Scarlette Magazine Fall/Winter 2013 by Scarlette Magazine

Magazine Fall / Winter 2013, Issue V

INSPIRATION INSIDE

coLLEgE of ARTS AND SCiENCES

Be a Part of the Arts at Ohio State Autumn 2013 • Exhibitions / PErFormAncEs / EvEnts

PAINTING/TABLEAU/STAGE Tuesday, September 24 – Thursday, November 14 Department of Art Professor Laura Lisbon brings four international contemporary painters to a vibrant exhibition exploring the tableau, a concept currently receiving much critical attention in England.

UrbAn Arts SPAcE

50 west Town St.

Book and Lyrics by John Dempsey Music by Dana P. Rowe Directed by Mandy Fox Thursday, November 7 – Sunday, November 17 Thurber Theatre, Drake Performance and Event Center

wednesday, November 13 – Thursday, November 14, 8 pm weigel Auditorium November 15 – 16 world Premiere by Stephen Montague ohio Theatre, 39 East State St.

For information on these events and more visit:

asc.osu.edu/events Events subject to change. Please check website event listing for the latest information.

DAncE DowNTowN Friday, November 22, 8 pm Saturday, November 23, 8 pm Capitol Theatre, Riffe Center, 77 South High St.

Editor-In-Chief Mitch McGuire

Executive Director

Managing Editor

Fashion Director

Photography Director

Amber Hammond

Alexander Singer

Kaylyn Thomas

Lexie Alley

Design Director Kelly McNicholas

Assistant Design Director Bonnie Babb-Cheshul Design Collin Fankhauser Adrien Barrientes Mariel Co Marcos Olivarez Assistant Style Director Chloe Crites Style Rebecca Mentser Eduardo Caldazilla-Kolod Kellye Sauder Jamyla Williams Alyssa Jerek Model Coordinator Jamyla Williams Locations Coordinator Rebecca Mentser Fundraising Coordinator Ashley Jackson

Campus Relations Coordinator Heidi Liou Secretary Petra Mourany Marketing Petra Mourany Amanda Siroskey Alex Flores Heidi Liou Kelly Decker Brenna Collins Ashley Jackson Matthew Gordon Megan Daugherty Assistant Photo Director Josh Orack Photography Lisa Poirier Erin Bloodgood Emmily Chang Emily Lebsock Alison Ezzo Jesse Johnson Ethan Schaefer Clare Gatto Michael Faga

Assistant Writing Director Danielle Seamon Writing Rachel Davidson Breanna Soroka Lisa Catlett Qynshela Sanders Sydney Watsek Annie West Alyssa Martig Dominique Hubbard Danielle Vilaplana Nia Gale Faculty Advisor Dr. Phil Schlosser Special Thanks to Royal Factory Atelier GODDESS Clothing Co Milk Bar OSU Housing and Dining Saks Fifth Avenue SmartyPants Vintage Brigade Jane Carroll Libby Eckhardt Jason Fatzinger Keith Monda Dr. Jauvane GastonAdams DEGEN NYC Telfar Patisserie Lallier

CONTENTS 005

021

Recreate-a-look Literary Edition

Sporty Space Our sportswear inspired men’s looks team up to play on the Oval.

012

028

Maximum Saturation Staying Vibrant in the Colder Months.

Pattern Play Fall options to help you re-evaluate all the rules.

013

032

Winter Warm Up An outerwear rundown in the Biological Sciences Greenhouse to help you keep cool while we sweat.

Q&A: Degen

020

034

Varsity Jackets Outside the Locker Room.

To Knit or Not to Knit Here is the Answer. (It’s yes!)

035

064

Runway Report Telfar S/S14

Convent Coven Somethingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going bump in the night in Pomerene Hall!

038

078

Rare Earth Metals We unearth our favourite metallics in the Orton Hall Geological Museum.

Style Profile These stylish students canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but stand out.

