Style File: Happy Camper + How to Style Leopard Pants

Hi! Happy Tuesday, Happy Camper!

I wanted to tell you that I'm staring a new series on the blog that is going to tentatively be called "9to5." Every Monday and Friday I'm going to feature a series of workwear posts that you can use to help inspire your 9 to 5, work week outfits.  The outfit posts on Monday are going to feature a series of more professional and conservative looks (while still maintaining a bit of fun fashion flair) while the looks on Friday will be more casual and better suited for those days at the office that are all about counting down to the weekend. In between I will still have my regular outfit posts, of course :) Stay tuned!

Now, on to today's' look.  I love pairing t-shirts with everything and anything in my closet!  Weekends in Coconut Grove are super casual, and my looks for Saturdays and Sundays usually reflect that.  Whether it's leopard pants like the ones I have one in these pictures or a high waisted skirt, I love mixing high end pieces with low end pieces and mixing and matching t-shirts with the other items in my closet.

Outfit: Leopard is a Neutral

The Chloe boutique in Bal Harbour was re-designed and this is what I wore to the launch party:

OOTN: Leopard Print Dress + Switchboard Miami

What I wore to the Switchboard Miami charity event, benefiting this wonderful organization, that assists everyone from teens to senior citizens in our local Miami community.

OOTD: How to Wear Leopard Pants

merry christmas!

I had brunch at ChillBar this weekend with a group of my fun blogger pals (Charnele, Rachelle, Gissi J). When we were done eating, we walked around an awesome open-air fresh market they've got next door.  I wore my fave leopard pants from Shopbop by Sea-NYC (similar)  After I bought these, I noticed a lot of other brands began making them, at more affordable price points.  I have included some options after the cut.

This particular pair is versatile and they're comfortable.  They have an elastic waist band (perfect for brunching and gorging on pancakes (I found a similar high end pair here, middle price point here,  an under $25 pair here). They tie at the ankles for a little added design flair.

Can't Afford, Can Afford: Leopard Edition (Happy Birthday, Blog!)

 I love leopard print (fun fact, I always misspell 'leopard'). I don't love it in a Jerseylicious kind of way, but rather in a more subtle way. Ha.  Add a little animalistic flair to your outfits with these picks.

Scarves:  The Alexander McQueen leopard & skulls scarf rings in at a crazy $725! It is made from cashmere & silk, but no matter what material, it's still quite pricey for a scarf.  Zara offers theirs for under $20, here.

Clutches: The Jimmy Choo Leopard Print Calf-Hair clutch retails for over $1000 & while it's currently 50% off at The OutNet, its' $647.50 price tag takes it just outside of the realm of affordability. Sarcasm, noted, I'm sure.  Why not try Forever 21's embossed leopard clutch? It's not calf hair, but it is cut long, like the Choo and still gives you the same effect.
PS: Lauren Merkin makes a gorgeous black on black leopard clutch worth checking out.

Belts: W. Kleinberg Reversible Hair-Calf Belt - $175 vs. this leopard belt from Asos.

Smoking Loafers: How do you guys feel about smoking loafers? Do you like their androgynous feel? These Dolce Vita Nariko loafers have a lot of positive reviews, but are pricey for a trend - $165.  Steve Madden's version are $89, buy here.

Happy Birthday to my little Blog!
One year ago today, my creative project, The Fashionable ESQ was born!  I can honestly say that I'm very proud of it.  It has grown so much!  It has been a really fun time.  When I first started, I noticed that other blogs that began around the same time as TFE had so many more followers! I wondered what I was doing wrong...then one day, I let go of the numbers game, and the rest just came naturally.  I now try to improve the outfit I feature and the content with every post.

I wanted to thank everyone who has helped me - all of my followers (<3 ) and a special thank you to:
Alyson of Wardrobe Oxygen, Alicia of Cheetah is the New Black, Meli of Melificent, Teresa of Delightfully Darling, Lisa of Cocobella Ballerina, Katherine of Feather Factor, Tracy of Stella & Dot.

The BIGGEST thank you to my photographer - my boyfriend and TFE's VP!  He is responsible for most of the photos that appear on the site.  He painstakingly crouched his 6'4" frame down to get the perfect shot, all the while putting up with the constant badgering from...this girl.  Always with a smile on his face...and always telling me to "stop moving!!!" :) He encourages me and supports me in all things, no matter how fashionably frivolous they may be. Love.

Gripe: my entire post was deleted by Blogger, content & all...I had to recreate it -otherwise this would have been up this morning at 6:00 AM. :(

I Got Sunshine

Can't Afford & Can Afford: Spring is Coming

Light sweaters & cardigans are good pieces to keep in your closet to help make the transition from the colder Winter months to the more breezy & cool Spring days.

Polka Dot Sweaters: Chinti & Parker Polka Dot Cashmere Sweater ($560) vs. Old Navy Printed Pullover in "Navy Polka Dot" ($24.94).

Snow Leopard: Rebecca Taylor Leopard Print Button Hoodie ($149) at Last Call vs. Old Navy Printed Pullover in "Animal" ($24.94).

3/4 Length striped dresses are a good transitional staple; they offer lots of layering options and pair well with tights, cargo vests & bright solid print scarves.  I chose lavender skinnies as a good transitional piece (I make my own rules here).  I wear jeans all year long and am particularly enamored with the all of the color options I'm seeing lately. 

Striped Wrap Dresses: Elizabeth & James Striped Claudia Dress ($285) vs. Banana Republic Striped Elbow Sleeve Dress ($89.50) and an $11.50 Forever 21 version here. 

Lavender Skinnies: Current/Elliot The Ankle Skinny Jeans ($198) vs. Rich & Skinny Legacy Jean in Lavender ($56.99).