I'm in love with a royal fox!

You may remember that a few days ago I was faced with a shopping dilemma. I was struggling to decide whether to concentrate on others and start Christmas shopping, or if I could postpone the gift shopping for a fortnight and allow myself one last little splurge before Christmas.

 I eventually allowed myself to indulge, but couldn't decide between a fox jumper, a raccoon print tee, and a snood in two colours. I could afford two, but which two? You were all such a bad influence (I'm blaming you guys for my purchases!), and the fox jumper was your firm favourite. After many hours of debating, I bought both tops on my store card, realising if I paid for them both straight away, that would more than cover the minimum balance, so I was free to order the teal snood, too! I don't know why that hadn't occurred to me earlier!

Well, my Dorothy Perkins package arrived this morning, and I immediately fell in love with the fox jumper. I had to wear it straight away layered over my leopard print maxi dress...

The jumper has the cutest motif ever. A beautiful red fox with a crown upon his noble brow. It's gorgeous, and the fabric is super soft. It's a thin knit, which makes it perfect for layering, and wearing on those in-between days, which is actually perfect for me as I hate over-heating. I purchased the jumper while a promotion was running, so I saved about £10 off the original price- which is fantastic- but I would have happily paid full price. It's the best sweater I've owned in years.

 I chose to layer it over the leopard print maxi dress that I got for my birthday back in July. I've only worn it a couple of times because I'm convinced it draws attention to my stomach, which makes me feel self-conscious; I don't like flaunting it. It's far from tight or clingy on me, but I can't move past that feeling, even after my family have ensured me that it flatters my shape. With the jumper layered over the dress, all those doubts have dissipated. I quite like the two together. I don't often wear maxi skirts, especially in the cold seasons, but this look works for me. Sure, it might be a little slouchy and shapeless, but today I was struggling, and needed comfort, and this outfit delivered. I think teamed with a pair of ankle boots and a leather jacket, this could work as a Winter outfit. What do you think?

I kept the accessories to a minimum because I didn't have the strength to put any effort in. I wore the two black and silver bracelets my best friend bought me last Christmas. I don't know where she bought them, but I love them. As my clothes had quite an Autumnal colour scheme, I contrasted the browns with a splash of red in the form of my red flower ring. The ring is made up of hearts layered to create a flower!

I added another dash of red with my little cherry studs. Aren't they cute?!

Outfit Details:
Jumper: Dorothy Perkins
Dress (worn as a skirt): New Look
Earrings: River Island
Ring: Evans
Bracelets: Both gifts from my best friend

I'm so pleased that I went with my heart and bought the jumper. I know I would have been upset if I hadn't adopted such a handsome fox knit.

I've loved foxes passionately since I was a small child. I remember having an obsession with The Animals of Farthing Wood books and cartoons for a couple of years. I had a stuffed toy fox called Charmer after one of the characters when I was eight or nine, and a black t-shirt with a fox on it, too.

I guess some loves never die.

It's been eighteen years since I last wore a fox motif top. I'm a little bit, *cough*, a lot older, a little bit wiser, but still very much bewitched by wildlife. One thing's for sure: I don't think I'll ever grow out of my love affair with animal prints and motifs. I passed the point of no return a very long time ago.

I see myself holding on to this jumper for a very long time. I'm sure I'll be wearing it year after year. And I can't wait to work it in to my wardrobe and wear it to death

Do you have a soft spot for animal motifs?

Have you embraced the trend of woodland animal motifs yet this season?