These hand made leather trousers had been hanging in a branch of Cancer Research for over a month, failed to sell and were packed off to the charity's clearance shop marked down to a £1. Needless to say I snapped up both pairs with grand plans to transform them into hot pants.
After I'd posted this photo a couple of commenters mentioned that they were the "in thing". After some research I came across these Balmain pants in pewter-coloured leather.
Currently retailing at a eye-popping £3,465.
Who the hell spends over three grand on a pair of trousers? It's beyond belief.
Of course, if you've got that kind of cash burning a hole in your pocket you're more than welcome to buy my original vintage version. I promise to put the money to good use (like give £2000 of it to charity and buy a couple of Round-the-World flights with the change).
Now I'm stumped, do I chop them off into hot pants or keep them as they are?
I thought the 1980s tapered leg would look awful on so I'm pleasantly surprised by how well they fit. They definitely lift the spirits on a miserable Tuesday (and drew no end of admiring comments from fellow supermarket shoppers this morning).
I thought the 1980s tapered leg would look awful on so I'm pleasantly surprised by how well they fit. They definitely lift the spirits on a miserable Tuesday (and drew no end of admiring comments from fellow supermarket shoppers this morning).
Leather pants needed some serious heavy metal accessories.
The Black Country is the birthplace of metal, both the industry and the music. Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Napalm Death are all local lads and we can even boast Rob Halford's parents as neighbours so it's only right I stay true to my rock roots.
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| Silver dragon ring from hot metal babe, Krista. |
The Black Country is the birthplace of metal, both the industry and the music. Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Napalm Death are all local lads and we can even boast Rob Halford's parents as neighbours so it's only right I stay true to my rock roots.
This is how Net-A-Porter styled their metallic leather trousers:
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Marc Donague shearling coat (£1,255), Versace black pin heels (£655), Lanvin gold tee shirt (£785), Alexander Wang Clutch bag (£400), Balmain metallic leather pants (£3,465) TOTAL: £6,650
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Here's my vintage version:
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| 1960s fake fur coat by Quelrayn (£2), Contemporary suedette platforms (£5), Hand-made pewter leather pants (£1), Led Zeppelin tee shirt (20p), Indian coin belt (Free) TOTAL: £8.20 |
That's a saving of £6551.80. Enough to keep me in gig tickets, rock biographies and CDs for many, many years.
I totally love your version Vix - I prefer it to the bland designer version! And those trousers are a bargain - I wish we had an oxfam near me!
ReplyDeletejules
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Loving the heavy metal!
ReplyDeleteThose trews were a bargin. And far better value than over three grand! They really suit you. Why not keep them as they are for now and get a snipping maybe next summer? I think they would be a winter wardrobe must have and sounds like you have enjoyed wearing them.
Just love your version. Long live Meeeetalll!!
MBB x
Definitely keep them as they are for the time being - they look stunning on you, and you can always make them into hot pants at a later date.
ReplyDeleteA great find and they really suit you. As the cold weather is on the way, I would keep them as they are. If you really love them, leave well alone, if not, get chopping in time for summer :)
ReplyDeletekeep a pair and chop a pair :-)
ReplyDeleteYou win hands down Vix! It is beyond belief that people pay those prices, I just don't get it, I don't ever think anything is worth that, well ok maybe a car!
ReplyDeleteI think you should keep them as they are and if you still want to crop them off do it in the summer. They fit you like a glove and yes they are very "in" xoxo
ReplyDeleteI agree with the call to chop a pair, keep a pair - Shorts are also very on trend at the mo, with woolly tights - I am sure you know, Vix!
ReplyDeleteI adore them on you and that look - Fast becoming vintage too, the Seventies'/Eighties rock chick look! And here I am still striving for it ;) Fhina xxx
Stunning, lovely. They look fab on and I'd keep them as they are.xxxxx
ReplyDeleteYou have my attention...pewter leather slacks, wonderful. Your version is much classier than the designer outfit which looks to much like a street walker to me. -T
ReplyDeleteoooooohhhh, you really know how to rock that metallic pants, they're stunning but you made them rocking fabulous adding your personal style and amazing accessories!
