Joining me today for a discussion of how to wear animal print is my good friend Ashley, who gives some excellent tips on basic do’s and don’ts. We began the discussion before filming when I had told her about a woman I had seen at the grocery store who had on some really cute pieces but because she wore so many different patterns, well, it was just a confusing kind of mess. She had combined a leopard print dress with a leopard print belt, along with zebra print heels, a giraffe print purse, topped off with a zebra print little sweater. Seriously. And while again each piece was something I’d wear and loved, together it just didn’t work.

In all honesty I wasn’t making fun of the woman. In fact I admire women who experiment and break those outdated fashion “rules” like not wearing white after Labor Day but she would have looked so much better with just one or two pieces. But then again, who am I to judge? I believe you should wear what makes you feel fabulous but I also believe that there are “tips” that can make your ensemble look even better.

Along with our discussion on wearing animal prints, Ashley and I noshed on a fresh and absolutely delicious black bean and corn salsa that’s not only yummy but easy and cheap to make. (It’s also vegan and gluten-free.) And of course we had to have something to drink so we enjoyed a tasty margarita served in margarita glasses I found at the Dollar Tree, costing only a buck a piece.

Here’s a recap of the show, along with the recipes I used…

TIPS ON WEARING ANIMAL PRINT –

Animal print was once considered a trend but it’s more of a basic these days, which anyone can wear regardless of your body shape or age, and it can be worn year-round, making it a good fashion staple. And it’s fun.

Ashley’s Tips:

* Animal print always pairs well with denim. When in doubt, wear jeans and heels with your favorite leopard (or any animal print) top.

* When wearing either a maxi skirt or dress that is animal print, you can break up the print by pairing it with a neutral. For example, a maxi animal print dress looks great with either a long sweater (brown/black), a blue or white denim jacket, or even a solid belt. The solid neutral touch calms the animal and pulls your outfit together. This works especially well if you’re more petite since an allover print can be overwhelming, especially if the print is large.

* Animal print and other patterns pair well together. You can treat your leopard/zebra/giraffe, etc., as a neutral. For example, lace and a leopard print skirt would work together as would a zebra dress and black and white belt. (In the video Ashley wears a geometric printed top with a simple leopard print belt and it works great…don’t be afraid to mix those patterns and prints but remember, keep it to a couple of pieces and not head to toe!)

* For just a touch of animal, you can add a belt or scarf to kick up your outfit a notch. A fab animal print handbag can make an otherwise basic outfit a bit more fierce, with an added playfulness.

And as with any print, remember that printed piece is going to pull the eye to whatever area you’re wearing it on. If you’re a top-heavy and want a little bit less emphasis in that area, opt for a more neutral top and go crazy with an animal print skirt or pants. And if you’re bottom heavy, well reverse it and wear your print on the top and more neutral pieces below. Of course if you want to emphasize those parts…well, then go for it.

A BIT ABOUT MY CLOSET…

Ok, I have to admit I think my closet is absolutely fabulous. (And full!) Because our children are grown and out of the house, we had an extra room we had set up as a guest room which was never used since we typically don’t have overnight guests. My sweet husband was actually the one who suggested we turn it into a closet for me which was easy enough with just a few rods attached to the walls. And yes, I do have a lot of clothes but seriously the bulk of them came from Goodwill, costing on average, about $3 to $10 each, so I actually don’t feel guilty. I also of course love Ashley’s consignment store (Ashley’s Attic, here in Colorado Springs) where I can find upscale labels for less and when I want to splurge on something NEW and well-made I head to White House Black Market, which is expensive (to me,) but affordable since the bulk of my wardrobe is thrift.

THE RECIPES…

BLACK BEAN & CORN SALSA –

Prep Time: 10 minutes     Cook Time: 2 minutes       Makes 3 Cups For Approx. $3.00

Ingredients:

3/4 tsp. cumin seed

1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

2 to 3 ears corn, kernels sliced off

1/2 small red onion, chopped

1/2 small red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 small jalapeno, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 tbsp. fresh lime juice

1/8 cup olive oil

2 garlic cloves, diced

1/8 tsp. Kosher salt

1/8 tsp. fresh black pepper

* I taste as I go while making this…sometimes I add more jalapeno or garlic, more salt or pepper, just depends on my mood.

Directions:

Toast cumin seeds in a skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, until brown and fragrant, stirring often. Combine cumin seeds with the rest of the ingredients and toss well. Cover and store in fridge for up to one week.

(This is so good, why not go ahead and double the recipe while you’re making this, which is what I usually do…and it always gets eaten!)

MY FAVORITE MARGARITA –

(Serves 4)

Ingredients:

1 cup tequila

1/2 cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Triple Sec)

1/3 cup fresh lime juice, plus extra for glass rim

sugar (only if necessary due to tartness)

1/3 cup Kosher salt

3 cups ice cubes

lime wedges for garnish

Directions:

In small pitcher, combine tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. Give it a quick taste to check for tanginess and add a bit of sugar if it’s too tart. Feel free to add more lime juice if you do like a bit more zing.

Spread salt on a plate. Moisten the rim of 4 margarita glasses with lime juice and then dip into plate of salt so that rim is covered.

Pour 1/2 of margarita mixture into a cocktail shaker. Add half of the ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain into prepared glasses and then repeat with remaining mixture and glasses.

Add a lime wheel to each glass.

 

If you live in the area, check out Ashley’s Attic…

https://www.facebook.com/ashleysatticcoloradosprings?fref=ts

 

Video made by Everton Productions

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Everton-Productions/118657288255900?fref=ts