I’ve been told by some I don’t smile enough in my posts. I try! Today, stepping out of my comfort zone and pairing this fabulous leopard dress with red haute accessories makes me smile. (To be filed under something you didn’t know about me: I had a brief renegade phase as an NYC teenager and my “tag” was “sonrisa,” which means smile in Spanish. What is a tag? It’s your graffiti name. What can say? I was born and raised in Greenwich Village in the 60s and 70s — where every kid was a bit of a rebel.)

Animal prints show no sign of going into hibernation. In fact, I just ordered a two-piece leopard swimsuit. If you haven’t joined the fashion pack, this midi dress might just be the ticket. Talk about “the dress” to dress up or down, or wear from season to season, this is it! And at a brilliantly affordable price too.

The weather here is still veering from 40s to 60s, so red booties seemed like a fun, colorful way to transition from winter into spring. And they’ll be great come next fall. I love their subtle western vibe too.

Since this dress is such a statement piece, I kept the rest of my accessories simple but red haute. Love love love this faux snake top-handle bag (comes with a crossbody chain), and this bold tassel necklace sealed the deal.

Dress: (H&M) Also like this (with a white or black tee underneath) and this (super luxe).

Bag: (old) Similar here (yellow!) and here.

Boots: (Who What Wear x Target, deal!) Loving these sandals and these shoes.

Necklace: (J. Crew, old) Similar here and here.

Photos by Kristin Moore-Gantz.