There are several trends from the runways for the Fall/Winter season but one stands out to me as the ‘must wear’: The animal print. Just like everything in fashion this trend is cyclical. Every so often designers resurrect the animal print from the archives and make it new again to strut down the catwalks of Paris, New York, Milan, London and the Fall/Winter 2010/2011 is no exception. However I must offer some guidance for incorporating an animal print into your looks.
There is a fine line between looking feline fabulous and looking like a variation of fashion road kill.
There are many pieces and accessories available for this season at all price points. Check your local thrift, vintage or consignment shop. EVOLUTION VINTAGE http://www.evolution-vintage.com has some unique animal print items:
SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
$75
SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
$48
SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
$65
SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
$35
SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
*NEW* $70
*
SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
Martinez Valero Black platform peep toe pump with animal print heel/platform
$40
SHOP: www.evolution-vintage.com
Nine West DeeLite Sandal ~ NW
$55
AND labels like
Forever 21:
www.forever21.com
Leopard Ruffle Dress
$36.00
Baby Phat:
Belted Leopard Tube Dress
$69.00
www.babyphat.com
Victoria’s Secret:
Beach/Swim Tote
www.victoriassecret.com
All the above retailers carry reasonable priced items and a various array of sizes (PLUS SIZES).
If your budget allows you to visit higher end designers which include but are not limited to the following:
LAMB 
Fall 2010 ready To Wear
Shop: www.nordstrom.com & www.shopstyle.com
Stella McCartney 
Stretch Tulle Lisel Embroidery Trouser & Top
Trouser = $4,285.00
http://www.stellamccartney.com/
Lanvin
Dolce & Gabbana 
SHOP: http://www.dolcegabbana.com/
There are many designers showing animal print pieces and accessories for the F/W season. When you have no budget you can ALWAYS look to your own closet and storage. You can re-style something that you already have into a fresh look for fall.
Some would argue that the animal print has been done so many times that is has lost its chic appeal. To me it is as fresh and exciting as the first time it pranced down the catwalks (pun intended). It is about how YOU style the printed pieces that make it fresh and new. If you have never incorporated an animal print piece into your central coast closet now is the time! To avoid a furry faux pas consider the following:
•
ALWAYS wear FAUX furs. Wearing real fur or animal skins is “weak” not chic. There should be no victims of fashion and that includes defenseless animals. Same goes for animal skins or what the fashion industry terms "exotics" (snake, alligator, ect). EXOTIC?? how about MORONIC? Pass me the FAUX fabric!
• Stick to 1 print. Try to avoid mixing and matching animal prints (ex: leopards do not belong with zebras!)
• Pair animal print pieces with a solid color pallet. Pair solid colored garments with animal printed accents, choose one. For example Wearing jeans and a solid color tee (black/white) add an animal print trench coat OR a purse.
• If you are not ready to take the leap into leopard with a statement jacket, knee high boots or printed tops; only use animal printed items to accessorize. Try carrying an animal print clutch with your favorite LBD (little black dress) or add a scarf to your black power suit for work. Take tiny steps in your zebra print shoes toward making this trend your own.
Try something fresh and faux fur this season and step away from central coast conservative dressing to take a walk on the wild side (in Faux snake skin shoes of course!). No animal print is off limit, just use sparingly and avoid a fashion disaster.
*MEOW
