Comfy in the Cold

Along with the cold temperatures of winter comes a new wave of fashion in one specific department – pajamas! This season, Pres girls want to be comfortable, but still look cute. After all, there are some Saturdays and Sundays when we tend to stay in our sleepwear throughout most of the day.

A ubiquitous favorite, flannel pajamas return every year because they are simple and easy to wear. Because of the many prints that they come in, they are also very stylish. The loose shirt with a collarand spacious pants make flannel pajamas very comfortable (and perfect for eating lots of cookies).

Silk pajamas, although not very common among teenagers, are a great option for sleepwear. They may be a bit costly, but are worth it for their softness and sophisticated look. Look classy even while you sleep!

Pajamas that allow diversity and creativity are the mix n’ match t-shirts with flannel bottoms. Especially since it is getting colder each night into winter, longer sleeves are becoming necessary. Print shirts or plain with a simple design pair well with patterned flannel pj bottoms.

No more bare feet in the evening anymore because it’s time to break out our feet’s best friends. One thing all Pres girls love – slippers – are back on the scene. Sweater slippers were last year’s favorites but they came back as stylish feet warmers again this year. Animal prints, especially zebra and cheetah, are very popular, but also more and more actual animal shaped slippers are becoming popular, too.

Along with our pajamas and slippers, there’s nothing like an over sized sweater and hot cup of cocoa that will make us more in the mood for the cold winter ahead. Baggy knit sweaters, that would be seen as old-fashioned and ugly are now back in style. They can be thrown over any outfit, but are specifically perfect for comfy nights at home.

For many Pres students, winter is their favorite time of year. Good memories are made sitting around in pajamas and drinking hot cocoa while watching a Christmas movie with the family. There’s nothing like the feel of warmth of pajamas and slippers to remind us that the wonderful holiday season is back.

Quality flannel, silk and mix-n-match pajamas can be found at Victoria’s Secret. Their Dreamer Flannel Pajama is $49.50. Also, Gap and Target carry a variety of cute reasonably priced pajamas. Adorable slippers and sweaters can be found at Urban Outfitters. Their bird moccasins, which are come in reindeer and squirrel, are $24.

Collins’ Fashion Review

The students are not the only ones at Pres who are up on the latest trends– the teachers keep up with current fashion as well! This is the inaugural teacher style profile, a feature which will appear occasionally in “The Voice.” Between correcting papers and teaching class, Mrs. Collins still finds time to be stylish.

To find out more about her personal style, The Voice interviewed Mrs. Collins:

How do you decide on your outfits each day?
“Not as much thought goes into it as you think. I look for two things that match, and I look at how hot it is, and then I choose my shoes.”

How do you wear high heels every day?
“Oh, I’m used to it. I guess because I’m short I’ve always worn high heels.”

What’s more important to you- comfort or fashion?
“It depends on what I have to do that day. Because I have to do a lot of visits for schools and I have to look nice, I can’t always be perfectly comfortable, but I’m pretty comfortable in most of my clothes.”

What is your shopping weakness?
“Shoes! I don’t like shopping, so other than shoes, nothing.”

Do you have any fashion inspirations?
“No! I’m so not into that, it’s not even funny!”

To see pictures and more, be sure to pick up the October issue of The Voice!

Junior Ring Blues

Last year, the Class of 2012 was called for a mandatory collaboration to discuss junior rings. The students excitedly flipped through their books of ring styles and colors, conversing with their friends about which rings they liked best. However, the class was in for a surprise when they were told that not all of these options were available.

This year, Presentation has narrowed the selection of Josten’s class rings to only three options. This has brought about negative reactions from some members of the class of 2012.

Clearly, it is unfair that this year’s juniors are not given the same privileges that previous classes have been allowed. For this reason, I have decided to abstain from ordering a ring and will bring in a family ring for the Junior Ring Liturgy.

Of the three style options to choose from, all were traditional rings. Additionally, our only stone color choices were sapphire-like blue and white mother of pearl.

