thread APRIL 2018
From the Foliage AFTER A LONG WINTER, SPRING IS FINALLY IN FULL BLOOM.
Around the World in One Day STUDENTS CELEBRATE UNITY IN DIVERSITY AT THE ISU STREET FAIR.
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Table of Contents
FALL 2017
18 Runway Realway
FRONT OF BOOK
04 Haute Online 08 Top 5 12 Editor’s Letter 13 Masthead
SEAMS
22 Celeb Style 28 Pumped Up Kicks 32 Waisted 36 Color Me Crazy 40 Outside the Box 46 One-Piece Wonder
72 Hop, Skip, & a Jump
DIY 60 Cheap Frills 64 Garden Party 68 Squeaky Clean 76 Frost Bite 80 Sipped, Not Stirred 2 | THREAD
86 Around the World in One Day
WHO, WHAT, WEAR 92 Shake it Up 98 Rhythm Ranch
MIDDLE OF BOOK
112 On the Block 124 From the Foliage 134 For Your Convenience 144 6 Looks: Beach
104 Light Lead the Way CAMPUS CASUAL 160 162 164 166
Horoscopes Curated Image Quiz: Late Night Bite Rep the Brand
BACK OF THE CLOSET
176 Local Threads 182 Color Struck 196 Finstagram 200 Q & A: Anthony Flamos 210 Sustainable Steps 216 Rant/Rave: Bold Branding
190 It’s Not a Phase
Click to view the story in motion with a video WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 3
HAUTE ONLINE Looking for some new blogs to add to your radar? Whether scrolling for outfit inspo or needing a quick recipe, we’ve got you covered virtually.
THE SWIRL The Swirl is a gem in a sea of blogs that offers essential information for every college student, photography enthusiast, or coffee lover. The blog is run by college roommates, Hannah and Gabby, who have a strong bond and eye for all things up-and-coming. Started as a place to document their love for baking, originally “The Swirl“ got its name from the swirl on a cupcake, according to the website. In addition to collegefocused articles about finances and internships, Hannah and Gabby also give individual updates. Hannah posts are called “The Weekly Brew“ and Gabby’s are “What’s the Roast?“ Under each post, they give a brief list of what they loved that week from fashion, health, and fitness. The Swirl is a bright blog that offers open arms to every college student. – SHEL BURTON
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haute online
BEAUTY IS BORING With the online beauty community growing every day, it’s hard to shuffle through the vast amount of content to find a favorite. There are so many brands, products, and gimmicks that exist in today’s beauty industry. Beauty Is Boring, a blog committed to makeup and the inventive ways people can use it, is truly a diamond in the rough. Beauty Is Boring was founded in 2012 by Robin Black. Black’s work has been featured in many publications like Vogue and Vanity Fair, but she found her passion through photographing musicians, actors, and artists from around the globe to capture the essence of modern beauty. She collaborates with Melissa Barrett, a former editor at Harper’s Bazaar, and Nick Tamburri, a seasoned film director, to create “a space for inspiration, inclusivity and fun.” The blog’s simple layout allows for Black’s photography to stand out; the front page features looks and posts that focus on striking portraits. The posts are digestible and easy to read while still informing their audience on everything they need to know. – EMILY BARBUS
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BLUMAAN Meraki, clay, and pomade— oh my! The world of short hairstyling is not short on products. If looking to up hair game, look no further than the BluMaan blog. The blog accompanies a site that carries an entire range of hair care products dedicated to people who are “addicted to having good hair.” BluMaan, run by Joseph Andrews, who started a YouTube channel four years ago that now has over a million subscribers. After success on YouTube, Andrews created his line of hair care products with friend Ben Weir. From there, the brand began a blog in March 2017. The blog offers information about BluMaan, like shipping and packaging changes, but it also gives practical hair advice. While the blog is targeted to men, the posts are helpful for those trying to increase their hairstyling skills, like how to style second-day hair and whether sulfates in shampoo hurt hair. (For the record, they’re great for cleaning, but can cause dryness and irritation.) Hair lookbooks will help in picking a new ‘do, and some posts cover skincare. Whether a hairstyle addict or novice, BluMaan can help get that mane back on track. – JULIA BROWN 6 | THREAD
CLICK TO VIEW THE WEBSITE!
haute online
PRETTY CRIPPLE “Welcome to my world on wheels!” That’s how Pretty Cripple creator, Magdalena Truchan, welcomes readers to her fashion and lifestyle blog. Truchan does, in fact, spend much of her life on wheels. More specifically, a wheelchair. Though the New Yorker’s blog title shines light on her disability, her blog covers a wide range of topics like food, fashion, and politics. Truchan claims that from the minute she was born, she “developed distinct cravings for ham, cheese, fashion magazines, and music.” And that’s what readers can expect from this humorous blog. Each post Truchan crafts is full of funny and relatable anecdotes. Unlike many blogs that substitute content for aesthetics, Pretty Cripple posts are long and engaging. By the end of each one, readers feel as though they’ve caught up with their friend or a columnist. Truchan has been profiled on Yahoo Lifestyle, Buzzfeed, Wear Your Voice, and several other media outlets. It’s clear that nobody can get enough of the self-proclaimed “irreverent, politically incorrect” blogger. Looking for a few laughs and fashion content? Look no further than prettycripple.com
– KENYETTA WHITFIELD WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 7
5 TOP
Find out the top five things that our exec board is inspired by right now.
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STRAW PURSES I must
admit I’m a bit of an accessories shopaholic. Whenever the latest season roles around I have trouble not buying a new purse. The next bag on my must-have list is a straw purse. These classic warm-weather accessories go with absolutely everything, from a black sundress to a colorful tank. To add a little extra color to these neutral bags, find one with bright tassels or beading details. My favorite website selling these purses is bohobags.com, they offer many options in unique shapes and colors! This is certainly an item that’s going to be making a debut on one of my beach adventures this summer. – MADISON CLEVELAND
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top 5
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KYLA COLEMAN / AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL CYCLE 24 America’s Next Top Model recently wrapped up their 24th season- making it a special one for many reasons. First, the show’s creator and host Tyra Banks returned to the show after letting Rita Ora host cycle 23. Tyra also removed the age limit for auditions, so aspiring models of all ages could compete (the oldest competitor this cycle was 42) and welcomed women of all shape, sizes, and backgrounds to challenge the standards of the modeling world. I watched this show religiously, making sure my Tuesdays at 9pm were free. The most shocking but well deserved win of this season went to the underdog Kyla Coleman. From episode one, I didn’t think she would have made it as far as she did, but she proved everyone wrong and showed the most growth and potential from all of the other constants. Kyla has some of the most beautiful features and I’m excited to watch her modeling career blossom. – KELLY BONDRA
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3
ALINA BARAZ As a person
who almost never enjoys every song on an album, I would like to applaud the singer/ songwriter and Cleveland native Alina Baraz for breaking this disappointing cycle. I became entranced with her dreamy voice when I heard her collaborations with Danish producer Galimatias on their EP Urban Flora in 2015. After almost four years of patiently awaiting another album from Baraz, she finally released her first solo project The Color of You this April. While different from Urban Flora’s electronic sound, this smooth and passionate R&B album once again left me struggling to choose my favorite song. The stories that Baraz tells through her lyrics are beautiful and will likely resonate with someone or something in your life. When listening to her collaboration with Khalid you might find yourself feeling like you’re actually “Floating” in your thoughts at 2 a.m. and “Yours” will transport you to a blissful paradise with that person you’re missing the most. Rain or shine, in love or out of love, you will most likely have Baraz’s enchanting vocals on repeat after hearing any one of her songs. 10 | THREAD
– RACHEL SINISTRO
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ANTI-BLUE LIGHT GLASSES
If you’re like me, then you have been blessed with 20/20 vision. But if you’re also like me, you’ve always wanted to wear glasses but didn’t want to admit they’re fake. I finally found a solution: anti-blue light glasses. I stare at a computer screen for 90% of my day, everyday. It became such a stress on my eyes that I would constantly get headaches, especially when looking at a bright fluorescent light after sitting at a computer for hours on end. When a colleague told me about these amazing glasses, I couldn’t pass up the chance to buy them. Plus, they were only $20 on amazon and super cute. Since they’ve come in the mail, I wear them all the time! I think I’m overdoing it, though. People who know me know they’re not actually “real” prescription glasses. But I don’t care, they go with every single outfit I own and protect my eyes from the treacherous blue light.
ADULT SH1T Adulting
is hard, and it is something none of us want to do. I know personally, my mom can’t answer all of my questions about being an adult, so that’s why I listen to Kelsey Darragh and Kate Peterman to give me the nitty gritty on getting things done. They have a new episode out every Wednesday, and it’s something I look forward to. The duo, originally from Buzzfeed, and now they have a podcast where they mess up so their listeners don’t have to. The podcast touches base on the things we as women are told to never talk about—sex, mental health, and feminine issues we didn’t learn in health class. These two rambunctious personalities are always talking about Adult Sh1t anyone can relate to. – DANIELLE DONAVAN
– SAMANTHA GÜT
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Editor’s Note That’s a wrap on this academic year, Threadies! I can’t believe this is the last issue of this year. Time flies when you’re having fun, right? Hopefully everyone is looking forward to a summer filled with adventures, sunshine, and some much needed relaxation. But, before we get to summer, we’ve still got to power through final papers and exams. Despite cramming as much as possible into the last few days of the semester academically, it’s also important to remember to take time for yourself. Find out what will satisfy that late night snack craving with our quiz (P. 164) or maybe go out with friends for a shake at Odyssey Nutrition (“Shake it Up,” P. 92) or make some popsicles (“Frost Bite,” P. 76). If you’re looking to explore the Athens region before graduation, check out Fur Peace Ranch for some music and psychadelic art (“Rhythm Retreat,” P. 98). Or, explore Strouds Run, where our “Six Looks We Like” beach shoot took place (P. 144). For those of you looking ahead past graduation, perhaps you’re focusing on marketing yourself to future employers. It’s nervewracking, but building personal brand can be easier than ever with social media (“Curated Image,” P. 162). Or, if you’re looking to switch up
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your personal image, perhaps you’re in search of some inspiration. Try out a look inspired by a celebrity or runway collection to get a jump start (Celeb Style, P. 22 and Runway Realway, P. 18). Want to channel some serious spring vibes? Check out “From the Foliage” for some floral fashion looks (P. 124). It’s bittersweet to produce the last issue of this school year, but I’m excited to be back in the fall. Enjoy our last issue of the year, and we can’t wait to see you back in the fall. Thanks for sticking with us, and we’ll see you soon!
Much Love,
thread EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Katie Pittman MANAGING EDITOR Madison Cleveland PHOTO EDITOR Evan Leonard & Leanna Siupinys
DESIGN DIRECTOR Samantha Güt
FEATURES EDITOR Kenyetta Whitfield
PUBLIC RELATIONS CHIEF Rachel Sinistro
SEAMS EDITOR Julia Brown
BUSINESS MANAGER Kelly Bondra
WHO, WHAT, WEAR EDITOR Haadiza Ogwude
PHOTO CHIEF Colby Caldwell
DIY EDITOR Jaida Sterling
FASHION DIRECTOR Danielle Donavan
CAMPUS CASUAL EDITOR Rylie Brown
WEB EDITOR Grace Ziemke
VIDEO CHIEF Carley Matson PHOTO:
Kinsey Ball, Emily Barbus, Kelly Bondra, Maggie Boyle, Allison Haas, Matt Jones, Evan Leonard, Elle Moore, Riley Perone, Maddie Schroeder, Leanna Siupinys, Kelly Wallace
DESIGN:
Nicole Dinan, Jeana Rayo, Maddie Schroeder, Emma Steer, Audra Swan, Alex Vella, Riley Watson, Grace Ziemke
PR:
Haley Bender, Bailey Kormick, Blake Milore, Abby Patsiavos, Nathaniel Stransbery, Allyson Vaughn
VIDEO:
Baylee Gorham, Jessica Lucas, Cynthia Martindale, Leah Nutter
STYLISTS:
Courtney Adams, Cameron Carr, Michael Cobb, Will Hippler, Sara Januszewski, Erin Lesko, Natalie Thomas, Brooke Tokar LEAD STYLIST: Maggie Boyle
WRITERS:
Courtney Adams, Kat Altier, Nick Battaglia, Shel Burton, Marie Chailosky, Shaina Dubinskiy, Madeline Fink, Annie Herr, Colleen Howard, Jessica Lucas, Jackie Osborne, Hannah Pridemore, Grace Ziemke
MAKEUP ARTIST:
Natalie Thomas, Brooke Tokar
MODELS:
Courtney Adams, Stephen Adams, Emily Addams, Casi-Jordan Arnold, Paula Atfield, Nick Battaglia, Lindsay Berndt, Claire Brockman, Jamel Chaney, Patricia Colella, Emma Grant, Taylor Highbloom, Hannah Kerns, Katie Lydrickson, Breanna Morrissey, MaKenna Moses, Andrea Robinson, Jarrod Robinson, Kimberly Romshe, Kobe Saunders, Josie Seibert, Keegan Shaw, Halle Siegel, Aubrey Snider, Jack Staples, Maddy Steel, Khanh-vy Tran, Brenna Tyler, Heather Willard
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Behind the Scenes of
Thread’s photoshoots
Light Lead the Way, 108
On the Block, 132
SPRING
2018 VIDEOS
From the Foliage, 122
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6 Looks: Beach Looks 146
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FACEBOOK.COM/THREADMAG
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SEAMS From the runway to the streets, and everywhere in between, here are this season’s most sought-after trends.
