Another late post! Forgive me, take pity on me even. This home renovation is really taking up some of my time! It’s coming together (slowly) A trip to Ikea today for returns and ordering took over four hours of my time. Arrrgh!
I did manage to get out and take some photos a couple of days ago though. I’ve been excited to share this new biker jacket with you, not just because I love it but because of where it’s from.
I’ve been searching for the perfect biker for well, nearly ever!
If you are new to my little blog you may not know about Mary’s Living and Giving. These are charity shops created by Mary Portas for Save The Children. Not your average charity shop but more on the high-end high street right up to the most popular of designer labels.
This is the third post that I’ve written for Mary’s Living And Giving. You can read the last one here. The charity shops started off in London but four years later they are spanning out all over the country due to popularity. Have you ever been to visit and shop?
It filled my heart with joy when an email dropped with an invite to go and choose something from the charity shop and tell my readers about it. I hopped on a bus and headed down the road to my nearest store in Chiswick.
Never in a million years did I have a black biker jacket in mind to choose. On arrival, I scoured the rails in between chatting with the staff and I found this buttery soft leather biker by Joseph.
A label that wouldn’t normally suit my purse strings
I can still remember all the items I chose to try on in the shop. A Celine Blazer in bright red. A Whistles raincoat. A pair of Rasberry suede ankle boots from Russel & Bromley And this Black biker by Joseph. All of these brands are high end and I would normally dream of shopping in these upmarket boutiques because they are not your everyday prices (unless you have money to burn!) There are cheaper well-known brands too though.
The leather of this biker is butter soft and the most impeccable quality. I don’t usually wear Black. It’s a love-hate relationship we have. I love it and yet it hates me!
This isn’t your darkest jet black though maybe that’s why? Once it was on my back I knew that this was my choice piece out of the items I was trying on. The Celine blazer came in at a close second but it was on the big side for me.
The ladies that volunteer their time for the charity chatted with me over thoughts about the items that I tried on. It’s so friendly the only thing missing was a cuppa.
What sets this biker apart from the others…
The main reason I fell in love with this biker is the waistline stop. For little short me it falls in the perfect place on my waistline perfect for trousers, jeans. A lot of the biker jackets that I have tried on before literally hit my hip line and that’s great for a casual jeans look but I wanted something finishing at my waistline for a good silhouette.
I have actually been searching for a perfect biker for a while. I found Mango to have one of the best quality leathers out of all of the high street and River Island very good for fit (shorter in the body) I’ve listed a few below.
I’ve still had to tuck the sleeves up on this biker though, just like I do everything else! I’m thinking about seeing if I can get them professionally altered. It will be worth it I think. A biker jacket isn’t ever going to go out of fashion I think.
Sustainable fashion. A word that’s hitting every bloggers post at the moment, and rightly so, is what this jacket is to me. Someone with more pocket money than me has purchased this biker and done the right thing, donated it to Mary’s Living And Giving. Another good reason to shop at one of these stores and find something to cherish.
Plus let’s not forget that this purchase is going to help children from all parts of the world. What Mary’s Living And Giving is all about
I’ve paired my biker with this floral skirt from Havren from last year and I’m wearing my new bargain red boots from the Zara sale (well worth a look at the moment)
Do take a look here to see if you have a Mary’s Living And Giving near you. As I said Mary is taking the country by storm with these charity shops and there could be a store opening near you at any time soon. This jacket in the store was £100.00 but if I bought it new it would have set me back at least £300.00! Way past my normal budget!
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Xo Laurie
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Thank you for some other excellent article. Where else could anybody get that kind of information in such an ideal manner of
writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and
I am at the look for such information.
Beautiful lady i want to give a hug for her and 5 star for dressing. Her style inspired me very well especially jacket and boots. i want to replace my Bomber Jackets with this one the lady has worn because i like and love this fabulous and black is also my love. Thanks and keep sharing more blogs like this.
Author
You would love it Gemma xx
Such a stunning floral midi skirt first of all Laurie. I love seeing you in some color. This skirt looks lovely with the edgier black leather jacket since the skirt is such a feminine piece. Great footwear, too. =)
This outfit would be perfect to link up with my new Monthly “Skirting the Rules” linkup the last Tuesday of each month (link below). Thanks and have a great week! Ada. =)
Author
Thanks Ada. Popping over xx
Love the style – you can’t beat a good leather jacket, can you? Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
Author
Thanks Stephanie xx
you rock the floral! super cute outfit!
Author
Thank you! xx
Great jacket and great cause! I am really loving that skirt, totally caught my eye. Love the print and the fit and it pairs so well with your jacket and boots!
xo,
Kellyann
Author
Thanks Kelly-Ann. Thanks for stopping by xx
Morning Laurie!
You know I shop secondhand, mostly on-line, but I know there are some nice consignment shops here I need to check out. This is one of my favorite outfits on you! I love the cropped moto, yea for finding “the one”! The red booties from Zara look fab with the floral in your skirt. Beautiful!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
Author
Thanks Jess. I think the biker jacket on a petite fram is paramount. I love how this skims my waistline xx
I like the idea of this charity shop. This one really has a soul. The jacket is amazing. I love how you style it. Those red shoes are killers! o)
Anna
Author
Thanks Anna. The whole look turned out to be a good bargain. The boots were an absolute steal! xx
I absolutely love a good biker jacket. Love the way you’ve styled this one out – heel boots and a midi skirt – perfectly elegant yet edgy look x #MixItUp
Author
Thank you! xx
I adore this whole look! A little girly and a little sassy- so good!
