THE WORD ON WHAT’S HIP AND WHAT’S HYPE

Urban Outfitters

Street wear for toddlers? Try costumes of Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert, Ernie and Oscar the Grouch ($30) available at Sesame Street stores and participating retailers. Response since last month’s debut has been tremendous, says Tina Flammer, VP of merchandising for Sesame Street. And they’re not just for Halloween. “Parents are coming back to the store to take pictures of their kids with the other characters here. The plush fabrication is very lifelike and the same fabric as the puppets, so it’s very real pretend play.” Sizes fit kids 12 months to 6x.

On the Rise

The hemline saga continues this spring, according to the latest previews from Milan, with skirts taking a fast flight upward. And the shorter the better. Karl Lagerfeld, Gianni Versace and Rifat Ozbek are skirting the issue with micro minis too precarious to sit in. But women need not revolt. Options are still key, with lengths starting at the ankles and heading up, with stops along the way.

Groom ‘n’ Bloom

“I always loved flowers,” says accessory designer Karin Wuhman of Bellevue, Wash. That fondness is the inspiration behind her collection of barrettes, pins, button covers and jacket clips that use delicate silk buds and flowers. The feminine pieces evoke the romance of the Victorian Age--perfect for this season’s clothes. Items range from $10 to $27.

Bite Into This

Fall’s indulgence with sensuous fabrics--such as velvets--in luxurious shades means cosmetics will also take a rich look. Clean is still in, with color staying minimal but getting deeper. Think berry for the lips, say makeup artists. Red berry, dark raspberry and wine berry will tastefully complement the season.