations kinda product.

Lush Bath Bombs $4 - $10

Lush products are whimsical, creative, different...gimmicky, for a lack of a better word.

How else can they explain product names like Sex Bomb or Fox in the Flowers or Lord of Misrule? Or product descriptions like "kick tub time into warp speed" or "an enchanted forest full of possibility"?

It is cute. I dig it.

Perhaps it is because I amuse myself with out-there scenarios sometimes I am easily amused, and enjoy creativeness.

 Their products definitely try.

With flower petals, gold dust, and sound effects being the normal stuff to expect when one pops a bath bomb into the tub, it provides a level of entertainment. "I wonder what this bath bomb will do?" 

Priced at $4 - $10 per bomb, they are an affordable treat in a pick-me-up-after-a-bad-week kinda way...IF you have a store around your area. And even more affordable if you split the bombs in half to last for two separate baths.

But if you don't have a local store, and you have to stock up because you're buying it online or from the nearest store 2 hours away, it can quickly add up.

These are fantastic for people with short attention spans who like to try different things in short periods of time and like to mix it up according to their mood and fancy.

3 Ways and A Review: Zara Combination Biker Jacket

I don't own a leather jacket.

It is a classic, but in my mind, I gravitate more towards the prim and proper librarian/newscaster/Emma Pillsbury image rather than the cool and effortless biker/rocker/edgy looks. Simply because pigs will fly before I can look biker chic. 

But I was intrigued and I wanted to branch out a little this year. So I got one. Not full on leather, because Rome was not built in a day. So I got a "combination" one. And here are some looks to help ease me into this territory...

1) For work...

Dress: Max & Cleo / Shoes: Christian Louboutin Declic / Necklace: Ebay

2) For a date night

Playsuit: Topshop

3) For a casual daytime out and about...

Shirt: MNG / Jeans: Joe Jeans / Belt: Linea Pelle / Shoes: Manolo Blahnik BBs / Necklace: J.Crew

Being a loyal J.Crew girl, I don't venture out to other brands within the same market much.  Add to the fact that there are no brick and mortar Zara shops around the corner results in me having never bought anything from it before.

The search for a leather jacket brought me back to their online site again and again, until finally one day, I bit the bullet. They offer free shipping, free returns AND their delivery was lighting fast. My order arrived ONE day after I placed it.

I was beyond impressed.

And I was impressed by the jacket too. It was beautiful. Although not composed of real leather, it definitely did not have that fake plasticky-pleather feel to it. It is well-made, it looks expensive and it fits lovely.

As it is with most European brands, I found that I had to size up from my regular "American" sizing. I am normally a size 0 in J.Crew. I took a size S in the jacket.

 

Zara Combination Biker Jacket $129