the PIPELINE: Style on Tap

• November 20, 2009 10:18 AM
• Trend Spotting

Cat Eye Sunglasses Get a Modern Makeover

By Aria Hughes

We understand why Wayfarers have been the go-to shades for the past few seasons—the shape is classic and it suits so many faces. But we are more than ready to see things a little differently. Cat eye frames are the newest (oldest!) shape du jour, and designers are definitely having some fun playing around with this classic '50s staple. For their spring 2010 shows, Alexander Wang, Giles Deacon, and Miuccia Prada revealed oversized versions of the frames in statement-making colors like gold, hot pink, and orange. Model and It-girl Dree Hemingway wasted no time sporting the Deacon specs right off the runway. Christian Dior and Proenza Schouler are now offering pared-down sleeker versions, and we're happy to see Mary-Kate Olsen in something that doesn't entirely overwhelm her pretty face. But if you like that bug-eyed Rachel Zoe look, Betsey Johnson and Balenciaga have some vintage-inspired options. Yes, looking like a Pink Lady just got a bit easier.

Above, from left: Modern cat eyes on the Prada spring 2010 runway, photo via Style.com; Dree Hemingway wore Giles Deacon's spring 2010 fall shades off the runway, photo by Craig Arend/Altamira NYC.

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• November 19, 2009 3:14 PM
• Trend Spotting

How High? The Most Stylish Marijuana Moments On the Catwalk and In Stores

By Laura Yacoe

Let's be honest. Dreaming up new designs each season sometimes warrants a stroke of inspiration, so it shouldn't be surprising that the mean, green bud's been popping up in places outside of the inner pocket of your Alex Wang clutch. We took note of the pot-leaf motif dancing down Sonia Rykiel and Gerlan Jeans' runways and popping up in the kaleidoscopic funhouse of Lucien Pellat Finet. We've hashed out some buys so you can get your own cannabis prints and herbal sprays, which are all a helluva lot chicer than those hemp ponchos. It seems like Mary J's quickly becoming the new It Girl with these kush-inspired offerings to light up your day.

Above: Ground-Zero Marijuana Knit Sweater, $335, available at I Don't Like Mondays

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• November 13, 2009 9:42 AM
• Trend Spotting

Great Balls of Fire! Our Tribute to Redheads Who Go Big

By Gabriel Bell

So here's a few scientific facts you might not know. Aside from pigment-free, albino hair, natural red locks are the most genetically rare hair color in the broad human spectrum (like blondes, redheads by birth are actually an endangered population). Also, more so than any other shade, red provokes a built-in chemical reaction in the brain that stimulates all kinds of neuro receptors, driving men and women alike into a state of arousal. More to the point, that's why we love to see Lily Cole and any other hennaed honey grab a blow dryer and a pick and tease those red tresses up to the sky. We can't help but love the fiery frizz—even if these 'dos make the ladies look like Ms. Ronald McDonald, Raggedy Ann with a week's worth of bedhead, or Grace Coddington being… Grace Coddington. So enjoy our tribute to gingers (real and dyed) who've turned their heads into great balls of fire—just don't touch the screen without an oven mitt.

Above, left to right: Thieves Lookbook spring '10; Lily Cole, images by Solve Sundsbo.



Above, left to right: Karen Elson, Vogue; Petit Bateau Lookbook spring '10.

More fire down below.

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• November 9, 2009 3:32 PM
• Trend Spotting

Farmers' Daughters: Hayseed Style Harvested From The Runways

By Daniela Jacobs

Maybe everyone had had too much of Wangsters and all things urban, or maybe as Wall Street crumbles, designers are beginning to yearn for the simple, positive pleasures of country life. Whatever the case, fashion has taken a trip back to the old farm as inspiration this season, with pastoral touches and down-home details. From Rachel Comey and Stella McCartney to D&G and Chanel, we saw ladies who could have walked off the pages of Little House on the Prairie, dust-kicking modern cowgirls, and even a few fashionable potato farmers here and there. We don't know how practical lace-up heels would be alongside rusty gardening tools and a tractor, but hey—no one said the country life was easy.

Above, from left: Chanel spring '10, image from Style.com; Vivenne Westwood Red Label spring '10, image from Style.com; D&G spring '10, image from Style.com.

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• November 3, 2009 3:30 PM
• Trend Spotting

Trend Alert: Classic High-Tops Give Our Heels a Run For Their Money

By Desiree Pais

Even before we were reveling in Lanvin's multicolored high-tops for resort 2010, we were feeling nostalgic for our most favorite court shoes of all time. A frequent go-to of Models Off Duty, a good pair of high-tops are a fresh take on the craziest skyscraper heels of the moment. From a basic pair of slick gold Nikes to Lanvin's more understated gray canvas kicks, getting comfy is looking pretty good these days.



Above, from left: Lanvin resort '10, image via Style.com; Nike Air Scandal Sneaker, $90, available at Nordstrom.

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• October 30, 2009 10:04 AM
• Trend Spotting

Part DIY, Part Punk, Safety Pins Are Our Accent du Jour

By Aria Hughes

Safety pins are the ultimate symbol of fashion and function. Who can't remember using them to either make something or to skirt a major wardrobe malfunction. Whatever their use, safety pins are on the fashion come-up. The spring 2010 Vena Cava show presented a full on safety-pin vest, while Christopher Kane used the slick pins to add subtle shine to the Versus collection. Style bloggers-turned-DIYers Denise Lai and Pelayo Diaz took a recession-friendly approach and added the household adornments to basics (Pelayo will make one for you!). And if crafting stuff isn't your specialty, you can throw on a necklace or pair of earrings courtesy of Marc Jacobs or Giles & Brother.



Above, from left: Vena Cava's spring 2010 show, photo via Style.com; a DIY safety pin necklace made by style blogger SuperWowOMG.



Above, from left: Style blogger Pelayo Diaz in a safety pin tee of his own creation; Versus by Versace spring 2010 show, photo via Style.com.

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