Thanks, everyone!
For me, the best way to figure it out is to bring it home and look at in the context of my wardrobe. A try-on session is probably in order.
Notsaf you are astute. Both of those old Theory leather/tweed jackets are on the way out. I found a little faux fur wrap I forgot I had that can be the topper for my navy cocktail dress. I also gave my niece two blazers and a moto, and one other moto is going to my other niece. Two more are in the consignment bag. And another is in the holding zone. I’m feeling pickier about fit these days, and I’m side-eyeing another one that I said was a keeper, because the fit is not what it once was. The two black moto-ish jackets I have: one is slightly longer and has a bit more of an oversized, slouchier vibe. One is a Helmut Lang draped-front jacket that I adore but it is very outfit and occasion specific. So right now I have sort of a super casual black moto and a fancy black cropped leather jacket. I wear enough black that I don’t think three distinct looks in a black leather jacket are overkill, are they?
My initial reaction to the brown suede accent and the small bit of animal print is positive. It’s not a big in-your-face swath of it, and I like that it’s an interesting texture mix while still being low-contrast. I am coming to realize I like a little bit of animal print, not to be covered in it. My reptile print skirt is the limit of my animal print tolerance, I think. So this fits into my preference well.
The brown/black mix doesn’t bother me, and in fact kind of appeals to me. Brown is a neutral, after all, and I did just invest in black and brown reptile print boots. I think this will look good with my usual color palette of black, white, and shades of blue, green, and some red/burgundy.
I do not have a huge affinity for pattern mixing, but I do like it in small amounts. I think this would mix with some of my patterns, but I will have to look to be sure. I can think of a few scarves that will probably play well with this.
Thank you for all the food for thought! Great feedback.
