I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect leather jacket. I had to return the one from urban outfitters because the sleeves were too short, which made me look boxy. What I realized is that the perfect leather motorcycle is all about the softness of the leather and the shape of the jacket.

You don’t want to look like this:

If you do, this article isn’t for you. If you don’t want to look like that, it’s because you know that you want to look sleek instead of bulky. We’re aiming more for Dark Angel, not one of Hell’s Angels.

Here’s how to avoid it:

1. Avoid anything that resembles a butterfly collar that sits on the chest. If the size 0 model looks bulked up, imagine what the average woman will look like!

no. no. no:

We want more vertical lines for a streamlined, sleek look, and less horizontal lines. Any kind of collar whose tips point horizontally goes against the goal.

Say no to a Peter Pan collar! Please!

Yikes:

2. Opt for a collar like this instead:

Or even better, no collar at all but something that goes up towards the collar like a psuedo turtleneck:

Just make sure you don’t get something that doesn’t have anything in the collar region at all like this:

Or this! (it looks so odd)

This jacket scoops way too low at the chest!

3. Make sure flaps and pockets are below the waist so it’s flattering to the figure. Unlike this: (notice how the big pockets are right at her waist? Even this tiny model looks rounder in the midsection!)
4. Choose leather that is soft and pliable, not hard and stiff. Feel the leather. Make sure it’s soft to touch. (and not smelly if it’s used!)

5. Look for a jacket that doesn’t look like a box. How do you avoid looking like a box? Well, for one, the arm length shouldn’t be the same as the jacket length!

Don’t do this:

It creates the look of a box when your hands are down! Always make sure the arm length is longer than the jacket length.

Also to create some waist definition, the back should have curved seams that accentuate the waist like this:

or this:

6. I like when the top of the jacket has a straight line along the top…

or pockets that do the same thing. Like these:

It has something to do with symmetry and making the waist appear smaller.

7. No Buttons!

Yuck:

8. Don’t choose hip length jackets. The look is achieved with a somewhat cropped leather jacket.

9. Personally, I favor jackets that have vertical pockets at the waist to keep my hands warm, like this SWORD jacket (which if you have the money, look the best and seem like the most lightweight and softest of leather jackets!)

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Here are some great examples:

Doma Leather Bomber Jacket

SWORD Volterra Leather Jacket in Chocolate

Like this girl who makes it look effortless to pull off a fedora, raybans, and a loose top over shorts. She looks like she’s on a never ending vacation. love it! 

Or this girl, who must be from Seattle. Everyone here knows how to layer! I’m learning the art, trying to look like a native. hee hee.

And yes, I am one of those celebrity stalkers. Why do they fascinate me so much? Their effortless style might have something to do with it. They always know how to wear a hat!
My brother says I should just stop picking up those US magazines. They don’t care about you, why should you care about them? I know. Wisdom out of the mouth of babes. But do I listen?…..

Not when there are shows like Gossip Girl, one of my shameful indulgences. I could seriously just watch it on mute… cuz of what they wear!

Now back to effortless genetic cool. If there’s anything I’ve learned about french styling, it’s that a striped long sleeve tee can look super hot. withe right added accessories. In this case, bright pink nail polish, leather ankle boots, a motorcycle jacket, a big bag, ray bans and worn denim. AMEN to that.

You know what else I can’t get enough of these days? Military wear. Something about taking man clothes and tailoring them to a women’s body. It’s just so sexy. Again paired simply with ankle boots and jeans.

And lastly one more holiday appropriate dress that to me says lookee here! Yes I’m in a mini…but… It has sleeves! (forget that they are hose inspired sleeves) This is a lovely, simple cocktail dress perfect for the holiday festivities. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Personally, I think ankle boots look best with pleather or leather tights or regular black tights and a blousy shirt.

Here are some favorite looks to wear with ankle boots:

1. Off the shoulder black shirt

2. rocker shirt (large graphic t-shirt)

3. White wife beater topped with black hip length fitted blazer

4. A flannel shirt

5. Dress and bright tights

Basically, anything that adds bulk to the chest area or creates the illusion of cleavage/fullness will have the effect of enhancing a small bust.  All of these in the gallery are found at Forever 21.

• Ruching
• Ruffles
• Tops with built in sports bra
• Pockets on chest
• Fabric that gathers at chest
• Cinched top at the center of the chest

I have a new girl crush: Miley Cyrus.

Why? cuz this kid knows how to dress!

Some great Miley fashion moments:

1. Graphic rocker t + vest + skinny black pants + low slung belts + ankle boots

2. Bright hat + longish white graphic t + low slung belt + shiny leggings + vest + boots

3. “run-down” black tights + suede fringed boot + mini skirt + graphic t + bangles

 4. Shiny black leggings with buttons + ankle boots + white graphic t + black jacket

5. Newsboy hat + black and white striped tank + red belt + black leggings + slouchy knee high boots

6. Aviators + black tank + long gold chain + loose boyfriend jeans + converse + black oversized bag (+ arm candy!)

7. Gladiator sandals + black leggings + long cardigan

8. My Favorite! Short floral shirt dress + big glasses + brown belt

With a big hat, a motorcycle jacket and the sexiest sandals. like this girl!

With navy blue stripes, white sandals, and an oversized bright red purse. perfection.

The Fedora and the knit Beret matched with black and neutrals. yes. please.

I so would wear this to a Sunday brunch in spring.

They are oh. so. lovely.

Such a cute little video:

Thanks Joanna!