By Erika, Resident Fashionista
If you follow the YCS Instagram account you will have noticed an influx of leather and lace details in the #ootd and #ootw photos. Leather and lace details were all over last year’s runways (hence, their appearance in this year’s store inventories). I, for one, am loving the fact that a) leather isn’t just for motorcycle jackets, shoes, and handbags, and b) lace isn’t just for curtains, doilies, and wedding dresses. When done right, leather and lace can add a pretty or edgy touch to any outfit.
Lately, I’ve been drawn to clothing with delicate lace touches, like the pretty summer dress (a complete steal I scooped up at Ross) and the black and white striped shirt (from Dress Barn) both pictured below.
I love how the lace on the shirt is completely unexpected on the side of the top. Plus, it also does some slimming work for you by working as paneling on the sides. Even with horizontal stripes it has a slimming effect because it draws the eyes up and down.
Top & Skirt: Dress Barn I Shoes: Madeline
And, I love everything about this dress. But, because it is short and flirty it is reminiscent of summer days beach-side and not your cousin’s wedding or grandma’s curtains.
Dress: Ross I Hat: J Crew
You can also see that I’ve been loving partnering leather details with pretty pieces for a while. My obsession started with a top with leather bodice detailing that I got last year at BellaNor Boutique. I love wearing it with a brocade skirt in the winter. It also looks super fierce with a pair of shorts and a cute blazer for a night out.
Top: BellaNor Boutique I Skirt: Lane Bryant
After that, I couldn’t stop myself from buying leather (or faux leather)! I love the way the leather waistband totally contradicts the delicate dusty rose pleating of the skirt pictured below. The rose hue and pleats make this skirt feel ultra feminine, but he leather is an unexpected tough touch. And, lucky for you, this is another super steal now on super sale at Target.
Skirt: Mossimo for Target I Shirt & Necklace: Avenue
My faux-leather peplum top has made an appearance or two on instagram and, more recently, over at my blogger-sistergirlfriend Karima’s blog, Skinny Minority.
On Erika (Left): Top: Fashion to Figure I Pants: Ralph Lauren I Bag: Dress Barn I Shoes: Nine West I Necklaces: J Crew
And now, I’m totally obsessed with the black sheath dress I debuted at last week’s Philly Fashion Expo launch party. You can never go wrong with a little black dress. And, the faux-leather detailing and bright gold zippers mean that you need to pair minimal accessories with the ensemble. People were stopping me all day and night to compliment the dress. Bonus: the “scuba” material the dress is made of is super flattering and super comfy!
Dress: Dress Barn
Whether leather or lace, you can’t go wrong by adding a little bit of either – or both – to your outfit! How are you guys rocking leather? Lace? Love it? Hate it? You know the drill!
Your Chic is Showing,