052

086

Open Swim Get refreshed in formal wear - jump in the pool!

Grizzly Barre Vintage and faux furs make a fall impact in a dance studio.

062 Q&A: GODDESS

YOUR CAMPUS THEATRE FEATURING BLOCKBUSTER AND INDEPENDENT FILMS. Just steps from Barnes & Noble in South Campus Gateway 1550 North High Street • 614.247.4433 • www.gatewayfilmcenter.com

Re-Create A Look

authors edition

Written by Breanna Soroka Photography Lexie Allie & Erin Bloodgood

Sylvia Plath Evoke the timid, heartfelt writing style of this poet with the perfect mix of solid and printed pieces. There is no better color palette to recreate this with than pure white and starkly contrasted black, with an unexpected pop of cherry footwear. A basic Âž sleeve top provides a wonderfully slim balance to a kneelength, full, pleated circle skirt with plenty of personality. Hair and makeup should be kept as natural as possible to complement the lookâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; find your inner poet and see the beauty of minimalism.

Laura wears skirt and sweater Royal Factory [right] DJ wears all Scarlette

Hunter S. Thompson Who better to pull off a Hawaiian-print buttonup than the author of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas? To recreate this retirement-chic look for yourself, don’t be afraid to go all out: roll up those khaki trousers and plant that fishing cap firmly on your head. This look is all about being casual, so don’t worry about tucking in that button-up. If you want to take it a step further, add a cigarette holder to this ensemble— something this author was almost never photographed without.

“Yesterday’s weirdness is tomorrow’s reason why.”

<< Jane Austen No one inspires such an ethereal, romantic look better than the queen of romantic fiction. Recreating this look is as easy as wearing a floor-length dress in a natural color, but be sure to keep the silhouette straight and simple— there shouldn’t be any frills to distract from the flowing garment. Add even more romance by pairing this with loose waves; they are the perfect accompaniment without overwhelming the ensemble.

Joan Collins >> Nothing screams fashionable, or the 80’s, more than this siren of screen, stage, and most importantly, type. Keeping hair and makeup natural and lowkey provide the perfect backdrop for something as daring as a structured minidress with wings jutting out at the hips and shoulder. Add even more drama by keeping the color palette confined to black and red.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have always tried to live my life with enthusiasm and pleasure.â&#x20AC;?

Laura wears dress Royal Factory [left] Laura wears Scarlette

facebook.com/scarlette scarlettemagazine.tumblr.com

blog Want to see more of your favorite things from Scarlette? Check out our tumblr and like us on Facebook for new updates! Photography Josh Orack

WEAR NOW

Maximum Saturation Staying Vibrant in the Colder Months | Typically, for the fall and winter seasons, we tend to rely on our earthy staples: black, brown, hunter green, rust, and burgundy. While these colors are autumnal classics, sometimes it’s fun to mix things up. This year, try adding some bright colors to your wardrobe. Pops of color are unexpected, fun, and sure to get you noticed. The trick to wearing brights during the cooler months is to temper them with a darker hue. Dark shades offset bright colors, making them stand out without being over the top. The fun thing about incorporating brighter colors into a fall wardrobe is that you can choose from the many colors in the spectrum, and still don a cozy, cool weather look.

“You can choose from the many colors in the spectrum, and still don a cozy, cool weather look” 12

You might try pairing a neutral with any bright color: grey with pops of bright blue or turquoise, ivory or cream with hot pink, or navy with red. To make the look a little more daring, go for a combo of any two complementary colors; one in a deep shade, and the other in a brighter tint. This could be a deep plum with sunshine yellow accents, or forest green with cherry red. [continued on 93] | Rachel Davidson | Photography Emmily Chang Karl wears shirt GODDESS Sarah wears dress and tank top Royal Factory

winter Winter warm Warm up Up

CURRENT

We We show show you you how how to to beat beat the the cold cold while while we we brave brave the the heat. heat.

