ANIMAL PRINT

I rejected animal print clothing for years. I thought it was a bit vulgar and too reminiscent of Bet Lynch! (Or Scary Spice).

For those of you not familiar with Britain's long running beloved soap opera, Coronation Street, Bet Lynch was a chain smoking, leopard print wearing barmaid with a blonde beehive for days.
Not really the look I was going for in my twenties (or at anytime if I'm honest!)

However, I guess there's a bit of Bet in all of us, because I have a confession to make - I LOVE ANIMAL PRINTS!

Once I finally admitted that to myself, I kinda went bananas; jeans, blouses, shoes, socks. You name it and I own it in some kind of Leopard or Cheetah print.

So I wanted to share this seasons must have animal print items with you here.
Enjoy!

Clockwise From Top Left:

Belt: Linea Pelle Allegra, Purse: Diane Von Furestenberg

Shift Dress: Versace, Coat: ASOS, Socks: Happy Socks

Shoes: Keds x Opening Ceremony, Jeans: Current/Elliott

Sweater: RED Valentino (similar here), Scarf: Alexander McQueen

GLSEN RESPECT AWARDS

Mr. Sykes and I had the honor of attending the GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) RESPECT AWARDS last week. GLSEN is the leading national organization focused on ensuring a safe environment for all students. Their vision is a world in which every child learns to respect all people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

Our friends Matt Bomer and Simon Halls were being honored with the 2012 Inspiration Award, along with Marilyn & Jeffrey Katzenberg (2012 Lifetime Achievement Award), Bob & Harvey Weinstein (2012 Chairman's Award) and Luis Veloz who received the Student Advocate of the Year Award.

We met so many amazing kids who have been helped by GLSEN and in turn are working to help and support children across the country. We also met kids who were simply inspired by the work GLSEN does and galvanized their schools and communities to create anti intolerance groups. Honestly, I have never been surrounded by a more impressive group of teenagers-truly an inspiration.

Visit GLSEN's website for more information.

LEATHERED

Mr. Sykes snapped these as we were on our way out to dinner the other night. We were fighting the light, but I wanted to share this amazing leather skirt from ASOS with you guys. I.Love.It.

Sure I had to walk very slowly, since there isn't much leg room in the skirt and forget dropping anything on the floor, because there is zero bending in this piece. But who cares about all that? As long as it looks great, right! I know, I'm ridiculous!!

The necklace was a sweet find on Etsy and the black leather cuff is a treasured gift from my agent Joe.

T shirt: T byAlexander Wang, Skirt: ASOS
Necklace: LittleOrangeSeed on Etsy
Shoes: Christian Louboutin, Cuff: Hermes (similar here)

ROAST BOWL

 

Mr. Sykes and I had a rather unsuccessful visit to the Pasadena Rosebowl Flea Market last Sunday. I guess I bragged one time too many about how I always find the exact thing I'm looking for every time I go. I needed bringing down a peg or two.
Ugh! It was such a bummer. Not to mention hotter than a... (fill in the expletive!)
The heat gave me an opportunity to take out my oft forgotten parasol, and rattan visor, which almost made the bum trip worth it-but not quite.
Despite the disappointment, I'm sure I'll be back next month to try again. I will share my spoils with you here, because I always find the exact thing I'm looking for every time I go to the Rosebowl! ; )

Dress: Topshop (similar here), Shoes: Kurt Geiger
Bag: Chanel, Necklace: Storets
Hat: Asos, Watch: Michael Kors, Sunglasses: Karen Walker.

SURPRISE.

Mr. Sykes surprised me with these Ray-Ban's yesterday. I love them! I reckon you can never have too many pairs of sunglasses, which is just as well because I have a bunch! 

Here are some other pieces of delectable eye candy:

Clockwise from top left: Stella McCartney, ASOS,

Karen Walker, TopShop.

DOWN TO EARTH

I love my Chanel ballet flats. I justify owning so many pairs, because I wear them with almost everything. They are such a timeless piece and I know I'll continue to wear them as the years go by.

Looking for a place to take these pictures on set today, Sharif and I came across these planets (thanks for being my lens man buddy!) I guess I'll find out what they're for when we shoot the next episode.

This denim colored cotton dress is from Topshop, here's a similar vibe at ASOS. The belt is J Crew.

CATS AND DOGS

When I lived in England I would never leave the house without an umbrella, even if it was cracking the flags gorgeous outside. But since moving to the States years ago, I seem to have fallen out of the habit. Meaning EVERY time it has rained here in New York in the past couple of months (which is a lot), I have gotten caught in it. And believe me, this rain is no joke, this rain has beef, something serious to say. But does it have to keep saying it all over me and my Proenza Schouler PS1 purse? I mean, really!

The dress is a fun pink leopard print by Evil Twin. I think it's long sold out, but ASOS carries a bunch of cute pieces from their collection.