Black & White with Sprinkles

Vintage dress complete with button-up side slit; Sam Edelman pumps; XXI purse & bracelets; Michael Kors watch; Kenneth Jay Lane ring

Doorbells and sleigh bells...

Even though I first started this "My Favorite Things" montage with the intention of it being a summer feature, it appears that I'm barely halfway through the song and Labor Day is right around the corner! Therefore, I am continuing this through fall, especially since transitional times are my favorite times to challenge my own sense of style. Case in point: printed trousers.

While they were certainly around all summer (as evidenced by Solange Knowles and Margherita Missoni) paired with fedoras, crop tops, espadrilles, and sunnies, I am looking forward to layering them up a bit to have them be less of an "in your face" statement piece, which will be accomplished through pairing them with other textures like tweed, jean, leather, lace, fur, or wool. And just to clarify - my definition of a "print" includes floral, tribal, animal, polka dots, and stripes - not just plaid or hounds tooth...borrrrrring. Well, not entirely, but it just doesn't work with this post. These gems can all be found at Zara.

For the warm days we still have, pair with a neon yellow tank, gold hoops, and nude pumps. Once fifty degrees hits, wear them with a lace tee and a black bandeau/bra, black ankle boots, feather earrings, and a black motorcycle jacket

 Now...a chambray shirt, long bead necklaces, strappy cognac platforms, and a fedora. Later...the same shoes with an over-sized slate gray blouse (not tucked in but definitely buttoned up), fur vest, brown floppy felt hat, and a choker around the collar.

The last sip of sauvignon blanc on a rooftop can be enjoyed while wearing these with metallic gladiators, a tee with thin stripes, and a olive green utility vest. The first sip of a pumpkin spice latte can happen in burgundy pointy toe flats, a crewneck sweater in bright purple, pearls, and a tweed blazer.

Perfect transitional piece? I certainly think these suckers qualify.

Creamsicle

American Apparel blouse, Dorothy Perkins (in Nottingham, England) tube top, Old Navy skirt, diba sandals, Skaagen watch,  Kensie sunglasses, my mom's necklace from premierdesigns.com, clutch...um, I forgot, Revlon Persian Melon lipstick

Seeing spots

I am not one to shy away from overtly showcasing the undeniable sexiness of leopard print.

But, you might not be like me. Therefore, there may be a need to tone it down by using it as an accent through scarves, belts, purses, and shoes. I do understand; however, that even an accent can feel as if you're roaring like an actual ferocious feline on the prowl. In order to minimize that feeling of being in heat, there are a few key areas to consider when purchasing your leopard-cessories.

1.  Stick with neutral creations - pick patterns with brown undertones rather than orange, small spots rather than big ones, and less contrast between the colors.

2. Heels are sexy, so if you're already weary of 'em, chose flats.

3. When paired with another print, be it stripes, ikat, polka dots, tweed, or plaid - the leopard becomes a neutral.

 

4.  The print in gray is a true safe haven.

5. The inclusion of additional material, be it in any color or texture doesn't minimize the impact of this pattern, it actually draws more attention to it...and looks garish. Case in point on the left, compared to the beauty on the right.

If I were you? I'd go out and purchase the following to inject some meow into your mundane.

Steve Madden London Foldover Clutch

MIchael Kors Animal Print Belt

Calvin Klein Pritah Flats

Thou Shalt Not Covet...

...but since I've never been a very religious person, I will.

This dress to wear with polka dot tights and a burgundy turtleneck

Lucy Laucht's doubled up raw stone rings

Nude strappy sandals to wear with black tights a la Ms. Bilson

A Peter Pan collar blouse to bring some prim and proper to an edgy ensemble

Cupcake and Cashmere's muted metallic lace

A thick cable knit sweater to sex up a la Marilyn Monroe 

And crisp apple streudels...

 Two of the most iconic women in American history, Marilyn & Audrey, are consistently inspiring our trends. Ms. Monroe is even showcased on the Magnificent Mile, albeit without the frames that take her from demure to sexy or sexy to demure. I would even argue that the inclusion of these frames would have made the statue less "kitschy," as it has been called. Cat-eye glasses are beyond flattering. They elevate the cheekbones and exaggerate the eye shape that symbolizes femininity - why would we put on mascara and eyeliner otherwise? Not to be out done, some of our modern day fashionistas are pouncing on board this trend as well.  

 Don't be caught without a litter box and get your own from Urban Outfitters for as little as $6.99! Meooooooooow :)

Adapting Style from...Rachel Bilson

There are two things that I'm obsessing about wearing once the temperature get below sweltering - leopard pumps and colored trousers. Although I did see wearing them (once I purchase said trousers) together, I did not think of throwing a floral blouse into the mix. In fact, a paisley, lace, plaid or another colorful print blouse would have the same effect! Leave it to the always fashion forward Ms. Bilson to keep me on my toes and consistently inspired.

 ZARA Printed Blouse

 ASOS Leaf Floral Print Blouse 

 

  ASOS Blurred Floral Print Blouse

 J. Crew Cafe Capri Pants

 

Aldo Mease Pumps 

Happy imitating and adapting :)