Category Archives: Columns

Columns, Forum

Columnist’s music inspires clothing choices

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By Paige Thompson

By Summer Haynes

Some people pair music with moods.  Some pair clothes with events.  But I like to pair music with clothes, letting the music inspire some of the outfits that I wear.  Though music and clothes may not be closely related, they can inspire each other on days when picking out an outfit seems like a drag.  Put that iPod on shuffle and check out my music inspired outfits:

1) “White Winter Hymnal” – Fleet Foxes

The outfit that I would pair with this song would be full of denim.  Denim shorts or jeans with a button up shirt made of a denim material, a solid pastel, or a pastel checkered print.  For shoes I would wear oxfords or any kind of Ked-inspired sneaker.  Even a great pair of sandals would work.  A cardigan can also be added or a sweater over the button up shirt for those colder months that are quickly approaching.  For accessories, a fake pair of glasses (or a real pair if you wear glasses) and a few simple bracelets.

2) “Set You Free” – The Black Keys

This song would inspire a “night out” outfit.  Pair dark skinny jeans with a leather jacket, wearing a plain white v-neck t-shirt or flannel button up underneath the jacket.  For shoes, wear boots, or a pair of black oxford heels.  For accessories, I would keep it simple with a ring, or some bangles.

3) “Cosmic Love” – Florence & The Machine

This would be the outfit to wear when feeling extra girly.  Wear a floral dress, or a meshy flowing top with skinny jeans and flats.  Another option would be a bigger, lose sweater and a solid colored pleated skirt.  Wear this outfit with minimal jewelry, wearing only a watch or simple charm bracelet and small stud earrings.

4) “The Wolves (Act 1 & 2)” – Bon Iver

This song inspires my favorite look for the colder months, and it is all about comfort.  I would wear a comfy pair of jeans with a v-neck shirt under a big, cozy sweater.  Accessories are not needed with this outfit, but possible options are: small stud earrings, or a simple bracelet or necklace.  For shoes I would wear converse, a pair of boots, or flats.

This time of year is the best time for layering outfits and trying new trends.  It is certainly my favorite time of year to play up my wardrobe and there is no better way for me to do so than by getting inspired by some of my favorite music early in the morning.

Columns, Forum

Dazzlers share unique bond

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By Kimberly Humphries

In 84 days the FC Dazzlers will nervously await our destiny to be called.  No one has ever managed 10 consecutive national titles before, but then again, the Dazzlers are known for doing the impossible. 

Being a Dazzler makes me understand this more than anyone else ever could.  While other people take a break from their sport at some point in the year, Dazzlers take no breaks.  We practice all year long in preparation for two minutes on the nationals floor in Orlando, Florida.

Just thinking about the moment when we are all huddled together waiting to hear who the 2012 Large Varsity Pom National Champions will be, makes my stomach turn, and while I think of the possible results, I am knocking on wood, because no team is more superstitious than us.

No one expects it to be done, a straight decade of titles, two handfuls of rings.  But then again, no one thought nine straight titles could be managed either.  We thrive off the doubts, and nothing motivates us more than the people who hate on us for our success. 

When we take the floor, all of our practice is worth it.  We suddenly are relieved that we have a personal trainer that pushes us weekly.  We become thankful for all the difficult moments in technique class.  And missing out on countless events with our friends for extra practices or performances becomes so insignificant because we know there is absolutely nothing more we could have done to prepare ourselves for that moment.

Somewhere along the journey, teammates become friends, and eventually those friends become sisters.  Our coach became the big brother I have always wanted, who I know will always have my back, no matter what situation I get myself into.

At the risk of sounding super cliché, Dazzlers is more than a team, we are a family.  There is no doubt in my mind that I would do anything for my 22 sisters and my big brother.   When I am having a bad day, I know that after practice, it will be better.  When I have an issue and do not know what to do, there is always someone there that knows just what to say to help me make the right decision.

Dazzlers is not only physically draining, it is mentally draining too.  When it comes down to the last month before nationals, having three practices on a school day is not uncommon.  We are used to injuries that we push through for the sake of our sisters.  Our friends learn that they will see less and less of us the closer it gets.  And we lay up half the night wondering if all our hard work is going to pay off in the end.

There is no better feeling in the world than the feeling you get when you work for what you get.  No better feeling than slipping your arms into that white, silk nationals jacket.  No better feeling than watching your team represent your school on ESPN.  No better feeling than when someone looks at your nationals ring and says, “Wow! It looks like you won the Super Bowl!” These are the moments we work for. 

Because before you can know the feeling of being a champion, you have to work for it.

Columns, Forum

Bucket list gets nixed due to negative effects

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By Meghan Poff

By Summer Haynes

I bet you thought I was going to write about something on my bucket list.

Well you are wrong.

I know. That was a game changer. I like to be spontaneous sometimes.

But you know, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I do not want to do this bucket list. I thought it would be a good idea at first, make me more “outrageous”.

