It’s a Jungle Out There

Leopards and tigers…oh my! You don’t need to go on safari to see how Fall fashion has embraced its animal instincts. I happen to be a particular fan of leopard with a little tiger and snake thrown in, but there are animal prints of every stripe and spot out there. Not to mention some cool color combinations. That’s why this slip dress, first featured in one my earliest posts, is also one of my most-loved animal print pieces. And with a layered look like this, it’s truly a dress I can wear all year round. 
For me, what instantly set this dress apart and what has made it a wardrobe favorite for two plus years running (!) is its high style balance of a classic yet sexy silhouette, intricate pattern and sophisticated color palette. It was part of a capsule collaboration between Carine Roitfeld, former Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Paris and icon of chic, and Uniqlo, the Japanese-based chain that is all about innovative clothing with real value. If you don’t know Uniqlo you need to! While they’re no longer collaborating with CR, they have a fantastic fall 2018 collection with another French style icon, Ines de la Fressange. Trust me, it will be all too easy to fill up your shopping cart.

For now, back to this dress. I really had to include some close-up shots of its leopard and leaf pattern, not to mention the black lace detailing. It’s all so subtle yet eye-catching. I love that instead of the expected tawny-and-black leopard coloration, it’s a mix of olive and gold. If you don’t already own a slip dress, don’t be afraid to consider one! It’s really a piece you can wear all year long. I go with a black or white tank or tee in Spring/Summer, then come Fall a long-sleeved black or white button-down, crew or polo neck sweater, or even a turtleneck. Not to mention layering a cardigan over it. And when we really dip into wintery temps, I just add black tights and booties. I’ve worn this dress to work and to dinner, in NYC and abroad, and it never fails to snare a compliment…or two. It’s also perfectly packable, as it rolls up into almost nothing and arrives unwrinkled. Since it is long sold out, I’ve linked some of my new favorites below.

For a more autumnal approach, I layered this soft, textured polo-neck sweater underneath. It’s beyond cozy. It’s also an example of how a twist on a classic can take something from ho-hum to gotta-have-it. How great would this polo-neck sweater look paired with black jeans, not to mention a new midi skirt?

When it came to accessorizing this look, I had to break out these new slip-on sneakers in camo, another pattern that’s, well, everywhere. They are super cute and super comfortable, and as you can see super versatile. While they pair perfectly with this dress (dress + sneakers = global street style uniform), these camo sneakers would look equally great with a favorite pair of jeans or chinos and a chunky sweater in olive or brown. I know I just featured this woven rattan bag in my last post, but it’s just too darn cute not to carry with…everything! It’s warmer tone and black beaded handle make it a great transitional bag. To finish, I couldn’t resist these faux tortoiseshell hoops that are light as a feather but full of fashion impact.

So how about you? Are on the hunt for something new in an animal or camo print? If the answer is yes, just check out the links below!

Dress: (Uniqlo, sold out) Loving this, this (polka dots with black lace!), this, this and this.

Sweater: (Zara, also in camel and green, runs small) Also really like this crewneck (in so many delicious colors who could stop at one!), this turtleneck, and this button-down (the best! I have it in black and white, now 30% off with code AUTUMN!!).

Shoes: (Vans) Similar here and here.

Bag: (Zara, also in black with bamboo handle) Cute alternatives here and here.

This mesmerizing mural is actually in a parking lot in Jersey City — a hidden treasure that I was so happy to discover. It was created by local artists PAWN and EYESOR and is another eye-catching example of our city’s fantastic street art program.

Photos by Kristin Moore-Gantz.

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