Meow! A Beginner’s Guide to Leopard

“I love leopard. To me the print is an accessory unto itself. A true excessory.” – Rachel Zoe

Di-ga-me (talk to me): Rachel Zoe in leopard and Brad chat Italian fashion districts whilst in Milan. Doesn't Brad look handsome in black on black?

Last season, I was having a snake moment.  I rotate my love of animal prints because I am an equal opportunity fashionistah.  Every animal print gets some love in my books.  As seasonal trends in fashion are apt to doing, leopard is again in the spotlight, a great accent to a very dark and black Fall/Winter 2010 season. 

Many women stay away from animal prints because they can be wild, loud and outrageous, but when applied to the right outfit, a high ROC is always guaranteed.  People can’t help but notice and pay respect to your forward fashion choices (see/ Di’s wearing of hats in Clueless). 

You can injure yourself by wearing leopard, if you don’t abide by a few steadfast rules:

1. No Double Leopard – No matter the circumstance, it is completely unacceptable to wear two items of leopard at the same time.  Please don’t argue with me and use double denim as an example.  The same goes for head to toe.  You don’t want to look as though a leopard attacked you, and you won.  This is perhaps the most heinous of crimes a fashion victim can inflict on themselves and onlookers.
2. Space It Out – Leopard is a look that you shouldn’t be wearing on the daily (unless you seriously mix it up and your wardrobe consists of other stand out looks).  It’s special print and will get noticed by bystanders.  It’s for the inverse reason that fashion people wear so much black.
3. Baby Colours are For Babies – Leopard in a baby pink or blue is highly unnatural and a definite no-no.  It has undertones of parties at the Playboy Mansion, definitely not high-fashion.  Reserve those hues for cotton candy or onesies. 
4. Sprinkle on an Accessory – The easiest way to incorporate leopard is as an accessory, be it a scarf, a tiny clutch or a skinny belt.  If you aren’t willing to invest in a total leopard look, this is perhaps the best season to incorporate the print and to add a dramatic punch to your wardrobe.

Can’t get enough?  Try this oldie, but goodie:  Leopard is her Power Animal

Casual Meow: Rebecca Taylor Leopard Print Tee paired with leggings or jeans. Wearing leopard in a faded neutral (not its traditional colour) can tone down the print.

I mean, this I'm dying over: stacked Louis Vuitton leopard bangles.

Tres chic: Tory Burch Leopard Print Flats. A good ballet flat will be your best friend. A dressier option for the everyday.

A classic slingback care of Monsieur Louboutin. Would look lovely paired with a LBD.

Here kitty-kitty: M.A.C. Fabulous Felines collection features colours like 'Drive Me Wild,' 'Out-Minxed' and my personal fave 'The Prowl'