ReplyDeleteAnd that prices made me laugh!, I can't avoid reading them as an humorous anecdote!
besos
don't chop them! Tapered style pants look great on you!!!!I love tapered style pants, they suit women much better than flares especially with slouch boots or converse style sneakers
ReplyDeleteYou look likr an awesome rockera in your metal leathers. I say keep them as is for rock nights are you loco biker pub.thats crazy prices.
ReplyDeletebesotes.
I reckon keep them as trousers for the winter and the chop them up in the summer. Two for one that way :)
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I knew these were going to be pretty special when you first posted about them. You totally rock them Vix and I am loving the rock chic vibe. You as always look fabulous, your hair looks so long and raidant xxx
ReplyDeleteYou got two pairs, right? Why not chop one and keep the other?
ReplyDeleteI love them as they are - amazing! xx
ReplyDeleteYou're rocking it out. I think you kind of have your answer when you say endless admirers when you were at the supermarket. Keep them as they are, or at least as mentioned only alter one pair.
ReplyDeleteGD woman you look amazing in those! I like yours so much better than the expensive ones! You can save all that money for Goa fun :):)
ReplyDeleteKarlene
They look absolutely amazing! I would keep them as they are - until you tire of them and then chop one.x
ReplyDeleteYou are smoking head banging HOT in this outfit! I love these metallic leather pants on you holy crap, the leather Goddess has bestowed on you all kinds of hot leather goodies!!!!! Do not cut them yet.....enjoy them this winter but I gotta see an ass shot!!!!! I bet your bum looks brilliant!!!
ReplyDeleteI love all your heavy metal accessories too Vix you just made this metal mamas day! I want to come live with you in Walsall and get bloody drunk and walk through the birthplace of metal itself. SLAYER!!!!! Opps sorry I get a bit carried away!!!
You look amazing and I want to hug you!!!!
LOVEYOU(BANGINGMYHEADINWORSHIP)
~
Krista
I much prefer your outfit to the others! You look rockin' babe!
ReplyDeleteMaybe some gold or heavy metallic nail varnish? (Says she who is a leading Fashionista- NOT. LOL!)
What a find 'eh?
You could teach that Gok Wan a thing a two me thinks!
Sandie xx
You make rocker chic so GLAMOROUS! Beautiful outfit, Vix. xoxo
ReplyDeleteMuch better than netaporter (goes without saying really) whoever 'styled' skinny leather trousers over the top of boots? that would also get some comments down the supermarket
ReplyDeleteLove the bindi ! And you sure to rock the metallic pants !
ReplyDeleteVix... you rock! Look so hot in those leathers.... I'd say keep them as trousers as you're more likely to get opportunity to wear them year round than as hot pants. Very cool finds :-)
ReplyDeleteOver three grand for a pair of pants? Jesus! You grabbed a bargain there didn't you? I think they look awesome the way they are.. You're totally rocking those pants!! x
ReplyDeleteoh my dear, how I love those posts! your version looks even much better and more authentic, toO! A led zep shirt for 20p??? really awesome!
ReplyDeleteoh my dear, how I love those posts! your version looks even much better and more authentic, toO! A led zep shirt for 20p??? really awesome!
ReplyDeleteThere's always a vintage version that's invariably better and you look just fab - I'd take your version anytime and not because of the price! :-) Would keep them as they.
ReplyDeleteoh vix, posts like this are the reason why i love to read your blog so much!!! really beyond belief, that people are willing to pay that price. i mean hello!!? i would buy a car with that money or the worldroundtrip ;) needless to say your version is so much better! led zeppelin totally rock this pants ;)
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Vix - you look friggin' AMAZING! I love you so much for having the chutzpah to carry this look off AND to wear it to the supermaket. And so much dosh 'leftover' x
ReplyDeleteKeep those silver trousers as they are Vix, as they look brill on you. I'm totally loving your heavy metal look tonight, and I know you love your rock music too! xxx
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Wow, you saved over £3000 on the trousers alone, that has to be a record? I love them, they're fab but don't cut them. Xx
ReplyDeleteI'm just laughing at you rockin' up to the supermarket in such a brilliantly put-together outfit... and wondering if the person who donated the 2 pairs of trousers will ever stumble across this post? Think I'm going off now to edit my coat'n'jacket collection to try and pull something together other than my usual dragged-through-a-hedge-backwards look;) x
ReplyDeleteKeep them Vix, you look stunning. Use them for the winter are cut them for the summer.
