• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Californians at Home
  • Home & Decor
    • Our California Remodel
    • Shop My Home
    • Lake Tahoe Cabin Style
    • Books I Adore
  • My California Closet

Northern California Style

Northern California Style

  • Home
  • About
  • Californians at Home
  • Home & Decor
    • Our California Remodel
    • Shop My Home
    • Lake Tahoe Cabin Style
    • Books I Adore
  • My California Closet
  • Shop My Home
    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

#leopardfashion

Signature Style: Leopard in Your Wardrobe

February 15, 2022 By kimwheeler 20 Comments

It’s that time again for Signature Style with my chic friends, Cindy Hattersley and Sarah London and this month we are bringing you leopard! Leopard print is a classic and has never gone out of style. Some say it’s a neutral, but I think it adds a bit of punctuation to an outfit and instant style. Do you have leopard in your closet? Well if not, it’s time to add some!

My first memories of leopard are from a leopard print boxy tote bag with tortoise shell looking ring handles my mom had in the 1960’s. On a train trip with her to Chicago when I was five, my coloring books were stored in it during trip. I later used the same bag in the early 80’s to tote my college books to class. It was vintage by then, and super cool, and I sadly wore it to pieces. This bag reminded me of it, with the color and texture of my moms!

Claire V. Leopard Bag

I’ve always been attracted to leopard due to its cool factor and rock n’ roll vibe. When I think of leopard, people like Debbie Harry come to mind. I’m not opposed to a little cool in my wardrobe and right now, after the past few years, I want my clothes to be anything but boring. I have a wardrobe full of solids, and yet a lot of patterned pieces and accessories that add a little punk feel and youthful spirit to my mix. I think everyone needs that with your basics.

How to wear leopard:

  • Choose a leopard print in an investment piece, like a nice handbag, coat, boot or shoe that can mix into your wardrobe in many different ways over years. Plan on keeping it long-term, so buy well.
  • Leopard in a silk blouse or cashmere sweater adds a fun pop of chic to basics.
  • Consider leopard in better quality materials and skip it in looks like leggings, tight dresses and stretchy lycras which can look ‘cheap’ and feel more cheesy than chic.
  • Be choosy about the leopard print you add. Let it punctuate an outfit.
  • Head to toe leopard is a lot, unless you want Alexis Carrington vibes or a big statement look. That said, you can mix leopard prints of different sizes, for a whimsical feel.
  • Some of the best foils for leopard are red, pink, black, white and surprisingly floral.
Leopard twinning with my friend Elizabeth, aka Contessa.

I am fortunate to own a leopard coat I bought a few years ago from Emerson Fry. It’s probably my most favorite piece of clothing and I have get more compliments on it than anything. It’s my go-to when I want to feel stylish and stand out, like when I wore it to a blogger conference.

It gives me confidence, and makes my solids look cool. The heavy linen works in most months here in California so I wear it all year long. Cost was around $350 and I’ve worn it more times than I can count. It was made in Brooklyn (yay), and it still looks like new. I know I have many years more to wear it. Emerson Fry still makes the exact coat, which is a testament to its longevity!

Definitely shop second hand for a leopard look. Vintage leopard coats are the coolest thing on the planet and if you can find one or something that looks like one, you’re lucky. Kate Moss created her signature style from her vintage leopard coat and she has so many..These are just a few..

I was lucky to have been gifted a vintage faux leopard short jacket from my friend Contessa and I just adore it. I have worn it casual, layered over a sweater with jeans, over a leopard dress, and with white jeans and so many ways..

Online there are so many of these vintage coats to be found like this one at ThredUp, and also check your local thrift and consignment. I also found this gem by The Great, their ‘vintage’ leopard coat.

More leopard coats here, and I love this one by Stand – just marked down, below left, and this by Bernardo, right also on sale…

Other options are adding a great accessory like this MZ Wallace tote, or a cute pair of sneakers like these high tops at Madewell, and this Gigi NY Crossbody.

