Brown Leather with Burgundy Stripes

leather skirt over 40

It’s not always easy taking photos for the blog

It’s late autumn here in the north. The days are getting shorter: when I leave for work in the morning it’s still dark, and in a month or so it will be dark by the time I get back home, too. And even during  the precious daylight hours sunshine is becoming a rare phenomenon.

This makes it a bit challenging to shoot photos for the blog. And when you remember that my photographer, a.k.a. husband, is only available at weekends, it’s pretty much up to chance what we can and cannot shoot. No use planning an outfit days in advance; you never know what the whether will be like. On the other hand, if the sun is shining and it’s not freakishly cold, we’d better get outside while it lasts…

So, this is how these photos came about. Shot just before sunset (which would be around 6 pm this time of the year), very quickly, trying to find a location that was in the shadow but not too dark to capture the golden glow of the setting sun. Oh, and the photographer had a plane to catch, too…

leather pencil skirt

And the outfit…

For starters, this wasn’t what I had planned to shoot. But for once the weather was quite warm, and it wasn’t raining. So, I changed my plans, improvised, and this is the result. And I actually like it.

Not least because I’m wearing shoes instead of boots. I know, I know… It’s autumn, and a lot of you are eager to wear boots. But I’m not. I have about 5-6 months of wearing nothing but boots ahead of me, and I’m not putting them on until it’s absolutely necessary. So, shoes (with thick soles) it is.

And the brown leather skirt is one of those pieces that I really like but that seldom gets an outing. Mainly because it’s too hot to wear on days when I don’t need boots, and I don’t have boots to go with it. Hmm, I see a shopping trip in my future… Have I ever told you I hate shopping? And by shopping I mean desperately looking for something, such as a pair of brown leather boots…

OK, the next item: The striped top. Yes, I sometimes succumb to fast fashion… This is a top I bought on sale, on a whim, last spring. And I’ve worn it a lot. To my surprise, I like the colours. White and burgundy, two colours that are definitely not on top of my list of favourites.

Of course, I have a few pieces in burgundy (a cardigan and a silk scarf come to mind), but in general I tend to avoid anything ‘brownish’. And burgundy is sort of brownish red…

Now, I know what colours suit me; and when it comes to red, I tend to go for more blue-toned reds, such as hot pink and fuchsia. Or just pure tomato red. But anything brownish… not so much.

Apparently there is an exception to every rule. Maybe I should give burgundy a chance. And rethink my attitude to brown, too, while I’m at it.

pattern mixing over 50

How do you determine your best colours, anyway?

Well, I don’t buy that colour analysis thing. You know, where they determine whether you should be wearing cold colours (because you’re ‘winter’ or ‘summer’) or warm colours (because you’re ‘spring’ or ‘autumn’).

I’ve never been able to figure that out: you’re supposed to suit cold colours if your skin has pink undertones, and warm colours if your skin has yellow undertones. And the way to determine that is supposedly to see what colour the veins in your wrist are (blue for cold and green for warm). Well, how about this: my skin definitely has pink undertones (and by any definition, I’m beyond pale), but the veins in my wrist are definitely more green than blue… Who has time for this crap?

I wear both ‘warm’ and ‘cold’ colours, sometimes in the same outfit. And I’ve never encountered a red tone I couldn’t pull off. And I need a lot of make-up and colourful accessories to wear black and white. Some colours just look better on me than others. There’s no secret to it, no complicated system or science. Just hold a colour next to your face. It either looks good or it doesn’t.

smart casual over 50

Outfit details (all old):

top: Vila / leather skirt: Jigsaw / bag: Kate Spade / shoes: Clarks / coat: Hobbs /
sunglasses: Dolce and Gabbana / scarf: Carolina Herrera / earrings: Viktoria Boldt

What colours do you wear in autumn?

Tiina

PS: Have you seen the latest Dilettante Artist Post?

