Cheryl Shops

 It is finally looking like leather jacket season in San Francisco (not to be confused with the rest of the year except for September and October, which is also leather jacket season), so in honor of my favorite time of year, I thought I'd bring you another Cheryl's Greatest Hits featuring seven ways to wear one of my favorite wardrobe workhorses, the leather moto jacket. As longtime Cheryl Shops readers know, I bought this Banana Republic moto jacket several years ago when I worked at Gap headquarters, and while I can't always advocate for Banana's clothes, this jacket is one of the best items they make, which explains why they keep bringing it back season after season. They have miraculously not raised the price since I bought mine—it's still $499, although you can usually get it on sale (never pay full price for anything at Banana!)—the leather is buttery soft, and the thing fits like a glove. A good leather jacket is totally worth the investment and you'll have it for years, so without further ado, here are seven ways to wear it. 

When people think of California in the summer, I’ll bet they think beaches, sunshine, and sweltering temperatures. That may be true for much of the state, but it’s generally not the case in San Francisco. We do have beaches and the sun usually appears for at least an hour or two, but in the month of August, the temperatures are anything but sweltering. Welcome to Fogust, when the inland heat hits the cool ocean air and blankets the city in a thick fog. It's also when you see tourists traipsing through the city in shorts, sandals, and San Francisco sweatshirts. The good news is that you don’t have to totally forgo summer clothes in August, but you do need to get creative with your layers. Here’s my go-to outfit for summer in San Francisco.

Cheryl Shops Fall Shopping Guide: Motorcycle Jackets
Yesterday, I mentioned my theory that, really, there are just a handful of super-influential designers; I mentioned Miuccia Prada yesterday, and today, I'm focusing on Balenciaga's Nicolas Ghesquiere. Fashion editors swoon over nearly everything he does, throwing around two of their favorite words: "modern" and "directional" and while I agree with that, I often find his runway clothes a bit unwearable. What actually hits stores, however, is another story. In fact, he created some totally gorgeous motorcycle jackets that didn't show up on the runway at all. Not that I'm complaining. Feast your eyes on the jacket of my dreams--and some variations on the theme--below.

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To me, a black leather motorcycle jacket is too obvious—either one of those parts has to leave the equation in order to save it from cliché. Enter this sexy, luxurious gray biker jacket from Balenciaga. It's the stuff dreams are made of. Hence the price tag. But, oh, beauty.


This Derek Lam Motorcycle Jacket is black, but it's wool, and, bracelet-length sleeves aside, it should keep you much warmer in the winter. The cut looks impressive, and the elongated A-line shape is a new idea.


Jenni Kayne is a favorite designer of the Olsen twins, and say what you will about them, those little gals have good taste. Her asymmetrical motorcycle jacket reminds me a lot of the Balenciaga, but with a slightly softer, more feminine look.


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Opening Ceremony, arguably one of NYC's hippest stores, now has its own line of clothing, and let me tell you, it's worthy of the hype. This moto jacket sweater is genius, because, yes, it's a sweater, but the pattern of the knit almost makes it look quilted--and thus a lot more expensive than its mere $210 price tag.


I will admit to getting a little overwhelmed in Free People stores, but I've found that their website is a much easier way to digest their collection. Case in point: this cropped wool motorcycle jacket--who would've counted something so chic amidst all their hippie-chick wares?


If all this gray and black is too boring for you, then the bright blue Monrow motorcycle jacket should do the trick. (For those of you you like neutrals, it comes in black too.) It's cotton twill, so you can wear it right now, and if you're into the ol' celebrity style, Rachel Bilson has been photographed wearing it.


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This ponte-knit motorcycle jacket from Newport News is kind of '80s, but ponte is a comfy, forgiving fabric, and I love that this style comes in kind of wacky, bright colors. It's more sleek than the average--you could probably wear this to work without a problem--and it kind of reminds me of something Samantha would wear on Sex and the City.


For a super-low-budget version of the Balenciaga, there's always this faux-leather Mossimo jacket from Target. The reviews are kind of mixed, but for $25, beggars can't be choosers.


My second-favorite jacket (besides the Balenciaga, of course) is actually this fleece motorcycle jacket from Delia*s. It's the biker version of a sweatshirt, it has a cute cropped fit, and, hey, it's a bargain. What's not to like?