Students were given personalization to a certain extent–two of the ring choices could be engraved. One side of the ring would have the Presentation crest and would read “2012” in the student’s font of choice. The other side could be customized by the student. Also, students could choose the metal in which to set the ring.

However, these touches of personalization were simply not enough to convince me to buy a ring. This is not because I did not want a ring, but because I wanted one that reflected my personality.

The change has been made in an effort to return to traditional and more uniform rings through the Class of 2012, Presentation’s 50^th graduating class. However, one must ask, in a school which already has uniforms, why must another layer of sameness be added to the mix?

At Pres, we are encouraged to explore our creative sides and learn to be strong women. However, being told which rings we can and cannot order thwarts our self-expression.

Seeing a class ring on one’s finger, even if it is different than the rings of classmates, is enough to bring to mind the strong sisterhood at Presentation. Making the rings uniform will not change these positive memories of Pres– the values we have learned here are instilled within us, not within rings that all look the same.

Before learning about the lack of style options, I was ecstatic to get a junior ring. I wanted to express my school spirit and have a reminder on my hand of the great memories I have of Pres.

I was disappointed that I would not get to personalize the style or stone color of my ring, as I had seen many older friends’ excitement about theirs.

I did not dislike the options given to us, but I felt that none of them were representative of my personal style. Also, junior rings cost a great deal of money, and I was not comfortable with asking my parents to pay for a ring with which I was not absolutely happy. Given the current economic climate of the United States, it is difficult to justify such a large expenditure on a luxury item that is not exactly what one desires, or is not a unique expression of one’s personal style.

“I think the point of the ring is to be unified as a class, so I think that only three options is a good idea,” said junior Elizabeth Bernal.

An anonymous junior stated, “I ordered a junior ring because I wanted to participate in the tradition that we have here at Pres. But, I wish we would have been able to choose our own ring styles. Then, the color of the stone wouldn’t bother me so much.”

A class ring is something which students will keep for the rest of their lives; a reminder of their alma mater. Students are less inclined to consistently wear a ring that they do not feel reflects their own unique style.

I was saddened by Presentation’s limitations on ring personalization, and hope that, in the future, the school returns to its policy of allowing girls to select their own styles and colors. Should Pres girls order a class ring from Josten’s, or bring in a family ring, the memories we have made at Pres will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

TOMS Take the Cake

Its 7:40 am at Presentation High School and rainbows of footwear flood the hallway for the first time in months. It is easy to observe a wide range of personalities and styles at Pres by just looking at peoples’ feet. Vans, Converse, and Uggs are common favorites but a new contender has entered the race and has raised the bar in almost every aspect: TOMS.

Founded in May 2006 by Blake Mycoskie, after a life changing trip to Argentina, TOMS shoes are modeled after the traditional alpargata shoe of Argentinean farmers. Unlike the average shoe, TOMS are not limited to canvas and rubber. Wool, corduroy, sequins, recycled materials, and even a special “vegan” version that is free of any animal-by product are options. While use of these materials has been attempted before in fashion, no other shoe has hit the mainstream with as much force as TOMS.

So what’s the draw? “They’re comfy and [the company] give shoes to people who don’t have them,” explained Presentation Junior Hali Martin, while sporting her own pair of red canvas TOMS in the hallway. Indeed, part of what sets apart TOMS from any other shoe is their One for One “promise.” Every pair of shoes purchased, purchases a pair of shoes for a child in need across the globe.

Mycoskie discovered on his trip to Argentina that a child with shoes is less likely to contract disease or be injured, and more likely get an education (since often times children in poverty cannot afford shoes required by school uniform policies).

Inspired, Mycoskie started TOMS out of his own Santa Barbra apartment with four interns and within four years has grown to thousands of square feet of professional manufacturing and office space with thousands of employees and interns.

So far, TOMS claims to have given away 600,000 pairs of shoes and have an updated YouTube video blog of their own passionate interns lead by Mycoskie giving away their shoes by hand to ever-thankful children.

“I just thought they were cute!” said Mikala Evans, who was given a pair of TOMS by a friend after they ruined her old shoes. “After I found out [about One for One] I bought another.”

