SUMMER 2014 INSIDE A GEARHEAD'S GARAGE P.5 THRIFT STORE CHIC P.12
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Editorial | Summer 2014
Editor’s Notes EDITOR IN CHIEF
Being Yourself Never Goes out of Style
Nadia Kaczkowski
MANAGING EDITOR Georgina Cammayo
CONTENT EDITOR
William Martin, James Greene
COPY EDITOR James Mason
WRITING STAFF
Konnor Derkach, Keira Montanary Takiya Eastmond
ART DIRECTOR John Parks
CHIEF DESIGNER Laurise McMillian
DESIGN STAFF
Grayson Karr, Alexandra Arbin
DESIGN SPECIALISTS
Brianna Breece, Danielle Frater
PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
Looking forward to returning to Owl Magazine after a brief hiatus, I was ready and inspired to work- until I found out that I would be working on a fashion themed issue. Fashion?! My idea of fashion is blue jeans, sunglasses, and a plain shirt. Whether we may want to admit it or not, we all have our own sense of fashion and style. Mine just so happens to be influenced by the fact that I’d probably rather be outside surrounded by some old-timey bluegrass tunes. And, well, I work with three-year-olds. Some style, huh? In this fashion-inspired issue, learn the tricks and trades of being fashionable without much effort (pg. 4). Find out how local
car enthusiasts use car modification as an extension of their personalities to influence their style (pg. 5) See what impact music has on local students’ sense of style (pg. 8) and discover which Baltimore native became a self-taught designer (pg. 14). It’s not just what we wear and how we look that make up our unique style. Everyone puts on different hats during the day; everyone wears a costume. It’s the way we think and reason, it’s the music we listen to, it’s our personality and outlook on life that contributes to and influences our sense of style.
Joshua Eller
FRONT PAGE AND BACK PAGE PHOTOGRAPHY John Morin
PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF
Jennifer Lewis, John Morin Diamond Dixon, Maddie de Long
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOGRAPHY Pamela Nixson, Bishme Cromartie
BUSINESS MANAGER Rachel Mitchell
DISTRIBUTION
Capree Garner, Laura Milcarzyk
CHIEF ADVISER Claudia Brown
TECHNICAL ADVISER Philip Roszak
PRINT PUBLISHER
Stockson Printing Company
Tune into Style CONTACT US:
Harfowl@harford.edu
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Music has the power to influence your character, your creativity… and your fashion. Rapper Wiz Khalifa inspires this crew neck and snapback.
Summer 2014 | Owl Magazine
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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How Guys Do Fashion
Take a look at how a regular dude uses a lazy approach to his own style.
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Tanorexia: A Burning Desire
Are premature wrinkles and melanoma really worth that bronze glow?
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Baltimore to Big Time
Check out this exclusive interview with local fashionisto Bishme Cromartie who’s made big waves in a short time.
Inside A Gearhead’s Garage
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Car enthusiasts and mechanics put their hearts, souls, and the best carefully-chosen parts into their custom designs.
Vintage Finds on a Dime
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It seems as though everyone’s pressed for cash these days, so learn where to find unbeatable deals.
Live at HCC
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See what exciting events are happening on campus.
Summer 2014 | Owl Magazine
VOICES
From The Hamper to The Dryer How Guys Do Fashion By John Parks | Photography by John Morin | Owl Staff
Looking hip is as easy as putting your hands in your pockets and leaning against a fence.
The only thing harder than waking up after a late-night-bender is finding a way to make it to work or class on time and in “style.” Being lazy and stylish can be hard while rummaging through the hamper to find something that’s not too wrinkled to pass as clean. Do we have time to iron that shirt? Toss our wrinkled pants in the dryer, or bathe ourselves in Febreze? Probably not, but as men we have a duty to take the easy way out so we can look presentable and be on time. These thoughts run through a typical guy’s mind just about every morning.
