Seeing Spots

Animal print.....treat it like a neutral or use it as a simple, yet perhaps unexpected statement. 

It's easy to think about throwing on a leopard or cheetah print scarf with an all black outfit as your pop of print & color, but you can also mix it in with other prints as if it were one of your neutral pieces. 

Animal print has changed over the years, and there are now so many new versions of this print that may have been viewed at something a "much older" woman might wear. I am loving the prints I'm seeing on bloggers and in stores this fall, and can't seem to find enough reasons to wear my own Madewell printed heels.

This leopard jacket is an unexpected & updated version of the classic blazer. Throw it on with jeans and a tee and you now have a chic & put together look.

I love pairing my Madewell leopard heels (circa fall 2011) with one of my favorite polka dot blouses (Zara)....it's such a fun way to mix prints!

Dots & Spots

Madewell is very much in on this trend again this fall, as they just recently sent out an email about "Trend Spotting." They have fabulous pieces, and always unique versions of the cheetah print. My above shoes are from Madewell last fall -LOVE them! 

Here's a better shot these fabulous heels:


I love how fashion/style blogger Julie (Jules) of Sincerely Jules styled a similar version of my dots & spots:

JCrew is another retailer in love with the leopard look. I'm loving this "wild side" bangle, and these leopard round toe pumps are fabulous as well!

Here's another chic look that includes a leopard jacket paired with denim and the very on trend cap toe heels. LOVE!

Another way to embrace the animal print is to add a simple skinny leopard print belt to a dress or with denim and a print blouse. This is one easy way to slowly begin mixing prints.

above 2 photos courtesy of Pinterest

Animal print is a chic & easy way to add something new to your wardrobe. Whether it's a simple bangle or skinny belt, or an investment pair of pumps or printed jacket, you are sure to be spotted in style!

Are you Afraid of the Big, Bad Blazer??

So, I have to admit, there was a time when I was a little intimidated by Blazers - thinking they were only to be worn with suits and seemed oh so stuffy! Alas, the fashion world has provided so many wonderful, wearable options that I am no longer afraid!! Plus, as the weather is turning colder, there is no better time to try them on for size.


As I see it, there are 3 Main Types* of Blazers:

1. Structured, Corporate Blazers



2. Drapey, Evening Blazers



3. Comfy, Casual Blazers

*Note: Even though a blazer could fall into the "Casual" category, I still think you could add a Pencil skirt & some heels and make it Corporate. This is true for all types of blazers ~ that's what makes them so great!!

Structured, Corporate Blazers

These blazers are often made up of suiting fabric, such as wool, tweed or houndstooth. You can buy them as a suit with matching pants, skirt, etc. OR they can also be great pieces to wear individually. You don't have to save them for just interviews!! The great thing about a structured blazer is that it will give you SHAPE.

Every woman wants that hour-glass figure, and blazers help to identify the waist and bring your eye in ~ which will in turn make you appear SLIMMER!! My Go-To store for suits in general is J.Crew - they have lots of options from heavy to lighter-weight wools, and even though the price is a little high, they will last forever.

This Super 120s Peplum Blazer (J.Crew) is great, because it shows that there are other styles besides the normal 2-3 button lapel blazer. It is made of a merino wool and is very lightweight. Even though it is a little bit flirty, it can still provide the professional look with matching pants & button up shirt. Although, I have to say, I LOVE the way it is styled here with a knit tee & slouchy, pleated pants ~ tres chic!

Drapey, Evening Blazers

These can be made up in quite a few different fabrics, most likely a heavy silk, satin or even lace as pictured here. These blazers can add that extra little sophistication to an evening out - whether over a cocktail dress, with a silk top & dress pants, or with a flirty skirt. These can also be used in the office or in addition to your casual look & will still be fantastic.

This Moonlight Blazer from Anthropologie can be yours for only $128 and is beautifully constructed with 3/4 sleeves and a slight gathering along the sleeves. I would recommend pairing this cute little blazer with a silk tank & satin pants ~ for a feminine version of the tuxedo. Be sure to add some jewels to bring a little sparkle to your night out!

Comfy, Casual Blazers

Often made up of sweaters, heavy knits, or other casual fabrics. These are best to be worn with denim and a casual top. I would recommend a V-Neck Pocket Tee, Skinny Jeans & Flat Boots - as that is normally my Go-To Outfit in life.

This Sweater Blazer by LOFT is TO DIE for - only $98 - the description on-line for this item was just too perfect to not include, so here it is: Part yacht club, part vintage varsity, this wool blazer is bound to make you feel like a scholar in style. As styled here, a silk top, jeans & minimal accessories helps to let the MA-JOR Blazer stand out.

Go out there and EXPERIMENT with Blazers ~ you won't regret it!!!