A Lust for Leopard

Leopard is one of those prints that can easily look cheap if you don't do it right. For example, when I was just entering my teenage years (way back in the day!), I was obsessed with the TV show The Nanny starring Fran Drescher. Part of the appeal of the show for me was seeing what type of over-the-top, crazy, outlandish outfits she would wear in each episode. Many of the outfits were colorful in nature and many featured some sort of leopard print. Inspired by this, I begged my mom to buy me a fuzzy leopard print hat and a matching leopard bag that I saw. Those two items, as I recall, were quite tacky, but it was the 90s and I was just starting to define my signature Hello Katie style, so that's my excuse!

I still like leopard, but now that I am more mature and, hopefully, have better taste, I appreciate the print in smaller doses. Over the past few years, I've introduced leopard into my wardrobe in the form of accessories, be it my signature Clare V. leopard clutch or a belt or maybe some shoes. I've had a leopard print skirt on my wish list for a while, but never found the perfect one. Often, leopard prints can look a bit loud or cheap, so I was happy when I found this tie-waist leopard skirt from J.Crew. I love the style, which is not too tight nor too loose, and the fabric, although some reviewers, legitimately I think, claimed the skirt feels a bit like a raincoat. Pairing the skirt with ladylike accessories, such as my baby pink "Jackie" cardigan and nude pumps, also classes it up a bit too. Although I personally wouldn't wear the skirt with head to toe leopard like Fran Drescher would have worn, I still think it's a great leopard item that would make her character on The Nanny proud!

Skirt: J. Crew leopard print tie-waist skirt here
Blouse: J. Crew ruffle top in emerald here
Sweater: J. Crew Jackie cardigan here
Bag: Coach
Shoes: Christian Louboutin here
Sunglasses: Prada here

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