alt + shift. LOCATION: New York City
issue 03 www.altshiftmagazine.com @altshiftmagazine
COUNTRY: United States
@altshiftmag
POPULATION: 2+
shifters.
Meet th
CREA
he
ATORS
meet aria age: 21 location: new york city personal mantra: "mind your business."
anna.
This year I plan to be a better listener to enhance the relationships that I have with the people around me.
"
"
m
age: 22 location: new york city personal mantra: "okay, sis!" For 2019 and beyond, I plan to stress less, take more time for myself and focus on my mental health.
"
"
meet sage.
CONT ENTS "Images courtesy of
Google + Pinterest + and the respective photographers."
12 ________
stopped my bag.
14 ________
hot spots on the block.
16 ________
apps we've been loving in 2019.
20 ________
fashion trends.
34 ________
new year, who dis?
40 ________
you are here.
42 ________
2018 music wrap up.
44 ________
jeff goldblum.
52 ________
intersectionality.
54 ________
london calling.
56 ________
text.
58 ________
subtle changes.
60 ________
save your coins.
62 ________
5 things.
64 ________
kimora lee simmons.
66 ________
creative corner.
for the best viewing experience, please turn your smartphone horizontally. enjoy!
+
head over to our website to vie you don't wan
ENT
+
ew our alt + shift merchandise. nt to miss out!
TER
insert your own name here
stopped my bag
self sabotage is one hell of a drug. the cyclical nature of it is even worst. messing things up for ourselves, getting upset for messing things up, and then messing up even more to mask that. temporarily filling a void. setting ourselves up for the next slip up. & the cycle of destruction continues. chalking things up to “that’s just how I am” or [blank] happened so I have to do [blank] is no longer an excuse. recognizing your patterns and admitting them is the first step. change is not your enemy. actionless introspection is worthless. not being susceptible to change is so detrimental to our progression as individuals. without establishing an sustainable level of self-awareness, we will never evolve into the people we want to be. you are your own demise. we are no longer blaming others for the role they’ve played in our self-sabotage - emphasis on the “self”. you’re stopping your own bag. ruining your own legacy before you even have a chance to build it. the cycle ends here.
David Zwirner Gallery @davidzwirner
Whitney Museum of Art
@whitneymuseum
New Museum @newmuseum
H O T S P O T S
Local Project @local_project
O N T H E
Site:Brooklyn @sitebrooklyn
Brooklyn Museum
@brooklynmuseum
B L O C K
01 Booking.com
Booking.com always holds it down! I have been using them for a little while now and they always seem to find the best accommodations for the low low. Their customer service is exceptional. A few times, I've had to cancel some bookings due to unforeseen circumstances and didn’t have free cancellation. I was able to communicate via email or phone to handle the situation with ease. Thank you, Booking.com for being awesome and my #1 pick for booking my accommodations!
Mint I recently found out about Mint from our Boss Babe, Pauline Santil @thefemmefinancier. Check out her article on her website for some of her top picks for the best money management apps. You won’t regret it. This app is truly a gem. I officially swear by it! You can link all your accounts and create a budget for yourself to help you stay on track of your money saving goals. Say less.
02
03 Skyscanner
Let me tell you about this app right here! I came across this app my senior year of high school. I always used to dream of just getting away. No destination in mind, but just getting away from it all. I found skyscanner and their extremely low flight deals and I was hooked. But where was I going? Fast forward to my freshman year college. I still want to explore the world and experience life beyond where I was. Skyscanner has a function to see flights to everywhere in the dates you would like to travel. I would use this function SO MUCH! Ultimately, my endless searches
and understanding of the ins and outs of Skyscanner came in clutch because I was getting ready to purchase my tickets to study abroad in Berlin, Germany for the next 4 months. I was able to use this website and app to navigate the best prices.
Apps We've Been Loving In 2019
Unfold I was introduced to Unfold via Instagram. With this app you can create film frames for your photos, create unique stories for Instagram, and much more! This app is so easy to use and helps to add dope element to my photos.
