To print or not to print

So before the appearance of Kate Middleton in that fateful blue wrap dress donning the huge sapphire ring on her engagement day, the name Issa was not one that was groundbreaking as such, at least in my humble non-fashionista, layman books anyway. 

And then she appeared in this classic, Issa blue wrap dress and suddenly the whole world loved her sense of style. With my very own mother being first in row. 

And as much as I tried not to conform, I fell victim to being a sucker for her clothes as well. Kate's style is very much something that I aim to emulate, and very similar to mine, bar the fact that I lack a royal title and endless cash. 

So when Banana Republic came up with their own 'Issa' line, I was curious. 

A quick flick online and this was the first thing that caught my eye. 

A very refreshing twist on the Leopard print, I must say. 

Call me prejudiced but I have never been a fan of Leopard prints, especially after my dapple with the Singaporean Youtube series watching Barbarella gush about 'leopard pringz'. 

But this version is structured, subtle and yet keeps it from being too boring with the prints rather than being a solid colour or my usual favourite, colour blocks. In the past year or so, I have come to own some items with animal prints myself and I have come to appreciate that the leopard print does not have to be tacky as such. Paired with a pair of nude pumps as in the picture or my personal favourite, wedges, and perhaps even a neutral-coloured belt at the waist, I would definitely wear this piece, if only the price tag was less dear or if I had more in my bank account. Or perhaps if my job didn't constantly involve running around the hospital. 

And wahey, do we see a Kate Middleton on her engagement day here or not? This piece is classic and although you would probably require a 23-inch waist like Kate's to look as good as her in this, this is something I could see myself keeping in my wardrobe for a long time coming. I might not have a Prince William next to me to complement this, but I am sure I can jazz it up in many other ways without the need of a male escort as an accessory. 

Am liking this line already. Well done, Issa. Will saunter down to London after September to take a look at these. 

For the moment, the daunting life of being shot at Trauma Meetings in Ortho and running around the wards continues, on top of trying very very hard to keep my head amidst the studying. 

ARGH.