PUMPED UP KICKS P. 28 WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 17
Runway Realway BY SHAINA DUBINSKIY PHOTOS BY MAGGIE BOYLE
Founded 10 years ago by supermodel and actress Liya Kebede, Lemlem is an artisanal clothing and socially conscious company based in Africa. Inspired after a trip to Ethiopia, Kebede created the company in hopes of elevating artisan craft and expanding production and employment in her home country. Unlike many clothing companies today, Lemlem’s core collection is hand-embroidered with natural cotton and has philanthropic connections with the Lemlem Foundation, which provides maternal healthcare and economic support to women in Africa. Channeling its tropical roots, Lemlem’s Spring 2018 Ready-toWear collection is ideal for a sunny day, whether by the beach or in the concrete jungle. With dreamy, pastel colors and linen flowy pieces, this collection has major summerin-the-Hamptons vibes from kaftans and dresses to rompers and beyond. What originally began as a resortwear brand has expanded to various different types of clothing, boasting staples like their pastel cropped Imani sailor pant and crisp striped Juni jumpsuit. This spring, Lemlem 18 | THREAD
experimented with asymmetry and abstract motifs, like fringe and tassels, that truly capture the essence of the brand as a whole. Not only is this season’s collection breathable and lightweight, but it is highly versatile, with pieces like the Saba fuchsia sundress that can be worn over a bathing suit in the daytime, or paired with wedges and a basket-weave clutch in the evening. Lemlem, which means “to bloom“ in the Ethiopian
language of Amharic, does just that in this line with lively colors in the collection like cobalt blue, canary yellow, and magenta. This collection can be found in Barney’s, J.Crew, and online at the company’s website, as well as other websites such as Revolve and Net-a-Porter, but the lightweight, beachwear trend can luckily be found almost anywhere. For stylish shoppers who are balling on a budget, pieces similar to this spring collection can be
found at stores like Free People, Anthropologie, and Madewell. Lemlem’s prices fall a little on the high side, but for good reason: five percent of sale proceeds go straight to the Lemlem Foundation. Kebede’s cheerful and relaxed spring collection is the bohemian trend everyone will be raving about. Regardless of one’s location this spring, this line with its lightweight, versatile garments and diverse colors and patterns will feel like being on a yacht in Cabo. WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 19
SSS
WORLD CORP
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seams BY MARIE CHAILOSKY PHOTOS BY ALLISON HAAS
SSS World Corp’s Spring 2018 show was the debut for the brand and for its founder Justin O’Shea. Having no formal experience as a designer, O’Shea was chosen to be the creative director of the Italian menswear label Brioni March 2016. However, in October 2016, O’Shea departured after only six months. O’Shea kept himself busy at the launch of his self-funded SSS World Corp, hosting three separate shows on the same day at Paris’ Men’s Fashion Week in June 2017. The designer recruited tattooed and long haired models to debut his collection titled “Aloha from Hell.” Each of the three shows created different sides of “Aloha from Hell.” The first two shows had 13 looks each and made the models look like they were attending the most upscale luau that O’Shea could conceive. “We want to bring an edge of formality to streetwear,” O’Shea said to GQ. Bright Hawaiian shirts were tucked into baggy, but tailored trousers. The patterns were bold, but the tailoring and outfitting made the men look sophisticated. As the show progressed, the outfits turned even less casual and by the end of the first show, models were in patterned overcoats. The second show was all about neckties. The patterns of the shirts and the ties clashed—but in a fashionable way—with exploded florals and hula dancers with skeleton head patterns. Every model wore a
button-down shirt, solid pants, a vibrant tie, a statement belt and large sunglasses. If the first two shows were “Aloha,” the third was “Hell.” There were only five looks debuted at cocktail hour at the Hemingway Bar in Paris. Full three-piece, perfectly tailored suits were worn by the sinister-looking models. Only the ties had a hint of a floral pattern which served as a reminder that we were still at SSS World Corp’s fancy luau. To achieve the “Aloha from Hell” look, a Hawaiian shirt from Goodwill would be the place to start. Pair a shirt with tailored trousers, a statement belt, and sunglasses. Some call bright shirts and mismatched ties cheesy, but O’shea redefines what it means to be taken seriously.
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CELEB STYLE KEVIN ABSTRACT
BY NICK BATTAGLIA PHOTOS BY MATT JONES
FROM THE GLITTERY, ETHEREAL UNIVERSE OF R&B that was created by Frank Ocean came the birth of Ian Simpson, better known by his pseudonym, Kevin Abstract. Crawling up from the depths of one of the internet’s darkest rabbit holes—a Kanye West discussion forum—Kevin began creating music of his own. His songs are self-reflecting and messy as he shrouds his love stories 22 | THREAD
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in a thin fog of emo, pop, and glitz to unapologetically flaunt his homosexuality, sincere attitude, and appreciation for music that came before him. However, these branded elements are not tied solely to his music. His archaic manner is expressed through his personal style: unironic and true to himself. The foundation of his wardrobe is rooted in the early ’90s with the grungy, “dadcore” scene that was popularized by punk bands like Nirvana and old-school rap groups like Wu-Tang Clan. The style is rather inexpensive, a reflection of the lack of money these groups had when first starting, Kevin included. Kevin often wears baggy jeans and chinos, flooded or cropped above a pair of beaten, retro sneakers like Adidas Superstars, Vans Old-Skools, or classic Converse Chuck Taylors. His shirts are thrifted graphic T-shirts, often unbranded, and usually tucked in to his slack pants. If it’s cold, then his shirts are hidden under nostalgic hoodies or vintage-looking, colorful windbreakers. It all starts with the hair, as Kevin has dyed his almost every color on the wheel. From yellow to blue, pink to green, his hair is complemented with an equally bright headband. Pink, yellow, and black seem to be the colors of choice, but he is mainly recognized for his Dutch flag sweatband that became something of a poetic parallel to
the iconic Rising Sun headband Frank Ocean made famous. This style is super affordable, but sometimes hard to pull off. Having fun and owning it is always the right way to go. Toe the line between two eras, and get lost in the sublimely beautiful mind of Kevin Abstract with the embodiment of his message. Be unapologetically you.
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CELEB STYLE HAYLEY KIYOKO
BY HANNAH PRIDEMORE PHOTOS BY RILEY PERONE
HAYLEY KIYOKO HAS BEEN IN THE ACTING WORLD FOR A WHILE NOW, but 2018, or twenty-gay-teen as she’s dubbed it, is the year her singing career took off. Kiyoko is known from roles as Velma in “ScoobyDoo! Curse of the Lake Monster” and punk rock guitarist Stella in Disney’s “Lemonade Mouth.” While Stella’s style is based off the early 2000s punk rock era, Kiyoko’s style is more grunge 24 | THREAD
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than punk. Kiyoko pulls off outfits straight from a ’90s teen magazine and also wears bright colors and mixed prints. Kiyoko reflects her personal style in the aesthetic of her music videos. Her new album, Expectations, has brought three new music videos, each with neon, late-night party vibes. Even with the immense amount of color in her wardrobe, Kiyoko doesn’t shy from all-black looks. While Kiyoko’s sound isn’t unfamiliar, the use of her sexuality as a song topic sets her apart from other artists. Kiyoko identifies as a gay woman and is not afraid to use women as the subjects of her music videos. She’s doesn’t fear getting intimate with them either, which is an important part of her representation. Kiyoko’s intersectionality as a biracial, gay woman gives her a unique perspective not seen from many in the music industry. She’s also active in the LGBTQ+ movement outside of her music. The current generation of artists has notably been more open about sexuality than those before. Her presence in the industry gives representation to an underrepresented population; she’s giving a voice to those who haven’t had one until now. Lesbians and gay women are often sexualized in the media, and Kiyoko shows how intimate and affectionate a woman-loving-
woman relationship can be, without hypersexualizing it. This is especially important for her younger viewers who identify on the spectrum because they finally see themselves in healthy relationships as more than just objects. Kiyoko is unapologetically herself, and it shows not only in her outfits but also her music. She’s claimed 2018 as her year, so who knows what bold looks will come with this new expression of self-confidence.
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Blogger ofthethe Month Blogger of Month
Major: What makes you happy?
What’s your favorite part about blogging?
Craft supplies you always keep on hand?
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How would you describe your blog?
Favorite thing to do when you’re not crafting?
DIY Faux Stained Glass Looking for a way to brighten up windows? Jessica shares an easy and affordable way to create stained glass masterpieces. Only a few materials and a little bit of patience are needed! Read her blog for instructions and more details on how to create this one-ofa-kind window art.
DIY Paint Chip Wreath There’s nothing more inviting than hanging a wreath on the front door to welcome guests inside a home. Jessica shows how to create a leafy wreath with one unusual material, paint chips! If this craft sounds like something to try, go check out her blog post—be ready for lots of cutting and gluing!
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PUMPED UP KICK BY EMILY BARBUS PHOTOS BY MACK WAGNER
D
ad sneakers are the latest trend for summer fashion—on and off the runway. The trend split the fashion community after making headlines in February when Balenciaga debuted a readyto-wear shoe line featuring a nostalgic color concept and chunky silhouettes. The sneakers, known as the Triple S, were different than most sneakers on the market. The trend, up until recently, has been sleek and smooth shoes. Balenciaga’s shift transcended top influencers and made its way to streetwear across the world. But the chunky shoe movement didn’t start with Balenciaga or any luxury brand for that matter. It started many
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years earlier in the days of Nirvana and tattoo chokers. The original chunky shoe look came about in the ’90s and early ‘00s. Sandals, boots, sneakers, and jellies were big, and the memorable silhouette has become a ‘90s staple. The Spice Girls were known for their sky-high platform sneakers in every color and pattern. The exaggerated sole eventually made its way to ready-to-wear lines and department stores. Streetwear in the ’90s had a baggier, casual feel. The flashy shoes celebrities wore were traded out for cheaper, subdued sneakers. Fila, New Balance, and Sketchers all had versions of the chunky sneaker, jumpstarting a trend that would resurge almost two decades later.
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Once the late 2000s came about, big shoes were no longer mainstream. Instead, brands like Osiris and Air Jordan catered toward subcultures hanging onto the large sole look. Air Jordan, however, began a shoe revolution normalizing the culture for luxury shoes. It became common for an average person to drop hundreds of dollars on a single pair of shoes, and that mindset still prevails today. Air Jordan, along with Yeezy, Nike, and many more, have joined the game and created their own trendsetting shoes. 30 | THREAD
Even though Air Jordan continues to create shoes with a large sole, other brands opt for a streamlined look with a thin sole and simple upper panels. Now, everyone from celebrities to college students are rocking “dad sneakers,� but how did the trend come back into style? Thanks to social media and the rise of Instagram influencers and models who experiment with fashion and style, the otherwise outdated sneaker trend came back full force. Eastern Asian countries
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are noted for being ahead of the curve when it comes to fashion and makeup trends. Seoul Fashion Week featured creative streetwear looks that can’t be found on American soil. Influencers in South Korea and Japan experiment with silhouettes, further pushing the boundaries of what defines fashion, including the chunky sneakers that were popular in the ’90s. Instagram models proudly sported dad-like New Balance and Sketchers sneakers. Eventually, the Western part of the world caught up and joined in reviving the decades-old trend. One unique characteristic this trend has is that it didn’t
originate from the runways at Fashion Week. Instead, social media broke the status quo and influenced high-end brands. Since the resurgence, celebrities like Kim Kardashian, K-Pop idol J-Hope, and Bella Hadid have all been photographed wearing luxury brand sneakers. Regardless of one’s opinion on the sneaker trend, it’s safe to say that the origin of the trend is different from typical styles. It shows that social media has an increasing amount of influence on high and low culture because the trend is available for all. So, whether one drops hundreds of dollars or raids dad’s closet, the sneaker trend is obtainable for just about anyone.
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WAISTED BY JAIDA STERLING
G
PHOTOS BY EMILY BARBUS
uess who’s—or shall we say, what’s—back? Fanny packs (and belt bags). Remember when fanny packs were disliked to the point of no college-aged person daring to think about wearing one. People would say, “Fanny packs are lame,” or “Only old people wear those.” Now, fanny packs have made a comeback in the fashion world. Students can be seen rocking thrifted fanny packs (like the 1996 Atlanta Olympics fanny pack) at parties or on the street. Bright color schemes, like yellow, green, and purple, are popular among those sporting the trend. As a hands-free bag, it’s perfect for dancing the night away at a party. Plus, it’s large enough to store all of the essentials: money, phones, keys, and even a Polaroid camera (another nostalgic piece).
