Feeling Slightly Catty

Leopard is always ubiquitous in fashion, but it's having a remarkably pronounced moment right now. Between various designers and chain retailers ushering in the fall season, the Kardashian infatuation and their new line, and the classic quality of the print, you can't avoid these spectacularly feline spots. Leopard (or cheetah) goes with almost everything, lets women feel a little wild (even in a conservative cut), and isn't too scary because of its neutral palette. I had owned this ruched, form-fitting dress from Forever21 for a few years now; it's pretty flattering, but every time I wore it out, I got meows (literal cat calls), knowing leers from men of all ages, and the occasional mocking "Get it, girl!" It's frankly a little more than I, personally, can handle. However, I really love the print and the fit, and finally realized I could make it work. Magazines are always telling us to layer creatively, but it took some time for me to come up with this equation: once I threw on my very favorite soft, thin, cozy cropped black H&M sweater, my slightly-awkward party dress became my new very favorite soft, thin, sexy (but not salaciously promiscuous!) new mini-skirt.

The comfort of this outfit is sublime, and it's great for cooler weather since the dress is a built-in layer under the sweater. I am planning to capitalize on the versatility by mixing in tights, blazers, and different bags over the course of this fall and winter. I added this gold rope necklace (an $8.00 Forever21 find - it was two-tone, but I took out the thin, dark center chain and knotted it), gold drop earrings, bar ring, Burberry watch, and these huge, chunky, wooden, open-toe-clog-esque, studded platform monstrosities from high school which I could never, ever, ever bring myself to throw out. Like Shrek, they will always have my heart with their large-and-in-charge presence and their loving soul. (Of course, almost anything with a feminine flair and a punk-rock stud gets my vote.) The final touch was my mom's acquired-on-crazy-sale, deliciously lady-like caramel Brahmin handbag which she had squirreled away in her attic and "didn't really want." Man, that lady is fly.
Feeling inspired by fall's crisp air and fierce look. If I promise to switch to flat riding boots, can I get away with wearing this get-up for apple-picking and a hayride or two?
- xoxo