Finding a Motorcycle Jacket at Any Price

It seems every store has its own version of the motorcycle jacket this season - and the price points will vary from the very lows (for pleather) to the highs for name brand leather. However, you don't have to fork over your entire month's paycheck to get the look (that is, unless you can afford it). Here are a few options of retailers that carry the look at a number of price points to fit anyone's budget.

What's all the Hoopla About: If you're into sustainability and think green all day, try Hoopla Eco Boutique's sustainable biker jacket. It's not leather or fake leather. The jacket is made from "green" cotton complete with the asymmetrical zipper for authenticity. If you live in Southern California, this may be the jacket for you considering winters are nowhere near comparable to living out in the snow.

Visit www.hoopladc.com for more information.

Diverting From the Beaten Path: Delias took a spin on the original using nylon material for its motorcycle jacket. It sells at $80 in black or teal. The jacket looks like any other puffy jacket and in some ways loses the essence of a motorcycle jacket because of the material. It has a more low-key vibe than something made from leather. But if you like doing things a little different, this may be the look for you.

Visit www.delias.com for more information

A Fair Compromise: Let's face it, in the case of leather jackets, real is always better than the fakes - even if the fakes are running a close second in some cases. However, if you can't afford the real deal or won't wear the real thing, but do want the sophisticated look, try Urban Outfitters. The Silence & Noise motorcycle jackets are a good alternative at $128. This by no means is cheap, but it gets you the look of something pricey without having to spend an extra $200 or $300 more.

If you don't want the traditional black, try the vintage motorcycle jackets, that looks like a pair of faded black denim jeans that had a run in with the dryer and bleach one too many times. The look is somewhat plasticky, but the cut is a simple motorcycle look with the snap collar.

For something clean, try the brand's Wyatt Moto in either brown or black. It's the same cut, just a little nicer looking and not so broken into. It dresses up a good dress and boots or a pair of old jeans.

For a tougher look try the traditional motorcycle with an asymmetrical zipper and zippered pockets for the punk rocker look.

Visit www.urbanoutfitters.com for more information.

Quilting Up a Storm: Victoria's Secret may have done something right with its motorcycle jacket that has quilted leather on the shoulders and parts of the sleeves. It's a unique take on the classic and offers something different for someone who wants to stand out. The jacket retails for $178, but it's on sale for $159.

The retailer also sells a cropped version of the original. It's fitted at the bottom with ribbing and has huge pockets with flaps to put your hands in (the pockets are sort of distracting and ruin the effect since most motorcycle jackets have side pockets that are somewhat hidden from view). However, if you like big details, this may be the right coat for you. The cropped motorcycle style sells for $198.

Visit www.victoriassecret.com for more information.

Sheik and Pricey: If money is no object, look no further than Express. The retailer has a mouthwatering assortment of leather motorcycle jackets, but they are upwards of $300. Try their cropped leather motorcycle jacket for a tough look with a belt at the waist and zip front. Don't be fooled by the picture of the jacket on the model - the jacket isn't as cropped and fitted as it looks (read: you don't need to be a stick to look good in it). Your best bet is to make sure you try it on in the store rather than ordering it online, because this has a tighter fit. The price is $298.

For a little more color, try Express' traditional motorcycle with the asymmetrical zipper and epaulets on the shoulder in gray or ivory for $498. The leather has a worn-in look and is soft - like butter.

If you must get your hands on one of these jackets, but don't have the cash, smart shoppers will follow the ads closely and save the Express coupons that are sometimes mailed out to customers on its mailing list. The additional savings could be somewhat useful in numbing the pain of such a large purchase.

Visit www.express.com for more information.