So I'll start by saying that I really don't like double denim. Don't get me wrong, I've seen it styled beautifully on others but I most definitely have some type of deep-seated irrational dislike of double denim that I'm sure a psychotherapist would have a field day analyzing. I'm guessing it probably has to do with my internal connotations of it being associated with 80's acid wash jeans and levis trucker jackets and really big hair. Not a good look, imho.

So of course I had to force myself to just get over it.

I was initially inspired by the photo I've included here of the lovely forty-something gal who runs the Not Dressed as Lamb blog. I like how she experiments with her style choices and looks to have fun with all her outfits.

I liked that she put a decidedly mannish spin on leopard, something that usually (in large swaths, anyway, as on a jacket) is associated with glamour or vampy-ness.

While she paired her jacket with a blue gingham shirt and sweater I decided to see if I couldn't "unvamp" the jacket even more by pairing it with denim on denim. I usually wear this Dolce leopard duster paired over black skinnies with a black sweater (one of my WIW outfits from a couple of weeks ago was exactly this --where I actually played up the hollywood glamour/vamp factor by adding a turban).

I was actually really, really surprised that not only did I not mind how the outfit looked when I pulled it all together, but I also really loved it. Like enough that I would consider it one of my top 10 favorite outfits of the last year.

I gave it my own spin by adding a vintage red belt (since I don't spend all day in the office carrying around my fabulous red MJ tote bag but I really liked the pop of red effect) and opted for slimmer fitting distressed BF jeans to balance the fullness of the jacket and looser denim shirt --then I tucked under the cuff of the jacket to allow the denim sleeve-cuffs to peek out. I also made it feel a bit more retro/feminine with the cat eye shades and strong red lip while upping the menswear feel with a simple black cabbie hat.

I kept the jewelry very minimal --and intentionally left one collar edge on the denim shirt poking out a bit askew, where I pinned a dainty antique victorian diamond, garnet and emerald snake pin (this little guy looks lovely pinned on a hat or collar).

This outfit really represents why I truly do enjoy taking risks with my outfits and pushing myself outside my comfort zone. This is only the second time I've ever pushed myself to wear double denim (the first go, about 18 months ago, was a more boho-rocker look and I did like it --but I didn't love it).

I now have a greater appreciation for double denim on me --and an outfit that was so comfortable and fun I can totally see it being a fallback outfit for me in the future.

What do you guys think? Double denim yay or nay?

Black cabbie hat: Goorin Bros. (via Zappos)
White t-shirt: Kohls
Faded denim shirt: J Crew (via consignment store)
Red leather H belt: Vintage 1970's Halston (via ebay)
BF jeans: AG stilt crop (via ebay)
Leopard duster jacket: Dolce & Gabbana (via designer consignment)
Distressed gray/black oxfords: Born (via ebay)
Bag: Marc Jacobs leather tote (via Shop-hers.com)
Sunnies: vintage (via Santa Monica flea market)
Earrings: vintage white sapphires set in simple gold posts (my grandfather brought the sapphires back from overseas when he was in the Navy and I inherited them. I had them set in a simple gold stud setting)
Gold sigil ring: antique Victorian (via Marika's antiques on Charles St. in Boston -I used to do a lot of business with them when I was in the antiques biz)
Gold and onyx cameo ring: antique Victorian (via ebay)
Snake pin: Antique victorian gold and diamond set with a garnet in the head and emerald eyes (via ebay --this is one of the nicest examples, in terms of craftsmanship, of a victorian era snake pin I've seen. The quality is exceptional and I was beyond pleased when it arrived).