Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

No fall shoe collection would be complete without a classic pair of mary-janes and there is no other perfect pair than the Campari from Manolo Blahnik! The pointy-toed pump with tonal grossgrain trim is the perfection of perfect for fall footwear, it's only flaw the $645 price.  Ok so maybe not so perfect.

Manolo Blahnik

However, if you love the silhouette of this shoe and want to kick it up a notch in the style department you might consider the Case Leopard print Mary Janes from Pour la Victoire.  The leopard print calf hair is trimmed with contrasting leather while the shoe exudes the superior styling with the same pointy-toed, slim silhouette.  They're a steal at only $250, you could buy two pairs for the price of one Manolo!

Pour la Victoire

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

So you want to make a statement, but you typically stick to blending in.  I'm going to suggest something that may put you outside your comfort zone, but go big or go home!

The Cure: Walk on the Wild Side!

Pinterest inspired me this week with the leopard print trench! I know it's a bold move, but don't forget that animal print is really a neutral! Use this one piece to heighten any basic style, for this look the trench is paired with boyfriend jeans, and a chambray button down layered under a black v-neck sweater.  I've decided to add a pop of color with these Korkease pumps, but you can stick with a neutral if you feel more comfortable.  Dare to be daring and turn some heads this season!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Animal print is ever present in today's fashion world and my favorite way to incorporate it is with a leopard print shoe! I just about died when I found the Manolo Blahnik "Shariffiac"!  The leopard print, pony hair, tapered toe loafer is perfect for jeans, skirts, trousers, you name it! Sadly the price is not so perfect at $745.

Manolo Blahnik

Which is why I just about died again when I found the Sam Edelman "Alvin".  What are the odds of finding another leopard print, tapered toe loafer? And what are the odds that they are only $148?  Obviously good odds at Poppy and Stella! Welcome these into your wardrobe today!

Sam Edelman

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Well Prada never ceases to let me down.  I would proudly don this classic leopard loafer that recognizes the retro with its tonal penny keeper across the vamp.  It's the perfect pop of animal print for the ankle skinnys and silk blouse I picked up to jump start my fall wardrobe.  Alas at $790 my budget would more than likely explode.

Prada, $790

Good thing Libby Edelman has a comparable version.  Swap the penny keeper for a pair of tassels and the $790 price tag for a much more reasonable $75 one and my outfit plans are still on track for making a statement!

Libby Edelman, $75

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

I love ballet flats! I mean how can you not love a shoe that's both cute and stylish while also giving your feet a break from what can occasionally be painful platforms?!? One of the best things is their versatility, dress them up or down, wear them with pants, skirts, whatever. My particular style of choice, animal print or skin, they always seem to add that extra pinch of poshness. Which is why I just adore these Lanvin snakeskin flats. With it's dyed elaphe carinata snakeskin the simplistic round toe and scrunched shape shoe is toted as the "ballerina that bites back". The only other thing that bites is the price, $790. OUCH!

Lanvin, $790

Thank the shoe gods for Corso Como's Ballasox in python! These round-toe, scrunched shape, flats are like stylish slippers for your soles. As an added bonus, they easily fold into a convenient pouch that fits in your handbag. Even better, at just $59 you can take a big bite out of the animal fashion trend without taking a bite out of your budget!

Corso Como, $59

"Urban Jungle"

Animals are taking over animal print!  This upcoming season, expect to see more than just zebra and cheetah pelts, be on the lookout for their cute but ominous faces too.  Fashion designers are brining the "wilderness to the sidewalks".  Sink your teeth into this trend with a head to toe look or just scratch the surface by adding a small accessory or too.  This coming fall you're sure to know where the wild things are.

Go Wild!

For animal print! This trend has evolved and adapted to fashion throughout the ages, ever remaining classic when done right.  The fierce fashionista will stealthily stalk this trend through the boutique circuit, honing in on pieces that will be suitable to add to her wardrobe.  Once she has located the perfect piece she will pounce on her prey, snatching it up before a rival fashionista sees it.  How does she know what to choose? It's instinctual, knowing that less is more.  She may go for subtle pieces, shoes, scarves, etc.,  to accent her basic blacks and camels or her appetite might have her thirsting for something more satisfying and she chooses a dress or top that she pairs with black or red accessories depending on the mate she is trying to attract.  It's a fashionista eats fashionista world out there, wear your spots and stripes well.