"...stripes are sooo played out..."

really.  a person said that.  the following is my brief argument explanation as to why she is clearly in the wrong (especially for spring 2012!!!).
check it:

#1  i love wovens.  i love sneaky wovens that are false solids.  i love sneaky wovens that are false stripes.

Altuzarra S2012 rtw

#2  big stripe repeat = fun pattern piecing

Band of Outsiders S2012 rtw

#3  stripes that are multi-colored and variegated make this simple dress a whole lot more interesting.

Ohne Titel S2012 rtw

#4  these stripes are knit with metallic yarns.  simple stripes beg to be paired with a pattern.

Burberry Prorsum S2012 rtw

#5  ikat-like stripes are still fashion-y.

Gucci S2012 rtw

so there.