1.11.2013

foundations: the perfect faux leopard coat

the inspiration: Emmanuelle Alt

longtime LAM readers know that i have a fondness for leopard print, and firmly believe in its neutral properties. that leopard print coat has been on my radar for ages since this iconic photo made the rounds of style blogs a few years ago. 

after some trial and error, i think i may have finally, finally found it.

ON SALE: perfect leopard print coat, uniqlo jeans, j.crew tee, 
 Hope ankle boots (similar), simple everyday necklace, SC bag 

oh, leopard print: it's easily one of the trickiest foundation pieces to ever be a foundation piece. so easy to veer into Jersey Shore territory if one is not careful, and for a while i had given up hope that i'd ever find my Emmanuelle Alt hero coat at a reasonable price.

well, this is the perfect chic approximation of EA's version – vintage-y pattern, check. just-right Marant bator fit (FYI i'm wearing the US size 4), check. no embellishments (ie: loud buttons), check. it's chic, it's classy, and it looks way more expensive than it is.

clocking in at 50% off 70% off right now, this has got to be one of my favorite bargain finds of all time.

P.S.: a few readers have asked about the weight / texture of this coat – it's a thinner coat, and the faux fur is very fine and similar to haircalf. still room for layering underneath though. i like that it's a lighterweight piece that's ideal for fall and spring as well.

what do you think? do you have any leopard print wardrobe wildcards (or favorites)?

30 comments:

  1. Buying this RIGHT NOW. I've wanted a coat like this for ages. The ideal would be calf-hair fabric but those tend to be several thousand dollars, and this is...well, this is perfect for my non-ideal world. Thanks!

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  2. This coat looks amazing! I can't believe the price. Thank you so much.

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  3. That coat is stunning! Where is your necklace from? I love.

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  4. It looks great on you. Such a great price too. A winner.

    I occasionally buy leopard print clothing, but I find I get sick of it quite quickly. Accessories on the other hand add a little bit of an exciting element to my otherwise boring outfits. Would love a pair of mid-heel leopard pumps :)

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  5. Oh wow, that really is a great coat, and at that price? I just had to sit here and remind myself about my overflowing stash of jackets to keep from clicking buy, you evil temptress!

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  6. The coat looks great! I totally agree that you have to be careful though, as to not veer into Jersey Shore Territory! I love leopard print though, and have plans for aquiring some pieces this spring. So far I own only one scarf, but I wear it all the time. Leopard print shoes and perhaps a dress or a skirt is definitely on my list for spring!

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  7. This is awesome--like how you've styled it, too.

    I got a silk/cotton blend button up leopard print blouse, and have been layering it under sweaters in part because the fabric is so sheer and non-bulky. I love the look!

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    1. thanks! :) i am also a fan of a little bit of leopard peeking out. not that i need any more encouragement in my animal print habit...

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  8. i eyed the topshop version a while ago, but passed as i didn't like the lapels or the buttons - too much going on.

    your trench should make blog appearances more often :)

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  9. I used to have a faux fur one from Topshop, but in the end I sold it, just because it wasn't really me. I do love the look on others, such as yourself. I like the cut of this one, so it's the IM one is it? The fabric doesn't look like faux fur at all!

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  10. Oooo perfect! I've been looking for a coat like this one for ages, since I saw a similar one at Bloomingdale's 3 years ago. I wasn't sure about the price on it at the time, but when I went back for it the next day it was gone... :( basically the one that got away. I'll definitely be snatching this one up though!

    www.erindepew.com/blog

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  11. Purchased. The winter coat I bought this year has faux-fur detailing and it's really made me warm to the idea of a bit of fur - this seems like the perfect next step!

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    1. it is remarkably cozy without being too 'furry' if you know what i mean. perfect and really versatile!

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  12. Great pick! I love the leopard coat!!! I like how you paired it with an all black look. My favorite leopard piece is my 1960's leopard coat . I always feel like I'm channeling Mrs. Robinson when I wear it...lol. It's my go to neutral when I want to take my look to the next level.

    http://www.boroughvintage.com

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    1. haha - those vintage ones are the best, but so rare to find one that's the right fit and pattern! this is def my holy grail bargain buy of the season :)

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  13. You look great in this piece! Its nice to see the HOPE Grace boots making an appearance too, I've been wearing mine a lot as well. Do you still have your two-tone Kelly? I haven't see you wear that beauty in awhile :)

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    1. yes!! have been alternating between my ankle boots all the time lately. and yes, the kelly is definitely due for some blog-time. stay tuned! :)

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  14. That coat is amazing, and at a steal!

    I've been wanting a leopard print coat but my qualifications are so ludicrous that I doubt I'll come across *the one*, but this one looks absolutely wonderful on you, and the SC bag...well it looks like a dream as always.

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  15. Oh this post is so good and dangerous, the coat is in my cart... Even if I'm broke!
    With the dull grey, cold weather, I've been wanting a "fun" coat, the kind that doesn't belong to the sea of black and grey outerwears.

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    1. indeed! it's been greyish and freezing here too. every time i see my leopard coat hanging in my closet, it cheers me up :)

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  16. If anyone can wear a leopard coat... I think it's you.

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    1. haha thanks! i am always on Team (Chic + Versatile) Leopard :)

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  17. I have a vintage leopard coat that looks very similar to yours but with bigger buttons and is one of my favorite pieces...absolutely love it. I messed up the lining and have to get that redone. Emmanuelle always looks perfect with everything she wears, she sure knows what flatters her figure. My partner Gisela and I just revamped our site and would love for you to visit us.

    xoxo,

    Maury
    www.heightsoffashion.com

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  18. This coat looks wonderful on you! I had seen it before on ASOS but on you it looks so, so much better - they should use you to sell this coat!

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    1. thanks Katherine! just doing my #leopardisaneutral PSA duties for ladies on the search for the perfect faux coat ;)

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