Spring Trend Report:

I know I'm not a groundhog or a weatherman, but I think it's safe for me to declare that spring has arrived! Spring means bright colors, showing some skin and altogether being less blah. Question: How can one accomplish this turnaround? Answer: Print mixing! Prada did it best during the New York Fashion Week; the fashion giant's stripe and monkey-print mixed ensembles made Lilly Pulitzer's wildest prints seem boring by comparison (a banana-print shirt? Count me in).

 The only major guideline for print mixing this spring seems to be the louder the color and print, the better the results. The possibilities are limitless, including the potential matching of neon stripes with some sort of kitschy, fruity fifties theme. Or you could try leopard and tie-dye. Push the envelope! Your typical paisley on plaid isn't going to cut it anymore, so search your closet and start throwing things together that completely break with conventional matching laws. The fashion police won't arrest you, I promise.  

Can't afford Prada? I feel for you. I've scoured the Internet to find equally obnoxious prints at a more modest price range. Forever 21 has some flashy tribal print skirts that one could pair with one of last season's nautical striped sweaters with sufficient goofiness. Banana Republic has some bright florals that would look pretty bossy with a vintage Bill Cosby sweater. Are these looks not crazy enough for you? Well, since it is spring, throw in a pair of aqua socks to accompany your brogues or sandals. Too crazy for you? Mix a patterned scarf with that same nautical striped shirt and brightly-colored bottoms.

But in all seriousness, I haven't featured a professional fashion blog in some time; as a result I have decided to direct my readers to Refinery 29, which is essentially the Jezebel of the fashion world. This blog is more than just tips and trends and girly stuff; it also branches out into the business behind fashion, such as Galliano's release from Dior and constant updates on the general sleaziness of American Apparel CEO Dov Charney. Personally, I like to know the backgrounds of companies that I buy from before I support them financially. My favorite part of Refinery 29 is that the website also notifies those who wish to sign up about absolutely baller sample sales online and in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Spring break (and the semester midpoint) has passed, and as one quasi-fashionable lady to a campus full of others, I hope that you consider it a time for change and newness and begin to branch out with your personal style.  Also, try to notice how hard others work to look good every day. Ladies, salute your Wellesley sisters, because we are so lucky that we live on a fashionable campus where we can express our individual style without disdain or teasing.  

You can direct any questions, comments or suggestions to scrowell on FirstClass, or visit my personal fashion blog at http://sasshion.blogspot.com. Refinery 29 can be accessed at www.refinery29.com.