Today I am fortunate to join a stylish group of bloggers for a fall fashion link up! The theme is trends you can actually wear- not the dramatic things on the runway, but items to make you look good and feel current going into fall.
Who doesn’t love to get a few new things for fall? I still call it Back to School shopping! I love this whole time of year and have many good memories of shopping with my mom for new school clothes. I suffered through many a torrid September school day just to wear a new argyle sweater or plaid wool skirt. Californians know of what I speak!
With that in mind, I tried to find something transitional, for those of us who reside in the warmer climes. We have cool mornings and evenings in fall and sometimes very warm days so we have to rely on layers.
This year leopard is big. Yes it’s still a thing- so if you haven’t added a piece with leopard to your wardrobe, well it’s time. Something about a leopard piece can give you a little extra style cred when added to your look. Right now there’s a lot out there so keep your eyes open for a cool piece to mingle with your regular items.
I scored two leopard items last week that can be used in early fall!
I spotted this Rachel Zoe blazer, above and I’m a huge blazer person. Blazers make you look trim and tailored and are versatile for travel. A well dressed gal needs a few in the closet. Don’t be afraid to go bold with a leopard print in this. It’s a nice change from the usual navy and won’t go out of style. A lot of people say leopard is a neutral and I agree when it’s not worn head to toe. I think mixing this frilly white blouses is unexpected. The cool part is the juxtaposition of the feminine lace and the punky leopard.
My other leopard item is a wool poncho made in Italy. A poncho is another must in the closet. I have several and no matter when I wear them, other women give me compliments. Personally, I love the way they look chic with little effort except throwing them on over a comfy t-shirt. You can wear them as a top all day- which I do in winter, or just as a wrap. They are the ultimate travel item as they can be your airplane blanket and a versatile topper in many kinds of weather. I never travel without one.
By the way I love these jeans, they are Paige and aren’t supposed to stretch out yet are super comfy. My sandals are from Everlane. Also very comfy.
This one is wool and I like it best with grey or white jeans and a pair of strappy flat sandals to look a bit California and boho in early fall. When it gets cooler, pairing a poncho with boots is always a great luxe look. Here I put it with my plaid Burberry bag because I like the mix of the two prints in similar tones. Cashmere versions are even nicer for summer and fall and can be small enough to shove in your purse. I have one of these topper versions that I just took to London.
Another trend is mixing leopard with camo or snake prints in any which way. It’s almost like interiors now- you can’t go wrong if you putting it together, just have a common thread like color and size of the print.
This is a little more unexpected, but I put my favorite old camo pants with the blazer and snakeprint slides..Something for a very casual day as the pants are pretty beat. Try mixing things up and things you would generally never put together. You’ll see a lot of this on the runways and magazines. Can you tell my tall son took this photo?
One way to find your style is to play dress-up at home and see what works when you have some free time. Do this before you shop with what you already own. Use your phone and take pictures of outfits in a mirror that look cool and save them in a fall looks folder to refer back to when you are feeling uninspired and are tempted to pull on the same old standbys.
Both pieces were lucky scores last week at T.J. Max. I went looking for baskets for my laundry room, of course got lucky with clothes. You just have to keep an open mind when shopping there. If I went for clothes, no doubt I would have gone home empty handed!
Similar leopard blazer here at Bloomingdales. Other leopard print blazers- here and here. Could not find a match for the poncho, but a pretty leopard wrap/poncho here... and I’m in love with this leopard pj set at Anthro!
Now pop on over and see what these other stylish gals have in store for you. I can’t wait to see what they pull together. I always get inspired from other bloggers more than anyplace else.
Susan-Une Femme d’un Certain Age
Here’s to fall friends.. the pumpkin spice lattes are en route and cannot come soon enough!
Kim
you are so adorable kim! love your style! x
Janet- too nice. I can’t wait to see yours.xx
I’m thinking right now that I need a leopard print blazer! Thanks for the inspiration, Kim!
Kim, you look fabulous and I love all your tips. I have an old Zara leopard print coat that is going to resurface after reading this! Great idea about the shopping your closet first and I want the poncho for travel. My Paige jeans are my favorite, too.
Thanks for doing this with us. Hope to see you soon!
Mary Ann
Mary Ann, I bet your Zara coat is cute. I have to say I am always in love with their coats.. Post if you wear it! Thanks so much. I am popping over to check your look out! xx
ANIMAL PRINT IS ALWAYS IN!NOW MORE THAN EVER!
BANKSY’s doggie door has an ANIMAL print rug to GREET HIM!
I have a few pieces but NOT ENOUGH!
CATHERINE ROBINSON in ENGLAND has some BEAUTIFUL COLORED PONCHO’s RIGHT NOW!
I have been shopping over yonder via Cyber space!
I too have been wearing them in the mornings as its been GREY and overcast HERE!!!!!!!!
A poncho over the NIGHT GOWN WORKS!!!!!!
XX
Kim, I love your style! I wouldn’t think to put camo and leopard print together, but I love it! It’s like they are both neutrals and they work together beautifully!
Love your Rachel Zoe blazer and those shoes!!! They’re fabulous! I bought a leopard cardigan on sale last year and am going to pull it out, try on clothes and see what it will look good with this fall. Thanks for the tip about putting together a photo folder of looks that will spark our imagination before we go shopping. I’m happy to be part of this blogger group today, sharing Fall trend ideas and getting to know one another! Brenda
Brenda thanks so much I just am seeing your comment now somehow! Thanks the blazer was a find! I hope you have a wonderful trip to London (or did already!) xo
Oh yes, I know what of you speak . . . sweltering in class through September and into October too impatient to put off sporting my fall clothing. Those were the days! I love leopard in all your looks, and so unexpected with the camp pant! Your tips are on point and remind me I have a leopard duster in the closet that will be great for fall. xo
Kim you have such a way with pulling off the latest trends. I am always studying you! That poncho you got in Italy! Will you will that one to me?!! Thanks so much for joining us again. Feel so lucky that we have gotten to know each other through blogging. I am waiting for a tour of that darling new house!!
You look adorable in every shot! And yes I agree….leopard and keep an open mind!
Kim I loved this post! This was just the inspiration I needed to actually wear my Emerson Fry leopard coat this fall. I was just looking at it the other day and thinking, how can I wear this casually? I def need to find my black jeans to wear with it.
I hope you are well and that things have moved along smartly with the house! xxx
You look so cute in leopard and you chose great colors for your coloring. You may be a little young, though, to wear antique camouflage pants. Tee hee. I, too, look forward to seeing your new house. Your stress level will plummet. Be well. @sheilamerle