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

FASHION WITH ERICA -- LEOPARD PRINTS

Assistant fashion editor Erica Milano joins us today to discuss one of fashion’s latest trends. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia. Have you noticed that everywhere you turn lately, it’s leopard this and leopard that? Leopard prints are once again a sizzling fashion trend. I don’t mean real leopard fur, mind you. The world doesn’t need the demise of another glorious species. I’m talking about leopard prints. 

They’re everywhere! From couture to K-Mart. And not just for women’s fashions. Guys are wearing leopard. Kids are wearing leopard. 

You’ll see leopard print accessories on everything from handbags to umbrellas to costume jewelry. Nail salons are featuring leopard print nail designs.

Even our homes are wearing leopard. Designers have embraced the leopard print with a passion rarely seen for any other decorative print. You can now find it in everything from wallpaper to lampshades to USB jump drives.

Want to be a fashionista? Think leopard the next time you’re out shopping. You’ll be the height of fashion.

Thanks, Erica. I know I’ve seen leopard everywhere lately, too. What about you readers? Are you partial to leopard prints? Where have you seen them? Have you bought anything with a leopard print design? Let’s hear from you. Post a comment this week to be entered in the drawing for a free book from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP