Ask Mary Lou

Each month, Mary Lou answers (and we post!) a fashion question from one of our site visitors. If you have something you want to know to help pull together your wardrobe with style and confidence, ask away!

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For March 2007:

Q: I bought a little leopard print clutch recently which I had been looking at since well before the holidays. It never went on sale... but I just had to get it! Then, as I was out shopping the other night, I saw a pair of thong sandals with the same leopard print with a 2" heel. I bought them knowing in my mind that you really should not match handbag to shoes…However, since these are sandals with minimal fabric showing the leopard print, I thought this may pass muster? What do you think?

(Editor’s note: Special thanks to Organization By Design, Inc. fashion consultant Karen Costa for answering this month's question.)

A: Mary Lou asked me to answer your question as I too am a big fan of animal prints. In fact I have a leopard clutch that I love and use often. It really dresses up a black suit or dress. Your question about matching a leopard bag to shoes is one that is posed to us frequently. Because the leopard fabric on the sandal is minimal, you definitely can pair it with the clutch. A full leopard pump would be too much with the clutch. So have fun pairing your beautiful new leopard clutch with your sandals and many other things in your wardrobe. Remember, the trick to wearing any type of bold print well is to use it as an accent.