FROM THE RUNWAY TO YOUR CLOSET. SPRING 2011 STYLES TO LOOK FORWARD TO

With 90% of the United States coated in a bright white blanket of snow, it's difficult to imagine ourselves in anything besides dark colors, and layers of clothing. It is hard to believe that Spring is upon us and it is finally time to begin thinking about transitioning our wardrobes from heavy wools and cashmeres, to silks, linen and lace. This is the seasonal transition that some of us crave. It's the time of year where we can actually think back to when talk of New York Fashion week was buzzing all around us with Spring's upcoming hottest trends, and finally put our money where our mouths have been to make a few big splurges on important wardrobe staples.

In September, it was difficult to visualize the Ready to Wear runway looks as street wear until stepping foot inside of the fashion shows at New York Fashion Week. The Lincoln Center looked as though it had been the scene of a beautifully flowered, bright colored, 70's crime. Only the crime was nothing of the sort: simply designers bringing back some of the most comfortable fabrics and feminine styles from a remarkable time in fashion's history. The androgynous hippy styles from the 60's that boiled over into the 1970's are now back in full force for Spring 2011. It's a new year, and your closet is craving a fresh start, check out the items below for a checklist to your spring wardrobe!

It took me a moment to welcome Crochet and Macrame styles into this season with open arms butSTONE COLD FOX ALICE B. TOKLAS $418.00crochet items such as this Alice B. Toklas dress make it hard to deny. The delicate way that any crochet top, dress or accessory is made, allows the most subtle feminine touch to any outfit. This hippy inspired look is what gave the flower child all of the power in the 70's, and will give you the same. Give it a chic twist by accessorizing with feather earrings, and long multi metaled chains, or take a risk and wear a same color bandeau underneath to show off a little more skin. Add a pair of Minnetonka moccasin boots and there's the perfect hippy Spring outfit.

Hopefully at this point in time, no one is honestly tired of seeing Rompers, Jumpsuits or Playsuits because they are back in full throttle for Spring 2011. This season, the runway added a little twist to the jumpsuit but adding different leg shapes such as a flare or bell bottom. Alber Ebaz for Lanvin conjoined the asymmetrical markings of the one shoulder/one sleeve and sequin coated trend into a jumpsuit to add a nice alternative from the traditional evening gowns and dresses. Designers integrated different specific detail to the jumpsuit in order to make it savvy and chic for 2011. Styles, shapes, cuts, and lines are what make them differ from any other season. For more information on how to wear jumpsuits click here. Fashionising.com reporter Tania Braukamper does a fantastic job at outlining the trend as well as how to dress for your shape.

It has been a while since a change in denim was up for grabs. But in welcoming back the 70's style, alongDEREK LAM SS 2011 comes the Bell Bottom Jean and Wide Leg Pant. For the past seven years, the skinny pant has taken over the stores with its tight and somewhat cut-off-the-circulation styles. Derek Lam brought in the Bell Bottom jean in his Spring 2011 RTW collection with grace and poise in the prettiest of ways. Make room in your closet for a pair of these babies. They will be a statement piece in the Spring for sure.

Have you been noticing that the backs of shirts and dresses are longer than the front? This asymmetrical styling is because Longer Tail Hems are actually the style

PENUMBRA KNOT BACK TUNIC $132right now, and for the spring through summer. As seen in Fashionising.com, there are a few ways to create this "tail" effect. The most common is to cut the hem at an angle. Another few ways are a hem that is cut from very short to very long or mini to maxi, and a hem that falls into large drapes and/or pleats at the back.

Accessory trends for the spring took the country by storm when the buzz when the new favorite handbag was

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG SS 2011 unveiled as the Belt Purse, not to be confused with the infamous "fanny pack." For 2011, it is best to wear this handbag higher at the waist to form and show off shape as well as adding a nice break up in colors of an outfit. Since the sheer maxi dress is also making a reconstructed comeback for the spring, use the belt purse to break it up with long flowing styles. Also great for high waisted flare jeans and pants.

I never thought I would see the day that these wooden garden shoes would make a come back, but it is true. Word on the street has been all the rage aboutClogs. This special 70's trend that stuck around through the 90's is back in style and allowing ladies nationwide to soar at new heights. The 2011 rebirth of the clog is a platform wooden sole, can have multiple embellishments, and quite a bit of added weight. It was found on the runways at both Chanel and Louis Vuitton, dubbing it

CHANEL SS 2010a new staple of the upcoming season.

Color trends are huge this year. While that bright Orange and Hot pink-almost-red color is still in, an added bonus of Chartreuse is on the rise. Allow your style compass to direct you towards the bold and the bright this season and you will be on the right track.

For more information on spring styles be sure to check the website out for frequent updates, or e-mail me at MelissaAnn@INSPIRER.nu