WIW - OBG day 1 - YouLookFab Forum

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WIW - OBG day 1

Bijou

Veteran

I decided to wear an old shirt that has been in my closet for at least 7 years and a leather jacket that was bought 7 years ago on a girls trip to London.

The shirt is a wardrobe workhorse because it is so light and comfortable. Boho is no my thing, yet this blouse I liked immediately and I do wear it. I think it is the red colour that appeals to me.

I have been a bit precious with my leather jacket and decided that I need to wear it on dog walks etc because it is comfy and needs to be worn more than the occasional outing. My morning was cool enough for the jacket. I don’t know why, but I am always a bit precious with leather jackets. I think it may be a hang up developed after a Seinfeld episode when Jerry wrecked a new suede jacket after wearing it in the rain.

So a very basic outfit but nice to wear some old favourites. Other items are not new but only 3 years old or less.

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21 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Jane

Veteran

It’s a cute blouse! Lovely to have happy memories with it too! Well done with wearing the jacket.

slim cat

Veteran

Love both pieces - looks perfect with red sneakers and bag with guitar strap!

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I have the same trouble with my leather jackets - barely ever wear them - and you know what I think my problem is? The fact that it is SO HARD (or rather, so expensive) to clean them. I fear the pit stink!

Sal

Veteran

Great pieces that have stood the test of time. The blouse is a terrific red and your accessories make it very modern.

I have one leather jacket and don't wear it enough- I am not quite sure why. But every now and then it is perfect.

Liesbeth

Veteran

Great outfit! I agree that that blouse works for you, but your styling it with non-boho pieces is also essential. About the leather jacket: I own two, that were rather cheap, making it impossible for me to consider them 'precious'. I wore them a lot when I had a car commute so no cleaning necessary, they didn't smell. One is starting to disintegrate which is probably the poor quality leather (still wore it for many years). The other one is just getting patina even if I've worn it during mild showers and have only treated it very occasionally with leather treatment. Bottom line: if it's not suede but oiled or waxed leather it will probably be hard to ruin. But I'm guessing you know that and just have to overcome the feelings :).

Lynne

Veteran

This is a gorgeous colour on you, I can see why you love it.

Minaminu

Veteran

Love the blouse on you! Both colour and shape are very versitile and can imagine you can do plenty of outfits with it!!!

Bijou

Veteran

Jane, the blouse is a piece that is so useful especially in my long hot summers as it is a very light cotton.

Slim cat, I enjoyed wearing the jacket this morning although it came off as the day warmed up.

Jessikams, you make a good point about cleaning and how hard it is with leather. Probably the reason I usually grab my denim jacket in preference to a leather one. I have now resolved to not buy any more leather jackets because whilst I am often drawn to them, I am unlikely to wear them often enough to justify the purchase.

Sal, I think my real issue with my leather jacket is that it feels a bit too hard edge for my current style. I do like it and so wearing it with sneakers or a pretty dress is likely to make it feel more me.

Liesbeth, this blouse is about as boho as I get but it is useful because it is such a casual and comfortable piece.

Lynn, I do like wearing red, it is often hard to come by in summer clothing.

Minaminu, glad you like the blouse.

This has been an interesting challenge and thank you for the comments which have made me realise that my casual cotton blouses are workhorses because they are perfect for my weather and I prefer wearing blouses to T-shirts. Also, whilst I may love the look of a leather jacket, I have two perfectly good ones in my wardrobe that I don’t wear as often as I thought I would when I bought them, so no more leather jackets for me.

Brooklyn

Veteran

Both pieces look great on you Bijou. But my first thought was that the jacket is more hard edge than I associate with you. I think your style has evolved since you bought it.

Not that I’m trying to talk you into a leather jacket, but I wonder if a less biker-ish style would be more to your taste these days. A metallic leather blazer in gold for instance.

But anyway, it’s nice that you can continue to enjoy this one as a trip souvenir (remember travel?) and for a change in look. You look fab, as always.

kkards

Veteran

I get it re the boho vibe of the red blouse, every once in a while i find something that’s not in my “normal” fashion vibe that just speaks to me, as clearly this blouse did to you. And i love how you’ve embraced the color and worn it with red sneakers and the stripe of red in the guitar strap.
Have you tried the leather jacket with some non denim bottoms? Wondering if that will make it feel less hard edge?

