This fall, it’s all about animal prints and textures. I realized this after discovering that the entirety of my fall wish-list could qualify as “wildlife inspired”: tortoise-shell accent pieces; shoes in calf-hair and snakeskin; luxe fur pieces; and all.things.leopard. So here we go, into the wild. First up: how TDF would you look waltzing into work with this little dress ($475, Rag & Bone), a pendant necklace (how uh-may-zing is this embellished fox version?! — Roberto Cavalli, $1,310, Net-A-Porter), some black tights, and a killer pair of black booties (especially this snakeskin-effect pair — House of Harlow, $295, Shopbop)?
While we’re in the mood to be impractical (hellooo, daydreaming about tights when it’s still 90 degrees outside…), I’d top it all off with this M Missoni cape (must.have.a.cape.for.fall, and I applaud Anh of 9-to-5 Chic for already rocking her own in the dwindling days of summer — $1,195, Net-A-Porter) and a simple black bag (love this ladylike style for fall with the tough-gal gold studs on the side! — $495, Rebecca Minkoff):
Ummm dying. For something transitional, consider a sleeveless, snakeskin-print blouse ($195, AllSaints) tucked into a black pencil skirt (DVF, on sale for $152, Boutique1), with a gold collar necklace worn outside/on top of the blouse, as a collar ($145, Rosena Sammi):
I’d finish with some polished cap-toe flats (I’ve been on the hunt for a replacement pair, and these found their way onto my shortlist — Kelsi Dagger, $89, PiperLime), and — drumroll please — my current obsession of the universe, the Alexander Wang Emile tote (O.M.G. — just spent earlier this afternoon roaming around Barney’s, and this bag literally leapt off the shelf and into my soul. It sells itself. Go check it out and cry over its perfectness. Lots of other Wang styles are a bit too “edgy” for me, but the Emile has the perfect blend of ladylike structure and downtown chic. AH! — $975, Shopbop):
EEEE. Want. I’d round it all out with a classic leather watch (love this “Rachel Zoe pick” — Timex, $60, PiperLime) and an animal cut-out bangle ($80, Net-A-Porter):
Alternately, I like the idea of this sick art deco necklace ($298, Jene de Spain) atop a simple white sheath dress ($450, Rag & Bone)
I’d finish with these leopard tootsies (die — what a steal! — $140, PiperLime) —
— and this zebra-accented, quilted handbag (Rebecca Minkoff, $395, Shopbop):
I’d finish with this glossy gold ring ($85, Michael Kors) and this leather cuff (you know I’d prefer the Hermes Collier de Chien style, but this gets the job done and saves a lot of moola — $58, AnnTaylor):
For another look, try a juged up sweater dress (I managed to snag this Missoni for Target style before they all sold out — did anyone else participate in / hear about the fury/frenzy that surrounded the release of this diffusion line?! OMG, it was maj — and now many of the styles are selling for hundreds and hundreds of dollars on eBay…$50, Target):
In colder months, I might sneak a white turtleneck underneath and wear with black tights — but for now, I will just wear it with a loose-fitting duster cardigan. Ay any rate, I’d pair with this darling panther bangle ($35, TopShop) —
For footwear, I like these YSL-inspired pumps ($90, ReportFootwear — or get the real deal for $720 at Net-A-Porter). I can’t resist a major heel like this one — just imagine how much taller I’d be…and with a sweater dress, you have to make sure you use bold, slick accent pieces to avoid looking dowdy. (I would suggest avoiding anything else that reads “librarian.” Add a little sex appeal to the look.) I’d offset with this calf-hair wallet/clutch (“clallet”/”wallutch”? — $195, Rag and Bone):
I also adore this leopard dress ($328, Rebecca Minkoff) — I’d pair it with black tights and a gold tassel necklace/lariat style (the one below is $32, Madewell, but I’m smitten with this $68 Ann Taylor vintage-looking style as well), and the HOH booties cited above:
Perfect with this tiger’s eye ring ($55, ShoptheTrend), a lion’s head leather wrap bracelet ($115, Max&Chloe), and this ladylike wool bag ($295, PourLaVictoire):
On the weekends: try an easy update with a classic, Grace Kelly-esque headband ($28, France Luxe), paired with a chic bomber (ugh, have seen so many of these “bomber/letterman” style jackets and love ’em — $498, Rebecca Minkoff), skinnies:
I’d wrap this panther-print scarf ($180, Net-A-Porter) loosely around my neck or would just drape it around my neck once and let it hang open to soften the lean, clean lines of the above outfit —
And then would finish with the leopard version of the Kelsi Daggers featured earlier ($89, PiperLime) and a chic, oversized tote (on sale for $262, PourLaVictoire):
If you’re just looking for a little touch of the animal, try this classy iPhone case (I’ve never used a case, but this may make me change my mind — $34, InCase), or these leopard loafers ($66, TopShop):
And how about this tortoise cuff, while we’re at it ($222, MyWardrobe)? It all goes great with a deep red mani (I just picked this exact color up as my staple for fall — “Lady Is a Tramp” — $16, DeborahLippmann) and a pair of classic tortoise shades (Thierry Lasry, $375, Opening Ceremony):
I’m also digging these snakeskin gloves ($228, Intermix) and these eye-catching pumps ($328, MyWardrobe):
Meanwhile, this statement necklace would jazz up any ol white tee or blouse (Kate Spade, $298, Nordstrom), including this dalmatian print blouse ($240, Reiss):
Incidentally, the above would look slick beneath a black fur vest (this one is by Elizabeth and James — $595, LesNouvelles — but mine is by Adrienne Landau), which in turn would look amazing with these calf-hair tootsies ($235, Madewell):
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