By Anetta Nowosielska

By now you probably can’t stand looking at your winter coat and the thought of Wellies rain boots evokes a gag reflex. Can’t say we blame you. In case you are still recovering from winter blues, nothing will rev up your fashion engine like all that is in store for spring 2011. With nostalgia, color, loose silhouettes, lace and bold accessories, the upcoming season definitely has all its bases covered. Spring forward into one fantastic fashion forecast.

The 70’s show:

Fashion is having a major flashback. Early 70’s, to be precise, when Jerry Hall conquered Mick Jagger’s heart and Yves Saint Laurent ruled the runways. Marc Jacobs unabashedly referenced YSL in both his eponymous line and Louis Vuitton, and Halston did its best to recapture the brand’s 70’s heyday with dresses that were drapey and languid.

Head to your favorite vintage stores to pick out some of the original inspirations for these modern classics. Around Again and Collette Designer Consignment are both good places to start.

Rainbow bright:

Color was everywhere on the runways and we are not talking delicate shades of pastel here. Designers have collectively embraced the boldest shades of the richest hues. Poppy citrus and jewel tones reigned supreme across the board. Even the ol’ color friendly guard, that’s your Versace, Dior and newcomer Prabal Gurung, punched up their palette for the ultimate “wow” statement. We must give credit where credit is due. Local Lisa Perry has long been on the color bandwagon. Check out her offerings for the summer.

Maximum effect:

Much to the relief of many, the long flowy, maxi dress is the new mini. At DVF, Pucci and D&G, boho goddesses strutted their stuff in dresses that were full on floral or otherwise whimsically printed. Paired with rock star high thigh boots or mousy flats, the look was Hampton picture perfect. Catherine Malendrino, whose presentation during the spring collections was one of our favorites, knows that image very well. Her long dresses, now available at her East Hampton boutique, were as summery as they were sexy. Hamptonite indeed.

Pajama party:

Nothing says death to the skinny pant trend like the soft pajama shapes and oversized fits we saw at Michael Kors and Reed Krakoff. This look is all about rich, luxurious fabrics that embrace the body with an unconventionally sexy silhouettes. As for the color palette, think subdued neutrals with lots of shimmer. We love Brunello Cucinelli’s interpretation of this trend, available for viewing at his East Hampton boutique, as well as Donna Karan’s twisted pieces, available at Urban Zen.

Lace embrace:

On the softer side of things, lace made quite the statement with light-as-a-feather feminine pieces and modern interpretations of vintage. The reigning king of this department, Ralph Lauren, showed long lace dresses with a Western twist. Christopher Kane opted for bright neon colors against the delicate stitch work. And the “too-prettyfor-words” awards go to Oscar de la Renta and Dolce & Gabbana, who delivered stellar interpretations of the trend with sexy touches.

Supersize me:

Bigger is definitely better when it comes to accessories this season. From bangles to sunglasses and everything in between, bigger is the way to go. Talking belts, Gucci’s numbers with tassels and Marc Jacobs’ gigantic flower waist ties are sure to be all the rage. Fans of Jackie O nostalgia will be delighted to hear that 70’s are back in a big way (although for many that trend has never left.) Shoe-wise, there are plenty of chunky platforms, wedges and flats to put an extra spring in your step. And we love just about everything Devi Kroell is proposing. Check out her bag of goodies at the East Hampton boutique.

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