Leopard + Leather

 I'm not the biggest fan of leather (faux or real) clothing. I'm not really sure why, but it's not my thing.

But, some way, some how, JCrew has a way of taking an element, like leather, that I'm not a huge fan of and incorporating it into something that's got my name written all over it. Suddenly, I become willing to try something outside of my normal wheelhouse. This dress is the perfect example. 

When I saw it on JCrew's website, I was drawn in by the long sleeves and zipper details. I love zippers. Then I realized the leather patches on the backs of the sleeves and I have to admit I was a little disappointed. I thought it ruined the dress. But, I couldn't pass on an otherwise amazing dress. It's very similar to this dress that I love (seen here) and wanted to grab in black but missed out. I will say the placement of the zippers is lower than I typically like - I prefer an empire or natural waist. But, I appreciate how pairing the dress with a scarf doesn't hide the detailing which usually happens to me. I'm wearing a tall and I really love the length, though it is shorter than a lot of their tall dresses run (suiting dress in particular). Also, the sleeves are more like a bracelet length which I love. I think after all these years of wearing shirts with sleeves that are too short, I don't like wearing true long sleeves. I find they bunch too much when I'm wearing bracelets or a watch (...which is every day).

Dress: here | Scarf: here | Tights (I don't recommend them, they're from Loft this year and haven't held up to a month's worth of wear; I recommend Hue here) | Boots: old, similar here

| Watch: here