I know what you’re thinking: enough with the leopard print. I’ve worn a skirt, a dress, and a coat here this year (not to mention a belt), and while it’s true that leopard is a major trend this season, to me, it’s a classic. It’s my second-favorite pattern after stripes, my true love, which I also consider to be a classic. And as far as classics go, no apologies are needed. Which is just a very roundabout way of saying that, sorry not sorry, I’m going to keep wearing lots of leopard, because I like it. Here’s my latest acquisition. Did I really need this leopard-print Topshop blouse? No. But tops are the generally one of the easiest (and inexpensive) ways to update your look, and I found myself wanting a fall-forward shirt to wear with my higher-waisted jeans. This one has a forgiving, slightly boxy cut, and it runs true to size, which is rare for Topshop (I’m in a 38/6). I like that the print is pretty much two-tone,—leopard can get very intricate and thus busy, so keeping things simple makes it a little more subdued. Even though I just went on a diatribe about how leopard is a classic, I always try to keep the rest of my outfit neutral when I wear it, because with any animal print, there’s a fine line between classy and garish. (Maybe it’s the living on the edge that’s so appealing to me!) A trench coat is pretty much as classic as it gets, and this one (last seen here) is just the right weight for fall evenings in San Francisco. The three-quarter-length proportion also helps balance the slightly cropped top and high-waisted cut of my pants. This coat is an investment, but worth it—I’ve had this one for 10 years. Speaking of which, these Madewell jeans (last seen here, also with leopard) are one of my favorite pairs. I was a little skeptical about the cropped boot cut, but at least in black, it’s incredibly flattering. They run true to size—I’m in a 28 here. I like to wear them with my favorite Gucci belt (last seen here) to break things up a bit and help contain the boxy shape of the blouse. Tan accessories with black clothing is one of my favorite pairings (think of a reversible Hermès belt), so to tie it all together with the leopard print, that’s what I went for. I carry this monogrammed Madewell bag (last seen here) every day—it was the last present my dad gave me, and so it’s very special to me. I love how beaten-up and broken-in the leather looks. As for my shoes, they’re a very old Vince Camuto pair, but I’ve linked a similar style below. They’re kind of crazy with all the studs, but with the tan color and low-ish heel, they’re somehow respectable at the same time. Like I said, I like living on the edge. We shot these photos in Alta Plaza park, which is just a few blocks from our apartment (and where we shot this post last year). It’s also one of Zuni’s favorite places to play. I promise I won’t feature Zuni in every post, but she’s just too cute (and we’re still figuring out when and how to shoot around her housebreaking schedule). OUTFIT DETAILS: A.P.C. trench | Topshop blouse | Madewell Cali demi-boot jeans | Gucci belt | Madewell Prague Satchel | Vince Camuto shoes (similar here)