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Finding a socially passable outfit and masking that wet trash smell of yours while trying to be punctual is stressful
something to wear, I’ll just grab something that’s marginally cleaner from my brother’s room. It might not fit, but at least it’s clean.” Looking hip isn’t even all that hard nowadays. Most fashionable looks can be found at thrift stores, garage sales, or even that old chest in your grandmom’s attic that’s full of your weird uncle’s clothing from the ‘80s. Pop on some out of date clothing, put your hands in your pockets, lean on a wall like a J. Crew model and you’ll be straight swagging. Unlike us men, women spend entirely too much time getting prepared. According to a study done by the Harley Street Clinic, women spend up to a year and three months of their lives applying makeup alone. I can say with profound confidence that I have spent a maximum of about four hours or less getting ready in my entire life while still managing to look fantastic. When it comes to our hair, getting it cut is usually optional, provided that your employer doesn’t really care about what you look like. Using conditioner is usually completely unnecessary for most occasions. Fortunately, rocking a tight fedora cap is an amazing way to cover that mop top you consider to be a haircut. If you’re really in a tight spot, tossing some quasi-clean clothing in the dryer with a damp towel can remove wrinkles within a few minutes while you rush to shower and brush your teeth.
“The only thing harder than waking up after a late-night-bender is finding a way to make it to work or class on time and in style.” for all of us. However, overcoming your inner laziness is not far from our reach with some of my advice. Business Administration major Cameron Grier says, “If I can’t find
Using this method can cut down on time that would otherwise be wasted on un-manly things like “ironing” and “folding clothes.” Who has time for all that? We’re men, and we’re busy.
Summer 2014 | Owl Magazine
Under The Hood
VOICES
Inside a Gearhead’s Garage By Konnor Derkach | Photography by Joshua Eller | Owl Staff
Summertime is the ideal time for car enthusiasts to spin wheels and show off their hard work.
Nothing can describe the feeling I get when I see that brown box outside my garage – it means I’m going to have a good time modifying my car just in time for all the shows coming up in the summer. For a car enthusiast, summertime offers the chance to finally show off all
how much money you want to spend. Wheels and suspension could cost you almost $2,000. This is because wheels are typically over $500 and depending on which type of suspension modification you choose, it could end up costing somewhere within the $1,000 range. Some people might want to invest
“It’s escapism for us, to forget the problems around us and make our cars an extension of our personality.” the hard work and time spent in the garage. Most events occur annually, like Cruisin’ Ocean City in May, which kicks off show season. When I come home, I dive into making my car as unique as possible so it stands out from other Scion tCs. When I buy a car, I can’t keep it stock because I love cars and my car should look a little different, sound different, and go a little faster. Modifying a car is mainly about
their money into something practical like a savings account or remodeling their house. To enthusiasts, the investment could pay for itself; a manufacturer may sponsor you for using their parts and helping sell their brand. Most car shows even offer prizes for first in show. The Internet provides the utilities for someone to learn about the variety of car scenes out there. Websites I check daily are canibeat.com and stanceworks.
com. Both provide great images of cars to gain inspiration as well as updates on upcoming events. The next time you are walking to class and hear the unmistakable sound of an aftermarket exhaust revving over the speed bumps and think, “Is that even necessary?” or “Why are you wasting money on that car? You’re never going to get it back,” remember this is something that almost every car enthusiast has heard before. The passion we have towards the cars we own is something that outsiders may not fully grasp. The car culture isn’t just people standing around talking and looking at cars; it’s about the bonds forged with fellow enthusiasts. When you love cars as much as my friends and family, you can appreciate the work someone puts into their car. You can form bonds with people you may have met at car show, or just in a parking lot at school. It’s escapism for us, to forget the problems around us and make our cars an extension of our personality.
