American Classics: Leopard Print

Top Row (L-R) Edith A. Miller Baseball Tee (on sale!) //Karen Kane Sheath Dress (Peplum version) // Elle Lauri 'Carmen' Top // Joe's Jeans 'The Skinny in Painter Leopard' 

Bottom Row (L-R) Munro 'Jerrie' Flat (on sale!) // J.Crew Skinny Printed Calf Hair Belt // Lauren Merkin 'Louise' in Leopard Fabric 

My fascination with leopard print has been growing over the past year. My mother-in-law is an animal print addict and for years I've shied away from anything leopard print because I didn't want her to think I loved it and open the door to yet another leopard print fleece throw blanket (or the one with a giant white tiger on it, still trying to figure out how to make that "work" in my house).  In-law shenanigans aside, I've been itching to bring a little bit of fashion's new neutral into my closet.

I initially thought an accessory would provide the perfect amount of leopard neutrality for my life and when Made and Worn discovered that J.Crew's skinny calf hair belt was made in the USA my fascination with leopard print quickly escalated to a reality.  Since then I've been hooked on finding more leopard print pieces that work for my life - budget wise and made in the USA.

If you're in the market for leopard print, but you don't want to spend big bucks well then you're in luck. J.Crew belt is $68. That Edith A. Miller Baseball tee is $49.  You know how big of a baseball fan I am, so that's gonna happen. Those Joe's Jeans are only $55 on 6pm.com. Those are three trends in one - printed denim, leopard print, and colored denim. That Karen Kane sheath dress is on sale for a mere $78. Finally, that Elle Lauri 'Carmen' Top is perfect for layering with a blazer this fall and it's only $84.

If you're willing to spend over $100 on leopard then you can't go wrong with those Munro 'Jerrie' flats. Currently on sale for $124, which actually puts them in the realm of reasonably priced shoes. Last, but certainly not least is the gorgeous Lauren Merkin 'Louise' clutch. Even that baby is on sale for $160 which also puts it on the cheaper side for a high-end clutch!

And you thought buying made in the USA items would only yield boring and expensive separates. Think again!

How about you - how are you getting on board with fashion's new neutral leopard print?