04
05 UNUM
UNUM has helped me to layout all instagram photos for maximum aesthetic viewing pleasure.
Co - Star Astrology is everywhere. Whether you're into or not, it's here! For me, I love astrology and wanted an app that was way more comprehensive then Daily Horoscope no shade but shade! Co - Star is an AI powered app that understands how people already connect with and talk about astrology. The app uses “NASA data to generate super-personalized horoscopes, tailored to your exact time & place of birth, plus planet-byplanet compatibility.�
06
07 Accompany
I heard a lot of reviews about this calendar app. According to a Fortune.com article, "Accompany Wants To Be Your Mobile Chief of Staff." Sounds promising. I just downloaded this app recently and haven't put much time into it but some of the features it boasts are the ability to assemble detailed profiles of individuals before meetings, find their social media handles and new stories featuring them. This app can pull company profiles, financial reports, and much more!
"FASHION FA STYLE IS ETER
- YVES SAIN
ADES, RNAL"
NT LAURENT
01. Neons
02. Utility
03. Structured Handbags
04. Neutral
05. Statement Shoes
06. Animal Prints
NEW Y WHO D
2018 is out and 2019 is in, honey! Let’s 2018. Let’s start off the year with some new to succeed and make your 201
YEAR, DIS?
leave all the negativity and bad vibes in w affirmations and ideas that will help you 19 “top five, top five, top five�!
1. Future Success = Visualization
To visualize something, means to create a picture in your mind of hav on REPEAT! Visualizing goals will not only help to manifest them, but that you already have what you desire. Instead of wishing you will ach get it, you can feel as if it is happening in this very moment. #weready 2. Write down ALL your thoughts
Establish your goals and write them down ASAP. Create a plan of actio you write it, just write it down to make it real. When you write down yo This is your road map. Keep track of your daily progress and hold you 3. Give everything a place to call home
Clutter is inevitable sometimes. It happens to the best of us. Before yo in clutter. This isn’t the best for your mental, physical, emotional, or cre all your belongings have a place to call home is essential. Take some do need and make a home for it. Devote about 30 minutes to an hour help not only your environment but your sanity! 4. Leave Your Fears At The Door
There are many things that we fear but being able to take control of th mind. Here are some things to say to yourself when you feel your fear afraid” 5. Live Your BEST Life
Living your best life is doing things that make you happy. Embrace all forward. You control your happiness. Only you can change your outlo life! It’s time to embrace YOU.
ving already achieved your goal(s). Then, you play those visualizations it will also allow you to attract what you focus on. You can visualize hieve it or hoping one day, in the near future, you will miraculously y
on on how you will achieve the goal and then do it. No matter where our thoughts, dreams, and goals, you can speak them into existence. urself accountable.
ou know it, these things are taking over your space and you're living reative health. Now, de-cluttering is a total life saver, but making sure time to get rid of things you don’t need and then prioritize what you r to sort through EVERYTHING. As you continue to do this, this will
hem is key. Being able to breathe through the fear is best. Calm the rs: - “Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.” “I am Strong” “I am not
l things that life throws at you and continue to thrive and prosper ook on life, so continue to live your best life or start living your best
RE WHO
NO EALLY, O DIS?
you are here with
alt + shift magazine
here are a few (domestic) cities we’re planning to hit this year. come with us!
seattle, wa Seattle has been so full of mystery for us. It just seems like a rainy day on loop, which is literally a dream. Such a calming and soothing city that we’re looking forward to exploring. highlights: Starbucks, wineries. street markets, the Space Needle
chicago, il Chicago has been on our list for a while so we’re finally planning to check it off this year. We love to flex in a good coat so the “windy city” is the place for us any time of the year! highlights: the food - specifically Nandos, the blackness, the bean, the views, the vibes
portland, or Have you watched Portlandia? If not, you need to. It’s a series of skits on gentrification, which is hilarious when it has nothing to do with the misplacement of black people. We imagine that’s what the whole city of Portland is like. highlights: brunches, artisinal everything, small shops, more “white people shit”
What alt + shift listened to in
2018
8
living my life like it’s
-en:
an ode to Jeff Goldblum
1996
but first,
let me take a selfie
intersectionality: the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender as they apply to a given individual or group, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage.
