If you hadn’t told me this was Christopher Kane’s Spring 2010 collection, I would have expected these looks to be some sort of picnic-table cloth, Project Runway challenge. Leave it up to Kane to bring some avant garde goodies to the runway, but I’m a little unimpressed this season. Sure, Kane has some spectacular corset structuring, but I am totally not feeling the pastel picnic plaids or the ungodly floral prints. Unlike last Spring, pieces from Kane’s 2010 collection most likely won’t fall among the “it” crowd.

GALLERY: RUNWAY: Christopher Kane Spring 2010

Thanks Style!

Plaid is hitting the streets in a global way as spotted in these shots by one of our favorite street style bloggers, Garance Dore. I think the best way for this to work is ala leggings as shown in the second photo. So subtle and chic, it kills. I would love to know where these leggings are available, I think it’s truly “IN” worthy.

Translation : Tim Padraic Sullivan

LINKAGE: checks and balances

Manish Arora
Eagle Leggings

Great by themselves with a top or as an add on under a cute dress, when too much black is just too much and you need some added pattern (which I love).

Black Pony Hair Patent Wedge

I love anything black pony, and I love wedges, so this is the perfect combo. Also cute with colored tights, the hue will peak through the cutout and look ultra cute.

Anzevino & Florence
Courtney Dress

Can’t say enough about this dress. I actually don’t like plaid, but this is adorable. A great way to feminize the oversized plaid button up shirt, and looks quite comfy and warm for the winter.

D & G

Gnome Attire

I was retrieving my homework from the printer today and almost had a stroke upon turning around. Someone was wearing these crazy plaid shorts that made no visual sense. I went back to my desk and studied them very closely for a few minutes. I realized that not only were they a vulgar color of plaid, but they had leaves and vines faintly intertwined throughout. This motif gives the illusion that a gnome barfed all over the fabric before a seamstress proceeded to add pockets and a zip fly. I am a crusader for plaid anything, so allow me to make a few suggestions. Everyone knows I am obsessed with the D&G fall ‘08 collection, so any piece from the line will suffice. Also, Topshop has some fantastic and reasonably priced items like this blue dress. Plaid doesn’t have to be scary; just keep it away from the lawn ornaments.

Recently, I published an article on plaid patterns hitting the runway, and thus making a comeback. Elle’s September issue features Jessica Simpson on the cover, clad in plaid. While I am happy that the trend is being shown on a major magazine cover, this isn’t really the way to sport it. Plaid is inherently country but designers were thankfully taking the trend to sophisticated heights.

Jessica’s rodeo belt and trashy cleavage do not remotely suggest class. Why not a dress and cowboy boots? Aren’t these boots made for walking?Though Simpson is currently marketing herself as a “simple sweet country girl”, she could have worn something else to make her point. The sex symbol is recreating herself, and targeting a new audience, in hopes of success. What do you think of her new image?

Plaid is back! From flannels to chic coats, the pattern is a fall staple. Lately, the trend has been everywhere! Plaid summer bags, skirts and bathing suits are dominating the beaches.

Gossip Girl’s, Ed Westwick has paid homage to his character, by launching his own line, that embraces Chuck Bass’s style. Moreover, Westwick’s collection will be primarily plaid pieces, inspired by Gossip Girl’s private school chic style.

Another designer notorious for his plaid inspiration is Alexander McQueen. No one will ever forget SJP’s quirky tartan gown, courtesy of Mr. McQueen. He has always loved the Scottish inspired print and we are finally catching on.

Plaid embodies 90’s grunge while maintaining a new classic twist. Embrace the trend while it lasts!