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Tanorexia
Summer 2014 | Owl Magazine
HEALTH
A Burning Desire By Keira Montanary | Photography by Jennifer Lewis | Owl Staff
With the warmer weather comes swim suit season, the beach, and many hours spent outside in the sun. Many may start preparing for the summer sun by going to tanning salons in hopes of developing a nice base layer tan and getting a head start on that bronze glow. While some may tan occasionally in preparation for special events, others develop a serious addiction to tanning. “Tanorexia” is described as a physical or psychological need to be tan. According to WebMD, “Addiction is
signing up for tanning before prom in the spring or vacation in the summer. Jessica Barley, an airbrush technician at Aruba Sun and Spa Tanning Salon, used to tan in the bed almost every other day. “I have naturally pale skin, and I started getting so many compliments once I developed my tan. I knew the dangers, but it didn’t matter to me. Every woman in my family goes tanning.” Jessica started to tan at age sixteen; however, in Maryland, you have to be at least eighteen years old to sign up
because the risk of melanoma increases if you tan before the age of thirty-five. If these high skin cancer risks don’t scare you away, perhaps premature aging will. According to the Food and Drug Administration, UVA rays damage cell production in the skin and reduce elasticity. In other words, tanning also causes wrinkles. However, there are alternative ways to achieve that sun-kissed skin you may be craving. You can find self-tanners at the drugstore, often for
“The World Health Organization says teenagers should be banned from using tanning beds because the risk of melanoma increases if you tan before the age of thirty-five.” why tanorexics can’t simply slather on self-tanners — just as chain-smokers can’t be cured with a stick of gum.” It is an addiction many young men and women are dealing with. It’s all about having that “natural glow.” HCC student Erica Richardson says, “Tanning is wonderful! It puts me in a great mood and makes me feel good about myself because everyone looks better when they are tan.” Everyone including Disney Princesses. Richardson continues, “I was watching Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs…and all I could think about was how much better Snow White would look if she was tan.” It’s this mindset that sends people flocking to tanning salons year-round. Many people utilize tanning beds during the fall and winter months, and it is no surprise to see teenage girls
for tanning. Any younger and parental consent is required due to the damaging effects of UVA and UVB on the skin. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing it to darken and develop the radiant, sun-kissed glow everyone desires so much. UVB rays damage the outer layers and cause sunburn, followed by cancer. While many salons claim their beds have more UVA rays than UVB, exposure to the former can damage melanin and has recently been proven to cause skin cancer as well. Studies done by the International Agency for Research on Cancer have shown that using a tanning bed increases the risk of skin cancer by 75%. The World Health Organization believes teenagers should be banned from using tanning beds altogether
under $10 a bottle, or at beauty stores like Sephora or Ulta, with higher-end brand name self-tanners that cost $30 or more. Exfoliating before getting your spray tan is key to having a smooth, even tan. Moisturizing after will help keep the color from fading as quickly, or getting blotchy. It may take some trial and error to find the tanning lotion that works for you, but it is safer than spending $80 for a month’s worth of tanning in a bed and increasing your risk of developing skin cancer. Keep this in mind: just tanning for even a month increases your risk of cancer and premature aging. Is it worth it? When in doubt, embrace your inner paleness. Didn’t you hear? Vampires are in.
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Straw hats, sunglasses, and comfortable clothes. There’s not much more you need when the sounds of dubstep, dance music and R&B get your feet moving.
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By Georgina Cammayo Photography by Diamond Dixon | Owl Staff
When the rap group Run DMC released their single “My Adidas” in 1986, fans nationwide immediately sought after the athletic brand. In a 2011 interview with MTV, Darryl McDaniels a.k.a “DMC” recalled witnessing countless fans rocking Adidas track suits and stringless black and white Superstar sneakers with pushed-out tongue, complete with Cazal eyewear and a Kangol hat-a look made famous by the group.
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Music artists have a tremendous effect on their followers’ fashion sense. It’s not uncommon to find a fan that dresses similarly, if not exactly like the artist he or she listens to. When asked about where their fashion sense comes from, HCC students favored music as an influence for their style. Psychology major Shannon Houser says, “I’ve noticed a lot of my fashion sense still comes from the alternative music that I started out listening to. A lot of the hairstyles I used to have when I was young were very much influenced by Hayley [Paramore].” Quentin Jones mainly listens to metal and hard core. Bring the Horizon and Attack Attack are his artists of choice. “The way my wardrobe is, I base off of how they dress,” he says. Black skinny jeans and Vans for shoes is a signature look for the Mass Communications major, as well as flannels or a band tee. Taking the theatrical route, Abby Hevesy says she’s into Broadway musicals because of the stories that go along with them. In describing her personal style, this History major says, “The way I dress is a little bit out there. My musical taste is a little bit theatrical so I guess it’s sort of inspired by that. I really like to
dress up and they do a lot of that in musicals.” Some students have a wider taste in music. International Relations major Christian Posko’s preference ranges from EDM to rap. Gang Starr, Bob Marley, and electronic artists like Narrow and Sub Focus are a few of his favorites. “I wear tight pants kind of like some of the rockers do and I wear boots a lot of times, but I don’t necessarily know if that means that I go with one [genre] more than the other.” Unlike Christian, a single artist inspires Nursing major Amanda White. “Lady Gaga influences what I wear because she wears whatever she wants but makes huge statements with it. I put together random things that I like and make a statement the same way. I’m just not as bold.” The tendency to match outfits with particular artists ultimately draws from our ability to relate to the music they produce. Joe Rather, a Business Administration major explains, “I think that many people dress in sync with the music they listen to not because the music influences it, but because they already agree with what the music expresses and the way they dress is an extension of that.”
This fan of underground hip-hop was influenced by Malice from The Clipse and Pharrell Williams.
