Eye of the Tiger – January’s Style Not Age

Did you know that tomorrow is Chinese New Year? 2022 is the year of the tiger, which is my Chinese zodiac sign. That gave me the idea of “Eye of the Tiger” for this month’s Style Not Age theme. Chinese New Year falls between January 21st and February 20th – that’s because it follows the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar, which is based on tracking the sun. Every year of the Chinese calendar is linked to one of 12 zodiac animals, each with their own specific characteristics. The tiger is reputed to be brave, competitive, confident, versatile, stubborn, unpredictable, ambitious and kind. Lucky colours for the tiger are blue, grey and orange.

The Chinese Zodiac

The 12-year cycle is based on an old folk tale called the Great Race, in which all twelve animals take part in a race to reach the Jade Emperor. The order they completed the race is the order in which the years are named. The Rat won, beating the bigger animals by catching a ride on the back of the ox and then jumping off its back at the last minute. The Ox, who had been on course to win the race, had to settle for second place followed by the others, with the pig coming last.

As “Eye of the Tiger” was my choice of theme, I felt duty-bound to go for it!

The starting point for this outfit was the necklace, which Pete bought for me the Christmas before last. But I’m sure you know by now that I rarely do “subtle”! As “Eye of the Tiger” was my choice of theme, I felt duty-bound to go for it! That gave me the excuse to look for a tiger print item of clothing. I’d seen a couple of coats – both new and second hand – but I couldn’t really justify buying one when I already have several leopard print coats. Then I started looking on eBay for a blouse and this one came up on my search. At less than a fiver I couldn’t resist and I’m really happy with the fit and fabric.

This challenge also gave me the opportunity to wear this hat that I bought on eBay years ago. I don’t know why I’ve never worn it before because it’s rather fabulous. Keeping with the tiger colour palette, I chose orange trousers and ankle boots. These track pants have a side split in the legs and a centre seam, making them great for dressing up if desired. I bought them from Zara in the end of summer sale and wish I’d got them in pink too. I added orange jewellery and a tan bag that has a little bit of leopard print, just to mix things up. It’s traditional to wear red for Chinese New Year but I think orange looks much better with tiger print…and you know how much I love orange!

SHOP THE LOOK

Topshop blouse (from eBay) | Zara trousers | Palava necklace | Scottage bag (bought in France) | hat from eBay | Roberto Cavalli sunglasses | Mango bracelet and earrings | Marks & Spencer ankle boots (from Depop)

Now let’s see my stylish friends’ take on the “Eye of the Tiger” theme…

Anna has incorporated a tiger AND orange sequins into her outfit…that’s a winning combination! How the sequins sparkle in the sunlight! Head over to Anna’s Island Style to see all the details.

Like me, Jacqui has opted for a slinky tiger print blouse. Animal print and black faux leather is a such a good pairing. Stop by Mummabstylish to see more of this look.

Hilda has borrowed a tiger print bag from a local shop to accessorise her black outfit. If you’re unsure about dressing in animal print, shoes and bags are a great way to dip your toe in the water – consider them gateway items, because it can embolden you to try more statement pieces once your confidence grows with prints. Catch up with Hilda on her blog Over the Hilda.

Gail chose a Tiger’s Eye necklace for her take on this month’s feline theme. It is reputed to be a stone of protection, promoting mental clarity and dispelling anxiety. It sounds like the perfect antidote to the chaos of the last two years! See how Gail is wearing her charming necklace over at Is This Mutton.

That’s all for January, we’ll be back next month with another fun and fabulous challenge!

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