Ring the Alarm

Ok fashionistas, i'm part Italian so I naturally talk with my hands but if you aren't (or even if you are ;) why not let your accessories do the talking? Oversized rings are SO in right now. Add one (or several) to any outfit for a unique way to show off your personality without having to say a word.

*Girly:
I love this soft pink rose ring. super cute-super classy
-Rose ring-Forever 21 $4.80 (also available in black and white)
Every sophisticated lady knows that pearls are a classic jewelry staple-but i love this minimal modern take
-Oversized pearl ring-Forever 21 $3.80
A pink heart ring frosted in rhinestones??? How delicious. Love it.
-GoJane.com $7.80






*Wild:
Don't set that trap yet! This mouse ring is absolutely adorable.
-Kate Spade Nordstroms $65.00.
Bows and Python Print? On a ring? Only my girl Betsey Johnson could pull that off.
-Betsey Johnson Stores $40.00
Edge on a budget? I like this beaded black rose-Tres chic.
-Forever 21 $3.80


*Tip- I was drawn to this rhinestone studded spider ring (shown below) because it reminded me of Betsey Johnson. Found it in a thrift store called The Junkman's Daughter for $10! Keep your eyes open for one of a kind deals in unlikely places!



Bohemian:
Make your statement all natural. I love these rings from Charlotte Russe-they look so authentic. Charlotte Russe :$4.00 each





With all of these affordable options today's independent woman doesn't need to wait for a man to put a ring on it. xoxo ;)

Loud Leggings

Ok guys-Can't say I've been the biggest fan of leggings in the past-but I'm more excited about them now that I've seen the new printed styles coming out for fall. Plus I recently paid a fabulous visit to London and over there leggings are all the rage-HOWEVER the Brits know how to wear them correctly. You can too if you make sure to follow these guidelines:

1. NEVER substitute leggings for pants. I don't care how much you want to show off that donk-you'll just end up being the butt of someones joke. Theres this phenomenon called camel toe...and i can't tell you how sick i am of seeing it on unfortunate fashion victims at epidemic levels in clubs and around campus. How embarrassing. There are classier, more flattering ways to show off your figure. I promise.

2. Make sure your tunic or dress is the correct length for leggings by asking yourself these questions: Does the hem hit mid thigh? Does it ride up when I walk? Do I feel exposed when I sit down? Tugging at your hemline all day is definitely a confidence killer-not cool. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a dress that is too long will look frumpy when paired with leggings.


3. Make sure your leggings are the correct fit even if this means going a size up. When worn they should be completely opaque (i.e. when you turn on the light you cant see through them) Transparent leggings are not flattering on any body type and may reveal more than you intended. The last thing you want is for your stems to look like sausages squeezed into their casings. When it comes to leggings that are meant to be see through (such as the lace and leopard print pairs featured) ask yourself these questions: Does the pattern look stretched out and distorted? Is my flesh squeezing out through the spaces? If the answer is yes opt for the next size.

4. The most flattering cut of legging for women over a size 10 is the Capri length that hits from just under the knee to mid calf. This cut is cute when worn with flats, sandals, wedges and heels. Choose tights over pant length leggings to make your legs look longer and leaner. Willing to put in more effort to get the look? Just make sure you wear your long leggings with an amazing pair of boots or booties that cover the hem. This will create a continuous line down the leg.

Now that we have that out of the way...

*If you're style is sophisticated

-I'm loving these lacey tights with their funky stirrup foot. Try them under cuffed denim shorts. I happen to love the menswear blazers that are in this season. Layer one of those on top of a relaxed fit graphic tee and slip on your favorite flats in a fun color for a polished look that isn't at all uptight. ;)



Blazer: Charlotte Russe $28.99
V Neck tee: Norma Kamali for Walmart $8.00
Shorts: BDG 5 pocket Denim Short Urban Outfitters $39.00
Tights: Forever 21 $5.80
Flats: Target $16.99

*If you're a wild child

-try a geometric printed legging with a bright fitted dress. Layer this look with a faded denim jacket (like the one featured in MJ your Way) in a shrunken fit that hits above the hip. Add a statement making hair accessory and bad ass booties, pop that collar and strut your stuff ;)



Leggings: Forever 21 $9.80
Denim Jacket: Old Navy $29.50
Ruched tank dress: Express $49.50
"Stacey" peep toe cut out booties: Bakers Shoes $79.95
Contrast Feather Hair Clip: Forever 21 $5.80


*If you like a bohemian vibe

I love animal inspiration on anything especially these leggings from Express that make leopard print (my fav) look like a second skin. Mix these with a long earth tone tunic and channel the 70s with a fringy cropped vest. Add your favorite flat sandals or wedges. I just grabbed this strappy pair the other day from Charlotte Russe. Don't forget a bold bracelet with a handcrafted look ;)




Leggings:Express $16.50
Cropped Fringe Vest: Forever 21 $24.80
Plum colored Halter Dress: Walmart Online $14.00
Wedges: Charlotte Russe $29.99
Beaded Cuff: Charlotte Russe $4.00

These are just a few examples! Have fun updating your personal style with leggings this fall! I know I will. xoxo ;)

MJ your Way

As we all know, Micheal Jackson tragically passed away on June 25, 2009. Why not pay your respects to the King of Pop with more than just your facebook status? Thats right, designers have been channeling MJ in their runway shows and if you're up to the challenge fellow fashionistas you can do it too. Heres how to get the look for less.