everything “african-american” about me, I've had to teach myself. being a first generation American, there are so many things I simply was not exposed to until very late in the game. from classic songs and films to cultural norms and mannerisms of the black community in America. in order to cultivate my taste in all of these things, I mastered this blended lifestyle between my Caribbean background and my American, specifically New York City, upbringing. though there is tons of overlap between the two, I see the vast differences in things as surface level as food and as deep as values + expectations, how trauma manifests itself, and generational struggles.
being a black woman, the world that is against me is also expecting me to hold it up. we are left to fend for ourselves, find ourselves, fight for ourselves - all while doing these things for everyone else. we are left out of the conversations we started. we are kept in the shadows of things we made shine. we are made a mockery for a lifestyle that now drives today’s economy including but not limited to fashion, entertainment, marketing, and the overall movement of the culture. it’s tiring to see us put down simply because others see the value in our potential but don’t think we deserve to reach it. don’t touch our hair. don’t question our accolades. don’t undermine our femininity. don’t tell us how you think we should behave. we are the tastemakers. we have birthed a nation. we made all of you. we made all of this. we are the definition of powerful. we are here. listen to us. laugh with us. live for us. learn from us. love us.
whew chile, the misogyny. being a woman who is rather untraditional, coming from a very traditional Caribbean background has been a battle. I was labeled “rebellious” and “fast” from as early as I could remember. there are grown women who have never fulfilled their dreams or even worn pants due to the shackles of misogyny etched into Caribbean culture. this way of thinking is passed down to women (by other women) and if you’re not strong enough, it’s hard to identify our worth outside of domestication. I was one of the lucky ones who knew there was so much more to me from an early age. my dreams and accomplishments may not hold the same weight as my relationship status or length of my skirt- but I know it will be worth it. I can’t even count how many times a woman who resents the men they’ve done everything for has told me how I will never find a man unless I succumb to his needs, cook, clean, etc... watch me
THE QUEEN IS HERE
London
Many think it’s all bangers and mash but London is way more foodie than you think. London offers amazing street food, and various food markets. When in London, I love to head over to Borough Market, Camden Market, and Spitalfields Market for some awesome food. Let’s not forget the awesome brunch places they have either!
Summers in Londo best. Almost every are huge music fes Festivals such as, B Time, Lovebox, and Festival puts Londo everything music!
Calling...
MUSIC
Queen Elizabeth II has ruled over the United Kingdom for over 60 years. How dope is that? She is the second-oldest currently serving state leader. She is 92 years old! Come on now sis, you better rule the kingdom. Want to come over to the US and help us out?
The Design Museum: This museum offers a unique experience, offering a futuristic and technologically advanced element while incorporating the history of many advances such as various Apple products. The Showroom: You can’t miss this gallery while out in West London. The bright yellow exterior is bold yet sparks curiosity of what is inside. The Showroom is a non-profit gallery that displays contemporary art from emerging artists. The Serpentine Galleries: These two galleries (The Serpentine Sackler Gallery & The Serpentine Gallery) have displayed the work of many world-renowned artist such as, Andy Warhol and Wolfgang Tillmans. Outside of The Serpentine Gallery is The Magazine at the Serpentine Gallery. The restaurant alongside the gallery was designed by luminary, Zaha Hadid. This futuristic inspired, contemporary space offers lunch and dinner in a an artistic setting.
Of course roaming around the city is everything, but heading outside of London to visit some beautiful castles are quintessential in making your trip to London top 4! Highclere Castle Windsor Castle Hever Castle Warwick Castle
OFF TO THE CASTLE'S
MAGIC
on are really the y weekend there stivals happening. British Summer d Wireless on on the map for
where are you? what are you doing? who are you with?
