The Fashionista Next Door: H&M Leopard Print Blouse

If you've picked up a magazine lately, or browsed any runway footage, or read any fashion blogs for that matter, you don't need me to tell you that animal prints are hot. In particular, the fashion world is WILD about leopard...and so am I...

Lanvin Pre-Fall 2010


Photo Credit

(Speaking of Lanvin, aren't we all just DYING to see what the the collaboration with H&M has in store for us!!!)

Okay, okay, so maybe this is animal print overload, but the point is all things leopard are hot! Bags, boots, accessories and outerwear are the easiest way to pull off the trend, but the daring among us aren't afraid to rock a full on leopard frock...a fab pair of leopard leggings, or....duh. duh. duh...a leopard catsuit (yep, I did it....some people hated it, I loved it!)

Personally, I am DYING for a leopard corset a la J.Lo on the cover of Glamour...

...and I would love to slide my buns into her fabulous leopard leggings...maybe? I know, it's daring, but I think it can work if styled properly...I don't know if I can pull off her short (or is it tucked in?) gold top over my hips and bum, but I do love the retro vibe she's got going here... I picture little black ballet flats on her feet and for a little extra coverage I'd swap out her top for a hip skimming version instead or perhaps a shimmery gold cardigan instead?. I am definitely not afraid to show of a little curves as long as I don't look like a blimp. Lol! and while I am not a fan of wearing fake readers or eyeglasses (it just feels like a trying too hard trend), I'd definitely thrown on a pair of fierce cat-eye sunglasses!

J.Lo Look for Less by eboni.ife featuring metallic tops

...and of course, I love the coat, the bag, and the hat which I believe are actually cheetah print rather than leopard...

So, I guess it's safe to say that my Fall Wish is full of fabulously luxe animal print statement pieces, but for now I am pleased with my lone H&M leopard print blouse. Last night, we went out for dinner and I styled it up pretty simple with a pair of flared jeans....and the flower pin returns in the place of a belt...

I bought this blouse at H&M a few months ago. It is really great because it is actually very long....more of a tunic length, which makes it very versatile. It looks great with leggings or even worn as a shirt dress with opaque black tights, and of course it is fab tucked into jeans, trousers, shorts, or any other bottom you can think of. I am looking forward to tucking it into my denim cutoffs and throwing them on with tights and booties when the weather cools down. This top was was either $24.95 or $34.95... but either way, I'd say it was a great investment because of the versatility. If you can find it in your local H&M, and you're into animal prints, grab it. You' won't regret it!

The Return of the Flower Pin

The blouse has little gold buttons (sorry, you can't see them), and I love pairing it with my little vintage gold evening bag that I picked up at Buffalo Exchange. Is anyone else out there obsessed with chain straps on bags.... yeah, I know... pretty much everyone. They are just fabulous! Anyway, you guys have seen me rock the evening bag + casual wear over and over. It is just a fun way to add a little punch to your every day looks. I know you've all got an evening bag stuffed away in some storage bin.... Go ahead...break it out with your jeans! Perhaps your social life is a little more glamorous than mine, but if I waited for a formal occasion to wear an evening bag, these lovely accessories would never see the light of day...

I've got on my super long flared jeans, but beneath the flare are the cutest little Bisou Bisou "Aidan" peep toe booties/ sandals that I picked up at JC Penney a few weeks ago. They are on sale for $39.99, but they were having some type of additional sale when I bought them so I think I paid more like $27??? Anyway, I thought they'd make a great addition to my fall wardrobe. They'll look great paired with tights and socks when the weather cools down, and of course they look great now with nothing at all. I wore these with a skirt the other day, and they looked HOT! I was kinda mad that I didn't snap any pictures...

so many people have stopped me to ask about my nail color. It is New York Summer "Hot Baby Blue." The color definitely falls more on the green side of the spectrum in these photos, but in real life it is definitely a blue green... maybe a sea green? Anyway, I was only able to find it on eBay for $3.95. If your nail shop carries New York Summer brand colors, I am sure they'll have it too.

Photo Credit

Oh, last thing before I go... I called the shipping folks again yesterday morning, and wouldn't you know it, they answered the phone! *sigh of relief*

Good News: My clothes are not lost forever Bad News: They hadn't even shipped yet...ugh!

Apparently, they were backlogged and had been sitting in the warehouse until yesterday. WTH? You know what, I have to say that I am okay with that. I mean they are just clothes, it is not like I had some life saving medications in those boxes BUT my issue is with the lack of communication. I can handle getting my clothes a week late... I CANNOT HANDLE the panic attack resulting from the thought of losing my clothes forever! So that being said, I am relieved that they finally answered the damn phone, but irritated that I'll be waiting another week to receive my stuff... whatever!