I have been wanting to get this up for days, but when the autumn weather is anything but autumnal it's hard to shift gears. How could I write about fall fashion when most of the country is deeply ensconced in high heat and humidity? I wanted nothing more than to streak through a sprinkler or skinny dip in the pool (all closed) and the sheer thought of some fabric actually touching my body practically sent me into convulsions. This time of year is just so difficult on the wardrobe. Summer clothing looks ridiculous, save for my love affair with my white jeans. I've made it work as best as I could, trying to look chic, au courrant, while trying to remain mildly comfortable in my own skin. And then it happened. The change. The rains came. And came and came and came. And came. And with them came Mr. Cool Front! Hallelujah! Suddenly my tank tops and short sleeves were no longer appropriate. I've been able to wear sweaters. And jeans! Yesterday morning I ran out briefly to pick up some milk for my morning cappuccino and I had to put on my puffer jacket. Oh I was a hap-hap-happy girl indeed! The temperatures will be back up again at the end of the week. But today, and perhaps tomorrow, I will revel in fall. Fall fall fall fall fall... La La La La La... Doesn't it just want to make you dance and sing?

One of my favorite trends (I normally am not one for trends) is animal print. It's all over the place. When worn moderately, not in abundance, it is stylish, classy and can be oh so very elegant. I've been seeing animal prints everywhere - worn on the body as coat, shirt, sweater, belt, shoes or handbag as well as in the home. In the home! It looks lovely and sophisticated when aptly used and properly placed. And what fun... And really, don't we all at times want to sneak up behind someone and yell "ROAWR!"

I'm seeing spots...








I have a crystal ball... it tells me that a spotted coat is in my future!

I have chosen the images for their stylized beauty but animal print lovers, we are seeing all sorts of animal prints this fall, not just cheetah. There are plenty of giraffe, zebra and dalmatian prints to go around!

In the home...









The above wall, while fun and playful is a bit much for me... a bit too distracting for my already distracted personality. I do love the look of it though! My favorite way to use these prints in the home is to use them as accent pieces, a chair, ottoman, rug... I like to let the piece stand out on its own and yet compliment the other pieces. I like calm and order in the home, as hard as this is with three children, and my decor needs to reflect this. It needs to work with my lifestyle. I'd have to say I love the stairs the most of the photos. They are stately, elegant, sophisticated and playful. They do not overpower. And perhaps it is because I have three elephants constantly charging up and down my own. Quite apropos, No?