?????????
so you’re really not gonna respond?
to be continued...
i’m no longer in a position where i’m willing to apologize for being busy. for going after what i want. for working hard to reach my goals. i have dreams to fulful. tables to sit at. ideas to manifest. if you have a problem with that then you should go, because i will always choose me - especially over someone who wants to put me in a position to choose them over my future. your insecurity will not impede my excellence. especially when i find a way to help you any time you need it. i’ve constantly reached a helping hand despite what’s on my plate to act as a catalyst between you and your next step. steps you couldn’t even see for yourself until i opened your eyes.you know what you should be doing? finding ways to support me along this journey. maybe then i would have more time. actually, it’s not even a conversation about sacrifice and making time because at the end of the day, you’re not entitled to my time. quite frankly, nobody is. maybe you should be asking yourself why you’re not busy? why do you have so much time to be clocking my schedule and whereabouts? why aren’t you purposefully carving out time that is dedicated solely to your advancement? maybe you’re just not someone i should be surrounding myself with. hmm yeah, i don’t think so. sorry not sorry. back to my busy schedule. thank you, next
subtle changes to make.
floss more. go out more. eat less meat. take less ubers. do things alone. take more pictures. build a morning routine. stop going for the cheaper option.
$
ave your coin$
Literally who doesn’t love coupons? Honey connects to your browser and applies any discount codes it finds so you don’t have to go looking for them. You can also track the prices of items you have your eye on to see if they fluctuate!
As a recovering overshopper, eBates is a great way to get some of that money back. Based on what you spend at a store, they will give you a percentage back that is anywhere between 1% and 20%. You can either connect it to your browser, shop through the app, or link your card for when you’re shopping in store. I’ve been using eBates for only a year and I’ve gotten a few hundred dollars back, which gets deposited into my account quarterly.
As one of those people who needs to keep money in many locations, digit has been great as a secret rainy day fund. Based on how much I have in my checking account, they take money in increments for me that can be put towards goals or just rack up. You also recieve a 1% savings bonus on all that you’ve saved. They text me my balance every morning along with any changes since the last update. I can text digit back and forth telling them to save more or less for me or to deposit the money into my account. As a digit member for the last 3 years, I’ve saved thousands of dollars by accident that I’ve used to pay for random trips, unexpected expenses, and my ongoing shopping habit.
Albert has been so integral to me understanding how and where I spend my money the most. It analyzes my accounts to let me know of any recurring charges, my income in comparison to my bills, any outstanding debts I may have also accumulated, and also tells me my spending patterns. How else would I know that I’ve take 40 Uber’s in the last two months? Similar to digit, Albert also takes money out for a rainy day fund while also giving me tips on how I can reach a optimal money management.
tip: don’t let fomo ruin your finances When it comes to your money, say no. Do you know how much money I’ve spent on nights out that I didn’t want to attend in the first place? A LOT. Monetize and quantify your time to determine what’s worth it. Don’t let anyone guilt you into going out either. Also, if you simply can’t afford it, I promise you - you didn’t miss out on much. Your wallet will thank you in the morning.
useless spending
nobody’s music is good enough to excuse heinous acts
5
do you really need those shoes? i don’t think so
problematic ex-faves
fake “wokeness�
drinking just because
who wants to spend 8 hours a day unhappy & then repeat?
your liver + instagram story will thank you
google is free. please use it.
jobs we hate
KIMORA
LIFE IN THE FAB LANE The boss ass bitch of the early 2000’s has to be Kimora Lee Simmons. You could say she was a first lady of fashion in may sorts. And yes, we wish she was actually our first lady but that’s another topic for another article. Kimora Lee Simmons truly did rule the 2000’s, but let’s start from the beginning. Kimora Lee Perkins was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. Growing up in the suburbs of St. Louis, Kimora was the target of bullying at her school due to her height (6’0) and being “different” than the other kids at school (black & asian). To build young Kimora’s confidence, her mother enrolled her in modeling classes. From this, Kimora was discovered by an agency in Paris and was later on a plane over to Europe to start her career.