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For those who find themselves wanting more pockets, fanny packs and belt bags are the perfect option. They not only serve as a colorful accessory, but they also are extremely functional. Fanny packs have been around for awhile, but how long? The fanny pack hit peak popularity during the the 1980s and ’90s, but fanny packs were around decades before that. Time magazine published a story in 1992 called “Iceman” that explained how the body of a man wearing a waist pouch from approximately 3,300 B.C. was found by tourists in 1991. According to Men’s Health, “The ancient dead man had a pouch sewn to his belt containing only the necessities: a scraper, drill, flint flake, bone awl, and a piece of dried 34 | THREAD
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ILLUSTRATION BY ALEX VELLA
fungus.” This is the earliest account of someone wearing a bag resembling the fanny packs known today. Fanny packs have been called many different names: phany pack, bumbag, waist wallet, snatchel, moon bag, and belt bag. Although they’re related, fanny packs tend to be cheaper, while belt bags are more expensive (usually made of leather). Casual fanny packs are perhaps the most popular—the kind that can be worn to a beach, music festival, or kickback, like what PINK sells for $19.95. Belt bags are a fanny pack’s classier cousin. These can be worn to a dinner, night party, or date, like Gucci’s Sylvie leather belt bag. Gucci’s belt bag boasts a price tag of about $2,000, but many stores, like Topshop and ASOS, are offering more budgetfriendly, faux leather options. Celebrities like Rihanna, Bella Hadid, and A$AP Rocky have been spotted sporting leather
belt bags at music festivals and on the street. Designers like Prada, Supreme, and Michael Kors have joined the belt bag movement, too, creating their own versions. Fanny packs and belt bags are a lot better than what they used to be—even though they weren’t necessarily that bad before. They now come in more designs and are worn in many versatile ways. The bags aren’t only worn at the hip anymore, one can wear them across the chest or back like a sling backpack, or in the front like a belt buckle. They don’t cut into shoulders like a string backpack, don’t look bulky like a regular backpack, and aren’t a nuisance to carry like a handbag. Both men and women have worn them for centuries, making it a great versatile, functional, lightweight, and stylish item that can—and should—be in everyone’s closets for the Spring and Summer seasons. WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 35
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COLOR ME
Crazy BY COURTNEY ADAMS PHOTOS BY MAGGIE BOYLE
It is no surprise that hair dye has been around since about 1500 B.C. and is still a popular way to enhance one’s appearance in today’s world. Egyptians used henna to cover up grey hair, and during the time of the Roman Empire, Romans replaced wigs by coloring their hair with dye made from plants and nuts. Fast forward to the 1950s, and marketing for hair dye took off. The 1980s were the beginning of celebrity endorsements for hair color, which is still a prevalent sales technique. Hair dyeing for creative expression is more popular today than it has ever been. According to The Atlantic, an estimated 70
percent of women in the U.S. use hair coloring products. Seventy percent of women dye their hair, and while many color their hair to cover up graying, hair dyeing is now a form of creative expression for all. Natural shades like blonde and auburn are no longer the only hues one can dye hair. Pastel and neon colors are normalized, and one can see people walking down the street with pink or yellow hair, and it is so common one won’t think twice. It comes as no surprise that celebrities like Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry all partake in dyeing their hair crazy and eye-catching hues because they’ve done it for years. Celebrities with more refined WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 37
“HAIR DYEING FOR CREATIVE EXPRESSION IS MORE PREVALENT TODAY THAN IT EVER HAS BEEN.”
styles like Kate Hudson, Elle Fanning, Zayn Malik, Wiz Khalifa, and Tariji P. Henson have all been spotted with fun shades of pink and purple tresses. Bright colors are becoming more popular in workplaces. With the rise of every millennial’s favorite color, pink has also become a popular hair dye choice. And if one thought roots were something to avoid, think again. Adding color to roots is an unexpected contrast. Plus, by intentionally emphasizing roots, the time between touch-ups is lengthened, which is healthier for hair strands. Although hair dye has traditionally been used to cover gray hair, some people
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intentionally add gray to their locks, proving that going silver is embraceable at any age. If ready to try something new without going all out, “snowlights” might be a good option. Snowlights are icy, white-blonde strands that accent and elevate blonde hair to the next level. For those who aren’t ready for a permanent change, temporary dyes and wigs can help with test-driving the latest trends. Times are changing and self expression and hair color go hand-in-hand. Remember to use a high-quality, color-safe shampoo and reduce exposure to heat to keep hair vibrant until the next color adventure.
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OUTSIDE THE BOX
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BY JACKIE OSBORNE PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
Finding a new favorite product can be a serious drag. One can walk through aisle after aisle, go through rack after rack, and lay eyes on hundreds of options when really, all that’s needed is a new shirt. It’s stressful. What about always having been faithful
to a product, but a friend’s is better? Is it worth spending money on a product that might not even pass one’s standards? Enter the genius of subscription boxes. Don’t stress out in store aisles. Let subscription services aid in finding new favorites without the hassle of going to the store.
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COSMETICS Play! By Sephora is an easy and inexpensive way to start down the path of makeup discovery. For $10 per month, the box includes five makeup, hair care, and skincare samples, a collectible makeup bag, and access to exclusive video tutorials on how to best use new products. As a membership bonus, there is also a Play! Book with tips and tricks on the items, a Play! Pass that can be redeemed in-store for 50 bonus Beauty Insider points when making a fullsize purchase, and a Play! Date, a subscriber-only event where a subscriber and friend can come into the store to experiment with products and meet with beauty 42 | THREAD
experts. If a certain product grabs a subscriber’s attention, the fullsized product can be purchased on Sephora.com. Allure Beauty Box is available in three ways: monthly, yearly, or sent as a gift to someone. The first monthly box is $10 and includes a free new member gift. Any box after that is just $15 per month. The yearly box includes two free months ($30 in savings). The gift option can be purchased for three months, six months, or a year. Allure’s bright red box provides its subscribers with five top editor beauty picks and a free mini-magazine containing a letter from the editor, tips, and product reviews.
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CLOTHING StitchFix is like having a personal stylist—because subscribers are given one. Start by going on the StitchFix website to fill out a style quiz and explain a little bit about one’s personality. Then, a stylist chooses five items that best match the subscriber’s answers. The box ships, arrives, and the subscriber picks what items to keep. Buy any items liked, and send back whatever isn’t wanted. Returns are free, and there’s no hours of mindless department store wandering. Similar to StitchFix, Le Tote Select asks subscribers to take a style quiz first to help determine
the best products. There’s a $20 styling fee that takes the place of a monthly subscription fee, but the styling fee is added as a credit to any purchased items. Once the box arrives, subscribers have five days to try the items on and send them back if need be. At this rate, everyone may need a bigger closet. FOR MEN There are dozens of noncosmetic subscription boxes out there available for men as well. The Gentleman’s Box offers classy and professional items for men to include in their wardrobe. There are three types of boxes: an Item of the Month box, which showcases a new tie or pair of WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 43
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socks at $12-15 per month, the classic Gentleman’s Box, where men can choose their preferred items at $23-25 per month, and the Premium Box, which actually requires an application to be accepted, rolls in at $100 per month. Gentleman’s Box also offers a custom service for groomsmen. Products are designed for each particular groomsmen and match wedding themes and colors. Dollar Shave Club starts its subscribers off with a $5 box, which includes an “Executive” handle, a pack of 6-blade replacement cartridges, and starter set products like shave butter. DSC’s following boxes are $9 and include replacement cartridges. These boxes can be scheduled at any interval depending on when the subscriber wants it. DSC also has a 100% money-back guarantee. FAITH There’s several different ways of
practicing self care. Faith-based subscription boxes also exist. With Believer’s Box, each monthly box is designed to help strengthen faith and support people in need. For every box shipped, the organization donates five meals to Food for the Poor. For $25.95 a month, the box includes jewelry, passalong scripture cards, beauty and wellness items, and a frameable print. FaithBox looks to encourage its subscribers through an uplifting theme each month and includes a daily devotional, Everyday Faith. Boxes can be ordered monthly, for three months, or for a year until cancelled. The boxes are filled with hand-picked items that are ethical, eco-friendly, and have a positive impact on the world. FaithBox is also able to be purchased in bulk for a group or ministry.
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ONE–PIECE W O N D E R. BY COLLEEN HOWARD PHOTOS BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
From Justin Bieber to Kendall Jenner, everyone is wearing overalls. This one-piece is sweeping through stores and fashion magazines at a rapid rate. Not only is there a level of comfort achieved with a classic pair of overalls, but the versatility of the design steers many people to the style. As far as its recent arrival to fame, it could have something to do with the one-piece’s minimalistic approach. Jumpsuits, like overalls, have also taken the front seat when it comes to minimalistic fashion trends. The go-to garment can be dressed up or down with the ease of one slip-on motion. Who doesn’t think about convenience when it
comes to clothing? Overalls and jumpsuits have made their way into street style, and many are testing the limits by morphing their style to truly own their look. Thinking of an outfit for a day of errands? Wearing a baggy, loose pair of overalls with a T-shirt and sneakers makes getting around easier and more enjoyable. Going out for a night on the town? Grab some heels and don a nice blouse underneath and overalls are ready for any dance floor. Of course, mentioning that jumpsuits and overalls are perfect for beach wear would be obvious, but these pieces do have their claim to fame in those sandy settings as well.
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“AS FOR OVERALLS, IT’S HARD TO IMAGINE THAT A TREND WITH SUCH AN ENORMOUS FOLLOWING WILL DISAPPEAR ANYTIME SOON.”
This once rural-like look can be found on numerous runways, too. Just as streetstyle fashion has adopted the trend, many designers have struck gold in introducing it in their collections. Yves Saint Laurent, during 2018’s Fashion Week, introduced jumpsuits at the core of the collection. With the continued publicity of this trend item, its popularity has grown, and the consumer base has grown along with it. Overalls weren’t always seen as “cool” enough to be a runway or streetstyle staple. They surely had their spurts of popularity in the ’80s, but the item’s look has
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elevated with creative styling. Something that can’t seem to escape the trend? It’s association to a rural, country-like aesthetic. Normally when one thinks of fashion, city style is considered the default. However, the overall’s association with rural culture and workwear has not stopped designers from utilizing jumpsuits and overalls in their collections. It’s hard to imagine that a trend with such an enormous following will disappear anytime soon. Soak up the perks of an easy-to-wear garment while it lasts, and find ease in this latest movement that is shaping readyto-wear fashion.
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CHAIN BY JULIA BROWN PHOTOS BY MATT JONES
T
hough they might be reminiscent of longgone days filled with My Chemical Romance albums and fingerless gloves, chain wallets have made a comeback. Chain wallets have not always had the best reputation. In fact, they are best associated with suburban burnouts from the mid-2000s, and they’ve even found their way onto AskMen’s list of “10 Things No Man Can Wear After 30” and Complex ’s “50 Men’s Fashion Trends That Never Should Have Happened.” But like many embarrassing trends from the past—hello, branded tracksuits—chain wallets are having a renaissance. The wallets offer more than just a certain level of aesthetic quality; they have maintained popularity over the years for their practical use, too.
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Chain wallets first appeared with the rise of the motorcycle in the 1950s. Bikers needed a practical way to keep their wallets safe while speeding along newly-built highways, which might not come as a total shock for the “Sons of Anarchy” fans. Like most fashion trends, chain wallets seem to have a cyclical life, and they made a resurgence in the ’70s with the beginnings of the punk movement to protect wallets from theft or loss during crowded concerts with mosh pits. As punk shifted to grunge during the ’90s, wallet chains stuck around, both for their practical and aesthetic purposes. The wallets have come to represent those on the fringes of society in subcultures, particularly those that have strong ties to music like punk and emo.
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“AS PUNK SHIFTED TO GRUNGE DURING THE ’90S, WALLET CHAINS STUCK AROUND, BOTH FOR THEIR PRACTICAL AND AESTHETIC PURPOSES.”
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More recently, however, the chain wallet trend has edged its way into more mainstream styles with high end brands like Vetements. Their Fall 2016 collection featured many looks with waistlines dripping in chains. High end denim label Miaou has also featured the wallet additive. In an interview in December 2016, Vogue.com’s Market Editor Kelly Connor said, “For when my tote is too ‘day’ or casual, my solution is the wallet chain. It keeps your wallet and keys attached to you. And let’s be honest . . . it looks so much more badass than a fanny pack!” For those who have an additional $4,000 lying around, they could opt for a Louis Vuitton x Supreme crossover chain wallet. St. Laurent also offers a camouflage option that rings in around $420. If not, Hot Topic sells wallet chains for around $10. One just has to find a wallet with a hole to accommodate the chain. Spencer’s offers a double chain option for $20, if one’s looking for added security. For those not ready to make a full commitment to a chain wallet, one can always affix both ends of the chain to belt loops to add a little flair to the hips. Whether trying to look like the member of a motorcycle gang à la Jax Teller, or wanting to keep a wallet safe in a mosh pit, a chain wallet is the right choice. A thinner chain will give a more dainty look, while a heavier chain is a more industrial, utilitarian option. 56 | THREAD
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DIY
Crafting the most intricate of knick-knacks, working out the mind, body, and soul, and making the most delicious of treats.
