Trend Spotting Week One

Cell Phones as Security Blankets

Having your cell phone out at all times, whether in use or not, is not "trendy" as in cool but "trendy" as in there are numbers to back it up. I counted. I sat on the steps of Norlin Library between class and for 100 people who walked by 66 of them were either using their phone or had it at the ready.

Though this may not be a new for the 2009-2010 school year, it is a trend that lives prominently on our campus and other campuses alike. Since we must be occupied with some sort of stimulation 24/7, cell phones fill the silent void of walking to class. Also, cell phones act as a social security blanket for college students. If someone walks by who we don't want to say hello to or to stop and have a conversation with, pretend you are mid text message and it is acceptable to pass by with nothing but a nod.

Fantasy Sports

Though I have been roped into a fantasy football league, this trend is mainly a guy thing. Through a made up league, each member drafts a team of professional athletes and monitors the athletes stats, manages the team, and competes against other fantasy teams. Though the world of fantasy sports is not new news, the sport has seen exponential growth in the past year. Fantasy sports started out with football and has ventured to cover everything from golf to nascar. Not only that, but new types of fantasy sports have emerged. For example, a game called "Pick 'Em"  where each week you guess the winner of a future match. The player with the most points at the end of the season wins (either a pot of money or bragging rights). 

The trend of fantasy sports and non traditional fantasy sports (like Pick 'Em) are only going to grow and continue to catch on quickly. Just as guys and girls alike are finding and maintaining friendships on social networking sites, fantasy leagues are now turning into the same resource for guys. With more chat capabilities, daily interactions between opposing teams, and more sports and types of fantasy games offered this online trend isn't slowing down soon. 

Flower's In Her Hair

Not real flowers, though that's pretty too. Flowers are popping up everywhere on girl's headpieces at CU -- headbands, barrettes, flowers of all colors and shapes, flowers with embellishments, you name it. This trend initially stemmed from Blair Waldorf , the infamous New York socialite from the hit show Gossip Girl. But Blair has been sporting flowers or large bows in her hair accessories for a few seasons now, and still this trend persists on our campus. 

Flowers serve as a statement accessory that can dress up any drab outfit. When girls cant afford to update their looks with new clothes or mix and match just wont do, a statement accessory like a bright headband with a few flowers can completely revamp your look. In the same spirit of saving money, flower headbands have turned into a DIY. Traditionally, flowers were worn as a symbol of being single or taken in Hawaiian culture. In modern american culture they are work for weddings or more dressy occasions. Fake flowers on headbands allow girls to use and abuse all the while still being just as pretty. 

Rompers

Rompers are a one piece garment similar to overalls. This infantile fashion emerged in the early 1900's as, well, a children's garment. The romper has since come back as popular lingerie and beachwear in the '60's and now as both a street and high fashion statement.

I believe this trend has emerged again with new found versatility. Unlike a summer dress, the rompers seen around campus are casual enough for class with some sneakers or flat sandals. Like the typical "going out dress" rompers can be dressed up with wedges or heels. It's a double whammy. Not only that, this adult sized play-suit is just that--playful. Created as a roomy outfit that made it easier for babies to play, the playfulness has carried over and in a classy way. Long gone are the tight, denim onesies seen in J.Lo videos. CU's campus is littered with girls in frilly, floral printed rompers trying to get their latest fashion statement out and about before fall begins.