One of the things I enjoy most is to put on a fun outfit, drive to my local Nordstrom and with a lemonade in hand (I do not drink coffee. This includes lattes!), peruse the regularly-changing displays of merchandise.

One of the best departments in our small, but pretty well-balanced Nordstrom is the shoe department. The selection is laughable compared to the Tysons Corner store, natch, but it is good enough to keep on trend throughout the seasons.

One display caught my eye, and it was animal prints for fall. This one display had a trend I am shyly toeing the line over. I like the look a lot, but can I really wear something enough to make it worth being in my wardrobe? And which style of shoe should I invest in, anyway? A woman cannot go wrong with an animal-print flat done right in pony hair, but some heels – as you shall see, really can be horrid. BUT, to each their own!

“Iris” by Via Spiga. Pony hair in animal-print with black patent leather trim and heel. If I was a dainty size 7.5 or less, I would get this shoe. Really cute but only if you never danced pointe. At least that is how I feel about it.

“Allie” by Halogen (Nordstrom brand). Suede black wedge with animal-print. If you want to go budget and trend, this shoe may work for you. But I honestly think it looks too cheap. The suede heel is a dramatic contrast from the rest of the shoe and not necessarily in a good way.

“Odessa” by Via Spiga. Animal-print in pony hair with black leather buckle, with silver hardware, over the toe. Barely a heel at all. You’d probably want to slip something in to support your arches with this one!

“Lyla” by Sam Edleman. Animal-print in pony hair. Wood heel. Ankle strap is brown leather with silver hardware. Anyone else feel like this one is ruined by the strap??

“Stringtie” by Stuart Weitzman. A classic ballet flat. Black leather trim and at toe, on a animal-print pony hair flat. This one is on my wishlist.

“Pipespy” by Stuart Weitzman. A very understated (other than pattern) peep-toe stiletto. Animal-print pony hair, wrapped leather heel. The heel is about four inches, otherwise I would be considering this one. Maybe I’ll stick with a flat.

“Briar” by Dolce Vita. Black bow at back by ankle. Dark cheetah animal-print. Black leather-wrapped heel. I feel like this shoe has too much going on, but know I will be seeing it around Richmond because, hey, this look fits with a certain niche market of trying-too-hards that live around here.

Which of these shoes is your favorite?
What animal print trend are you embracing for fall?