How To Wear Animal Prints

Let’s face it, animal prints have become classics and are sizzling hot this season, but it can be tricky to pull off. If you wear too much, or don’t pair it with the right accessories, you risk going from hip to dip.  

Here are some suggestions on how to wear animal print correctly.

If you’re wearing an animal print dress, you're already walking on the wild side; you don’t need a short hemline or a plunging neckline. Pair the animal print piece with understated shoes and accessories in a coordinating color.  If you work in a conservative office wear a solid color understated jacket over the dress.

If you want to test the waters, so to speak, consider experimenting with animal prints in your workout attire; however, be cautious about workout pants that are solid tiger, leopard or zebra prints; that style might look more appropriate for a strip club rather than a health club.

If you want to flaunt your wild side in measured doses, outerwear is a terrific choice and a perfect addition to any wild woman’s wardrobe.

Bold animal print tops can be hard to pull off with elegance.  When wearing an animal print sweater or blouse, keep everything else simple and streamlined.   Solid neutral skirts, pants and shoes with simple accessories are the way to go.

Accessories are the perfect way to add hints of animal print to your wardrobe without going hog wild; clutches, belts, shoes, even a scarf tied on your favorite red handbag.

This is only part of what Doncaster is doing this season, for more, come take a look.

Winter Is On The Way

Woo hoo, today I got my first up close and hands on look at Doncaster's Winter Collection; IT'S FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!  YIKES - I love it all.  We hit the jackpot this season.  Can't wait to get it in my showroom, there are some 'must have' pieces that I'll order ASAP.  The collection is sophisticated, fun and hip; it defines fashion, passion & fun.

There are big and exciting things in Doncaster's immediate future, look forward to sharing the news with my clients at the upcoming show; Oct 1-19.

Fall Colors

This season designers are focused on texture, contrast and color; menswear with feminine twists, warm prints with cool metals and creating an interesting balance between colors.

Look for these colors; Bamboo (a standout yellow), Emberglow (a warm coral), Honeysuckle (reddish pink, the color of 2011), Phlox (a deep purple), Quarry (a blue close to Wedgewood), Orchid and Deep Teal.

For a classic look combine these colors with brown and light neutrals, for more drama combine them; just 2 at a time please.

Doncaster's Fall & Winter Collection highlights the colors of the season, so be sure to check it out: www.doncaster.com/mlvanderpoel

Fall 2011 Trends

September has finally arrived, Labor Day is a memory, we survived a scorching hot summer, an earthquake and most recently floods.  What a time we've had! 

With cooler weather approaching dressing becomes more fun. 

Let's talk about FALL TRENDS.

Skirts are GOING LONGER; wear them with heels or boots.

EMBRACE COLOR; color blocking (wear 2 or 3) richer, spicy hues (think cranberry, scarlet, blueberry, etc.)

BE BOLD; mix prints (a couture look for sure)

ADD TEXTURE; faux fur, leather