Seen on the Streets

Heritagewear: The low prices, fleeting trends, and poor quality of the fast fashion boom have left some consumers in search of the exact opposite. A renewed interest in quality, comfort, and dependability has led many to the "functional" brands of the past. Items such as Hunter Wellington boots (aka "Wellies)", Sperry Topsiders, L.L. Bean duck boots, Filson tin cloth garments, and even Hanes white t-shirts and Levi's 501s represent an authenticity and durability missing in many of today's closets. Reflective of the trend, Opening Ceremony will be releasing a collaboration with Pendleton (whose blanket coats, and those inspired by, are hot among hipsters this winter) in August, while Barbour is issuing a limited edition collection of redesigned classics this fall and Woolrich Woolen Mills' modernized outerwear is being scooped up by shoppers at Barneys and Steven Alan. In a time when flashy, over-the-top looks and luxury labels are almost frowned upon, we expect to see old school brands known for quality and comfort to acquire a new generation of fans.

Figure Skater Chic: From shiny streetwear to new hairstyles, it seems that everyone wants to join the Ice Capades lately. While the look has certainly been popularized by American Apparel, in particular the iridescent legwear and circle skirts, stylesetters are seeking out the real thing in the form of glittery velvet minidresses from online specialty shops and eBay. And not necessarily worn with the full look, longhaired ladies are trading in ponies for tightly knotted buns high upon the head, while those with short hair on the cutting edge are passing over the hot-in-Hollywood bob for Dorothy Hamill style bowl cuts.

Aprons: From cook-offs and farmers markets to The Food Network and foodie blogs, all things culinary are cool at the moment, with the latest entry being kitchen fashion: One of our trend reporters recently picked up on a new hipster movement of aprons being worn over dresses. American Apparel strikes again, now selling solid-colored ones, while those of the more retro variety can be picked up at stores like Anthropologie or vintage boutiques.


Discovered by Lauren McGehee