Who knew Mother Nature could be so cruel?

Despite my better judgment, I started shopping for spring clothes last Friday. On Saturday, I went so far as to wear a sleeveless blouse to a party. On Sunday, I got a mild sunburn while sitting in my backyard.

By Monday, it was clear that my season in the sun had come to an end. Tuesday morning, I awoke to snow-covered trees. On Wednesday, I turned on the radio only to hear that a winter storm warning was in effect.

Looks like the April Fools’ joke is on me. And that’s just cold. Literally.

But I’ve decided to look on the sunny side. Or the sundress side, as the case may be. If ever there were an antidote to April snow showers, it’s all the pretty flowers – and polka dots, handkerchief prints and optical black-and-white patterns – that are popping up on dresses everywhere.

Kind of like the crocuses that popped up in my yard last week. Except this looks like a trend that won’t get snowed-in.

This spring (and I use the term “spring” loosely), dresses are back with a vengeance – whether floaty and romantic or sleek and sophisticated. And they’re the ultimate in effortless dressing. Slip on a pair of matching shoes – or, this week, boots – and you’re good to go. From zero to dressed in 3.5 seconds. Which is great if shoveling the driveway has left you pressed for time.

Some of my favorite dresses of the season come from Anthropologie. When the spring look book arrived in my mailbox, I felt the same exhiliration as when my seed catalogs arrive – the weather isn’t warm yet, but a girl can dream. And when it comes to $300 dresses, that’s about all I can do.

Still, the options available locally are equally dreamy. Anyone who has watched TV in the last month has seen the Old Navy commercial with the gorgeous floral halter dress. And it’s just as beautiful in real life. Plus, the $34.50 price tag doesn’t hurt. I also like the selection of baby-doll dresses – they’ll be adorable alone once the weather warms up, but for now, try them over jeans (and under a parka).

Dressbarn lives up to its name this spring with an amazing – and flattering – selection of dresses. I adore the vintage-inspired green and white Jackie O dress, and it’s available in plus sizes, too. Even better? The sales staff is helpful without being pushy. I love that in a store.

I emceed a Macy’s fashion show last week, and some of the junior dresses that came down the runway were downright adorable. I especially loved the black-and-white polka-dot dress from BCX. But a bold, mod green and black print dress from INC really has me drooling.

I couldn’t resist the polka-dotted wrap dress and sundress at New York & Co. I liked them so much, I bought both. And they were such a great deal, who could blame me?

The real surprise of the shopping voyage occurred at JC Penney. I could not believe how many fantastic dresses – at ridiculously affordable prices – were there. The chic styles, especially the wrap dresses by Bisou Bisou and the too-cute handkerchief-silk dress from Nicole Miller – made me completely reconsider this department store as a fashion destination. And the sweet, peachy-pink sundress from a.n.a (a steal at $39.99) sealed the deal.

Now all I need is a little sunshine to darken my blinding white legs. When the warm weather gets here, at least my closet will be ready. With all these options, I’ll be dressed for success – in excess.

ShopNotes

Feel the flower power from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today during the Eastern Maine Orchid Society’s Spring Orchid Sale and Show at the University of Maine’s Clapp greenhouses in Orono. Proceeds from the sale will go toward a book award for a University of Maine horticulture student. For information, call Janelle Delicata at 567-3822 or Sue Rudnicki at 848-5656.

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329, or by fax to 941-9476. For exclusive online shopping tips, visit ShopGirl’s Blog at http://community.bangordailynews.com/blog/4.

(Clockwise from top left) pink floral dress by a.n.a., $39.99, JC Penney; polka-dot sundress, $54 before discount, New York & Co.; green floral dress, $39.99, Dressbarn; polka-dot wrap dress, $59 before discount, New York & Co.; bright pink and turquoise handkerchief print dress by Nicole Miller, $69.99, JC Penney.