FASHION WITH ERICA -- SPRING FASHION FORECAST

Assistant fashion editor Erica Milano gives us a peak at what’s hot for spring. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia! Do you remember the 70’s? I don’t of course, but I’m sure Anastasia and the rest of the editors here at American Woman do. For those of you who weren’t born yet, like moi, 70’s fashion was all about bell bottom pants, peasant blouses and skirts, and macramé vests. Loud neon colors and wild patterns.

Well gues what? They’re baaaaack! Spring 2011 is all about 70’s retro. Marrakech, Moracco, and India influences will abound, as will bright, vibrant corals, deep pinks, brilliant blues, and vivid turquoises. 

 Maxi dresses and skirts will be must-haves. In pants, forget those skinny jeans. The wide leg is back in both flared styles and bell bottoms. Making its comeback is also the high-waist pant paired with flowing blouses. 

Along with peasant prints and wild prints, stripes will be huge, especially nautically inspired stripes in bright colors and white. You’ll be seeing a lot of them in tops and dresses.

And I know Anastasia is going to love this -- both macramé and crochet will be seen everywhere. Look for them in accessories, especially lacy scarves and jewelry. Beads will also be a hot must-have in accessories, in everything from bags and wallets to oversized necklaces in those hot bright colors I mentioned.

Finally, let’s talk about footwear. Platforms and wedges are what every fashionista will be wearing, along with simple canvas sneakers and metallic ballet flats, which look great paired with those maxi skirts and dresses.

Hey, Erica, I was a little kid back in the seventies! But I have watched Saturday Night Fever a time or two. I just hope you won’t be telling us to go out to buy pet rocks, lava lamps, and black velvet paintings! And thankfully, you didn’t mention leisure suits. That’s one fashion trend that should never come back!

What do you think about these new-for-spring styles, readers? Let’s hear from you. -- AP