Leopard Maxi 6 Ways!

I'm back again for another "One Item Many Ways" post, this time with my favorite black leopard maxi dress. I have a long history of buying the featured item in the posts in this series (see here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here), and this time is no exception. When I saw that this leopard maxi was selling out fast, I snapped up the last one on Asos.

Leopard Maxi 6 Ways by mjchirpich-1 featuring a tweed jacket
As always, click on the image to take you to the product links and view image in a larger size

Notables:

• Summer Wedding: The dress print works as a neutral just as well as a print, so why not mix some more animal prints into the mix? In the summer I like to keep things easy-breezy, so I wear minimal jewelry and thick heels that won't kill me by the end of the night :)
• Work (B&W): Because the print is a little edgy for work, I'd tone down the sexiness with a structured blazer, cute pumps, my new favorite watch, and some coral accents for color.
• Work (Blue): Sometimes matching is good. I love the slight peplum on this jacket, and it would be fun to have some color peeping out from under the long skirt.
• Winter Wedding: I find winter weddings really hard to dress for. I'd cover my legs in the long maxi skirt, add a colorful leather jacket, and top it all off with a fun printed clutch and lucite necklace.
• Play (citron): leopard print practically begs to be paired with leather, so I'd add a geometric leather jacket, edgy wedges, and a fun pop of citron in the purse.
• Play (jade): I'm obsessed with the color of this Marc Jacobs purse, so I'd let it take center stage. Pop a crop top over the dress to put more focus on the flowy skirt.

I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my dress, but I'm pretty sure it's going to be too small (XS was the only size left, and I think I'll need a small or medium). I may have to get creative with a tailor if I love it like I think I will! I'm currently 6/9 on keeping the items I buy from these posts though, so let's hope my luck continues to trend that way :)

EDIT 3/6/14: My dress arrived and I'm returning it without even trying it on. The print look really cheap and the edges of the chiffon were very poorly finished--they were all fraying already. Not worth the price tag unfortunately--so the hunt continues!

How would you rock this dress? Do you consider leopard a neutral?

One Item Four Ways: Tie Dye Maxi Dress

Last night I was de-stressing after a long day at work by online shopping for things I'll never actually buy (please tell me I'm not the only one to use this as a coping mechanism??!). I came across this beautiful tie dye maxi (also available in coral and white for only $45!) and had to just show how I'd love to style it if I were to buy it:

Tie Dye Dress 4 ways by mjchirpich-1 featuring a wide bow belt

I can see this dress transitioning well to fall/winter by adding tights and boots/booties as well.

EDIT: I bought this during a Black Friday sale and really like it. It's a flowy jersey, so it clings a bit to the booty, but it's still flattering. The band around the waist is very comfortable, and the band around the boobs actually holds the dress in place! (unlike many strapless dresses I've tried). I will say that I thought it was more of a midi dress looking at the pictures, but it's definitely a maxi. I'm 5'4" and it's a biiiiit long on me--I either need to wear shoes with a bit of heel or I may get it hemmed a bit (maybe even to midi length, so I can show off cute shoes better!). All in all it's a great, versatile piece that I can't wait to wear year-round!

How would you wear it?

One Item Three Ways: Gold Collar Necklace

Apparently this is the week of Remixing Items I Don't Even Own. See Exhibit A and Exhibit B for more ideas...

Yesterday I was innocently perusing Etsy for statement necklaces (as one is wont to do when she has a billion other things that should be done instead...ahem...) when I came across this lovely lady:

I thought it was such an interesting piece because you could play up the kind of 'animal claw' side of things and go a bit tough with it, or interpret it more as a laurel wreath/Greek piece and take it softer. And for $12 you really can't go wrong!

Since I haven't ever done a "One Item ___ Ways" post on jewelry, I thought this was an apt place to start, so I whipped up this moodboard:

One Item Three Ways: Gold Collar Necklace by mjchirpich-1 featuring a zigzag dress

Top: When you're feeling a little tough, throw this necklace on with a leather jacket, sexy leopard heels, a flowy top, and some pretty skinnies.

Middle: When you're feeling a little soft, add some lace and gold accents! This outfit makes me smile because of the subtle animal references--gold claw necklace, heels that remind me of butterflies, and a bracelet with reptilian touches.

Bottom: When you want to break out your inner boho, bust out those awesome printed trousers, pile on some fun earrings, and temper it all with shots of black in your top and heels.

Looks like I've found one more item to add to my imaginary shopping list for when I make a bazillion dollars. Although, this necklace is only $12, so maybe it'll find it's way to my house... ;)

PS: The gold bracelet and blank tank are from H&M, which just opened their online store! Go get some ladies and gents :)