Flair Magazine Issue No. 4 - The Flux Issue

The Flux Issue Issue No. 4 Fall 2021

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Editorial Board and Our Team Don’t Just “Step Out” of Your Comfort Zone... Expand It Building a Capsule Wardrobe

Women in the Lineup

The 70s Remastered

“Giving Up on Trends” Trend The Disapperance of Historic Wilmington Dealing with Seasonal Depression

The FLUX Shoot

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Feng Shui: Fix the Flow of Your Safe Space The Rise of Casual Instagram

More Wilmington Bands The Importance of Spending Time in Nature

It’s Time You Learn About Your Hormones The Functionality of Skateboarding Fashion

Wilmington Thrift Stores How Secondhand Shopping Allowed Me to Find My Personal Style

Your Instagram Feed...

But Make It Sustainable 65 & Sunny Playlist

EDITORIAL BOARD With many of our previous staff members having graduated, we’ve got an almost totally new team. Let us introduce ourselves. . .

Associate Editor: Marilyn Bolderman Culture Editor: Ally Jones

Fashion and Beauty Editor: Anna Williams

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Lifestyle Editor: Brooke Zarzycki

Director of Fundraising and Marketing: Rebecca Capps

Director of Art and Design: Taylor Puckett

Letter from the Editor A little over a year ago when I applied to Flair, I think the last thing that I thought I’d be doing is eventually writing this letter as Editor-in-Chief.

Over the past year, I’ve grown and changed in ways that I never imagined, and much of that growth is thanks to this magazine and the people that it’s led me to meet. This issue’s theme “Flux” was chosen based on the constant change that almost everyone has encountered (especially over the past year) and the change that Flair, in particular, has undergone. From transitioning to an almost entirely new team, to continuously adapting and generating new ideas, Flair is eternally in flux.

A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to any and every part of this issue. I’m immensely grateful for your hard work and the generous patience that you’ve given me throughout its creation.

Editor in Chief: Alana Consol

An even bigger thank you to Olivia Miller and Jordan Mays, who have entrusted me with Flair and have helped me along the way. You’ve created a very special lil magazine (and a very special community) and I’m honored to be a part of its journey.

We hope you love this issue as much as we’ve loved creating it.

Enjoy the ride ~ 5 | The Flux Issue

our team WRITING STAFF

Rebecca Capps Grace Lee Brooke Zarzycki* Maya Gundepudi Sammie Muller Anna Williams

DESIGN STAFF

May Worthen Josie Stockman* Dinadja Davis

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Taylor Puckett* Alana Consol* Jacob Seaman

MODELS

Ruth Deaton Skylar Pruitt Catie Jacobson Hannah Hoskins Murad Barakat Eve Morrison Jade Morrison Hugh Bennett Angelo Hale Jimmy Willis III

MAKEUP ARTISTS

Sayaka Yamamoto Gaby Von Vajna Rae Goergen Baylee Smeeton

Hailey Durovich Talula Dechev Neke Turko Ariel Auman Logan Fortenberry Rachel Barnfield Addis McDonald Brian Green Jack Brinskelle Susanna Grey

* Extra big thank you to these folks who contributed in multiple areas of the issue! | Flair Magazine

Don’t Just “Step Out” of Your Comfort Zone . . .

Draw a circle in the centre of a plain sheet of paper. Inside this circle is your comfort zone, and the empty space surrounding the circle is your potential. Beyond the page is your panic zone, but we will get to that later.

You always here people telling you to “step out of your comfort zone,” or in this case, step out of the circle, but doing so seems temporary. Your comfort zone remains the same size, and you’ll likely sling right back into it once the given experience is over.

Imagine if we make the circle bigger. Expanding your comfort zone gives a sense of permanence and growth.

This is the mentality I had when I moved to the US from Australia in 2019 for college.

My dad is from North Carolina, so moving to Wilmington didn’t seem too unfamiliar, but nevertheless I moved here by myself, not knowing anyone. Although I had been to the US a few times before, moving here permanently was a big change to say the least; everything was different, from the culture, the people, to the politics. Oh God... the politics... (but I digress). I’ve always been a relatively independent person, but moving to a new country put my independence to knew heights. I wasn’t reliant on my family or my childhood friends anymore - I was starting fresh. Everything was new, so everything felt terrifying yet exciting, but with such discomfort came opportunity: the opportunity to reinvent myself to be the version of myself that I wanted to see. My comfort zone has expanded because of it, and Wilmington became the new norm.

My hunger for change let me to apply to UNC - Chapel Hill at the beginning of my sophomore year, the school my dad, uncle, and grandpa all went to. I got in and was over the moon, but the pandemic threw a spanner into the works. Here I was, starting fresh all over again, yet with very little opportunity to meet new people or get involved due to everything being online. I realized that I may have gone a step too fast and too far. I had reached my panic zone; the place beyond the page. I needed to just take a step back, reevaluate my circle, which led me to transfer back to UNCW. Now, knowing what the panic zone felt like, I am determined to make the most of my time at UNCW by doing the absolute best I can in the social and academic areas of my life. Certain situations can cause you to step back into the circle, and that is okay! These are the times where you can reflect and take a mental break, so you’re ready to keep expanding that circle with little steps at a time.

WRITTEN by Sammie Muller DESIGNED by Alana Consol 7 | The Flux Issue

Building a Capsule Wardrobe WRITTEN by Rebecca Capps DESIGNED by Alana Consol

As more people have begun to recognize the harmful nature of fast-fashion, the need for affordable, sustainable alternatives to build a wardrobe has increased. One alternative is a capsule wardrobe which provides a minimalistic approach to shopping. The rationale behind a capsule wardrobe is that investing in high quality staples that will last forever is better than spending your money on cheap and trendy pieces that quickly go out of style. This cuts down on spontaneous clothing purchases that are likely to get little to no use. It also ensures that the pieces in your closet are a part of your core clothing rotation.