If you like these songs… Daft Punk - “Get Lucky”
Blake Shelton - “Boys ‘Round Here”
Gotye - “Somebody That I Used To Know”
Schoolboy Q - “Collard Greens”
Then check out these stores! If you are a fan of oxfords and skinny jeans, then this store is the place for you. H&M offers high-fashion at a low cost.
Are jeans, flannel button-down and work boots your go-to look? Hit up the Levi’s store at Arundel Mills!
Calling all you skater boys! Check out Pacsun for Burton hoodies and RVCA tees.
Downtown Lockerroom is all about urban style. They’ve got all your hot brands like Nike and Jordan.
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Summer 2014 | Owl Magazine
BEAUTY ON A BUDGET
Thrift Store Chic Vintage Finds on a Dime
By Takiya Eastmond | Additional reporting by Nadia Kaczkowski | Photography by Maddie de Long | Owl Staff
department store, I would have easily burned through $100. Edgewood Thrift Store and other local consignment shops have a daily discount determined by the color of the shopping tag, as well as a military discount. I could walk out of one of these stores with $200 worth of merchandise and only pay $90. Gagliardi confirms, “No matter what your budget, you can always find something that’s right for you.” Pay careful attention during the holidays as well because Edgewood Thrift Store offers special holiday discounts which could even land you some free items. Some places, including A OK Kids Family Consignment, will buy your used items to re-sell and then split the profits with you. Since most items have usually been gently used or worn, I pop the tags and read the cleaning instructions. If I can throw it in the washer, I do so; but if it requires dry cleaning, I run over to the local Walmart and buy a Dreyer’s dry cleaning kit for only $6.99.
At Edgewood Thrift, this look could cost you as little as $10.
Friday rolls around and that can only mean one thing: the weekend’s here. You’ve been asked on a date and you want to buy a great outfit, but don’t necessarily want to break the bank either. Time to go thrifting! Edgewood Thrift Store has everything from hats to shoes to jean jackets, including a very wide range of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories donated by members of the community. Joe Gagliardi, the marketing director for Edgewood Thrift Store, shares that “one of the things [Edgewood Thrift Store] prides themselves in is that we process, sort, and sell all items locally.” Among the local donations was a canary yellow dress that stood out to Jessie Dry; she fell in love the second she laid her eyes on it. “I think the dress is perfect! It’s summer-y but formal,” says Jessie. Pairing this with stylish nude pumps and a cropped jean jacket makes for a great look for a night out. The dress only cost $6.25 at Edgewood Thrift Store as opposed to a department store where a similar dress may cost $29.99. As for a guy’s outfit, I found a simple, but versatile tan and black checkered print button down shirt, purple-washed straight-leg jeans, and black TOMS shoes all for under $10. Had I shopped at a
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Local Secondhand Stores to Jumpstart Your Journey Edgewood Thrift Store (410) 612-9080 1955 Pulaski Highway, Edgewood Twice as Nice (410) 939-0633 1844 Pulaski Highway, #37, Havre de Grace Barely Used Consignments (410) 893-7460 8 North Main Street, Bel Air Bows & Britches Consignment (410) 838-6469 140 N Bond Street, #B, Bel Air Olivia’s (443) 371-0056 2721 Conowingo Road, Bel Air A OK Kids Family Consignment (410) 452-8222 2403 Whiteford Road, Whiteford
For $6.25, this yellow dress was found at Edgewood Thrift and paired with a jean jacket.
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Summer 2014 | Owl Magazine
FASHION
Baltimore to Big Time The Rise of
Bishme Cromartie By Laurise McMillian | Owl Staff
Move over Michael Kors; there’s a new designer making his mark in the fashion industry, and his name is Bishme Cromartie. The 23-year-old Baltimore native was aware of his passion for fashion at a very young age. From cutting up socks for doll clothes to curating his own fashion show at sixteen, this self-taught designer has been strutting the catwalk to success. Aside from raw talent, one of Cromartie’s strengths is his unmatched
Despite the fact that Cromartie does not use other designers to inspire his work, he is nevertheless admirable of Giambatistta Valli, Gareth Pugh, and Iris Van Herpen. His absolute favorite designer is Alexander McQueen; he even has the fashion phenomenon’s logo tattooed on his arm. Though Cromartie strives to bring creativity and freshness to the fashion world, he admits that he does not dress himself with the same unique flare.
in which she performed her hit single “Woman to Woman.” “I swear that came completely out of nowhere. I’m friends with her stylist and never thought to make her anything. But once the opportunity was brought to my attention, I figured it would be a great experience” says Cromartie. “I cannot lie; backstage at the concerts was extremely hectic. I will always cherish that experience. I had to construct seven garments in
“I had to construct seven garments in three days. Talk about sleepless nights.” ability to innovate. Unlike most designers who take ideas from things that have already been done, Cromartie makes a contentious effort to try something new with each item of clothing he creates. “I actually pull a lot of my inspiration from objects or poems” says Cromartie.”My inspiration for my garments never come from other garments. I love to make sure my designs are original and completely true to me.”
