Moda Madison: Spring Print 2019 Issue

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TEAM EDITOR IN CHIEF Eva-Delilah Wieland

ART CURATOR Channing Smith

DEPUTY EDITOR Cassie Hurwitz

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Max Goldberg

ART DIRECTOR Lauren Chung WUD PRESIDENT Mills Botham WUD PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE DIRECTOR Fernanda Martinez Rodriguez WUD PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE ADVISOR Jen Farley ON THE COVER Tasha Cherono by Morgan Winston

CREATIVE DIRECTORS Geordon Wollner Reilly Koch FASHION EDITOR Ashley Mackens LIFESTYLE EDITOR Molly Rapozo CULTURE EDITOR Haidee Chu ARTS EDITOR Naomi Gallagher SOCIAL MEDIA AND MARKETING DIRECTOR Lindsey Young FINANCIAL DIRECTOR Maggie Brennan WEBMASTER Anna Soboleva EVENT DIRECTOR Ashleigh Perry

STAFF WRITERS Allyson Konz Emily Bian Gloria Requena Isabella Byrne Kate Lawless Katie Herrick Madeline Rasmussen Maggie Miller Marin Smith Samaaya Jayamaha CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Channing Smith Matthew Weinberger Raye Pernsteiner ART Channing Smith Kaitlin Banafsheha Madeline Rasmussen Maggie Roethle Rachel Cohen Samaaya Jayamaha PHOTOGRAPHY Jing Zeng Jordan Biagomala Josh Redfearn Max Goldberg Molly Jacobs Morgan Winston Owen Desai Sam Molinaro Saya Inoue MODELS Amelia Boehning Ellie Taubner Isha Senghore Julia Schiller Lexie Mixon Liily Zhu Lindsey Young Morgan Jameson Naomi Gallagher Zawadi Caroll Through the publishing of our seven student-run journals and magazines, the Publications Committee of the Wisconsin Union Directorate provides a creative outlet for UW-Madison students interested in creating poetry and prose, reporting on music and fashion, or delving into research in science and public policy. We celebrate creativity on campus by providing hands-on experience in publishing, editing, writing, and artmaking.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS SPRING PRINT 2019

LIFESTYLE

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PLAYFUL PASTELS

Drop some color in your beauty routine

KNOWING YOUR SIGNS Astrology, explained

POPPIN’ BOTTLES

It’s what’s on the inside that counts

WOODSTOCK: 50 YEARS LATER Celebrating the anniversary of a famed music festival

PLAYING HOUSE

Dreamy dwellings to inspire your inner child

FASHION

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TIE-GHTEN UP Styling a silk scarf

MIXING STYLES Grunge meets feminine

STYLE AT EVERY AGE

It’s just a number when it comes to fashion

KEEPING SPRING ALIVE

She makes you feel some kind of way

ALICE + OLIVIA: NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S FLORALS

Redefining prints and the meanings behind them

STOP THINKING & START MAKING

Get in touch with your creative side

THE LITTLE THINGS IN LOVE Grounding your whirlwind romance

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ARTS

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SRI LANKA: AN ANCIENT FANTASY LAND

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FLORALS THROUGH THE AGES

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SILVER SCREEN DREAM

Delving into the rich past of a small island nation

Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking

AN ODE TO LOVE POEMS Three poets share their hearts

PC MUSIC: POPPY, PLAYFUL AND POIGNANT The bubblegum pink genre

How director Sofia Coppola hypnotizes viewers with her ethereal vision

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CULTURE INFLUENCING CULTURE

Sometimes an online personality is just that—online

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INVITING LUCK

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PUTTING THE ‘FEMME’ BACK IN FEMINISM

Traditonal Japanese customs and rituals for success

The beauty in being soft

FEATURED

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THE PLAYFUL & PROFOUND A display of pure whimsy

AWAKEN A burst of color

Photo by Sharon Vanorny

FREE ART NOW SEE WORK BY TODAY'S ARTISTS FREE ADMISSION 227 STATE STREET mmoca.org

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

YOUNG AT HEART ILLUSTRATION BY CHANNING SMITH, ART CURATOR Right now, everything in life seems to be telling me—quite forcefully—to grow up and get serious. From a looming college graduation to the career search to preparing for a move to a new city, I am dealing with what seems like my biggest transition into adulthood.

