what to wear with: tan leather

- Acne romantic tan leather skirt / similar here -

Jil Sander circle clutch / Asos gold cuffs / Surface to Air louna art deco V2 / Equipment signature silk shirt in lime punch

- Balmain skinny tan leather pants / similar here -

Asos metal collar necklace / Marc by marc Jacobs bars & bells bag / Alexander Wang emina sandals / Altuzarra outboard chunky knit

- Acne rise boot in tan / similar here -

Karen Walker patsy sunglasses / Motel jordan jeans / Asos triangle grab bag / 3.1 Phillip Lim detachable panel blazer

- See by Chloe tan leather shorts / similar here -

Elizabeth and James wooster sunglasses / L.A.M.B iowa platform wedge sandals / Alice + Olivia halter bodysuit / Sass & Bide strong foundations jacket

- Acne Ryah tan leather jacket / similar here -

Topshop floral print shorts / Asos brass collar / Jeffrey Campbell clift boot / Current/Elliott the perfect shirt

So I'm starting a new weekly style post that documents what to wear with tricky items. This week it's tan leather. Not something that I'm particularly fond of, seeing as most things made in tan also come I black as well, and I'm all for black leather! But there is a time and a place for tan (well away from the 70s) that, when done right, will produce some seriously worthy results.

neoprene

So here's my latest purchases; the best winter jacket and some serious boots. It mightn't look snuggly, but this jacket is super insulating and comfy. I figure the best way to beat the elements this winter is to wear the fashion equivalent of a wetsuit. I wish neoprene was sold non-commercially, if I could buy that stuff by the metre I would be making my entire wardrobe from it!

Very excited about these Therapy boots, so much height and still comfortable, perfect for winter nights out.

[wearing: Asos neoprene parka, thrifted knit, jeans from ebay, Therapy boots via The Iconic]

mean green

One of the colours I'm eager to stock up on for my winter wardrobe. The only green things I own are two very similar thrifted oversized jackets in pretty much the same shade of khaki! I think the reason for this is that I rarely see nice clothes in good greens, odd because I think it's a really flattering colour on pretty much anybody.

[All images from Tumblr / Pinterest]

sketches

Here's a few sketches I've been working on in my 'spare time', i.e when I can't bring myself to look at a damned computer screen anymore. I very rarely sketch any of my designs before I sew anymore, in this case I've reversed the process and drawn my taffeta blazer after I finished it (albeit much more precise than it is in real life!). I used to love drawing, but it seems the digital age has stifled my freehand. Sad really, I must make an effort to dedicate some time to drawing in the future, for it's therapeutic benefits if nothing else.

blue steel

Here's my latest sewing venture: a metallic peplum jacket inspired by THIS gorgeous Ellery one shown at fashion week recently. Would have been so good in that black/forest green colour combo, but I work with what I have, and luckily I had a heap of this fabulous metallic blue taffeta sitting around. So tailoring is not really my forte, but I think I did pretty well considering this is my first attempt at a fitted jacket, or any jacket for that matter (excluding a fur disaster I had recently!). This sort of flashy jacket will be perfect paired with a nice simple little black dress or jeans and killer heels for a night out. Can't wait for it to get some public exposure.

[wearing with: Asos velvet trousers & cuffs, Santini heels, vintage bodysuit, ebay choker]