V A is a long standing and recognised digital creative; her voice resonates with many. In the last ten years, the site has developed into an online destination for fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice. Her sense of style, editorial flair and practical counsel offers an inspired and graceful approach to living.

V A is a long standing and recognised digital creative; her voice resonates with many. In the last ten years, the site has developed into an online destination for fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice. Her sense of style, editorial flair and practical counsel offers an inspired and graceful approach to living.

Edit by: Vicki
Sep 16, 2014

Leather… The Edit…The Why And The How

Question? Can we wear leather?

At what age does wearing leather become a fond memory?


I believe that if leather is worn sympathetically it is another ageless fashon win/win.

There are limits and leather, like any other contemporary piece, has them.

These limits apply to women of all ages.


For example, I am a great believer in one piece at a time.

Wearing top to toe leather is a tough one to manage and best left to the biker world.


Olivia Palermo, Leather, French Essence, vicki Archer, Google Images

This season there are touches of leather everywhere. Tops, pants and skirts are detailed with strips, patches and panels.

This is fantastic news for us.. we can “get the look” without being overwhelmed.

I do love it when fashion speaks my language.

Like the leopard, it seems that this season is as much about the leather.


How to wear leather when it’s not something you thought you would ever be wearing?

I truly believed that leather and I had parted company. We haven’t, we have re-united and I think we are working well together.


I started slowly… with those Dannie pants I mentioned… and now I have been brave enough to move on to the Pixies with the leather panels.

The trick is to wear them in a classic fashion… simply and without over embellishment.


Next I’m picking up the Collection panelled pencil skirt, wearing it with an over-sized sweater, opaque tights and flat shoes.

Heels or booties for the evening.

Plus either the Dannie or the Pixie pants ( i’m greedy and going for both )

and that is my winter “office” wardrobe finalised.

Add the tuxedo jacket and a soft blouse and I’m ready to be taken out somewhere fab.


I have put together my favourites for you in the leather edit below.

Be brave, xv.


The Leather Edit

Olivia Palermo, Leather, French Essence, vicki Archer, Google Images


j.crew pencil skirt with panel  //  **halogen pleated skirt on sale  //  classiques entier panelled skirt  // dvf midi skirt


**halogen mixed tee  //  **halogen shell  on sale  //  autumn cashmere sweater  // ** j.crew pixie pants on sale


p.s i forgot to mention…

if you are on the go and prefer reading french essence on your mobile device… i have a new phone friendly design

have a look at vickiarcher.com… i think it’s pretty and most importantly… easy to navigate… xv


Edit by: Vicki
In This Post: Fashion , Shopping Stories