Animal prints have long been the back bone of the fashion industry when it comes to pattern, and rightly so, it's instinctive one might say. Caveman was wearing animal prints before he even knew it was fashionable, albeit in the form of real skins and fur!  So, it makes sense that animal print has largely dominated the style arena - the foundation was set in history, relegating the reptiles to shoes and handbags. After all, how many snakes would it take to make a loin cloth, or more importantly a dress? With the invention of textile printing and the social lean toward "fashionable faux" this or that, it matters not in this era.  Now we can have endless lengths of Boa Constrictor or friendly Python wrapped about our person having materialized from a 100 yard by 54-inch bolt!

I speak not with fork tongue (laugh here), but snakeskin and snake print slithered its way back into popularity several months ago.  Big fashion houses such as Gucci, Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta and Roberto Cavalli presented python mimicking prints on the Milanese runways in spring, and not just for accessories, but pants, skirts and dresses were hissing out some major statements in both neutral tones as well as bold colors.

The lambskin coat shown here in a beautiful blue and black print by Alice and Olivia is a stunning example of a bold colored snake (linked HERE).
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​The reptilian prints are holding strong and snaking their way into some of the fall's hottest pieces among an overwhelming surge of animal prints trending in every shape and color. High street stores are embracing the animal prints revival and giving some serious leverage to the snake, with an array of garments as well as accessories.  The following display is right as you walk in the door at Zara in Scottsdale!

​​​So how does one wear snake print, without looking like Medusa's offspring?

Let me introduce you to my friend Sunny Leigh Sherman, former fashion designer and one of my favorite style icons whose everyday looks combine high street and high couture pieces to create ensembles that make age look like it stood still about thirty years ago #agelessstyle! 

In the picture above, Sunny combines Zara snake print side stripe trousers (linked HERE) with a black blouse and studded sandals. This is how we snake, rattle and roll! If you're a little shy to go all-out reptile, just pick one piece and  work it into your outfit! This look is one of my favorites this season.

This is me in my very old snake print pants by Joie! Similar look to Sunny, but much more appropriate terrain, don't you think? Ha ha! I was planning to add side stripes to my pants to modernize them but decided to add black knit cuffs to the ankles instead, they could use the extra length. I tried out the idea with some black tennis wrist bands - it looks super cool (minus the Nike swish)! Will post on Instagram when done! Never discredit a little tweaking to modernize existing pieces.

Here Sunny pairs her snake print pants with the coordinated top also from Zara (linked HERE). This could pass as a jumpsuit. Her funky red sandals add a distraction from the all-over snake print and lend a casual vibe to the outfit, but this would look equally cool with heels and a leather jacket for a night out in the fall! These are great transitional pieces for this time of year offering maximum versatility, either together or as separates.

If you're still coiling at the thought of wearing all-over snake print, then go for an accessory. A snakeskin handbag or shoe has been an elegant classic for decades. Shown above, the printed leather bootie from Zara (linked HERE) is a crowd pleaser, easy to wear with jeans or trousers as well as a midi skirt. Imagine an all-black outfit with these boots, uber cool!

In an article written by Who What Wear in July this year, they predicted that snakeskin boots will be the hottest boot trend in three months. I'm there already, (bought the Zara boots above) ... roll on October!

Here's another snake boot with a lower heel and equally chic print. This one is the Nettie Bootie by Splendid (linked HERE).

Here's an inexpensive way to add some snake print into your wardrobe. This TopShop snake effect cross body bag also comes in red snake effect and a yellow version. (Linked HERE)

Another cute bag from TopShop, somewhat "Chloe-esk", will work well with the tan and amber tones we will also see this fall! (Linked HERE)

Animal prints have been considered a neutral among fashionistas for some time, I think we can safely say that snake prints are a neutral, the new neutral! Not only do they work well with a monochromatic pallet but can be mixed with other animal prints and daring colors alike. 

Let me know if you add some snake print to your fall wardrobe, I would love to hear how you incorporate it.

