The Perfect Black & White Spotted Flats

My most recent shoe purchase happens to be this pairof calf-hair dalmatian print flats, and I had to share. I spotted them in a store window and went straight in to pick them up.   They feel like a slightly more versatile version of leopard, and  I love the slightly pointed toe shape.   Since I've already been wearing them like crazy, I predict they'll be a staple in my closet by the time fall starts.  Plus,  I saw that Old Navy is offering a strikingly similar pair for just $24, So I figured I should share a roundup of similar pairs for those of you who might want to pick up your own version.

1.  Steve Madden "Varanda" pointed-toe dalmatian print flats ($62.97 at Steve Madden)

2. Old Navy white leopard printed flats ($23.50 at Old Navy)

3. Alice+Olivia heart print calf hair ballet flats ($195 at Saks)

4. Diane Von Furstenberg "Madison" black and white calf hair flats ($250 at Neiman Marcus)

Black & White Spots in Decor

Following along the lines of my recent obsession with leopard print, my interest in spots has spread into decor.    Check out the above photo of Tommy Smythe's living room found on Apartment Therapy.  I love almost everything about it, but it is especially those black and white spotted chairs that stick in my mind.   There are plenty of versions of this black and white fabric, ranging from snow-leopard to more classic polka dots and I've been seeing it a ton over the past couple years.  It's a great small scale pattern to layer with other textures and colors in a room.

I love how it adds some whimsy to this otherwise masculine room full of classic pieces.

A bit more girly, I Suwanee added the black and white spotted fabric as another layer of pattern in her colorful bedroom:

She also used it on the most adorable sofa in her store.I haven't quite figured out how to work this fun print into my home.  (I tend to lean towards navy blue as a neutral instead of black.) But,  I have scoped out some sources for the fabric and might just order a few yards to play around with in pillows or something small.

If I had access to "to the trade" fabrics, I might pick up Kelly Wearstler's Lee Jofa "Confetti"

Or, Brunschwig and Fils Les Touches fabric, available on Etsy here. (I think this is what Tommy Smythe used in the first picture)The most affordable option I've found is this $9.99/yard "Togo" from Premier FabricsWaverly's "Spot on Blackbird"  is a bit more snow-leopard-y  ($20/yard)

What do you think?  Is this pattern a fad or one that will stand the test of time like leopard print?