Author
Thank you. I like a girly feminine look every now and then xx
Love that jacket L ! It suits you too it would be up under my armpits if I tried it on, which I will do next time I’m round at yours ! X
Author
You are more than welcome too! xx
What a beautiful jacket Laurie. Love your red boots too. They are so me 🙂
Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays 🙂
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Thanks Claire xx
I love a good jacket, they are so versatile #anythinggoes@_karendennis
Author
I totally agree xx
It’s a thing of beauty!
I remember the tv series a few years ago when Mary Portas went in a sorted the charity shops out, they all display clothes by colour now don’t they? I don’t think we have one of these specialist ones near us but I will definitely check out the list, I love the idea of being able to afford something a bit special. In our local charity shops I get excited if I find Monsoon!
Author
Do keep an eye out Julie. These shops are starting to pop up everywhere in the UK. Thanks for stopping by xx
Fabulous! Looks so good with the entire outfit. Love it. My first visit from Caroline’s place. Enjoyed your blog!
Author
Thank you so much, Nannette. Glad you enjoyed and I hope you return xx
Fantastic outfit, Laurie, this biker jacket was made for you in mind, it is beautiful. I very much the way you wear it with very feminine skirt and killer boots. Great look
Author
Thanks Anna xx
Wow Laurie! What a find! It looks great on you. #pocolo
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Thanks Sophie xx
I’m a huge fan of the biker’s jackets now. They add that little bit of edge to almost any outfit!!
And what a wonderful place to shop!!
XOXO
Jodie
Author
Thanks Jodie. I’m wondering if Mary’s Living And Giving will come the other side of the pond! xx
The very feminine skirt with the edgy jacket is so chci. Great styling.
Author
Thanks Nicole. I’m glad to have found this biker jacket xx
I love biker jacket. They are perfect all year long. They are cute, they go with dresses and I love how you style yours
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Thanks so much Chez xx
Nice jacket! Thanks for partying with us at the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty 29
Author
Thank you! xx
What an attractive jacket. You can dress it up or down depending on the rest of the outfit. great tips on finding gently used clothes.
Author
Thank you Marisa. Thanks for stopping by xx
I’d wear this in a heartbeat Laurie, epically those fabulous shoes. Thanks for sharing on #chicandstylish today. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Author
Thanks, Jacqui. When you head into London next time be sure to check out one of the shops. You will love it xx
In the US, the Spring Trend Reports for 2019 have been hitting the news stands and internet. (Looks like we’re going to be revisiting the 1990’s, for the most part! LOL!) On the lists of what is ‘trending OUT’, were moto/motorcycle jackets. I don’t think they ever really went ‘out of style’ since actor Marlin Brando made them popular back in the 1950’s. Instead of a ‘trend’, I’d call these jackets, ‘classics’.
You’re jacket on this post looks great on you!
Author
I’m right with you Diana! Trend or not I always wear what takes my fancy anyway. xx
Laurie, that jacket is perfect for you and you styled it so beautifully. I love all my moto jackets, though most of mine are faux leather, but they pair so well with any outfit. Whether you are dressing up or dressing down a biker jacket can do the task. Your skirt is gorgeous and those shoes are simply amazing. Great look. If we had a Mary’s Living and Giving near me, I would definitely shop there. I have a little shop around the corner that is part of the American Cancer Society and is volunteer run. All proceeds go to cancer research except for manager’s pay and the overhead of renting the space. I have found some great pieces there. Have a great day! – Amy
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Yes we have those type of charity shops here to Amy. It’s a good way to shop I think xx
You are rocking this look Laurie! I would never have guessed you were dealing with a home renovations – you ooze glam and style. Fabulous jacket – glad you finally found the perfect one xx Maria
Author
Thanks Maria. It was good to get a little dressed up I can tell you! xx
That biker jacket is such a great find, and I love how you paired it with the floral skirt and those divine booties. I’ll have a look in Zara for those. Mary’s Living And Giving sounds like a great initiative. Must check them out next time I’m in the UK! xxx
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You must take a look when you’re here Ann. I’m sure you will love it xx
I tend to donate masses but always come out of charity shops with something I’ve found. Some real gems.
Author
I’ve just donated loads on the bedroom clear out Anna. I love looking for old glass in charity shops too. xx
I have to be honest and say I have never heard of this incentive from Mary. Its a fantastic idea. I am hugely into sustainable everything! I know there are a few designer “swap shop” type things in my area, perhaps I should go along. I have a few handbags that I am thinking about selling/ passing on to new homes. Thanks for telling us about this, it speaks to me loudly!
Author
You must take a look when you’re in London next Kerry xx
This jacket is gorgeous. I would love to visit an Mary’s Living And Giving shop when I find one.
Have a great week.
Gemma x