What does an age-appropriate leather jacket look like? (Part 2)

Sizzling Snakeskin: Snakeskin has been all the talk this season!  We liked this one from Chicos because it is reversible! Snakeskin on one side, solid on the other…so two jackets for the price of one! $349.00 (Chicos)
Oh yes to Classic with no zippers or buttons!  This gorgeous jacket has it all right! the simple collar flattering pockets the hidden snaps make for a simply perfect piece! You would not go wrong to splurge on this!  (Saks)
The Open Style, soft and feminine! This olive cropped piece is one of our favorites. It is made of super soft thin leather The lines and cut of this jacket would be flattering on most. Can be dressy or casual the long “V” neckline keeps this jacket from being bulky (Nordstrom)
Short and sweet!  See how this jacket is all vertical lines.That is why it is such a flattering jacket! This would work best on a petite or small busted gal The neckline is high, but would look great open or with a scarf. It is short-waisted so if you have a hard time finding jackets to fit your body type you’d love this one! $339.00 (Nordstrom)
Red means Romantic! Do you have an urge to walk into a room and get a compliment?This jacket would be a sure bet for that! One note though… not all reds look good on everyone, this one is a blue-red, so those with cool undertones to their skin need only apply! What a deal! We were shocked when we saw the price was only $212.00 (Neiman Marcus)
Dramatic Hipster! Black leather is always a strong statement and you can make it look very rocker or, like this, super sexy and just plain HOT!$298.00 (Nordstrom)

This is a big, NO! ~ and when “Sale” becomes a bad word!  We went to one of the most fashionable sites and found this jacket “on sale.”  No wonder no one wanted to buy it… The color of this jacket would best only on dark skin, otherwise it could wash you out, like it does this model. The pockets hit at a terrible spot, especially if you have large breasts Then sleeves and waist with wide elastic is just not chic. Just think how this would look if you had a little “tummy”?  Worst of all, this jacket even has epaulettes, which does not really go with the style of this mishmash coat. This is a fashion disaster and not worth it at any price! If you are tempted to buy a jacket just because it is a great price, think again!! No matter what the cost you should love and adore your new purchase!(Shopbop)
Flattering for the Curvy Gal!  Super flattering for those Glam Gals who have some curves!  This simple design still has lots of flair to it!  See how it is cut to hit a little longer near the thigh  The stripe trim on the sides has a wonderful “nipped in” illusion!  Plenty of room for shoulders and bust However, it’s little pricey at $598.00 (Saks)
And Finally… A GREAT PICK or is it? If you want to have some fun, you can try a leather vest!  JoJami has one that she has worn with a long sleeve top in the winter and come Spring with a tank top.  We thought this one looked pretty nice and the price is right at $128.00. However, when we noticed that it was only given 1 star.. we found several bad reviews including this one…”I ordered a small but it was too big especially in the hips and waist.  The fur looked like it came off a cheap gorilla costume. Bummer. It looked great on the model online.”This is why we love Nordstrom because they actually print honest reviews!(Nordstrom)
Nordstro

Fall Must Have: adding a leather jacket to your wardrobe

Deborah in her favorite blue leather jacket.

"Have had this leather jacket for at least 4 years and I still love it" says JoJami

We Glam Gals always get itchy to go fall shopping around this time of year when the evenings start cooling down and fall starts peaking around the corner.  One of the first items you might want to think about is adding is a piece of leather to your wardrobe.

Why leather?

It’s sexy, sassy and it can really show off your personality!

Not to mention if you choose wisely you will have it in your closet for years to enjoy!

So how do you find out what type of leather jacket will look good on you?

We have collected several pieces of leather over the years and these brown coats will go with most things in our wardrobe!

There are several steps to take to put you on the right track:

Fit and Style  are first and foremost!

Here are some things to think about:

• Do you want a style that is fitted or loose?
• What type of collar will look best on you?
• Pocket placement is key.
• Do you want zippers, buttons or none at all?
• How about color?  Do you want a jacket that is neutral so you can wear it more or do you want a more dramatic piece to have a “wow” effect!

Wearing Leather After 40~ Will You Look Age Appropriate?

Last night, I (JoJami) was out having dinner with my husband and there was a live band at the restaurant. We were enjoying the music when a lovely woman sat down next to us with her teenage son.

