Military Inspired Fashions

On July 31st, 2008, Spc. Andre Darnell Mitchell, 25, of Elmont, N.Y., died in Mosul, Iraq, of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident. A soldier, he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas. Adventurous by nature, he loved being in the military.

Passing on at the tender age of 25, he didn't have children but he had a little brother who looked up to him. He also had two older brothers and an older sister. Although his mom begged him not to go to the war, this young college graduate went.

Many people disagree with the war in Iraq and don't support it but that doesn't mean that they don't support our troops because these are our sons, our daughters, our sisters, our brothers and our Moms and Dads who are fighting and dying.

Some people write letters and send care packages to the soldiers but here in America others have shown their support for the troops is by wearing clothing that is inspired by military attire. From Old Navy to Levi Strauss, many clothing manufacturers have pieces that are similar to what soldiers would wear.

Urban fashion legend, Tony Shellman presents military-inspired fashions at its finest via the Fall '08 Collection of Parish Nation. www.parish-nation.com

Check these out:

Copied by British designers in the 70's and by American designers in the 90's, Cargo pants and shorts are the perfect mix of fashion and function. Able to blend with many shirt and shoe combinations, they are equipped with cargo pockets that have accordian folds in the sides for increased capacity.

Levi's Patrol Cargo Pants.

Old Navy Men's Authentic Cargo Shorts

Dog tags are ID tags worn by military personal, Used to identify injured and killed soldiers, they list medical information including bloodtype and innoculation history. Famed jeweler David Yurman imulated the Dog Tag using his Sterling Silver Dogtag and Black Diamond Dogtag. Each attached to Boxchain Necklaces, they range in prices of $400-$1,295 respectively.

Let us know what think about the products and if you have someone in your life who is fighting for our freedom give them a shout out by listing their name. Also so reach out to some of the organizations listed below where you can lend more support to the brave men and women of our armed services.

- Kiante The Sneaker Mann

www.soldiersangels.org
www.americasupportsyou.mil
www.anysoldier.com
www.uso.org
www.give2thetroops.org
www.supportyourtroops.us
www.operation-support-our-troops.org

The College Survival Guide

A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.

Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.

Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.

Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.

MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.

Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age

Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.

Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.

Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.

Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!