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CHEAP FRILLS BY JAIDA STERLING PHOTOS BY COLBY CALDWELL
Lettuce hems result from fabric being stretched as it is sewn in order to create a ruffled, frilly hemline. A top with a frilly lettuce hem gives off an effortless vibe—even during stressful exam days, meetings, or running errands. Turn an old shirt into a summer staple with some easy reworking.
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diy: craft it
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MATERIALS NEEDED ~A stretchy shirt (preferably ribbed) ~Sewing machine ~Thread ~Scissors ~Pins ~Ruler ~Fabric chalk Optional: To create an off-the-shoulder top, lay a ruler across the upper part of the shirt (near the neckline). Draw a straight line from one shoulder to the other and cut in a straight line. Follow steps two through four to create a new top hem.
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diy: craft it
Steps:
1
Cut hems off the sleeves and the bottom of the shirt. For a higher crop, try on the shirt and mark where it will be cut. Then, after removing the shirt, place a ruler on the shirt to make a straight line. Cut along the line.
2
At the bottom opening of the shirt, pull the fabric to lightly stretch it. Then, fold the fabric about 1/4 inch inward and pin along the edge.
3
Set the sewing machine to a zig-zag stitch. If the sewing machine allows it, make the stitch length 1/5 inch and the stitch width 1/4 inch.
4
Lightly pull the fabric to stretch it as much as possible and zig-zag stitch along the edge.
5
Cut any excess fabric near the edge of the new hem.
6
Put on the beautifully ruffled top, go out, and enjoy your reworked threads!
Lettuce hems are an adorable detail to add to a shirt needing a new life. With this fun project, create a wavy hemline that’s great for any summer adventure: road trips, nights out, music festivals, picnics, or even family gatherings.
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GARDEN PARTY BY ANNIE HERR PHOTOS BY MACK WAGNER
Succulents may carry the title as easiest to care for houseplant. They rarely need water, do not require trimming or deadheading, and only need some sunshine to thrive. Their durable nature and innate minimalist cuteness have made them the first choice of anyone lacking a green thumb (but who doesn’t want plastic plants). Brighten up any space with a tiny garden in just a few steps.
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Materials Needed: ◊ Three to six succulent plants (various types) ◊ Potting soil
◊ Sand ◊ Pebbles ◊ Container with drainage hole
STEPS: 1 Pick out succulents. Most hardware stores carry an assortment of different types such as: Zebra plant: These spindly and spiky plants are striped white, resembling the stripes of a zebra.
Dudleya: The most commonly seen succulents, dudleyas grow in rosette shapes and come in almost 40 varieties.
2 Lay drainage screen in the bottom of the container, covering the hole. 3 Fill the container with rocks about 1/2 to 1 inch deep. Then, top with 1/2 inch of sand and 3-6 inches of potting soil, depending on the height of the planter. 4 Carefully remove plants from their original pots. Place in soil, tamping down between plantings and rearranging as needed. 5 Fill extra space with soil. Top with rocks, glass beads, or other decorative pieces.
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Succulent gardens are an easily customizable and fun way to bring some greenery indoors, especially during gray winter months. Remember to water the plants about once a week and keep them somewhere with lots of sun. Succulents are durable, but not indestructible. By keeping them healthy, they will make you happy in return!
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squeaky CLEAN
BY COLLEEN HOWARD AND COURTNEY ADAMS ILLUSTRATIONS BY EMMA STEER
Cleaning is a mundane, but necessary, task in life. It’s called a chore because people don’t usually enjoy it, but it has to be done. Why not change things up? Spruce up a boring cleaning routine by using a homemade cleaner made with all-natural ingredients, ditching the harsh chemicals.
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CLEAN EVERYTHING SPRAY
Lemon and Lime STEP ONE Squeeze the lemon and lime juice into a cup. Catch pulp by straining the citrus juice through a paper towel or cloth. STEP TWO Add one cup of white vinegar and one cup of water to the lemon and lime juice. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake.
Materials:
1 Lime
1 Lemon
STEP THREE It’s time to clean! Spray the mixture onto whatever needs cleaning, and let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse with water or buff any mirrors or windows dry. 1 Cup White Vinegar
Elevate your cleaning routine by picking out your own ingredients and ditching the chemicals for a natural alternative.
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carpet cleaner Materials:
2 cups baking soda
1 cup Borax
3 teaspoons citrus
Steps: STEP ONE: In a bowl, combine the Borax, baking soda, and citrus juice. STEP TWO: Mix well and store in a jar. STEP THREE: Sprinkle the mixture on dirty carpets, and let it sit for five minutes. STEP FOUR: After five minutes, vacuum the carpet. The cleaner should absorb odor and loosen dirt.
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diy: craft it
There are many ingredients and methods available to make a cleaner that is safe to use at home. If regular cleaners have lost their luster, or one is simply looking to switch things up, venture to the natural route. Not only will harsh smells and chemicals clogging up cabinets be removed, but perhaps creating a cleaning solution will add some fun to a typically boring chore.
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One-leg Jump
Step 1: Lift one leg a few inches off the ground. Jump and land on one foot. Repeat 20-25 times, or complete 30 seconds on each side. 72 | THREAD
diy: work it
Hop, Skip, and a Jump BY ALAYNA HUTCHINSON PHOTOS BY RILEY PERONE
W
orkout circuits can get repetitive and boring. Adding a jump rope to a routine can liven up any gym day, and it’s a great way to build dreaded cardio into workout. While it may take one back to days on the playground, jumping rope has both mental and physical benefits. This exercise is an efficient calorie-burner and
improves agility, coordination, and endurance. Jump ropes are easily portable, so a workout can be completed anywhere: home, gym, or outside. Whether a pro or beginner, here are some ways to incorporate a jump rope into a fitness routine. Materials: Only a jump rope needed!
Crisscross
Step 1: Hold a rope handle in each hand, crossing hands at the front of the body. Step 2: Starting with the rope at the back of the heels, swing it like a normal jump. Every other swing, uncross the arms. This move is complicated and may take a few tries! Once mastered, repeat for 30 to 60 seconds. These are just a few of the many jump rope exercises available. They’re a workout for both body and brain, improving rhythm and strategy. Jump ropes are an efficient and affordable piece of workout equipment that will liven up any workout.
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Side-to-Side
Step 1: As the rope approaches the feet, jump a few inches to one side. Step 2: When it approaches again, jump a few inches to the opposite side. Complete for 30 seconds. It may take a few tries to get a rhythm going. 74 | THREAD
Standard Two-foot Jump
Step 1: Place both feet on the floor, hip-width apart. Step 2: Begin with the rope behind the heels, swinging it overhead and under the feet, jumping. This is a great alternative warm-up to jogging or the elliptical. Make it a more intense part of a workout by increasing speed. Do this for 30 to 60 seconds.
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BY GRACE ZIEMKE PHOTOS BY KELLY WALLACE
What’s easier to make than ice cream but just as sweet and flavorful? Homemade ice pops! These recipes are a fresh twist on a classic summer snack. Ordinary frozen desserts don’t cut it anymore, and people are ready to try something new. Move away
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from the typical strawberry flavor by adding in new ingredients like balsamic vinegar, or make a cookie dough ice pop for a cozy night in with friends. The options are endless, but these recipes are here to help get the summer season started.
CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH INGREDIENTS NEEDED • 1/4 cup almond flour • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons almond butter • 1/2 cup coconut oil • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
STEPS Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, mix almond flour, vanilla extract, almond butter, and coconut oil together. Step 2: Add up to 1 cup of chocolate chips to the mixture. Step 3: Pour almond batter into ice pop molds and freeze overnight. Optional Chocolate Coating: Melt 1/2 cup of coconut oil with 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of almond butter. Take ice pops out of mold and dip into chocolate coating, freezing for an extra half hour. WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 77
STRAWBERRIES & CREAM INGREDIENTS NEEDED • 1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved • 2-3 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (optional) • Two 1/4 cups pure maple syrup • 1 1/2 cups full fat canned coconut milk • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • Small pinch of fine sea salt
STEPS Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange strawberries evenly on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Roast until strawberries are soft and fragrant (about 20 minutes). Step 2: Let the berries cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a bowl (including juices) and let cool until room temperature. Step 3: Add the roasted strawberries and 1/4 cup of maple syrup to a food processor or blender and pulse until combined. The mixture should be slightly chunky at the end of the process. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together coconut milk and the remaining maple syrup. Stir in vanilla and salt. Step 5: Spoon in one to two tablespoons of the strawberry mixture into the bottom of each ice pop mold. Top with a bit of cream, and continue layering until the molds are filled. Place in the freezer. Step 6: After 30 minutes, place a wooden stick in each mold and continue freezing. Freeze for about four hours total. 78 | THREAD
CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO!
diy: make it
QUICK TIP TO REMOVE ICE POPS, PLACE THE MOLD IN A LARGE BOWL OF WARM WATER FOR 10-15 SECONDS, THEN GENTLY PULL ON EACH STICK UNTIL THE POPS RELEASE.
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SIPPED, NOT STIRRED BY ANNIE HERR PHOTOS BY LEANNA SIUPINYS
Move over green juice and kale smoothies, there is a new health drink taking center stage: matcha. Matcha is a ground version of traditional green tea that uses tea leaves as the main product (rather than a byproduct) of the steeping process. Because of that, the tea is rich in antioxidants typically overlooked in traditional tea. Matcha has been linked to improving metabolism, and it also contains about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of brewed coffee. This makes it a perfect swap for coffee drinkers looking to kick their sometimes sugary morning drink.
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diy: make it
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Ingredients Needed:
Matcha powder
Milk (dairy or plant-based)
Agave syrup or honey (optional sweeteners)
Steps:
1 Bring 3/4 cup of the
chosen milk to a simmer over medium heat on a stovetop.
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2
Boil 1/4 cup of water.
diy: make it
It may seem like a lot of work for a caffeine kick one could get from a cup of coffee, but the health benefits and ritualistic process of making the tea can be a great addition to any morning. Take time to customize the drink to one’s taste, and it will quickly become a morning staple.
3 Place one teaspoon
of powder into a heatproof mug or bowl.
4 Carefully whisk in
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WHO, WHAT, WEAR A glance into some of Athens’ most captivating people, places, and events.
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I
nternational Week has been a permanent fixture at Ohio University from as early as 1969, and it has been an annual week-long celebration since 1979. During the week, there are several events, such as the World Cup Soccer Tournament and the Global Scoop Ice Cream event, that occur throughout campus that lead up to the grand finale, and one of the most popular events of the week, the International Street Fair. The International Street Fair, which occurs in April, has been celebrated on Court Street since 1982. However, this year’s fair went through several changes, including a switch in location and date. Instead of the Street Fair occurring on Court Street during Number Fest, it took place on Union Street during Mom’s Weekend, April 7. Despite these minor alterations, the fair managed to preserve its original mission of promoting diversity and inclusion in the area. “It was definitely a lot different than usual. People are always picturing Court Street. But it was kind of a new way, a new take on the old International Street Fair, which I think was really important for us, especially because it’s the 30th year of ISU,” Jenna Grams, Vice President of International Student Union said. According to Reiya Bhat, the public relations and 88 | THREAD
communications chair of ISU, the changes made to the celebration had a huge impact on attendance. With its new location, ISU was able to have the performance stage at Howard Park. They also had the backdrop of the flags on college green which really added to the spirit of the event. “There was more room for people to sit and enjoy things, where as on Court we don’t always have that,” Bhat said. This year’s fair boasted an attendance of approximately 700 people and participation from over 20 member organizations.
“WE’RE ALWAYS SO SEPARATED ALL THE TIME, BUT FOR THAT ONE DAY WE’RE ALL TOGETHER” – JENNA GRAMS
Events, such as a live performance from the New York party band Red Baraat and the international tea tasting were a big hit amongst fairgoers. Though these events have disappeared in recent years, the executive board decided to revive them in an effort to restore the event to its original glory.
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“In the past they used to bring performers, but that tradition kind of died out for a while, and so we really wanted to revitalize some of the previous traditions that ISU had,” Grams said. However, for Bhat and Grams, the opening parade was their favorite memory of the day. The parade, which began at John Calhoun Baker University center and ended at Howard Park, included a drum leader and the carrying of flags by international and domestic individuals alike, and ended with a speech by Ed Chow, a former president of ISU. “For me personally, my family is from Hungary. Most people, 90 | THREAD
when I say I’m Hungarian they’re like ‘What’s that?’ So, to be able to carry my flag and see other people in similar situations, or even from that country, that are able to carry their flag and walk down the street and shout with pride about their country, I think its one of the most unifying things and I cry every year during it,“ Grams explained. The location and the date weren’t the only changes made to this year’s street fair. The planning and preparation that goes into creating one of Athens’ most popular events of the season also underwent some modifications. Unlike previous years, there was no committee in
place to oversee the planning of the fair. Instead, the organization distributed tasks amongst its members. According to Grams, they divided and conquered. “It’s really a huge team effort,” Grams stated. Bhat also commented on the preparation of the event, stating that it took a lot of work and collaboration to plan and carry out the fair. For nearly 50 years, the International Street Fair has been a constant source for celebration, culture, and community in Athens. According to Grams, it is something that all students should experience. It is this ethos that has allowed the fair to withstand the test of time.