Oh, and Sunny would love to meet you too, you can follow her on Instagram where she is known as @oldfashionguru and posts daily pictures of her outfits along with great style tips.
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There are affiliate links in this blog which means I may receive a small percentage of sales made.

You may have noticed that this has been the year of the one piece swimsuit. Step aside itsy-bitsy bikini, there is a not-so-new player taking center stage and it's redefining sexy swimwear! 

​Once I left the corporate world of employment many moons ago, I said goodbye to the uniform. It’s not that I’m opposed to uniforms, especially when they come in the form of Firemen or Naval Officers! But having worn a uniform from Infant School to High School, throughout an extensive hotel career and then the corporate world of “wear what you like if it follows these guidelines”, I laid to rest my power suit, pantyhose and ever so prim shoes!
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Always on the hunt for the perfect piece that will cross the boundaries of casual to chic with just a change of bottoms or shoes! Here it is, a pretty floral pull over top with delightful balloon tie-sleeves from Anthropologie! 

​Spirits are lifted as spring emerges from hibernation and shows signs of sticking around. Even in Arizona, despite our mild winters and seemingly endless days of sunshine, there is a different feel about the season as warm tendrils of air waft around us and bees are sent into a frenzy over the blooming wild flowers.

What better time of year than spring to bust out some silk in bright vivid colors, especially colors that can be seen from outer space!  A silk buttondown shirt is a classic that stands the test of time, you can be sure it will re-appear merged with different outfits year after year which also makes it a good investment!

The shirtdress is a timeless classic that can be worn by young and mature women with the same level of effortless chic. It basically takes the form of a long button down shirt, comes in a myriad of fabrics ranging from denim (mostly in the form of chambray) to silk.  Like a good shirt, the shirtdress can be utilized for smart and casual occasions but with the added advantage of not having to wear pants! It's a wardrobe staple and the versatility it offers makes styling it fun. 

Crane birds are the latest graphic to turn iconic, rather like pineapples and pelicans in seasons past. My crush began last year with a pair of crane bird palazzo pants, and now continues with two recent finds that are so inexpensive they're bound to fly off the racks before you can say "Get the flock out of here!" 

​We have Balenciaga to thank for the return and subsequent sock booties crush that has emerged this past fall and winter season. That's alright, I for one enjoy crushing on high-end designer styles, especially when they're rapidly made available at a not so high-end designer price!

Shopping for jeans is perhaps one of the most difficult endeavors we women have to deal with from a clothing stand point. Finding the perfect pair has been my life's work!
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With high street shops and mall store favorites closing down on a weekly basis, we better get our heads around this online shopping malarkey. It's here to stay and millions of online vendors selling everything from cat litter to cat walk designer clothes are magically opening their virtual doors for business out there in the ether of internet land. So too are the plethora of  "influencers" jumping on the band wagon from here to Timbuktu persuading their followers that this, that or the other product is the best.  But it's not all bad... let me explain! 
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Hello, my name is Karen and I'm addicted to coats! As a self professed coat addict, I recently decided that a faux fur leopard coat is not just a "nice to have" but an essential winter wardrobe "must have"! Clearly everyone else thinks so too, because faster than I can write this article, the faux fur leopard coats and jackets are selling out like hot cakes.
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Here is my comparison between two faux fur leopard coat contestants that made it to the keepers finale!

Ready for Christmas, I wish! It's a rare occurrence for me to be fully prepared for Christmas in advance of the actual due date, in particular the buying of gifts. Even less likely to be gift ready for those I know who celebrate Hanukkah since the due date for that is even earlier! You probably think I have a fear of deadlines... perhaps so!

At least I have the decorations up! Last year the hubby didn't erect the tree until it was so late I didn't have time to hang the baubles on it! We had a naked tree all through the holidays with the only consolation being that it's pre-lit so it sort of had it's underwear on!

Let me introduce you to my new shopping BFF, Natalie Attired! Fashion fun in a box delivered right to your door as often as you like!  

Wearing a suit definitely gets you taken more seriously. The epitome of power dressing, a Prince of Wales check suit is one to be reckoned with, and this one is serious on so many levels: style, comfort, price and versatility.