There is no one “right” way to build a capsule wardrobe, but it should contain items that you feel confident in and love to wear.

The first step in shifting to a minimalistic style mindset is to go through the items you already own. You can then donate or give away items that don’t fit, clothing you wouldn’t wear tomorrow, or pieces you just don’t really like.

Clothing can also be separated into seasons and stored accordingly. Once you have determined which pieces to keep and which to get rid of, you can begin to fill in the gaps of your wardrobe. One of the great things about a capsule wardrobe is that all the items in it can typically be worn together in various combinations. This doesn’t have to be boring and not every item has to work with every possible outfit combination. Build your wardrobe based on your own personal style. In assessing what you need to complete your wardrobe, keep in mind what you typically wear on a daily basis. If you typically wear jeans and t-shirts and already own plenty, consider investing in a few going-out tops or dresses. The capsule wardrobe can also be designed according to season: your staple pieces in the fall are not going to be the same as in the summer.

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There are several different options for how to approach filling in the gaps of your wardrobe. One option is to try to thrift for specific pieces.

Jackets are probably the easiest item to thrift and are typically cheap and readily available at most stores. Resale websites such as Depop and Poshmark are good tools to utilize if you want to thrift but don’t want to spend a lot of time searching. Another option is to shop from sustainable brands.

It can be tempting to buy a bunch of clothes from cheaper brands, but the goal of the capsule wardrobe is to cut down on consumerism and focus on buying pieces that will last. When choosing which brands to buy from, consider whether the company has demonstrated efforts to cut back on their environmental impact. Some examples of sustainable brands include: Everlane, MATE the label, Girlfriend Collective, Patagonia, and Reformation.

It is true that purchasing from ethical clothing brands is more expensive than most fast fashion alternatives. However, by investing in high-quality clothing that won’t go out of style, you’re saving money in the long run by not indulging in impulse buys.

Building a wardrobe can seem like a daunting task. The capsule wardrobe cuts down on cost and allows you to curate a closet that you can feel good about, both ethically and in terms of your personal style.

Your wardrobe should include clothes that make you feel confident while catering to your individual needs. The amount of clothing in a capsule wardrobe differs from person to person in terms of their lifestyle and needs. Impulse buying is sometimes a form of self-care that should not be excluded entirely. But these purchases should be thought out in terms of how it will fit in (or stand out) with your current wardrobe. There is always room to experiment with your own personal style and buy pieces that make you excited. Fashion should be fun and allow you to use your creativity. A capsule wardrobe is one way to creatively build a wardrobe while keeping in mind the environmental impacts of consumerism.

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WOMEN IN THE LINE UP Struggles female surfers face in a predominantly male sport: Investigating the reason for male dominance in surfing.

WRITTEN by Julie D’Amanda DESIGNED by Brooke Zarzycki

Wilmington resident, and Florida Native Grom Current is no stranger to the surfing community.

As a 22-year female surfer, Current took note of the disproportionate male-to-female ratio in the sport. Inspired by GrlsWrl, a female skate community in Los Angeles, California, Current created Wilmington’s own female surf and skate community called Seasters of WB, to encourage other females to try surfing and feel less intimidated about trying the sport.

“In Hawaii it was a female sport, but it is considered an extreme sport and extreme sports are dominated by males. When it was popularized it was only men who were doing it,” Current said, “Men do a good job of intimidating women out of sports like this.”

Surfing originated in Hawaii, and when it became popular on the mainland in the United States during the 1960’s, females were not partaking in sports nearly as much as they are now. Although the number of female surfers increase each year, males still dominate the water in terms of numbers.

Logan Harvey, a student of UNC Wilmington and a 15-year surfer recalled a time he was surfing and there were approximately 20 males, and one female in the water. Nick Aryan, another student of UNC Wilmington and a 6-month surfer gave a different account of the ratio, saying that from his experience the male to female ratio is 4:1. On both accounts, the number of male to female surfers are unbalanced. Because of this unbalanced number, women may feel intimidated and more apprehensive to go surfing seeing all of the men and having to be the only woman in the water. A UNC Wilmington student Heather Cunningham has been surfing for 2-3 years off and on and explained that she lacks confidence in the sport.

“When you are a rookie in any sport you already lack confidence,” Cunningham said, “then when you go out there and you see… all these guys who seem super tough, …and if you do see any girls there are only one or two, it is a little harder, it is a little intimidating.”

So how does the surfing community encourage more females to go surfing? From speaking with multiple female surfers, there seems to be many steps the surfing community can take to get more females in the water and eliminate the intimidation. Anna Raines, a Wilmington local and 12year surfer worked at WbSurf Camp for two summers. She explained that she was the only female instructor, and the other five were male. Half of the students were girls but there was only one female instructor and most of the girls wanted to be paired with her.

Similar to Raines, Delaney Arthurs, a Wilmington local and 8-year surfer, learned how to surf at IndoJax Surf School where all the instructors were male when she first started.

“It was hard to get confidence when you are surrounded by all males,” Arthurs said.

With the increase in girls’ interest in surfing, having more female instructors at surf camps will encourage girls to keep surfing. Female representation can make the male dominated sport feel less intimidating. Surf brands likes Roxy, Vulcum, and Rip Curl, who sponsors professional surfers, take part in the representation of female surfers in the media. Current and Arthurs argue that although female surf brands make an effort to represent females on their social medias, and in their magazines, they feature their women as beautiful models opposed to female athletes.

