Leopard Print: Gift List

I can’t quite believe that it marks almost 1 year since Covid-19 came along & turned our world upside down. Literally. It’s been a busy week for me – we’re full steam ahead with our property purchase here in Cornwall. The learning curve is pretty much vertical at the moment, I’m quickly becoming an expert on purchase lease option, JVs, SPVs, LTV, D2V, GDV… the list goes on. We’ve been onsite A LOT – meeting trades for surveys and quotes, all socially distanced of course. It’s been great meeting so many friendly folk, whom are all genuinely excited for us to be bringing this property back to life. I can’t wait to tell you all about it but until we complete I don’t want to jinx it. Though trust me when I say, shes a total babe.

I don’t know about you but I’ve really settled into lockdown 3.0. I think perhaps because we’re new to Cornwall and don’t have many (any) local friends to not see. However we did make 2 friends a couple of weeks ago (YAY! Friends!), a lovely couple Paul & Cassie who moved down last year, so in a similar situation to us. They run their own lifestyle & events business, though much like many of us thanks to covid, have diversified, and now run Split Bean Coffee Co. Serving epic coffee out of one of their beaut vintage VW Splitscreen Campers. In other news, drumroll please – I have FINALLY finished the coffin, ahem, I mean wardrobe (see my Insta for context). She now proudly stands tall in the guest bedroom, in all her glory. It has a rail, that I’ve hung my vintage jacket collection on, including my Nan’s old fur coats which I refuse to throw away but know I’ll never wear. I plan to add some shelves at some point and use as a linen cupboard.

Leopard print has long been a staple in the most fashionable of wardrobes. From actress Joan Crawford in the roaring 20s, to 90s Kate Moss, the fierce style has clawed its way to the top on many iconic women. What started in the 1920s has evolved into what we know and love today, and once punk queen Debbie Harry got her paws on leopard print, no longer was it only for high fashion and so took on a newfound edge to become a rock & roll staple. 90s Kate Moss owned leopard print – there’s no denying that once Moss came on the scene, leopard print became her signature style. She is living proof that leopard print goes with everything. And never goes out of style. As long as it’s faux, of course.

Clothing ads in the 1930s promoted velvetine and chenille as affordable alternatives to leopard fur. And leopard print really hit the mainstream in 1947, when Christian Dior included it in his debut New Look collection, using leopard not as a fur or a faux fur, but as a print. In the United States, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 banned the importation & sale of leopard skin, which meant that leopard print took over. Despite the law though, poaching is still rampant for leopard skin and these wild cats are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List as vulnerable, with many Asian species critically threatened.

While talking about leopard print, it would be remiss to ignore the pattern’s original form: actual leopards. Craig Saffoe, curator of Great Cats at the National Zoo in Washington explains “Leopards have what is called a rosette, cheetahs have spots all over, and jaguars have a rosette with a spot inside.” Leopards undoubtedly evolved their spots as a form of camouflage to help them hunt. Perhaps thats why it’s considered a neutral in fashion. Ok, ok, so I know I’m hardly the first person to proclaim that leopard is a neutral. The black-and-tan pattern looks lush with pretty much every colour palette — jewel tones, neons, black and camel. It can be dressed up or down, it flatters every skin tone, and pops up on runways and in magazine so often that its no longer appropriate to call it a trend. Whether its Jackie Kennedy’s Oleg Cassini coat or Kate Moss’ many iconic outfits, all of these images evoke a femininity bolstered by the kind of unimpeachable confidence that comes from having a great investment piece.

Anyway, I digress. This week’s gift list is an edit of my favourite leopard print items: from fashion, to homeware, to artwork. From subtle to downright in yer’ face print, you’ll find something for everyone in this blog post. There are loads of fantastic independent brands absolutely killing it (figuratively speaking of course!) in leopard print designs, so much so I had too much choice for this list. If you’ve never worn or owned leopard print, I encourage you to give it a go, starting small if you want to (theres lots of items that can help you with that here). I promise you won’t regret it. Hopefully this has helped passed some time in the monotomy of lockdown 3.0. As always, feel free to comment below and let me know what you think, and if you make any purchases from the items talked about here, please share the love on your social channels. P.S. As usual, most of the sites listed will offer XX% discount when signing up to their newsletter, or for first-time customers. Happy shopping!

