Tuesday, August 28, 2012

I've Never Met A Leopard Print I Didn't Like!

While not exactly true (I've met a few leopard prints that were heinous), it amazes me how I'm continuously drawn to a beautiful leopard print. 
 Be it for the home, or to wear, a little bit goes a long way, however a little bit is often just right to take a room or an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary!


Let's take a look at the latest leopard in my closet, beginning with a favorite blouse from Equipment.  I love to wear it over a black tank with skinny jeans.


Last week, I found this leopard cardigan with red detailing and little brass buttons from Lucky.
I took it with me to my nephew's wedding last weekend.  It looked great over my green dress and later with jeans.


Shoes with leopard detailing get me every time!
Love these flats from Jack Rogers with just a touch of leopard.
Great with a mini skirt, skinny jeans or leggings.


These leopard peep toe pumps have been my go-to dress shoe when the occasion calls for a LBD.


I get so many compliments on this leather leopard tote from J Crew.
It's my go-to purse when I'm traveling or shopping.


Be it the lining of a blazer or even lingerie, sometimes all the leopard you need can be found underneath it all.
This jacket from Cabi proves that point.  If the lining was plain, I probably wouldn't have bought it.
I love to roll the sleeves back for a peek of leopard, which compliments the menswear pattern perfectly.


In fact, I think leopard just about goes with everything.
Except other leopard!
This felt hat from Target only looks good if it's the only leopard print I'm wearing.
I would never put it with leopard shoes or even a belt.
And especially a leopard coat!

Speaking of leopard coats, I bought one many years ago in Tahoe, but always felt conspicuous wearing it.  I just wasn't brave enough yet.
My daughter Ashley "borrowed" it for five years.
 She rocks that coat!

After pinning this leopard coat from Pinterest, I decided I may have to borrow back my coat from Ashley!
I just love how it looks with stripes, denim and pearls.


I don't know why I wasn't brave enough to wear my coat, even Jackie Kennedy rocked a leopard coat! Which proves that although it seems trendy right now, it has been around forever.
Talk about classic!

I know I've shown this before, but can't end this post without a glimpse of all things leopard in my house.  This chair was destined for the dump until I rescued it and had it upholstered in Ralph Lauren leopard linen.

Simple paper leopard shades dress up the living room sconces and look even better now with the addition of grasscloth.

And then there are the stairs.
The smartest thing I ever did was carpet the stairs with this iron-clad carpet.
I do believe it will be around 100 years from now and has held up well with four kids and a dog.
I only wish I had also carpeted my bedroom with this carpeting!
But a little leopard goes a long way.  Right?
Either way, leopard is here to stay and I for one am very happy about that!

Pin It!

28 comments:

Katherine said...

I just bought a leopard print pencil skirt to wear with brights. Thank you for the inspiration, I like the layering with the Kate Spade purse added.
It's always in fashion.

graceabounding said...

i am shopping runners right now - where did yours come from?

Sheila said...

We are kindred spirits my friend. Leopard print is one of my favorites, if not my most favorite of all patterns. I too have it in my wardrobe and my home decor. It goes with just about everything. Thanks for sharing your beautiful leopard treasures with us.

vignette design said...

My runner actually started out as wall to wall carpet that was cut and surged for the stairs. It was a pretty complicated process. A template had to be made, then applied to the carpet and cut. Kind of like cutting a pattern for a dress. It's because the stairs had too many twists and turns....Can't remember the manufacturer.

graceabounding said...

thanks - my stairs are going to have the same issues with twists and turns!

Lori said...

I love leopard, too! I just bought adorable leopard flats for fall. I laughed when I read about your coat that your daughter is wearing. When I'm timid about wearing some type of fashion, my daughter always tells me, "Mom, you just have to OWN it!" haha

Upscale Downhome said...

So with you on the leopard!! Can't wait til fall so I can start wearing my favorite patent leopard dansko clogs.

cindy hattersley design said...

Oh my goodness a girl after my own heart! I have so many of the same items in my own closet....and a touch in several rooms as well!

gme said...

Great post! I totally agree,love all the leopard! I've admired that stair carpeting from the first time I saw it. Beautiful.

home before dark said...

