The year is 2009, I am 16 years old, school exams are the only thing on my mind and all I'm really being told is 'if I don't apply for University I have failed at life'. But enough about the stark anxiety shoved on my academic success (or lack there of) at school.
This was the year of the Topshop Leopard print faux fur coat. All the 'cool' girls at school had one of these coats; the perfect mix of Alexa Chung and Kate Moss. They were the epitome of thrown on outfits, fashion forward teenagers and, to this day, an item I cannot understand given the British weather.
Now don't get me wrong, I love a bit of leopard print. I have the scarves, the shoes and that very sought after leopard print biker number from Zara. But the very thought of a leopard print jacket brings me plummeting back down to 16 year old, acne ridden, braces wearing and above all not cool Amy. The flashback anxiety is very much real.
However, given the fact that I am now 23, not at school, and comfortable with the fact that I will never bee cool, I can warm my heart up to a little leopard print trend.
Here are some pieces from the good 'ole high street that are great representations of the trend.
This one is from Zara, it's a personal favourite and one I already own. The reason I own it is because of Instagram, and I will admit that freely. But in all seriousness it's the greatest jacket I own, only second to my leather jacket of the same shape. I see this being the Instagram jacket of the season.
These beautiful take on the classic loafer are from ASOS, a steal at £28 they are a fantastic twist.
I couldn't make it through this post without featuring an update on the Topshop leaopard print coat.
I couldn't find any evidence of the original, but it was this except faux fur.
And it still haunts my dreams.
The print is what I would refer to as a statement neutral, enough to give impact, but natural enough to be mixed with anything else and not look like a messed up Pinterest board. I never said I hated the print, but I wouldn't welcome a faux fur version into my wardrobe any time soon.