Linking up with:

Not Dead Yet StyleElegantly Dressed and StylishGaray TreasuresHigh Latitude StyleThe Pleated PoppyStyle ElixirA Labour of LifeDoused in PinkCurly Crafty MomFashion Should Be FunRachel the HatSincerely Jenna MarieMore Pieces of MeColor and GraceThe Wardrobe StylistNot Dressed As LambStyle NudgeCoco et La Vie en Rose,  Living on Cloud NineA Well Styled LifeElegance and MommyhoodPosh Classy MomNancy’s Fashion StyleShelbee on the Edge Over 50 Feeling 40 A Pocketful of Polka Dots Style SplashThe Fashionista MommaTina’s Pink FridayFake FabulousLazy daisy JonesVanity and MeSheela WritesJodie’s Touch of StyleGlass of Glam

32 Comments

  1. Nancy's Fashion Style
    20 October 2017 / 6:32 am

    I love leather pencilskirts! Don t you just hate it that the days are so short now! I don t like it at all! About colors, well we can figure out ourselves what we like and dont like.

    • Tiina L
      22 October 2017 / 6:08 pm

      Oh, yes, short skirts! Don't get me started… Why do they always have to end at the thickest part of my body?!?

  2. No Fear of Fashion
    20 October 2017 / 7:37 am

    I have the same colour experience as you have. And this outfit looks really good on you. Online shopping for boots?? I giggled when I read you don’t like shopping. I love it as you well know.Taking pictures in the winter season is a right challenge in my country too but your challenge is bigger. I would never get my husband to take pictures when he has to catch a plane.Greetje

    • Tiina L
      22 October 2017 / 6:18 pm

      Online shopping? Hmm… I actually want to try boots and shoes on before I commit. Sometimes several times. As in, try them on, go for coffee or even home, maybe come back the following day and try them on once more. I walk around the store (wearing the shoes / boots I'm thinking of buying) so many times that try sales people start thinking I'm some sort of a weirdo. And what if I order online, and the boots don't fit? I know, I know, I can always return them. But it's such a hassle to return…Oh, we often take pictures in a hurry. Actually, all the best pictures were taken this way. And some were literally taken while walking to the train station to catch the train to the airport…

  3. señora Allnut
    20 October 2017 / 8:22 am

    your leather skirt deserves to be enjoyed more frequently, it fits you nicely and looks fabulous!. And you created a fab color combo, with some stunning accessories!, lovely scarf and bag indeed!Not a huge fan of brown myself, nor brownish colors, nor burgundy, so retailers have few to attract me this season!. besos

    • Tiina L
      22 October 2017 / 6:22 pm

      Thanks! Yes, I think I need to wear this skirt more, maybe it's my styling challenge for the winter…what's wrong with retailers this year? All we see in shops is brown and (very brownish) burgundy. And black, of course. Or all those muddy colours. I really struggle to find anything I like.

    • Tiina L
      22 October 2017 / 6:22 pm

      Thank you, Edwige.

  4. Julie Kay
    21 October 2017 / 7:32 am

    What a pretty look! I love the top with the leather skirt! I so understand the photo shoot problem. I try to get my husband to shoot my pics when he can, but time is always short! Happy weekend!

    • Tiina L
      22 October 2017 / 6:25 pm

      Thanks, Julie! Yes, sometimes is quite challenging to find time to shoot photos (because of the daylight hours, or because my husband is in another country). But, that also reflects real life that bloggers have to deal with: nothing is ever perfect, and there is only so much time you can spare…

  5. Shelbee On The Edge
    22 October 2017 / 8:22 pm

    I'm with you on the color analysis stuff, Tiina! Hold it up to your face, if it looks good, wear it. If it makes you look dead, ditch it. On that note, however, I think you should give browns and burgundies a second go. Because this color combination here looks stunning on you! It is different from your normal pinks and blues, but it really is quite flattering. And I am adoring that brown leather skirt paired with a striped tee. Such a great pairing. Thanks so much for linking up with me On the Edge.Shelbeewww.shelbeeontheedge.com

    • Tiina L
      23 October 2017 / 2:56 pm

      Thanks! Yes, maybe I should be a bit more open-minded when it comes to 'brown' tones. I certainly feel like wearing some more autumnal colours lately, or darker colours in general, so it's definitely something worth exploring.

  6. Patti
    22 October 2017 / 11:04 pm

    Love this mix of warm and cool, Tiina, and the lovely golden glow around you. Thanks for linking up and have a great week ahead, xo-Pattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Tiina L
      23 October 2017 / 2:57 pm

      Thanks, Patti. I was quite surprised at how much I liked this colour combo, too.