“If you are a woman surfer you are mostly seen as a model, which isn’t necessarily the case, they are just women surfers,” Arthurs said, “If you go on Roxy which is a female dominated surfing brand it is just modeling pictures, but if you go on Vulcum which is male dominated it is just pictures of waves.”

Current gives her experience on topic of female representation in the media. She explains that there is a difference between cute bathing suits and surfing bathing suits.

“I don’t buy my bathing suits from surf shops because those ones are cute but they do not stay on,” Current exclaimed, “you have to hunt around for bathing suits that stay on and rarely are they in cool surf shops.”

She continued explaining that while you have to look at specific brands that create functional female surf suits, you can find functional male swimsuits anywhere.

“You would expect those to be Roxy, but Roxy bathing suits fall off like crazy,” Current said, “But Roxy will release a specific line of swimsuits for surfing, and you can only buy those ones.”

Despite these issues within the surf community surrounding female representation in the sport, Wilmington seems to be home to plenty of welcoming surfers. Both Harvey, and Aryan explained that they believe male surfers have more respect for female surfers than male surfers in the water. When interviewing Raines, Cunningham, Arthurs, and Current, they have all explained that although they feel intimidated by all of the men in the water, they do not feel like the male surfers in Wilmington have treated them poorly; aside from the occasional guy stealing their wave and cutting them off.

The increase in women in the surfing community seems to be correlated to female representation in surf brands, surf schools, and female surf communities like Seasters of WB. Seeing an increase in the representation of female surfers will maintain this increase in women joining sport. Furthermore, transforming the image of a female surfer as a model to an athlete will substantially equalize the sport.

Cunningham explains that “what is most helpful is when other girls’ welcome other girls.”

We may see an increase in female representation in surfing in the future as more female surf or skate communities like Seasters of Wb and GrlsWrl are created and decrease the intimidation female surfers face in this male dominated sport.

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The “Giving Up on Trends” Trend WRITTEN by Grace Lee DESIGNED by Josie Stockman

What are trends, and why is it better to give up on them both for you and the environment?

Trends, by definition, are general directions in which something develops or changes. So, what are fashion trends but the opinion of an overwhelming amount of people that think the same accessory or piece of clothing is cool. It’s an idea that fuels overconsumption. Trends are also exceptionally fleeting. They constantly come and go as they decline in popularity with the looming possibility of resurfacing one day. This is a toxic practice our society has come to adopt. The need to be included in all the latest trends just for them to fall out of the spotlight in the next few weeks is exhausting. In today’s social media-crazed world, it’s as if the cycle of trends has been sped up. Trends are being cycled through more quickly than ever before due to the immediate access that social media provides. This cycle results in excessive clothing waste and has led to the term “fast fashion”. The fashion industry continuously fuels a culture of consumption and waste. The constant upcoming trends and styles create a need for whatever is new and the rest gets forgotten.

The duality and complexity of this “giving up on trends trend” is that although people like to feel accepted in society, we also like to feel unique in our individuality. It has become a trend in itself to dress differently than what’s “on trend” at the moment. The rise in shopping at second hand, vintage, and thrift stores has allowed this trend to become more accessible. By shopping at these places, one is able to discover individual pieces that allow you to create your own unique style.

I think we can all come to the conclusion that dressing authentically to please yourself can bring more joy to your life. Not worrying about what everyone else is wearing allows you to explore what makes you feel most confident. When you no longer choose your clothes based on the trendiest viral tik tok outfit, you give yourself the freedom of creativity. By giving up on trends, you’re reducing the need for overproduction and developing your personal style. I encourage you to break out of the trend cycle, for your own health and happiness and for the Earth’s as well.

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THE DISAPPERANCE OF THE DISAPPERANCE OF HISTORIC WILMINGTON HISTORIC WILMINGTON

Walking the streets of Downtown Wilmington, you’re captivated by the charm of the city’s history.

With some of its oldest buildings dating back to the late 1700s, Wilmington is known for its surviving architecture. But with the push from big developers, Wilmington is losing more and more of its historic charm. A quick drive down Castle Street will highlight the city’s changing infrastructure. Along the strip of historic retail spaces and antique stores sit glaringly modern apartment complexes. The new additions to the street stick out like a sore thumb in comparison to the long standing buildings that surround them. But they may not stick out for much longer. The buildings that house local businesses like Gravity Records and Luna Caffe are in line to be torn down within the next two years and replaced with apartment complexes similar to their neighbors. Not only is it aesthetically disappointing and disheartening for the local businesses, it’s detrimental to many of the area’s residents. What’s happening is textbook gentrification: wealthy people moving to a poorer urban area, flipping housing and businesses, and eventually displacing the original residents once they no longer can afford to live there. Commercial areas are not the only places at risk for the destruction of historical buildings.

Shandy Hall, a quaint 19th century home loved by many in its neighborhood, is set to be demolished and replaced by its new owner. The neighbors see the plan as “sacrilegious”, in disbelief that anyone would tear down the “historic heart” of their neighborhood.

As a historical architecture enthusiast, it’s gut-wrenching to witness the destruction of these pieces of the past. Historical homes and businesses are like artifacts from the lives before our own, pieces that connect us to the origins of our city. High quality building techniques from generations past and intricate details are being replaced by cheap materials and cookie-cutter designs. In places like Charlotte, the city has become consumed by development and little of its history has survived. I’m afraid that Wilmington is headed down this same path unless importance is placed on rescuing what remains.