I dare your parents to say they wouldn't have killed for Micheal's famous red leather jacket in the Thriller video. Can you blame them? Thrill your friends in this red "Satin Sheen" jacket featuring a shrunken fit-forever 21 $22.80

Was Billie Jean obsessed with Micheal or those fabulous patent leather wingtips he shined up in the video? Light up your own sidewalk in these babies-white socks are optional ;) "Candela NYC Spectator Oxford" $198 from Urban Outfitters

(yes people they ARE womens shoes)

For a more feminine twist on the classic Spectator style try these peep toe pumps from Charlotte Russe-I find the cutouts more original than simply adding a heel to the style above. "Spectator Platforms" $29.99

Be Bad in this Leather Jacket. Exposed Zippers give it such an 80's vibe. And for $29.99??? Ch'mon ;)

Faux Leather Jacket: JCPenny

Are you feeling bad, bad, really REALLY bad??? Try a metallic:

Metallic faux Leather Jacket: Forever 21 ($37.80)


We all know that MJ made the military jacket his own. Since denim jackets are back in, I love the military details on this one from Balmain.

Unfortunately the price tag on the stye above is too hefty for me-If you want the same faded fit go with this one from Old Navy for $29.50

*tip rock a fitted jean jacket with some black skinny jeans or dress down a black pencil skirt-the color contrast is eye catching and looks more put together than denim on denim. Feeling really bold? Try pairing the outerwear featured in this entry with leggings in a vibrant color or wild print. ;)

picture credit:Forever21.com


And if you want the military detailing you can pick up this vest from GO! International at Target for the designer details without the diva cost.

Or try this twill Military jacket Old Navy ($39.50)-Perfect for fall and also available in Black-both will rock your world paired with skinny jeans and heels in an eye-catching color. just make sure it fits close to the body.

*Tip-Structured Jackets are great for EVERY body type ;)



*Tip-Thrift shops like Goodwill and Rag-o-Rama or even your parents closets are your friend! My dad gave me his old military blazer and I can't wait to incorporate it into my wardrobe this fall!

Don't forget to finish jacking Jacko's style with a fedora! My jaw dropped when i saw this leopard print one from Rainbow-an absolute steal at $9.99! Walk into any room and EVERYONE will know they've been struck by a smooooooth criminal ;)

Ethnic Envy

Ok I don't know about you but I'm absolutely LOVING all of the ethnic inspiration on today's mannequins. It started off small with subtle tribal prints during Spring 2008 and this summer went all out with intricate embroidery and beading. Because I was born in Guatemala, I have always been drawn to these beautiful details and vibrant colors. However, any woman can channel this flavorful style by adding a few beads, a bit of embroidery, and of course PRINT to her wardrobe. Here are some of my personal favorites just remember to add a spoonful of attitude ;)






I snatched up this daring number (featured above) from Forever 21 for less than $30! Now I'm not the biggest fan of the maxi dress but the combination of leopard print (of course) with a beautiful tribal design at the hemline made this dress a must have.


iLOVEit


Looking for something a bit tamer?


. This cute top from Papaya ($23.99) has just the right amount of embroidery and a drop waist for that bohemian feel. The jewel tone compliments most skin tones. Pair it with your favorite skinny jeans and simple jewelry for a laid back look perfect for the weekend.

*Tip: always wear skinny jeans with loose fitting tops to balance out the volume.








Not ready to walk too far on the wild side but still wanna try out this look?

Add a beautiful piece like this cuff bracelet (only $4 at Charlotte Russe!) to a solid colored top or dress for a touch of foreign flair.

Welcome!

Welcome to Lace & Leopard Print!
If you're looking for the latest in fashion and art you've come to the right place! My name is Alexandra Richards and I am a fashion junkie...yes I admit it. Shoes, clothes, bags, hair, make-up-you name it, i have a sweet tooth for it. But I also have a passion for contemporary art and I've decided to create this blog to share both obsessions with the world! And don't worry this girl loves a bargain-I'll be sure to share secrets letting you in on how to fake it until you make it! I hope you'll become a regular visitor ;)