Forever 21 zebra, Urban Outfitters zebra, F21 leopard

The key to being fashion forward and simultaneously classic is to understand how to suggest. I believe the true art of fashion is the toying with and exploration into our basic instincts. Each runway season inherently renders some reference to those visuals we assign as primal, animalistic mental triggers. Perhaps no other lifted from wildlife print has seen the longevity and renewal of leopard, a look which can at once lend an opportunistic, successful, and adaptable nature to that which is adorned. At present, the seasonal rebirth of this classic is showing up in boots and as an accent for nostalgic tweeds and constructed silhouettes. It goes without saying that bags and scarves are mainstays. Symmetry and proportion are the key components to nailing a sophisticated nonchalance.

Love 21 blazer, F21 leopard tunic, F21 sparkle scarf

Investing in a substantial piece can mean time but not necessarily a lot of cash. Forever 21 almost always has a great leopard print scarf in rotation for under 10 bucks. Throw one on with a black tunic, leggings, and flats and you’re out the door looking pulled together with little effort. I’m a big fan of zebra print as well with a black/gray palette. Check out Urban Outfitters for a cream and black kerchief style or pick up the long and tasseled Forever 21 black/white standard. With both stores it can be a bit of a game hunting down what you want. I found my scarves on the websites, but the merchandize comes and goes practically daily as new items are added; so what is in store and online will vary. Sometimes you very seriously have to hunt down your perfect leopard.

Should you be feeling the need to go bold, consider a leopard print mini dress under a well constructed black blazer. The contrast between the ever versatile conservative jacket and predatorial print makes a cheeky statement of a dueling persona. As we move into fall, pair with black tights and pumps. I can’t say enough about the lending power of black tights, instant polish and inexpensive. My blazer pictured is a Love 21 Contemporary find, a great buy at $30. The lining is decent as well so the sleeves could be cuffed for a casual/cute look with jeans and a breezy tunic as pictured.

Fetish gone wild...

Finding the perfect sole match has proven a bit trickier. Spotted shoes can look very cheap and haphazard. Thus, I’ve really had to do some homework. A great site to round up what is viable on the web is Shopstyle. You simply type in a category and will be presented with a price range of products that match your search. You’ll find $700 Fendi boots and be able to note and compare characteristics with the more accessible styles. I have to say you simply can’t go crazy cheap for a boot style in animal print like you can on a flat. However, this statement piece is not going to become dated so you are investing in your wardrobe, not dabbling with a transitory market fixation. A great look to check out is Charles by Charles David Saturn Bootie on Endless.com, originally $175 now just under $80. This style is comparable to Fendi and sports quite decent and accurate markings. A cheetah has simple spots whereas a leopard has rosettes, clusters that somewhat resemble flowers. Details make me happy.

Fashion is by no means an ideology of frivolities. Vanity is a worth while exploration. Understanding the power of being beheld and of inciting captivation will prove a rewarding study in human nature. Don’t we all feel better about life in general when we feel we look good; we can communicate our power, control, perspective. Some of us have quite a bit to say and express; so we have quite a bit to study.