Lauren x

Papier Note Book £19.99

Some of our most intimate relationships are with our notebooks or journals – the trusty ally in which to share our big ideas, little secrets and anything that inspires you in the middle of the night. Whether you want lined, dotted or plain paper inside, personalise your cover with a name, a fun title, or your alter ego. Papier also use plastic-free packaging and sustainably sourced paper from FSC-certified forests.

Wouf Leopard-Print Recycled Tote £59

Crafted from precisely 3.8 plastic bottles – each of which would otherwise have ended up in landfill. This cute, practical bag is water repellent too, so no need to worry if you get caught in the rain (a distinct possibility, let’s be honest). Spanish brand Wouf has a focus on sustainability and ethical manufacture, crafting eco-conscious designs. Implementing recycled materials and eco inks where possible, the label boasts a range of accessories that are as good for your closet, as they are for the planet.

Lola Blackheart – Maria & The Leopard Print from £22

This fine art print by Lola Blackheart is high drama and I bloody love it. Made using water-based inks on sustainably sourced cotton mix archival paper, this print is as eco conscious as it is badass. Available in various sizes and frames colours.

Leopard Head Wall Sconce Vase £22

Seriously, a leopard head wall sconce vase?! This a triple threat homeware item if you ask me. You can hang it on your wall, chuck some flowers in it, and generally feel like a total bohemian whilst staring into those mysterious eyes adoringly.

Leopard Print Wall Painting £1.99

Despite its frankly insane price, this gorgeous print is fantastic quality. A vibrant print on cavas material in a matt finish, meaning you won’t get glare in certain light.

Trio of Leopard Potrisers £36

These stunning gold leopard potrisers bring a dash of glamour to any indoor pot. Three gold leopards will sit underneath any plant pot or candle holder, heck any pot you like. Check out Ella James’ NOTHS store & lust over the many treasures on offer.

Leopard Print Facemask £5.99

I’ve talked about these facemasks previously in my Charity Gift Guide. They’re for sale through the British Heart Foundation, meaning all profits support this fantastic charity. Its a win win. Machine washable and with adjustable straps. Come on people, its really about time you invested in reusable masks (obvs excluding medical professionals, before you say it). Be safe. But make it fashion.

Timberland London Square Mid Hiker Boots £95

Walk on the wild side! Again, this is another fab product I’ve written about before. I swear by my Timberland boots – they can literally handle anything. Whether its clocking up 10,000 steps around the city, or plodding round the park with the dogs in the rain. These chunky hiker boots feature animal printed environmentally responsible leather & a high rebound bio-foam footbed for ultimate comfort. These babies are still in the sale, down from £165. Go go go.

Moozle Leapin’ Leopards Cushion £22

Printed onto 100% organic cotton sateen, this stunning cushion cover design will look equally gorgeous in your bedroom or living room. Super soft & digitally printed in amazingly vibrant colours, this is one of 3 designs available from Moozle. Each cover has an invisible zipper along the bottom seam so you can easily incert a cushion pad, and are machine washable.

AllSaints Hali Ambient Dress £94

I am in love with this dress. Seriously. This Hali Ambient Dress is an absolute belter. Cut to a mini with ruffles at the shoulders, and that neckline?! Fuck. A dress that will flatter pretty much every figure. Pair it with chunky boots as pictured, with tights and a leather jacket or Parka. Trust me. And to top it off, its in the sale at HALF PRICE. Nights in never looked so good.

Rebel Rebel Leopard Print £15

An eye catching print, decorated with Bowie’s ‘Rebel Rebel’ in contrasting soft pink. This bold design would make a perfect gift for a Bowie fan (obviously I’m going to inclue it in my list) or just to add some serious style to your home. Printed on good quality matte paper, producing a beautiful, vivid long lasting print. Available in A4 and A3, with the option to inclue framing with your order.