Amen, sister! I'm putting wall to wall leopard in most of my house, including the stairs. And I love my leopard coat from Fabulous Furs. Would't wear real fur, but faux is fab!

vignette design said...

Oh I would love to see a photo when you get your wall to wall leopard throughout your house! Leopard Heaven!

Fabulously French said...

I adore this post as I have a few leopard items myself....French sole leopard ponyskin ballerines with red trim, top from Mango and a dress bought this season so I think I maybe turning into a bit of an addict but alas have no leopard decorative items in ma maison....not yet anyway :-)

Amicalement, Leeann x

Kathysue said...

Hi D! We are totally in sinc today, I did a post on my transition from summer to fall wardrobe post today. I too love leopard and have always worn just a touch of it in my wardrobe. I have one scarf that I have had for probably close to 15 years and it is my staple in my Fall/Winter wardrobe. I am like you, I only wear one leopard piece at a time. Loving it with bright Kelly green as you will see in my wardrobe pieces. Very fun post for me to read!!! Love that new cardi with the touch of red. My Betsey Johnson coat is accented inside by leopard binding on all the seams, Love that!! Happy Tuesday!
xo Kathysue

Rooms by Ann said...

I love it, you can't go wrong.

Antique Style said...

Love the post, especially that runner.

The Jack Rogers shoes are on sale at Amazon right now. I ordered a pair, although comments are that they run small.

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

When at the mall last weekend, I saw that leopard is definitely the go to for Fall.....I saw a dress with a thin leather red belt and it was exquisite....love all things leopard..Great post...truly love your cardigan!

Jan Hermann said...

Leopard does it for me too!! Especially if it's paired with Roses and Pink or Burgundy. Love it!!

Jan ♥

Just Spiff It said...

I love a closet that roars!!

carolyn bradford said...

Oh, this makes me smile! I love all that you love about leopard! I never loved it until recently and then I realized that I've had a french chair that was so expensive I cannot resell it so I covered it in leopard and it's my favorite thing in my house! If I show it in pics ever…it's the only thing people comment on! LOVE the coat! Definitely steal it back or just borrow it! It's fabulous! Love the runner up the stairs! May have to copy that one! LOL! Fabulous post and fabulous ideas of how and where to wear leopard!

Alycia Nichols said...

I think just about every house goes a notch up the "cool scale" when it has a touch of leopard print! That's the first time I can remember seeing that photo of Jacqueline Onassis in that leopard coat. Stunningly stylish as always!

Leslie said...

Yes! Every woman needs a little leopard in her life. Gorgeous outfit.. love the flats (I have Repetto flats in leopard and adore them) .. the bag and jacket. Great pic of Jackie O.

Chic!
leslie
www.trouvelesoleil.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Elsie de Wolfe! she pioneered t!

CZ Guest who had 8 dogs or something; had the chicest house every! Not wall-to-wall......but runners!

completely dog and grandchidlren proof!!

Divine and chic beyond!

Anonymous said...

Elsie de Wolfe! she pioneered t!

CZ Guest who had 8 dogs or something; had the chicest house every! Not wall-to-wall......but runners!

completely dog and grandchidlren proof!!

Divine and chic beyond!

Debra@CommonGround said...

great post, I have two leopard cardigans that I'll be wearing with denim shirts, my little obsession at the moment!

Curtains in My Tree said...


Girl !!!!!

I lOVE Leopard alsoI have my MOm's leoprad full lenght coat with a hood and have always wanted to get it cut down to fit me I am thinking this is the year and hope we have a COLD winter so I can wear it

I would love to add the leopard down my steps to the studio all these wonderful ideas

Sarah said...

Another thing we have in common. Like you, I like just a touch of leopard. Mostly have it in my wardrobe, but I used a touch of it on finishing out a needlepoint pillow I recently had finished. It's timeless!
Thanks for sharing this delightful post.

Hayley Fraser said...

Amen! Or here, here! Leopard prints are magnetic in so many applications. Just two days ago, I posted a silly picture of my BFF and I who both showed up for school picture day at work in leopard tops. Unplanned but just right. Have a nice long weekend. I really enjoy your blog!

Katy Noelle said...

and, when I was in the NYC Macy's last year, I saw a gorgeous woman in a floor length, halter top leopard print dress - shocking for my country eyes but, oh, so gorgeous! =]

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