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· 1 Comment

Animal Prints: Classy vs. (Uhmm… well, not.)

BAGS· Clutches & Handbags· fashion· FASHION· Lookin' Good· Making

Animal Print Clutch
Summer clutch in Antelope Fawn Print

ANIMAL PRINTS CAN BE DONE WELL … OR JUST WRONG!

I LOVE animal prints. They do seem to come and go, as all trends do, but to a large extent they are classic staples to every woman’s wardrobe. Well, that is when done well.

What got me on this tangent is a clutch prototype I made this past week. It’s simple in design with just a little bit of saddle leather and gold as accents. It looks amazing paired with a summer outfit that doesn’t have a lot going on. That said, when there’s too much WILD in your style, the overall look can be more cheap than classy. Not what we’re going for at all!

In today’s post, we’re looking at some animal print accents that add a fabulous SPARK to your outfit. These are animal prints done WELL!!!

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ONE PIECE MAKES THE PERFECT STATEMENT

The key to wearing animal prints is to only use them sparingly. It’s like any piece of fashion, whether it be makeup, jewelry, or fit. If you’re going heavy on the eyes then keep the accesories (that includes lipstick) minimal. If you have a tight pair of pants, then keep your top loose to add proportion.

When these simple rules aren’t followed, your look goes quickly from glam to DAMN!! and NOT in a good way!

Here are some pieces I’ve added to my two Pinterest Boards: Classic Fashion for Women and Accessories that Look Amazing.

Animal Print Belt
Lafayette 148 | NYC
This belt can work with both summer and winter outfits.
Animal Print Camisole
IsabellaSaks.com
This is a sexier look that could go very wrong
if not paired with very simple pieces including makeup and accessories!
Animal Print Mules
RedBananas.com
Biker jackets are now part of a classic fashion statement
when paired with other wardrobe staples.
Animal Print Scarf
JacketSociety.com
This scarf can work great as a casual accent, as shown,
or paired with a simple black dress for dinner out!

Get one in silk and make it even more adaptable to evening attire!

If you want to read more about how to wear animal prints, I found a great post on FashionTasty.com with photos that really highlight the best tips. Take a look (but come back here because the clutch we’re highlighting is below!!) at “How to Wear Animal Prints“.

How to Wear Animal Prints
“How to Wear Animal Prints”
FashionTasty.com

What is the key?

Pairing ONE animal print with neutrals in classic styles. That’s the best way to wear animal prints.

animal print clutch for summer wear

Bolster Pillow

This antelope fawn print fabric was purchased to make pillow covers for my daughter’s apartment. Below you can see the bolster that now adorns her bed.

What took me by surprise was the CRAZY reaction I received to the fabric. Fortunately, I bought several yards so I started to sew bags out of it and they look better than I could have planned!

One of the bags I made is a clutch. This is just a prototype as I’m not completely happy with the construction but even so, I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!

I’ve been holding onto 2″ gold rings that I bought just for a bag like this and am super excited to be able to add it as just a touch of bling to this simple design.

Animal Print Clutch - Zipper
The simple design allows the fabric to look classy and not
(well the opposite of classy).
Animal Print Clutch - Leather Binding
Saddle leather binding and gold are perfect accents for this warm weather handbag.
Animal Print Clutch - Gold Ring
Love the gold ring that serves as a handle!
(Btw, the binding is going to be sewn on differently next time …
not totally happy with this round, which is why it’s a prototype!)

time for a closet check

So what animal prints do you have in your closet? Time for a quick check and if you don’t have any, get a couple ASAP!!

Here are some cute finds that I found on Amazon that you can add to the wardrobe essentials you already have at home. A mix of both casual and heading out to impress!

If you would like to order a clutch in antelope fawn print,
please send an email.
The estimated price in a design very similar to what is shown will be $90.

Don’t forget to make sure you’re getting our updates directly to your email box. If you aren’t, just enter your first name and email address then hit subscribe!

    That’s it for today! If you have great ideas for any of our projects or posts, please comment below!

    Stay well and live your best life! XOXO, Ali.

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