The claws have come out for 2010 and animal prints are a HUGE trend for the Fall season. From zebra to leopard, it's totally in fashion to wear your animal instincts on your sleeve (literally!) The print that has recently enjoyed the limelight focus for Fall has been leopard. Designers have incorporated this print into their clothing lines and handbag collections and created some amazing renditions of this growing trend. While I'm an advocate in incorporating this trend into your wardrobe, it's important to choose animal print pieces wisely (especially a handbag) in fear of the print overpowering an outfit or deemed outlandish. Therefore, I have taken the liberty to gather a great list of leopard handbags for your viewing pleasure. The criteria set when selecting these hand picked beauties included:
Quality of the print: Animal prints, especially leopard, can either look cheap or luxurious. I have found the smaller the print the more chic and subtle the animal print comes across to the eye.
Material Choice: In order to enhance the aesthetic value of animal print bags, many designers use animal printed pony hair and calf skin in their construction.
Design: Fashion forward design is important to consider when buying handbag or clothes. When you are spending 200+, it's important to consider the longevity of style. A great rule of thumb in fashion is withstanding at least two seasons. Meaning that if you buy a bag to wear for Fall 2010 then you are able to wear it again for Fall 2011. OR if you buy a bag for fall 2010, hopefully it can easily transition into Spring or Summer 2011.
Hopefully you wil take these fashion criteria in consideration when you buy, but in case you are way in over your head I have created a fail safe shopping guide just for you. So here are a few of my favorite leopard bags that are currently out for Fall 2010.
XOXO Keep it Vogue,
Janellica
Stylist's Picks for Leopard Handbags
1. Ecote Pony Passport Case - $28. This little gem doubles a chic pony hair passport case and a wallet as well. Equipped with credit card holders and a place for cash. Exclusive to Urban Outfitters.
2. Melie Bianco Leopard Clutch - $40 If you can't afford upscale animal print, then go with this great clutch from Melie Bianco. It's available in three different colors at Target.
3. Hammitt Los Angeles Getty Leopard Calf Hair Clutch - $200. I absolutely love this little wristlet which is perfect for a night out on the town or running errands.
4. Karen Millen Fun Leopard Chain Clutch Bag - $203. Integrate animal print and tassels and you have a trendy bag for the Fall season.
5. Foley+Corinna Disco City Leopard Print Crossbody - $215. If you love the leopard print look but want something more subdued, then this is the bag for you.
6. Santi Leopard Clutch - $343
7. Hammitt Los Angeles Westwood Satchel in Leopard - $585 Another Hammitt classic bag made in leopard print pony hair.
8. Dolce & Gabbana Miss iPhone Zip Card Case Wallet - $595 Not ready to commit to a huge animal print handbag?? Then go for an animal print accessory like this iPhone Zip Case Wallet.
9. Mulberry Lily Leopard Print Shoulder Bag - $695 Make a statement with two hot trends of the season: red and animal print.
10. Lena Erziak Morgan - $733. I obviously can't stop raving about Lena Erziak, but this another reason why I love this line so much. They utilize a variety of animal prints and exotic textures like snakeskin, ostrich, leopard, etc. They are the experts to exotics like Diane Von Furstenberg is to prints. This Morgan bag is a top favorite of mine that they make in a leopard print.
11. Dolce & Gabbana Miss Escape Denim Leopard Print Tote - $875 Available in three different hues: brown/tan, purple, and teal.
12. Lavin Happy Mini Pop Shoulder Bag - $1,550
I love that is bag is reminiscent of Chanel. Very chic and sophisticated animal print.
13. Dolce & Gabbana Miss Charles Leopard Print Flap Bag - $1,550
14. Valentino Petale Mini Leopard Tote - $3,290 No stranger to animal prints, Valentino recoated their popular 'Petale' bag with a gorgeous leopard print. Made entirely of calf hair this bag is definitely worth the price.
