Dear Daisy,
I want to be more daring with my wardrobe because my 12-year old daughter says I’m starting to look like a grandma! LOL! I’m only 38 and I’ve always been conservative but I want to incorporate animal prints which I love, but they scare me! I need to jazz up my classic wardrobe and also want to introduce some color. I had a career in banking which determined what I wore, even outside of work. Lazy, I know! I have a lot of black, white and neutrals, mostly Armani, Prada, Ralph Lauren. I love how you mix it up with your wardrobe at the different parties you go to. Where and how do I start without looking either cheap or like a bag lady?
Afraid of the Jungle!
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Dear “Afraid,”
With my foolproof formula for wearing animal prints and exotic skins like crocodile or python (for shoes and bags) you can be jungle-icious without scaring yourself or anyone else. Simple: Only wear one critter at a time! Try a leopard print in any of these incarnations: a large Dolce & Gabbana handbag, fitted jacket, a Valentino scarf or skirt combined with all black or a neutral color is fabulously fashionable. An exception is two smaller items at once like a python cuff and necklace but never shoes and a bag – that looks like you’re trying too hard, it’s too preciously matchy-match and we’re not living in 1950. To be daring and wear an entire dress in an animal print it must be a super high-quality fabric and a flawless fit — and I don’t mean tight — only add minimal accessories. There will be enough going on with the dress alone.
However, say a screaming “no!” to wearing several items of any animal print clothing no matter how designer expensive or even if from the same collection because you’ll look like you’re a cater waiter at a children’s theme party at Zoo Miami. It’s also important to avoid mixing different animal prints. If you wear leopard it’s a fashion sin to add zebra or two-color python and vice versa even if it’s a teeny item! Too much confusion with too many patterns.
To add a splash of color, you have the perfect neutral wardrobe! Add it via an important investment accessory: a gorgeous, bright red Laura Buccellati satchel or fuschia crocodile clutch or add over-the-top shoes (think Edmundo Castillo, Jimmy Choo or Louboutin) in a bright color – this will baby-step you closer the new fashionable you. Brightly colored jeans are really hot now too. But you don’t need to go all the way to trendy neon orange! Add a red pair to your existing black Armani jacket, a fitted white tee, a leopard bag, a gold vintage cuff and you have officially stepped out of the grandma zone!
If you need more detailed direction go see Scott McNamara at the Fifth Avenue Club at Saks Fifth Avenue in Bal Harbour and he’ll re-vamp your entire look without losing your identity. He can add new, fresher items to pieces you already own! Good luck and keep me posted!
Daisy
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*Opinions expressed by Daisy Olivera are not intended as a substitute for actual legal, financial, medical, or psychological help by a professional. This is solely for entertainment. Questions may be edited for length and/or grammar.
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