The Leopard Coat

There are a few things I buy solely because they make me feel a certain way. A breezy sundress makes me feel carefree, a pair of ripped jeans makes me feel tough, and this here coat just makes me feel downright fabulous.

This coat gave me permission to buck that idea. Who says I can't make casually wearing a full on leopard print faux fur coat a thing?

That's not a word I throw around lightly, either. Fabulous is reserved for over-the-top, impractical, sparkly glamour. Think Iris Apfel, whose documentary on Netflix you've got to see. But when I saw this coat, on sale at that, it awoke something in me.

I've always loved being a little extra, but I've always thought there wasn't much place for that in everyday routine. This coat gave me permission to buck that idea. Who says I can't make casually wearing a full on leopard print faux fur coat a thing? Now that it's in my closet, I am convinced that I am a much more complete person.

Photos by Kaye McCoy

Shop Similar Styles

animal attraction

Saying that I love leopard print would be an understatement. The pattern reigns supreme in my closest, mostly in the form of accessories like shoes, scarves and clutches. I sneak it in the details so no one will notice that I have a problem. 

And the thing is, I don't even know why I like it so much. There's this instinct in me. Maybe it's an animal attraction, but wherever there's leopard to be found, I'm there.

photos by 7th Street Studio

shop similar styles

must-have fall scarves

I've been been singing fall's praises since the first leaves fell, but this week I've really been feeling it. And by "it" I mean that brutal, sharp wind that makes you add an extra sweater in the morning. 

I've also been grabbing for my favorite scarves as I run out the door. Below are the three I reach for the most. My advice to you: best get to bundling up, girlfriends!  

 

plaid scarf: Few patterns say "it's fall" like plaid. I especially love the blanket plaid scarves that are perfect for getting wrapped up in. Since it's a classic pattern, it can make an outfit more polished.

 

leopard scarf: This scarf has gotten me through 3 fall seasons -- proof that this is really a must have. Since leopard is a neutral (if you don't think so, we can't be friends), you can wear it with so many different outfits. 

knitted scarf: This is truly the warmest, most worn scarf I own. If you don't own a knitted scarf, you're basically telling the universe that you want to catch a cold.

buffalo & leopard

It sounds like a bad joke, doesn't it? So, a buffalo and a leopard walk into a closet...but it's not. It's just a crazy combo of patterns that was entirely inspired by this pin.

Since I'm going to be wearing a lot of leopard this fall, and I mean a hell of a lot, I was trying to find new, unexpected way to play with it.

Enter this buffalo button up, oversized and thick, it's a warm and a significantly less bulky alternative to a coat. Because, being completely honest, I'm not ready to be fully bundled up just yet.

photos: @cookayemonster

 

 shop similar styles