Friday, February 10, 2012

Let's Talk Leopard (and Cheetah) Prints

Shortly before January came to an end and my spending freeze began, I bought this silk leopard print scarf from Etsy for $16.00.

I bought it here


I like the combination of light blue, gold and leopard mixed with a chain print. It's something a little different from the standard cat print we're so used to seeing.

Earlier this week, I wore it to coffee with Giacomo. I'm wearing my $5.00 black sheath dress with a short-sleeved turtleneck, tights and a Metal Pointus cuff.



When I wore it to see Giacomo, I opted for tall black boots instead of pumps and I wore my hair down instead of in a sock bun. With my 6'2" height, plus 3" heels and a high bun, it was a bit much for coffee at a retirement community's cafe.



Since I received this scarf, I've been thinking more about animal prints, specifically the leopard and cheetah variety. I have many items in my closet that are leopard and cheetah print including shoes, handbags, jewelry, belts, sweaters and coats. I pretty much have the kitty look covered and have decided I won't add anymore to my wardrobe.

It's not that I don't like leopard and cheetah prints, because I do. See? I've been wearing it since toddlerhood.

Me at 2-years-old, maybe 3 (?) with my Granny Louise, who is 94.
1969 or '70. 

Sometimes I  think the trend will soon die out. But what the heck do I know? I'm just a housewife...certainly no fashion expert. After all, leopard and cheetah patterns have been in style for decades upon decades.


I'd like to hear your thoughts. 

Do you think leopard and cheetah prints will remain a classic style? 

Or will cat prints soon be an outdated fashion "don't"? 

Meow! 


Adrienne 

57 comments:

  1. Totally classic look for accessories -- I love animal prints in small doses!

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  2. Yes, I think it is here to stay but agree with Ercuan--small doses are best. Leopard and cheetah are great for accessories.

    Hmmm...I really slaughtered "Guido's" name the other day. xo.

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  3. I don't think they will die out anytime soon. I think everyone loves them too much. And seeing that they were fashionable when you were a toddler they might just fall under that "classic" category. That's not a dig on our age. It just seems like the print is always in fashion. I love that photo of you when you were a toddler. You have always been a fashionable girl : )

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  4. i agree, classic but in well chosen places and quantities. (not more than one item at a time.) i think it also depends on the person. i would never do leopard print pants for example, but i could imagine a gamine (of any age) pulling it off with an otherwise all black ensemble.

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  5. That picture of you wearing leopard as a little girl is totally adorable!

    You must be proud of yourself putting together a very chic outfit like this at such a low cost.

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  6. I agree, leopard is a classic style staple, especially for accessories.

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  7. I have always been partial to Tiger, becuase of my love of orange. But I never get the feeling that The Spouse thinks animal prints are very attractive...

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  8. You look so chic! I have 2 Louis XV chairs in cheetah that I love, but on me only accessories!

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  9. I like your scarf, and it looks great with your dress.

    I've always liked a cat print.

    I hope it never goes away. I've thought about it, and it seems like every ten years, I have it in my closet again.

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  10. I think animal prints are definitely classic, and this scarf is stunning. I wish they had another one I could buy! You look beautiful and chic!

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  11. Dear Kitty, leopard print is here to stay. Forever. But I do like seeing others like giraffe and zebra. The picture of you as a tiny girl is so cute. And I think the retirement community center would LOVE it if you should up and were 6'7 feet of gorgeous chic. Oh honey you know it's true! XO, Jill

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  12. Aww..how cute are you? I'm thinking it will stay around for a good while...I hope!
    Have a great weekend Arienne!

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  13. LEOPARD PRINT WILL NEVER DIE.
    (P.S. Have you lost weight?)
    T x

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  14. Meow I love cat prints!

    Your scarf is very chic and you do look stunning in your black dress.

    I own only ballet flats in a cat print and have been lusting after a cashmere cardigan in a leopard print....just haven't found the right one yet!

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  15. Somehow I don't think they will die out; they've been around for as long as I can remember. I love them, but only ever buy accessories or small pieces in leopard print. Haven't been brave enough to buy a item like a coat or jacket yet (altho' I was really tempted by Boden's version last year ;-)
    I love your scarf; very subtle and chic :-)

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  16. Leopard is so classic, but colored leopard is trendy (like those Sprouse scarves at Louis Vuitton). My first introduction to leopard was Audrey Hepburn's hat in Charade. I knew I was going to enjoy that print as soon as I felt old enough to not look ridiculous.

