The Animal Print Plunge, Part 2: Apparel & Jewelry

So you’ve accented with a purse or shoes and now you want to be a bit bolder…

An exciting way to incorporate animal print into your apparel especially is with undergarments or lingerie; this is really where you can get crazy and have a bit of fun.

If you’re sporting any of your frugal animal print buys in photos, please send them my way! I’d love to feature them in an upcoming post. But for now, my favorites below.

My Picks: The Apparel

Kenneth Cole New York Print Tee, $39 * ; H&M Blouse * ; J. Crew Spots and Sparkles Cami, $49.99 (clearance) *.

My Picks: The Undergarments

Lacie™ Underwire Babydoll, $35 * ; Holistia Print Cotton Briefs, $12 * ; Body Heaven by Warners Animal Print Lace Trim Bra, $12.99 *.

My Picks: The Jewelry

Vivani Watch, $24.99 * ; SONOMA life + style® Animal Teardrop Earrings, $14 *. Banner source.

The Animal Print Plunge, Pt. 1: Shoes & Accessories

Recently I have been adamant about stocking up on basics with an animal twist. I’m not sure how or when my recent obsession was sparked, but I am in love. I am organic when it comes to animal prints, which means leopard, cheetah and zebra in black, brown, gray and white.

A small dose of animal print goes a long way. It’s certainly not for everybody, but it can be for most. If you’re worried about taking the animal print plunge, ensure fashion safety by following these rules:

1. Limit your ensemble to one animal print piece.
2. Accessorize with animal prints; if opting for apparel, ensure the piece is classic and simple in design.
3. Avoid bright hues of pink, blue, etc.

Below are my current favorites; I would personally wear all of them. Fortunately there are a plethora of affordable animal print options this season: scarves for $10, flats for $30, etc. Talk about a goldmine of attainable pieces!

My Picks: The Finishing Touches

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Leather Stretch Belt, $38 * ; Route 66 Animal Print Oblong Scarf, $9.99 * ; Satin Animal Print Headband, $3.80 *.

My Picks: The Bags & Clutches

Gia Milani Animal Print Tote, $34.99 * ; Metallic Exotic Animal Wallet, $7.50 * ; Melie Bianco Leopard Clutch, $39.99 * ; Treviso Animal Design Zip Top Tote, $9.99 (clearance) *.

My Picks: The Footwear

Nine West ‘Studit’ Platform Pump, $89.95 * ; Leopard Rain Boots, $24.99 * ; AE Leopard Ballet Flat, $29.95 *. Cheetah print banner from istockphoto.

Forgotten Butterscotch Cookies

This afternoon I whipped up a batch of Forgotten Cookies. When baked properly, they are light as a feather and very delicious. Too, they are extremely sweet; to cut the sweetness I will chop and sprinkle them atop low-fat ice cream.

I used butterscotch chips as the main ingredient, and before placing in the oven I sprinkled on chopped nuts and a hint of kosher salt. But what’s fun about this über simple recipe is that there is room to mix it up; swap out the butterscotch for various chocolates and nuts. Since these are so sweet I would recommend beginning with dark or semi-sweet chocolate.

This is another recipe that rings in at under $3, excluding the cost of heating the oven. These sweet devils travel easily, and will come in handy around the Holidays as a sweet treat to wrap up for the neighbors.

Forgotten Cookies (makes approx. 36)

Ingredients:

• 3/4      cup sugar
• 6          egg whites
• 1          cup butterscotch chips or semi-chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. With an electric mixer on medium speed, whisk egg whites until soft peaks form. Slowly add sugar, beating until peaks are stiff and glossy but not dry (do not overbeat).

3. Gently fold chocolates into whites mix.

4. Stir and drop by teaspoon (I did tablespoon) onto well-greased cookie sheet. Put cookies into the oven and turn off. Leave in the oven until the cookies are cold. Enjoy!