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Though my feet have never trod the fashion-forward streets of New York (American fashion Mecca for those who may not be aware), for the past few weeks in my mind I have been walking amongst the six-feet-tall fashionistas on Fifth Avenue on a lovely spring day. Proudly sporting spring’s latest bag, shoes and dress. Admittedly, I need to snap back to reality–there’s been snow in New York, I’m five feet, three inches tall and I’m more likely to be strutting down Burlington in UGGs and a parka. So what does all this daydreaming mean? It’s time to start thinking about spring fashion. Here are a few of my favorite 2010 spring trends along with some tips of where to shop in Hastings.

1. Ruffles

To rock ruffles, please remember this: you shouldn’t end up looking like a pretty pink frosted cupcake or a five-year-old ballerina. Keep ruffles simple to pull off this look. Try a pastel cardigan with ruffles on the front; a frilly tank top; or a tiered skirt. And although I personally feel that women of all shapes and sizes can look great with some feminine ruffles, please remember that tiered fabric can make you look bulky. For this I suggest looking for looser ruffles with longer tiers.

 2. Lady-Like Cream Handbags

There is nothing that complements this spring’s lady-like fashions better than a semi-structured, cream-colored handbag. And really, the bigger the better. Look for choices in soft leather or linen. This season, get rid of the sloppy hobo bags or waytootinytoholdanything mini bags.

 3. Floral

Now, don’t pull down your floral curtains and pull a Scarlett O’Hara just yet. If you wish to add a little floral flair to your wardrobe, pick one piece (i.e. a skirt, a blouse, a cardigan) and pair it with a neutral. A pastel pencil skirt paired with a white button-down, collared shirt tucked in and nude colored pumps would look perfect. And, one last tip about choosing florals–if it looks like a floral quilt that would have been draped on grandma’s bed, skip it.

 4. Nude Hues

This spring, nude and muted colors are everywhere. Blush pink, cream, white, light grey and the palest yellow are all great choices. Try incorporating these colors in a chiffon blouse; light cardigan; a-line skirt; shift dress or tailored dress pants. Nude colored shoes are great and elongate legs.

 5. The Trench Coat

I may just make this trend my personal mission. I would love to see all women own some sort of light-colored trench. There is nothing worse than seeing a beautifully put together woman covering her chic threads with a windbreaker. Invest in a trench. You can wear it all year long (especially if you choose one in tan) and who doesn’t want to look like Audrey Hepburn from the final scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s? Minus the wet hair.

Who determines such trends? The big names of the fashion world–Christian Dior, Prada, Proenza Schouler, Marchesa, Chanel. The list goes on. The trends we’ll be seeing this spring were rolled out last fall at Spring Fashion Week in New York City. This past month Fall Fashion Week was held, where autumn’s trends are already being discussed. Seems backward, I know. Another great resource for being on-trend are fashion magazines such as Vogue, InStyle and Harper’s Bazaar. And if you think you can’t find said looks in Hastings, you’re mistaken. Hastings has a number of great resources…you just may have to be a bit more creative.

 Where, Oh Where to Shop?

Now that you’re ready to start thinking about your warm weather wardrobe, let me provide a list of some great places to seek updates for your wardrobe.

•  Herberger’s – You can find almost every trend discussed here!
• Maurices – Great selection of blouses, tanks.
• K-Mart and Wal-Mart – Don’t be a ‘Mart snob! They actually carry some really fashionable items.
• Thrift Stores – Look here for vintage dresses, belts, floral scarves and feminine necklaces.
• Allen’s – Have you checked out the gorgeous selection of jewelry and accessories they carry?
• Climate – Go here for a great selection of denim.

 For inspiration, I’ve included some photos from my personal wardrobe.

 Tell me some of the trends you’re excited to see this spring.

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About the author: Kelly Miller

Kelly is a wife, career woman and self-proclaimed fashionista who lives by the mantra, "laugh, love and live life with style." Her love affair with all things stylish began early--raiding her mother's makeup drawers as a little girl and organizing a number of well-attended Barbie fashion shows in her parents' living room. She believes that beauty is all around and enjoys helping others find their personal style. Kelly works as a marketing professional in Hastings with her husband, Scott and their tuxedo cat Dart.