WRITTEN and DESIGNED by Alana Consol

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Dealing with Seasonal Depression WRITTEN by Brooke Zarzycki DESIGNED by Josie Stockman

As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, symptoms of depression tend to fester amongst the masses. We’ve all been there, staying inside all day to avoid the cold, then cuddling up in bed when the world gets dark at the ripe hour of 4 pm. We watch the clock shift from 5pm to 6pm, then to midnight right before our eyes. Before we know it, another day has passed. Nothing has been done but exhaustion and sadness multiply with each passing hour. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) manifests itself as a type of depression, often associated with the colder, winter months. Studies have shown that shorter days and less sunlight may trigger chemical imbalances that can lead to these feelings of depression. Some warning signs that one has developed SAD can be (and are not limited to) feelings of sadness, loss of interest in hobbies or activities, changes in appetite, fatigue, difficulty thinking, or self-isolation. Lack of motivation and mood changes interfere with school, work, social life, and overall mental and physical health. While more severe cases of depression may require professional help, there are some things we can try to avoid falling into these harmful cycles, or to pull ourselves out when we have already fallen victim to seasonal depression. Positive mindset, routine, and staying active physically and socially are crucial aspects to a happy and healthy lifestyle throughout the changing seasons.

Learning to rewire and take control of our mindset can make all the difference throughout the cold, winter months. It is easy to succumb to a negative mindset, thinking there is nothing beautiful to come of this time of year. If we appreciate the different views the changing seasons have to offer and find ways to enjoy the change of pace, we may be able to rid winter of its negative association. One way to facilitate a positive outlook is to keep a gratitude journal. Every chance you get, take time to write down all you are grateful for. Over time, you will stop thinking of the negatives and will have taught yourself to constantly look for the positives. The lack of motivation that comes with seasonal depression can leave us with lots of time on our hands. Excessive time with nothing to do but think can allow us to dwell on the cold weather and shorter days. If we fill that time with productive and fulfilling practices, we can avoid creating a negative headspace. Journaling, art, knitting, music, or any new hobby you have been wanting to try is a great way to keep stimulated and motivated. Everyone has bad days here and there, and that is ok. The trick is to try to recognize this when it happens and try our best to reset, using these strategies to get back on track.

Routine is an important aspect of mental and physical health. Improper use of time can lead to stress, lack of sleep, and poor habits. The longer we stick to a healthy routine, the easier it becomes.

To help get started, and hold ourselves accountable, write it down on paper. Be as detailed as possible, allocating time for meals, work, and relaxation. When we manage our time and plan accordingly, we eliminate the stress of not knowing when we will have time for all we need and want to do in a day.

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Finding a routine that works for you, and maintaining that routine, allows everything else to fall into place. Tasks that once seemed daunting, such as plentiful sleep, a healthy diet, physical activity, and time for self and friends, all fall into place accordingly without the stress that is typically attached. With strategic planning we can fit more in a day with time to spare. Being kind to your mind and body through routine will naturally boost motivation and confidence, crushing the negative cycles that can come with seasonal depression.

The short, cold days of winter often curb motivation to be active or be outdoors, but physical activity and spending time in the sun play a huge role in our overall health. With the changing season, we can find new ways to keep our bodies moving. Here in Wilmington, much of our stress relief comes from spending time on Wrightsville beach. Whether it be basking in the sun, swimming, or surfing, many of us thrive off the summer weather and activities. It can be hard to cope with that season coming to an end.

Although we must put some of those activities to rest for the time being, there are many ways we can still enjoy nature, spend time in the sun, and stay active during the winter months. We have access to some great mountains here in North Carolina, so it is a great time to try out skiing, snowboarding, or hiking. If you’re not a mountain person, there are still many ways we can make use of our coastline during the winter. Put on a jacket and walk the beach at low tide, you can find shark teeth, sea glass, sand dollars, and more. Invest in a wetsuit and go surfing! The warm weather may have left, but the waves haven’t. Any way that we can move our bodies and get sun, even in the colder weather, is going to foster a healthy lifestyle.

Find a group of friends to help keep you motivated, and don’t be scared to try something new.

Seasonal depression can lead to self-isolation, withdrawing from our friends into the comfort of our own four walls. As naturally social creatures, we crave the company of the people we love. Spending too much time alone may only increase the feelings of helplessness. Surrounding ourselves with close friends and family creates a strong support system. Having trusted people to talk to reminds you that you are not alone, there is a world of people who love you and are here for you. Completing activities with friends such as working out, cooking, running errands, or even just going out in town is the perfect extrinsic motivation to keep you productive. Continually reach out to friends and try to stay socially involved. It may feel daunting at first, but chances are you will feel better after spending time with your friends.

As the season starts to change in an unfavorable way, it is important to keep moving as usual. Stay active, stay healthy, and stay social to avoid falling into depression associated with the changing weather.

Be cognitive of the changing seasons and make strong efforts to keep to your usual routine. Carve out time to spend in the sun, and to keep your days planned. Be patient and kind to yourself at all points in your journey. Again, these are a few tips to keep up with our health to try and avoid falling into a negative cycle, but it is important to seek professional help when needed.

Source: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/seasonal-affective-disorder

National suicide prevention lifeline - 800-273-TALK (8255) 23 | The Flux Issue

MODEL: Ruth Deaton PHOTOGRAPHER: Alana Consol 25 | The Flux Issue

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FENG SHUI:

Fix the of Your Safe Space

Among flux, the continuous change of everything around us and everything within us, we need a safe space. For many of us, especially us college students, that safe space is our bedroom. Our bedroom is where we sleep, where we study, and where we can shut the door to get away from our roommates. It’s the only place we can really get that much-needed alone time. But, is your room set up for optimal energy flow? Did you even know that there was an energy flow in your room (and any space for that matter)?

And that that flow can affect your behavior, mood, and productivity in that room?

Introducing Feng Shui: an asian philosophy about the relationship between humans and their environment. The practice involves arranging pieces and furniture to create balance and harmony in a space. In this article, I’ll focus on the basics of the command position and how this relates to the positioning of a bed and a desk since I assume those are the two most common pieces in a college room.