We started up a chat and when I admired her leather jacket, she mentioned to me that she works in the music industry in Los Angeles and found it sometimes tricky to dress hip and sexy yet age appropriate. I think she looks great here!

	This jacket has great style elements to soften what can sometimes be harsh with black leather. The quilting gives it a softer, classy quality The neckline is low and flattering and would look great with a scarf too! Zipper is angled which nips in the waist! There are no pockets around the breast area to add bulk. Nice clean lines give this jacket a super fit. She found this at Loehmans for around $200.00, not a bad price at all! (Laundry)
	Here is Deborah in her gorgeous blue leather jacket. Having a piece like this with some color makes you stand out in a crowd. Once again this style has nice clean lines and not too much decoration that can add bulk. Fits her well around the hips, not too baggy. This color looks great on Deborah  who is a Spring but you will need to find the color that looks best on you!
	JoJami in her salmon leather jacket: Very simple style (the sides have a neat “corset” detail Nice soft color that works with her wardrobe This is an Elie Tahari jacket. All their leather is super soft and wonderful quality.

Casual Dressing, Try Adding a Touch of Leather

Trying to update our casual wardrobe can be a “head scratcher” for sure… what to do to get away from the same old, same old….

Why not try a piece of leather. Yes, leather can be expensive, however you can find some wonderful pieces at consignment stores or on sale. Also, if you buy them in classic styles you will have them for many years to come.  Don’t be afraid to try a pretty color.. they are more feminine and you will feel great in them! Black can be harsh and too rocker chic looking, unless it has soft lines of some sort.

Here are a few do’s and don’ts to think about and perhaps try!!

• How about adding a colorful leather jacket! This one is short and fitted and will look nice with a skirt, pants or jeans.

• I (JoJami) recently bought this black leather vest on a recent trip to NYC. Paired with a sassy striped sweater and scarf has been one of my favorite new items in my closet!

This black leather vest has been a chic piece to add to my fall wardrobe!

• If you are going to wear a leather jacket make sure it fits well. This one is too big and she is drowning in it!

After: This is much better, now you can see her cute figure!

Before: Is your casual style too baggy looking?

Have you stepped out of your comfort box recently?

Have you tried something new lately?

Did you see the Oprah Show the other day, the one where she took 3 women who were all feeling down and out and made them do things that were WAY out of their comfort zone?

Seems the Glam Gals are not the only ones out there trying to get you over 40 gals to try something new!  (check out our past posts on  leather jackets or  thigh high boots!)

If you need a little push out of the “plane” Jane   syndrome, just go and take a peak  this weeks Blogging Boomers Carnvial #138! The Boomer Chronicles are hosting and have lots of inspiration from some of the top Boomer Bloggers out there!

Leather jackets for the Anti-Biker Chick!

Recently, we read this article about wearing one of this season’s hot item – a leather biker jacket – without looking literally like, well, a biker.  We love the ideas, but what happens if you want to get into the leather jacket trend, but just can’t make the biker-style jacket “you”?  Even if you still feel too tough wearing a leather jacket (even if it’s with a pink dress underneath), there are tons of options for purchasing leather this season. It’s absolutely everywhere this fall!  Below are some leather jacket ideas that you can embrace this season that will really make a statement – without that statement being “Where’s my Harley?”

Try…

Blazer: This suede jacket from Forzieri is a great alternative to a regular blazer. Wear it as you would to the office, and modernize your suits and skirts!
Ruffles: If wearing leather makes you feel too tough, then try adding a feminine detail like ruffles like this great coat is from Saks.
Trench: Look instantly glamorous and sophisticated in a trench coat. like this fantastic, movie-star inspired trench from Forzieri.
Touch of leather: You can even work leather touches into your everyday wardrobe. This leather jacket from Saks is trimmed in soft tan leather, giving it an edgy look.(of course the skirt should be a longer…but you get the idea!)
Color: Black, tan and brown are very versatile, but color is always so much more fun! Even with motorcycle-ish styling, this leather coat from Forzieri is a great statement piece, and softer than a harsh black jacket.
Add fur: A touch of fur around the collar or sleeves is another way to add personality to a leather jacket. Also, it’s sure to keep you warmer in the upcoming winter! Check out this one from Forzieri.

And for those vegan dressers, there is sure to be a lot of “pleather” or imitation leather and fur jackets. Not only will they be less expensive, but also animal friendly!