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Two Ways: Animal Print Blouse

Oct 30, 2012

Shirt: Animal Print Blouse (Mango, $45)

From Left, Bag: Coach Legacy Candace Carryall ($398) Tights: Commando Ultimate Opaque Tights ($34) Shoes: Kors NY Suede Pump ($130) Coat: Felt Coat ($210) Necklace: Roman Luxe Bib Necklace ($149) Skirt: Double Vent Skirt ($90)

From Right, Earrings: Bolt Hoop Earrings ($88) Bag: Coach Small Saddlebag ($158) Shoes: Enzo Anglioni Zareh Boot ($100) Coat: Steven Alan Seaside Parka ($375) Scarf: Guess Infinity Scarf ($68) Jeans: J.CREW Toothpick Jean ($130)

Polyvore Set Here.

For the Office.  Leopard print with black strikes me as a bit too strong, so I paired the top with a winter white skirt to lighten the look.  There aren’t many sizes left in the skirt in the set, but this Anne Klein skirt is under-$100 and has several sizes. If you chose to wear black separates, I would probably wear a wide legged trouser instead.  

This is definitely an outfit where you want to tuck the blouse into the skirt.  You could also add a belt if you like.  I think this wide black belt would be nice. And I think the black tights and a black shoe are the winter equivalent of bare legs with flesh-toned pumps.

I added a gold bib necklace to the outfit to break up the pattern and bring some shine to the outfit.  I chose the cognac bag because it goes with everything (this Aldo bag is similar for less than 1/2 the price).  And I selected this black felt coat from The Outnet because I fell in love with the clean lines and modern shape.  So sleek.  

Need a chic black coat in a lower price point? This belted coat has a really unique shape and lots of details at an affordable price.

For the hair, I would wear it down and wavy or straight with the end curled under.  For the makeup, I would keep the cheeks natural with just a hint of color and a red lip.  I’d also paint my nails.  If you’re traditional, paint them red.  If you don’t like attention, paint them greige.  If you want to vamp it up, try black.

For Sunday Brunch.  When I get dressed for brunch, I’m looking for easy chic.  I want to look good, and I want to look put together, but I don’t want to look overdone.  Brunch is supposed to be relaxed and enjoyable, so keep it simple and stylish.

Here, I paired the leopard blouse with a cable snood for warmth.  The snood also adds a variation in texture between the slick blouse fabric and the knit scarf.  I then added an olive-colored jacket to relax the look and coordinate with the blouse without matching.

If you like the olive, but want a warmer coat?  This Sam Edelman coat with a dramatic collar is truly fantastic.  

As for the accessories, I added a crossbody saddlebag to keep with the casual look.  I chose chocolate brown boots, so I wouldn’t have too much cognac.  And I adore these cool, bolt-shaped hoops.  

For the hair, I would pin it into a low bun.  An easy hairdo when I don’t want to blowdry, and choose to quickly clean up with dry shampoo.  For the makeup, I would keep it really natural and throw on some tinted chapstick.

COMMENTS

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  1. Allison M says:

    Is it too much for the Sunday brunch look to wear Leopard print flats that match the shirt?

  2. Belle says:

    Allison M: I find that to be too much in general unless they're not the same kind of animal print. Leopard on leopard strikes me as too much leopard.

  3. Lexi says:

    Love the leopard with white!

  4. questioneverything says:

    Black fingernails for work?

  5. Belle says:

    qie: Depends on your office. I can get away with it, I know other women who can, but if it makes you uncomfortable, then don't do it.

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