These principles can be beneficial when applied to your bedroom to improve sleep in your bed and productivity at your desk due to the favorable location of these pieces in relation to the energy flow of the room. I encourage you to try it out!

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WRITTEN by Maya Gudenpudi DESIGNED by Alana Consol DRAWINGS by Danielle Goergen

The command position is the dominant position in a room. It is dominant because in this position, you can see everything like doors and windows without being in the direct line of them. This is desirable because doors and windows have energy flowing through them and people and things can move between spaces via these channels. Therefore, the command position is furthest from the door and windows while still in sight of them so you are aware of anyone coming in or out. However, in most rooms this is not possible and you will have to be in the line of something. Energy movement is greater through a doorway so this takes priority over windows in determining the command position. Ideally, the bed should be in the command position of your bedroom and the desk should be in the command position of your office. But, as college students these spaces are likely combined so I suggest putting your bed in the command position and your desk in the next best place after positioning your bed. In general, considering the “rules” of the command position are good practice for finding a suitable position for your bed and desk, but here are some more specific guidelines for optimal arrangement. When placing your bed, a good rule of thumb is to avoid being in line with the doorway and to make sure there is a solid wall behind your bed. As for a desk, don’t place it in front of a window or a wall because you need a nice open view to think. Additionally, never position the desk with a door behind you because you will feel vulnerable.

https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-feng-shui-1275060 https://www.gowithharmony.com/feng-shui-bed.html https://www.pinterest.com/pin/746682813197414093/

Slurp

Candid

OOTD

The Ris e of Casual Instagram

What can we do?

WRITTEN and DESIGNED by Josie Stockman

What is “casual Instagram”?

As of recent times, there have been anti-aesthetic movements taking storm with the hashtag #makeinstagramcasualagain. This movement encourages authenticity and vulnerability when it comes to sharing photos and videos.

1. Start casually posting on your own page to help pave the way for others!

How to Casually post: -Posting on a whim: Stop seeking the perfect time to post and start to post as soon as you capture the moment!

-Unedited content: F#$K a filter, your natural beauty is all that matters, and it shouldn’t be covered up with oversaturated filters that turn your skin orange and your hair white!

-Un-staged photos: Stop over-planning your images, this leads to overthinking and can increase stress.

-Random images: Post that can of beans that made you laugh for 3 minutes straight, share that video of your friend rolling down a hill, let the world see that makeup look that you absolutely killed.

-Captured moments: Remember that pic you have of your friends just lying in the street after a long night and you can’t help but smile when looking at it? Post it.

Put it on the internet, time isn’t real, but we must learn to savor and share it.

-Scrapbook memories: Treat your social platforms like a scrapbook, compile good times good people, and good memories and have them with you to look back on and smile.

“The very existence of social media is predicated on humankind’s primitive drive of attention seeking. And when they successfully monetize your attention, they end up with billions of dollars and you end up with a screwed up mental state. And if we don’t do anything about it now, the next generation will be a generation of mentally unstable glass creatures.”

Abhijit Naskar, Good Scientist: When Science and Service Combine

2. Make your mental health your #1 priority -If you are experiencing any anxiety when it comes to social media here are some ways to help: 1.Turn off those likes, who cares how many people like your image, the only person you need to care about if they like you is YOU 2.Limit your time spent on social media.

What we indulge in consumes us, and spending too much time looking at other people’s lives will keep you from living yours.

3.Unfollow accounts that don’t make you feel good. I am talking about those people who have unrealistic body images and only post the highlights of small moments in their life.

4.Use Instagram as a creative outlet, follow accounts that inspire you.

Overthinking social media: “Should I post?”

“Should I delete this?”

“What if no one’s on right now?”

“Can you post it for me?”

“Go like my picture!”

“Do I look weird in this?” *Deletes Instagram after posting* 31 | The Flux Issue

WRITTEN and DESIGNED

by Brooke Zarzycki

In recent months, the social scene in Wilmington has revolved around live music from a select group of bands students and locals alike know and love. The music scene in Wilmington has grown immensely, the coolest part being that most of its growth was fostered by friends and peers here at UNCW and in the greater Wilmington area. Groups like Ridgewood, Narah, Pleasure Island, Cancel, and Free Drinks have been the rising celebrities of our town. I got the chance to speak with some of these talented individuals to get to know them, and get more insight on life in a band. These hardworking musicians are creating an inclusive musical culture for all of us to enjoy as a community, so let’s go ahead and meet some of the bands that are making this possible...

RIDGEWOOD Ridgewood started as a loose entity and began jamming together prior to the pandemic. After disbanding during that period of time, band members Elliot Stanford, Bennett Hair, Matt Dauphin, and Charlie Peters were eager to jump back into it. They officially formed in the summer of 2020 upon moving back to Wilmington. With concern on how to safely navigate being a new band during the pandemic, Ridgewood first got their name out by releasing a live video performance in February of this year. More recently, the group has been playing live shows at various venues around town. Ridgewood describes their sound as “skate/surf punk” with the essence of garage rock. I spoke with Stanford, Ridgewood’s lead vocalist, a little about the band, some of their goals, and a little more about the scene here in Wilmington.

“Who are your musical inspirations?”

“We all bring something really different to the table. Bennett has found a lot of inspiration from Chad smith and the Chili Peppers...Matt loves the heavier stuff like Slipknot and Primus. Charlie and I have a weird cannon on music that stretches from old blues to 50s rock and roll, to 80s and 90s punk revival...a lot of Nirvana, Mudhoney, Fidlar, any one with high energy really.”

“What goals do you guys have as a band?”

