Written by Lisa Graystone

There are several trends from the runways for the Fall/Winter season but one stands out to me as the ‘must wear’: The animal print. Just like everything in fashion this trend is cyclical. Every so often designers resurrect the animal print from the archives and make it new again to strut down the catwalks of Paris, New York, Milan, London and Fall/Winter 2010/2011 is no exception. However, I must offer some guidance for incorporating an animal print into your looks. There is a fine line between looking feline fabulous and looking like a variation of fashion road kill. There are many pieces and accessories available for this season at all price points. Check your local thrift, vintage or consignment shop, and labels like Forever 21, Baby Phat and Victoria’s Secret (online) for reasonable priced items. If your budget allows you to visit higher end designers like LAMB, Stella McCartney, Lanvin, and Dolce & Gabbana there are many showing animal print pieces and accessories. When you have no budget you can ALWAYS look to your own closet and storage. You can re-style something that you already have into a fresh look for fall. Some would argue that the animal print has been done so many times that is has lost its chic appeal. To me it is as fresh and exciting as the first time it pranced down the catwalks (pun intended). It is about how YOU style the printed pieces that make it fresh and new. If you have never incorporated an animal print piece into your central coast closet now is the time! To avoid a furry faux pas consider the following:
ALWAYS wear FAUX furs. Wearing real fur or animal skins is “weak” not chic. There should be no victims of fashion and that includes defenseless animals.
Stick to one print. Try to avoid mixing and matching animal prints (ex: leopards do not belong with zebras!)
Pair animal print pieces with a solid color pallet. Pair solid colored garments with animal printed accents, choose one. For example, wearing jeans and a solid color tee (black/white) add an animal print trench coat or purse.
If you are not ready to take the leap into leopard with a statement jacket, knee high boots or printed tops, only use animal printed items to accessorize. Try carrying an animal print clutch with your favorite LBD (little black dress) or add a scarf to your black power suit for work. Take tiny steps in your zebra print shoes toward making this trend your own.
Try something fresh, add faux fur this season and step away from central coast conservative dressing to take a walk on the wild side (in faux snake skin shoes of course!). No animal print is off limit; just use sparingly and avoid a fashion disaster. “MEOW”