Star

Veteran

Lovely color blouse that suits you. Leather jackets are less precious than suede for sure, leather is usually fine in the rain, while suede is definitely not. Jessikams, a squirt of vodka gets rid of smells in the lining quite effectively. Basically the alcohol does the trick and vodka itself has no smell once dry.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Not basic at all! You look fantastic! Love the strap on the bag, the red sneakers and yes, wear that jacket more. It is leather not suede. Although I have to say I love that you can connect your hesitation with Seinfeld !

Bijou

Veteran

Brooklyn - you are absolutely right - it is the black leather biker style that seems too hard edge. I have a black leather blazer and that is fine - and as for gold leather - well I would love that!

KKards - the leather jacket with a pretty dress would probably feel much more 'me' - I will have to give it a try.

Star - that is a great recommendation on how to eradicate smells out of garments and definitely worth a try.

Shevia - Seinfeld was a great show - 'Serenity Now' is often yelled at my house as in "Who left the bathroom in a mess...Serenity Now!!!"

always trying

Veteran

Looks current. Forgot about my old leather.

Joy

Veteran

The leather jacket looks soft and drapable , not hard, which seems to make it more you. The blouse is lovely and looks like it would be cool on a hot day.
My leather from thrift shops gets the most wear as it does not seem to dear, but I do avoid wearing leather in the rain.

nemosmom

Veteran

Love that red on you! And, the blouse does not read boho on you to my eye; it comes across as far more elegant (?) Maybe it's because of your hair? I think your short, neat curls add to the refinement.

For the leather jacket, do you condition it at all? There are creams out there that are great for weatherproofing (not waterproofing, but help with light amounts of drizzle and sun). And, that can help.

Runcarla

Veteran

Gosh! There are lessons to be learned in these OBG threads!

Some purchases (a first leather jacket, for example) are a rite of passage. The special item acquires an almost palpable aura that can make it a challenge to deal with! It is a hard thing when you outgrow a fashion milestone and it doesn’t fit who you are today, or what you plan to become in the future. If the sentiment is good, and strong - the item can become a treasured momento. Otherwise, it might be time to part ways.

On the other hand, there are those wildcard items, bought in the heat of an unthinking, purely emotional moment - that become a situational workhorse. So many of us have a shadow boho persona that pops out when the weather heats up. It’s nice to have the perfect thing on hand to scratch that itch!

I think the most bijou thing you could do with the jacket is to try it with your most colourful and frilly dresses for some extreme outfit juxtaposition. If it doesn’t feel right, it might be time for the momento box. Of course I have a candy eye for #2!

kellygirl

Veteran

So pretty! I love that blouse on you. You do boho lite very well--and make it look refined and pretty! The crossbody with the fun strap is a fun addition and adds a bit of sporty. I really like hoe you have mixed these pieces and feel like I need to copy!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

KILLER

chuckling @ the Jerry reference......

By all means wear your London leather jacket more! Very stylish dog walker, you are. I think you softened it effectively with the pretty blouse and red sneaks.

I also see what Brooklyn sees. A non-black leather jacket is more your thing on this leg of your style journey. I have white and seafoam, if that helps with quick visuals.

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Bijou

Veteran

Always trying - I hope to see your leather jacket outfit for inspiration.

Joy - given my leather jacket is old, I have decided to be less precious about it. It is a funny piece that feels too dressy for my casual at home lifestyle and too casual for my former office work - but may be just right for my working from home office work where I will be smart casual.

Nemosmom - I condition my leather shoes with leather cream - and so yes, this is definitely something I can do.

Runcarla - You are so right - it is a great challenge and I need to be sure that items I hold onto are not for reasons that are essentially 'emotional baggage' rather than utility. I think the leather jacket with a pretty dress is a great way to wear it.

Kelygirl - boho lite is definitely a style that works for my climate - glad that it does not look like dress up on me.

Angie - well now I do LOVE your leather jackets and would wear them in a heartbeat! So issue is not leather, just the hard edge of black leather.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

There you go! Now you have a clearer sense. Onward to more YOU leather jackets.