Fall Fashion: Leather & Lace

There are a few looks in my closet that I reserve solely for fall, and leather & lace is definitely one of my favorite. I adore the contrast between the two fabrics- one is so decidedly tough and functional, and the other is incredibly feminine and light.

I adore picking out what I call a “microtrend” from runways shows- something that is a small detail which is not necessarily the focus of the designer’s line, but created by another artist working at the show. It is usually a makeup, hair or accessory trend, and we often overlook all of the artistry created by hair & makeup that goes into a fashion show. I have noticed over the past few NYFWs that leather hair accessories have stolen the spotlight a few times, and they have appeared in both the wrap style and a leather cuff.

Carolina Herrera- Fall 2015; photo credit: Getty Images

Helmut Lang- S/S 2014; photo credit: UNITE Hair

Since I couldn’t find any hair wraps that I loved, I approached Katie of Belt & Wire to put a piece together for me. They use real leather recycled belts and copper embellishments on their pieces, making each item unique.

This is a perfect way to style second day hair (and yes, mine is second day in this photo, with a bit of dry shampoo). You can braid it, keep it loose or go sleek and add the cuff. I think the brown goes incredibly well with blonde hair, and it stayed in all day. At $12, this is the perfect piece to add to your rotation and take a chance on new style…and a lovely gift for your boho friend!

The dress that I am wearing is a Target clearance rack purchase ($5) from a few years ago, and I added a lace-trimmed camisole that I purchased for $1 from Goodwill. I added sweater-trimmed mid-calf leather boots with a high-heeled lug sole from Gap that I found on the clearance rack for around $10 at the end of the season last year. The bracelet was rescued from Savers Thrift for a few dollars. Earrings are from Francesca’s clearance bin for a few dollars (notice a trend here?). I am transitioning my makeup to fall- smokey brown eyes, deep berry lips and rosy cheeks! Of course, I adore Benefit’s Roller Lash mascara for the daytime- apply lightly, but focus on lengthening the lashes and apply extra to the tips while eyes are closed after doing a full application.

What are your favorite combos for fall? Would you rock the leather wrap hair trend? Check out Belt & Wire’s other accessories as well for a whole lotta handmade goodies- headbands, cuffs, rings, necklaces and more.