'Hide and Seek'

It must be the new recession mantra: that when times get tough, so does the clothing.

Biker jackets and vests, fingerless gloves, leggings and thigh-hugging boots all in leather are arriving in stores in numbers. And with their unwavering popularity, it has me feeling like I’m playing a game of hide and seek.

Not all of the leather is real, either. Designers, armed with a returned sense of responsibility, are using faux leather to keep designs original, detailed and prices sensible.

Big-time retailers like H&M and Urban Outfitters (bottom right) are pushing faux-leather biker jackets in hopes of driving back-to-school sales in the coming weeks. The moto and bomber jackets in prices from $39 to $89 are affordable for most teens and yet, still have enough zippers and grommets to compete with their more adult Saks Fifth Avenue and Shopbop's $803 (bottom left) leather counterparts.

For instant femininity in the office with a touch of rock, wear the jacket over a sheath , mini floral or knit dress. Out on the town? Wear it over a comfy white tee, skinny jeans and colorful ballerina flats.

Extending into home décor, faux leather accents are turning up in the shape of pillows, couches and stools. Cherry, vanilla, chocolate – a set of 18x18 pillows ($29.99) come in sumptuous fall colors that sound good enough to eat. Less than half the price of genuine leather, faux leather satisfies our growing need to lead more eco-friendly lives.

Select a favorite shade (I prefer white or brown) and place on top of the bed or sofa. Looks best when paired with different fabrics like voile and velvet.

Sequined. Sheer. Rhine stoned and gemmed. Appliquéd. The leggings of season past have evolved from ordinary spandex to a hybrid of luxurious fabrics and embellishment thanks to fashion’s best. Miuccia Prada. Missoni. Louis Vuitton.

These designer leggings – now made from unexpected leather, denim and silk top even the snuggest of all skinny jeans. But if you’re rethinking the leather $875 lambskin leggings from Helmut Lang (above left), you should. Juicy Couture (above right) faux leather leggings cost $78.

The best news is that with this season’s faux leather, you can’t even tell the difference.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue; Urban Outfitters; Decor Innovation; Shopbop