Monday, January 25, 2016

Animal Print is a Neutral

I ventured outside for the first time in days!


I have adored animal print since the '80s. Each season, I think it might fall out of fashion, but it keeps coming back stronger. It is now considered neutral. While most of these prints are too golden for my cool skin tone, this top seems to work well for me. I find that some earthy neutrals will work if they have a reddish hue. The black and white tone animal prints are much more within my comfort zone. I usually reserve the brown animal prints for accessories only.


This animal print dress/tunic by Tyler Boe is from Monkee's of Johnson City. I modeled it in a fashion show last year and later purchased it.


I rarely buy them now, but a few animal prints and geo prints can still be found in my wardrobe.



I only wear this dress as a tunic with leggings. These reptile texture black leggings are labeled "Jack," and I found them in a small boutique on Hilton Head Island. The over the knee boots are old by Vince Camuto. They have a knit panel in the back, which makes it possible for me to wear them. My muscular calves mean most boots and all skinny jeans are out of the question for me.



The necklace is old from Chico's. The bag is old from Finely House Couture in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

The faux leather-trimmed black ruana is old from Carlise/PER SE. I enjoy wearing ruanas since you can layer them over a coat or any other item to provide stylish extra warmth when needed. Toss one side over your shoulder to look more polished.



12 comments:

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

I love the whole outfit, Susan...but the cape is particularly cool! Fun look!

Kathy said...

I also have large calves due to weight lifting regimine in my youth. So I have been unable to wear tall boots for years. Even boots advertised as wide calf style don't fit. Any brands you can recommend?

rosary said...

Girl, where are your heels? : )

Amy Johnson said...

I love seeing you a dress! Awesome, stylish outfit!

Unknown said...

I have a question, what is the differed in a ruana and a poncho or other wraps? Thanks



Unknown said...

I just wanted to say that I like this look. I've seen some cute little dresses I have passed up because I know I'm just not a dress person and I knew they would likely stay in the closet. This is a cute compromise that I might have to try! Thanks!

Susan said...

Jeanette, take a look at the photo I posted on the Facebook page. They are made a little like a pair of pants that are just one piece.

Susan said...

Kathy, I look for boots that have elastic panels somewhere on the top of the boot.

Kristien62 said...

Susan- I haven't checked in in awhile since life became extremely busy from September through the holidays. The dreary winter weather gave me an excuse to log on and check in with my favorite bloggers. Imagine my surprise at your transformation. I thought you were stunning before, but now modern and stunning! I am jealous.

I have been trying to develop a personal style for some time, and while I recognize it in pictures and capture it on Pinterest, I am still struggling. I think I need to give up some pieces that I have kept and force myself to wear because they "cost so much." This weekend I was shopping in Boston and I realized that my sweater (cashmere) was too short and kept riding up. I really felt awkward, so much so that I ran into Zara and found a camel, dolman sleeve, longer cardigan to cover up. Fortunately, I was wearing black jeans and a leopard scarf and it all came together.

I guess my question is this-- did you have help in discovering your best style or was it trial and error? Again, you look great!

Susan said...

I haven't had any help, other than seeing pictures of myself and becoming more aware of what details would have made the look better. I try to always keep an open mind about style.

Lindy D. said...

I can no longer view your Facebook page as I am not a member of Facebook myself. Is this a permanent change? I love reading all the ideas you post there, as well as your blog, so hope you will change the settings back. Best wishes, Lindy

P.S. I like to wear an occasional print and enjoy seeing which ones you choose!

Susan said...

It must be yet another Facebook page. I have not changed anything. Thanks for your kind words.