living in leather

Saturday night was one of my best friend’s birthday celebrations. It was a fun night filled with sushi, drinking, dancing, and friends. I decided to embrace the fact that it’s finally feeling like fall down here in Houston, and broke out my leather jacket. I’m a huge leather jacket fan, and in the chilly months I live in them, so you can imagine how excited I was when I realized it was cool enough out to wear one Saturday. I paired it with a simple black tank, statement necklace, army green silky ‘parachute’/harem pants (yes, my boyfriend actually asked if I was about to go skydiving in this outfit), and booties. I wasn’t too hot, wasn’t too cold, and it was a fabulous evening.

DOMA leather jacket/James Perse tank/similar necklace/similar pants/Sam Edelman booties/Chanel bag

 

Styling the Plaited Shopper

As you read in this previous post, I am starting a six part series (that will take place over the next few weeks) all about bags! These are six bags I’m currently obsessed with and would love added to my collection. I’m going to style each one with various outfits. Consider it ‘virtual dress up.’ The first bag I’m working with is the Plaited Shopper bag in a beautiful bordeaux color from Zara. At $159, it is ‘budget friendly’ and pretty fabulous. I think it’s such a great bag because it’s big enough to hold everything you may need during the day. As much as I wish I could get away with carrying around an oversized clutch or a fabulous cross body bag all day long, it would never happen. If you’re like me, you carry a small world in your bag daily. This bag should fit most (if not all) of your things. I styled it two ways. I feel it would be a perfect bag to bring to work. If you work in a more casual environment, such as a ‘uniform’ of jeans and a blazer, it works perfectly. As well, if you’re in a more business casual environment, it still looks just as classic and chic with a pencil skirt and printed blouse. I’m in love with the color, silhouette, and size of this bordeaux beauty.

bag: Zara, printed blouse: Madewell, skirt: J.Crew, necklace: Bauble Bar, bangles: Bauble Bar, pumps: Jildor, jeans: J Brand, tank: James Perse, blazer: Wallis

bowling with the boys

Last night I went bowling with the boys, and it appears I am less than good at said activity. I’d say there were a couple times (out of many) these boys were ‘impressed’ with my ‘skill,’ but the majority of the time it was an embarrassment. Regardless, I had such a great night. I think bowling is extremely underrated. It is not only a perfect date idea, but it’s so much fun to do with friends (whether a girls night out, or a co-ed situation). It’s even fun for a family day. I highly recommend the next time you don’t know what to do on a night out, head straight to the bowling alley and hope you score better than me!

the lineup

bowling alley wine

embarrassing on my part

not my finest shoe moment

 

When going bowling you want to be comfortable. The last thing you need is a fitted dress riding up you as you’re making your way to attempt a strike. Leggings (or worn in jeans) are perfect bottoms for the activity. They can still look chic, and are very easy to move in. Pair them with a looser fitted top, and to make it a bit more exciting, throw on a vest over it. In terms of shoes, since you’ll be taking them off and need to bring socks anyway, go for an adorable sneaker or a simple ballet flat. Do not overdo it on the jewelry. A necklace is great, as it doesn’t get in the way. Rings, unfortunately, are a no-no since you can’t bowl so well with them on. Bracelets are fine as long as they are not bangles that will slide up and down every time you move your arm to bowl. Beaded stretch bracelets are a great idea. Your regular day bag is just fine for the occasion. Bowling is a casual night out. Pick a stylish outfit, of course, but don’t forget to keep it cool and comfy.