H&M and Jimmy Choo

On November 14, 2009 Jimmy Choo Ltd. is due to release an exclusive line at H&M stores. H&M and Jimmy Choo worked together to create designer clothing and shoes for an acceptable retail price. Jimmy Choo Ltd. is a company formed by Vogue accessory editor Tamara Mellon and couture shoe designer Jimmy Choo in 1966. The company has built its name up and is now a renowned British fashion house, sought after for its clothing, shoes, and handbags. Hennes & Mauritz, later abbreviated H&M, is a Swedish clothing store started by Erling Persson in 1947. It has grown from a small store in Stockholm to a worldwide phenomenon.

Although the line has not yet been released, photographs of the line have been leaked online. The collection showcases shoes, accessories and outfits and features bold, bright colors, and animal prints and is created in materials such as suede and leather. The photos of the pieces that have been leaked seem to have both a late teenage and early adult appeal, including many office appropriate looks. The majority of the line focuses around shoes, showcasing many different styles for the upcoming season. The line seems to be very wearable and its release is anticipated by many anxious shoppers.

RI Commissioner Visits Cumberland High

Deborah Gist, Rhode Island Commissioner of Education, visited Cumberland High School on Wednesday, September 23, 2009. Her visit was planned so that she could meet with the students and teachers of Cumberland, and converse with them about the different issues happening within the school district.
Ms. Gist first met with a select group of students from the high school, middle schools, and elementary schools. During this session, many different topics were discussed, including teacher quality and NECAP testing. After these discussions, Gist addressed mainly the high school students, asking how they felt about the different opportunities that Cumberland has prepared them for. There was a mixed reaction to this topic, with some students feeling prepared for college while others were more tentative, saying that the school could add more business classes.

After meeting with the students, the commissioner met with the faculty and staff of Cumberland. Commissioner Gist also went into detail about certain things she had planned for the district, and opened the meeting up for teachers to ask questions or make comments. Many teachers had the same comments as the children, complaining about the lack of business classes. Also, many commented on professional development, graduation requirements, and service learning approval paperwork.
During this meeting, she discussed the five priorities on her strategic agenda: education, family, students, leadership, and community. Although Gist did not go into details on her agenda, it is posted online at the Rhode Island School District website. Overall the Commissioner’s visit was very successful for both herself and the students and staff of Cumberland, where everyone learned something about the other.

Paris Fashion Week

While Fall is in the air here at CHS, fashion is in the air over in Paris. This past week numerous designers and fashion fans migrated to Paris for its annual fashion week. Since 1973, fashion week in Paris has been one of the most anticipated events of the fashion year. Numerous designers release a first look at their spring line, and once a designer shows at Paris Fashion Week, they become a well known name in the industry. Every year, notorious names such as Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Chanel preview their spring lines, lettings girls and women everywhere know the fashion necessities for the coming season.

This coming spring, there are many new looks to look forward to. During the week, all of the designers had very diverse and eloquent shows, while revealing many trends which they believe will become a hit. Some designers, such as Chanel, followed the current trends of light pastels, flower prints and lace. While others, such as Stelle McCartney, showcased vivid tropical-like patterned sundresses and minidresses with lots of giant ruffled tops. Other looks to appear were Alexander McQueen's water wonderland, Galliano’s dark bohemian glamor, Prada’s virginal vampire look, and Roland Mouret’s South African safari.

In order to emulate these looks you only need to remember a few things. Wear lots of sundresses and skirts, dress in bright colors and pastels, remember that ruffles are your friend, and all the designer looks from the runways can be translated into realistic outfits. Even if you can not afford designer names, many of the looks can be found at more affordable stores such as Forever 21, H&M, JC Penny’s, Marshalls, and T.J. Maxx.