not... but who cares as I LOVE it. And it's a must have, can't live without, comes on holiday and is a year round staple.
Yes, it's leopard print. Combining holiday essentials, with capsule wardrobe must haves - leopard print is one of those things I can't get enough of.
It works on so so many different levels. Gone are the days of the Bet Lynch connotations (yawn when I even see them mentioned now) although I have to say I do draw the line at anything clothes wise combined with a black leather jacket... there is a line I do think it's easy to cross. Having said that, super hypocritically one of my favourite outfits is my black leather midi a line skirt with black fitted knitted jumper and leopard ankle boots... I do think it's all about getting the balance and the fabrics right.
The easiest way to add a bit of cat interest to your outfit is definitely in the form of accessories. Yes I do have a couple of bits of clothing - namely a coat and a sweatshirt (which has seen better days and has been resigned to slob on the sofa wear) and a blouse which comes out every year.
But personally I think it comes into its own when you pair it with a plain outfit. It can make the world of difference to a neutral look - my favourite colour combos are the rather predictable tan and black but I do love it with grey as well.
And as if by magic, the first scarf I've found, unusually has grey in it. This is definitely an investment treat but honestly, you would have this for years and years. One of the favourite things in my wardrobe is my Louis Vuitton scarf that I bought almost 8 years ago after I'd had a miscarriage. To this day it comes away with me every holiday and is worn all year round. It was a heinous amount of money to spend on a scarf but cost per wear, I have scarves I've bought from M&S that have, to all intents and purposes, *cost* me more.
I could possibly justify this one too seeing as it's so different... adore the grey. A rare inclusion with brown shades. Perfect.
Jaeger Modern Leopard Scarf £99
For me, this isn't on the same level BUT if the colour works and honestly, some acrylic can be almost as good as wool (and it doesn't nearly bobble as much) then this from Mango could be up your street. Different tones - much warmer. And at this price, it is the perfect quick pick me up.
Leopard Print Scarf from Mango £26.99
As I've said, accessories are definitely my favourite outfit finishers when it comes to adding leopard print, a bag is the ideal solution. Boden have a super versatile number that will serve for during the day cross body and also in the evening as a clutch.
Chancery Clutch £79
Ponyskin leather bucket bag at Mango £80.99
If these aren't your bag (boom boom)- then I'm throwing in another leopard option as I came across these in store when I was buying the boys their school shoes and they are the only ones I've ever seen that are almost identical to the Next ponyskin ones.
Modesty Sneakers from Geox £110
Whilst we're on the topic of sneakers, found these at Mango. Now do note that last year I tried to buy a pair from there and my feet aren't particularly oversized 7s at all - lots of places I'll be a 6 or a 6.5 but the a size 7 at Mango was like applying a vice to my foot. And tightening it. However they were gorgeous although not as gorgeous as these....
One of my favourite (although admittedly they're all seemingly my favourites... seriously though, they all absolutely come into their own for different opportunities) of ways of wearing leopard print is definitely in the evening in the form of a pair of heels.
And a pair of leopard print stilettos is a must have. Ideal for Autumn and Winter and all those black outfits that you want to make seem slightly less funereal. Throw on a pair of these and suddenly you're back in the room. Now mine were from H&M about four years ago and cost the grand sum of £5. Were I not to have copious other pairs of leopard shoes, I may have upgraded them, but I chose instead to invest in a not cheap leopard evening bag. And you can't really do both. (well you can, but for me, less is sometimes just that little bit more)
And if they're too high for you and/or you want to wear them every day, then fear not. Comfort comes in the form of a little pair of beauties from Mango.
For me though, my every day leopard shoes would be one shoe and a boot. My leopard print wedges from good old M&S have been possibly my favourite day footwear in the last couple of years for those smarter (all be them rare) occasions when I need a shoe I can walk in but one that still looks evening.
These I must have in the black and white version - the perfect not too high heel that looks higher. Ok so you're not going to be able to run a marathon in them but they're not vertiginous.
And the same print in a classic with a twist, pointy ballet flat with a scallop edge. Love on every level. Plus a grey ponyskin leopard print. All hail the new Boden. I have been after a pair of leopard ballet flats for years and have never come across a pair as ideal as these (which is why I've never purchased a pair up till now!)
Variation on a theme with the still to be hugely popular this season - the ghillie lace up.
It doesn't have to be all new season and I've found a couple of sales bargains it would be rude, nay foolish, not to consider. As I've said, I pretty much have a leopard print everything and yes, a coat hasn't escaped my clutches. You would be amazed at how versatile this is. Ideal for throwing over jeans but perfect for an evening out over black. Or grey, or tan, or cream... the opportunities are endless.
I'm going to throw this one out there as I think it's the perfect holiday dress. This is one that you will pack away with your bikinis but drag out year after year after year. We all have dresses like that - I would have worn this definitely earlier in the week when the weather here was tropical (I'm not going to mention the rather dark sky and possible drizzle we had yesterday.. main difference is that we will switch from prosecco to red wine. Small sacrifices....although we've been crabbing today and had lunch outside, so still on the fizz at the mo)
This, over a black swimming costume (or bikini if you fancy it) and you are ready to go. Love it and a complete bargain. I'm not going to mention that it looks like quite a good length as that would be tempting fate.
