Hear Me ROAR

The last few seasons were so heavy on animal print that I was sure I’d be sick and tired of it by now. But no. I saw these snaps of a gorgeous leopard maxi at Intermix, and gaped at it in jealousy (Elizabeth & James, $665, Intermix):

I mean. I’m in love. Almost as in love as I am with the idea of pairing a loose-fit dress (this one is in suede, so it might be the ideal investment for fall, but the cut is just per.fect. — $306, TheOutnet) with these Giambattista Valli wedges (on serious sale for $260, Kirna Zabete) and this statement fringe necklace ($395, LuvAJ):

I’d finish with a pop-o-red clutch (love this be-tasseled variation — cough, cough, copying-off-of-Gucci — $78, ASOS):

Alternately, the newest installment in the geek-chic trend (thankyouJennaLyons): sloafers (slipper loafers), which I’ve seen just about everywhere, including on my favorite little chic pea of life, Blair Eadie of Atlantic-Pacific:

{image via Atlantic-Pacific}

I’m eyeing these Charles Philip Shanghai variations ($145, Intermix — but check out the entire lovely collection here), and I’d pair mine with a billowy blouse (Tucker, $220, Matches), some black skinnies, and a sick statement necklace (Nest, $495, Stanley Korshak):

I’d finish with a tough-looking black leather tote (you know I love me some Balenciaga — $1,795, MyTheresa):

Not sure if you like the CP style above? Check these more loafer-esque variations out — $165, Matt Bernson and $99, Nordstrom:

I’m particularly smitten with the dalmatian print shown above — it reminds me of this Rika tote ($209, TenOverSix), which I almost convinced myself I needed earlier this summer for glam poolside lounging on a recent vacation. Imagine it with a breezy black tunic (3.1 Phillip Lim, $275, Net-A-Porter), a bold yellow bikini (Thayer, on sale for $87, Shopbop):

I’d finish with these amazing t-straps (K. Jacques, $245, Opening Ceremony) — how well coordinated is that?!

Love that yellow hue against the animal print and black backdrop, don’t you?! I’d pursue that palette for a casual Saturday evening with this little boxy dress (on sale for $129, LaGarconne), a bold yellow shopper tote ($109, Zara), and some leopard pumps (Tory Burch, $325, Shopbop):

Consider the same palette profile for more casual wear by pairing this boxy blouse top (on sale for $148, Reiss) with white skinnies and that Mawi necklace I featured last week (ugh, I’d have to wear this every day of my life! LOVE — $1,334, Mawi) —

— and finished with a bold yellow clutch (I own this exact style — $50, AmericanApparel) and some statement flat sandals (Dolce Vita, $114, Shopbop):

And, finally, a bold, glossy gold ring (I can just see Olivia Palermo snapping this style up — $68, HenriBendel):

Alternately, how about sprucing up your LRR work outfit with this roomy tote, which will soon be available at Clare Vivier (est. at around $300)?

It’d look sophisticado with your run-o-the-mill black sheath dress (this one is by Alexander Wang — $525, Net-A-Porter, but you can find similar styles anywhere, from H&M to Zara to J. Crew, etc.) some enorma-studs ($290, Stanley Korshak) and a rope-accented statement necklace (LOVE. — $365, Suzanna Dai):

Finish with a pair of caged booties (if you live in a creative work environment…otherwise, black pumps do the trick — Giuseppe Zanotti, on sale for $695, Shopbop) and some bold shades (Super, $175, Intermix):

Alternately, I like the idea of sprucing up my workerbee wardrobe with this panther-accented top (on sale for $206, Barney’s), coupled with a pair of old-school vintage Chanel button earrings ($585, LindeStore), a simple black pencil skirt (DVF, $152, Boutique1):