    I think I'm old enough now!

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  17. You look utterly stunning. Giacomo must think he's won the lottery when you show up!

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  18. Adrienne,
    Love the leopard prints! Your cute photo of you as a girl was precious!

    I just bought a leopard print shirt from J Crew and I love wearing it with things like distressed jeans. If I dress it up, I look like Alexis Carrington! You have to be careful with leopard you can look older if you wear it with formal clothes. Something about it looks really good with messy hair, casual clothes. Your scarf is pretty and I think you can wear it with a white shirt or jacket.

    I was thinking of wearing my new shirt on a girl's night out to a wine bar, but was too afraid someone might say I was a cougar. LOL!!

    Have a great weekend!

    Kim:)

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  19. You look fabulous, I love the picture of you when you were 2, you had great style them also!!!

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  20. Cindy from AustraliaFebruary 10, 2012 at 4:06 PM

    The leopard print waxes and wanes but I couldn't care less if it is 'in' or 'out' - I just love it and wear it whenever I want.

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  21. You may have missed a calling to be a fashion consultant. Your outfits are always inspiring. You were an adorable child ...

    As for the leopard print ... I think it will always be in ... but in varying degrees. Your scarf is a great example of being able to wear without fashion police worry... xo HHL

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  22. @Ercuan Small doses is usually the key. Unless you find fabulous long leopard coat. But even then you only would wear it with all black or some other neutral solid.

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  23. @steppingmywaytobliss One of my favorite leopard accessories is the bangle you sent me a few months ago. I wear it often and will always treasure it. It's so subtle - that's why I like it so.

    No you didn't slaughter his name. You just have a very good memory! ;) xo

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  24. Great look - I love how you pair simple black with the statement scarf (similar to how you did with the teal necklace and pearl necklace prior) - I do the same thing! :)

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  25. I love animal prints and I think they will always be fashionable. This is a georgous scarf.

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  26. @what's her bucket I suspect they won't ever die out fully. But when a trend is everywhere in every store, it seems, I wonder if it will eventually die out. It's so classic though...it would be like a LBD not being in style anymore. Impossible !

    I have to give my mother the credit for my chic little number...I had a good laugh when I came across this photo the other day. xoxo

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  27. @C'est Moi I confess to having once owned a pair of leopard ankle pants. I wore them twice on Halloween and once to a concert before giving them to Goodwill. Leopard pants are not for me. But I would consider a leopard pencil skirt of good quality.

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  28. @Susan Tiner You know Susan, I didn't even think about the cost, but you're right! $5.00 for the dress, $20 to alter, $16 for the scarf and $90 for the shoes. Not bad!

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  29. @Blue Jeans Girl Accessories are my favorite in leopard print. But I do have a very old jacket that has been quite good to me over the years. I can't imagine ever parting with it.

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  30. @Clare Oh yes. Your tiger bag is magnificent. I like that you veered off the standard cheetah, leopard, zebra and reptile and chose tiger as you favorite. Sometimes (not always) when The Spouse thinks something is not attractive, it's a good sign that it is :) Don't tell Bill I said that. xo

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  31. @Diane Oh my! Your chairs sound absolutely wonderful!

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  32. @Hines-Sight I, too, can remember wearing leopard in every decade of my life. I had a black military jacket with leopard epaulets that I wore to death in the '80's. Loved that thing!

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  33. Definitely hear to stay in my humble opinion. I own several scarves and cardigans in leopard print and love them to death.
    Adrienne I like the new pale pink blog background!
    xx

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  34. @lowcarbhighstyle If I ever tire of my scarf, I will send it your way. It would look great on you with your lovely blonde tresses.

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  35. @jill815 You know, there isn't enough giraffe print around. I rarely see it and like it so much. I wonder why.

    My friend, Giacomo, is not the tallest. And we always hug goodbye. I like to make that as un-awkward as possible. I've never worn heels with him - I guess one of these days I need to just go ahead and wear them. I do need to work on owning my height. Your comments always make me smile or laugh or both. xoxo

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  36. @gracefully50.com I am sure you're right, Jeannie. I noticed your lovely leopard print scarf today. I will pop over and leave you a comment now. xo

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  37. @Miss T Thank you for the reminder, Miss T :) You are right. Leopard will never die...here to stay.