In the words of moms

everywhere, “Whatever you do, don’t leave the house without a coat.” But what kind of coat? Should the coat be lined? Does a heavy blazer constitute a jacket? Are we talking a Gap jacket or a Columbia windbreaker? People everywhere are still stuck facing closets every morning, wondering what to put over a super stylish ensemble without having to dampen their own chicness. When not perfectly coordinated, coats and jackets can be a real restraint on style, if not total outfit sabotage.

By Danielle Seamon Photography Allison Ezzo, Josh Orack, and Emily Lebesock

After all, the walk to and from class is a runway, and no one wants to cover a Marc Jacobs original with a North Face fleece. It’s time to uncover what coats are hiding – or at least complement it. From light to heavy, these are the most chic defenses to the late fall weather. 13

“The walk to and from class is a runway.”

Tweed Blazer

A blazer is an acceptable light jacket. Why? Because it is not worn on an 83° day. The tweed blazer is the go-to for any day that consists of a warm sun, but a light, chilly breeze. The tweed’s light wool texture will act as a second skin to keep goose bumps at bay, and given that the blazer is lined, unwelcome sweat will not be present when the blazer is removed for lecture. Any sort of gray, brown, light green, or hounds-tooth pattern will provide an academic feel to today’s ensemble.

Canvas Parka

A sister of the army jacket and the daughter of the trench coat is the cotton canvas parka, a heavier alternative to the blazer for the crisper of days. Its thrift shop semblance gives even the basic t-shirt and jeans a vintage vibe. A baggier parka constitutes casual, while a tailored parka cinched at the waist shows a more svelte side to military strictness.

Emmanuel wears coat and bike jersey Royal Factory

Leather jacket

For the days where the wind is taking storm of hair and making a straight-line model stride difficult, reach for the jacket that has guarded the motorist on the open road for years. The modern silhouette tends to be much slimmer, fitted and elegant with a funnel neck. Use this as your new windbreaker. In shades of brown, gray, and oxblood red, it can harden any look, giving you a tough-guy look but with sleek sophistication. [continued on 93]

Auri wears coat and dress Royal Factory Caleb wears coat Royal Factory.

WEAR NOW

VARSITY JACKETS Outside the Locker Room Varsity jackets have always been a large part of the image of the athlete in American society. Generally, the connotation of this jacket illustrates the superior athletic ability a team member possesses as part of an elite lineup. In recent years, the varsity jacket has ventured out of the locker room and onto the runways, boutiques, and streets. What makes the varsity jacket so distinctive in its design is the advertising of the wearerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s athletic accomplishments. The similar letterman jackets that are making their way down the runway resemble the ones you may have worked so hard for in high school, or during your collegiate career. Reminiscent of the classic leather jacket with its leather insulated sleeves, this jacket can complete any look with a touch of sporty edge and the front and back panels are finished with wool for warmth and color. [continued on 94] QYNSHELA SANDERS PHOTOGRAPHY EMMILY CHANG

Nikitaa wears dress Royal Factory

Sporty Space PHOTOGRAPHY DANIELLE GRACE

NOAH WEARS SHIRT JEANPAUL GAULTIER SOLIEL AND SHORTS ARMY SURPLUS [LEFT] ZAC WEARS SHIRT TREK AND PANTS JIL SANDER CLOUDS FROM CONNECT. EVERYTHINGZOOMER.COM

