Leopard Lunch Date

Earrings: Vintage Watch: Movado Glasses: Claires Blouse: Heart Soul Skirt: Bebe Handbag: Isaac Mizrahi Shoes: Jessica Simpson “Malia”

**LipStick: “Dare You” by MAC Cosmetics** — Musical Inspiration: “Intro” by The XX — Style Inspiration: Joan Holloway in “Mad Men” & Rose McGowan in “Jawbreaker” —

Meow! Don’t you just LOVE leopard? It’s a tricky print for some. For me, I know that leopard can easily be sophisticated if you know how to work it right. For example: a classic bow blouse. My favorite closet staple. This one had a built in sweater for a layered feel. Worn alone this top works for Spring/Summer but in the Fall it looks especially lovely under a warm black peacoat. The scarf at the neck is a built in accessory!

In preparation for my upcoming blog entitled “Style Crush: Joan Holloway” I’ve been practicing my “Mad Men” styling skills. This is a modern interpretation of retro style. All the classics are here: vintage button earrings (2 bucks, mind you…), the pencil skirt, the structured handbag, secretary glasses and punchy red pumps with a modest heel.

I wore this to church then out to a lunch date on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The combination of ladylike pieces, red lipstick and an updo made me feel very “dressed up” in the daytime. Which is a feeling I hope you’ll strive for this week!

If you need further inspiration take a look at my “Women I Admire” Pinterest board here to see some of Hollywoods classic leading ladies in their finest attire: http://www.pinterest.com/socalvalerie/women-i-admire/

–V.

xoxo