I almost called this post “Schott Through the Heart” or “A Schott in the Dark”, but I resisted. A few months ago, fellow Virgo and blogging queen, Gala Darling, posted some pics of her with Nubby Twiglet, in which Gala wore an amazing motorcycle jacket from Schott Bros. NYC.

That’s one of those items of clothing I’ve always lusted after (leather and zippers, yum), but never owned. I checked out the company’s website (they’ve even got a little pinup girl as part of their logo!) and mentally added them to my “someday” list. I also went and “liked” their Facebook page, while I was at it, thinking I’d see when they launch new styles.

Then, a few weeks ago, I got an email that I almost deleted because it looked like it could be a scam, but I clicked on it just to be sure. It was from a guy with Schott Bros.’ social media firm telling me I won their “Every Thousand” contest. Skeptic that I am, I checked out the marketing company’s website, Googled the name of the guy who emailed me — everything was legit. So I responded. Not long after, Anthony and I were having a phone conversation about photography, design, and what jacket I wanted.

It’s been pretty cool to find out about what an awesome company Schott Bros. is and the amazing history behind the brand. Started by two sons of Russian immigrants in 1913 on Manhattan’s lower east side, the Schott brothers were the first to put a zipper on a jacket. Their first jacket, a leather raincoat, was named the Perfecto after their favorite brand of cigar. In 1928 they made the first leather motorcycle jacket, which quickly became popular with riders of the newly invented motorcycle.

In the 1950′s the jacket’s popularity exploded thanks to its appearance on Marlon Brando in The Wild One, and on James Dean. The Perfecto’s fate as the jacket of rebels was sealed.

In the 70′s and 80′s, punks donned the Perfecto jacket, bringing the jacket to a new generation of rock and roll rebels. Schott now makes various styles of jackets for men and women out of leather, wool and other materials, but they are still all made by hand in the United States.

Needless to say, when the jacket arrived in the mail I could barely contain my excitement. I chose the women’s Perfecto 218W, which is a little different from the traditional motorcycle jacket in that it’s made of lambskin. That means there’s no break in period — the leather is buttery soft, which, for a non-biker like myself is just perfect. The styling is just like the classic motorcycle jacket though, so I still get to feel rebellious.

The craftsmanship of the jacket are just impecable! Plus the details are so cool, I love the star epaulets and the strong, sturdy zippers. The extra loops for the belt mean it cinches me perfectly at the waist, but the end of the belt stays secure. I know this is something I will have forever…though I might be looking into some of their other styles very soon! I am especially in love with their women’s hooded cape in red, though I think we’re going to have to get my husband a jacket of his own so he’ll quit drooling over mine!

What I am wearing:

Schott Bros. Women’s Lambskin Perfecto jacket

black & white striped top: gift

pink & white chiffon scarf: thrifted

high waisted jeans: Steady Clothing, from Retro Vixen

Heels: Pleaser

Thank you to Anthony and everyone at Schott Bros. NYC Facebook page, and like them so you can have your chance when they hit their next thousand, and also follow them on Twitter. Thank you to my wonderful husband for taking pictures, and thank you to our landlord and friend Jeff for letting me pose with his 1948 Knucklehead! Have a terrific weekend and I’ll be back next week with some exciting stuff! xoxo