24 ZAC WEARS SHIRT SEDITIONARIES

CLOUDS FROM MISTSHADOW2K4.DEVIANTART.COM

Pattern Play Article by Kaylyn Thomas 28 Photography Emmily Chang

n recent years, I have found myself becoming more comfortable mixing patterns or prints: stripes on stripes, some florals and polka dots, even coordinating graphic prints. The key to making this work and not feeling like a circus clown is matching colors within the patterns. Say, for instance, you have a navy and white striped shirt. Use the navy from the shirt to match with a floral skirt that also has navy. Guys can also enjoy playing with patterns. A suit is probably the simplest and easiest way to mix patterns: try a tie in a paisley pattern, and a Liberty floral shirt that both feature the same color. If suits aren’t your thing, try pants and a shirt. For example, if you have a paisley print shirt that features navy blue, match that with a pair of striped trousers that also feature navy. Mixing patterns does not have to feel like you’re breaking a fashion rule—fashion rules exist to be broken. If you love something, don’t let a guideline get in the way! Google images of Elisa Nalin (a stylist), Natalie Joos (she owns her own casting agency and is known for her fashion blog Tales of Endearment), the late Anna Piaggi (a writer) and Simon Doonan (Barneys’ creative ambassador at large and author) —all of these individuals are great inspirations for mixing patterns. [continued on 94]

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The key to making this work and not feeling like a circus clown is matching colors within patternsâ&#x20AC;? Wilfredo wears shirt Royal Factory Grace wears dress Royal Factory

Q&A: An interview with...

Lindsay Degen

Since 2011, Ohio native and Rhode Island School of Design graduate Lindsay Degen has been designing DEGEN, a line of incredible concept-based knits and awesome shoes. DEGEN is youthful and intelligent knitwear: Her pieces feature genius details, like knit tentacles and nipples, or a central cable designed to form a DNA strand. Scarlette talked to Degen about her knitting obsession and her namesake line. Scarlette // How did you learn to knit, and what did that do for you? Lindsay Degen // My grandma taught me to knit when I was 3, but I didn’t get into it until I was 8. I always was very tactile, loved touching things, so to keep my hands busy, I would knit. S // If you were to give a student three reasons to knit, what would they be? D // It helps my mind stay active. If I am listening to the radio or someone talking, I am more likely to remember what I hear if I am knitting. I also love the feeling of finishing a project. The feeling of “I started with a pile of yarn and now I have a totally functional pair of socks,” is so gratifying. And, also, I think it’s challenging regardless of your skill level. Knitting keeps you learning. S // What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone learning to knit for the first time? D // You’re not going to be fast immediately, so don’t worry about that. A lot of the “I can only knit a square or a rectangle,” is completely mental. You just have to allow yourself to try, and if you fail, you can just reknit it. No big deal.

SPOTLIGHT

By Mitch McGuire

S // What is the best thing about making your own stitches and patterns? D // I find the limitations of really just two stitches, knit and purl, really liberating. There’s the variable of the yarn, the stitch size, and the combination of stitches. It’s not a huge amount of variables, but somehow the results are still endless. S // Where’s the best place to go for knitting advice? D // YouTube, hands down. If I ever don’t remember how to do something, I just YouTube it. S // What is it about knitting that is the most exciting for you? D // Knitting allows me to obsess. I can constantly be knitting and trying to figure out new things with stitches, and it’s “productive.” Obsessing about other things, I think, is unhealthy. S // What were the most challenging and most rewarding things about turning your knitting obsession into a line? D // It’s hard balancing your hobby and your job. Sometimes I leave my studio after a long day of knitting for DEGEN and think, “I wish I could just recreationally knit”. So I had to figure out new hobbies. Also, the idea of it potentially failing is super challenging emotionally. Seeing anything that you have seen in your mental space actually exist in real life, though, is completely rewarding. Also, hearing people love the weird stuff I make keeps me going. S // What are your plans for the future? D// I am launching babyDEGEN right now. I am doing a ton of collaborations, and I hope to keep knitting away on my own line. It’s just a long future of knitting for me...hopefully! Learn more about Degen’s collections at degen-nyc.com

WEAR NOW

To Knit or not to knit? >> Here is the answer.