But the idea of growing up and getting serious doesn’t sit well with me. I like to laugh and joke and play!

Am I not allowed to hang on to these favorite tendencies as the rest of my life changes?

This is not to say that hanging on to immaturities is the way to go.

Rather, I think you can be a mature, respectable adult while still enjoying the innocent, playful things in life.

With everything happening with the current state of the world, a fanciful, odd issue is just what Moda’s readers need to be delighted visually and conceptually. I hope paging through will not only bring you joy, but also drive you to incorporate a little extra play and wonder into your life. Let it inspire you to dye your hair pink, move into a tree house, drink fancy wine and make silly, creative pieces of art. You can find all of these fun ideas— and more— within this year’s Spring Issue.

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As my final letter to you all, I advise you to fervently protect your spark and seek the joys life has to offer.

Challenge yourself, but not too seriously. And as my sixth grade self would say, don’t be afraid to be a little quirky. Embracing life’s whimsies will set you apart from the rest. I thank you for being a part of our journey this year and encourage you to continue to follow Moda next year

as it evolves, taking on new voices and themes.

Cheers and Adieu…I love you!

LIFESTYLE

playful PASTELS Dream in color with vivid lavender, ocean blue and perennial pink. No neutrals required.

MAKEUP, HAIR AND DIRECTION BY CASSIE HURWITZ, OLIVIA STACK AND EMILY BIAN LINDSEY YOUNG, LEXIE MIXON AND LIILY ZHU PHOTOGRAPHED

BY OWEN DESAI & SAYA INOUE PHOTOGRAPHY EDITING BY MAX GOLDBERG SPRING PRINT 2019 7

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FASHION

tie ght en UP

DIRE MORGA NJ CTED

BY A AMESO N S REQ HLEY M PHOTO UEN G A A, FA CKENS RAPHE , FAS D BY SHIO HI JI N ED ITOR ON EDIT NG ZEN G OR A IAL A N SSIS TAN D GLOR T IA

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ARTS

S RI L AN KA : A N A NC I E NT FANTASY L A ND WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY SAMAAYA JAYAMAHA, ARTS STAFF WRITER Atop the ancient ruins of Sigiriya, a fortress located in central Sri Lanka, the distant mountains in all directions fade beneath a thick layer of mist rising from the tropical jungles.

Monkeys hide in the trees and there is an unending hum of birds and insects.

The air is thick and humid; the hot sun beats down relentlessly. The scene feels almost too picturesque and fanciful to be real.

lion carving, hence the name Sihargi, or “Lion Rock.” The frescoes appear on the upward hike along a narrow staircase; they are nudes of women, extravagantly accessorized and thought to be either the king’s wives or priestesses. Regardless, the paintings are built up with intricate details and large, flowing brushstrokes that capture and celebrate the elegance of female beauty.

The hauntingly old kingdom sits isolated in the middle of dense forest, surrounded by a crocodile-infested moat. Even a minimal description sounds like the setting of a fairytale, yet the most notable feature of this imaginative scape is that the ruins are situated on a giant rock that is over 650 feet high. Although there is no other site in Sri Lanka quite like this, similarly striking ancient architecture is widespread across the small island nation.

The country of Sri Lanka is located just south of India, surrounded by the warm waters of the Indian ocean.

Despite its petite size, the country boasts white sand beaches, rolling green mountains, multiple national parks and stunning ancient ruins. A far-reaching, rich 3000-year history and a dominantly Buddhist population has made for a plethora of extravagant and diverse architecture, which often coincides with both factual history and legendary myths.

Beyond the magnificence of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka is covered with an array of Buddhist temples. More specifically, the architectural style that appears most frequently is a white domelike structure called a stupa. These temples, much like Sigiriya although smaller in size, emanate the same whimsical energy when spotted on the horizon, rising from the lush treeline.

Sigiriya, perhaps the most well known of the sites, was the capital under King Kassapa in the late fifth century. The giant granite rock is scattered with charming pools of turquoise water and frescoes hidden underneath the rocky overhangs, with the main entrance guarded by a gargantuan

chilling myths intertwined within each detail of ancient Sri Lankan architecture truly embody the essence of whimsy.

Both the nature and sites appear to be lifted out of the pages of a fairytale, and the wondrous architecture leaves both locals and tourists alike stunned by the unparalleled beauty.