I am just too awkward to be reckless. Plus, the awkwardness is part of my appeal.

It is kind of killing my writing. Honestly, roasting on myself 24/7 takes a lot of work.  And I think my negative lifestyle is starting to have an effect on my self-esteem, so it’s pretty much lighten up, or start  therapy.

Being personable is less effort. So here it is, The Meghan Poff Bucket List for a More Satisfactory Existence.

Woah….That was so cliché, I should make it my Facebook status. As corny as they are, the reason that stuff gets so many likes, is because it’s true. I think I spend a too much time being cynical on social networking sites. I need to lighten up.

These are the best years of my life; I want to say I was the best and happiest person I could be. I can’t become bitter until I’m at least 79 so that leaves me about 64 years to enjoy, starting now.

……. ^What just happened?

I think that was my conscience talking.

Claire DeFrancisci, Columns, Forum

‘Truth is…’ becomes internet cliche

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By Claire DeFrancisci

By Summer Haynes

Most teenagers that have a  Facebook have seen them. Many of those teenagers have posted them. The “truth is” statuses have invaded Facebook and now are essentially unavoidable.

 A “truth is” status is when a user posts “truth is” as their status and their friends can “like” it. As the status-poster sees someone has liked it they basically write memories and what they have always thought of this person on the person’s wall. This may not seem  obnoxious but don’t be fooled. When these build up in someone’s Facebook newsfeed it’s like reading the same monotonous posts over and over.

 These contagious posts come in many different forms. The “let’s be honest”, “3 facts”, and “rate you 1-10” are practically the same thing. My personal favorite is the “put a number and a question in my inbox and I’ll answer it as my status” post.  It is the exact same thing as simply asking someone a question (typically about how attractive someone thinks they are) and having him or her answer. These are worse because no one can see what the question was, only the answer.

 Reading this mindless Facebook graffiti is exhausting due to the fact that most of them are exactly the same thing. A typical answer goes like this:

 Truth is: I’ve seen you in the hallway a couple times.

Truth is: You’re so pretty!

Truth is: You seem chill.

Truth is: We should totally hang out sometime!

Although these posts can be annoying and repetitive, it is understandable why they are so popular. Who would not want to know what somebody thinks of you right? Unfortunately you are not getting the truth most of the time, it is mostly mindless and complimentary.

 My advice is instead of writing a short impersonal note on someone’s virtual wall, find the courage to come up and talk to him or her in person.

Columns, Features, Forum

New season introduces accessible trends

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By Rebekah Landers

In the French language, ‘a la mode’ means in style or a trend, not ‘with ice cream.’ ‘A la mode’ is something you can achieve every day, especially in the fall.

This fall’s fashions are a plethora of tights, sweaters, and the one trend that is increasing in popularity daily that I like to call “grandma chic.” You know what I’m talking about. Those floral shirts or dresses that occasionally look as if they were made out of the pattern of your grandmas couch. Although some of the styles are affordable, adorable, and ‘a la mode’ some of the fall trends look like they crawled out of a senior citizen’s club.

There is a way to pull off this look without looking like a old hot mess. Stay away from sheer shirts with a over-dramatized cut. Especially floral and geometric patterns. A subtle repetition or small pattern is essential when choosing floral shirts or dresses. A helpful hint for picking a floral item is to try to stay away from flowers that a florist wouldn’t put together in a bouquet, such as sunflowers and roses. There are some exceptions when the flower is illustrated, though.

Jewelry can also attribute to some of the grandma fashion crimes. When choosing broaches, pendants, or bracelets, go for something that isn’t too bold and chunky.  If you want a thicker bracelet that is still flashy try something classy.

Aside from this seasons “golden aged” fashion, the business casual look is also ‘falling’ onto the runways. Blazers, oxfords, A-line skirts, top knots, and plum lipstick are all a forward trend that not many high school students try. If you want something more polished, but not formal, this style is perfect. To achieve this trendsetting look try belting a summer dress and pairing it with a pair of stockings and a black blazer.

Fall is also full of outstandingly beautiful makeup. This season try a bold fuchsia, purple, or red lipstick with a smooth winged eyeliner. Another option is a plum lip color paired with a smokey eye. A favorite fall product of mine is the ELF cosmetics eyes, lips, and cheek stain. It is the perfect long lasting blush color and it is only $1.

As for guys, try a light washed slim jean. No, not Slim Jim. We’re talking about clothes. Pair it with a brown sweater and a plain flannel. Now you have something to do while your girlfriend leisurely strolls around Forever 21.

Stay tuned for FC’s Fashion Week all next week.

  • Monday will feature freshmen
  • Tuesday will feature sophomores
  • Wednesday will feature Juniors
  • Thursday will feature seniors
  • and Friday we will feature two teachers

Don’t pass up these chic students, check the Bagpiper’s website everyday next week.