Review of [BLANKNYC]'s Leather Pants in Pussy Cat: Or, How I Became a Convert

Backstory: I was super excited to be selected for CollegeFashionista x Amazon's Back-to-School Denim Campaign! Not sure when it drops, but I was too psyched to wait. Here's a preview of one of my looks for the brand partnership:

We had the option to choose one pair of pants from Amazon's Must-Have Denim Shop. I chose the [BLANKNYC] Skinny Jean in Pussy Cat. 

Now, a bit more backstory (or the main story, it's all semantics): a few autumns ago, I had begun my search for the perfect skinny leather pants. My issue: leather pants, as one might expect, are expensive. Especially for someone who relies on the charity and goodwill of her parents and relatives.  They were not as enthused as I was about my search. 

However, I'd seen this pair mentioned over and over again as the best vegan leather alternative--five-star reviews abound on Shopbop, Bloomingdale's, Piperlime, the list is endless. I was, to be quite honest, a bit skeptical. How could fake leather live up to the real deal? (I'm sorry, animal rights activists, I really am, but my general opinion skews real leather>>>fake.) So, fast-forward a few years and here I am, faced with the same pair of pants I had been side-eyeing all those years ago.

Long story short, I took the plunge.

AND THEY'RE SO WORTH IT. 

Supple, realistically textured, as comfortable as I expected real leather skinny pants to be (I had semi-low expectations, so the relative comfort was a nice surprise)... While they're technically vegan leather leggings due to their lack of front pockets, they do have faux back pockets, which I appreciate. Pocketless pants usually do not flatter the butt (even, I must admit, joggers, which I love).

These welt pockets are cute, and I think the pants overall are super flattering, versatile, and warm. So, my picky self is satisfied. My search is off (that is, until I get a higher paycheck--I want a machine washable pair of leather skinnies next).

Sunglasses | Nordstrom BP. Sashimi Anorak (similar here) | GAP Polka-Dot Cardigan | GAP Striped Baseball Tee | Urban Outfitters BDG Chambray Button-down | [BLANKNYC] Skinny Jean in Pussy Cat | Fjallraven Kanken | Vintage Ferragamo Flats

Modcloth Madness

Something insidious implored me to do it; I had no idea why. My fingers of their own volition began to carefully type the address into the search bar.
Do you really want to do this? My rational mind implored urgently.
"Yes," I replied quietly. "I've got to. It's the only way... to get my fill of whimsical Peter Pan collars, feminine skirts, and cute dresses."
You might not be able to control yourself, my mind warned me. Remember last time--
"I'm stronger than I was back then." The site began to load, the colored beach ball accompanying my Mac's pointer spinning like some ominous cosmic pinwheel.
Just remember... I warned you. When all is said and done, when you're sobbing in a corner, regretting it all... Just remember...
But it was too late. The site had loaded, and with that one last warning still echoing heedlessly in my ears, I was once again hopelessly entangled in the adorable fashion frenzy that is Modcloth. Below, I will chronicle the daunting struggles of my thought process whilst informing you all of many awesome pieces and trying not to give in to their siren cries.

The Cambridge Satchel Upwardly Mobile Satchel in Mint-14" | $174.99

I love my black Cambridge Satchel, and I love the color mint. 

'Nuff said.

Poise Will Be Poise Dress-$117.99

Burgundy and velvet and a Peter Pan collar, oh my! I kind of need this for fall/winter. 

Loafer and Over Flat in Burgundy-$88.99

Bass Weejuns? Yes. In Burgundy? Double yes.

Counter Culture Sunglasses-originally $39.99, now $11.99

Can't forget a psychedelic pair of sunnies on those days when the sun's still shining (hello, California falls/winters). 

Midtown Meet-Up Top-originally $24.99, now $16.99

Leather and faux leather are always perennial favorites come fall and winter. Take the trend for a casual, fun spin with this crop top, which is a summer trend that for now seems to have some staying power.

Need I Sway More? Skirt-originally $79.99, now $55.99

I simply adore skirts with tulle, or lace, or tulle and lace; I just don't have many because I don't know when I would wear them. This one could be boho or more sophisticated/vintage-y, depending on the styling, and could even be a maxi skirt on a shorter gal. I mean, I'm just saying I could totally appreciate its versatility.

Innovative Idea Sweater-$39.99

I love the crocheted lace on this raglan sweater! It seems to combine the more tomboy silhouette of a baseball raglan with artsy, delicate femininity, creating a perfectly quirky sweater.

Story of a Twirl Skirt-$52.99

See above explanation on "skirts with tulle". 

Cranberry Craze Dress-$52.99

Ugh, Peter Pan collars. My current vice. And the rich cranberry color would layer nicely under warm cream sweaters for fall...

Siren cries, I say. Siren cries. Dare I resist them...? Only time may tell.