I have always felt like an old soul at heart, because I have always loved the idea of knitting--of spending a quiet night watching an old film with candles lit, knitting myself a scarf. The only problem with this scenario? I had no idea how to knit. So, I asked my grandma to teach me. I wish I could say I picked it up like a natural, but that did not happen. My fingers did not seem to want to cooperate with the movements needed to actually create something. Frustrated, seeing my fantasy of knitting a fantastic scarf drifting away, I gave up until my friend made me a scarf she knitted for Christmas. My desire to knit returned with a vengeance! I started by cleaning out my local library for how to books on knitting. My favorites were: Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book, a great reference guide, and Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and

>> Emma and Marko all sweaters Scarlette

Easy-to-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes by Elizabeth Zimmermann. The latter offers a lot of helpful tips and encouragement, especially for those (like myself) who get frustrated with the knitting process. Knitting in Plain English by Maggie Righetti, a classic how-to-knit book and Stitch ‘n Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook by Debbie Stoller is both witty and informative, are also excellent books. [continued on 95] >> LISA CATLETT PHOTOGRAPHY EMMILY CHANG

SPOTLIGHT

ELFAR T

elfar Clemensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; forward-thinking and clinical menswear collections always turn on a spectacular concept. The unspoken themes of control and agency in his Fall/Winter 2013 presentation manifested themselves in the delivery of models like packaged goods, wheeled out on a dolly in quilted pastel looks, their styling crowdsourced to an online game. This season, his MAINSTREAM FLUID collection was decidedly skimpier, with lots of beautifully draping mesh and signature halter necks.

“

[An] uncanny valley infomercial for perfect space cruise beach looks.

”

The models walked in front of a giant LED curtain which played a video of each in succession, produced to look like slightly demented stock photography. Fatima Al Quadiri’s soundtrack broke down each look in a cold and prerecorded female voice. The models on the screen turned and posed, and, suddenly, their appearance in the video was altered past reality while their real-life counterpart in the same outfit stood before the audience, decidedly human. The coup, though, came with the finale. Each model walked with another model who was wearing a T-shirt with a print of their partner. As this small army advanced two by two, the room filled with electronic dollar sounds: we won the jackpot! All the while, the background flashed between models’ faces in a roulette of identities. That these identities were reproduced on the screen, in the flesh, and again on shirts is a clever move on Clemens’ part. It calls into question our notions or representation and reality all while showing a new way for menswear, a kind of uncanny valley infomercial for perfect space cruise beach looks. Writing and photography Mitch McGuire

Allie wears dress and belt Royal Factory right Linda wears Versace for H&M

Whitney wears shirt GODDESS and skirt Royal Factory Dane wears shirt GODDESS

Jada wears leggings Royal Factory

Linda wears jacket and leotard Royal Factoy [50-51] Dane wears shorts GODDESS

INSPIRE

Open swim Photography Josh Orack and Ethan Scheafer All Clothing Scarlette

>> Take a dip in a dress - you might just be exhilarated <<

>> What do you wear to a pool party with a black-tie dress code?<<

Q&A: An interview with...

David Siferd Something a bit heavenly has touched down upon Columbus. Lima native and Kent State graduate David Siferd, wearing a clerical collar in his bio, has made it clear he is the mediator between celestial designs and secular streetwear. Siferd’s incredibly detailed digital prints cover his unisex clothing line, GODDESS, and have captured the attention of many. Siferd took a few minutes to talk to Scarlette and discuss his new streetwear label, the future of fashion, and where he finds inspiration. Scarlette // When did you start GODDESS and how did you start it? David Siferd // I started designing GODDESS last summer when I was doing my internship in New York. I was thinking of some ideas, and I thought GODDESS would be a really cool name for a street wear brand. So I started thinking about different things I could do that with. I started sewing the clothes together when I came back from New York, last September, October. I think I finished up my first collection in January, so I debuted the collection in January. S // What would you say is your general aesthetic? DS // My general aesthetic for GODDESS is definitely pretty cool… [it’s] definitely a restrained shock value, kind of crazy pieces that are totally wearable and familiar to people, I think.

