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

Cupcakes and Cords

Upon my rescue return from college on Wednesday, I was treated to a shopping trip at Palo Alto, and a box of Sprinkles Cupcakes the next day. 

This is how I know my parents love me.

(Kidding, of course.)

The Matchstick is a perennial favorite cut of jeans and cords, although the sizing seems like it can be a little iffy. In any case, these navy cords will be a perfect addition to my fall/winter arsenal. 

Lemon for Mommy, Triple Cinnamon with Cinnamon Cream Cheese for me, Lemon for Naomi, Peppermint Chocolate for Daddy (who promptly began to pluck off the peppermint. Humbug. I ate half of his and he ate half of mine because apparently it is a well-known fact he does not like peppermint candy, but no one says no to cream cheese frosting.)

As far as cupcakes go, Sprinkles are delicious but I don't think I would say they're the best. I enjoy a denser cake base, so I think I would say Baked and Wired in D.C. is slightly superior. They also have much larger cupcakes for a much cheaper price, a wonderful and delicious bargain to which I say, being Asian, I cannot help but be partial to.

Of course, I can't reasonably get Baked and Wired as often considering we're on the West Coast, so Sprinkles will have to do. I'll take what I can get. ;)

Anyway, expect more posts soon as we embark on the daunting and wondrous journey we call Christmas Break!