“Our short-term goal is we want to get music out as soon as possible. We are trying to record it ourselves right now which is a big learning curve, but it is going a lot better than we expected. Long term goal is to just keep writing and keep playing as much as possible.”

“What do you have to say about the music scene here in Wilmington?”

“For me this starts back in high school because I had heard so much about the student music scene... and then I got here and felt like it had completely died. I honestly think it was the pandemic, everyone went home and just festered on it. I think more people started playing music and were so fed up with just sitting inside. When we got back to Wilmington, we found each other...shoutout to Narah and Free Drinks and the PCE boys, as a group we have all taken over places like Barzarre and Bodega. These small venues have been so instrumental in helping students play out to the public. Recently, I’ve been seeing underclassman start to play in dorms, and it’s a lot of people we see at our shows which is such a sick feeling. To say that we are a part of something here and that it is still growing is so cool, it’s a blessing honestly.”

Favorite venue: Barzarre

Favorite song to play: “Calm & Collected” by Ridgewood 32 | Flair Magazine

FREE DRINKS

Free drinks, made up of Josh Deming, Hugh Bennett, Graham Tucker, and Paul Novak, officially started in February of 2021. Leading up to then, Deming described that Bennett and Tucker would always casually jam at their house. Deming began to experience the horrible feeling of “fomo” (fear of missing out), so he picked up a bass and the rest was history. They describe their sound as “Funkadelic Rock,” finding inspiration from bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Zeppelin, and the Strokes. In the beginning, you typically could find Free Drinks at open mic night at the Barzarre, now they are playing at venues all around town. I met with Deming to get to find out more of what Free Drinks is all about.

“What is Free Drinks’ creative process?”

“When writing a song, we find some chords that sound good, jam until we find a riff, and then Graham will put lyrics over that. For cover songs, we just think about what we would want to hear.”

“What goals do you guys have as a band?”

“Short-term...be the biggest band in Wilmington. Long-term... to one day play with the Chili Peppers, or a show at Madison Square Garden.”

“What do you have to say about the music scene here in Wilmington?”

“The reason I think it blew up is cause of COVID really. There was nothing happening, we started playing little house shows, people got a taste for music again, and other bands started coming out. Now that people are getting vaccinated and such, we can start doing bigger shows. All these bands have one goal, and it is to build the Wilmington music scene”

Favorite venue: Barzarre

Favorite song to play: “Mood” by Free Drinks

NARAH

Narah was an idea that started around summer of 2019 with Evan Fuze while he was, at the time, with a different band. Upon leaving that band he began to recruit his members to make Narah a reality. Today, the Narah we know is composed of Evan Fuze, Jordan Simmons, Dawson Newman, and Luke Vanderwoude. They describe their sound as a mixture of a lot of things; mostly hard rock, involving some elements of punk and grunge. I was able to speak with Fuze, Newman, and Vanderwoude about all that goes into Narah.

“Who are your musical inspirations?”

Fuze and Newman – “Queens of stone age, ASG, Thai Seagull, Nirvana, 90s grunge bands in general,” said Fuze and Newman.

Vanderwoude- “Strictly Green Day,” said Vanderwoude.

“What goals do you guys have for your band?”

“Honestly, have fun... we started this with just the intention of having fun during quarantine and its cool that we can keep doing it,” said Vanderwoude.

“To help other people have fun,” said Newman.

“I’ve always had the dream to go on tour and live comfortably doing what I love, so I guess that would be the long-term goal, but it all boils down to having fun,” said Fuze.

“What do you have to say about the music scene in Wilmington?”

“A huge part of it is definitely quarantine and people forming bands, but another part of it was the bands coming together,” said Vanderwoude.

“When I grew up playing in bands in high School here there wasn’t any cohesion between the bands. Now we all play together, all our different friends come...it makes a community, and community is important,” said Newman.

“Any words of advice for people who want to join the music scene?

“Practice... always have fun. If you can’t find band members, keep looking. Don’t have expectations. Don’t let ego get in the way,” said Fuze.

“Talk to everyone, and don’t let small shows discourage you,” said Vanderwoude.

“You get out what you put in, so just make it happen,” said Newman.

Favorite venue: Depends on the show! Wherever the crowd is moving the most.

Favorite song to play: “Up my Sleeve” by Narah

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And there you have it, a little inside view of band life here in Wilmington. Keep up with the bands on Instagram to hear new music and see upcoming shows. Show out and support our friends and all their hard work as they continue to build and grow the Wilmington music scene that we know and love.

TOP: FREE DRINKS MIDDLE: NARAH BOTTOM: RIDGEWOOD

34 | Flair Magazine

THE IMPORTANCE OF SPENDING TIME IN NATURE

Written by: Ally Jones Designed by: Taylor Puckett

As the world continues to urbanize and people spend less time in the natural environment, it is easy to forget how much humans rely on the natural world. Not only does this pose a dangerous future for conservation efforts, but the cognitive and physical health of people as well. This article will go over why it is important to reconnect with nature, for both ourselves and the health of the planet.

Nature-deficit disorder is the theory that humans, especially children, have been spending less time in nature due to the developed world’s lifestyle- and it comes with consequences. This includes fewer natural spaces, increasing levels of screen time, a car-focused culture, and less leisure time. Of course, modern technology has reaped numerous benefits for the world, but it would be negligent to ignore the possible risks that arise from our increased separation from nature. Coinciding with this belief, a growing body of evidence implies that nature-deficit disorder leads to diminishing use of the senses, attention difficulties, childhood obesity, and higher rates of mental and physical illness.

