Luxe Leather

Another controversial textile, which is prominent in many designer collections this fall, is leather. While leather has always been a popular material for fall jackets, it seems that this year it is playing a more prevalent role in other areas of fashion. No longer left to bikers and rocker chicks, leather gets sophisticated this season in the form of skirts, dresses and tailored trousers. 

If your going to invest in one leather garment this season, make it a leather dress. Leather dresses are not only chic and sophisticated, but easy to wear and require very little accessorizing. Mini and straight line black leather dresses are the two most popular styles this season.

Reem Acra Fall 2012 Collection

Kim Kardashian dons a skin tight leather black dress for 

an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Jennifer Lopez steps out to see Evita, the musical,

 with boyfriend Casper Smart in a tight-fitting, high necked black leather dress. 

Jessica Alba stuns in a leather Versace dress at Paris Fashion Week.

Jennifer Aniston poses with Russell Brand at the 2012 MTV Movie Awards

 in a tight black leather minidress by Valentino.

Kate Moss attends the Miu Miu Show at 

Paris Fashion Week in a sleek black leather dress.

The leather skirts we saw in spring and summer are sticking around for the fall season but in a different color scheme. Black seems to be the most dominant color this season, in contrast to spring's orange, red and blue hues. Black leather skirts are available in a variety of shapes from pencil skirts to assymetrical ones with hemlines of various lengths. Leather skirts adorned with embroidery or embellished with jewels and crystals are also prevalent this season.

At Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Heidi Klum paired her black leather pencil skirt with a ladylike black silk top. Silk, Lace, and other luxe fabrics, when paired with leather, provide not only textural contrast but also give an outfit a soft feminine touch. Pairing leather with softer fabrics is a great way to balance the edginess that leather looks often exude.

Audrina Patridge attends the Total Recall Premiere in a 

black leather mini paired with a simple black lace top.

As Kristin Cavallari demonstrates, leather skirts look best 

when paired with neutral heels and accessories. 

Jennifer Lopez looks stunning in this all black leather look!

As Felicity Jones proves, semi-sheer black tights look great with a leather skirt and will keep you warm and stylish during the cold winter months. 

Slick leather slacks are also a must have this fall and are available in a variety of styles and silhouettes. From slim and skinny to baggy and oversized, leather pants are a prominent part of many designer collections this season.

Jennifer Anniston appears on the Jay Leno Show in slim fit leather pants.

Charlize Theron and Kim Kardashian opt for tight leather pants, while Rihanna sports a more loose fitting trouser.

Beyonce spotted shopping in slim fit leather pants and tailored red blazer.

Leather lover Victoria Beckham looks flawless in this all black leather look.

Kim Kardashian and boyfriend Kanye West wear matching leather pants while strolling around NYC!

Fur Get Me Not

Fall Fashion wouldn't be complete without the always controversial Fur trend. The purpose of this post is not to comment on the fur debate but rather to report on a timeless trend, which continues to rule the runways, despite the efforts of PETA and other groups. Although much of the fur flaunted at Fashion Week this year was genuine, it does appear that many designers have made the switch to faux fur collections. 

Outerwear continues to reign supreme as the most popular way to incorporate fur into your wardrobe. This season's fur clothing is all about statement fur coats, whether the coat is made completely of fur or simply accented with it. Popular fur embellishments include fur collars and cuffs, as well as fur edging on hems. A more recent trend in accenting, seen in many designer collections this year, is jackets with fur sleeves. Fur sleeves add an unexpected burst of volume and allow you to bring the drama without losing your figure in an overwhelming ball of fluff. You can also rock the inverse of this style, the sleeveless fur vest. Since it's not cold enough yet for the full fur coat, the sleeveless statement vest is the perfect piece for staying warm and cozy during the fall season.

Natural furs appear to be the most prominent this season, in shades of gray, brown, white and black. However, many designers have also incorporated colored furs into their collections, in a variety of bold hues. Personally, I really love dyed furs in jewel tones. A jewel toned fur coat is the perfect combination of two of this fall's hottest trends and is definitely a show stopper.

If you don't have room in your budget for a new fur coat or vest, consider coupling winter pieces you already own with fabulous furry accessories. Any ensemble can experience a luxury upgrade when paired with a fur collar, scarf, hat or gloves. Three fur accessories that I will personally be adding to my winter wardrobe are fur shoes, stoles and handbags. 

Fur is also making its mark on menswear. While no where near as popular, fur managed to find its way on to many menswear fall runways. Although the full fur coat made a few appearances, for the most part, fur was incorporated primarily in outerwear trimming with accents such as fur lined hoods and collars. Kanye West is one celebrity who is notorious for sporting full fur frocks. Kanye, a fashion risk taker, often pairs his fur pieces with black and leather. Leather and fur go hand in hand so this style combination is one that works well for both men and women.

Kanye West sports fur almost as well as his socialite, reality television star girlfriend, Kim Kardashian. Kim Kardashian, one of my personal favorite fashion icons,  is notorious for rocking fluffy fur ensembles that often make her the target of public scrutiny. Despite public opinion, this fur-natic continues to turn heads in luxe fur looks during the fall and winter months. Let's take a look at some of Ms. Kardashian's most un-fur-gettable moments!