Like fatigues and combat boots, bullet proof vests--a staple of warfare not high-fashion--are suddenly trendy (or so says The New York Times). Military-inspired styles are nothing new. Hipsters have been raiding army and navy surplus stores since back when they were known as beatniks. But, while a navy blue pea coat can easily look right at home on Houston Street, a bullet proof vest... not so much. “The trend to protective gear is pretty strong right now,” Richard Geist, owner of Uncle Sam’s Army Navy Outfitters in NYC, told the gray lady, and has taken off among various demographics. “It’s big with rappers, alternative types and even some women,” Geist said.

('’)The true holy grail of bullet-proof vest connoisseurs is splurging on the real thing. Forget Alexander McQueen's talon-like SS10 monstrous heels as your armor-of-choice. Invest in an authentic vest, which runs in the ballpark of $1,000, instead, and ensure your safe from stray bullets.

Apparently it's not just vests that are proving lucrative for shopkeepers. "Sales of antiballistic jackets, vests and even backpacks have risen by some 20 percent this year," Nick Taylor of BulletProofME.com said. For something more high-fashion, you might want to check out Miguel Caballero in Mexico City, who stocks "custom-tailored Italian leather jackets that can deflect bullets from a handgun (about $6,000) or polo shirts that can cost as much as $4,000." President Álvaro Uribe of Colombia and President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela are both fans. Call it the Jack Bauer effect, but warfare chic is picking up where body-con left off. Whether news of this budding trend or Jwoww's new clothing line is more sartorially upsetting I have yet to decide.