Follow Cromartie: 14
“I am not much of a fashionisto,” he chuckles. “I’m pretty much a t-shirt and jeans guy. As far as my designs, I would like to say that it’s the complete opposite of how I dress. My designs are adventurous, bold, sophisticated and very architectural.” The young craftsman certainly doesn’t let his understated personal style stop him from shining bright. Cromartie landed the gig of a lifetime when he dressed R&B superstar Keyshia Cole for her 2013 concert tour
on Instagram @bishme_r_cromartie
three days. Talk about sleepless nights.” There’s no doubt that all the hard work paid off. In addition to the tour, Cole also wore a custom Bishme dress in her “I Choose You” music video. It’s clear that the singer is smitten with Cromartie’s daring designs, but she’s not the only one. Cromartie’s dresses have been seen on a number of celebrity starlets including America’s Next Top Model winner and actress, Eva Marcille. She wore a Cromartie original during the second
on Twitter @B_Cromartie
on Facebook bishme.cromartie
season of BET’s hit reality show, Real Husbands of Hollywood. Malaysia Pargo of VH1’s Basketball Wives LA also rocked a dress by Bishme at New York Fashion Week 2012. Danity Kane’s Dawn Richards and The Pussy Cat Doll’s Kaya Jones have been spotted in Bishme mini dresses as well. Aside from celebrity exposure, Cromartie’s work has participated in Emerge! New York Fashion Week, has been featured in Elle magazine, and on Vogue Italia’s website. A resume like this could easily make one think that Bishme has reached his pinnacle. However, the artist says he’s just getting started. “There’s so much that I want to complete and do.” Cromartie adds, “I don’t want to limit myself or my brand. I would like to say in five years my line will be in department stores and available all over the world. I can’t see the future but I feel that there will be great things coming.” One cannot help but to be inspired by Cromartie’s success story. He is living, breathing proof that even small town kids can make it big. “I’ve learned so much by just going through it in real life. The best thing I could say [to an aspiring designer] is to never give up, stay original, stay inspired and never compare yourself to anyone.” With his one-of-a-kind designs and humble personality, Bishme Cromartie is well on his way to the fashion hall of fame.
Baltimore native Bishme Cromartie (left) designs sophisticated, bold and adventurous styles for artists Keyshia Cole (left), Kaya Jones (top), and Dawn Richard (above).
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Owl Magazine | SPORTS
RENT
September 12, 13, 19, 20 @ 8PM September 14, 21 @ 3PM Reserved Seating: Adult $20, Senior $15, Youth $10
Annual Juried Student Exhibition April 21- May 23 Chesapeake Gallery
Applied Music Students in Recital May 14 @ 7PM Joppa Hall, Recital Hall #1
The Music Man June 6, 7, 13, 14 @ 7PM June 8 & 14 @ 2PM Chesapeake Theater
Miss-Cast Musical, A Cabaret May 1, 2, 3 @ 8PM May 4 @ 4PM Black Box Theatre
Pinocchio May 15 & 16 @ 6PM May 17 &18 @ 1PM & 4PM Chesapeake Theater
Oona June 27 & 28 @ 7:30PM Chesapeake Theater
Bel Air Community Band May 4 @ 3PM Bel Air High School The Fabulous Hubcaps May 10 @ 7PM APGFCU Arena @ HCC An Evening of Chamber Music May 12 @ 7PM Joppa Hall, Recital Hall #1
An Evening of Jazz with Second Shift and HCC Jazz Ensemble May 16 @ 8PM Joppa Hall, Recital Hall #1 Stitch and Rend: Works by Nicole Havekost June 5-September 19 Chesapeake Gallery
RENT September 12, 13, 19, 20 @ 8PM September 14 & 21 @ 3PM Chesapeake Theater Curious George September 26 @ 7PM Amoss Center
Visit tickets.harford.edu for more information.
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