School girl, schmool girl—this isn’t your throwback to Britney Spears circa 1998, nor is it a tribute to Red Hot Chili Peppers era Seattle grunge wear; spring is turning up the volume on plaid print, and it’s all new, all now, chic and playful. You can go practical and choice a button-up top and check plaid off your list—but why?? when there are so many new ways to wear it. We’re not kidding when we say—you haven’t seen plaid like this before—but after this we think you’ll want to see more. Here’s the newly minted take on this traditional pattern, as seen from the fresh eyes of spring 2011’s hottest designers:

Edgy squared

Think plaid’s got an overly innocent vibe? Not when it’s studded and striped like this trend-forward, mesh clutch from Lane Bryant at Inland Center ($190). Denounce your girly reputation when you pair this with the season’s muted neutrals during your next table-top for two night out.

Perked up patterns

Revive old looks with new ideas–florals and plaid forge new ground when mixed over spring’s full skirts. Pair with a fitted and tucked-in t and a strappy wedge for a warm weather showstopper. This eye-catching pick is from Anthropologie at The Oaks ($98).

Plaid to be had

We’re all in a twist about swimwear’s sexy take on the plaid one piece this season. From vivaciously bright hues, to this version’s twist on tribal—plaid’s got us percolating for more this spring. We snapped this up from Anthropologie at The Oaks ($298).

Pretty Prints-ess

A little sparkle never hurt anyone—get glamorous in the new metallic plaids. Traditional tartan or a modern fade, a little shine can transform a simple T and your style. Our new favorite top is Burberry from Nordstrom at Los Cerritos Center ($150).

Aliens are making a comeback thanks to Katy Perry. The “E.T.” video featuring Kanye West premiered online today. The video is the best of both worlds, pop and rap. Katy looks stunning in every costume featured. The amazing make up, hair and headpieces make the futuristic looks complete. I have a feeling this look is going to be huge for Halloween this year so start planning now!

“E.T.” Video

Behind the Scenes of the French Design Duo's Collaboration With Kanye West.

Kanye West is collaborating with graphic design duo Mathias Augustyniak and Michael Amzalag of M/M to use George Condo’s artwork from the rapper’s latest album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and turn it into scarves.  Only 250 of the silk scarves are being produced (50 each of 5 designs) and sold this spring on Colette and M/M’s website.

They will be sold at Paris’ Collette boutique and mmparis.com. Visit M/M (Paris)’ Facebook page for more details

Talk about taking a school girl’s crush to the limit, imagine having James Franco as an instructor? As if Franco’s resume isn’t full enough with being an actor, artist, author, and singer; he will soon be adding college instructor. He will be a graduate instructor beginning this fall at New York University, instructing a class on directing at the Karbar Institute of Film & Television. The class has the capacity of 12 students and is already filled(no surprise there). All I have to say is congratulations to those students who get the privilege to learn from such an intelligent and talented man. Good luck to all the females in this class, hope you’ll be able to focus!

Emma Stone is 22 years old and already has had 4 movies come out this year. She looks stunning as a red head or blonde.  And her attitude, well, it rocks.  She graces the cover of Glamour Magazine May 2011 issue, a picture of that is above and she’s wearing a D&G Dress.

Here’s a quick blurb on why we heart Emma Stone.  When asked the corny yet mandatory question what do you look for in a guy, she responds:

“Honestly, I cannot put a finger on it. One guy could do something that I would find deplorable, and [with] another guy I’d find it charming…. It depends on the person. The one thing that needs to be there is that indefinable spark of sorts. But I’m 22 years old…. I have no idea what I’m talking about. [Laughs.]”

Read more from this article here.

Helen Mirren reminds us of how a Hollywood actress should be — poised, elegant and always fabulous.  Congratulations to this 64 year old actress for receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 28, 2011.

It is time to welcome the sun and warm weather with one of the biggest trends for Spring/Summer 2011… NEON colors.  Celebrities such as Emma Roberts (pictured above), Kristen Bell, Fergie, Blake Lively, Paris Hilton and Vanessa Hudgens have all been taken a liking to this trend. The neon trend is not exclusive to clothes, it also includes shoes and accessories.  Designers like Marc Jacobs, Nini Ricci, Sonia Rykiel, and Prada have all included neons in their collections. Now it is time to buff up your days with a brand new and bright wardrobe for this season.

Jessica Simpson’s fashion empire is ranking in the same amount in sales as Michael Kors — last year Jessica pulled in $750 million in sales.  Women’s Wear Daily predicts that this year Ms. Simpson will pull in one billion dollars.  Take a look at her full collection here.

China Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011.

40 brands, 29 well known designers and 300 emerging fashion talents make up China’s 2011/2012 fashion week.  The event kicked off in Beijing over the weekend.  This bi annual event highlight local and international designers.

A Marc Jacobs intern had a very public breakdown on the brand’s Twitter account, @marcjacobsintl, calling CEO Robert Duffy a “tyrant.”  Here is just SOME of the intern’s breakdown tweets here:

Tweet 1: ‘You guys and gals have no idea how difficult Robert is. I am only an intern. My last day is tomorrow. I wouldn’t be tweeting this if not!’

Tweet 2:  ’Good luck! I pray for you all. If you get the job! I’m out of here. See ya! Son’t want to be ya! Roberts a tyrant! Seriously! He is tough!’

Tweet 3:   ‘I can call him out! I’m out! Won’t work in this town again! I know that! Learned a lot. But, I don’t have the energy for what is expected!’

Tweet 4: ‘Yea, walk in my MJ shoes! Don’t judge me! I’m alone in this office having to try and entertain you all. This isn’t easy. I have tried. Done!’

Ofcourse it didn’t take very long for the posts to be removed and the company stating the above tweet, “all is well.”