The way we wear accessories should be intentional. The right pieces can elevate an outfit without overpowering it. I especially enjoy using a handbag to add interest to my simple basics.
A silk scarf draped or knotted effortlessly, a bold necklace, a sculptural bracelet, or contemporary pearl earrings add finishing touches. A refined belt adds balance to the silhouette. A classic watch is another way to add sophistication. Accessories should bring personality and elegance, not clutter. They are the final details that complete a look to make it more personal.
I’ve enjoyed animal-print shoes, bags, and belts for decades. The print is a timeless classic that grows and diminishes in popularity. When it is available in abundance, it’s the time to shop for pieces you plan to wear for the long term.
When I purchase animal print accessories, I look for calf hair or suede, not shiny or smooth materials such as patent leather. The print is often too warm to wear near my face, so I’ll share how I styled my animal print jeans next time. Although warm weather was only here for a few days, my creativity blooms when it returns.
Links to my favorite shopping sites for classic basics, shoes, bags, and belts follow. J.Crew – Banana Republic – Gap – Banana Republic Factory – COS – Mango – Dillard’s – Nordstrom
Great post! I purchased that little leopard and black bag you have. It is a great accent piece. And I’m happy to see you posting so soon after your last post, because that two week gap had me worried that you were dealing with someone’s health issues. I am currently recovering from knee replacement surgery and your posts always brighten my day.
I hope your recovery goes smoothly.
The gap between my posts was due to a change in my hosting company. Since this site has more than a thousand pages, it took a long time to complete the change. Thankfully, everything is working well.
Your pointed toe shoes always contribute to your stylish look. However, due to my bunions I’m unable to wear that style, I must go with a wide toe. Which is very unbecoming.
Any ideas to enhance this problem?
Thanks
Choose shoes with a slender profile and in the same tone as your slacks or legs (with skirts) to draw the least attention to them.
Hey good lookin’ what you got cookin’ Enjoy your Valentines Day
You look lovely Susan!
When I open your website, there is an orange circle with a stick-figure person in it. Previously, after clicking on something I should never have opened and suffering the consequences, I am reluctant to open it. Could you explain what it is for? As usual, you continue to help me learn – fashion wise, and now I guess, technologically!
It is safe to click on the little stick figure. It is an accessibility menu that will allow you to access things that might help view my site. It’s by UserWay, and it will let you choose to make the colors darker or the type more prominent, etc.
Thank you so much for your blog. I look fwd to reading it when I see your blog come in my email. I like your look for today. I seem to have problems with shoes as I only wear flats or sneaker/walking shoes. Thanks for all your tips. Take care.
Is that a denim jacket?
No, the jacket is made from a soft supple knit fabric. I bought it from Banana Republic three years ago.
Hi Susan, glad for you that your site changeover went well. Love this post. I too love animal print. If it is leopard print it has to be either boots or a handbag as the colouring doesn’t suit me. (being a Winter). Thanks always. I always look forward to your new posts.
Beautiful look! Susan, we are going to spend 5 weeks starting mid July in Seven Devils, NC. How far are you from Banner Elk and Boone, NC? We notice your restaurant reviews, and experiences in the Banner Elk and Boone vicinity are so positive – is there any link that we can see your past reviews and or a list of your recommendations? I have entered my email address and name below. Thank you, Brenda Silverman
The best restaurants in that area are listed here. I hope you have a fabulous time!
It’s always good to think about finishing touches. That is something I often forget but I can see they make a big difference in helping complete the outfit. I especially like the idea of a nice handbag. I never thought of that I just use the same small handbag all the time
Susan – I am seeing a surge in the skinny jeans comeback. I am interested to know your opinion on this… I am petite and very thin, and although find the loser jeans more comfortable, I have always felt somewhat lost in them. Thoughts on this would be appreciated.
Since my calves are wide, I could never wear skinny jeans, so I’ll keep wearing what I have now.
Hi Susan,
Really cute look, you look polished and so classic as always. l love the bag! Do you have your eye on any new Spring Summer handbags?
Thanks for all the great tips.
Janet Regan
This one in toast, is a timeless classic that I am considering.
Thank you, Susan. Love receiving your emails.
Great tips as always. I just ordered the Cross Bar bracelet.
Lots of good info here
I’m not comfortable wearing animal prints but a classic purse is a winner here.
You look great!
And, I’m a big fan or a black top with stonewashed jeans.
Thanks so much,
Lu
Beautiful as always!
Happy you are back in production and looking great! Also love the bag! The description says it is Leopard-Print, but the pic looks like hair-calf. Can you please tell me which it is, and if it has any scent to it? Sometimes the hair-calf bags I try have a funny oder. Much appreciated.
It is leopard print on calf hair leather so it has a hair texture. I did not notice an odor at all.
Thanks, I used your shopping link to get the bag, plus the matching belt and wallet. They were an extra 15% off with code 15OFF. I am a big fan of leopard print too. I have been wearing it since grade school. My grandmother was a seamstress, and she made me leopard print corduroy jumpers 🙂 which I loved!
I hope you enjoy your bag as much as I have mine.
First, thank you so much for sharing your styling process and ideas. I love reading about you and Mr. Mickey’s journey through life together. Now I need some advice. How can I style a navy long midi slip dress with a teal topper of some sort, and accessorize for our daughter’s wedding? It will be very small (20) guests total. Vows first, then brunch in a lovely private room of one of the couples favorite restaurants in Phoenix. So, vows at 11 am, then brunch. The bride is wearing a white silk tuxedo pants suit. Her fiance a three piece navy suit. Any suggestions? I’m having a difficult time finding something that suits my style. I wear classic clothes, am a winter skin tone, 5’5″ tall, measuring 37-30-37. My favorite outfits start with one of the many pairs of jeans I own, then layer depending on weather and my schedule. Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks so much!
Oh, my goodness, I forgot to mention I’d also love slim navy slacks instead of a dress, if that would be appropriate. I’m a long time jeans/pants gal.
Since the bride is wearing pants, it will be appropriate for all the other women to wear slacks. Metallic accessories such as silver shoes, bag and pearl earrings look fab with navy.
Great. And since I dislike “mom of bride” pants suits, any suggestions for tops with the navy slim pants?
A light colored silk blouse or tunic style top would look lovely.