Trend/{Fashion} Highlight: Snake Print

Are you an animal print lover?  To tell you the truth, I never really loved animal prints (leopard, zebra, etc.)  . The prints seemed too loud for my more conservative fashion tastes.  But as time goes on, I find myself more and more attracted to animal prints - they pack a really fun edge to a printed dress or shoe.  The print for this season is the snake print (my mother's most feared animal - can't wear it around her!)  I've been on the fence about snake print, particularly in clothing, because I wasn't sure if I would love the scaly look.

Fortunately, designers must have consumers like me in mind because there are a variety of snake prints in more subtle hues and patterns. If I can get my hands in a snake print in a classic black, white or gray, with a smaller print, it could be versatile enough for work to weekend wear.

What do you think of snake prints?

Here are a few favorite picks:
1. MICHAEL Michael Kors sequined snake print jersey tank, Net-a-Porter, $80
2. ACNE shimmer snake print top, My Theresa, $135
3. Helmut Lang abstract snake print dress, The Outnet, $153
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Red Snake print jersey dress, My-wardrobe.com, $425
5. Pour La Victoire Haya snake print pump, mauve, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, $15
6. Tory Burch Reva Ballet flat Almond Snake print flats, Jildor, $235

2010 and my favorite fashion trends

I don't have to have the season's latest trends.  But if a piece speaks to me and seamlessly works its way into my wardrobe - how can I deny it?

Here are my picks for pieces that represented some of this year's hottest trends:
1. Lace
My love for lace is well documented (why else would one sew an alencon lace veil or buy a 2nd Monique Lhuillier lace wedding gown 3 weeks before her wedding)

Victorian is victorious in this whimsical Oasis lace dress, £60

Wearable lace shift via Joie, $318

2. Leopard print apparel
I always thought I was too conservative for leopard print.  But I find that a touch of leopard can bring just the right raw edginess to an outfit.
Spun by Subtle Leopard zebra scarf, $50

...and shoes
Leopard print with a touch of black makes these Attilio Giusti Leombroni leopard print flats super versatile, $355

3. Minimalist essentials
One day, I will own Celine clothing.  Until that day, I can still evoke the spirit of Phoebe Philo's modern and minimalist pieces.

This Vince coat ($375) has such clean, modern lines.

This Karen Millen trench dress for £116 is super sleek and versatile.

4. Retro dressing
Timeless, womanly apparel is something that I can definitely adopt - flattering fits and full skirts evoke instant ladylike glamour.

This Pink Tartan piece at $395 is my ideal dress - fitted with an a-line silhouette and a great print.  It's going on the wishlist!

This Mango buckle waist full skirt, £39.50, looks comfortable and refined (pockets are a plus too!)

What were your favorite trendy pieces of 2010?