The Observer » spring

Fashion magazines reveal latest spring styles

adviser — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:40:01 +0000

It’s that refreshing time of the year again CHS, so start packing away those heavy sweatshirts and fuzzy boots, and bring out the shorts and flip-flops. With the flowers of spring starting to blossom, designers are taking risks with new styles using abstract patterns and accessories from the past.
In the Harper’s Bazaar New York Fashion Week Spring 2011 fashion show, designers such as Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren exhibited clothing lines that included invigorating colors of the season such as shades of red, blue and green. As colors change with the leaves on the trees, so do the colors of the clothes on the racks at stores.
“Spring fashion brings brighter colors as the tone is moving away from the darker shades of winter,” senior
Jonae Lloyd said. “This definitely brings on a more cheerful mood.”
Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang and DKNY used vertical and horizontal, boldly-striped designs along with thick belts and flashy jewelry. Calvin Klein on the other hand went for a more relaxed and modest collection showing less skin and few colors, displaying
a new smart kind of sexy.
“It’s important to remember not to portray the wrong image,” Lloyd said.
Elle fashion magazine displays Marc Jacobs new Spring 2011 RTW Collection, which features a throwback
to the groovy ‘70s with floral and flare with a modern twist. Even the small details such as the hats, statement belts and clutches were like a trip through time back to the groovy decades.
Some may think this change to a new retro theme is too drastic for people off the runway to wear, although
others find it suitable.
“If you are comfortable with taking
these fashion risks, then go for it,” senior Rachel Bojarski said.
According to a March article in Harper’s Bazaar fashion magazine, celebrity icons such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Fergie are exhibiting unique styles this spring, showing no fear of disapproval from the public and really letting their individual and diverse colors shine through their distinctive choices in fashion and beauty.
While fashion designers and celebrities
determine the style of the season, sometimes they are not the best guide for shopping.
“I don’t really look at fashion magazines because you see cute clothes, but it’s either too expensive or they don’t tell you where to get it,” Bojarski said. “Also, it doesn’t matter who is wearing it; it matters if you like it.”
Forever 21’s spring line this year resembles a flourishing garden – flowers at every corner, even on the jewelry and shoes. Similar to Harper’s Bazaar’s spring show, the Forever 21 clothing this season is a cheerful smile with a dominance of pastel colors.
In contrast, Victoria’s Secret’s Pink spring collection exhibits patterns
with more control. The popular store offers teen girls lightweight clothing for the warm weather in new colors and prints, including a series of crop tops in solid shades.
According to Victoria’s Secret’s Pink homepage, the spring break must-haves includes loose short skirts, some lightweight hoodies and multiple dresses and rompers.
Nordstrom’s spring line of 2011 exhibits numerous blazers and denim
jackets – being displayed along with casual T-shirts and blouses – in addition to an assortment of sandals and gladiators in colors from crème to bright pink with unique designs. The store also changes into the new season with a large selection of crop and capri jeans.
“I love that Nordstrom is in style and not expensive,” sophomore Morgan
Fleming said. “They have great quality of clothes.”
Spring 2011 fashion gives shoppers
a variety of options, but advice is always helpful when making those big purchases.
“Don’t buy something unless you absolutely love it,” Bojarski said.
Try something new, feel free to experiment and have fun with new looks this spring – that’s what fashion
is about.

Track carries momentum of indoor season to spring

dweiss — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:21:16 +0000

Several CHS runners and throwers were chosen to participate in the Cougar Relays April 2 at Quince Orchard. The boys placed second, following Quince Orchard, and the girls tied Richard Montgomery for the thirteenth spot out of the 22 competing schools.

Junior Nadim Elhage dominated in the field, winning both the shot put relay and the discus throw relay. Other top scorers include junior Zach Weinstein, who won the 666 meter run, junior Will Conway, who won the 1 mile, and junior Taylor Caulk, who placed first in the triple jump.

In the 1600 meter sprint medley, the boys finished first while the girls finished fifth.
Prior to that, the track and field team started off the season March 29 with the boys defeating both B-CC and Blair. The girls team easily defeated Blair, but lost to B-CC, making it the first loss in a dual meet in over six years.

Elhage and junior Joey Kale helped the Bulldogs maintain a strong lead by placing first and second in the shot put. Elhage also won the boy’s discus throw.

“It was good for the beginning of the season, especially since we are missing some of our key sprinters through injuries,” coach Paul Jacobson said. “The boys won very easily.”

Senior Robert Bowis placed first in the long jump and contributed to the boys winning three out of the four relays. Senior Serenah Polite placed first in both the 100 and 300 meter hurdles as well as the triple jump. Caulk did well in the 100 meter dash and long jump. Freshman Emma Coleman competed well also.

“Emma Coleman surprised us all with a 27.3 second 200 meter dash which is incredible for a freshman,” Polite said.

Weinstein, one of CHS’s top distance runners, placed second in both the 1600 and 3200.

“To prepare for the meets at the beginning of the season, we work on endurance,” Weinstein said. “We usually alternate between easier and more difficult days to prepare.”

According to Weinstein, Quince Orchard, Clarksburg and Watkins Mill will be the Bulldogs’ toughest competition this season.

“Although we have several injuries, coming off a very successful indoor track season, we hope to duplicate that success during the outdoor season,” athletic director David Kelley said.

The Bulldogs meet against Georgetown Prep on April 5 was cancelled due to weather conditions.

Quick tips to help you make the cut this spring

jpostal — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:30:55 +0000

It’s that time of year again when spring sports tryouts are just around the corner. This is the time when many students are preparing for the upcoming season.

CHS students can take many precautions to prepare for the upcoming season. There are certain foods athletes should eat, and certain extents to which they should condition.

“I start preparing for tryouts in the winter season,” sophomore lacrosse player Colby Ranck said. “I play in a seven versus seven indoor league.”

Practicing on a team in the offseason can help to improve skills that will show during the season. There are many offseason practice teams students can join, and the earlier students start preparing, the more prepared they will be when tryouts begin.

“Athletes should run at least a mile four days a week,” varsity lacrosse coach Christen Pena-Ariet said. “[Athletes] also need to practice skills.”

According to the FitSport website, which has many tips and pointers for athletes, incorporating multiple types of training builds higher levels of endurance, strength, reaction time, speed, agility and quickness. Conditioning consistently will help to achieve these levels of fitness.

“I condition every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday,” senior baseball player Bryce Shemer said. “I run sprints, agilities and long distances.”

Conditioning is very important to an athlete’s performance, but other components factor in as well. An athlete’s diet is a key to his or her top athletic performance.

“Athletes should eat big breakfasts full of protein,” Pena-Ariet said. “[They should also eat] carbohydrates later on in the day.”

Proper, healthy nutrition will give athletes the energy and power needed during tryouts. Certain foods that have nutrients like protein give athletes better strength as well.

“The day before tryouts I eat healthy and have a lot of carbs like pasta,” Ranck said. “I also have a protein bar and drink a lot of water.”

An athlete’s attitude at tryouts is also a huge factor that plays into making a team. Staying positive and upbeat will help boost confidence, which will improve performance on the field.

“Don’t be nervous [at the tryout],” Ranck said. “Try your hardest, give it everything you’ve got, stay positive, and believe in yourself.”

Preparedness is the most important thing that leads to success at tryouts. Staying focused and determined will get student athletes far in the tryout process.

“[Students should] prepare themselves and try their best,” Pena-Ariet said. “Then, whether you make the team or not, at least you know you gave it your all, and won’t have any regrets.”