Don’t tell any of my professors this, but I love to read. And with all these April showers, it serves as an excellent excuse to stay dry until I see some evidence of May flowers.

       That is why I am extremely excited about the InULA Book Sale happening this weekend in the Herman B Wells Library. It’s free admission, and all books range from $1- $4, with marked down prices on Sunday.

    Being a bookworm doesn’t mean you have to look like one, and in the spirit of literature, here are some looks inspired by some of my favorite novels.

Pride and Prejudice

Most of the plot takes place at the Bennett’s residence, which is in the country.  The feeling of nature in this Charlotte Russ floral top for $9.99 combined with flowy femininity is reminiscent of the romantic motif of any Jane Austen novel. Plus florals in the spring is always in.

Catcher in the Rye

The main character Holden Caulfield is a private school dropout, but has a clean-cut look. The “boyfriend” look is popular this season and one staple garment that should be in your closet is the Boyfriend blazer at Target for $13.99. The catch is to wear the blazer at least one size bigger to get that oversized masculine look, and stay femme by pairing it up with a short spring dress.

The Bell Jar

Esther Greenwood, at the beginning of the novel, is in New York City and loves wearing a black shift dress when she goes out on the town. I believe that every girl should have that little black dress because it can be laid-back and, with a simple change of accessories, can be formal. This Forever 21 black knit dress for $16.80is basic yet functional for this season. The empire bustline also makes the dress fitting for all shapes.

 Today’s receipt:

Spring must-haves: $9.99 – $16.80

A great book :          $1.00-$4.00

Total:                       $10.99 -$20.80

 Off to pinch some pennies for the book sale,

Keiara

This spring break, I was lucky enough to go to Tokyo with my IU International Public Relations class.  Part of the reason why I applied for a position in the class was so that I could witness the world famous street style of the Japanese, and let me tell you, I was not disappointed.

Tokyo is a whirlwind of electric color and a hobknob of eccentricities, and the Japanese youth perfectly mirror their home.  Their fearless fashion was a huge distraction to me as I bumbled around clumsily attempting to navigate the bustling streets and subway stations like a typical American.

But the clothes, ah the clothes.  There were no rules for Tokyo style except to be loud, proud, whimsical and utterly outrageous.  I vied to copy their fabulous uniform down to the last detail.  On my last day in Japan, I bought a hooded blazer, a teeny white tutu, thigh high argyle socks, a cutesy giant strawberry ring and sky high lemon lime polka dot platform shoes in order to bring back to Bloomington the fantastical style I saw everywhere in Tokyo.

On the way back to the hotel, shopping bags in tow, I realized that copying the Tokyo look would be an impossible task.  Tokyo fashion isn’t about trying to fit a mold – it’s about individualism.

As IU students, we have an uncanny way of adopting a college uniform.  North Face fleeces, Ugg boots, black leggings and sweatshirts are easy and comfortable to wear, but the outfit lacks creativity.  Why not take a risk and add something shocking to your usual repertoire?  I promise you’ll turn heads and steal the spotlight with your Tokyo style individualism.