Leopard Love...
Why, who, how. The print that never goes out of style. And how to wear it in the coolest ways (with a little inspiration from Kate)...
This image (and bag) has lived in my head rent-free since the early Nineties (yikes). A fresh-faced Kate in transit, carrying the coolest leopard bag we’d ever seen (I bet she still has it!), looking just, well, perfect. So who better to look to for some inspiration (or just fun) on how to wear leopard this winter? Obviously to each to their own when it comes to styling, but for me it’s all about a pinch of leopard, as opposed to head-to-toe. Whether it’s a coat, an accessory or a dress - less is more is just always, always cooler. And effortless it always the goal. Then keep the rest of your look pretty simple. Effortless is always the goal. Then I go one of two ways (I love both)…
1. Relaxed, and low-key way - even a little bit scruffy. Think white tees, grey sweatshirts, oversized shirts, blue/black jeans, boots/trainers.
2. A nod to Catherine Deneuve in Belle du Jour - tights, ballet flats/Mary Janes - ladylike, demure, a little bit sexy, but still cool and understated. And always with the very best ‘messy-but-not-too messy’ hair.
So let’s dive in and see how Kate does it/has done it in the past…
With a camel coat…
With black jeans and heels…
With a bowling bag and Chelsea boots…
With black tights, oversized sunglasses and ballet flats…
With Isabel (I have these actually) boots and a similar bag…
With blue jeans and white vest/tee…
With black Sambas and Chanel…
With a mini clutch…
With flared trousers and white trainers…
With gold sandals…
With Bella and platform ankle boots…
With black flared jeans (and a fringe - cheaper than Botox)…
More leopard styling Inspo…
I adore this look. An absolute masterclass in styling a leopard print coat. Treating it in the same way you would a favourite everyday chuck-on black overcoat. Totally effortless. I want to be her!! Right now. Today. Thank you.
Love the pale blue (chambray?) oversized, scruffy shirt with the leopard coat…
Some leopard favourites…
Diary | Bag | Coat | Flats | Skirt | Bag | Heels | Coat | Dress | Belt
You could take any of these pieces, then just wear them in a simple, low-key way - the dress with flats, the heels with cropped jeans, either of the coats over a /tea jumper and jeans (a personal favourite), either of the bags for daytime (my sis has the ME+EM one and it’s perfect).
Honestly, many of my most-worn pieces are from Free People (in fact, just last night I wore a dress and coat from a campaign I did with them last year) - they’re one of my favourite mid-price brands. I feel like many of the pieces I own as being rather Dôen-esque, but a lot kinder on your wallet (I LOVE Dôen, but it has got seriously expensive. Blame Trump and his tariffs).
Find the edit here.
What I’ve Been…
Watching (on the small screen)…
Riot Girls
I feel like everyone is talking about this show and how amazing it is (even my Dad loved it, and I was not expecting that, lol). What am I missing? Is it just me (and my sis)? I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m enjoying it, and it’s a stellar cast for sure. But… I’m just that into it.
Watching (on the VERY small stage)…
Hedda
I went to our local theatre, The Orange Tree to see this on Monday evening (with one of my lovely ‘Petersham Ladies’ crew - shout out to ‘Top Dog’ (or ‘Big Dog’ if you’re a Traitors fan) Judy) with precisely zero expectations. But always happy to try something new (even on a Monday!), with someone lovely, a short 65 bus ride from home. I had never seen the original version either. Oh my God, I was completely blown away. The theatre is tiny - literally three rows on each side around square stage (on ground level), so you are literally as close to the actors as they are to each other. As a result, the whole experience was just incredible - so exciting! And visceral. I was completely captivated from start to finish. The actors were outstanding. I cannot recommend it more highly if you are able to get to Richmond (I know, not an option for many of you reading this). I’m still thinking (and talking) about it now.
Watching on the big screen…
A one-off screening of Annie Hall at The Olympic. So magical. And SO funny. Much funnier than I remembered. I am seriously into re-watching old favourites on the big screen. It’s a completely different experience, and one I would 100% recommend. I felt really emotional at the scene after the tennis doubles, where Annie debuts ‘that’ outfit. It’s totally the detail of the basket with her tennis racket for me. So clever. We saw One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest there last week (also much funnier than I remember, and so, so brilliant -very moving). I also think, if you’ve not seen these films for many years (possibly decades) they do hit differently now. Loving that. So I am now actively seeking them out.
Still sad about Diane Keaton.
Listening to…
Fashion Neurosis with Alex Chung
I listened to this on my walk today actually. I haven’t finished it yet, but I am really enjoying it. Alexa has a great voice for a podcast (I’m very specific about voices when they’re literally in my ears).
Compiling…
The Douceur Christmas Gift Guides
Don’t shoot the messenger (or indeed the editor) - I know it’s so early still, but I literally have people messaging me before November (they always start dropping the first week of November), asking about their whereabouts. Fact. They literally take FOREVER. Also fact. But, I also love putting them together. And the lovely feedback I always get makes all the man hours of foraging worth it. So For Her, For Him, Girl and Boy have all landed, and the rest will all be added in the next week. I hope you find them useful. I, of course, will not be starting my shopping until December. Although, I have earmarked a few things already. Just not quite ready to make it official just yet.
(Christmas) Wish Listing…
Photographer Corrine Day was commissioned by Sofia Coppola to shoot the stills on the set of The Virgin Suicides. I didn't know about this book until last night (how??). So now it’s at the top of my Christmas List.
Re-ordering…
My favourite SPF that I wear every single day under my make-up. It’s light, non-sticky and goes a long way. It’s literally the only SPF I like the feel of on my skin. Without doubt, one of my non-negotiable beauty products.
Douceur Loves…
Shop this week’s favourites here.
Side note: these lockets make the loveliest presents, as you can have them engraved and/or have photos added inside (digitally when you order). I have this one and wear it most days, and love it. I’ve also bought one for a friend and I know it’s very much treasured. I have my eye on the heart one too now…
That’s a wrap for today. Thanks, as always, for joining me. And if you fancy more (and haven’t done so already), you might want to head over to my weekly edit, Sunday Style…
See you very soon!
ps: having had a Smythson (fashion) diary every year for decades, it’s only been the last few years that I’ve (reluctantly) switched over to an online calendar. This year’s design (the fashion diary is different every year - I have boxes of them) might just tempt me back to paper…
pps: and if you enjoyed this post, please do ‘like’ with a heart, comment (I LOVE your comments/feedback as you know), or share - it’s hugely appreciated and really does help with my posts being seen on Substack. xx
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Look forward to the Sunday update x
LOVE Leopard and LOVED this! Thanks Sarah 🐆🤎💛