SHERYL NADLER: PINTEREST PREDICTIONS
Social media site’s list flags top 100 topics users saved to virtual pegboard
So we’ve waddled our way into 2018, and many of us have transformation plans on the brain.
Plans to declutter, to detox, to destress, to avoid the temptations that linger in office kitchens everywhere. (Because of course you brought that leftover platter of stale holiday cookies into work to avoid being tempted by its glittery goodness at 11 p.m. on Day 3 of your detox. But that only means you’ll be tempted at 3:30 p.m. instead. No, there is no hiding from holiday cookies — just do us all a favour and throw them in the trash and douse them with dish soap, OK? OK.)
Do you feel like taking on the universe? Shaking things up? Embarking on a new adventure? Because there is light beyond the marshmallow mountain under which we’ve been buried the past few weeks. Pinterest has released its list of 100 top trends to try for 2018. And a few of them are doozies. (Truth be told, the social media site posted the list in mid-December but I’ve been spinny on wine and sugar and haven’t been able to focus until this minute.)
Now before we get to it, keep in mind that these trend predictions are especially interesting because they are based on the number of times Pinterest users have saved certain types of images to virtual corkboards. These are trends chosen by us, the people. This is not Karl Lagerfeld looking down from his kitten-fur-covered perch, making declarations based on his whims. No, this trend list has been compiled based on how many times a particular look/hobby/item was pinned on the site by you and me.
Obviously, we can’t cover all 100 top trends in this space. But since Pinterest claims that 70 per cent of its female users search for and pin fashion items at least once a week, making it the social media site’s most popular section, let’s start there.
And guess which look topped them all going into 2018? Statement earrings. Big, bold, oversized hoops and structured metal earrings. Saved images of “structured statement earrings” were up 947 per cent in the second half of 2017. Which says that you guys like statement earrings a whole lot.
You, not me. I would somehow rip my earlobes off and wind up in the hospital if I attempted this look.
Also? Berets. Seriously, people? Berets? You know who wears berets? Ontarians who visit Quebec, hoping to blend in. I feel like this is a look Karl himself would approve, but yes, saved images of berets came a distant second to big hoop earrings at +269 per cent.
Also in fashion: stacked Lucite heels; long, layered clothing; sheer socks with sandals and heels; embellished shoes; widelegged pants. I can get on board with the long, layered clothing and even sheer socks with heels and, if I were taller, I would LOVE me some wide-legged pants. But ladies, you are on your own with Lucite heels. Reminds me of the novelty shoes I begged for when I was a kid — the ones with fake goldfish swimming inside the clear plastic heels. Or strippers. Obviously.
Moving on, are you a fan of statement ceilings, graphic nails and cumin? Do you have a penchant for posting and pinning photos of air purifying plants, metallic home decor and giant knitting? All will be big this year, according to Pinterest.
Souping will edge out juicing (seems about right, considering the weather), ghee will replace butter, air fryers that use hot air instead of oil and vegan desserts will all dominate in 2018.
In beauty, eyelashes are the new eyebrows, facial rollers, slicked back hair and neon under eye liners will all have their moment in the coming year. And facial oils (a product I have resisted because, despite reassurances by beauty experts, I worry about adding oil to my face) are the new moisturizers. Also, Vitamin C serum for the face is a biggie.
What else? In your backyard, did you know that “horizontal slat fences create an outdoor optical illusion that makes gardens look larger and airier (searches for “horizontal fence” +333 per cent),” according to Pinterest.
In your home, sage is the new grey, statement doors and entryways are big news, “patterned plants” are the new, um, plain plant … “houseplants, like the popular prayer plant, go beyond green with vibrant, patterned foliage and flashes of colour (saves for ‘patterned plants’ +533 per cent), according to Pinterest. And large works of art filling blank space on walls will be big. (Are they not already?)
So there you have it. I’ve offered a few to start with, but if you want to know more, check out the Pinterest blog.
And may your first week of the year be fruitful. (Or at least fine.)