Recent spring weather has inspired popular new trends such as styles of dresses, different types of sunglasses, and, perhaps the most popular new trend, the floral skirt.

MHS freshmen Ally Soule is the proud owner of 18 floral skirts. MHS junior Emily Gallagher beats her out with 29 skirts, not including floral dresses or repeated skirts in different colors.

Soule thinks that the skirts are so popular because “they’re bright, girly, and fun. Different from shorts, skirts in general are more comfortable and make you simply feel, well, prettier.”

The main reason that the new skirts are popular is because of the warm weather that has hit recently. As soon as the weather hit mid-70s, almost every girl at school whipped out their dresses and skirts and went “spring shopping.”

Many girls can be seen wearing them either high waisted with a belt or worn like a normal skirt, at the hips.

Soule and Gallagher bought their skirts at Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Old Navy, Hollister, Macy’s, Wal-mart, Target, and Charlotte Russe.

Most of these stores, particularly Charlotte Russe, have a big display of the new skirts right in the front of the store, encouraging girls to buy them.  These stores try to push the latest trend because they know that once the trend picks up those skirts will sell like crazy.

This tactic worked on Gallagher, she describes her favorite skirt as “navy blue with purple and magenta flowers on it.”

According to Soule, one of the main reasons these skirts sell so well is because they are comfortable and stylish. “I know when I get dressed in the morning I have two things in mind: comfort and style.”

Gallagher thinks the reason these skirts have gotten so popular is “because it is a quick and easy outfit to throw on but it is also really stylish because of the synched waste.”

Both Gallagher and Soule agree that the new trend took off because of the recent spring weather but the first signs of the new trend actually started during the winter months. “The recent floral trend began in the winter but, for comfort, we added tights,” said Soule. One of Gallagher’s favorite things about the tights is that “when it’s warm you can wear them with a tank top and flip flops but if it’s cold you can also wear them with leggings, boots, and a sweater.”

Soule and Gallagher are just two of the many girls at MHS sporting the spring floral skirt.

Going green is a way to start making a difference. Some ways to aid the environment and go green involve personal hygiene.

 The skin is like a sponge and according to planetgreen.dicovery.com throughout a life time pounds of different chemicals are absorbed by our face. Skin is the largest organ and should be well kept.

 Did you know that there are ways to wash your face to help the environment?

 You can make your own organic face wash by using natural ingredients that work just as well as name brand products, without leaving skin permanently damaged from harsh chemicals.

 Oatmeal, sugar water, and strawberries can be used as a replenishing facial scrub for a deep clean feel. You can mix the different ingredients to make the wash just the right fit for you.

 Steam is also a way to replenish your face and it leaves a fresh feeling. Adding oils or herbs to the water will help make your skin feeling even fresher, is optional.

 If you are looking for smooth skin; honey, bananas, olive oil, or avocados are suggested to use.  Textures of these natural ingredients open your pores and allow a smooth feeling on your skin to develop.

 Milk is one of the simplest ways to cleanse your face. Milk has lactic acids that leave your skin baby soft. Leave a bit of milk on your skin for 10-15 minutes and then rinse off with cool water, for the pleasant soft feel that is desired.

 Looking online is a great way to find accurate ideas on how to mix these natural ingredients. There are simple ways to have fun and keep clean. Try making your own face wash and have a blast with your friends.

Senior interviews at Middletown High School are coming up and everyone is preparing to perform their best.

A huge part of a good interview is what you wear. At a job interview it is recommended to dress in business casual. You shouldn’t be dressing up in a tuxedo or prom gown but at the same time don’t be dressed like a slob.

It is best to be overdressed than underdressed. Dressing well makes it look like you care about the job interview and that you’re serious. Remember first impressions are everything.

Boys and girls should both wear solid, conservative colors. Girls can wear matching blouses that go with sensible footwear and a limited amount of jewelry. Girls try wearing dress pants in black with a solid color button down shirt. Or if you don’t want to wear pants try a high wasted skirt. The girls should keep the hair neat and professional.

Boys should wear a simple business suit. A dry-cleaned, white, long sleeve shirt is recommended. The tie should be simple with a solid color or straightforward stripe design. When wearing dress shoes always wear dark socks underneath. Boys should also wear a neat professional hairstyle.

Both boys and girls should use perfume and cologne sparingly. The point of an interview is to be straightforward and business like, it’s not a romantic date.

After getting the right business casual look down, you are now ready for a great interview. Just remember to relax and think before you say anything to make sure your words are clear and concise, and don’t forget first impressions are everything.