Sitting Pretty: A First Look at the Hot Fashion Trends for Spring 2007

Alas we are in the midst of winter and are dreaming of all the glory Spring will bring in just a few months. The birds will sing, the flowers will bloom, and all the trees will turn green yet again. But nothing breaths springtime like fashion, and nothing breathes fashion like this years hot new looks. Let's run down the list shall we?

One huge look, which should be of no surprise seeing as history has a way of repeating itself, is the look of the eighties. Icons such as Boy George, Madonna, and the cast from the Cosby show made repeat appearances in neon pinks and oranges. Belts are bigger than ever, and earrings are just as big. Have your handbag either very large or very small, because there seems to be nothing in between. Azzedine Alaia is back full force, as are younger designers influenced by the times such as Christopher Kane. If you can't bring yourself to buy another pair of patterned tights or to even see a pair of leggings, I hate to break it to you, but both are huge this season. But not to worry, there are alternatives.

Team spirit never looked as good as it does this Spring. DKNY kept its classic sporty looks and added T-shirts that are longer and are worn as dresses and as tunics, and zip up hoodies paired with crop pants and heels. Although it sounds strange, it looks refreshing. Clean and crisp, yet not too stuffy brings forth the essence of the trend. I say Go Team! Don't feel the same? Let's move on.

High waisted skirts. Cinched bodices. Peek-a-boo heels. Shorts so short they look like bloomers. The pinup girl is back, and I couldn't be happier. Chanel perfected the pinup girl look with glamorous jewelry and high perfect heels. Delicately placed bows and flowing soft fabric has modernized this pristine look. Moschino's collection is a vamped up version and yet incredibly sophisticated and young. Accessories for this look have stayed true to the art form. Better head to the gym. But before I do, here's some more calorie free looks to chew on.

Yves Saint Laurent must have had a field day with one of the biggest trends of the season that also happens to be part of his trademark look; flowers, roses, romance! Dresses flowed down to the ankles and were splashed with all kinds of floral prints and actual flower accessories strategically placed to enhance the female body. Shift dresses tended to have tone on tone flowers and longer evening dresses more flagrantly displayed colorful flowers. In any case, this trend is sure to grow on you! Cheesy, I know, I just couldn't help that one. Moving on.

Stella McCartney and Paco Rabanne (remember Paco?) have gone back to the future as have many other designers with space age looks. Shiny plastic, metal plates and gold and silver lame abounds. I can't say this is my favorite look, I mean I still have nightmares over the chafing my legs from the plastic of the mid nineties, but this look is done much more elegantly and dare I say modern and very wearable. It's quite hard to put into words how wearable these trends are (just the thought of lame makes most women scream in horror) but in reality, a little goes a long way, and if you truly like the idea of future space goddess, then its simple to make it work in your wardrobe. Just stay away from anything that's plastic and is sold at Dress Barn or LadyBug. You're only asking for trouble.

Need a rundown of the hottest trends of the season that you can work in your everyday life? Here's a list I made just for you:

1. Cinched Waist-instant glamour; instant fashion with a simple or wild wide belt.
   
2. Baby Doll Dress-nothing is more 'now' than this it girl staple
   
3. Cuffed Shorts-only for those with knock out legs.
   
4. Sailor Style-Nautical looks are not hard to find and keep you up to date.
   
5. Handbags-Either very large or very, very small both are hard to beat this season
   
6. Wedge Heels-to go with those cuffed shorts!
   
7. Chunk Heels-Say good-bye to those stilettos, these heels are here to stay.
   
8. Nude-no not that kind of nude! Buff is the new black.
   
9. Slim Pants-This seasons hot pants are super slim and just short of the ankles.

Accessories are still key this season so stock up if you haven't already and remember-its not fashionable if it doesn't look good on you! So take a good look in that mirror when you are trying on this season's hot trends then buy them all! They won't last long, honey.