{ wish listed } leopard print flats

Forget black, I'm on the hunt (pun totally intended) for a pair of leopard print flats. They'd look equally chic with bright-colors and neutrals this fall. My requirements: a classic shape and constructed from calf hair, like this pair from Kate Spade. Are you looking for a pair of spotted flats this year?

1. Loafers, Steven by Steve Madden, $119
2. Elise Flats, Kate Spade, $225
3. Pritah Flats, Calvin Klein, $119
4. Celina Flat, Tory Burch, $265
   
   

Tie One On

It was just a matter of time before I dipped my toe into tie-dyed waters, shunning rows of neon in favor of a subtle silk blouse from Banana Republic. In the oppressive summer heat, I've opted to pair the top with simple, safari-esque shorts. But once fall arrives, the snake-like print will transition perfectly with layers of fall garments.


Outfit Notes: Banana Republic Blouse; Banana Republic Earrings; Noir Bracelet; Old Navy Shorts

Seeing Spots

Earlier this week, my inner fashionista squealed with delight as I paid for my first leopard-print item: a gauzy blouse from H&M - sightly sheer, slouchy in all the right spots (pun fully intended), and treads dangerously close to being a bit too much. It's particularly irresistible paired with minuscule khaki shorts and thick gold cuffs adorning each wrist. I'd like to call it "safari glam."*

It seems my animalistic instincts were spot on. Leopard print litters the August issue's pre-fall shopping guides of Harper's Bazaar. And I'm more than happy to indulge. As Sarah promised on Twitter (@ClassyFabSarah), the first leopard-print piece won't be the last.

My advice: bring a discerning eye to inexpensive leopard items. Many verge on looking a little too, well, cheap when compared to pricier alternatives.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Marchesa Notte, Leopard Silk Gown, $1,212.91 (on sale)
Tucker, Leopard-Print Silk Blouse, $280
Topshop, Leopard Tassel Cross Body Bag, $60
Casadei, Leopard-Print Satin Court Shoes, $296 (on sale)
Deena & Ozzy, Pony Belt, $20

*Don't worry, ladies! I'll post a photo of the H&M blouse soon!

{ trend spotting } Colorful Clutches

As much as I try to embrace vibrant color in my wardrobe, I'll always be drawn to a more subtle palette. (Some may call it boring, but I prefer "effortless.") However, one of these clutches - especially the Comme des Garcons version - would be just the thing to lure me out of the grey doldrums.

1. Postman's Lock Continental Wallet, Mulberry, $420
2. Portfolio Clutch, ASOS, $101.56
3. Isabeli Clutch, Kate Spade, $275 $137
4. Clover Embossed Pouch, Comme des Garcons, $138
   

Zigging and Zagging

I don't know what it is about the geometric perfection of chevron, but I just can't get over zigzag stripes. All willpower was officially abandoned when I purchased this Diane von Furstenberg blouse mere minutes ago. While I wait for it to arrive, I'll continue daydreaming about other pieces adorned with jagged lines.

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)

Jess LC, Division Chevron Earrings, $74*
Missoni, Folgaria Woven Swimsuit, $229.50
Twinkle Living, Zigzag Throw Pillow, $50
House of Harlow 1960, Sunburst Necklace, $65
Jonathan Adler, Chevron Pen, $18.95
Diane von Furstenberg, Della Silk Dress, $443.33

*I'm positive these are snuggled in the wrapped box Nate's been taunting me with. Only 12 more days until my birthday and I can finally wear them!

Twinkle Toes

If you're anything like me, I'm sure you thought that light-up shoes were only marketed to two very different clientele: teeny sneakers for those who frequent the playground, and lucite platforms for those who frequent the stripper pole.

And that's where we were wrong.

Both Jimmy Choo and Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte have created grownup variations of the novelty footwear. The Jimmy Choo version (above) comes with a price tag of $2,495 - and a glorified glow stick attached the heel.

While I won't exactly call the Rodarte pair "understated," they are considerably less garish than the Choo pair. I'm intrigued.

Tell me, would you wear light-up footwear? Or should we leave this trend to the wee ones?

{ trend spotting } cap toe flats

At the first hint of spring, I'm the gal who is prematurely wearing open-toed shoes. But this year, I just might keep toes undercover with an on-trend pair of ballet flats. Designers are kicking up heels with two of spring's prominent trends: color blocking and mixing brights with neutrals. Now the hard part: orange, yellow or pink?

Do you plan to wear cap toe flats this season?

{ trend spotting } orange & raspberry

I think Punxsutawney Phil was full of it last week when he predicted an early spring. My disgust with this ever-lasting winter has manifested itself in my wardrobe: black sweaters, black skirts, black tights ... you get the idea. But if there's one thing that can pull me out of the doldrums, it's a springtime-ready combination of orange and raspberry.

1. Baliko Ribbon-Detail Silk Top, Twenty8Twelve, $300 $90
2. Essex Scout, Kate Spade, $395
3. Paperbag Waist Skirt, TopShop, $70
4. Round Pintuck Pillow, Urban Outfitters, $32
5. Multi Stones Drop Coral Earrings, Ben-Amun, $95

2011 is in the Pink

You'll be viewing 2011 through rose-colored, er, honeysuckle-colored glasses, according to the design industry's color authority. Pantone's color of the year claims to "embolden us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor." I'm not so sure about that, but the hue's cheerful disposition can't hurt. Are you thinking pink?

1. Bow-Embellished Sweater, Tibi, $248 $124
2. Lip Gloss, Stila, $22
3. Silk Taffeta Mika Dress, J.Crew, $250
4. Metallic Belt, Banana Republic, $39.50
5. Peep-Toe Pumps, Sergio Rossi, $560 $252
6. Ruby Earrings, Wendy Mink Jewelry, $205
7. Lincoln Road Remy Wallet, Kate Spade, $195 $136