I like this Claire V. Leopard bag top photo (like my mom’s), which is a classic and will always give you look a bit of style. I have a green version from them and they also have a smaller cross-body version below..

I also love the look of these slides by Birdies. People love these shoes and they are highly rated for comfort.

A leopard dress or two in the closet are nice to have in your rotation. I do own a few leopard dresses. One that is versatile and I wear so much is this T-shirt dress from Jenni Kayne. The leopard is so small it’s basically a neutral, but it’s a great basic to go anywhere. My only gripe is that the viscose wrinkles easily, but otherwise, I love the style and I can dress it up or down.

I also just bought this fun leopard shirt dress from H&M. They have a lot of leopard now. I bought this to wear as a top, a tunic, and a swim coverup as well as a dress.. The stores have a lot of this shirt dress, but it looks gone from the website! The material is the same as this dress, also cute in leopard.

Where do you stand on leopard and animal prints? I’d love to hear everyone’s thoughts and I can’t wait to read Cindy and Sarah’s blogs today about leopard! Stop by their blogs at:

Cindy Hattersley

Sarah London Style

Thanks for being here!

Kim

You might also like the post, ‘Reloving What You Own- Signature Style.’

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month! Thank you so much, as Bloglovin seems to have stopped working and I no longer post as much on Facebook and plan to do less there.

Some links will generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog!

Filed Under: Signature Style, Uncategorized Tagged With: #leopardchic, #leopardfashion, #leopardprints, #signaturestyle

Fall Fashion Trends You Can Actually Wear

August 22, 2019 By kimwheeler 14 Comments

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.


Brenda-1010 Park Place

Brenda-Brenda Kinsel

Mary Ann-Classic Casual Home

Annie-Most Lovely Things

Kim-Northern California Style

Cindy-Rough Luxe

Janet-The Gardeners Cottage

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

Filed Under: Fall fashion, Uncategorized Tagged With: #fallfashion, #fashionblogs, #fashiontrends, #leopardfashion

Primary Sidebar

Featured Posts

Spring Colors, White Jeans, and Skin Cleansers

Signature Style- Casual Chic Dresses

Signature Style- How French Women Wear Red

Signature Style- Resort Looks and Packing Tips

Fun Kitchen Styling Tips!

Summer Picnic Ideas

Get My Posts by Email!

Find Me on Facebook

Northern California Style

Archives

Categories

Footer

Don’t Forget to Follow!

Blogger, writer and explorer sharing about my native California, and parts farther afield. Join me here where I chat about things to love in the worlds of design, fashion, home, travel and culture.

Currently Pinning

  • Carmel Getaway to Bernardus Lodge, a Rails Capsule for Summer, Pretty Pots and more..
  • Carmel Getaway to Bernardus Lodge, a Rails Capsule for Summer, Pretty Pots and more..
  • Make Air Dry Clay Garden Markers | Most Lovely Things
  • green summer salad
  • Rails capsule wardrobe for summer
  • wearing a Rails jacket at Bernardus
  • Carmel Getaway to Bernardus Lodge, a Rails Capsule for Summer, Pretty Pots and more..
  • Carmel Getaway to Bernardus Lodge, a Rails Capsule for Summer, Pretty Pots and more..
  • Carmel Getaway to Bernardus Lodge, a Rails Capsule for Summer, Pretty Pots and more..
  • Carmel Getaway to Bernardus Lodge, a Rails Capsule for Summer, Pretty Pots and more..
  • Carmel Getaway to Bernardus Lodge, a Rails Capsule for Summer, Pretty Pots and more..
  • Carmel Getaway to Bernardus Lodge, a Rails Capsule for Summer, Pretty Pots and more..
On the weekend blog I shared my favorite summer gr On the weekend blog I shared my favorite summer green salad. It’s the traditional with a few twists to make it have more flavor and crunch. A nice option for a Memorial Day barbecue if you’re having one today.. Link with details in bio.
@northerncalstyle 

We had houseguests and now a free day, but the weather has been dark and cool for this summer kick off.. 😕 Hoping you all get some time to enjoy this extra day off. 