ReplyDeleteX x
Nutters. That's who spends over three grand on trousers! Emma x
ReplyDeleteOh my god, I wish I found things like this. Keep them as they are, AMAZING
ReplyDeleteYou look far,far more fabulous than that net a porter version!! Fancy finding something that's so bloody fashionable!!! Some sucker is bound to come up with that dosh,there's idiots born every hour-that's how these comanies stay in business!
ReplyDeleteTelephone!Love those accessories,too hot to TROT! Just a marvel,you are.A MARVEL!!!
LOVE YOU!!!
Helga xxxXXXxxx
You look absolutely fantastic! Those heavy metal leathers are gorgeous.. I say don't chop them!!! You may regret it!
ReplyDeleteThose 3 grand plus leathers are crazy.. I really don't see how anybody could spend that much on a pair of trousers! It's beyond my recognition.. total madness!
I've always been a fan of metal and hit the jackpot when I met Pyf. He has every single head banging album I could ever want to listen to! I recently bought him a Napalm Death t-shirt as he's a big fan of them! There is nothing quite like listening to metal to cheer up the soul! Plus the men are HOT! xxx
One pound? Bleedin' bargain!! Love the tee shirt too! x
ReplyDeleteVery cool. You wore that t-shirt on the exact fortieth anniversary of the release of led Zeppelin IV!
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing, Vix, the rock chick vibe is so you!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, think I'm with the folk who reckon keep at least one pair as they are for the winter, but then again I know how fabulous you look in shorts... Didn't you convert a pair of leather trousers from Kitty into a great pair of shorts?
Whatever you choose to do, you will look amazing - you always do! And for a bargainacious price too! That Net-a-Porter stuff is just fantasy surely? I suppose some people have that kind of money spare - but not in the circles I move in, they don't! Yet another triumph for frugal chic! xxxxxxxxxx
Hey foxy rock chic - loving your look today, there's always room for vintage band tee's and leather. Love the trousers, im always stalking the £1 rail in my local cs as they are quite good on clearing the clothes to it after a couple of weeks.
ReplyDeleteKeep the trousers as they are - beautiful! And OMG over the price of those designer ones - crazy bananas! Scarlett x
Work them as trousers for now and then you can turn one or both of them into hot pants! they are fab xx
ReplyDeleteNoooo, don't chop them. The one you're wearing looks stunning, I can't believe that it's got tapered legs - it certainly doesn't look it. Loving the Led Zep tee too. xx
ReplyDeleteLooking superbly hot as always, but your weather is looking very dull! I'd keep one pair and chop one pair, both were obviously meant to be yours.xx.
ReplyDeleteThose pants look so hot on you Vix! The whole darn outfit is awsome. And your outfit is way better than the one in the thousands (MY GOD)!!
ReplyDeleteIf they were mine I would not chop them. I would find some other leather pants at the thrifts to chop.
holy cow! i don't know which is more amazing, you in the pants or the ones on net-a-porter.
ReplyDeletei'd leave them long. maybe in 10 years you can sell them and retire completely to india?!!!!!!!!!!
xo
They look fantastic!
ReplyDeleteYou are to die for in those metallic leather trousers!! So seriously smoking hot!! And that tapered leg "a la Balmain" is very in at the moment. Yeah Balmain prices are always good for a giggle, even when they are 70% at the end of the season sales. Maybe you can cut the other ones to use as hotpants and keep these as trousers as you have two? You are so sexy in them!
ReplyDeleteBloody gorgeous, they look fabulous on you x
ReplyDeleteLove it! Your accessorising is always so beautiful. Yay for Led Zeppelin and metals and jewels and furry jackets.
ReplyDeleteYou can totally pull them off, how about cutting just one?
They look super fab on you! I can't bear the thought of wearing leather trousers (leather prison round my leg!) so I'd go with the hot pants but they look so fab on you I'd keep them as they are (or flog them!)
ReplyDeleteI love it very rocker chic! I passed on some gold ones recently to tiny! I'm with you I always think I could spend that on a plane ticket.
