I've just returned from a fantastic long weekend with some of my oldest, dearest friends in the world. They're all moms, and they all joked about having a mom uniform, which more or less sounds like skinny jeans and a flowy, forgiving top. As a fashion blogger, it's practically my job to show a variety of looks, but I too have a uniform of sorts, especially in the winter. It's built around my favorite pair of pants: these Leather leggings, which I should almost apologize to my IRL friends for wearing too much...except I won't, because I love them, and I'm a firm believer in wearing what you love.
If you think you're not a leather pants person, I'd encourage you to give them a try anyway. You might be pleasantly surprised. Mine are real leather, and they were definitely an investment, but I've had them for years and they've held up beautifully. The key design win for me is that they're knit in the back, so they're way easier to get on and off, and the leather doesn't bag out. These are by Paige, and while they don't make this style anymore, I've linked an almost exact replica from Athleta below.
I wear my Leather Leggings with almost anything—blazers, sweaters, tees—but my general rule of thumb is that my top be long enough to cover my bum, seeing as how these are actual leggings in back! This shirt was a Nordstrom sale score, and as regular Cheryl Shops readers know, I love me some Free People.
I call this wool coat my wimp coat, because believe it or not, the winter weather in San Francisco is cold enough to actually warrant it sometimes, although as a native Chicagoan, I am somewhat embarrassed by my need for it. Out of desperation, I bought it at Zara my first winter here when I realized all of my winter coats were back in storage in New York, but it's become one of my favorites. I love the masculine influence and slightly oversized cut.
I'd not normally carry a black leather bag with black leather pants—it's a bit matchy-matchy—but I felt like my Balenciaga (last seen here) fit with the rocker vibe of this look, and rules were meant to be broken anyway. The ring was my grandmother's and I love how modern it feels, even though it's an antique. More importantly, it reminds me of her.
Speaking of breaking the rules—and wearing what you love—I've had these Isabel Marant wedge sneakers for ages, and while they've come and gone out of fashion, I am still totally into them. The suede is just enough contrast with the leather, and they're really comfortable too.
Amusingly enough, I'm wearing a cashmere cardigan in these photos, but you can't see it (yes, it really was that cold!). Another fun fact: we shot these in Alamo Square Park, which most people, know from the opening of Full House. (And another fun fact while we're at it: the actual Full House house is around the corner from my apartment, and is rapidly becoming a top tourist site.) There were quite a few tourists in the background; I have a feeling this outfit will live on in several of their vacation photos. ;)
OUTFIT DETAILS: Zara coat (very similar here on sale) || Free People plaid shirt (current season here) || Paige leather leggings (very similar here on sale) || Balenciaga first bag (current here) || Isabel Marant Bobby sneakers
If you think you're not a leather pants person, I'd encourage you to give them a try anyway. You might be pleasantly surprised. Mine are real leather, and they were definitely an investment, but I've had them for years and they've held up beautifully. The key design win for me is that they're knit in the back, so they're way easier to get on and off, and the leather doesn't bag out. These are by Paige, and while they don't make this style anymore, I've linked an almost exact replica from Athleta below.
I wear my Leather Leggings with almost anything—blazers, sweaters, tees—but my general rule of thumb is that my top be long enough to cover my bum, seeing as how these are actual leggings in back! This shirt was a Nordstrom sale score, and as regular Cheryl Shops readers know, I love me some Free People.
I call this wool coat my wimp coat, because believe it or not, the winter weather in San Francisco is cold enough to actually warrant it sometimes, although as a native Chicagoan, I am somewhat embarrassed by my need for it. Out of desperation, I bought it at Zara my first winter here when I realized all of my winter coats were back in storage in New York, but it's become one of my favorites. I love the masculine influence and slightly oversized cut.
I'd not normally carry a black leather bag with black leather pants—it's a bit matchy-matchy—but I felt like my Balenciaga (last seen here) fit with the rocker vibe of this look, and rules were meant to be broken anyway. The ring was my grandmother's and I love how modern it feels, even though it's an antique. More importantly, it reminds me of her.
Speaking of breaking the rules—and wearing what you love—I've had these Isabel Marant wedge sneakers for ages, and while they've come and gone out of fashion, I am still totally into them. The suede is just enough contrast with the leather, and they're really comfortable too.
Amusingly enough, I'm wearing a cashmere cardigan in these photos, but you can't see it (yes, it really was that cold!). Another fun fact: we shot these in Alamo Square Park, which most people, know from the opening of Full House. (And another fun fact while we're at it: the actual Full House house is around the corner from my apartment, and is rapidly becoming a top tourist site.) There were quite a few tourists in the background; I have a feeling this outfit will live on in several of their vacation photos. ;)
OUTFIT DETAILS: Zara coat (very similar here on sale) || Free People plaid shirt (current season here) || Paige leather leggings (very similar here on sale) || Balenciaga first bag (current here) || Isabel Marant Bobby sneakers
