There are two great things about this Long Sleeve Pleated Blouse by Derek Lam. Namely, it's an office appropriate blouse that will still keep you cool during those hot summer months (and will work just fine layered in the fall) and it's representative of that washed out leopard print that we'll be seeing a lot of this season. Leopard prints don't have to be styled with hot pink press on nails and teased out hair, remember. Pair this blouse with smart trousers, sharp heels, red lipstick, and a boys club briefcase and your colleagues won't know what hit them. For more immaterial, click here, and, to see the Fall 08 Derek Lam fashion show, click here.

As the tension between the scarcity and demand for animal skin mounts, animal prints are riding on the coattails of the debate. Leopard prints are becoming increasingly more popular and from Spring 08 to Fall 08 and we think it's actually one print that feels fresh, particularly for summer. We like a woman who doesn't associate summertime with baby doll dresses and bohemian prints. We like a woman who, even in ninety degree weather, can pull off a leopard print cardigan, bowler hat, and crisp pair of jean shorts. A.P.C.'s Spring 08 collection definitely has this flavor, and the model they've used for the ad campaign is a perfect fit. Thick eyebrows, little makeup, and an unsmiling 'even though I'm at the beach, doesn't mean I'm going to wear a sarong' attitude, make us feel like Spring 08 will actually bring a different aesthetic than the countless nautical/bohemian/aviators and a bathing suit-summers of year's passed.




Links:
Network partner Pink Rock Candy on Leopard prints
Network partner She Finds on Oscar de la Renta and animal prints.
Network partner Shoewawa on leopard print pumps at a decent price.
And...check out our original Coutorture editorials!