Leather: Shop now, wear forever
(find out exclusive discount in story)
Leather is always trending— which makes it a classic. Styles may change a bit from pant lengths to waistlines, but take your forever timeless leather pants and add the right top / sweater and the boot of the season and voila - très chic!
While many people have leather pants, it is good to know all the variations. (Think: 5-pocket jean cut, skinny legging style, pull-on crop flare, jogger and to even this season’s wide leg (possibly even with pleats)) There’s a style for every shape! I suggest getting a black pair that suits your body shape and work the outfit around the pants. If yours are a skinny style, I would pair with a chunky sweater and with either a sneaker, mule or combat boot. Another fun look is leather pants with a graphic tee and cool cardigan.
People often think leather jackets and immediately visualize a motorcycle jacket. There are other jacket styles that may come in handy and suit your style better. A completely simple thin black leather jacket (sans hardware nor a collar) that is waist length can give an elegant dress just that little bit of edge and become part of the outfit rather than looking like outerwear jacket style solely. Also, a soft leather “shacket” (shirt/jacket) can be handy in the same way a denim, army shirt, or light jacket goes over almost anything. There are also great leather tops to choose from including tanks, short-sleeves, one-shoulders, and even turtlenecks.
Another staple is a leather pencil skirt, which can be worn with a blouse and knee high boots for a really elegant look. Try this more chic look with a fitted turtleneck, tights and booties for a more casual updated style.
“I treasure every piece from her”
—- SSBYLM
LA-based leather designer (and friend) Staci Koondel is responsible for the majority of my leather pieces (shown below on her, models and at the bottom of this post on me!). I literally treasure every piece I have from her. Another great thing about leather is that it’s durable, and you can go back to it year after year! Below, I asked her a few questions about this fabric and its unique design components.
Use SSBYLM’s 20% discount code, if you would are coveting any pieces for an
insider discount!
CODE: SSBLMxSK
*Valid only for a limited time, from 10/16 - 10/23.
Staci Koondel, the designer of Staci Koondel Collection
Shop "Leather Long Sleeve":
Shop the "One Shoulder" Top
Shop "Black Leather Shirt" Jacket
Shop: "The Legging" Pant
Shop "Leather Long Sleeve":
Shop: "The Legging" Pant
Shop Simple "Black Leather" Jacket
Shop similar "White Jacket": and wearing Allison Daniel Designs Jewelry:
Shop "Black Camisole" Top
Staci Koondel, the designer and co-founder of StaciKoondel.com & I.
Staci Koondel x SSBYLM:
a style edit.
DESIGN INSPIRATIONS
LM: “What inspired your pursuit of designing in leather?”
SK: “My love of leather started in my teens, I wore a teal leather peek-a-boo shoulder dress to my Sweet 16 (and I wish I still had this dress today lol). Leather is timeless as long as you’re not buying anything super trendy. Leather lasts a long time, therefore worth every bit of the extra investment.”
FROM PASSIONS TO CAREER
LM: “What made your passion turn into a design career? Why is leather the one fabric you work in?”
SK: “I started my line out of a need to find the perfect leather camisole for myself. From this, I realized you can wear the most simple dress or top in silk or cotton, but when you wear it in leather it becomes an amazing fashion moment.To me, leather has always felt luxurious and chic— it’ll forever make that statement.”
BUT, IS IT WORTH THE $?