Trends I Love: Leopard Print

Photo courtesy of Elle.com

Now, I've always been a fan of leopard print. I mean, my last post featured booties that I own, but I have a lot of other items in the infamous print, It screams sexy, sophisticated, lady-like, and glamour all at the same time. It's wild, yet it can be worn in a modest manner. I know a lot of you are looking for great pieces to wear for Fall 2010 in this wonderful print. So, I've compiled four sets of leopard print. Plus, is Rihanna not super hot in leopard? My point exactly. So, here's ways to rock the leopard trend, no matter what your budget. I'm starting off with some high-end pieces I love, and then I will jump into pieces that are all under $50, from regular size clothing tom plus size, as well as accessories, shoes, and bags.

COUTURE LEOPARD

Trends: Leopard Print 1 by fabulosityrepresenta88 featuring Mulberry bags

Bayswater leopard-print bag $2,650.00
Giuseppe Zanotti Leopard Print Booties $1135.59
Dolce & Gabbana Green Leopard Dress $1739.57
Dolce & Gabbana Two Tone Leo Dress $1204.50
Miu Miu Leopard Print Coat $3365.59
Christian Louboutin Leopard Print Heels $1,255.00
Dolce & Gabbana Leopard Print Bustier $1151.48
Lanvin Leopard Print Dress $1616.03

INEXPENSIVE DIVA (ALL PIECES UNDER $40)

Trends: Leopard Print 2 by fabulosityrepresenta88 featuring Forever21

Forever 21 Tee $15.80
Wet Seal Leopard Print Jacket $27.50
Charlotte Russe Leopard Print Top $18
Go Jane Leopard Print Dress $28.80
Ami Clubwear Leopard Print Top $19.99
ASOS Leopard Print Parka $34
Forever 21 Leopard Print Dress $27.80

ACCESSORIZED LEOPARD (ALL PIECES UNDER $50)

Trend: Leopard Print 3 by fabulosityrepresenta88 featuring mango bags

Forever 21 Leopard Wedges $12.99
Betsey Johnson Red Leopard Earrings $41
Topshop Leopard Snood $32
Wet Seal Leopard Flats $6
Mango Leopard Tote $42
Great Glam Leopard Pumps $30
Topshop Leopard Bow Headband $18
M&Co. Blue Leopard Bracelet $3.79
ASOS Brown Leopard Studs $6.76
Hot Topic Pink Leopard Sunglasses $9.99
ASOS Leopard Necklace $17
Oasis Leopard Belt $4.55
Lane Bryant Purple Leopard Tote $40
Naughty Monkey Yellow Leopard Pumps $45

PLUS SIZE LEOPARD (ALL PIECES UNDER $50)

Trends: Leopard Print 4 by fabulosityrepresenta88 on Polyvore.com

Fashion Bug Leopard Jacket $19.68
Great Glam Plus Leopard Top $20.80
Fashion Bug Leopard Skirt $14.05
Yours Clothing Leopard T-Shirt $24
Torrid Leopard Belt $22
Bonton Studio Works Leopard Top $9.99
Yours Clothing Leopard Leggings $13.50
Torrid Leopard Dress $40
GoJane Blue Leopard Dress $43.99 (up to 3x)

Styling Tips:

1) Pick one item, and keep the rest of the look should feature solid colors. For example, a leopard print dress with a red peep toe shoe is sexy without looking like you killed the animal for an entire ensemble. Unless it's Halloween and you are going as a leopard, don't do head to to leopard. If you do it, it's at your own risk.

2) Not everyone is daring enough to wear leopard clothing. It is a " look at me" print, and if you are nervous about it, there's ways to wear it without too much spotlight on you. For example, try wearing a leopard print flat or basic pump with a white top and jeans. Also, you can try adding a smaller amount of the print in jewelry, hair accessories, handbags, and scarves. It allows you to wear the print and make it appropriate for day.

3) If you love leopard like I do, I would suggest getting a little leopard to wear each season, or something that can be worn all season. For example, buying a large leopard print scarf can be great for keeping you warm in the winter, but also could work as a cover-up in the summer.

4) Keep the shapes as classic as possible. Sure, it's nice to have a over the knee leopard print platform boot, if you're Rihanna or Beyonce. But the average woman isn't going to be wearing those to the office (unless...well, I don't judge). So, I would suggest for footwear, go for a pointy toe or ballet flat, classic pointy toe pump, or even a round toe platform pump. The more basic the shape, the more longevity to wear them for seasons to come. This applies to clothing as well. Owning a hot pink leopard print mini skirt may not be the smartest buy, but a brown or grey leopard print pencil skirt would be great for day or night with the right top and shoes.

For more styling tips, check back here at Love, Fashion, and Finding Me!

Sarah Jane