I am thinking today of all those who gave their lives for our nation and democracy. ❤️ Their families are especially on my mind. 

#summersalad #californiatable
On the Weekend blog.. a @rails Summer capsule! I b On the Weekend blog.. a @rails Summer capsule! I brought some of these beautiful pieces with me on our weekend away in Carmel and loved how well they all work together!
More deets on the blog plus where we stayed and some pretty snaps of Carmel in bloom.

Don’t forget to visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet too.

 Our links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

Have a beautiful weekend .
This is a perfect time for a trip to Carmel-Monter This is a perfect time for a trip to Carmel-Monterey Bay as everything is blooming and the magic carpet in Pacific Grove is at its peak beauty! 

The beautiful flowers in the charming towns and the on cottages make it such a treat to visit. We had a fun two days and I’ll do another little reel on our pretty hotel in Carmel Valley. 

Have you been to Carmel in the springtime? It’s a bucket list item! 🌸

#carmelbythesea #carmel #pacificgrovemagiccarpet #pacificgrove #montereybay #ourgoldenstate #visitcalifornia #flowerstagram #californiadreaming
I splurged and bought myself this pretty planter f I splurged and bought myself this pretty planter for my favorite plant. This is from @beachwoodhome in Carmel which has beautiful things. It’s in the Carmel Plaza and I always love popping in there to see what’s new when I’m down there.

This plant is a peperomia plant which is so easy to keep alive! Yay. It loves to grow in cool shapes and needs just a few ice cubes here and there..

Hope you’re all having a good start to the week! 

#easyplants #houseplantsofinstagram #bluepottery #carmelbythesea #californialiving
Have you been to Tahoe in the summer? It’s just Have you been to Tahoe in the summer? It’s just magic. These are a few snaps of my Tahoe look, but on the blog I have more ideas and great pieces for you to consider when planning a summertime getaway there. 

You will find it’s very relaxed with an old school charm. Chill is the vibe and it’s all about comfort and California casual. Tahoe is all about enjoying the incredible nature and beauty up there! 

Find it all on my what to pack post with six of my friends sharing their destinations too..
Link in bio @northerncalstyle 
More on stories also!

#tahoe #laketahoe #whattopack #californiatravel #californiatrip #westshorelaketahoe #lakelife #oldschoolsummer #ourgoldenstate #californiadreaming #visitcalifornia
Hard to believe it’s almost summer, and are you Hard to believe it’s almost summer, and are you all ready for a vacation ?  I have the perfect blog for you today..a fun collaboration with six others, sharing their packing tips and outfits from their special spots in the country.. We’ve got Tahoe, Napa, Valley, Paso Robles, Santa Cruz, Florida, New York City, and North Carolina! 

These packing lists and outfit ideas plus favorite spots not to miss, make these posts savers! 

My blog is what to pack and what to wear for summertime in Tahoe- which I can’t wait for. 💙

All our posts are linked in our bios.. 
me/Tahoe @northerncalstyle 

Annie/New York City @most_lovely_things 

Juliet/Napa Valley @makemineaspritzer 

Dawn/SantaCruz @fashionshouldbefun 

Cindy/PasoRobles @cindyhattersley 

Elizabeth/North Carolina @pineconesandacorns 

Mary Ann/Florida @classiccasualhome 

See what my friends recommend to pack and do for your summer getaways! 

#packingtips #whattopack #travel #traveltipsandtricks #tahoetravel #californiatravel #ourgoldenstate
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas and to all t Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas and to all those who mother and nuture! 💐I hope everyone is getting appreciated and spoiled today.. I spent some time at a lovely lunch with the family yesterday and am enjoying the garden today.. except for the hurricane winds! 