“I try to think about what I would like and what I see other people doing and things I don’t see other people doing, so I try to do that myself” 62

S // It’s funny you say you don’t think about men and women differently in terms of fashion. Why don’t you think too much about that? DS // I just think that moving forward in the future, it’s a more modern way to think about things not to have as many boundaries.

SPOTLIGHT

By Krystal Swanson and Danielle Seamon S // Whom do you say you mostly design for? DS // Honestly, I think I mostly have myself in mind. I try to think about what I would like and what I see other people doing and things I don’t see other people doing, so I try to do that myself, I guess. S // What inspires you? DS // There are a lot of things that inspire me. I really like the Internet and technology...just things I see online...pictures and colors and stuff like that. I love fashion magazines. I can find inspiration basically anywhere. S // You have some gorgeous prints. I believe one of them is called “purikura?” How do you find these prints? DS // I design all of the prints that I use. The purikura print I use all the time with pearls and diamonds and jewelry. I use Photoshop to combine them and design the prints myself, and then have them printed. There are a few different companies I use to have it printed. It’s mostly a combination of photos I take myself and photos I’ve found and scanned from places. S // In one of your photos for your summer 2013 collection, you paired socks with flip flop sandals and you dressed men in what are traditionally women’s garments. Do you consider these fashion risks, and why do you take these sort of risks? DS // I guess I kind of like risks, but for me it’s more of a full story, like especially with the whole photoshoot. Whenever I do a photoshoot, I’m friends with them all and I take all the pictures myself...whatever my models are comfortable wearing, we sort of collaborate. I don’t really think about things being a risk or not. I try not to think too much about what other people will feel and just try and do what I feel like I want other people to do or what I would want to see if I were someone else. To check out Siferd’s GODDESS collection, visit goddessclothingco.com.

CONVENT COVEN

THE SCHOOL IS OUR PLAYGROUND.

HEADMISTRESS IS ALWAYS WATCHING.

MISBEHAVIOR WILL NEVER BE TOLERATED.

AND THE PUNISHMENT

WILL FIT THE CRIME

THE ADMINISTRATION

CAN SEE YOU.

SO WATCH YOUR BACK.

Photography Clare Gatto [68] Noel wears shirt and necklace Royal Factory Chimere wears dress and petticoat Royal Factory [69] Kristen wears leotard Royal Factory [74] Noel wears vest Rick Owens [75] Chimere wears dress Royal Factory, kimono Kiteya, c. 1870 fencing mask

We asked some of our friends and team members to show off their incredible personal style, and tell us a little bit about themselves. Photography Erin Bloodgood

style profile

Kelly McNicholas 4th year, Visual Communication Design Is there a color that dominates your closet? Turquoise Is there anything in your closet right now thats not yours? All the stuff Mitch, the Editor in Chief has lent me! Do you collect anything? Vests If you had no budget, what would you buy? Probably like 30 different pairs of prescription glasses.

Amethyst Robinson 4th year, Fashion and Retail Studies Is there a color that dominates your closet? Black. I tend to pops of color, but black will always be my go to. How would you describe your style? Funky-punky-chic If you had no budget, what would you buy? A couture Alexander McQueen dress and a pair of heels by Giuseppi Zanotti

Fammy Jameson 4th year, Painting and Drawing Is there any rhyme or reason to your closetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organization? Organized? Is there anything in your closet right now thats not yours? A lot of stolen boyfriend attire... What piece of clothing do you get the most compliments on? All my silk scarves from India. If you had no budget, what would you buy? A tacky, overstimulating bowling bag.

(continued) Patrick Hughes 2nd year, Public Affairs If there was anyone-alive or dead-you would trade closets with for a day who would it be? Pictureplane Do you collect anything? Decorative commemorative plates What’s the craziest piece you have in your closet, and how do you wear it? A very sacrilegious tank top. I wear it with jean shorts and an edgy spirit. What’s the best to thrift and what’s the best to save up for? I thrift all my jackets, and save up for shoes. However all the best things are thrifted.