Mattie, Milo & Barney Too Leopard Print Baby Mat £75

Oh how times have changed. Made from 100% cotton canvas and gently padded – this is a chic gift for baby mamas (and papas). Teamed with a wooden play gym, its perfect for any monochrome lovers! And once playtime is over, it also doubles up as the most stylish of rugs for the nursery.

L For Leopard Alphabet Print £70

Bright, fun & charming. The whole ethos behind Jessica Russell Flint’s brand is to make the most of life, to enjoy it, to embrace colour and friendship, and to think outside the box. Her motto is ‘see beyond the end of your nose’. Inspired by life’s eccentricities, colour and texture, Jessica’s style is both vicarious and refreshing.

Rock N Rose Stella Scarf Headband £18

A super silky scarf featuring leopard print and deep red accents. Perfectly versatile, the Stella is the best size to tie into a headband, bandeau or 90’s scarf top. The Stella scarf also makes the perfect sustainable gift wrap if you’re feeling extra flush (and therefore doubles up as an extra gift!).

Lisa Angel Set of Two Leopard Storage Tins £18

This set of colourful storage tins for the home, from Lisa Angel, come in two different sizes. Cool and super useful, these storage tins feature a colourful vintage leopard design on each – one red & one blue. Perfect for filling with kitchen utensils or better yet, raising the profile of your home office. Just make sure to get them in shot on your next Zoom meeting.

Personalised Leopard Print Leather Coin Purse £30

Perfect for remembering who you are, this personalised leather coin purse with fun leopard print is perfect for travelling light and ideal for lovers of bold statements. With its clever origami design, there is enough space to securely fit a few cards as well as coins. The inside of the opening fold can also be printed with a short secret message, hidden for only your gift recipient to see.

Alpargata Cupsole Slip-On £44

For every £3 they make, TOMS give away £1. Their sustainable business practices, like sourcing greener packaging and reducing their carbon footprint, as well as green initiatives like organic cotton, recycled polyester & plant dyed canvas. The Alpargata Cupsole has the same casual look as the TOMS iconic slip-on but with an extra durable rubber cupsole designed to keep your shoes like-new for longer, and 100% vegan. Long live your slip-ons!

Personalised Initial Leopard Print Mug £14.50

This cute and bright monogrammed mug is perfect for breathing life back into WFH! Featuring a downright fierce design, with pastel blue background and bold pink lettering, there is also the option to add extra personalisation and have a name added. Designed and printed in the UK, these 100% ceramic mugs are microwave safe and dishwasher proof.

Leopard Frame in Gold-plated Brass from £20

Bland picture frames are a thing of the past with the introduction of the Leopard Frame. Dutch label Doing Goods present the gold-plated picture frame in a charming style that can only be from the family-run name. Post covid, be sure to visit the Jan Concept Store next time you’re in Amsterdam and fill your carry-on with homeware loveliness.

Sea Life Print £26

Yes, I know this is a rather tenuous link to leopard print, but hear me out. A vibrant and colourful print featuring an ar-ray of fish and shark life. Featuring aquatic fish and sea dwellers, including the clown fish, jellyfish, octopus and various sharks; the great white & yes – LEOPARD shark! This colourful educational print will complement the wall of aspiring marine biologists – young and old.

Chelsea Peers NYC Leopard Satin PJ Set £48

You can throw away that baggy old ugly t-shirt you got from the charity 10k several years ago. Classy PJs are back. And what better bedtime threads than this lush satin leopard print set!? Complete with lively colour palette, relaxed-fit, button-up shirt and an elasticated waist. These are PJs you won’t want to keep confined to the bedroom.

Leopard & Monstera Leaf Coasters £6

For any jungle lover, these leopard and monstera leaf coasters make a fab gift. Designed and made in the UK from a cork backed eucalyptus hardboard base with a laminated top surface and waxed edges. Available in a pack of 4 or single coaster.

Quail Ceramics Leopard Pencil Pot £21

I saved the best till last. I mean look at that little face! The Leopard Pencil Pot will turn your study into a jungle. Detailed, decorative and oh so adorable, your pens, pencils and paintbrushes have never had such a cute place to call home. This ceramic pot boasts the British artisan’s quirky take on home accessories, putting individuality at the heart of interiors.