Though they are unsure of what the future holds for ISU, Grams and Bhat hope that the street fair continues to be an environment where all international students feel welcome. They believe the fair is a chance to meet people and broaden the community, and they are confident that it will continue to do just that. “It means a chance of unity. We’re always so separated...not even just by where we’re from but by major, grade, and class. Were always so separated all the time, but for that one day we’re all together,” Gram remarked “With unity through diversity, we really want to bring all bobcats together.” WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 91
Looking to switch things up, an OU grad built his own business out of fitness. BY NICK BATTAGLIA PHOTOS BY ELLE MOORE & MADDIE SCHROEDER
When Stephen Adams was cut from the Ohio University football team in 2013, he felt he had lost direction. It was then, during his third year, that he knew he wanted two things: to be fit and to be a part of a community. The solution to both of these issues was presented to Adams when he discovered through a friend that he could make a little extra money selling health supplements. By the fall of his fourth year, Adams was making around $250 a week selling fitness products alongside taking classes. At 25-years-old, Adams still sells these products in the form of shakes and teas at his very own store, 92 | THREAD
Odyssey Nutrition. Although Adams was born in Maryland and spent his first semester of college at West Texas A&M, he transferred to OU to be with his parents and escape the troubles of his past. He graduated with a psychology and pre-medical degree, and he always had the intention of getting his master’s degree. But when his supplement business took off, he decided to run with it. “I was never business-minded,” Adams says. “At that point in my life, it just made sense to me. I was looking for something new and challenging.” The store, which opened fall 2017, serves dozens of plantbased shakes that come in an array of flavors. Upon entry, customers are given an aloe shot and an herbal tea to refill the body’s antioxidants and to jumpstart the digestive system. Adams opened the location with the intention of moving
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who, what, wear
his business forward and providing students with a healthy, nutritional option. The name of the store is derived from the famous Greek mythology, Iliad and Odyssey, two epics that ties well into the message of getting fit. To him, the road to fitness is an adventure with obstacles to overcome, but at the end, those who stick with it, like the characters in Homer’s stories, emerge as victors. It was this philosophy that motivated Adams to open Odyssey Nutrition. Even with his success, it took a while for Adams to fully invest his all into the store. He says that while he took it seriously from the beginning, it was always just a way to pay his way through medical school. It was only a few months ago that he realized Odyssey was the legacy he wanted to build. For Adams, the freedom gave him the opportunity and time to do what he truly wanted. To him, the fitness business didn’t seem like work. “You have to have faith,”
Adams says. “If you have goals, you have to put them into action. If I waited until I graduated college to start this, then it probably wouldn’t be here.” With a mentor, a desire to learn, and trust in one’s abilities, Adams believes anyone can be where he is. With these traits and a business model that was already set in place for him by the product line, he managed to build something that means a lot to him. His goal was to create a community, and he succeeded in creating a store where all are welcome and a place where people can leave feeling healthier than when they walked in. Anybody who wants to meet Adams or try his smoothies can stop by Odyssey Nutrition at 30 East State Street. The store is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
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Rhythm Retreat BY KAT ALTIER PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FUR PEACE RANCH
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Hidden among the hills and pine trees of Appalachia is a place where Vanessa Kaukonen once jokingly said, “guitarists are grown.” This place is Fur Peace Ranch, and it was founded in 1989 in Pomeroy, Ohio, by Jorma and Vanessa Kaukonen. The vision of Fur Peace is to create a place for musicians to immerse themselves in art and leave inspired. Before opening the ranch, Jorma Kaukonen was a lead guitarist for Jefferson Airplane in the 1960s and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Because of the connections he has made in the music industry over the decades, Jorma has been able to convince some big names in folk, blues, and bluegrass music to come to southeast Ohio to participate in various workshops at the ranch. Some of the names include Jack Casady of Hot Tuna, Larry Campbell, best known for his part in Bob Dylan’s Never-Ending Tour band, and Spencer Bohren, to name a few. Originally, the plan was for the ranch to be constructed in Woodstock, New York, but instead the couple decided to build it in Meigs County. Although this wasn’t the original place imagined for Fur Peace, Vanessa said the location found them. “I think it was this moment of time where the world opened up to us, and we were given an option to choose a path or not choose a path. We were living in 100 | THREAD
upstate New York, in Woodstock, and Jorma got a call from a friend of ours. He had this land for sale in Meigs County Ohio, which is nowhere. So, he went out to look at the land. I didn’t go with him, and he bought it,” Vanessa said. People from all across the United States have traveled to Fur Peace Ranch in hopes of gaining from the hands-on learning experience. “I have students from all over the world,” Vanessa said. “White collar, blue collar, doctors, lawyers,
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and retired professionals. They come to the ranch, and they shut off their busy lives. We fill them with a sense of community, food, music, and friendship. It’s stuff that they can’t get in New York City in their 9-5 lives.” The Fur Peace Ranch offers an array of classes that are conducted in small 12 to 15 person groups and range between all skill levels. Courses mostly focus on guitar playing, however, they also have classes that specialize in
mandolin, percussion, vocals, and songwriting. The only requirement is having a passion for music. Fur Peace has a 97 percent return rate amongst its students. Vanessa remembered a comical experience she had with one of her students who is a retired producer for NBC. “When I met him, he still had a beeper—he didn’t have a cell phone—he just had a beeper. I remember he threatened to throw his beeper in the river WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 101
if he couldn’t shut off work. He’s the psychedelic movement, been to the ranch for 21 years, whatever that is, and I looked and he’s coming again twice at the ranch manager and said, this year. So, this time will be his ‘This is BS. I’m going to build 44th time coming in 21 years.” the world’s largest psychedelicAccording to Vanessa, a majority scope. I’m going to make the of their students who come are whole thing dedicated to the veterans of the ranch. 60s,’” Vanessa explained. In addition The to cultivating psychedelic “I HAVE STUDENTS gallery features musicians, Fur Peace is FROM ALL OVER artists who also a center made an THE WORLD. WHITE impact on the for all types of art. In fact, era. Some of COLLAR, BLUE they recently the featured COLLAR, DOCTORS, pieces include added what they call “The a collection of LAWYERS, Psylodelic original music AND RETIRED Gallery.” The posters, Jorma’s purpose of PROFESSIONALS. Woodstock the gallery is attire, and THEY COME TO THE assorted jewelry. to merge the music, art, RANCH AND THEY The “Psylo” and history also features a SHUT OFF THEIR liquid light show of the 1960s together that remains as BUSY LIVES.” under a grain a permanent -VANESSA KAUKONEN silo roof. The exhibit. The inspiration gallery is open behind the gallery came Wednesday through Friday from during an animated show 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Vanessa’s trip to the Fur Peace Ranch has been world’s largest kaleidoscope. bringing music and art to the According to Vanessa, the show southeastern Ohio area for misrepresented the culture that nearly 29 years. The ranch existed during the ‘60s. prides itself on being a place “I was just like, ‘What, that where professionals and was not the ‘60s.’ So, we amateurs alike can collaborate get out of there, and I was and support each other through just outraged. I mean, I live music, and it will continue to do with the guy who started so for years to come.
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LIGHT
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T LE A D T H E WAY As the summer sun fades into night, follow a guiding light to a new adventure. PHOTOS BY EVAN LEONARD
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PHOTOS BY HANNAH RUHOFF
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From The Foliage PHOTOS BY KINSEY BALL
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FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE Late nights with friends call for a quick snack from a favorite one-stop-shop. PHOTOS BY ELLE MOORE
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6 LOOKS WE LIKE:
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CAMPUS CASUAL
Light-hearted reads for the quiz-taking, listicle reading, horoscope believin’ spirit in all of us.
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Summer Horoscopes BY RYLIE BROWN
ILLUSTRATIONS BY EMMA STEER
PISCES FEB 19 - MAR 20 Summer is around the corner, and compassionate and artistic energy will be in full bloom. Now that you have time to relax after a busy school year, take time to work on health and spirituality. Try to connect your body and mind to properly refresh. There will be plenty of time for adventure this summer, but make time for family, too. It’s important to prioritize.
ARIES MAR 21-APR 19 The past might come back to bite you this summer, Aries. Make sure to patch things up with people you don’t agree with anymore and be as emotionally transparent as possible. Remember that feelings matter, too, and try not to settle for lame apologies. Vacationing and relaxing will be important this summer because you will crave the freedom of a clear schedule. 160 | THREAD
The time has finally arrived, folks. Summer is ready to cast its rays and warmth upon us, but what will the fourmonth hiatus bring you? Will you find a romantic fling this summer, or will your summer job help you pay off some long-standing bills? Take a peek ahead and see what the stars have in store for you.
THIS MONTH’S SIGN A new social scene that will TAURUS APR 20 - MAY 20 introduce you to a new circle
of friends is bound to be on your radar this summer. Try to stray away from your usual places and go explore. Refreshing and pressing the reset button often means having fun and unwinding as your travel, so take time to do just that. You might even experience a period of personal growth this summer which will help you in the fall.
GEMINI MAY 21 - JUN 20 Summer will be a great time for you to slow down and process the feelings you have been scrambling to deal with. Old friends might even make their way back into your life to help you remember the little things in life. It’s also important to map out long-term goals that you want to achieve over the next year. If you don’t do it now, then when will you?
CANCER JUN 21 - JUL 22 Plan the vacation of your dreams this summer. You deserve the break. Work on saying yes to more adventures because after all, sitting alone inside watching Netflix this summer is no way to live. Establish longterm goals that you can start to set a foundation for. This might include laying out a detailed planner or polishing up your résumé to be all set when fall arrives.
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LEO JUL 23 - AUG 22 Narrow your focus on a few goals this summer, Leo. Maybe it’s your fitness routine or maybe it’s bonding more with your family while you’re home. Make sure you really nail down your finances this summer as well. Don’t spend all of your paychecks right away, but look into investing, paying off a credit card, or saving up for school.
VIRGO AUG 23 - SEPT 22 Summer is here to deliver you some much-needed quiet moments. A brighter version of yourself is ready to arrive soon. In order to become brighter and happier, step back from social media for a bit. Coming off a school year reeling group projects, it’s time to let go. If you’re craving risks and adventure this summer, make sure you fulfill your needs in a healthy way.
LIBRA SEPT 23 - OCT 22 Have you been clinging to a bad situation from the past? Use this summer to work on healing and letting go of the past. Set healthy goals and maintain a balanced routine to finally get yourself back on track. Trust issues might be boiling up in some relationships, but you’ll find the confidence to confront issues head on. Take time to restore relationships and work through issues.
SCORPIO OCT 23 - NOV 21 Everything in life might feel new and overwhelming as summer approaches, but digesting things and taking a moment to breathe will be vital to get through this stage in life. You might find yourself drawing admirers this summer. Try to focus on self-care and maybe even have fun with the life you’re leading by changing up your hairstyle or playing with your closet. Creating a revamped you might even help with the closure you’ve been searching for.
SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 21 Buckle up for a busy summer. You might be working a ton of hours at your job or internship, but carve out time to treat yourself and play catch up on things and with people you have been neglecting. If you’ve been tossing around the idea to remodel or redecorate your living space, summer would be a great time to finally do it. Also, focus on a healthy diet that will recharge and get you ready to take on the world every day.
CAPRICORN DEC 22 - JAN 19 If you’ve been feeling stuck during the spring, look no further because summer will take those feelings away. You will be beaming with sex appeal, and you’re going to be a walking magnet attracting new friends and love interests everywhere you go. Be present when meeting new people, and if it feels overwhelming, take a break. Either way, focus on getting back into shape and experiencing new things while you have time off.
