Animal Prints....how to make them work for you!

Animal print never goes out of fashion.  In fact, every season and every year, people say "animal print is really on trend right now".  But guess what?  It never stopped being on trend!  Animal print is one of those trends that is always around, just some seasons more than others.  One of the main reasons it's always so popular is that there's so much you can do with animal print.  You're not limited to one print, color or garment, and that's the beauty of this trend.

That being said however, there are times when I've seen women get it totally wrong.  You don't need to have your entire outfit in an animal print, as like anything, too much doesn't usually work.  It's okay to wear a leopard print dress - just don't wear the same print on your tights, shoes, purse, etc.  Also, only match animal print if it's an accessory.  If you feel the urge to go matchy, you can do so on your accessories provided they don't clash.  For example, if you wear leopard print boots, you can take a tiny purse in leopard print.  What I'm suggesting is that you will never go wrong if you take only a single item of animal print, either for your top, bag, shoes or scarf, while the rest of your outfit is entirely neutrals.

A new way to wear animal print is to team it with bright colors.  Now, not everybody has the courage to apply this idea but it's worth a try.  The key here is to go for only one single vibrant color (red is great for the festive season!).

You could also try combining an animal print with another print as shown in the D&G show recently.  Again, this is not for the faint hearted and not everyone will be able to pull this look off successfully.
I am a fan of this look, but do think it's best to try it in a layered look, preferably with the layer being the same shade as the animal print.

So take a look at some of these looks and don't be afraid to mix things up with some great animal prints this season...

The 10 Fashion risks you need to take this year...

It's so easy to get into a fashion rut, don't you think?  I can be guilty of it too....it's way too easy to throw on that safe, comfy, go-to outfit that I know looks fine but I don't have to really put any thought into. We get lazy, especially when the weather is crappy (like it is currently here in Pittsburgh!).  Who can be bothered to make an effort when all you want is to be warm and comfy?

Well, I am vowing that this year I will NOT be guilty of this, no matter how cold it gets!  Is there any better way to ring in the new year (and a new you!) than taking a step outside your comfort zone and throwing caution to the wind?  This year, let your inhibitions go and explore new territory in a total style overhaul and wardrobe revamp!

From bringing bold boudoir dressing outside the bedroom to matchy-matchy prints and head-to-toe color, break all the rules this season with these trendy style leaps that'll steer you in the right direction.  I bet the reward is worth every bit of the risk!  Go for it!

Check out these fashion 'risks' and start planning your re-vamp now!


Boudoir Dressing...sexy!




Think Pink...




Sweaters with Maxi Skirts - love this!




Matching Prints...




Go Sheer...




Cut-Out Dresses...




Socks with Heels...




Head-to-Toe White...




Thigh-high Slits...




Sexy Suiting...

Ruffles....love 'em or hate 'em?

Ruffles are a trend that have come and gone over the decades, and it's one that I have always been a fan of.  Some people feel that ruffles are just all-together too much, but I disagree.  As usual it's all about how you put a look together as to whether or not it's going to work.  I believe you can be as reserved or over-the-top with this trend as you please, as long as it's styled right!

Ruffles can be added to any outfit, but if you're a little hesitant to try this trend, start small and just add a ruffled scarf to your outfit, and then try a jacket with a ruffled collar or hemline, and then slowly as you become more comfortable you can be a little more adventurous and try it on a dress, or skirt & blouse.  Or if you prefer just add a little ruffle detail like a shoulder ruffle.  There's a fine line between too much & too little so think carefully about how you piece this trend together.  If you're petite don't make the mistake of looking like the ruffles are overwhelming you, and equally if you're tall and statuesque chances are you can probably get away with a little more ruffle!  Proportions are everything!

Take a look at some of these looks and see what would work for you...but don't be afraid to give it a try!!