One of this year’s trends is the resurgence of animal prints and skins, in both fashion and home. These luxuries are not for everyone , however ; either for ethical or financial reasons. But, alas, we all have an opportunity to participate in this trend. “It takes a village to raise a trend. ”
Alligator and crocodile have always been considered luxuries (there are only a few differences b/w the two including their snout shape and what water they live in) . Expensive bags and accessories are readily available. The red Coach crocodile bag is rich looking , even in pictures (this will take a $7000 bite out of you). I am absolutely coveting the Zagalini puffy croc satchel. If I win the lottery this week (because I don’t have an extra $11,800) – this bag is mine.
If you don’t win the lottery or just don’t want real gator, then you too can carry a luxurious gator looking bag. Keywords “printed” , “embossed” , and “textured” are crafty words meaning- leather made to look like something else. This words are tools of the trade …you can save money by going ‘faux” and save the life of an endangered species. Who says fashion can’t save the world?
The beautiful plum Lockheart soft croc ‘textured’ satchel is $725 . Etro’s manlier messenger croc embossed bag is $1000.
The Prada Coco flats feature a black alligator cap on the toe (lovely for $950) or Jessica Simpson has her own offering for under $60 in gunmetal.
Guiseppe Zanott’s preppy pink & green real croc thong is $550 while the ‘textured’ Lambertson Truex orange thong is $595.
*Warning:Only someone with a foot fetish (and in depth knowledge of skins) would notice the difference . Creep!
If thongs aren’t your things…Max Studio has graced us with a refined pair of beige croc print mary janes for $153. But Pucci’s $500 get up and dance criss cross wedges will certainly put a spring in your step…croc texture and all. These look really comfy. If there’s any truth to the whole “secret” then I will be wearing these to my next ” girls’ night out dance party”. (I’ll keep you updated).
Caiman is the lesser known but more available cousin to the alligator. Carlos Falchi is a designer known for his designs using all sorts of skins. But this caiman hobo is truly a modern silhouette and must have (for the must haves that have $3500).
Python is another huge trend right now. Gucci’s $4000 Pelham hobo is made in natural python …and I love it. Kara Ross has decorated her clutch with quartz bobbles atop python. Certainly not your mother’s evening bag.
For a really special evening out…why not show up to the party in this $2000 Armani silver python print dress. And dare to pair it with Bulgari’s silver python bag. No need to buy the Bulgari, as it’s available from bagborrowsteal.com
Not feeling your inner tinman ? Then just drape a pair of Wendy Nichol’s python hoops on your lobes for $165. Or the budget conscious girl can wave her arm with a 9 West snake print bangle on it for $50 (6 fun , springy colors to choose from).
Now, if you’ve been a good girl…you deserve this pair of Miss Dior python peeptoe pumps (try saying that 3 times). Yikes these are gorge ! I couldn’t make it to a cab in these but they might look nice on a shelf. For $560 ….maybe I should just buy another book (for my shelf ). Is it better to look cute or be literate ? Let the debate begin.
Just as glamorous , but far more healthy (sorry, podiatrists) is Cole Haan’s gold python ballet flat for $500. These shoes remind me of Audrey Hepburn . I’ve seen the cutest picture of her , on a bike, riding around a movie studio (wearing flats like these) . I picture myself strolling the piazzas in Rome (with a talk , dark, & handsome Roman;of course ). London Sole can offer a similar pink pair for $65 and just as cute. But instead of roaming in Rome, I’m brunching in Soho. Bring on the crepes !
Michael Kors offers both real python and print for a very reasonable price. The natural python belt, with decorative buckle, is $59 while his Tiara python print flat is $153.
Ostrich has long been a fashion favorite. Not only for its unique skin pattern but also for its durability. My Dad told me the reason cowboy boots are made with ostrich (either on toes or entire boot) is because of its eternal durability. I can just picture a group of cowboys on the range comparing their exotic boots. Sounds like a steamy scene from Brokeback Mountain (RIP Heath…we miss ya). Louis Vuitton featured spry male models with velveteen pants tucked into English style ostrich boots.
The ladies can tote along this Nuti hobo for $3400 or its cheaper “printed ” doppleganger by Adamis for $72 . Both are equally lovely to me.
Everyone needs something a little exotic in their life. So whether you choose to have a Morroccan tagine for dinner or go searching for some exotic skin – let your inner huntress loose ! Diana would be proud.
Products available from the following sites:
jcrew.com, zappos.com , bagborrowsteal.com, coach.com , colehaan.com, saks.com , bluefly.com, 9west.com, ravinstyle.com
To contribute to the “debate” literate is looking cute. Reading a great book is a very sexy and liberating experience. But, not gonna lie- the peep toe pythons shoes are gorgeous! I would like to wear those to all the wonderful places I’ve gone to in books.
ps If I win the lotto you will have that satchel!!
I love the Micheal Kors Python flats…. they could easily be my perfect shoe this spring! If I win the lottery then you would more than likely spot me in the Pucci’s as well!
I have a crocodile purse that was my Grandmother’s, it was stored for 50 years in an attic and the handle unfortunately dry rotted. You’ve inspired me to investigate a way to replace the handle and restore it to it’s glory. It’s a small, square framed bag. Any ideas?
Speechless after watching your collection…… very nice handbag designs … also shoes are so cute
Thanks for reading the article Makeli ! It’s torture writing about all these gorgeous shoes and bags and not being able to buy them . There are so many talented designers out there…very inspiring.