Humans’ reliant relationship with the natural world can be explained through the concept of biophilia, which directly translates to “the love of life.” The biophilia hypothesis, coined by Edward O. Wilson, is the idea that humans possess an innate emotional affiliation with the natural world and other living organisms. Studies and research support this claim by showing positive trends between human health, intelligence, and nature. For children, those who have a connection with the environment are found to be happier, healthier, and more creative. While studying adults, those who incorporated nature into their life and work showed higher levels of productivity, creativity, and lower levels of stress. Even more impressive, recovering hospital patients with a view of the natural world from their window heal faster.

If people do not have the chance to explore and develop their biophilia, they begin to harbor an aversion to nature, known as biophobia. This resentment creates an urge to only affiliate with man-made artifacts and constructions while harboring contempt towards animals, landscapes, and other elements of the natural world.

More importantly, those experiencing feelings of biophobia are unlikely to contribute to the protection of the environment. Nature may be seen as a disposable resource in their eyes. It is much easier to put one’s heart into climate justice if one can feel what they are fighting for.

For the sake of our own happiness and health, along with the planets, it is crucial that current and upcoming generations create more time and opportunities to connect with the natural world. Not only is it beneficial to both cognitive and physical health, it also improves chances of successful conservation efforts.

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IT’S TIME YOU LEARN ABOUT YOUR HORMONES WRITTEN BY: MAYA GUNDEPUDI DESIGNED BY: MAY WORTHEN

Most of us don’t think about our hormone cycles... ever. Maybe us females do once a month when Aunt Flo comes around, but that’s about it. So unfortunately, we aren’t aware of the basic facts- such as how incredibly important our hormones are to overall health, or that hormone cycles differ in males and females! Despite the critical role hormones play in health, the majority of people around the world are unaware of this information due to lack of education. This article serves as a stepping stone to raising awareness over hormone health and living harmoniously with our bodies.

First, balancing our hormones is the key to our health because hormones control everything that happens in our body. Hormones are the messengers that tell the different organs in our body when to carry out certain functions. It comes down to this: hormones out of whack = body out of whack.

Therefore, it is worth it to start paying attention to them! Secondly, the male hormone cycle is 24 hours while the female hormone cycle is 28 days. Already, you can see there’s a big difference. For males, the most pertinent hormone is testosterone; for females, it’s both estrogen and progesterone. Both males and females have all three hormones, just in varying amounts. Most of us are likely more familiar with the daily hormone cycle males go through with the typical school and work schedule implemented in American society. In general, once we are awake, we start off the day with the most energy. Our energy slowly depletes throughout the day until our energy is at its lowest before bed. This repeats day after day. It’s the same with testosterone in men. Levels of testosterone are the highest in the morning and wane off as the day goes on. There are other factors that can affect testosterone levels in males, such as stress and ingestion of substances like alcohol and caffeine. These factors apply to women too, but that’s another article in itself. The female hormone cycle is much different, which is the main reason I wanted to write this article in the first place. This is not because it is more important than the male cycle, but because it is the lesser known of the two. This knowledge can help women understand why their energy fluctuates day-to-day and help them adapt their lifestyle with these fluctuations to feel their best. I, a female, was absolutely blown away when I first heard this information as a twenty-yearold woman.

How could I not know something so crucial about my own body? I’m here to let you know some of the basics. Hopefully you’ll want to go deeper and learn more on your own. I will use an analogy to the different seasons of the weather to help the concept be better understood and ideally, adopted into a lifestyle. The female hormone cycle has four phases, similar to the four seasons. Disclaimer: each description is a general outline; your cycle may be exactly like this or vary in length and feeling. Either way it is normal, and you should do what feels right for you.

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THE PHASES Phase 1: Menstruation x Winter Your cycle starts the first day you bleed and usually lasts around 6 days while you bleed. This is a time when estrogen and energy are the lowest, so rest and hibernation are prevalent themes. Staying home, self-care, and light-exercise like yoga are best practice as well as replenishing foods with iron such as spinach, sweet potato, and meat or fish to combat effects of blood-loss.

Phase 2: Follicular x Spring The second phase is when estrogen levels start to rise because your body wants you to go out and find a suitable partner. On the contrary, progesterone levels are low. Thus, energy levels are growing like flowers blooming and this is a time for rebirth and focus.

Starting new projects, learning, and moderate exercise like strength training are common. Nourish your body with a healthy diet full of broccoli, citrus fruits and nuts.

Phase 3: Ovulation x Summer During the third week of your cycle, your body is trying to get pregnant. Energy is more outward, so you may feel social and inclined to host and take care of others. Progesterone, the relaxing hormone, levels are also starting to rise which helps to balance out the energy of estrogen as your body prepares to conceive (which, majority of the time you are not actually doing). Cardio workouts, whole grains, and eggs are a good diet and exercise for this time.

Phase 4: Luteal x Autumn The last week of your cycle your body is starting to wind down as estrogen levels dip. Progesterone is the highest since it thinks you might have a baby in your belly you need to protect. Energy is turned inward, so you may feel more irritable when asked to do things since your body needs rest and you may not be listening to it. Creativity can flourish in this phase if you comply with your body’s plea to take it easy. Walks and eating berries and leafy greens are great practices at this stage

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The Fairy Circle 1045 S College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403

Vintage Values 609 Castle St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Salvation Army 1411 Floral Pkwy, Wilmington, NC 28403

Vintage Vagabond 3518 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403

Bargain Box of Wilmington 4213 Princess Pl Dr, Wilmington, NC 28405

Junky Monkey 13041 N Kerr Ave, Wilmington, NC 28405 46 | Flair Magazine

How Secondhand Shopping Allowed Me to Find My Personal Style

I can distinctly remember the days spent rummaging through the racks of Goodwill with my mom, embarrassed that my Abercrombie jeans and Madewell top weren’t brand new. I combed through every piece of fabric for brand-name labels that would bring me a small sense of belonging among my peers. Keeping up with ever-changing trends is exhausting and creates a not-so-personal style made up of nothing but brand names and mindless trends. As I began to learn about fast-fashion and the harmful effects it has on production workers and the environment, I decided to begin the journey to a more sustainable wardrobe. I began to make more environmentally friendly decisions when it came to my clothes. I found resources like Depop, ThredUp, and eBay. I returned to my roots of thrifting, but this time I was on the quest for clothing that inspires me. I was finally able to release the hold that fleeting trends once had on my ability to develop a sense of style.