    And yes, I have lost weight. Thank you so much for noticing! xoxo

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  38. @hostess of the humble bungalow A cashmere leopard cardigan sounds like a smart investment. I have a leopard cardigan that I wear occasionally, but it's not got the greatest fit on me.

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  39. @Vanessa@Luxuria I bought a leopard jacket back in 1996 (I think) and have worn it consistently year after year. It remains, to this day, my most cherished item of clothing.

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  40. @Rebekah I had a hot pink and purple leopard scarf that I adored - for a couple of years. I had to say goodbye last year because it was, as my mother would say, too "too" on me. I'll have to google the hat in Charade. I am sure it's magnificent.

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  41. @Rebekah I found it and it is magnificent. Did Audrey ever look bad or even so-so in anything?

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  42. @Jane W. Jane, you are so kind to say that. Thank you.

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  43. @kim at northerncalstyle. You are right about looking too mature in leopard if worn a certain way. It's like sequins. I love a sequin jacket on me with jeans, but try to dress it up and I look 10 years older or more.

    Your cougar comment is funny. I never would have thought about that, but I guess it could happen! Best to stick with solids maybe :)

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  44. @Carrie Teal My mom gets all the credit for my leopard dress. I will have to ask her what the story is behind it - if there is one.

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  45. @Cindy from Australia It does wax and wane, doesn't it. I like it, too. I don't want anymore of it, but love some of the pieces I have. Especially an old jacket and a Kate Spade handbag - both I still wear regularly.

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  46. @High Heeled Life Thank you, HHL. But I am a long, long way from ever being a fashion consultant. I have improved my fashion sense through blogging and reading other blogs, but I still struggle with what looks good on my 40+ self. I am not the only one..most of us go through this as we age, I am sure.

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  47. @LR @ Magnificent or Egregious Unintentionally, that has been my M.O. lately - plain black foundation outfit with a colorful or loud accessory. Maybe it's unoriginal, but it really works for me. And you really can't go wrong by dressing that way.

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  48. @La Vie Quotidienne Thank you, Adrienne. I am very pleased with my scarf. A great Etsy find.

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  49. @Red Roses and Crystal ~ Annie Thanks, Annie! I changed the background color for Valentine's Day. But I may keep it past the 14th. It's so girlie!

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  50. Leopard is a classic. What's not to love?

    TDM xx

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  51. Love the scarf and the outfit you put together.

    I think animal prints in general are here to stay! At least I hope so... I try and stick to the rule that the older the wearer is, the smaller the piece of clothing w/ animal prints should be. With the exception of one top that I own, I'm down to accessories now. I finally had to get rid of my cheetah print skirt, it is way too big on me. Bummer.

    Linda
    xo

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  52. So even at 2, you were a blazing trailblazer in the world of fashion premonitions! LOL....love your all black outfit with just a hint of leopard, very chic!! I think its timeless and elegant when not overdone.

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  53. Leopard prints are classic, will never be out of style. I love your new scarf, great mixtures of fabrics. I have a soft leopard clutch, and a pair of leopard ballet flats.
    I think your leopard jacket that you wore over the black sheath dress in photo #5 that day is smashing! I've never seen a better leopard jacket or coat.

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  54. LOVE the toddler photo. A style blogger is born! I doubt that these prints will ever go away completely. (in an odd way, they are almost like neutrals, though obviously "louder" and therefore good in moderation) But I'm sure their trendiness will wax and wane, and although I love them, I think they may be suffering a little bit of overexposure at the moment.

    I still remember the first leopard print garment I ever bought -- a sweater, in the 80s, and I thought it was truly WILD. They were not popular then, I don't think, at least not that I recall! But I still found that sweater. So they stick around. I expect to keep wearing them.

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  55. Wait a minute...you got that dress for $5? You look gorgeous! I think a little leopard print worn this way will always be in fashion...that photo of you as a little girls is darling.

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  56. Done right...it will always be a classic. Every decade has had it...every generation.

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  57. WOAW! Great! You look so good!
    Love
    Maja

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