Three Words: Glitter and Leather.

"I don't do fashion, I am fashion." - Coco Chanel (French fashion designer, 1883-1971)

"I have nothing to wear!" It's the phrase that will haunt each and every one of us at least one time in our lives before that tremendously important event. They're the five words that you'll repeat outloud over and over as you stare at that evergrowing pile of discarded clothing, most of which lies in jumbled heaps all over the floor. The shoes are unexceptable, the clothes just aren't working, and the accessories .. don't even get me started. And you'll wish, you'll fervently pray, that there was someone out there who knew just what to do, who knew exactly how to fix this awful situation ...

For your sake, I hope it doesn't quite reach the begging, pleading stage! However, I do know a little secret that may be able to help you come up with that unique, stand-out-in-the-crowd outfit you're looking (praying!) for. Three words: glitter and leather.

That's right, ladies. It's the oxymoron of fashion. Two completely opposite looks that, when put together, create that perfect mix of edgy and girly adopted only by the most fashion-forward girls out there. Now, I know you want to be one of those girls, so I'll do this in the most sophisticated, refined way I can think of ... spill my guts as quickly as possible!

This season, it's all about mixing patterns and textures to create the most runway-worthy look possible. Take a look at some of our models as they do the catwalk in the season's finest:



The two, leather and glitter, are also very capable of standing on their own. I think it's safe to say that it was their individual glamour that made designers think to bring the two very different looks together.




One of my favorite looks is the sequin skirt and leather jacket combo. The jacket brings a retro feel to the outfit, while the skirt eccentuates your feminine side. The Sass & Bide Sequin Skirt from net-a-porter.com fits its name; it's sassy and sweet in all the right places. For $410, you'll get a bubble-hemed beauty, adorned with black sequins and a large, pinstriped black and white bow. To match, your best bet is a cropped leather jacket that hits right at the waist. Try Elizabeth and James' Leather Corset Blazer, priced at $695.



Another interpretation of the glitter-leather look is leather leggings with a sparkling top. You can find leather leggings almost anywhere now-a-days. The real leather ones are a bit pricey, but the fakes still do the look plenty of justice. If your heart is set on the real deal, try Kova & T 'Oxy' Mini Zip Leggings, available at Nordstrom for $154. For a cheaper alternative, check out the Romeo & Juliet Couture Faux Leather Leggings, priced at just $25.99 on bluefly.com. Both styles of leggings have 'sexy' written all over them. Try pairing a long shirt or dress with them, such as Gryphon's Sequin Dress, available for $595 on shopbop.com. To finish off the look, grab a pair of slouchy leather ankle boots, like Nine West's Ice Blue boots ($109).



And of course, there's always the fashion rebel. The girl that will try the most outrageous look, and still be able to make it look cute. This one's for all of those lovely ladies out there who like to make a statement. For you, I suggest wearing a full leather outfit with glittery accents. Of course, I don't expect you to wear that tight leather body suit you see in all of those crazy action movies. No, what I'm proposing is something more like leather leggings and a leather jacket, or a leather dress. Personally, I'm loving the leather dress idea. It's edgy and sexy, and it's guaranteed to make that statement you're looking for. For an example, take a look at Hannah Marshall's Leather Strapless Dress. At only $582, this piece is a steal. Try it with a glittery belt, a bag, or (my favorite) shoes. Shown below are Wet Seal's Glitter Jean Belt ($8.50), Spiegal's Sequined Straw Bag ($29.00), and Coloriffics' Gala heels ($54.00).





And of course, to end this post, there is always the Pick-of-the-Day. Today's pick of the day is just a glittery pair of heels that I stumbled apon and fell in love with. Seriously, my award for Best Shoes in the Whole Entire World goes to Christian Louboutin's Glitter Peep-Toe Platform Slingbacks. I've never seen shoes like these, and I'm sure you'll enjoy them as much as I did.

Pick of the Day:

Christian Louboutin
Glitter Peep-Toe Platform Slingbacks
$690 on www.barneys.com

As always, it has been a pleasure to update you on today's fashion tip: two textures, especially glitter and leather, are better than one! See you next time!