So are you a leopard print fan? Full on or just a hint of cat? Would love to hear what you team it with. I will say the other print that for me that is a both a holiday and all year round must have and looks amazing with leopard is the good old stripe. And guess what I'm looking at shortly.....
Silk tee - Zara
Chambray shirt - Mango
Cut off shorts - Denim & Supply by Ralph Lauren
White slides - River Island
Smile jute bag - The Jacksons London
And yesterday for crabbing when the weather changed and it was definitely on the chillier side.
White linen tee - Max Studio
Off white boyfriend jeans - All Saints
Lobster sweatshirt - Leon & Harper
White cracked leather Stans - adidas
Last day here for us - I can't believe how quickly a whole week has gone. Back tomorrow with a hugely busy weekend on the cards as it's the littlest's birthday. But till then, we have yet more fish and chips to scoff, one last stroll on the beach and a Divergent/Insurgent movie fest for later.
I love leopard print but even when I wear it in moderation I feel a bit transvestitish ( 6ft 2") think I would like some pumps or loafers but the current fashion of pumps , short enough at front for toe cleavage to show just aren't comfortable for me. May have to be content with my black and leopard skin Hamble clark brogues from last year
ReplyDeleteA nod to leopard print with a flash of it here or there is the perfect compromise! (and I feel like a tranny in too much fur)
DeleteLove a bit of leopard... I've got shoes, top, faux fur jacket, scarf and cuff - not all worn at once! The scarf I wear constantly from autumn to spring, and it seems to go with everything (especially a navy breton!).
ReplyDeleteYup - my fave combo is definitely with a navy breton!
DeleteReally enjoyed your ideas. I love leopard print and have it on shoes, bags, tops, belts, scarves but love the trainers. Can see me on a shopping mission next week.
ReplyDeleteGood luck x
DeleteI'm a bit scared of leopard print...maybe the Mango trainers would be a good starting point?!
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea. But I'm warning you - it is addictive...!
Deleteoooh, I love a bit of leopard skin. Only one thing at a time mind you - either the boots or the bag, but not both. I do have a nice scarf too which breaks up an all black outfit. Lorraine x
ReplyDeleteI'm with you - I can't do too much. One nod to leopard is enough for me x
DeleteJust got the Park Lane leopard print sandals from ASOS for my hold. They were on sale too.
ReplyDeleteLucky thing!!
DeleteLeopard is a neutral as far as I'm concerned. Love it!
ReplyDeleteOh for sure!
DeleteYES, love leopard print!! I had this 'conversation' on IG the other day when I remarked that my friends all think of leopard as a really bold print whereas I class it as an everyday neutral!
ReplyDeleteI really don't think I will will ever not love it......and I really want the pony skin bag now! X
yes, definitely definitely a neutral. And I have to say, leopard ponyskin is definitely my favourite x
DeleteHi Kat
ReplyDeleteI know this is probably not the place to be talking dogs, but just wondered how you were getting on with yours. I also have an australian labradoodle (10 months) who is definitely making life challenging. Pulling on lead, recall not good etc, jumping up. I have been going to training but because she is not interested in food it has been difficult. She is also now not keen on her kibble, unless l
I give it with sardines. She was really good at all above until 2 months ago, when apparently she entered teenage years. I wondered if you had found a kibble that yours likes. Many Thanks
I have two 7 month old miniture daschund they will only have royal cannin
DeleteRight. Well she's generally very very good. We're still having a couple of wees indoors (which The Husband has a total shit fit at. Mr totally intolerant) She's ok with recall when there isn't another dog around which I understand is quite typical? Food wise - we've sussed it. She ONLY has kibble. If she doesn't eat it then she gets nothing else. Sometimes she'll eat a lot, sometimes she'll eat barely anything.
DeleteThe best kibbles we've found are the much more natural ones - gluten free, grain free. They're a bit more expensive but they're so so much better by all accounts. Plus she likes them! Currently on lamb...
oooo once again thanks Kate particularly loving the snow leopard - great way to lift the office outfits
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteI like leopard accessories but not clothes. The exception to this was a coat I saw in Topshop last year.
ReplyDeleteI was the lucky winner of this week's Boden competition and have selected the heeled leopard ankle boots you feature as my prize!
oh yes, that TS coat last year was GORGEOUS. Oh and WOW lucky you - those boots are a definite fave of mine x
DeleteLove leopard and you're right - the Bet Lynch comments are so yawn these days. Have a vintage fake fur coat that gets trotted out around Xmas and various scarves - like it in a grey as well and adore your LV scarf!
ReplyDeleteSounds gorgeous!
DeleteJust wondering if you have noticed Mango have done a copy of that navy sandro? fringed jacket you liked.
ReplyDeleteYES! I have but I don't think it's nearly as nice - sob. Having said that, I'm fringed out with my new bag. I draw the line at too much...!
DeleteOooh and have a look at this!http://shop.mango.com/GB/p0/women/clothing/jackets/fringed-jacket/?id=53053653_CG&n=1&s=prendas.chaquetas&ident=0__0_1439576298963&ts=1439576298963 - amazing!
ReplyDeleteNow that though is GORGEOUS. Not sure I'd have the cojones to wear it though... but I absolutely absolutely love it. xx
DeleteLove this blog on leopard prints, thank you! Do you know of any Boden discounts Kat?
ReplyDelete