Free Gift!

denim guide for women

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive Beth’s Denim Guide for Women as our gift to you.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Embracing Animal Print as a Neutral

Happy Friday, ladies! Can’t believe next Friday is August 5th! Summer is breezing through town at a record pace so let’s savor every minute. Last week, Oscar, Ollie, and I had annual checkups. $1,000 later, Oscar needs to lose five pounds as the beginning signs of arthritis have set in (he turns 8 in October), Ollie is fit as a fiddle, and yours truly is headed to the plastic surgeon next week to discuss eyelid surgery.  (And on that note, I felt it apropos to show you how to wear animal print as a neutral.)

Yep, when I had my annual exam, my doctor noticed a discrepancy in my vision from the previous year and ordered a field vision exam to explore further. The test came back, and my vision is conclusively impaired, so the next step is surgery on both eyelids to restore my field of vision. Never a dull moment!

But it’s Friday, so time to kick back with a cocktail and a yummy salad that I know you will love! It’s so easy to make and perfect to serve on a hot summer day!

Doesn’t a Raspberry Mint Mojito Mocktail sound refreshing? For those who love mocktails instead of cocktails, this post is for you. So come on in and stay awhile. It’s time for Fridays with Oscar.

The Summary

  Today I’m showing you how to wear animal print as a neutral

  My outfit is primarily from Banana Republic, and shoppable via text- and image-widgets

  I’ve also pulled together two alternative outfits, both shoppable via text-widgets

 And don’t forget, it’s Fridays with Oscar.  I’ve got a cocktail and recipe you’re going to love

Embracing Animal Print as a Neutral

1. Ramie Utility Shirt

(Banana Republic)

Yup, just like blacks, whites, and beiges, animal print functions as a neutral.  Today’s zebra-print Ramie utility shirt is from Banana Republic, who might I add is absolutely killing it this year.

The shirt is great and works with just about anything you want to throw at it:  white pants, black shorts, a tan maxi skirt.  So many ways to style the top.  And don’t be afraid to add a color pop for extra visual interest!

DSC09438

Ramie Utility Shirt (Banana Republic Petite, Regular, Tall) | Chinos (J.Crew) | Belt (Banana Republic) | Sandals (Banana Republic) | Earrings (Banana Republic) | Necklace (old, similar here) | Bracelet (old, similar here)

shop more Banana Republic

DSC09428 DSC09450 DSC09446

Shop the outfit

2. Mediterranean Orzo Salad

IMG_6831 IMG_6833

3. Raspberry Mojito

IMG_3714 FWO-2 IMG_3716

4. Haircalf Leather Square-Toe Sandals

(Banana Republic)

DSC09488

Ramie Utility Shirt (Banana Republic Petite, Regular, Tall) | Chinos (J.Crew) | Belt (Banana Republic) | Sandals (Banana Republic) | Earrings (Banana Republic) | Necklace (old, similar here) | Bracelet (old, similar here)

shop more Banana Republic

DSC09511 DSC09526 DSC09516 IMG_3713

Shop the outfit

Alternative Stylings

Screen Shot 2022-07-29 at 10.25.48 AM Screen Shot 2022-07-29 at 10.32.51 AM

Left Board: Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jean (Madewell) | Fleur Pointed Toe Mule (Steve Madden) | Fringe Detail Straw Tote (Talbots)  Right BoardSeersucker Gauze Maxi Skirt (Talbots) | Adaley Platform Slide Sandal (Sam Edelman) | Violet Leather Hobo Bag (Kurt Geiger London)

In Case You Missed It

Yesterday, I showed 5 side-by-sides of how I’ve worn the “same” outfit over the past 5 years.  Click the title or image below to read the article.

How I Wore the “Same” Outfit Now vs. Then

About The Author

  1. RORY

    You look fabulous and your DIL is adorable. Hi and pats to Ollie and Oscar. I am going to try the salad you posted. Thanks for your blog.

    1. I love this salad so I hope you do too!

  2. Lisa

    I love white jeans in the summer!

  3. Terri P

    I am 6 weeks post-op from eyelid surgery. My field of vision was also becoming diminished. Best thing I ever did! Not only can I see better, but I no longer look tired all the time. Love the results and I’m sure you will also!

    1. Thanks for sharing! I’m so happy to hear all went well and your eyesight is restored. It’s a bonus that you don’t look tired!

  4. Love the outfit! Unfortunately the medium is sold out, I guess I will have to do with the leopard print blouse I have from last year.
    Say hi to Oscar and Ollie for me.

    1. Happy weekend, Sherry!

  5. Julie

    Hi Beth, I do love a leapod print especially with white jeans. Maybe I’m missing something but why do you need eyelid surgery? Your eyes look fine at least you have a socket. I have really heavy hooded eyelids on the outer corners and inherited from my father’s side. I don’t wear eyeshadow anymore as you can hardly see it, I use the eyelid tapes on occasion if my eyes are tired or I have a bad headache and they do help. Glad Ollie is well but sorry Oscar has arthritis but he will be fine. Wishing you a lovely weekend xoxo

    1. Oscar is already on supplements to help ease arthritis. He’s still chasing the squirrels and romping around the backyard. But he does have to be coaxed to jump in the car.

  6. Donna

    Beth, love, love, love this outfit! I have the chinos, and am going to purchase the blouse.

    1. It’s such a cute blouse that goes with so many things!

  7. Deborah

    My mom had eyelid surgery done by a dr who did not specialize in cosmetic surgery and it didnโ€™t come out great. She looked startled all the time. It did eventually look normal but after years. I would look into a cosmetic surgeon, maybe also get the under eye puffs taken away, I had an eye lift years ago and it took 5 years off my appearance, they call it the poor manโ€™s face lift. Good luck with it,

    1. Thanks for sharing, Deborah. I have been referred to a plastic surgeon so fingers crossed all will be well.

  8. Cal

    Love the blouse! You mention eye surgery. I assume you are doing upper eyelids. I would love to have my bags done. Good luck.

    1. Yes, upper eyelids. Thanks for the well wishes!

  9. So glad to hear you are getting your eyelids corrected. Sight is precious, especially as we age. My husband finally had both cataracts removed. He couldnโ€™t read properly or enjoy doing his water colours anymore. Now – wow. His distance vision is perfect and he only needs number 2 reading glasses. Actually better now than before the cataracts came. You will wish you had done it sooner. You are a kind, thoughtful, energetic lady, who deserves to be able to truly enjoy
    seeing life at itโ€™s best.

    1. Our health is our number 1 priority. I’m so happy to hear your husband is doing well post surgery!

  10. Rhonda

    Beth,
    I donโ€™t know why it took me so long to follow your blog. Iโ€™ve pinned your photos for years because I so admire your style, but never realized how fun your life blog would be! We, too, are dog lovers so Fridays with Oscar is a fave. Thank you!

    1. Welcome! I’m so happy you’re here!

  11. Carolina Girl

    HEARTS to Oscar and you (wonderful closeup of him) … the Zebra print top and sandal/slides are great! I’ll try your recipes for the salad and cocktail! Always yummy.

    My daughter (early 20s) recently had that eyelid surgery for congenital ptosis and it all went well. Wishing you a good experience and speedy recovery!

Navy Coat winter outfit

Free Gift!

denim guide
for women

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive Beth’s Denim Guide for Women as our gift to you.