My Luxe Lust List...# 5 : Leopard Print

Somewhat of a decorating and fashion 'staple', Leopard Print trends come and go but rarely evaporate entirely.  Like my post on fur throws, it is a subject that is very black and white for most people. You either l o v e  or loathe it!

I've been a lover of Leopard print ever since I can remember.

I have fond memories of stroking my Aunt's Leopard coat and snuggling into her cushions when visiting her home. To me it was very glamorous but also a tiny bit wild and exotic. Themes I still relate to and gravitate towards, today.

Who didn't have an leopard-coat-clad Aunt in the 1960s ?

Throughout my 50 years on this earth, I have owned an enormous variety of leopard printed items.

Fashion wise, I've sported coats, anoraks, pants, kaftans, skirts, ball gowns, dresses, shirts, tees, suits, shoes, pyjamas, lingerie, belts, handbags, luggage, leggings, hats, hair accessories, sunglasses, swimmers, gloves, gumboots, an iPhone case and ...  scarves. Whew!

 

On the home front I've owned innumerable cushions, chairs, bed linen, towels, glassware, napkins, frames, candles, votives, vases, art work and one spectacular door mat!

 I don't think there has ever been a time when I haven't owned something Leopard!

Half of the secret to success in using this bold print is in the quality of the design. There's Leopard print and, then there's Leopard Print. Ascertaining the difference is essential! 

Keeping the look classy is key!

The other half of the secret is knowing when and where to use it. The older I get, the more I prefer it as an accent in interiors or as an accessory. A tiny bit goes a long way!

So why have I decided to post about this lust-worthy design today?

Because I've been obsessing, really OBSESSING over these two images....

O.M.G.! I am just am in love with that fabric!

Countless hours have been wasted enjoyed tracking it down to just two possibilities:

Braemore Jamil Natural OR Scalamandre Leopardo Silk Velvet

As I cannot find any Australian references to these, my research has been limited to international blogs or U.S. / U.K. web sites. The unanimous agreement seems to be that they are visually indistinguishable but hugely different in feel, quality and price. The Scalamandre being the ants-pants.

I found two Etsy retailers who sell cushion covers made in the Jamil fabric and I've tracked down some Leopardo being sold by the yard online, so I could consider having them made in this too.
Another wee, but delicious project!

What do you think? 

Are you a Leopard Print lover?

Where would you consider / have you used this print?

x KL

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 You are very welcome and encouraged to comment, I love receiving feedback!

Bits 'n Bobs

I love the 'help yourself' drink canisters popping up everywhere. Of course the most stunning ones are only available in the U.S and cruelly, they are also the cheapest! I looked into shipping this one here and the postage was three times the item cost. Yikes! Little Kate Spade handbags (leopard one above) are more easy to justify purchasing, particularly when on sale. Yippee!

Hows your Christmas preparation going? I wrapped presents yesterday. Still have two people to purchase for. Dad and Daughter No. 2. They're hard this year. I'm still struggling with a lack of Christmas Spirit. Hope it finds me soon!

x KL 

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

the best of rose gold spring fashion!

Regular readers will know how much I adore rose gold. (Catch up HERE AND HERE) 

It started with the love of my Grandmother's rose gold and opal ring at the tender age of 16 which is, so sadly, no longer in my possession. (another post for sure.)

THIS is the season though that rose gold lovers can stock up on budget friendly accessories galore!

I've just found these cute Country Road flats in a rose gold edition.
(For overseas followers; they now ship worldwide!)

At $59 95 they're my kind of rose gold!

 I'm predicting I'll be living in these though all summer. 

x KL 

Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!

Winter wardrobe for bigger girls....hello? Where are you?

 Are you starting to think of your winter wardrobe? Yup, me too.

 I put on alot of weight before my Thyroid surgery last year and it's proving impossible to shift. Due to cardiac problems, the amount of replacement Thyroxine I take is relatively low (conservative treatment...blah blah) so my metabolism is so sluggish it's ridiculous. This is so I don't start to regularly Fibrillate as that's taken years to control. Fair enough.

I'm really struggling with 'my' style now though, having been previously, naturally slim. I said goodbye to size 6 after the girls were born but was an 8 - 10 up to three years ago. Now I'm a size 14 - 16. Usually the latter! My previous go to stores; Witchery and Country Road, have got few items I like let alone fit my bigger size.

I've still got relatively slim legs so leggings / jeggings / skinny jeans will be my fall back items teamed with over sized tops to cover my tummy & rear acre! How bloody boring!

 I bought the shoes above from Country Road Online with their Spend n Save discount voucher but am secretly lusting after the Chanel ones below.

 If I buy fewer clothes maybe I can justify spending more on individual items and up the look good factor with some gorgeous accessories?

Mmmm...food for thought!

What amazes me though is the lack of well cut clothes for this market. I'm fatter, yes, but my shoulders aren't wider, my arms and legs no longer, and yet the bigger sizes seem to be based on a enlarged zerox plan of a size 8, not cut for a size 16 body template. I know there are specialised 'big girl' stores that have tried to cater to women like me but I want fashion forward not 'how to wear black stretch fabric in 10 styles'. I'm not accepting defeat....yet.

So I'm off to research the existance of style blogs for bigger girls. 

Anyone got any pointers?

x KL 

 Thank you for stopping by my blog. You are very welcome and encouraged to comment. I love receiving feedback! I also love watching a new pretty picture box added to my followers - would love you to join me so I can get to know you too!