It’s all about establishing a new routine for yourself this summer. Slow down, get your finances in order by maintaining a summer job, and create a steady, healthy regiment. You could experience an emotional rough patch this summer which is normal when you’re missing your friends, but a recent job or internship offer could be coming your way to rescue you from the boring summer blues. While you’re waiting, give yourself a chance to reflect on the crazy school year you just finished. AQUARIUS JAN 20 - FEB 18
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IMAGE BY ALAYNA HUTCHINSON PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
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randing in 2018 means something entirely different than it did years ago. Long gone are the days when one needed an advertising agency and marketing company to create a brand. With the Internet and social media, we are in an age of connections and convenience. We now live in a world of social media influencers, where people can make a living solely off of their Instagram page. Regardless of what you want to do, branding yourself online can be very beneficial. SOCIAL MEDIA Social media plays a major role in creating and establishing a brand. Every successful brand today must have a strong presence on social media. These sites give a platform to share content and tell a story, while also engaging with other users. Everything you post is essentially representing your brand, which is why content curation is key in creating a brand identity. Each platform 162 | THREAD
serves a different purpose—for example, Instragram is visualbased and can be used to create an aesthetic, and Twitter is more conversational and allows for constant engagement and sharing of information. Develop a strategy for how to take advantage of different platforms to build a following, and be mindful of what you post and how it plays into your brand. STANDING OUT While social media and the Internet are great tools for brand building, they tend to be oversaturated with content. It can be easy to get caught up in trends and become lost in the mix. It’s important to separate yourself from the pack—figure out what’s unique and capitalize
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on it. No matter what your brand is, if you are authentic, people will connect with you. NETWORKING Networking today is easier than ever. This is another area where social media comes in. Sites like Twitter and Instagram provide a more casual way to connect and interact with influencers in your field, whereas platforms like LinkedIn allow for more professional engagement. Building relationships with these people can lead to future collaboration and career opportunities. A simple direct message can go a long way. GETTING INSPIRED Draw from people who inspire you. Whether it’s Bill Gates or
Beyoncé, take parts of their brand and incorporate it into yours. You can also get inspiration from content. Make an inspiration folder or a mood board with pictures, quotes, videos, and other content to pull from when you need ideas. START SOMEWHERE You won’t go from 500 to 5 million followers overnight. Successful companies and influencers have to work hard and be patient, hence the idea of building a brand. Simply start with some ideas of what you want your brand to be: Are you passionate about makeup? Do you know a lot about fitness? Once you have an idea, move from there. Then, decide who you want to reach and how. WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 163
WHAT LATE NIGHT IS FOR YOU?
BY RYLIE BROWN
ILLUSTRATIONS BY AUDRA SWAN
Do you need a late night meal in Athens, but you’re not sure where to go? Do you have trouble deciding where to eat after a night out? Take this quiz and find out the perfect restaurant for you.
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How do you usually spend your weekends? A. Curled up and watching Netflix by myself B. Grabbing a few drinks with friends C. Going shopping with friends and then renting a movie What kind of pajamas do you wear to bed? A. A pair of pants that feel like a blanket and a T-shirt B. Whatever I happen to fall asleep in C. A silk slip or nightgown What time does your head hit the pillow? A. Around 10 p.m. B. It’s getting light out when I finally go to bed C. Around midnight or 1 a.m. What do you keep stocked in your fridge? A. Snacks and frozen dinners B. Some water bottles if I’m lucky C. Leftovers What kind of food do you crave late at night? A. Tex-Mex B. Anything that’s greasy C. Asian
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MOSTLY A’S - BIG MAMMA’S BURRITOS You’re laid back, content, and you appreciate a good burrito, much like Big Mamma’s. Even though Big Mamma’s is open until 3 a.m., you would much rather go early to beat the hoards of drunk people that swarm in to get their fix so that you could return home safely and enjoy a baby burrito in the quiet of your own place.
MOSTLY B’S - O’BETTY’S After a crazy, late night out with friends, all you need is something greasy and cheap to satisfy your cravings. We all know that you won’t be eating until well after your last drink and final dance, but O’Betty’s has you covered until 3 a.m. on the weekends. Go ahead, glutton. Grab a hot dog and a some chili cheese fries.
MOSTLY C’S - FUSION NOODLE You enjoy the finer things in life, and you value time with friends. What better way to bond than by splitting a large order of fried rice and General Tso’s? Enjoy a late night bite from Fusion Noodle, which is conveniently open until 2:30 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and you will be satisfied before you decide to call it a night.
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REP THE BRAND BY GRACE ZIEMKE PHOTOS BY COLBY CALDWELL
IN A SMALL TOWN LIKE ATHENS, there are only so many jobs and opportunities available to students to make money and build professional experience. An alternative way to rake in the cash and hone communication skills is by becoming a brand ambassador. This job is becoming a notso-secret tactic among many companies, and rightly so. Ambassadors help add new texture to a brand—companies stand out when they bring
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on passionate and creative thought leaders who are excited to represent them. Becoming a brand ambassador is not impossible, either. Three brand ambassadors on Ohio University’s campus were excited to talk about their work with the companies Bumble, Boonie Patch Company, and BeatGig. By going behindthe-scenes with each of these ambassadors, one can see how attainable (and invigorating!) ambassador work can be.
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COURTNEY ADAMS Courtney is a third-year student studying Retail Merchandising and Fashion Product Development with a minor in Business Administration. She is a brand ambassador for Boonie Patch Co. Boonie was created in March 2016 in Toledo, Ohio, by Natalie Deeb and Greg Patrisso. They sell patches, pins, hats, backpacks, fanny packs, and other accessories. They design and produce their products in their uptown studio.
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BOONIE PATCH CO.
Grace Ziemke: How did you get started with Boonie Patch Co.? Courtney Adams: I went to high school with Natalie, she was a year ahead of me, but we had a lot of mutual friends. I was a huge fan from the start. They were only making patches and pins at first, but every month is seeming like they are expanding their product line. One day, I was thinking about how companies have brand ambassador positions, and I wanted to get more experience that was relevant to my major. So, I texted Natalie and asked if they had ever thought about doing a brand ambassador program. I loved their products, and I was talking about them and telling people to check them out, so why not make it official? It ended up being perfect timing because around the same time I asked if they would want to have a brand ambassador they were making an official brand ambassador program. GZ: What made you interested in becoming a brand
ambassador for them? CA: I love the brand and the culture they embody. Natalie and Greg work hard and focus on making sure they have high quality products. We are all Toledo natives, and it is cool to be able to support something that is local to your hometown. GZ: What main responsibilities do you have as an ambassador? CA: My responsibilities include posting on social media platforms and wearing the products. I am helping to expand the brand outside of Toledo. GZ: How do you/have you spread awareness about them on campus? CA: I have many products that I wear and use every day. I use their backpack and small pouch for all my school supplies and computer. I also have pins on my jean jacket and hats that I wear. It is easy to be a brand ambassador for a company when you wear their products in your everyday life. Âť
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HALLE SIEGEL Halle is a campus brand ambassador for Bumble. She is studying Commercial Photography and Communications at Ohio University. Bumble is a mobile app that offers a way to connect with people both in the dating and friendship realms and the business world.
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Grace Ziemke: How did you get started with Bumble? Halle Siegel: I got started with Bumble over the summer when someone from their headquarters reached out to me about the position. They had seen some of my photos and my LinkedIn profile and thought I would be perfect for the position. GZ: What made you interested in becoming a brand ambassador for them? HS: I really like the app Bumble and have always been a fan of the way that the company got started. So, I was interested in working with them to further my experience in marketing. I also knew that not a lot of people on campus were using Bumble, and I thought I would definitely be able to help promote the app’s
growth on campus. GZ: What main responsibilities do you have with Bumble? HS: Ultimately, my main responsibilities with Bumble are to spread awareness of the app and get more people to download it. GZ: How do you/have you spread awareness about them on campus? HS: I get to host date parties that are sponsored by Bumble and plan different events and activities. I do things like hang up posters around campus and draw chalk on sidewalks just to get the name of the app out there for more people to see. Every month, I check in with headquarters and we typically come up with different events or activities to help really promote the app. Âť
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JACK STAPLES Jack is a third-year student at Ohio University studying Business Management and Marketing. He is currently an ambassador for BeatGig, which connects organizations on university campuses with different music acts. These music acts can range in genre from country to alternative rock. BeatGig’s mission is to simplify the music event process for students so that they can save money when bringing events to their organizations.
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Grace Ziemke: How did you get started with BeatGig? Jack Staples: Previously, I was an ambassador for Tilt. One of the founders of BeatGig was part of the Tilt ambassador program when he was in school, so he looked at the previous Tilt ambassadors to come on to work with BeatGig. He messaged me on LinkedIn, which sparked my interest in joining. I received a phone call from him to tell me more about the company, and it sounded like it would be a great addition to Ohio University’s campus and to my résumé. GZ: What made you interested in becoming a brand ambassador for them? JS: I love to stay involved. I like having new projects and new objectives to work on, so when I received the news that Tilt was no longer, I thought of BeatGig as an exciting, new challenge to face. I’m real big on music and attending music festivals, so it was right up my alley. There are so many possibilities with this company, so if I can leave my mark by hosting a concert or get a big name to come to our campus, I’d feel accomplished.
GZ: What main responsibilities do you have with BeatGig? JS: My main focus right now is to promote the BeatGig name. It is a start-up company, so many people don’t know what our company is yet. I’ve found that many students and organizations at Ohio University don’t think that they would have the funding or the resources to cap one of the larger names in the music industry, so I am trying to put the name in people’s heads and get them knowledgeable about our mission as a company. GZ: How do you/have you spread awareness about them on campus? JS: BeatGig has doubled in size since I started working with them, which was about a year ago. So, in a year’s time, I have reached out to representatives to research facility usage and finding the perfect venue for events. I’ve also really tried to get an understanding of the most efficient way to execute one of these events because of the complications with security, ticketing, and so on. Be on the lookout for events coming up in the fall, which is what we’re also focusing on now. » WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 173
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BACK OF THE CLOSET An in-depth look at today’s most buzz-worthy topics.
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Local Threads
Outside of large cities, retail stores can be hard to come by. People in rural areas, though, still remain on-trend through thrifting and creative styling.
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BY ANDIE HUNT
ashion flourishes in most urban settings. When one thinks of the fashion capitals of the world, Paris, London, and New York City come to mind. What does fashion look like in rural America? It can’t all be denim and flannels. There are many factors that affect style choices whether it be need, interest, or ability. Fashion looks 176 | THREAD
PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
very different in rural America. Just because trends are seen more often in cities does not mean that they originated there. The overalls trend originated in the Midwest in the late 1800s as functional wear. The trend is now seen more commonly in streetwear and casual fashion. The same goes for flannels. The popular threads are now a staple in most people’s wardrobes,
but their popularity in America started during the Civil War Era when they became the typical garment for the frontiersman or railroad workers. The best-known model of this look is Paul Bunyan, a fashion icon, apparently. The modern flannel trend emerged from the introduction of grunge when Nirvana took America by storm in the 1990s. The simple fact is rural communities are rarely the fashion industry’s target audience. Businesses want to promote where there is money and customers guaranteed. Just outside Athens, there is a store whose target audience is rural communities. Ohio native, Coral
Wedel, is a designer and has a store just outside of Athens. Her company uses safe methods of production and has taken a Zero Waste Pledge with Rural Action, along with many other Athens businesses including Donkey Coffee, Avalanche Pizza, Jackie O’s, and Casa Nueva. Her business, Coral Marie, is also all solar powered. While large companies and corporations enter cities, rural areas commonly have smaller, locally owned shops that provide a unique experience and often higher quality. Department stores are everywhere. It is the kind of department store that varies. In cities and suburbs, the popular WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 177
department stores include Marshall’s and TJ Maxx, both known for their discount designer selection. Department stores in rural areas consist of Kohl’s and JCPenney. In some rural areas, money is tighter and a fashion budget could seem unnecessary. People get creative. Often thrift shops are the way to do this. Thrift shops hold an eclectic selection for lower prices, allowing those with a tigher budget to shop for popular styles. The clothing found at a thrift shop also can be of higher quality, depending on location. While going to thrift shops in large cities was a trendy, hipster way to shop, many people in rural communities utilized them because it was the
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only way to shop. An easy way to maneuver a lack of stores is shopping online. Online shopping has changed the game. In places where there is little access, a person can still get everything they need. In the late 1800s, it became common for people in rural communities to use mail order services to provide up-to-date merchandise. With the world at our fingertips, it is not impossible to obtain ideal clothing selections. Many times, making a fashion statement where it is not common to do so can be a bold decision; one will receive attention for breaking the status quo. An Athens local, Simphiwe Shongwe, shared his experience with being more experimental
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with fashion choices than his surrounding community. “I feel it was more difficult to be interested in style because what I wore attracted a mountain of unwanted attention,” he said. Putting oneself out there can be nerve-wracking, but when it is for something one is passionate about, it is worth it. Shongwe now has his own clothing line online, Augury. The weather in rural areas is often more severe and has a wide variety, people must dress for the occasion. Rain boots, warm hats, and big coats are necessary for survival. Layers are the most popular trend, but not on purpose. The temperature changes so rapidly, people have just grown accustomed to
layering techniques. This is where function and fashion collide. Where there is a looming threat of winds or rain, one must take the necessary precautions. In Athens, there is a very distinct style. For being a part of Appalachia, Athens is making its own statement. There are not many stores around and not much money to spend. Trends arrive late, and it becomes difficult to resemble a style similar to the urban scene, but it allows for more freedom in choosing what to wear and results in bolder choices, perhaps starting new trends. Claire McGee, another Athens resident, explained her thoughts on fashion in Athens: “I think that it is a lot easier to look cool
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in Athens than it is elsewhere. Honestly, we’re pretty behind on trends, so if you take risks, people will notice. But sometimes this can be annoying—it makes me more hesitant to take these risks and wear more urban and fashion-forward styles. Wearing something as simple as a red beret will turn heads and make you stand out among the crowds of students.” Athens is also unusual because of the flair Ohio University students bring. They follow trends from home and bring them to Athens, widening the variety of style choices. Some local favorites include Carhartt beanies, leggings, denim jackets, and Doc Martens boots. Style is a relative term; it is in the eye of the beholder. All that matters is that the person wearing it is comfortable. Even if people will notice a bold choice, at least the decision to express oneself in a fun and creative way is made. There is an image ingrained in people’s minds of what fashion is supposed to look like and where it is prominent. Fashion can happen anywhere, it does not stay within state borders. The thing about trends is that they come and go; if you miss one, it is bound to come back 30 years later—except Uggs with mini skirts, that should never come back.
