Safari Chic

Giraffe Pumps (Nine West); Sandals (What's What); Bag (Michael Kors); Watch (Fossil); Bracelet (handmade gift from American Military personnel); Leather and metal necklace (Silpada); Skirt (Focus 2000); Belt (Amazon.com); Camp Shirt (Macys)

       The invitation to the inaugural fundraiser for the Escape Foundation called for "Safari Casual" attire.  I love a theme party, but sometimes dress code terminology can be perplexing.  I've recently seen "casual chic" and "casual elegance" on invitations to other events - I know what those terms mean to me, but I have no idea if my own idea is consistent with the vision of the planners responsible for these events.  When in doubt, always go with your instinct and what makes you feel good (it's also better to err a bit on the side of over-dressed).  If you're comfortable with the way you're presenting yourself, you can forget about what you're wearing and focus on what's most important - connecting with other people and enjoying the experience!
       For the Escape Foundation event, a fundraiser for the organization's African Elephant Program, I knew immediately that I'd sport khaki and brown; my canvas and leather croc embossed Michael Kors bag (which I fell in love with in a magazine and later purchased for a song off eBay); and a beloved safari animal ring that I picked up at an art fair in Australia fifteen years ago but haven't worn in some time (I forgot what a fun piece it is).  My only dilemma was the shoes, which is unusual for me since I often build my wardrobe from the feet up.  I was torn between my desire to wear a fantastic pair of giraffe print hair calf pumps, and my knowledge that said pumps were not a practical choice for an event held in a barn and outdoors.  
       Ultimately, practicality won out, because I knew I wouldn't be able to focus on the important things if I spent the evening trying to keep my heels from sinking in the ground and fretting that dewy grass would damage the hair calf.  While I prefer the look of the giraffe pumps, and the "barn" turned out to be an immaculate and beautiful event venue, I didn't regret the choice for a minute because I was far too busy meeting new people, enjoying the fine food and dramatic decor, and learning more about the plight of the African elephant and the important work that the Escape Foundation supports to preserve and protect these empathetic and marvelous creatures (read about the African Elephant Program here).  
       Here are a few photos of the event decor and delectable dishes from Kahn's to which event guests were treated (the ceviche was some of the best I've ever had!):

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!