play

{EXCELLED Suede Moto Jacket, MADEWELL Dress, SAM EDELMAN Ankle Boots, AMERICAN APPAREL Leather Clutch, PRADA Singlasses }

Moto jackets have been having a moment for the past year, and I’ve embraced them wholeheartedly (as seen here and here). When going through my fall wardrobe, I decided it was high time for me to invest in a black suede version this season. Frugal by nature, I didn’t really want to spend more than $200 – and so my search began. I finally settled on this one, and I can’t wait to toss it on over everything from jeans and a simple tee to pretty little chiffon dresses.

About the  Fit:
In general, I prefer a sleek fitted look in moto jackets, but I specifically wanted the ability to layer this one with thicker sweaters as the temps get cooler. I ordered this jacket in large and extra-large and wound up keeping the smaller size as it provides ample room for layers without being too bulky. The leather isn’t the softest, but I’m happy with the quality given the under $200 price tag. I also tried a similar version from BlankNYC, which was a lot softer (but ran a size smaller). It was a tough choice but I went with this one because I preferred the gold hardware. I may get the sleeves tapered a bit and will do a before & after update if I do.

Suede Moto Jackets Under $200

(CLICK EACH IMAGE TO SHOP)

{ANTHROPOLOGIE Dress (ON SALE!), Vintage Hat via ETSY, CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL Tote, PRADA Sunglasses, MANOLO BLAHNIK Heels}

Dressing for this time of year is always tricky…

My heart longs for cableknit sweaters and over-the-knee boots, but these darned 80+ degree temps just won’t let me be great dang-nabbit! On the bright side, I have a good time chuckling at my fellow New Yorkers hell-bent on dressing for fall, weather-be-damned determined to be fashion-forward. Yeah, I’m looking at you sweaty lady on the train melting under a leather moto jacket. And you too, sir, sweltering in a sidewalk cafe with your thick shawl-neck cardigan.

Although I have officially put away the seersucker and my collection of white eyelet sundresses, I still can’t bring myself to make the full wardrobe switch just yet. To get by, I’ve been relying on pieces in lightweight fabrics but darker colorways that are more fitting for the season. This dress is the perfect example of that, and I knew that when I picked it up recently that it would be the perfect piece to wear now with sandals and bare shoulders and pair later with ankle boots and a moto jacket.

About the Fit:
I went with my usual size in this one, and the stretchy material makes it very forgiving. I have a freakishly short torso, so I had my tailor take the shoulders up for about $10 which made a world of difference.  I was on the fence about the asymmetrical hemline at first, but it actually turned out to be quite flattering. 

Below are a few more transitional dresses that’ll work just as well now as they will later in the season with addition of a few layers. And the best part…? They’re all on sale!

Fall Transitional Dresses

(CLICK EACH IMAGE TO SHOP)