Looking for a jazzed up neutral to add to your wardrobe? Leopard print is a fun, refreshing take that will freshen up the stale, winter fashion blahs.

If you haven’t already, then it’s time to get some leopard print in your life. Like, rawr, girl! To us, this particular animal-inspired pattern is one of the more versatile, forgiving prints you can own. It looks great with neutrals, but pairs so well with colors (think: red, green, pink, navy, etc.) that we also consider it a neutral. Crazy, right?!

When worn with colors already found within the print, like black, tan, and brown, leopard can look surprisingly sophisticated and polished. And when teamed up with bold hues, then there’s a good possibility that you’ll have all eyes on you! Fortunately, we have a sampling of some of the hottest leopard print pieces going right now–whether you choose one or choose all, we think you’ll love taking a walk on the wild side of fashion.

1. Sexy Strappy Maxi

This leopard print dress is a stunning take on wearing an all-over print. Perfect for special occasions or casual weekend wear, the right accessories can take you from day to night in this piece. Pair the maxi with a buckle-embellished ankle boot and a moto cropped jacket for a more casual feel, and a strappy heel, slender choker, and satin clutch for a dressier look. Priced at $229.95.

2. Too Cool Clogs

Clogs have made a comeback in the fashion realm, and thanks to their versatility, it’s a welcome return. Wear these leopard print clogs with jeans, shorts, skirts, and dresses all throughout the year. This round-the-clock style is a definite closet staple and can make any ho-hum outfit look trendy and spectacular. We can totally imagine these with a chic pair of distressed skinny jeans, a soft, oversized knit sweater, and a felt hat. Complete the outfit with a trendy choker and a fringe cross-body bag. Priced at $138.

3. Pretty Pull-On Pant

Perfect for when you want to look effortlessly stylish and chic without trying too hard, these relaxed fit pull-on pants are the kind of bottoms you need in your life. Pair with a casual t-shirt and high top trainers, or with strappy heels and a sexy, low cut top for a night out. Whether you wear these with flat sandals, or a cute ankle boot, these are a versatile addition to any wardrobe. Priced at $29.99.

4. Must-Have Messenger

When you need a multi-tasking bag, look no further than this leopard print beauty. Great for toting to the office, packing essentials for a short overnight stay, or carrying around supplies for class, you really can’t go wrong with this large messenger. More than just functional, this bag serves two purposes: carry your belongings while also looking great. Priced at $428.

5. Cute Baseball Cap

Everyone needs a go-to baseball cap in their wardrobe. Whether you’re trying to hide unwashed hair, or you’re going for the cool, casual girl-next-door vibe, a hat that’s a little out of the ordinary can add a touch of the unexpected to a weekend look. We’re crazy about this leopard print hat and think you will be, too. Pair it with jeans, shorts, dresses, and pretty much everything else you can think of. Priced at $24.  

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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I love my dog more than frozen yogurt or vacations at the Four Seasons resort in Punta Mita, and that is saying a hell of a lot. But I have a pet peeve about styling decor with images of animal friends, like my precious Pug. I won’t accent a chair with a silkscreen pillow of his highness like the ones available at Etsy or commission pet portraits to join our family dynasty of oils on the walls. To be fair, the same goes for my aging arthritic cat, Audrey Jane. When I want to recall her placid, green glassy eyes and wanton yearning for a dead spider, a lovely photograph will suffice.

Animal ambiance is just not my cup of kibble. The ubiquitous practice of borrowing from both the domestic and wild animal kingdoms for home decor should be buried for good. Herewith, my top pet peeves in decorating:

Oil Memories

Remember when our little equestrian, Pepper, took the fifth prize in stadium jumping on Liberty Bell? Remember when old Harpo escaped the wrath of the kids by resting on the deck? If you don’t, you must have forgotten to order a large oil portrait from that digital photo. It’s just like a real painting, except it’s not. Think paint-by-numbers and a perfect 10 in sappy.

Antler Furniture

Home on the range for the deranged. Cover your bases with something other than dead animal cartilage, the chateaux version of Euro trash. There is eco wood, repurposed metal, and dozens of other surfaces that make a more uplifting statement in the eclectic, well appointed space.

Genuine Skin Rugs

Whether cowhide, zebra or bear, these genuine floor skins give me the willies. Vendors like Hollywood Love Rugs say sales of the rugs are up. But the chic factor takes a back saddle to the tacky factor. Sheepskins that don’t require slaughtering the source are less offensive. Faux is the way to go, a way of saying I dig your stripes and spots without placing coffee tables on the real thing.

Leopard Print Fabrics

Even when it’s high quality, such as this upholstery velvet  from Old World Weavers, safari glam is just pretentious and cheesy, evoking Out of Africa set design in this English Regency ottoman. It went out with leather rhinos from Abercrombie & Fitch.

Trophies on the Walls

Is a Scalamandre room any richer with an African trophy mounted on the toile wallpaper? I get a headache just looking at taxidermy treasures, even though some designers argue they cannot forgo them when styling upscale rustic lodges or taverns.

Main Image: Flock Home

Images: Seattle Times, Guaranteed Portraits, Scalamandre, 1st Dibs

The post Pet Peeves in Decorating: When Design Goes to the Dogs, Leopards and Zebras appeared first on EcoSalon.