Collin Fankhauser 4th year, Visual Communication Design Is there anything in your closet right now thats not yours? A pair of my dad’s boots. Do you collect anything? Velvet slippers What’s the craziest piece you have in your closet, and how do you wear it? Silk blue/orange/yellow houndstooth Brioni smoking jacket. Wear it with white shirt, dark jeans, and velvet slippers. If you had no budget, what would you buy? I’d have most of my clothing made by Tom Ford of Cifonelli.

Allysa Jerek 2nd year, Pre-Veterinary Zoology Is there any color that dominates your closet? No, I just love a lot of color Is there anything in your closet right now thats not yours? Yes, I have a ton of my grandparents’ sweaters. If there was a fire and you could only grab one thing from your closet, what would it be? My pink platforms. Do you collect anything? I don’t collect, but I have an obsession with heels.

Photography Josh Orack & Lexie Alley

We asked dancers to model luxurious faux and vintage furs with all the strictness of a ballet class.

Cole wears coat Royal Factory

Jay wears coat Royal Factory {previous} Imani and Alice wear coats Royal Factory

Continued from Maximum Saturation [12]

Continued from Winter Warm Up [13]

A brightly colored accessory, like a scarf or necklace, is another great way to liven up an otherwise gloomy look. You can also try color blocking with one bright piece, and keep the rest of the outfit darker. Look for dark fabrics with patterns and prints in vibrant colors. Sporting bright colors in the fall is also a good way to get your money’s worth on a garment you may have purchased for spring and summer, or just an excuse to continue wearing your favorite summery pieces.

Down puffer

You can still wear the bright, floral printed shirt you loved in August, with just a few additions for the cooler weather. Add a neutral cardigan and a chunky scarf that pulls out a bright color in the shirt. These embellishments will help you create a look that can transition from summer to fall. With only a few tweaks here and there, it is easy to create stylish outfits that transition from season to season and add a little pizazz to your usual fall and winter staples.

Trench coat

When autumn weather begins to flirt with winter, it is time to take guard against Mother Nature’s identity crisis that has become Ohio’s seasons. The down puffer is the perfect armor. With its quilted layers, it is as warm and snug as it looks. Choose a more tailored coat to accentuate your shape and avoid looking lost in fabric. After all, it is a down puffer, not a down comforter. It will surely shield you from the rain, snow, ice, and whatever else Columbus has in store for the season. Part rain jacket and part investigator staple, the trench coat is a timeless piece with much utility. In it’s shorter form, it is best paired with a skinny or fitted pant to accentuate the figure hidden by the flowing coat. In it’s longer form, it is the perfect complement to almost any type of business wear. In fact, when styled and accessorized modestly, a longer trench coat can stand alone as an outfit itself.

Continued from Varsity Jackets [20] Designers like Kokon To Zai, Billionaire Boys Club, Dolce and Gabbana, Plane Jane Homme, and many others incorporated the classic design of the athletic letterman with letters that symbolize their own brand. In place of football and basketball patches, many designers use their logo as a representation of the “team” you are a part of when purchasing their jacket. If these high end brands will put a crutch in your pocket, don’t worry, you too can add a sporty flare to your outwear. Retail stores like Forever 21, H&M, or Macy’s carry these trendy jackets for reasonable prices, compared to their designer competitors. Sometimes, you can find someone’s old high school varsity jacket at a thrift or vintage clothing store. If you find one that’s inexpensive enough, you could convert it to summer wear by cutting the sleeves off, turning the jacket into a swanky vest. Oftentimes, outerwear is the last thing that some people consider to perfectly accessorize their look, but for some, it’s hard to include an accessory that does not properly match their personal fashion for the day. For example, wearing a sporty, trendy jacket with a classic and clean cut look could subtract from the importance of a well balanced outfit, but sometimes this kind of re-contextualization can be exactly the lively thought your outfit needs. A subtle varsity jacket in neutral tones could even be the perfect note to add to a formal evening gown.

