I can’t remember a time in recent history when animal prints weren’t smack on trend. When I first started seeing it, leopard reminded me of my fashionista grandmother Mimi who was right up to the nano second when it came to being on trend back in the day. She wore leopard, sequins, and all sorts of shimmering silks and satins. Hence, I equated leopard to a bygone era which I thought was very dated…until recently. I am all over leopard and that 1950’s vibe.
This season, I had my eye on leopard booties, but couldn’t pull the trigger, some of the patterns were too bold. I was afraid they would stand out too much, making them a little more difficult to style and would possibly be less desirable in future seasons. If I love something, and it just lights me up, I will wear it whether it’s on trend or not. I know the piece will be a show stopper in years to come. Otherwise, I buy it at a lower price point or pass entirely.
Even though most of the booties I was looking at were under $200, I look at them as a longer term investment. I finally settled on a pair of Jessica Simpson booties. With all they have going on, to me, they still read a bit more understated and I figured they’d blend into my wardrobe and style better than some of than some of the other options.
A few seasons ago, I purchased a leopard sweater and a pair of flats from Target as a trial. I am really loving the sweater and have since I purchased it. I’ve styled it many times–it’s that perfect third piece that takes an outfit up a notch. I haven’t worn the shoes as much because I’m not a huge fan of flats. (I tried them on again recently, and will probably donate them as flats are just not my thing. I’m glad I only paid $20 for them at the time. Not a big loss if I have to give them away.)
Styling Ideas:
- While black is my go-to with leopard, it also looks amazing with reds, browns, beiges, and off white.
- While the head-to-toe- leopard is amazing, (on other people) and it really hot this year-several of my fashionista friends are wearing leopard print dresses, I like to showcase my leopard by keeping everything else neutral—that’s just a personal preference though, experimentation is important when it comes to establishing your own signature style.
- I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again if you aren’t sure any trend is for you, try it at a low price point first. If you find yourself loving it and it blends easily into your wardrobe, then you can purchase other pieces with confidence.
Oh those leopard boots are heavenly!! I adore you scarf too. Beautiful styling and great tips xx Maria
https://www.passionfruitpawsandpeonies.com
Those booties are so glamorous! I love them!
You’re right! Those booties are the perfect animal print…classy, elegant and not too bold. Great find Nina!
How cute are these, you’re going to walk a lot of miles in them. Thanks for sharing and hosting today. Jacqui Mummabstylish
I’ve been thinking of getting leopard print booties for ages but still haven’t made the plunge. Love your outfit!
It’s amazing the amount of leopard I’m seeing. And I’m just like you…I talked myself out of booties for the longest time (the last 2 years to be exact). But I pulled the trigger this year and couldn’t be happier!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Oh my gosh, Nina! Those boots are total sparkly awesome. I love how you dressed them up and down. I love all things leopard too and think adding some into your wardrobe is a must. Happy weekend!!!
Those glittery leopard boots are so fab!
I love the olive green skirt in the first picture. Such a great fall color and it looks great with the black and the leopard boots.
I like your idea of using leoprint as a nuance rather than the main event. I was on the Zara site this week and animal print now has it’s own section, including lots of dresses. Surely this is a bit dot.com, a bit overkill, and its bubble has now just got to burst?! Or is it beyond a fad now and is truly established in its own right now that it’s calling itself a neutral? Dunno, but I’m trying to hold myself back in buying too much of it! Hugs, x.
Oh my word, those booties are life and heaven and everything in between! So gorgeous! I just got a leopard coat that I need to share on the blog! It is my favorite thing ever…
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
OMG those boots are amazing and I love the luxurious green skirt too.
Oh wow, those sparkly ankle boots are fabulous! I love the cardigan too.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
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Hi Nina,
I just discovered your georgeous blog! I love your leopard booties and this cute skirt. You look amazing!
Hugs from Vienna!
xxxxx Nadine
https://nadinecd.blogspot.com
How beautiful are your boots! I have had a thing for boots this year, getting a brocade pair, I bought a leopard pair last year and wear them all of the time. Love your gold scarf with your outfit too.
Have a great day!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Dang girl getting in on that extra sparkle with the leopard! I love them and how fierce they are! You styled them so perfectly with the skirt and that coat!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
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Those boots looks amazing on you dear! Such a fab touch, really amps up the whole look.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Those booties are pretty amazing. I like a lot of Jessica Simpson styles, good find. What a fun story about your Mimi, a great memory to have! It’s pretty amazing just how many variations of leopard there are right now. Some of them are much easier to work with than others. Nice job, Nina.
I love the glamour of all your looks! I find that animal print elevates ny look – especially these sparklies!! xx