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!

Fall Fashion: Footwear

As the weather continues to get cooler, and we see more and more advertisements for "Back to School"....we know that fall is just around the corner!

This is my absolute favorite time of year....the crisp mornings, the still somewhat warm days that don't require a jacket, the gorgeous colors, and yes, time for my favorite go-to outfit: jeans, a sweater and boots!

But besides jeans tucked into boots, there are many other options for footwear during the fall season. I thought I'd share some of my favorite styles.

If you are in need of a more business-like or dressed up option, I'd highly recommend a pair of cap toe heels. They are totally classic and completely "in style" this season. Just look at the recent J.Crew catalogs....they are on almost every page! A cap toe heel or flat is a classic look for any outfit: whether it's a slim cropped pant, a pencil skirt, a suit, or even your favorite pair of jeans--they work with everything in your wardrobe. Here are just a few of what I've seen available now:

Now, I've seen another style out that I'm not sure I'm a fan of, and that's the short ankle boot. A style like this:

I prefer a more slim/sleek look that elongates the leg, and I feel that most of these ankle boots add weight and can look sloppy (depending on how they are styled). I've seen some horrible photos of Katie Holmes sporting this style, and I just don't love the look.  Now, I'm not completely against them, as there are some great styles out there, and if paired correctly with the right pant they can work....I just don't think I'll be adding a pair to my closet this season.

What I prefer, within this "bootie" category, is the oxford heel. I am in love with this style, and I think it is so versatile. An oxford heel can again be paired for work with a suit, skirt, or dress, or it can be dressed down with denim, skinnies, or a slim crop. I own the nude pair (top center) and I love them!  They are comfortable, stylish, and fun! I'd love to add the brown or blue suede pair to continue to wear with all my printed and skinny jeans this fall!

One more look that is out there is the amount of COLOR I'm seeing in footwear. From flats to pumps, there are so many more options than just black, taupe, or navy! I found a FABULOUS pair at Target this week in the color of the moment: burgundy. They were comfortable and chic.....and only $29.99-you can't beat that. I love that they are patent too-easy to dress up or down! I am also loving the saturated sapphire that I've seen-most often in a suede-but oh so gorgeous! Here are a few of my current favorites:

Don't get me wrong, I'll be wearing my jeans and boots almost every day this fall season, but it's always nice to have options, right??!!