When it's bitter cold and apologetically winter as it is today, I can't help but sequester myself with a stack of thick fashion magazines and start day dreaming what I'm going to wear in, like, May. Pawing through these perfumed fashion tomes, I make a mental list of those things that I: 1) can wear again this season; 2) will have to go and buy; 3) had the good sense to keep ten years ago because they appear to be in style again.

From my opinionated point of view, there are some interesting trends this season and some "save your money" ones.

Lucite - I'm personally thrilled Lucite (and "the clear look") is back. I used to buy Lucite jewelry in the 1980s and love the look. Paired with the 1960s mod/black and white trends for spring, it's a old look that works again. However, Lucite is being used for more than jewelry. It's being used extensively on footwear and shown in the seasons stacked heels. I have a pair of Chanel sandals that are clear that I can finally trot out again. The only place the clear look fails in with handbags. Ladies, unless the contents of your bag are uber-stylish, I do not want to see your tampex and your tin of Altoids.

Cork - And speaking of retro...cork heels on shoes are back. Pedorthically speaking, cork is pretty sound for footwear. It gives way to a degree allowing for better pronation and it absorbs some shock from your heel strike when you walk. But screw that--it looks cute!!

The trapeze silhouette - The triangular shape of this style is universally flattering (unless you're built like Hulk Hogan). An A-line makes everyone look feminine and it can hide a multitude of sins. This silhouette was being used mostly for baby doll dresses and swing coats. If your gams are in good shape, go to town on this trend. It's beautiful.

Tiered layers - The last time I wore something with tiered layers, I was in 4th grade and it was a tiered granny maxi skirt. And it wasn't flattering then.

Return of the Mod - Geometric shapes return, housed on a foundation of mod and 1960s influenced tailoring. We can thank "Factory Girl" for the revival. These are clean lines and no nonsense styling. I already know this is the genre I will overspend on this spring. I'm half intrigued and half paralyzed by bad flashbacks of the way my mom dressed me for school.

Peep Toes - Peep toe shoes are still in style, but they're extended to flats for spring. Ventilation is good at any height.

Python - At last! Python is back! I knew that the green python blazer I bought back in 1998 would come around again. Now where did I put the freaking thing?

Patterns - There's lots on emphasis on patterns this year.

Jungle: It could get campy. Look at the Proenza Schouler textiles used for the line they did for Target to get it right. Otherwise it'll look like geriatric cruise-wear.

Geometric: Careful, grasshopper. When you can confidently wear big triangles on a white background, then it will be time for you to go.

Floral: There's thin line between shabby chic and just plain shabby.

Polka dots: Proceed at your own discretion.

Horizontal stripes: I do love the new French Ts at Club Monaco, but I caution--thin strips, people. Otherwise you'll look like a raised wood screw.

Pants - There seems to be a trend toward the high waist pant. And if so, 1.1 million women hate the way they look and let that be on your head, you bad, mean designer bastards.

Trench coats - Trench coats are still in style, but with a whole new attitude. They're cropped, clean and come in a variety of fabrics and colors. Some are absolutely gorgeous. My ultimate lust item for spring is Badgley Mischka's gold brocade trench. Mama wants.

80s Retro -One word, people: chartreuse.

Romantic - From ballerina wrap cardigans to poet sleeved and puffed blouses, there is a trend for soft, romantic dressing. I say, yes, in doses, but temper with some clean lines to make it work. You can't traipse down Fifth Avenue, clutching your breast with despair like Ophelia. Only Isadora Duncan got away with wearing a gossamer equivalent of a toga in everyday life and well, look what happened to her.

Khaki - What a shocker! You'll note the shiny inserts in all the magazines for The Gap are promoting "The Boyfriend Trouser." Don't pretty it up with some coy reference.These are garden variety khaki cargo pants and they look best suited for a camping trip in the rain forests of Belize. Don't muddle fashion, Gap people.

Deja Vu - Some things tend to linger despite repeated warnings. Case in point: Metallics (clothing and bags), eyelet, skinny jeans, leggings (Christ, no), oversized handbags with chain straps, ruffles and oversized sunglasses.

Side note--I did like the eyelet reintroduction last season and was rather moved to see some cool spring slouch eyelet boots--oh yes--from Diesel. They'd look fabulous on a nice spray tanned leg..which I hope will be mine.

Unstructured pleats: I usually associate pleats with Catholic school girl uniforms and kilts on men with thin white legs, but the use of unstructured pleats in spring dressing is amazing. It's innovative and sexy and even our darling Tim Gunn would approve.

We always look for certain signs. Mine came to me as I was jotting notes between Harper's Bazar and InStyle; a television commercial uttered the three words every woman wants to hear--"Barney's Warehouse Sale."

Oh, I'm so ready for Spring.