ReplyDeletexx
Wow they look fantastic!! I am always amazed how these clothes you find fit you perfect. It was just meant to be :) I think you should wear them long for a bit and then if you get bored of them chop em up! or at least one pair. You do look great in shorts as well so I can see why you were thinking that. They would be really cute like that also....then lots of left over leather for accessories like bracelets and such!! ~Love your new pants what a steal you got them for ~You Rock!! love Heather :)
ReplyDeleteRock on my dear!
ReplyDeleteI have the same Led t-shirt and I usually wear with my leather skirt as well.
You have Rob Halford's parents as neighbours, that's amazing.
Your neighborhood is a perfect place for a cool chick like you to live in.
I say keep them and tuck them into long boots, they look fab. In summer with studded heels or wedges?
ReplyDeleteWhen I got your tweet post this morning I could see how smoking hot these leather pants are! What a fab find....& my thoughts are to wear this winter & if you must cut into these beauties do it for the summer. But I love them as is!
ReplyDeleteHi my dear-another truly inspirational post, you really rock the metallic pants and I think they're lovely as they are, maybe just do one pair into hot pants. haha, your total of £8.20 wouldn't even buy the lining in the Balmain trousers, what madness huh!!
ReplyDeleteAMAAAAZing! You look so super hot - that jacket! the awesome tshirt! the necklace! The PANTS!!! FUCK ME YOU LOOK SO FABULOUS!
ReplyDeleteI need a little lie down.
Love! Sarah xxx
You rock them, and I love your necklace, yeahhhhhhhhhhhhh
ReplyDeleteOH VIXIE! YOU ARE A TOTAL HEARTBREAKER IN THIS GETUP!!!!
ReplyDeleteProbably no surprise that I looove this heavy metal look on you Vix. You rrrrrock chick!
ReplyDeleteVix, do not cut those trousers! I love them just as they are. Well maybe wait till summer then snip them.
ReplyDeleteLove a bit of rock, looks great.
xx
In <3 with the accessory-the cookies love your bangles and rings
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you look amazing darling <3
ReplyDeleteX the cookies
samecookiesdifferent.blogspot.com
Hi! I love your creativity and inventiveness and look forward to reading your newest post. I am from India. Rock on!
ReplyDeleteThose are amazing. I always struggle with altering vintage BUT that's the point, to reuse something and make it your own. Of course if I looked like you, it would be hard for me to wear clothes, vintage or otherwise without altering them to show off as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteI love these as they are, but would like to see you fashion some shorts, so maybe butcher the other pair. With the leftover leather, you could make some great accessories.
ReplyDeleteYou pull off the metal look so well, suits the weather too.
Great look! I'm with Lucewoman... keep the silver ones long, chop the gold ones into shorts! 8-)
ReplyDeletereally, Vix, you've GOT to stop being quite so breathtakingly amazing at times.
ReplyDeleteGiven my blind faith in Metal, and my blind worship of you, of course, I'm completely and utterly blown away. You so totally rule,hun! :D
PS. The NWOBHeavyMetal scene you talk about has a special place in my heart, and now this outfit of yours will continue to inspire me. Atleast till I begin considering myself half as gorgeously Metal. ;)
I love your version of the rock chic/heavy metal look, Vix! Brilliant on the savings too. This made me especially happy because my mum just went to see Metallica in concert and I'm sure she'd have loved to wear an outfit like this xxx
ReplyDeleteYou ROCK this outfit Vix! Love it :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a secret rock chick & I love those leather trousers.
ReplyDeleteYou look uh-maze-ing! Could u keep one pair long and cut one pair as I reckon u would totally rock both looks. I am seriously coverting your tee. Me and hubs are huge led zep fans. He's in to all metal from yester year also. Xxx
ReplyDeleteI can't even begin to describe how utterly cool I think you are.
ReplyDeleteYou look even more amazing than usual. I'd leave them as they are. I think they look fantastic on you. Em x
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't dream of cutting them up because they are too fabulous! You are rocking them! xxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteThey look fab and I agree even if I was a millionaire I would not spend that sort of money on a pair of trousers! xx
ReplyDeleteWoooohoooooo... this is my fave rock n roll-glam outfit 2011. you look stunning!
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You look awesome in this outfit! love the t-shirt xxx
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