Shopping retail for clothing is limiting. It restricts the consumer to choosing between a select number of trends that are currently “in style”.

The problem with this is that these trends come and go so quickly making it difficult to keep up, not to mention how much waste is created and the amount of money people spend when they must buy a new summer wardrobe each year.

WRITTEN by Anna Williams DESIGNED by Josie Stockman

Thrifting became a hobby for me; something I looked forward to because it taught me more about myself. When I no longer felt the pressure to find trendy pieces or brand name items, I was able to let myself explore my style and create one that I felt reflected my personality. The realization that there are no rules when it comes to fashion was more than liberating. I found myself drawn to interesting textures, bright colors, and statement pieces that the old me never would have given a second glance. This journey to finding my own unique style led me to fall in love with second-hand shopping. I learned that I feel confident and stylish in vintage clothing. Finding the most amazing vintage 70’s blazer or the coolest pair of 80’s denim brings me joy and makes me feel like my most authentic self. That’s what fashion should be like. Shopping second-hand allows room to explore and discover what makes you feel the most at home in your clothes.

When you stop dressing according to trends and what is “in style”, you will discover a world of opportunity to find a style that is uniquely you.

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WRITTEN by Anna Williams DESIGNED by Dinadja Davis

@wearilive From her “Living Alone” series on YouTube to her vintage thrifting hauls, Jenny is the perfect blueprint for people in their 20’s who are simply trying to get through life -fashionably. She lives in New York City and shares her journey to a low impact lifestyle through fashion and plant-based living with her followers.

Check out her Instagram and YouTube for endless inspiration.

@thatcurlytop Searching for a sustainable pop of color for your feed?

Jazmine Rogers is the embodiment of fun and colorful sustainable fashion. She is a self-proclaimed “#sustainablebaddie” who engages her followers on her journey to a low-impact lifestyle. Jazmine is a passionate advocate for the environment and provides a lot of useful information about climate change, the harms of fast-fashion, and plant-based living with her internet friends. She also started #rewearthat to inspire people to resist clothing waste and wear what they already have in their closet.

@greengirlleah Leah Thomas is the founder of @intersectionalenvironmentalist: a climate justice community and resource hub centering BIPOC and historically excluded voices. According to her Instagram bio, Leah is a “climate optimist, writer and eco-communicator”. Her message to followers is that making sustainable choices and learning through progress is better than trying to live a perfectly zero-waste lifestyle. She is an active advocate for the Earth and is highly educated on the topic of climate change. Specifically, Leah teaches her followers about the importance of intersectionality in the fight for climate justice.

If you’re anything like me, you spend a lot of time on Instagram. Whether you’re aware of it or not, the content that is filling your mind impacts your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. What was once a place to share silly pictures of your breakfast with friends has turned into a platform on which “influencers” can promote brands and lifestyles to thousands of people with the click of a button. This new type of advertisement has been very beneficial for both companies and influencers. For some, being an “influencer” can even turn into a career. One of the prominent downsides of this exchange is the promotion of fast fashion. Many influencers are paid to advertise clothing from brands that do not prioritize sustainability or ethically sourced products. By doing so, the fast fashion industry continues to grow, and over-consumption increases. Thankfully, there are many online personalities that are fighting against the fast-fashion industry by promoting ethical brands and teaching the benefits of second-hand consumption. By filling your feed with people that practice sustainable lifestyles and provide insight into avoiding fast-fashion, the earth (and your wallet) will thank you.

65º & SUNNY Although the temperature is dropping and the leaves are falling, summer is a state of mind. So, shuffle this playlist, head to the beach (even in your hoodie) to see a 5pm sunset. Get out there and enjoy it.

Little Taste of Heaven by Leach Elephant by Tame Impala Trust Fall by Caye Sedona by Houndmouth Weekend Friend by Goth Babevv

The Kiss Of Venus by Paul McCartney & Dominic Fike The Bride & The Bachelor by Magnolian Coming Back by James Blake (feat. SZA) Electric Feel by MGMT Almost (Sweet Music) by Hozier

NEON PEACH by Snoh Aalegra (feat. Tyler, The Creator)

CHECK OUT OUR PLAYLIST HERE! Curated by: Marilyn Bolderman

Designed by: May Worthen

DESIGNED by Alana Consol

@theplantoutpost (910) 660-8194

347 Hutchison Ln Ste 120, Wilmington, NC 28401

THANK YOU! THANK YOU TO THESE BUSINESSES FOR GRACIOUSLY LETTING US USE THEIR SPACES FOR OUR PHOTOSHOOTS.

BUY, SELL, TRADE RECORDS INSTAGRAM: @GRAVITYRECORDS 612 Castle St, Wilmington, NC

Go show them some love online or in-person!

INSTAGRAM: @THESKATEBARN 155 Pansy Ln, Hampstead, NC

DESIGNED by May Worthen

THE END.

LOOKING TO GET MORE INVOLVED IN FLAIR? FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @FLAIRTHEMAGAZINE OR EMAIL US AT FLAIRMAGUNCW@GMAIL.COM Designed By: May Worthen

Cover By: Alana Consol