Autumnal inspiration from the animal kingdom.
A textured bag and leopard print calf-hair coat usher in a cosmopolitan fall. Similar styles at BottegaVeneta.com
For an added touch of luxury, this briefcase features an alligator leather handle. Stefano Ricci briefcase, $8,620. NeimanMarcus.com
Half the proceeds from sales of this palette will be donated to Conservation Northwest. Chantecaille eyeshadow palette, $70. Nordstrom.com
These limited edition, numbered pieces are hand-painted porcelain. Herend safari animal figurines, $4,950. NeimanMarcus.com
This zebra print pump adds drama to an otherwise understated outfit. Gucci Mary Janes, $990. NeimanMarcus.com
We’ve taken to Roanoke native Temple St. Clair’s elegant “My Life Aquatic” collection like a fish to water. Flying fish pendant, $5,950. TempleStClair.com
We love this sheath’s Victorian feel and sleek symmetry. Pencil dress, $2,165. AlexanderMcQueen.com
This crocodile and leather wallet is the perfect walk on the wild side for the sartorial minimalist. Santiago Gonzalez watch roll case, $1,250. SaksFifthAvenue.com
Style Inspired by Frances Kahn
Fashion tips from the Virginia Beach boutique.
For Rusty Lester, style is in his blood. The grandson of Frances Kahn (who opened her eponymous boutique’s original Danville location with her husband in 1936), Lester, 68, took the reigns as creative director and “in-house entrepreneur” nearly 40 years ago. Today, shoppers can find designers like Giorgio Armani, Jason Wu and Diane von Furstenberg at locations in Roanoke, Richmond and Virginia Beach (opened in 2003 in response to a fervent fan base in Hampton Roads). Lester says you can never go wrong following your animal instincts in fashion, naming one pattern in particular: “The real classic is the leopard print, because of the difference in coloration.” But they’re all fair game. Says Lester, “The great thing about animal prints is that they never go out of style.” FrancesKahn.com
