Intern Post: It's a Jungle out There!

Hello Lovelies,
So new Fashion Bomb intern, Charlé, is gracing us with her very first post today. Enjoy!
**************************************************************************
Hey Readers!
Intern Charlé reporting on a tried and true trend: Leopard Print. While we saw it all over the Fall '06 runways, Roberto Cavalli's success at H&M proves that the exotic trend has reached classic status.
Check how the following celebs elevated their printed pieces with their own style, all the while taming this bold pattern with dope (yes, dope) yet elegant silohuettes. They somehow manage to keep it looking fresh and young:
Mary J. Blige breathes life into a basic LBD in this Just Cavalli top...
...while the super Spicy Spice Girl Mel B...
....flavors her little black dress with just a dash of leopard print on the wrist.
Taraji Henson literally shines in this satine number....
...while Eve...
...tackles quite a few trends at once in this sequined cap.
Thankfully, she redeemed herself this summer at the BET awards...
...in Dolce & Gabanna's skin tight mini.
Beyonce accessorizes with these wildly sexy Christian Louboutin t-straps...
And dog-toting Rihanna as well as the stylish starlet Kelis...
...tone down the glam factor by pairing their prints with wide-legged and colored denim, respectively.
To perfect the look, don't run the risk of looking like Mrs. Tarzan with clashing prints and textures like sweetheart here...
Instead, accent your ensemble with unexpected flashes of leopard or cheetah print:
My picks:

Left to Right:
Printed Calf hair Gloves, $165, www.jcrew.com; Betsey Johnson Watch, $65, www.urbn.com; Knit Hat, $16.50, www.delias.com.
For the Fall and Winter months, pop on an exotic print frock with black tights and booties:

Top Row: Nanette Lepore Lucky Leopard Silk Dress, $209, www.eluxury.com; Tory Burch 'Nicole' Dress, $425, www.nordstrom.com.
Bottom Row: Victoria's Secret's Dress, $65,www.victoriassecret.com; C&C Design, $98, shopbop.com
For more affordable alternatives try a separate like this Forever 21 cardigan...
...pair it with a black turtleneck and high-waisted trousers or a solid waist skirt with faintly textured tights and platform heels for a complete look.
You're good to go!
**************************************************************************
Wow, Charlé, what a great post!
My interns make me so proud:)
And, I must say, I've definitely gone loco with the exotic print accessories, from ballet flats to clutches. Pair a leopard flat with some skinny jeans and a cashmere turtleneck-- instant classic!
So last night, I ended up going to see Nina Garcia speak at Barnes and Noble...
...yes, I skipped the gym, but it was worth it!
The place was packed...
...with fashionistas and Project Runway fans. Though I came a bit late, I managed to squeeze into a seat up front, next to a 12 year old super fan who claimed to have watched every episode of Project Runway 7 times. She was so cute!
A few nuggets from Nina's talk:
*Intern if you want to be involved in magazines. She started off thinking she wanted to be a designer, and enrolled at FIT. After figuring out she couldn't quite master the technical stuff, she decided to go another route. She took classes in Fashion merchandising and even interned at Perry Ellis in the Marc Jacobs days before interning at Mirabella and then joining the staff of Elle Magazine.
*In terms of your wardrobe, invest in the boring basics--white button down, trench coat, cardigan--then amp them up with accessories.
Solid advice.
I bought her book, and started reading on the train...
...it's really good!
There's tons of great of fashion advice, large doses of fashion history, and amazing quotes!
Pick it up for $12 at www.amazon.com
Smootches!
* My fave boutique Pieces is having a huge sale!
Log onto www.piecesofbklyn.com for locations and hot deals.