animal house

Feeling a little feisty? Maybe your instincts are telling you that animal print is IN. Yes, I said it.  Animal print is one of the latest fashion trends to hit the racks this fall, making for a wild look that is trendy and fun.  The inspiration behind the look is quite primal, thanks to our friends in the forest: leopard print, zebra stripes, and all kinds of croc and snake prints.

The best way to add this to your wardrobe is in accent pieces: gloves, scarves, belts, shoes, etc.  It also seems to parallel the current 'safari' trend, which focuses on beiges and tans, with a hint of cargo- adding lots of storage pockets to your outfit (I guess that means no need for a purse).

Fashion week in Milan capitalized on this new trend as designers such as Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana and Blumarine took animal prints to a new level on the runway.   My favorite style is the mix of animal prints with other prints: polka dots, floral, stripes- whatever kind of mood you are in!

On or off the runway, animal print is chic and fun, and can add a wild flare to your outfit- day or night. Don't be afraid to use this as an excuse to head to the nearest mall for a safari to find some cute animal print accessories!

[Roberto Cavalli: Milan Fashion Week 2010]

[Blumarine: Milan Fashion Week 2010]

[Dolce & Gabbana: Milan Fashion Week 2010]

[All images from Harpers Bazaar]