Does anyone remember Wilson’s Leather? It was a chain store located in malls around
the country – much as Victoria’s Secret or Zales or The Gap. Wilson’s was a place to get
all things leather – jackets and hats and gloves and purses and pants. Don’t think rock-
and-roll like Rick Owens or John Varvatos, the personality was more woodsy, geared
toward good-old-fashioned warmth. The smell in the stores was lovely and soothing and
you were there to buy something sturdy and lasting, something that would be in your
closet at least a few years. Wilson’s is still at large, and they’re still a great source for
leather goods, they’ve just adjusted their presence in the fashion marketplace.
A lot of the leather ware we’re seeing out there is decidedly substantial and straight-
forward – the designs are informed by the material to match its solid personality. The
boots and bags and jackets are substantial, made for warmth and strength. But they’re
also sleek and sexy, so as to allure and captivate.
Will this post be a little heavy? Will it feature a lot of black? Yes to both counts. But
sometimes, to face the world, you just want to zip or lace up or buckle or button into a
serious piece of leather.
I’m guessing that’s what Chloe had in mind when she spotted and chiq’ed up these bold
Platform Fur Zipper Boots, whose wooden platforms look rich against the solid black
upper.
Chiq link: http://www.chiq.com/womens-platform-fur-zipper-high-heel-shoes-ankle-boots
Another black boot, but one with an entirely different personality. From Nicholas
Kirkwood, a sleek, strappy, serious boot. Thanks, klee4chiq.
Chiq link: http://www.chiq.com/nicholas-kirkwood/nicholas-kirkwood-2-tone-bootie
From the hot line G-Star, isn’t this the perfect, look-fantastic-on-all-occasions leather
jacket? I think so.
Chiq link: http://www.chiq.com/g-star/raw-correct-line-short-biker
How real and sensible are the small, square, cross-body bags we’re seeing from designers
like the Olsens and Stella McCartney – so practical when you only want to carry a few
items. Here’s one that’s both hip and affordable: from J J Winters, the Mini Fringe
Cross-Body Bag. Shown here in Plum but offered in eight colors.
Chiq link: http://www.chiq.com/j-j-winters/mini-fringe-cross-body-bag
More boots, beige now. These from Alexander McQueen must have been from his pre-
fall collection, because they’re on sale!
Chiq link: http://www.chiq.com/alexander-mcqueen/beige-peep-toe-boot
I love these take-no-prisoners chunky boots by Donald J Pliner, the Rezi. Bring on your
best, Mother Nature.
Chiq link: http://www.chiq.com/donald-j.-pliner/rezi
The sheer luxuriousness of this bag makes me want to get my hands on it and dump in all
my idevices. It’s not cheap, but neither is it other-stratospheric in price.
Chiq link: http://www.chiq.com/rebecca-minkoff/woven-apache-slouch-bag
The lines on this vest are feminine and easy but at the same time there’s so much style
here. From Nordstrom, the Bagatelle, with faux fur, naturally.
