Ever since I first caught sight of Ginger rocking a leopard print evening gown on Gilligan’s Island and Holly Golightlty’s bachlorette zebra print rug in Breakfast at Tiffany’s-I’ve been obsessed with animal prints. For me animal prints= flirty,fun and confident. My Teenage years circa 1980’s were spent scouring Thrift Stores and flea markets for vintage pieces…funny to think now, but at that time animal prints were seen as a kitchy throwback in fashion and quite old school traditional for home.
Since then, the return in popularity of exotic prints has made my quest much easier- vintage is still wonderful, but with so many products out there it only takes a quick surf of the web or jaunt to the mall to get your style roaring today. And as trends merge and converge (i.e. brighter more saturated colors), it’s only fitting that my favorite motifs would find themselves getting a colorful makeover…I’m thinking Holly and Ginger would approve!
Eva in a red leopard gown at this year’s Venice Film Festival, colorful exotics from Marie Claire, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz’s red zebra mini marks the return of Melrose Place ( it’s back?-now I am beginning to feel like a teenager again!)
Hue- infused, animal prints and faux furs ( yes they are getting a wash of color also this season) can add instant excitement to your wardrobe and home. Think of them as neutrals with a trippy pop.
And even if your not ready for a full on ensemble like our starlets or adding a pink and chartreuse leopard print rug is totally out of the question for your current lair, doesn’t mean you can’t partake. Tame the trend by using it in small doses ( scarf, flats, wallet, desktop notes, outdoor pillows…you get the idea). Every time you spot them you’ll feel purrr-fectly sexy. So go on- give your style a walk on the wild side!
rug by James Ducan from Decorati, animal print silk scarf and leopard wallet from Forever 21, Lanvin ballet flats, Dresses from Vivienne westwood and Diane Von Furstenberg from Net-a-porter, Trina Turk’s outdoor fabric for F. Schumacher available through Decorati, sunglasses by Fantas-Eyes, laptop cover from Freddy&Ma,, shorts by J.crew and sherling coat by Bottega Veneta available through Net-a-porter
Every fall animal prints come out in some shape or form, but these are fabulous! thanks for the great post!
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Cute, cute, cute. I have a couple of animal print pieces and love them.
I love the wild, never-seen-in-nature colors being used in this newest re-revival of animal prints. Why stick with black and tan, when there’s hot pink and purple to choose from? That black and pink purse, would really update a little black dress. Thanks for the inspiration!
Love the over sized prints and wild colors.