Taking a Walk on The Wild Side

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Stepping a little outside of my comfort zone I decided to purchase a leopard printed blazer/ jacket some months ago. Now, I must confess I am no avid leopard, cheetah or any other animal print fan for that matter so this was a real reach for me lol. Sure, I’ve worn small accessories and such with these wild and feisty prints but that’s typically as far as it goes for me personally. Honestly, the thought of looking like a proud poacher who dragged her game back to her closet and skinned it’s entire hide for her latest “killer” outfit always mortified me lol. But fashion isn’t always about repeating what we’re comfortable with. Comfort creates complacency and fear leads us to stagnation and total boredom. And fashion should be annnything but boring. So I decided to muster up enough courage to walk out on a limb on a tree in the jungle somewhere lol and take a walk on the wild side!!! *Eartha Kitt Purr*

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In light of the  weather warming up I didn’t think I’d be able to wear this jacket till the fall so I immediately jumped at the chance to wear it when the temps suddenly took a dip a couple of days ago. The texture of the jacket being extremely soft and supple has a really luxurious feel to it. Aside from that it had the most elegant black leather- like trim/piping up and down the lapel and hem. The overall impeccable quality of the blazer is what actually set aside my doubts and sold me on purchasing it. 

 

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Now the  biggest part was figuring out what pop of color to wear with the blazer. I find that animal prints can be rather overpowering and while it is a statement piece I don’t want it to do all the talking. I think pairing this type of print with an equally bold yet beautiful color is what gives it an even nicer and more subtle strength. The emerald green blouse was a perfect color choice to go with this jacket. I thought they complemented each other extremely well without one totally overshadowing the other piece. 

 

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I  balanced the top of my outfit by toning it down with a pair of black wide leg Express pants. These are a really great staple item to have in your wardrobe and are absolutely classic and timeless. They work well with all shapes and can be styled in numerous ways. These pants may actually be the oldest living thing in my closet right now. I think I’ve owned these for almost 20 years. Thank goodness the waist is elastic!! lol 

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Again I infused the emerald green into my outfit with this vintage tote bag by Lady Bride. I loved the retro look and the versatility of how it can be worn long or folded in half. I thought it worked perfectly with my total ensemble.The orange on the handles was a really nice touch to add more pops of color into my overall look. And if you hadn’t noticed yet, there’s a snakeskin pattern on it as well which surprisingly just totally worked for me. Me, wearing two animal prints in one outfit, “Who would’ve thunk it!?”lol.

 

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I loved these camel colored Levity block heels which also brought out that same pop of orange color in my handbag with just a hint of it around the toe of the shoe. The thicker heels are great if you like the look and feel of heels without the balancing act that follows for some lol.

 

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Last but not least a simple black hijab seemed most befitting along with a pair of my new refashioned fringe earrings from of an old thrifted handbag. Check out my last post for more details on that particular DIY and more.

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Overall, I was very pleased with how this outfit came altogether. Sometimes in order to appreciate new things we have to step outside of our comfort zones and give them a try first. Fear and Fashion can not coexist!! Fear of trying something different will have you in a fashion rut quickly. It devours all sense of establishing our own creative voices and self. The goal should always be to challenge and not completely change who we essentially are.

What I Wore:

Leopard blazer: $12 bought NWT @Value Village
Wide leg Express pants: No clue…realy old?? 
Green Blouse: $2 @Park Avenue Thrift
 Levity heels: $6 @Goodwill
Lady’s Pride vintage tote handbag: $5 Goodwill
#thethriftyhijabi

 

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