I’ve never met an animal I didn’t like

Top of my daughter’s Christmas list is a bunny – a real bunny. Of the chewing, biting and pooping variety. Despite trips to Pets at Home to discuss with the experts our inability to have such a pet (fake grass and not being experienced pet-owners amongst the many reasons), she is remaining steadfast in her desire. To be fair to her, she has always loved a rabbit from a very small age so maybe this one isn’t going away…

However, I am not really of the animal-loving mindset – unless we are talking animal print. Then, and only then, am I all over it. Mainly because an animal print goes with everything and gives that little bit of edge to an outfit, particularly if like me you’re not a massive print person.

So here are my top animal accessories for the season, all of which would make excellent gifts if your loved ones are running short of inspiration.

The bag

At the affordable end of the spectrum is Accessorize’s Franki Printed Leather Camera Bag £29.

At Hush there is the Leonore Clutch £89 which would work with jeans and a more going out dress/leather leggings or anything really. That’s the beauty of an animal print, you can dress it up or down very easily.

Moving up the price spectrum J Crew’s Signet Flap Crossbody with calf hair £198 is rather lovely.

The scarf

In my opinion, this is one of the best ways to lift your outerwear or even just with a longline cardigan or oversized sweater.

This Leopard Cashmere Scarf £159 from Hush is a definite luxury but a lovely one at that, and one that will stand the test of time.

For a wool, J Crew’s Italian Wool-Blend Scarf £59.50 is a nice warm colour.

I love the tassels on this Kate Spade New York Classic Leopard Scarf £88 at House of Fraser.

Considerably cheaper is this Leopard Print Scarf £14.25 from Warehouse.

The shoes

I have just bought myself these gorgeous (well I think so) trainers from Zara which are a bit more subtle on the animal print front: Printed Plimsolls with Studs £39.99. I appreciate these are probably not what you would describe as a subtle trainer.

But an all over option would be these Leo Trainers £170 from Hush.

Or these Copeland sneakers £159 from Air and Grace which come in this animal print as well as a traditional leopard.

Or for something under £100, these Leather Lace Up Trainers £49 from Marks and Sparks are a good option.

For boots, Hush’s Sloane Boots £220 are nice.

As are these from Boden – which have an even more wearable heel height – Leopard Alford Ankle Boots £104 but are only available in 36 (lucky me!) and 38.

Or they have the Marlow £117 but only from 38 upwards.

I also like these Arrived Unlined Western Boots £89 from Office.

On the actual shoe front Boden’s current discount is pretty useful and these Gloria Ballerinas are now £42 down from £70.

And their Carrie Mid Heel Courts are now £77. They also have a high heeled version too if you can teeter confidently.

Another flat option are these £170 from Hush.

And these animals definitely aren’t just for Christmas either…