Fashion: Animal Magnetism

Designers unleashed their wild side this season, using bold animal images as an edgier summer alternative to traditional animal prints.  Christopher Kane's sell out gorilla dress featured high on our wish list, but with a £450 price tag, it was always going to remain there. Luckily for us, the High Street (an their online counterparts) have bought us some animal magic with a cheaper price tag.

Kick start with Topshop's tiger print tank, £18 (pictured left).  A simple white vest with animal graphic logo, this top is oh-so-now and will look too-damn-cool tucked into a pair of peg leg trousers for a softer take on the S/S09 mannish trend.

Staying in the territory of the tiger, pick up Urban Outfitters' renewal wildlife tee, £18. Taking things back to the old school, this classic maroon tee with graphic tiger detailing looks grrreat (oh no, we didn't just do that) teamed with acid wash super skinny jeans, or, the summer friendly jeggins.

Moving towards our friendlier feline, grab this cat print top by Illustrated People at Topshop, £20.  This casual one shoulder top is bang on trend this season, and we just love the quirky cat print on the front.  Dress it up for night time with a colourful bandage mini skirt and you'll be fighting those tomcats off.

If (like us) you're always howling until the early hours of the morning, this tee is the one for you. ASOS' wolf face printed t-shirt, £16, is a classic white tee with an S/S09 twist – a bold animal image and cap sleeves with roll up detailing. Team with this season's 90s inspired bleached denim shirt for ultimate casual coolness.

Thought butterflies were just pretty and colourful? Think again. New Look's butterfly print vest, £12, sees an edgier take on the butterfly frenzy for S/S09. The skeletal-esque print is set to toughen up summer dressing this season – wear with acid stonewashed denim for maximum impact.

What is a girl without accessories? Still a girl, of course, but that's neither here nor there. Head to Urban Outfitters to get their peacock hair scarf, £12. This 50s prairie style self-tie scarf has endless possibilities (the perfect keeping-hair-off-face holiday tool, anyone?), but we like it best tied in an oversize floppy bow for an edgy girl-about-town look.

Time to unleash the beasts, girls. Not those beasts, of course - we're modest, don'tcha know. Ahem.