Wild Things

Typically animal prints have been a trend I have loathed in the past. For me, it has always had the connotation of Fran Drescher from The Nanny. For a while now, animal prints have been reappearing in many stores, and I’ve seen many women embracing the look. I’ve purchased a few cheetah printed dresses, but anytime I would go to wear one, I felt very Jersey Shore and way out of my fashion comfort zone. One thing I’ve noticed recently is the appearance of much more subdued animal prints. My friend wore a cheetah/leopard printed cardigan from Ann Taylor, and I thought it looked very chic, and not at all trashy. Over the past few weeks I’ve noticed a lot of toned-down animal prints in catalogs, stores, and online. My favorites have been pastel and abnormal colored leopard prints, and subtle animal accents that add just add a bit of fun to any outfit.

(All the items I’ve found are in stores now)

frugal fashion finds

One of the most depressing things about being obsessed with fashion is the fact that an overwhelming majority of trendy items that line the pages of fashion magazines are insanely expensive. While it may be rewarding to some to spend months saving money in order to afford the latest designer handbag, I prefer to browse around inexpensive stores in hopes of finding some versatile items that I can re-wear on many different occasions. I went through my closet and found ten crucial items that don’t necessarily look inexpensive, but actually were. Some of these pieces I’ve had for many years and still find myself wearing them almost daily.

1.) H & M sheer gray tank top. (approx $6). I literally wore this tank almost every day of this past summer. The sheer fabric was very light and breezy on sweltering days, and since then, it has been a great layering piece under cardigans and blazers.

2.) Graceland black heels. ($19.99). A few months ago, I spotted these at an outlet mall, and at first I was skeptical. The setting in the store was hectic, and the no-name brand immediately turned me off. However, once I slipped these on, I fell in love. They’re the perfect height, comfortable and for $20 – what’s not to love?!

3.) Old Navy striped cardigan. (approx $20). I absolutely adore this cardigan. This is mostly because I adore stripes and comfy clothes, but nevertheless, this is one of my most versatile items. I’ve worn it over LBD’s, with jeans and a bright tank, and even to work with a pencil skirt and blouse.

4.) LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl’s skinny jeans. ($40 on sale. Jeans are ALWAYS on sale). While I’m not big on the whole “jeggings” trend that blew up last year, these jeans are just thick enough to still be jeans, but do have the stretchy appeal of leggings. They are extremely flattering (in the LONG fit!), and the wash compliments almost any outfit.

5.) Forever 21 embroidered tunic. (approx $25). White T-shirts are always a staple in many closets. I own at least ten, varying from long and flowy to the most basic v-neck. This tunic adds a spin on the old boring tee, and the embroidery around the neckline adds a feminine touch that instantly dresses up the look.

6.) South Moon Under thin-striped scarf. (approx $30). I bought this comfy scarf three winters ago, and have hardly taken it off. It is without a doubt my go-to outerwear item. The multi-colored threads match almost any shirt I wear underneath, and the metallic gold threads add just the right amount of shimmer.

7.) thrifted black bow pin. ($1). As weird as this may sound, I bought this bow with ALLOWANCE money in like, the 4th grade. Ever since I was young, I’ve constantly been searching for ways to amp up boring outfits. I’ve worn this pin on countless items, such as poufy skirts, dresses, solid sweaters, and even in my hair. Little gems like this are worth holding on to!

8.) Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue dress. ($50). This silk dress was a staple last summer. I love the unique color, and it was perfect dressed down with sandals. I’ve adapted into my winter wardrobe as well by pairing it with tights, boots, and a long sweater.(P.S. I’m actually wearing this in the About Me section!)

9.) Express “party clutch” (approx $20). I actually bought this clutch in 2006, when I first started going out in college. I was/am obsessed with the gold sparkles and the old fashioned elegance of the snap clasp. I’ve gotten compliments almost every time I’ve worn this over the past few years. (Including NYE 2010 –below)

10.) Mossimo boots from Target ($34.50). I’ve been searching for the perfect pair of camel colored boots for the past few seasons, and this year I finally found them – and at Target! Not only are they insanely comfortable, but they’re the right length on the shin and have unique touches such as a wrap-around buckle and an exposed zipper that goes up the entire back of the boot.