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COLOR The use of Eurocentric beauty ideals for selling skinlightening products has perpetuated deep-rooted colorism and created a billion-dollar industry. Can a few confident people teach the world to love their skin tone?
BY PURVA INDULKAR PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
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y childhood in India was full of summer vacation visits to my Grandmother’s home on the coast. In the hot, sticky weather, my cousins and I often wound up playing hide-and-seek around the lush green orchard in the afternoon heat. Midway through our dramatic game, a voice from the house would call us in and tell us not to play in the sun—we “might grow dark.” My mother often told me the story of how I was born dark (and hairy!), but then grandma diligently massaged me every day with lentil paste, until I was “gori”—a term that means fair, but is often also used to describe a white woman. In India, it is not hard to find people and products that often shame those with darker skin tones. This colorism can be considered the leftovers of colonialism, where even races and cultures where having a dark skin tone is common, light skin is preferred.
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The roots of this prejudice stems from the Europeans who colonized the world and brought with them the belief that somehow their white skin was purer and superior to the natural skin tones of the locals. Though the Europeans eventually decolonized, their beliefs penetrated the cultural psyche of the countries they left. In Malaysia, tanned skin is considered a result of being poor or dirty. “During the colonization
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process they didn’t just colonize the place, they colonized our minds too,” explained Ohio University student, Anima Donkor from Ghana. “So, some people think being light-skinned means something better than being dark-skinned.” These skewed beauty standards have led to the growth of multinational beauty conglomerates who take advantage of these beliefs and use them to peddle
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billions of dollars’ worth of bleaching products. Skin whitening products have been used by communities of color around the world for centuries. Their ingredients range from the kitchen staple turmeric to cancer-causing mercury. Cosmetic companies began using these ingredients, along with several other harmful chemicals, to create their best-selling lightening products. Even when beauty brands don’t explicitly promote whitening products, their diplomatic language prioritizes white skin. According to a 2017 news story by Buzzfeed, “Some of your fave skin care companies sell skinlightening products.” Nivea and La Prairie, owned by Beiersdor; Fair & Lovely, Dove, and Vaseline are owned by Unilever; L’Oréal owns a lot of products, including YSL and Kiehl’s. These conglomerates can often use progressive, inclusive rhetoric to sell one product while promoting Eurocentric beauty ideals with another. Dove’s “Real Beauty” campaign, which features diverse women in their advertisements instead of models has been one of the most successful campaigns
of the last decade. But it’s parent company Unilever is still selling “The no. 1 Fairness cream” Fair & Lovely. Sometimes the same product is sold across the globe but marketed differently to shape it to the beauty ideals of the potential market. In India, China, and the Philippines, a fairness cream will be sold by telling consumers that it will protect their skin from the sun, reveal a better (i.e. whiter) version of them, and will help them become more attractive and increase their chances of getting married. In one of Pond’s “White Beauty” advertisements, a woman wins back her ex’s heart in a melodramatic fashion after using a fairness cream. In South Korea, the same product might be advertised to give the consumer a porcelain or youthful skin tone. When selling the same cream to African or Latin populations, beauty companies emphasize how the cream helps prevent hyperpigmentation. African brand Whitenicious says its Envydia fruity lip lightening gloss “helps lighten hyperpigmented lips…” In North America, the same products are marketed as spot treatments or
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“brightening” products which help in detoxing or evening out skin tone in order to fit the needs of that consumer. In the neighboring countries of India and Pakistan, a major chunk of the market is captured by Unilever’s best-selling cream Fair & Lovely. In the story “Getting Rich from the Skinlightening trade,” Business of Fashion reported that in 2016, when beauty company Emami introduced Fair & Handsome in India, the sales of this fairness cream for men helped their company grow by 20 percent in just the first quarter. Other products such as Pond’s White Beauty, Garnier’s White Complete, L’Oréal’s White Perfect, and Neutrogena’s Fine Fairness flood the shelves of cosmetic stores and grocery shops in India. While the bathroom cabinets in the U.S. might be stacked with these brands, these products are rare to come by. The wealthy can get their hands on medically-certified bleaching products, but a variety of harmful injections, pills, and creams are used by others to lighten their skin, resulting in the widespread sale of unregulated products. In the same story, Business of Fashion also reported that the use of homemade fairness creams 186 | THREAD
and mixtures of creams that aren’t certified is widespread. In extreme cases, people have used products that clean clothes or floors to lighten their skin. These tend to be filled with hard metals and steroids, exacerbating skin problems of the user. While products that claim to brighten, whiten or lighten carry out different process once they’ve penetrated skin, they all aim to make skin fairer. Dark-skinned people have more melanin than those with lighter skin. It protects their skin from the harsh sun and contributes to a darker skin tone. Skin bleaching products target the pigments that produce melanin, thus reducing their capacity to generate melanin and lightening the user’s skin tone. But doing this it also makes the user vulnerable to harmful sun rays. Lightening products might also have steroids and other ingredients that are banned in some countries due to their adverse effects on skin. The side-effects of using lightening creams can vary. Some can cause minor irritations, such as redness, inflammation, burning, or flaking. However, if the products have hydroquinone, corticosteroids, or mercury they can cause hypertension, kidney, or liver damage. If they are used heavily
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during pregnancy there are also chances of them causing birth defects. In spite of reports of fairness creams being harmful, their popularity only seems to grow. In 2009, an AC Nielsen report estimated that India alone spent $432 million on buying skin-lightening products. The numbers have only skyrocketed since. Based on a report by
Global Industry Analysts, in a short two years the skin-lightening industry will be worth $23 billion. Beauty companies passively reinforce Eurocentric physical features as the beauty ideal to attain, perpetuating white standards and cashing in. Though beauty ideals existed long before the beauty industry did, the cosmetic companies have created a WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 187
specific ideal that comes naturally to some of the population, but is impossible to attain by others. This colorism leads people on an unending quest to lighten their skin tone, costing them time, money, and mental health to go a couple of shades lighter. It also reinforces a racial hierarchy by associating whiteness with wealth and purity. More recently there has been a shift. In April 2017, Nivea caused a furor when they advertised a stain-free deodorant. The tagline “White is Purity” rattled Twitter and Facebook users resulting in the advertisement being pulled and an apology from the company. The “Dark is Beautiful” campaign started by the Indian NGO Women of Worth received unprecedented support from people and celebrities alike. In August 2017, Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority banned all imported products including hydroquinone, stopping the sale of several skin-lightening products. But even though there are actions being taken at governmental levels, it’s clear that the growth of the bleaching industry is due to the internationalization of Eurocentric beauty ideals. There needs to be a change in beliefs in order to stagnate the sale of bleaching products. 188 | THREAD
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It’s Not A Phase BY KAT ALTIER PHOTOS BY MAGGIE BOYLE
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ark lace, chains, studs, and more: the gothic subculture is entering the mainstream. Nylon magazine reported in 2016 that “goth style is more mainstream than ever.” Gothic influences are everywhere, and it doesn’t necessarily mean sporting black lipstick and multiple piercings to make it work. Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and many other celebrities are flaunting goth styles. Goth subculture is based on the dark and macabre. A goth is someone who finds beauty in things other people may consider dark. Goth is a hardy subculture that established itself as a kind of permanent “other.” There’s a type of goth for everyone: vamp goth, cyber goth, health goth, and more. People can pick whatever they like and make it fit their personal style. Gothic influences can be found everywhere in mainstream fashion, but its ability to be personalized it what is perhaps bringing it back into style.
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The Vogue Italia encyclopedia claims that goth, “originates from the dramatic colors and cuts of the past, borrowing garments and accessories from Victorian fashion.” But no one is actually sure where goth started. The Washington Post says the subculture comes from, “the gothic rock sound that emerged in late-1970s Britain, [giving] rise to the post-punk subculture that became known as goth.” The Cure, an English rock band from the 1970s, has been credited as a big influencer of goth culture. Other sources think that goth is a romantic fashion trend, possibly influenced by a fascination with vampires, zombies, and other supernatural characters. “Romanticism tends to appear in fashion during periods of economic and cultural stress—in the 1890s, 1930s, 1970s, and now here it is again. It seems to be generational, about every 40 years or so,” Vogue writer Laird Borrelli-Persson said. Nowadays, the idea of being goth has become more of the norm. Goth fashion has been featured everywhere from the runway to magazine spreads and the red carpet. “Gothic glamour” has been on display at runway shows by Marc Jacobs and in the Rihanna and Puma collaboration. Kylie Jenner has been pushing black lipsticks, and older sister Kendall recently starred in a dystopian fashion shoot with Marilyn Manson. Steve Cotterill, a 192 | THREAD
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goth fashion blogger, claims that the rise in goth fashion is due to “the growth of Gothic films from Hollywood in the form of Tim Burton’s Batman films, and The Crow: the mainstream picking up a trend after it had vanished back into the underground elsewhere.” Killstar, a UK-based brand established in 2010, features dark pieces with major edge, sex appeal, and a tinge of humor. Combining great design with quality materials, Killstar has gained a following among free194 | THREAD
thinkers and rebels worldwide. They have silhouettes that are unrestrictive and comfortable. Most of the apparel features playful slogans like “Resting witch face” and “I owe you nothing.” It only takes a quick glance at Killstar’s catalog to see what sets it apart from many other dark fashion brands: an attitude of bold, unapologetic rebellion. There are so many designs and styles to choose from that there’s something for everyone. From T-shirts, to hoodies, to
dresses, RebelsMarket has it all. It’s an online marketplace full of edgy and rebellious products. Their goal is to help create one’s desired lifestyle and bring the best products to customers, whether they identify as punk, raver, rockabilly, steampunk, surfer, skater, metal head, or prefer no label at all. RebelsMarket also features a blog, keeping customers in the loop about what’s trending in the alternative fashion world. Their motto, “Be unique. Be yourself. Be a fashion
rebel,” speaks to their mission. Fashion is fluid, constantly being born in new ways. Like many have claimed, goth is not a phase. Although goth won’t always remain mainstream, the culture has survived for years and isn’t going anywhere soon. New micro-trends are constantly emerging through blogs and memes, and some of them come to life as fashion items. Alternative fashion is all about breaking the rules and accepting differences, being true to oneself. WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 195
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FINSTAGRAM The new trend of “fake” Instagram has taken over the social media world. BY MADDY FINK ILLUSTRATIONS BY RILEE LOCKHART
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n today’s world, almost everything is available through smartphones and the apps that comes with them, especially social media. People love to share what they are doing through pictures on Instagram. Whether it’s of the family during the holidays, getting brunch with the girls at the newest restaurant in town, or of the new adorable dog, social media users want to show their followers just how amazing their lives are, even if they’re not. It seems that people only like to show the absolute best, most edited, well lit pictures they have, and it almost seems too impersonal. Due to this fake persona people seem to put on for their followers on Instagram, it seemed like something more was missing;
thus, Finsta was born. Finsta means a “fake” or “private” Instagram, which is ironic since it shows the truer sides of people. Instagram users started creating accounts aside from their “Rinstas” (real Instagram) to share the not so perfect side of their lives. Due to employers and other authority figures who may follow real Instagrams, people can’t always share the more candid moments in life. According to Today.com article titled “Parents: You follow your teen on Instagram, but do you know about their Finsta,” Finsta allows its users to basically be “in charge of their own public relations campaign.” And although Finsta is still out there for the world to possibly find, it’s unlikely an employer will find an applicant’s Finsta with WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 197
a Google search. This is because Finsta users typically choose different usernames than their real Instagrams and have a much smaller following. Whether it be that video of friends downing shots while screaming the lyrics to “1985,” or that hideous selfie taken only to write a long caption underneath it about how much summer is missed, how hard school is, or how much people suck, all these types of pictures and videos are posted on Finsta. It is a safe and secure world where users choose their followers. Typically, it is other friends’ Finstas, and not moms, dads, teachers, or employers. It’s like a group message with best friends because anything can be said or done with little to no repercussions. According to The Odyssey’s article titled “Your Finsta May Affect Your Self-Confidence,” it is stated “users can utilize the platform [of Finsta] to vent and effectively talk about their issues.” Finsta provides a true sense of community in the social media world. It is the most popular among young adults, who are about to go out into the workforce. Ohio University student Emme Lenzo, studying secondary English education, says “I have a Finsta because I like being able to share videos with the followers
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of my choice and don’t have to face repercussions from parents, future employers, or possibly even my future students.” Lenzo continues, “I like being able to share the fun moments of my life with the audience of her choosing.” Aside from the fun and silly posts that many share on Finsta, people really value the sense of community Finsta provides. It’s a good way to talk about issues and vent in a safe place with viewers of choice, and users may find other Finsta followers are going through similar situations without knowing. When Finsta initially started, most Instagram users were questioning its point. Then, it blew up. Many loved the idea of a platform where one could speak one’s mind and post with little consequence. Recently, it seems that Finsta has slowed down. It’s still heavily used as a place to vent about problems with the real world, but many people don’t post as much as they once did, and it’s not the same crazy content. Finsta is a great place to be one’s true self, and the users of Finsta are hopeful it continues. It is just as important to share those unedited memories on fake Instagram, as it is to share the edited, well lit, face tuned memories on real Instagram.