It’s pretty simple to pair your new jacket with many looks. A chic pair of jeans, solid or printed pants or leggings, matched with a solid denim button up, even a busy vintage sweater or cardigan would add a touch of retro style during the winter and fall seasons. For the spring and summer months, you can pair a lightweight letterman with a tank top, a crop top, or a bralette with high waisted denim or cargo shorts, giving a feminine twist to a traditionally masculine garment. The choice is entirely up to you. Whatever fashion persona you possess to create your own look with a sporty varsity letterman will make you look amazing because it’s your own personal style. Whether urban contemporary or vintage chic, you’ll bring the varsity letterman out of the locker room, down the runway, and into your wardrobe.

Continued from Pattern Play [28] Mixing patterns doesn’t have to be a challenge, or something scary to try. Play around one day and look at your closet. Look at your printed pieces and see what other pieces they are by-are they close to another printed item that makes you think, “Hey, I like that!?” It’s best to keep the rest of your outfit minimal and simple: jewelry that isn’t too loud (or too much), and outerwear, shoes and a bag in a neutral color. By keeping the rest of your look streamlined, it will balance the pattern-mixing going on and allow you to feel more at ease. At the end of the day, fashion should be fun: it should make you feel good, smile and maybe, just maybe, make others smile, too.

Continued from To Knit or Not To Knit? [34] These books were especially useful in getting me started but, being a visual person, YouTube videos can be extremely helpful. There are several Internet videos that can get you started. Tracey Nguyen has a series of outstanding DIY videos, like how crochet an infinity scarf. For those who find knitting to be more difficult, but still want to create something, crocheting is a considerable alternative. It is simpler and you can still make fabulous garments like chunky scarves and slouchy berets. Before getting started however, you need the right tools. In terms of needles, the most commonly used type is the straight needle, which is usually 10 to 16 inches long. I learned using metal needles, which can be slippery, however, plastic needles are cheap and can warp. Wooden needles are preferable. There are a few different choices when it comes to yarn. Animal based fibers such as lambs wool insulate well and hold their shape, on the downside, they must be hand washed. Plant fibers (i.e. linen or cotton) are soft, strong, breathe in a warmer climate and can sometimes be machine-washed. Man-made fibers (i.e. polyester or nylon) are cheap and easy to work with. Yarns also come in different weights, (weight meaning thickness). These range from lace-weight yarn and sock yarn, to very thick yarn, for an outrageously hefty knit. Your choice really depends on the item you are looking to create.

You can always go to your nearest Michael’s or Jo-Ann Fabrics to load up on yarn and needles, but Columbus has a lot to offer in terms of local yarn shops and classes. The benefit of buying yarn at a specialty store is the experienced knitters on staff can help you with your projects. There is The Yarn Shoppe, 1125 Kenny Centre Mall, Columbus, OH 43220, (614) 457-7836, which boasts a small, but knowledgeable staff.

The Knitters Mercantile, 214 Graceland Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212, (614) 8888551, holds how-to-knit classes. For a small fee of $25.00, you receive yarn, needles and instructions on the basics of knitting. There is also Knitting Temptations, 35 S. High St., Dublin, OH 43017, (614) 734-0618. An adorable little shop that offers a wide variety of knitting classes, everything from beginners and knitting with friends, to more advanced courses. The greatest thing about knitting is that the possibilities are endless. You can even knit from patterns or create your own patterns. Once you get the hang of it, you can make whatever you want. When you can make it, there is a wonderful sense of accomplishment in creating something beautiful with your own two hands. Especially when you wear it and are complemented on it. There is no feeling like having someone come up to you and say, “I love that scarf, where did you get it?” Then responding with, “I made it.”

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