I spent the weekend at my first Renaissance Faire, but before going to party with the ladies and lords, I had rehearsal for a play I’m in this spring. So I went to rehearsal wearing my corset and flouncy pirate shirt complete with buckled boots and a ring on every finger. My fellow actors were surprised to hear that I actually already owned every part of my “costume.” I mean all it takes to be a pirate is some leather and lace, right?
I think the term “leather and lace” has two different connotations. I usually think of my studded leather motorcycle jacket and boots, paired with a lace bustier and red lipstick for when I’m feeling wild—Rocky Horror style. But this Fashionista had a different take on a classic trend. Tapping into the southern roots of the University of Florida, she paired her leather cowboy boots with a lacy bell-sleeved dress. The contrast of her cream colored dress made her stand out against the gloomy Floridian skies and her square-toed boots could handle any puddle that was sure to break out of the sky. She brought the look together by layering long necklaces with dashes of blue that matched the embroidery on her boots. With a flash of her berry colored lips and a wave of her berry tipped fingers I could tell she had it together. Something I’m still working on as I realize its already February and I am in no way prepared for midterms, never mind the fact that I have to get up early tomorrow.
How To: Pairing leather and lace is all about matching an edge with some softness. Any lace dress, whether it is casual or more formal, can have a fun twist added to it with a pair of cowboy boots. Besides, wouldn’t you rather dance in boots anyways?