TOMS sounds almost too good to be true, and appears to have anticipated suspicious consumers. On their website, links to consumer auditing services for anyone interested in checking their ethical treatment of workers is available. While TOMS is a charitable business, they do not claim to be a charity. They have chosen to be a business and openly charge high premiums, which they claim cover the cost of the pair of shoes they give away.

The immense popularity of TOMS with younger generations and unique business outlook has certainly added competition in the fashion industry. Only time will tell if it will keep its One for One promise and redefine footwear.

Fall Trend Report: There’s No E.N.D. to These Incoming Trends

Prepare to step out of your comfort box and go on a shopping rampage. This fall will go down in trend history. Designers have created a brilliant, exciting collection of must-haves for this autumn. Apple has worked endlessly to perfect the most convenient MP3 player. Musical artists have strived to create unique and catchy songs. They have all assisted in transforming this year from “just another fall” into unforgettable.  From electronics to fashion, 2009 is exploding with edgy, fun styles sure to be enjoyed by all.

 

Fashion

Fashion, something many girls hold close to their hearts, showcased some great styles during New York Fashion Week. The top fashion trend this year? Plaid. Motorcycle jackets, dresses, and flannel have all been hit with the plaid plague. A clothing item with plaid print is a necessity for this year’s look. Pres girls are of course already way ahead of the fashion world with this trend. Finally the Presentation blue plaid skirt is in. Girls can stand proud in their skirts off campus knowing they are stylish and trendy. Other major trends include the boyfriend jean, zippers, boots, and bright, neon colors. Shoe stores, such as DSW, have dedicated at least eight rows for boots alone. Designers found unusual ways to incorporate zippers on flats, purses, and pants. Boyfriend jeans appear on legs of women throughout America and are sold at most retail stores. The famous Michael Kors had his models strutting a neon pink and neon green dress down the runway. So hit the mall as soon as possible and pick up clothing items of these fierce fashion trends that fit will your style.

 

Music

Many musical geniuses produced top hits this year, but the genre that really took off was pop. According to iTunes’s statistics, “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus is the number one most popular song of this fall. This hit single soared to the top of the charts within its first week of release. The second most popular song is “I Got a Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas. It is not uncommon to hear people chanting this catchy tune. Its feel-good vibe attracts many teens to want to listen to it. Third on the charts is “Down” by Jay Sean. This song received 4 ½ out of 5 stars from iTunes listeners. “Down” has an optimistic, loving beat instantly attracting teens. It also helps that the infamous Lil’ Wayne is featured in the song with his 30 second rap segment. Other top pop songs include “She Wolf” by Shakira, “Whatcha Say” by Jason DeRulo, and “Fallin’ for You” by Colbie Caillat.

 

Technology

In order to listen to music, having the essential MP3 player is crucial. Apple’s new iTouch second generation not only allows you to listen to your music without headphones, but includes internet, games, calendars, and even texting.  This all-in-one device is the trendiest and most efficient way to hear your music while communicating with your friends. You can even access the Presentation Voice website and keep up to date with school and other events. The website includes pictures, articles, and even fun quizzes. Check out more at www.presentationvoice.com.

 

If you’re looking for an adventurous, futuristic movie to see, keep your eye out for the upcoming film Avatar. Written by James Cameron, this 3D action packed movie will be unlike any other you have seen. According to Screen Rant, all actors are filmed special bodysuits and head rigs with a standard definition camera that is constantly snapping photos of the actors’ face. The image is then transmitted to another camera that is able to see the actors in their “CG” costumes. “The way we developed the performance capture workflow on ‘Avatar’ is we have our virtual camera, which allows me to, in real time, hold a camera — it’s really a monitor — in my hands and point it at the actors and see them as their CG characters” Cameron says. This movie should be coming to theaters in the summer of 2010.

 

This fall will surely be an explosion of exciting new things. Keep your eyes out for these trends to stay up to date with all the latest fads. Remember, originality is the new pink! So what are you waiting for? Go out, buy, and stay in style!