
I'm one of those women that gets energized when I see
Zebra- and
animal-prints in fashion magazines. The models always look so distinctive bee lining it down those design-house runways in Paris and NYC. However, I'm also one of those real-world-gals who was nothing short of intimidated at the idea of taking a walk down the wilder side wearing animal prints, especially given my daily reality. Somehow...the initial thought of me sporting full Zebra regalia didn't exactly translate when it came to strutting my stuff down the office catwalk carrying a stack of documents to the Xerox machine.
However, I do make attempts towards being fashion-forward and I won't let the reality of having a day job scare me away from wearing animal prints. When I wear them, I sensibly take aim by coordinating outfits that leave a hint of my animal-print magnetism, without overdoing it. Let's face it, fantastic as it is...the bold look of the Zebra (or any animal print) probably looks best on all of us regular folk in smaller doses. So, I'm here to tell you that
THERE IS A WAY to achieve the popular safari style, and
YOU CAN do it without feeling like you're showing up at the office or PTA meeting looking like a
moving target.
Fashion experts tell us to opt for a Zebra or leopard printed scarf or top, and pair with a solid skirt or pant. You can also turn to the wide variety of animal-inspired prints available in fashion jewelry. Taking a look around the online marketplace Etsy this week, I found a wide variety of stunning animal-print jewelry choices to help you conquer the safari look, while leaving your office mates grateful that you've shown them just
hint of the true animal lurking inside...and a little
Zsa Zsa Zebra!Zebra Cuffdirtystory
I dig the bold pattern on this gorgeous brass cuff. It's striking enough to stun the tails off of any zebra and is sure to bring lots of WOW;s your way. The shiny finish and bold pattern is loaded with class, and once you put it on...you just might find yourself not wanting to take it off. Available from Orange County jewelry designer at the
dirtystory shop on Etsy.
Zebra - Cocktail RingLAPJD
The designer of this dramatic cocktail ring hails from the great state of Alaska and between her extensive world travels and love of the great outdoors, the call of the wild has found its way into a number of her designs. Her interpretation of the Zebra has been crafted in sterling silver and features a gorgeous wedge of zebra stone set into an elegant four-pronged bezel. It provides the perfect amount of animal-bling for evening cocktail parties and is available in size 7. Designed San Francisco-based jewelry designer Lauren Ashleigh Payne at
www.lapjewelry.com and the
LAPJD shop on Etsy.
Zebra Jasper - Necklacerachelroellke
The thin, soft, wisps of white and black stripes in these shiny gemstone ovals lend a surprisingly delicate and classic look with a hint of a bold animal-print. This single-strand design is sensible enough to wear to the office-by-day and trendy enough to wear to dinner-that-night. A necklace like this goes with just about every outfit and would be a great addition to an accessory collection. Available from the
rachelroellke shop.
Zebra Jasper - Silver Semi Hollow Ringpurifiedart
This beautifully hand-fabricated sterling silver ring features a stunning and strong 18x13mm Zebra Jasper cabochon. Available in a size 8 from the designer, Bill, at the
purifiedart shop on Etsy. And as a special offer to Posh Mama readers, you can receive 20% off the featured Zebra ring by typing "Posh Mama" in the Message to Seller box at check out. The shop is also offering Posh Mama readers 10% off other item purchases from
purifiedart.etsy.com. To get the discount, type "Posh Mama" in the Message to seller box at checkout. Both of these offers are valid through April 9, 2009.
Zebra - Silver and Stone Pendantupsidedownfrown
I love the dramatic large focal piece in this pendant. Its created using a smooth stone with a subtle and yet intriguing grey and black zebra stripe pattern. The pendant been hand-set into a fine and sterling silver bezel and can be easily attached to a separate chain or ribbon to go with jeans or your night-on-the-town outfits. Available from the
upsidedownfrown shop on Etsy. And as a special offer to reader, type "poshmamaUDF" in the Message to Seller box at checkout to get free shipping on your purchases. Offer is valid through April 3, 2009 from
upsidedownfrownZebra Design Peyote Beaded Cuff Braceletmiamiamia
If you're looking for a striking accent for your walk on the wild side, check out this peyote-stitched Zebra bracelet crafted from delica's beads. It's created by one of Etsy's very talented beadweavers, Esen, at the
miamiamia shop. Her fun and funky hand- beaded zebra cuff would be cute with jeans or a dress and it measures just under 1.5" wide. It closes with a hand-woven bead clasp. And as a special discount to readers, enter "poshmama" in the Message to Seller box at checkout and wait for a revised invoice with a 15% discount. Offer valid through April 15, 2009 from
miamiamia.
That's all the time we have today, but be sure to come back next week for another collection of indie jewelry on next week's Friday Findings.
Since I've been away for a few weeks, please remember to congratulate the winner of our last Friday Findings giveaway,
Posh Mama Shelly. She won the really cool recycled record cuff from our giveaway sponsor Christine, at the
EyePopArt shop.
Written by Posh Mama Susan of Capitola Girl Jewelry and the Capitola Girl blog -- where Every Girl Has a Story (and so should her jewelry!).
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