By Dione Davis
One loyal Kontrol reader posed this relevant question: I have an emergency. Can a black and white striped shirt go with leopard shoes?
The answer to this question is absolutely! While many of us follow fashion trends and don’t want to be the victim of a fashion faux pas, the real answer to this question lies within you. Confidence is key and if you have the heart to rock this look you can kill it. Remember that your body is your canvas. Each day you wake up you are expressing to the world who you are and how you feel before you even say a word. This is a world where people will judge you. I will step out on a limb and say some of us are fashionistas. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box. Think about the statement you want to make with your clothes and accessories. If we were all focused on following the rules, there would be no Betsey Johnson. There would be no Rachel Roy who gloriously gives us color in her designs. We wouldn’t have that fun, free spirit to express ourselves. Step out and add some color to this montage. Red is always a winner, but don’t limit yourself. Last but not least, the leopard shoe speaks a language that only those with a passport to sexy can rock. Keep these guidelines in mind and create your own masterpiece as you slay them on the catwalk in your everyday life. Remember: you wear the clothes. The clothes don’t wear you. Bring them to life.
- Black and white, particularly stripes are hot for the summer. If you want to take it a step further, consider mixing them with tribal prints, or even go retro with polka dots. Black and white goes with everything! If you go with the stripes there are many options. Anything that gives a sheer appearance is in this season. This can be layered with just a bra or a cami underneath. Here what you want to do is create a look that is fluid and free. Adding a pair of white skinny jeans will keep your look cool and crisp.
- Red is my favorite color with this pair that will make your look pop. The Pantone color from Spring that has segued into summer is Poppy Red. With Asian influences, this is the color of passion and optimism. A simple A-line or pencil skirt will make it an unforgettable vision. Red peplum pants that have replaced the look of leggings this summer will make you fantabulous! If you’re going for a more causal look, a pair of blue skinny or boyfriend jeans will also work with black and white. With either of these, add Ri Ri Woo lipstick from Rihanna’s exclusive summer collection available online through M.A.C. I dare you to do this. You can thank me later.
- Those up on their leopard shoe game love to be edgy, bold and daring. A heel with a hint of toe cleavage oozes sex appeal and may leave admirers either hating your fierceness or running to duplicate it. The bootie in leopard can still be a summer smash. If you prefer to give your toes some room to breathe, a good leopard peep toe heel may be perfect for you.
- In case there are some male readers wondering how to pull off the same look, no worries. I have you covered too. An everyday look may be a striped shirt with jeans and leopard sneakers. An even better look is a striped blazer similar to the Saint Laurent Paris single breasted tuxedo jacket worn by both Wiz Khalifa and Miguel at the 55th annual Grammy awards this year. Great minds think alike. Add a nice tailored pair of fitted slacks to the picture and you’re looking like money. The finale is a pair of leopard loafers. This is only for my true fashion forward men who aren’t afraid. Everyone else…please be seated. Mission accomplished. Need I say more?