  7. Andy leathered
    23 October 2017 / 1:13 pm

    Great Fall look and nice to see a change from the always black leather skirts we see to a brown one. Now go get those matching boots 😉

    • Tiina L
      23 October 2017 / 2:58 pm

      Oh yes, I will keep looking…

  8. Emma Peach
    23 October 2017 / 7:28 pm

    I love this outfit and the photos are fantastic! The sun shining on the leaves looks amazing in the background. I don't bother with all that colour analysis either, I just wear whatever colours I feel like-minded which is determined mostly by my mood.Emma xxx https://www.style-splash.com

    • Tiina L
      26 October 2017 / 3:32 pm

      Thanks, Emma. It was a lovely, sunny day (those are getting a bit rare this time of the year), and the light was amazing just before sunset. Must make use of that while it lasts, that's what I thought…

  9. Anna of Mutton Style and Years
    23 October 2017 / 8:14 pm

    I know what you mean by photography challenge at this time of year. I'm taking my photos now in artificial light for IG. It's sad. However you have a gorgeous backdrop there and it sooo sets off the outfit. I'm living in olive greys and navy at the moment yet I'm a warm colouring.

    • Tiina L
      26 October 2017 / 3:34 pm

      Oh yes, winter light… Or should I say lack of light, rather. It can be challenging. You have to rush to catch the one sunny moment of the day, and hope for the best. 😉

  10. Elegance and Mommyhood
    25 October 2017 / 5:38 pm

    You own the best striped basic tees. Love this look, it is very you Tiina. That leather pencil skirt and your leopard bag are so gorgeous. It looks so chilly there, what are the temps?!Welcome by on Thursday and join my style linkup. Love your style, come share it with me and my readers every Thursday. Thanks. =)

    • Tiina L
      26 October 2017 / 3:36 pm

      Thanks, Ada. I don't dare count how many stripy tops I have… Too many, probably. Then again, can you ever have too many stripy tops, really?This was actually quite a warm autumn day (around ten degrees celsius), and I wasn't cold posing without my coat on. It has got significantly colder since then…

  11. Sheree Ho
    25 October 2017 / 6:55 pm

    You look absolutely stunning in this outfit! I love how you paired a classic striped top with the brown leather skirt. It is such a perfect outfit for fall, and you accessorized it perfectly. I could totally see myself wearing this. ~xo ShereePoshClassyMom.com

    • Tiina L
      26 October 2017 / 3:37 pm

      Thanks, Sheree! I was surprised how much I liked this outfit, too, even though the colours are a bit unusual for me.

  12. Jennie L.
    26 October 2017 / 3:12 am

    Oh, I Love your leather skirt! You need to wear it more often, so I hope you find some brown leather boots. 🙂 The stripes and floral scarf are a lovely combination with the leather. Thanks for linking up with Fabulous Friday!Jennie – A Pocketful of Polka Dots

    • Tiina L
      26 October 2017 / 3:38 pm

      Thanks, Jennie. Yes, I think I should try and wear the skirt more often, it spends way too much time in the closet.

  13. Nicole Mölders
    27 October 2017 / 3:31 am

    Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. You look stunning in this leather skirt! Great styling!

    • Tiina L
      27 October 2017 / 7:40 pm

      Thanks, Nicole!

  14. Jessica Jannenga
    28 October 2017 / 8:08 pm

    I love color and mainly go with colors that enhance my skin tone and hair. i love jewel tones too. anyhow, no i don't go by the color analysis thing either. Love the brown skirt on you and the burgundy stripes look great with it. Love all the colors with your blue coat, scarf and skirt paired. thanks for linking!jess xxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Tiina L
      29 October 2017 / 7:30 pm

      Oh, jewel tones, I love them! I often have 'colour crushes', I fall hard for a colour I've never worn. But I try to restrain myself and get something small and inexpensive first. You know, because of that inevitable 'what on earth was I thinking' moment a few months later…

  15. vanity andme
    31 October 2017 / 7:37 am

    I think we know when we look in the mirror what colours suit and what one's that don't Tina. I have a problem with wearing Black and I love it! Can I just say that the skirt needs to be worn more often? It looks fabulous on xxwww.vanityandmestyle.com

    • Tiina L
      1 November 2017 / 6:34 pm

      Thanks. Black is a very tricky colour to wear, I think. It certainly does me no favours, so I tend to avoid it.

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