I can’t wait until my youngest Griffin is back home for a bit from college. My favorite days are the ones when we are all together as a family again.  I love being with Jackson and Griffin more than anything and they just make me laugh so much!  I feel so lucky to have very kind sons …except they make me feel so short 🤣..and I couldn’t be prouder. 💛
On the blog today.. How to style white denim!  I’m excited to partner with some lovely ladies today and we are all sharing our ways to wear the closet classic- white jeans! 

I am showing what I’ve been wearing lately and some of my favorite pairs as well as a few cool options that have come on my radar!  It’s all about finding what works for your body and choosing the right fabric etc.. 

Are you a white jean fan??

Please visit my friend’s blogs ..All our posts are linked on our bios..
@northerncalstyle - me!
@most_lovely_things - Annie
@classiccasualhome -Mary Ann
@cindyhattersley - Cindy
@sherryhdesigns - Sherry
@lavieongrand - Noelani

#whitedenim #whitejeans #whitejeansoutfit #whitejeanstyling #whitejeansforever #whitejeanseason #californiastyle
If you miss the weekend post and still need some M If you miss the weekend post and still need some Mother’s Day gifts I have some fun ideas for you.. I love market totes- especially with flowers in them, beautiful wraps, some inspiring books for summer living, and a few other little luxuries.. 

If you need some local fun, I will be a the Palo Alto @Rails store on Saturday where they are having a Mother’s Day event with 20% off and a gift with purchase! Stop by and say hi.

Pop on by my blog post for all the details and more gift ideas… 

Don’t forget to visit my friends, Juliet and Elizabeth if you miss their weekend posts too..
 Our links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#mothersday #mothersdaygift #giftideasforher #californialiving #momsday
Do you love @rails beautiful California clothing? Do you love @rails beautiful California clothing? I don’t know what your weekend plans are, but on Saturday the new Rails at Stanford is having a fun event with 20% off, light bites, and a little gift with purchase.. 

I’ll be there for a few hours to help you pull together looks for summer or shop for a Mother’s Day gift - maybe for yourself? 

If you haven’t been to a Rails store, they are so inspiring and have the whole collection for women and men. It’s great to see the clothes up close and how gorgeous they are. 

Please pop by if you are at Stanford  Shopping Center and say hi! I would love to meet some of you.  I’ll be there 11-12:30, but the event is on all day and the Rails team is so great! 

Maybe a fun day out to shop with a friend or your mom and have lunch after at Stanford? 

Looking forward to this and meeting some of you! 

#rails #stanfordshoppingcenter #paloalto #railsclothing #californiastyle #californialook
It’s time for May’s Signature Style and Cindy It’s time for May’s Signature Style and Cindy and I are sharing our Summer Wish Lists.. ☀️My wish list has one shoulder tops, longer skirts and the super flattering small jacket- plus some other cute finds and accessories.

I’m sharing it all on the blog and Cindy is too..

As always links are in our bios and stories..
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley 

Looking forward to seeing you there!  If you want the links they are on the blog or I can send you the link in a DM.
Oh little PSA on a key piece for your spring and s Oh little PSA on a key piece for your spring and summer wardrobe- the small jacket! These little pieces will be the workhorse of your wardrobe and are hugely flattering. They give you a pretty line and are so much better than a soft cardigan as they define our shoulders, slim, and give us a tinier waist! They’re fantastic over the summer dress or skirt too. 

I have a nice collection of these in my closet and if you don’t stop by the blog tomorrow… It’s May’s Signature Style and @cindyhattersley and I will be talking Summer Wish Lists and I’ll have some of my picks of small jackets and more good things on my wish list!

By the way I keep adding captions on top, save and they go away.. I had to add these at the bottom.. Frustrating! 

#smalljackets #summerstyle #anthropologie #keypieces #californiachic

Copyright © 2023 · Northern California Style· Blog Design by Little Blue Deer