At the age of 14, Kimora was given an exclusive modeling contract with Chanel. Soon after Kimora walked for designers such as Fendi, Valentino, and Yves Saint Laurent. From walking for high fashion designers to becoming the President and Creative Director of Phat Fashions, Russell Simmons parent company of Phat Farm and Baby Phat, Kimora Lee Simmons is truly a boss in all facets of her life. She was able to take Baby Phat and turn it into an “aspirational lifestyle brand.” Kimora Lee was and will forever be the face of Baby Phat. Today, Kimora continues to live a fabuous boss life. Her impact in modeling and the urban fashion market will not go unnoticed. Kimora is THAT bitch!
CREAT
CORN
TIVE
NER
here is a collect whose content we shift discussed th and meaning beh
welco
tion of creatives e really enjoy. alt + heir goals, passion hind their brand.
ome.
OR meet
How did you get into the industry you are in?
I’ve always been in the mix when it came to clothing and fashion through my YouTube fashion hauls and daily content on Instagram but I decided to take it to the next level when I realized that there was something missing in the “IG boutique” market. A lot of the stores sold the same items, used the same models, and lacked the originality and creativity that I knew I could provide. What are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to the work you do?
There are so many of them but I would say some of the biggest would be getting over general doubt and also building a brand without going broke. Unfortunately, in today’s day and age, if you don’t have thousands or millions of followers, no matter what you’re selling, people are going to be very skeptical and critical of your business. They would rather buy a spool of thread from the most popping insta celebrity than an actual garment from a hardworking individual. And I can’t blame them because it’s all about visibility these
days but if running a busin having to build your perso makes it even harder. Even business and the products my name is attached to it, I something bigger than my be exhausting.
Who is your biggest inspir
Nichole Lynel is my bigges to this market. Not only has her fashion house from the also managed to build her capitalize from her influenc of the most insane events a literally S I C K E N I N G an a kind.
Where do you see yourself
In 5 years, I hope that I wou revenue to start designing
RO name: oro omene age: 22 location: new york city emetekoroomene
ness wasn’t hard enough, onal brand simultaneously n though I believe in my I sell, I know that since I also have to represent yself. Which can sometimes
products. I would definitely like to have had at least 4 fashion shows for each season and possibly have my own studio and showroom. Aside from fashion, I would also hope to have become somewhat of a household name in my other ventures such as YouTube and beauty and possibly build other businesses from my less prominent talents.
ration for your work?
What are some of your goals for the new year?
st inspiration when it comes s she been able to build e ground up, but she has r own personal brand and ce. She’s also curated some and campaigns that are nd her items are truly one of
My goal for this new year is to triple my following and engagement on social media, make at least $35,000 in sales, and to find and inspire at least 3 other individuals to start their own businesses.
f in 5 years?
uld have accrued enough and producing my own
"Even though I believe in my business and the products I sell, I know that since my name is attached to it, I also have to represent something bigger than myself."
meet amina. name: ayaba alashola 'aka' amina aiko age: 21 location: new york samuraimar
me u n t on t i l
u yo
i k a o a n i "i m a
fe
as
am
r a d g en a
bloom" -
How did you get into the industry you are in?
proves troublesome for me as a writer at times.
I have always had a way with making up stories. I enjoyed the idea of creating alternate realities with various characters. That has always inspired me to write but along the way I focused more on poetry because it meant more to me. I went through many experiences at such a young age which traumatized me and it was only through writing about these hardships that I was able to turn that pain into something beautiful people could read.
Who is your biggest inspiration for your work? I always am reluctant to answer questions about who inspired me
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Every time I read this question now I have to remind myself that I am an adult. When one hears that question they are usually teens in high school and talk about college. In five years however I will be 26, so I see myself paying many bills I do not want to pay—supposed to be a joke but this will actually be reality. But at 26 I pray to be a recognized writer. I want to make up stories and write poetry and recently I have also decided I want to be a manga writer. My future consists of writing and wherever, whatever I am writing I want to be extraordinary at it. I want to be known for my words and move people...heal people with them. And I want to be happy.
