Necklace & Earrings- Lucid NY / Cocktail Ring & Black Ballet Shoes- Target / Handbag – Coach (outlet sale!) / Dress – Stop Staring!
Last Friday I headed to downtown Chicago to do some shopping for a last-minute trip, and meet up with friends for drinks in the Hancock Center (it’s a gorgeous view, you should visit if you’re in town!). I decided to don something daring- a leopard print dress from Stop Staring! I have been admiring their vintage clothing for years, but honestly- never had the courage to try their cocktail dresses for myself…that though, is changing!
This is my first leopard print dress- EVER. I usually have been rather shy in my fashion, but something about this dress just seemed just the right amount of drama for a fun night shopping and drinks in a sky scraper! I got compliments on it (and the statement cocktail ring) at nearly every place I stopped. When stopping for a sweet treat at Ghiradelli, the hostess and I chatted about Stop Staring & vintage inspired fashion until we started to hold up the line! I knew that I’d made the right choice out of my comfort zone!
I was going to wear heels- but after realizing I’d be shopping for 3 hours and walking around Michigan Avenue, I didn’t want to fuss with buckles and sore feet. If you know anything about downtown Chi- the shops are crowded during the summer, making dressing rooms a pain. I wanted to be adaptable with as little fuss as possible- the dress was perfect for fuss-free changing rooms to try clothes on, but put together enough for cocktails afterwards!
Oh of course- there was this statement ring I picked up from Target- another daring piece..and only $10! This is a ring I don’t wear often, but it seemed appropriate for crazy leopard print!
As I continue blogging, I find I’m constantly challenged by aesthetics- both of what I wear, and how I photograph. During graduate school, fashion was a luxury of both time and money- something I rarely got the pleasure to indulge in, but luckily that’s changing! I love dabbling in vintage inspired fashions, bold prints, new colors & statement pieces that challenge the boundaries of what I’m used to!
I just purchased my first leopard dress this week…but have yet to wear it. You look amazing and it sounds like the perfect thing for a day of shopping.
My biggest statement is bold black and white stripes… I have a striped dress which felt so loud when I got it, but I think my taste has grown to fit it’s boldness!
I always want to try neon that’s hot right now but never do! I want to give it a shot but I need the right piece!
You look stunning in that dress! 😀
My favorite statement piece is definitely my animal print skinny pants.
I won it via giveaway & i loveee it! I’ve always wanted to try leopard dress (like yours) so maybe I should give it a shot 😀
(bg)
I saw your tweet about leopard and I was thinking I could totally see you pulling off the print. Yep, you do! 🙂 I’m glad you gave it a try!
(bg)
I hope it gets a lot of mileage!
I’m terrified of wearing leopard, but you make it look so easy !!! love the wrap style and that you paired it with flats!
I have a little phobia about animal prints, but sweetie, you rock this dress!! I did break down and buy a Cow print bag(we don’t have leopards here in the Texas desert, but ladies WE GOT COWS!! hehehe) It’s cute and fun, it’ll go perfect with those Chicken Pjs I’m hoping to win hahaha!! Guess I’m not as phobic as I thought about animal prints (bg)
Thanks for a great blog hon,
~Sharon~
That ring is awesome! I have a few necklaces that really make statements and gather compliments every time I wear them. However, I always need to convince myself to “Go Bold” when I’m shopping.
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Lately, my favorite fashion pieces are vintage and leopard belts. I love the loose shirts and sweaters that are in trend right now, and would definitely like to see if I can make them work!
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