Leather Detail

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As a lover of dress shirts and stiff, starchy collars, this sweater drew my eye instantly. Tough leather takes a turn for the prim in this collar detail, and makes what would otherwise be a simple black sweater a little more interesting.

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Outfit DetailsClub Monaco sweater :: 7 For All Mankind jeans :: Banana Republic belt :: Sam Edelman shoes :: Chanel handbag :: Kate Spade watch :: Stella & Dot bracelet (c/o)

Altered – Kate Spade watch has had the strap replaced

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24 Comments

  1. says: choochoo

    Hi Kelly, I’m a long time reader of yours and love your blog! Your style is so classic and clean (as in no-fuss).

    I admire your DIY skills whenever I come across your alteration posts. When I saw your outfit, I immediately thought of a pair of jeans I have (with the exact same color and fit from the thighs up), except that its a flare jean (I think I got it from American Eagle) so has a wide bottom. Do you have any recommendations on how to DIY jeans to make it skinny like yours? I haven’t worn it for a while because it’s so hard to tuck into any boots I have during the winter, and as for other seasons… I’m just so used to skinny’s and find myself thinking extra hard to pair my flare’s. I love the color so I haven’t been able to donate it or give it away.

    http://www.choochooli.blogspot.com

    1. Thank you so much! Although I wouldn’t call what I do as DIY. I leave all the work to the professionals! Hehe.

      You can certainly slim your flare jeans into a skinny jean! I’ve been thinking about doing the same to a pair I’ve had hanging around for years. Here are a few things to think about before you go ahead with it:

      – the stitches of tailored jeans rarely look like the original stitches straight from the factory. Even my professionally slimmed denim (done by a tailor with proper equipment) looks “tailored” when I look closely. So if you’re super picky about how your tailored items looks, you may want to have them professionally done, and do a little research about what tailor does the work for you.

      – When looking for a tailor who has the proper equipment to match the original denim stitching, call around to see if one of them has a “chain stitch machine”. It’s the machine used by denim manufacturers. I learned this little bit of info recently thanks to a menswear blog: http://tsbmen.com/23208/get-to-know-your-tailor/

      – If you want to go the DIY route, there’s tutorials on YouTube. Here’s a few I found with a quick search:
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X0qiH6EANE

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf_AvOLjs2Q

      Good luck! =)

      1. says: choochoo

        Thank you for the detailed reply Kelly!! I think I’ll go with the DIY route this time since I don’t see myself spending money on such old jeans. These 2 videos are so helpful, I will definitely try them out… (definitely with my mom’s help…)

  2. says: Ana

    I love this look! I’m wearing olive jeans on my blog today, too, but I went in the opposite direction with cream instead of black. :) You look fantastic and I am loving, loving all the leather details that are so hot this season!

  3. says: Petiteish

    Love this simple but sophisticated outfit. Is that a Chanel medium sized flap? It is perfectly proportioned on you!

    1. Thank you! The handbag is actually called the East/West. It’s shorter than the medium flap, but the same length. I haven’t seen it offered in a while, so I think Chanel discontinued the style. It’s great because the strap detaches on one end, so you can tuck the strap inside and carry it as a clutch!

  4. I absolutely love the sweater! And your styling is perfect!!! Are you wearing a size XS? Could you please post the measurements?
    Thanks!
    All the best from a fellow petite from the other side of the world (=Austria ;-)
    Katharina

    1. Hi Katharina! Yup, I’m wearing a size XS. I’ve packed my measuring tape somewhere, and probably won’t find it until after I’ve moved, so I don’t have measurements off hand. It’s a slouchy fit on me, but the shoulders fit nicely. I hope that helps! =)

      1. Thanks, Kelly. I actually wanted to try to participate for a change and wasn’t sure if the Dec one was the last one. Hopefully another will come around. Good luck with your move! After moving my mom this summer from her house in El Cajon to a smaller home in the San Carlos area, I know how stressful it can be! My poor mom tells me she still has boxes all over!

  5. Kelly,

    Me again. I did some shopping today and found some things you might like. I sent you an email to see if you would like me to pick up anything for you. I would love to see you style some of my purchases on your blog!

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