LEATHER LUST-HAVES

Have you ever lusted after an item of clothing for an entire season, visited it in its home and whispered sweet nothings to it on your weekly visits, promising that some day soon, it will be yours. This jacket was one of those purchases. I knew that once I had made it mine, there would be no others. This was mine for keeps. It took a lot of convincing. I had to reassure myself that my bank balance could recover from this sordid love affair, that ultimately it was good for me. In sullied tones, it would murmur back; ‘it’s not the right time, not now………..you’ll never make it.’ Yet I never doubted we would one day be together. My leather baby was €500 in All Saints and I coveted it for several long months where I saved every spare penny even shunning my favourite magazines, Vogue, Elle and Grazia , instead opting for their (shock horror) less expensive, less aspirational counterparts.

Having fashion aspirations is so important to me. I may never achieve the kind of salary that many of us dream of, but I believe in waiting and investing in the kind of timeless fabrics that never go out of fashion. A grey cashmere jumper, a sexy black leather jacket, a leather skirt, some amazing hard-wearing denims (forget the super-stretch variety unless you want to represent some major sag) and a merino wool jumper in powder pink/winter white/grey marl will always sit well in anyone’s wardrobe. Don’t get me wrong. I am such a fan of print and wackiness and even man repeller style sihouettes and fabrics (think leather culottes, printed paisley pyjamas and Mom jeans) but on days where one feels less ambitious, one simply can’t go wrong with a grey marl jumper and a fabulous pair of denims.

So enough about my choice of safe wardrobe staples. My leather jacket was bought on sale with 50% off this summer. Think of the countless tops one buys in Penneys, racking up in price when with a bit of abstinence from our beloved Primarni, one can own such a divine piece of hardware like this leather jacket for €250! My dress is from Top, my collar and bag are Pull and Bear and my boots are Office. Everything pictured is last season so I’m showing you some similar items below.