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A Q&A With Anthony Flamos BY COURTNEY ADAMS PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ANTHONY FLAMOS
Born to a conservative family in Australia, Anthony Flamos, owner of the AMF Showroom, knew from the very beginning that he was meant for fashion. After obtaining a law degree, the native Australian decided to pursue his passion for fashion. Following the opening of his own retail business, Flamos began taking design courses in London at Central Saint Martins. There, he met world-renowned designers Alexander McQueen and Hussein Chalayan.
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Courtney Adams: Give a short description of who you are and how you got started in fashion. Anthony Flamos: I started many, many years ago. I did a commerce degree in the ‘80s in Sydney, Australia, and I always loved fashion. I came from a very conservative Greek family that insisted I do something very practical, and so I always revolted I was like ‘No, don’t want to do it, I want get into fashion. I love fashion, I want fashion design.’ So, we had an agreement [my parents and I], that I would graduate, and after I graduated doing what they wanted, I could do whatever I wanted to do. I got my commerce law degree after five years, and trust me, it was the most painful five years of my life. I spent most of my time at the café, talking about the club, or the bars, and the bands I’d seen previously when not studying. After I graduated, I got into fashion immediately. I opened a retail business in Sydney, Australia, and started selling young 202 | THREAD
designers’ collections, and that did really well. Then I wanted to branch into design, so I started designing. A friend of mine had just applied for a fashion design course at Central Saint Martins in London, and he thought I should apply as well. I did, and I got accepted and followed the year after and went and did that and then graduated from Saint Martins. That is how I started it, I moved from Sydney to London, and I’ve been off to lead Europe ever since. CA: Did you have any mentors or anyone who inspired you when you were starting? AF: I was very much into Comme des Garçons and the Japanese movement because we are talking the ‘80s, when they came onto the scene in a big way. Up until then, it was very pretty and polished and not very interesting for fashion, especially for men, and women were pretty basic as well. Then Comme des Garçons came on the scene, the Japanese movement, and they deconstructed everything, they just ripped everything apart, turned fashion upside down and inside out, and that really inspired me. They turned a commercial business and wearable fashion into art. They just created another level in the industry. They are just sensational. CA: What was your first big break? AF: I was approached by the head of Prada about joining them and helping to set up
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Prada stores in the UK. I was one of 12 people, the very first team to open the Prada store in London. That would have been the mid ‘90s, ‘94-’95. That to me was a big break and a whole new direction for me because I became more focused and for Prada. I was doing visual merchandising and buying personal shopping. The next step would be when I went to work for Gucci. I got approached by the team that was opening Gucci next to Prada. It was Tom Ford then, who was the creative director, and so they asked me to come join them at Gucci. It was the relaunching of the brand and that was in 1995, I think, and I loved that period. The Tom Ford Gucci period was phenomenal, he was a genius, he came in and just sold sex to the masses. CA: What is AMF?
AF: AMF stands for Anthony Matthew Flamos, my initials, and I formed it in February 2010 in London, and I set up initially as a sales and marketing agency. I started by meeting young designers that needed mentoring, designers that were talented, producing collections but weren’t quite sure how to build a business. We’re not just about reaching out to stores, but it is about having a company structure and place of procedures and a strategy and how to develop it, so I started with all that and then, obviously, as the success of my young brands grew, so did my company. We have a great relationship, we grow together, and we keep advising. The next stage was to get involved in design and brand consultancy because I find that not everyone, but a lot
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of designers, can deviate from their vision and maybe lack the confidence and the security in themselves and listen to too many voices. Everyone has their own opinion, no one is really wrong, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but if you are there trying to be true to yourself or create something and you have these people telling you from all angles telling you what they think you should do, it can be a very confusing message. I’m the one that goes in there and says ‘Clear your heads, you’ve got to work out what you want to do. Who are you, what do you want to achieve?’ So, when I go in as a consultant, I can go from branding financial strategies, but I can also advise on design consultancies, which is what I am doing now, now currently finding next summer’s collection. So, I go in and meet the designers and have a look at their ideas. I start developing the collection that’s not just for the local market, but also the international market, so it varies. CA: Why did you choose Paris, London, and Shanghai for the showroom locations? AF: London is my home, that is where I grew up, so it was just natural for me to start there. All my friends were there, I’m part of the fashion, art, and music scene there, so it was very easy to get set up in London. I am still very much inspired by London, and I think it’s an incredible place. The 206 | THREAD
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juxtaposition of talent and design is just extraordinary there. I came to Paris because of business. Because of what we do, we have to be in Paris. We had to pack up a showroom four times a year and rent space. I thought to be based and have been [in Paris] for three years now, and [also] Shanghai because it’s a different market. The market is developing so quickly. CA: Do you want to hand down your company to anyone when you decide to retire? AF: I want to, but that doesn’t mean that it is going to happen. At the moment it’s just me. We all have to evolve and adapt and the Internet is changing everyone’s lives, so I’m just going to adapt. With the Internet, for example, designers can now sell direct on e-commerce sites; they don’t necessarily need a showroom to introduce them to buyers. So, that is an aspect I need to seriously scrutinize, but then my design consultancy is the one that will stay with me until the day I die. There will always be someone out there that will need assistance developing the business, so the way I see it is I either go up, invest and grow bigger, and step aside and let managers run the whole thing. Or, I wind it down slowly, and I become a consultant in designing, and I can live anywhere in the world, and it’s just me and an assistant. We will see what happens and play it by 208 | THREAD
ear, but either way, fashion is in my blood, and it ain’t going to disappear anytime soon. My background is everything: design, merchandising, sales, marketing; I’ve done it all, and you need to be an well-rounded to run a business. You have to know about everything. To run a business, you’ve got to be able to step in whenever you’re needed, and you can’t manage people if you don’t really know what they’re doing. That is how I believe to have a successful business.
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ILLUSTRATION BY ALEX VELLA
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sustainable STEPS BY ANDIE HUNT
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hile conscious shopping has become more popular in recent years, most people don’t look into just exactly what a brand stands for. It is uncommon for people to think about the production, the story, the meaning. Allbirds shoes come with a purpose—a history. Production processes of clothing companies often use factories that are harmful to the environment or use child laborers. The use of synthetic materials has been popular for decades. It is important for people to use and support products made in partnership with the Earth, created in a sustainable and ethical way. Allbirds is an exception, working
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to promote ethical and sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Allbirds is just one of the 2,100 B corporations in the world. This means it is a for-profit organization with certification from the nonprofit B lab, meeting high standards of environmental and social performance, accountability, and transparency. Thankfully, B corporations are on the rise, and at a great time, too. Humans have been using the Earth’s resources in a wasteful and fast-paced manner, not allowing it time to heal and grow, according to The Guardian, 2/3 of the world’s resources have been used. Using B corporations work with the Earth’s best interest in mind, by adhering to a strict code
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of ethics. Some other B corporations include Patagonia and Athleta. B corporations are looking to change and better Corporate America, hoping to create companies that consumers can feel good about supporting. The San Francisco-based start-up uses Merino wool from New Zealand for the shoe fabric. Merino wool is a renewable resource. Allbirds founder and native New Zealander, Tim Brown, saw the ability and benefits of using the renewable resource as a material for shoes. After making a Kickstarter campaign and earning $120,000 in just five days, Brown took his idea to California, where he met up with a biotech engineer and renewable energy expert, 212 | THREAD
Joey Zwillinger. Together they raised $2.7 million and launched Allbirds in 2016. Now, they have stores in New York and San Francisco, selling “the world’s most comfortable shoe,” and promoting sustainable business practices. According to UNICEF, there is an estimated 170 million children around the globe involved in child slavery, with a large percentage working for the textile and garment industry. The largest hubs for child slavery in the industry are China, Thailand, Egypt, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Bangladesh. Most companies turn a blind eye because they want to make money as quickly as possible.
In order to combat such crimes against humanity, companies that use safe practices and production methods are crucial. Allbirds shoes are made by nature, for nature. The shoe consists of wool, eucalyptus, recycled bottles and cardboard, and castor bean oil. It is a shoe for an L.A. elite, an adventurer, or a Silicon Valley CEO. The wool allows for a breathable feel and comfortable wear that is flexible and durable. The shoe has a minimalist design that is flexible. Allbirds offers a selection of eight colors, including earth tones, a soft pink, and muted red. The silhouettes include Wool “Runners,” Wool “Loungers,”
Tree “Runners,” and Tree “Skippers.” Each kind is available in men’s and women’s sizing, and Wool “Runners” are available for kids. The EPA has called many clothing manufacturers hazardous waste creators. Synthetic materials are cheaper, and therefore seen as the most desirable material to use to big corporations, but the cost the environment must pay is great. The constant churning of polyester, a manmade fiber, releases emissions of volatile gases, crude oil, and acid gases like hydrogen chloride. Sneaker factories produce harmful chemicals that seep into water systems. WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 213
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By using wool, the production of Allbirds’ products create 60 percent less waste than that of synthetic material production. Some may argue that it may be good for the environment, but not for the sheep whose wool Allbirds uses. The thing about wool is that it grows back. Allbirds holds itself to high standards of only treating their sheep with the utmost respect and care, following certifications for farming, land management, and animal welfare. Allbirds focuses on their central goal, “to create things in a better way.” Allbirds remains ethical throughout each step of production, all the way down to the packaging. Their packaging uses 40 percent less material than that of regular shoe boxes. An exorbitant amount of packaging is used for many products across all industries and most of it just gets thrown into a landfill. Allbirds is conscious of each part of the business world and is making great strides to make a dirty industry clean.
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RANT/RAVE
BOLD BRANDING
RAVE
BY PURVA INDULKAR
A soft tie-dye T-shirt loudly proclaiming “Gucci,” a red bottle with a white “Supreme” splashed across, even underwear that says “Calvin Klein.” All of these are some of the most sought-after pieces right now, and all of them scream one thing—their brand. Traditionalists (and your mom) might say this is tacky. Who wants to walk around looking like an advertisement? But as the runways of New York, Paris, London, and Milan; the streets of Seoul and Tokyo; and the campaigns of brands from Christian Dior to Balenciaga get logo fever—I wonder: why not? Fashion has always been about the iconic—the khaki Burberry trench coat, the red-soled seductive Christian Louboutin pump—the identifiable pieces that any style enthusiast would recognize in an instant. You can identify Gucci leather loafers from five miles away—the buckle gives it away. Brands play a major role in
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us signifying our class, our aesthetic, and our preferences. The entire advertising industry exists on this principle. Why shy away from accepting and embracing this? Being brand conscious but then purposefully avoiding clothing with loud logos—isn’t that us trying to show that we don’t care about how we look, even though we really do? Nobody can claim that they’ve never craved an expensive item; being drawn to exquisite things is very human. So, let’s give up this fake nonchalance and show who we are: a crowd that loves branded, expensive, exclusive clothing, a crowd that is not afraid to show what we love (even if others don’t like it).
ILLUSTRATION BY RILEE LOCKHART
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RANT
BY HANNAH PRIDEMORE
In the era of minimalism, bold branding is starting to make its way through the fashion scene once again. From high-end
brands, like Gucci and Chanel, to more affordable brands like Supreme, Champion, and Vans, bold branding can be found on shirts, pants, shoes, and bags. While it’s good promo, the designs can be a bit gaudy. It can look classy on a plain shirt, but when the logo is printed all over the piece it can look trashy and cheap. Using bold logos was big in the early 2000s, but it quickly went out of style for good reason. We’re just too close to the years when bold branding was last popular. There’s also the potential of it looking tacky. A lot of bold branding isn’t cute. Like at all. Some brands put their logo on brown clothing (which is a hard color to pull off and base an outfit around), there’s few colors that it can be paired with. Bringing back a look can be considered cool, but I believe there has to be at least two decades between when the look was popular and considering it “vintage.” Bold branding is big with Instagram models, media influencers, and celebs like Rihanna, whose pulled off a full Gucci fit, but the full bold look doesn’t work quite as well for the average person. We should stick to minimalistic, solid colored-colored shirts with the logo printed across the front, it’s easier for everyone that way.
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April 2018