What are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to the work you do? The biggest struggle with being a writer is definitely how it is viewed by society. Everyone in this day and age is more focused on what will get them the most likes on social media and what will bring them fame. However writing, reading specifically, is something many people look over today. In the writing community one does not make it unless they have been doing it for years and have steadily built their following or has had a public figure endorse their work perhaps by posting a quote. Even within the literary industry, poetry is looked down upon which makes it hard for a poet to maintain a literary agent to get their books published. This lack of support from people who are supposed to understand and as well as the general public
saw so many people shed tears, and even I shed tears as I read it almost believing it. It was that moment, not a person, that inspired me. As selfish as it may sound, I inspired myself. However I do recognize Edgar Allen Poe, John Green and Rapi Kaur for the work they have created which I fell in love with.
What are some of your goals for the new year?
to write or about a writer that inspired me because being honest the answer is no one. It was not one person who inspired me to write instead simply the love I developed to move people with my words. When I was in fourth grade, I was placed in foster care and there was an event that happened and there was a letter I was requested to write that ultimately shaped the events that came after and everyone who read this letter was moved— however it was all lies. Every word was a lie but everyone believed it. I
For the new year I want to finish my second book that is in the works so I can have it in time to sell by the beginning of next year. I plan on finding a job in the writing field at a magazine so I can start my career and I also want to start my manga which is in the works as we speak. I want to travel as much as I can and build up my credit score cause one thing I learned turning 21 last year is your credit score and savings is everything. I plan to use this year strategically while enjoying it in new places.
age: 22 location: new york
How did you get into the industry you are in? My website, 1.11ven.com is somewhat of an extension of my Instagram, @1.11ven. The Instagram is essentially a positive space I created for daily doses of positivity and constant growth in all facets of life for myself and anyone else who needs it. The website has been something I wanted to do for a little while now and in October 2018 I decided to launch it. The focus of the website is still to encourage positivity and growth in all facets but also “to celebrate women of color who are creating, designing, and building businesses while making positive changes in their lives & the lives of those around them.” I guess you can say I’m in the blogging industry now…at least for now. I definitely have other ideas in mind as to how I want my website to grow. What are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to the work you do? I would say the biggest challenge is deciding who to interview because there are so many amazing women of color doing amazing things. Since I run the website and the Instagram, I have a lot of say in what is posted and who I interview. Nonetheless, it is still a bit difficult to decide who to interview. Who is your biggest inspiration for your work? My biggest inspiration for my work is truly all the women around me doing these amazing creative & entrepreneurial things. The women I follow and those who follow @1.11ven are really inspiring. They are musicians, painters, writers, models, photographers, business owners, and so much more. Some do a little bit of everything and that definitely inspires my work! Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In 5 years, I see myself owning my own business or multiple businesses if that’s what my heart wants. I’ll have a non-profit that focuses on celebrating and uplifting young girls of color. I’ll also be continuing my new goal of traveling to as many islands as I can! I want to be surrounded by love and support, learning as much as I can, continually healing myself and embracing the journey God wants me to be on. What are some of your goals for the new year? I have a handful of personal goals in terms of money, health, travel, etc. In terms of 1.11ven, I want to interview 11 new women of color for the S/S ‘019 interview series. I want the website to continue to grow along with the Instagram. I’d also love to collaborate with some brands that I use daily or some I have been connecting with via Instagram. At the end of 2019, I want to look at my vision board and the goals I’ve written down and see that I’ve completed them all and some! itsshamieka
1.11ven
manifest. build. repeat.
meet mariee' age: 19 location: atlanta, ga how did you get into the industry you are in? I started body care my senior year of high school (2017), started making body oils, and sold them around my high school. I then graduated and went into creating skin care to
help heal my own skin, then started selling it July 22nd, 2017. what are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to the work you do? patience, self-control and staying consistent!
traveling the world more, living back in Korea, and helping young business owners start their own business! parmoonx moonxcosmeticsllc
who is your biggest inspiration for your work? results and change are my top two inspirations, I create to see results and change to change peoples lives. where do you see yourself in 5 years? 5 years from now I see myself owning my own holistic shop, owning two more businesses,
K
N !
A
T
H
S