Introduced in the third century with the teachings of the Lord Buddha, stupas house divine Buddhist relics and serve as a place of prayer; the architectural design originates from sacred burial mounds. The earliest Sri Lankan stupa, Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara, is thought to be the site of Buddha’s first visit to the country. Many South Asian countries obtain their own varieties of stupas with the same origins of design and functionality, yet stupas in Sri Lanka have undergone the most development. The towering bell-shape, pointed top and stark white coloring fill unfamiliar viewers with a fantastical feeling; the aura of the temples, in combination with the vast landscape, paints an almost imaginary sight and sensation that is incomparable to anything else.

Sri Lanka remains the hidden gem of South Asia, yet the extravagant descriptions, fanciful histories and

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FASHION

FA BY M SH AG AM ION GIE PH ELI STA MILL OT A B FF ER MO OGR OEH WRI , TE A N LLY P I R JA HED NG CO BY BS

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Imagine this: you’re filling out a style questionnaire and find your results in two seemingly opposite categories: grunge and feminine. Although quite different, harmonizing these styles has become immensely popular everywhere from streetwear to runway.

Don’t be shy about pairing a floral dress with that black bomber jacket and leather boots. Take it from the runway: Canadian designer Erdem Moralioglu showcased contrasting looks of floral dresses with black mesh socks during London’s Spring 2019 Fashion Week.1 Off the runway, leather and florals make up a femme-meets-punk night-out ensemble. The soft, lightweight look of floral contrasts perfectly with the dark, heavy leather. Adding ankle socks to this combo is a bold addition, creating a smooth transition between styles.

When combining opposing elements, having the right balance is essential for the perfect outfit. Pair a flowy silk sundress with chunky Doc Martens to achieve a polished, feminine look with a sense of badass. Grab a soft linen blouse and a pair of black leather pants for a look that gives the perfect proportion of hard and soft. Since the styles are different, it’s important to make sure some colors in each piece work together.

For example, if the floral blouse has a hint of black, it will stay cohesive with the black leather pants.

Having contrast—especially with textures—is also key, and this will come naturally when pairing styles. If you choose a silk midi skirt, throw on that heavy leather jacket. Accessories can accomplish the goal if you don’t want to mix main pieces; layer fishnet socks and black boots with that soft skirt and you are good to go.

Confidence is always the most important piece of fashion advice. Feeling good in what you wear is the key to mastering any look. Don’t doubt yourself! Whatever you chose, always do it with confidence and your look will be runway worthy. This technique of mixing styles is not limited to grunge.

“Erdem Spring-Summer 2019 Collection at London Fashion Week,” Cool Chic Style Fashion, September 27, 2018.

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FASHION

STYLE AT EVERY AGE

BY GLORIA REQUENA, FASHION EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Fashion is a means of feeling relevant despite what age group you belong to. It is an art to master while growing up—a tool to fill you with confidence and help you project the person you want to be.1 The natural evolution of style with age is something to celebrate. No one is too old to pull off that incredible outfit in the store window. People that dress with personality don’t abide by rules or stereotypes, regardless of their age.

The key is to keep it creative and not be afraid of reinvention!

GILLIAN

By Francois Boulaire

Who said children aren’t known for their fashion sense? Being a toddler is all about creativity and fun, which is the best combination for deciding the clothes to wear. Coming from the “baby Instagram fashion influencer” stardom, 4-year-old Presley knows how to be the best-dressed child on the playground. Just a quick glance at his mom’s Instagram feed is enough to see his cool sense of fashion.

“I love clothes with lots of words and letters on them. I like wearing my glasses and fur and stuff that makes me have fun. I like wearing whatever I want to wear. Stripes are cool and make me feel cool. I like to laugh when I wear my clothes!”

The transitional stage from childhood to adulthood involves both accepting yourself and feeling accepted by the people around you. The outfits you wear play an extremely important role in this stage of life. For Australian model Olivia Jonas, adolescence has been a great opportunity to start defining her personal style and she Lisa Armstrong, “On Fighting - And Winning The Style Eclipse,” Vogue UK, July 30th, 2017.

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PHILIPPE

By Pieter Pennings

is daring enough to pull off flashycolored pieces.

“Modelling has definitely changed my style as it broadened my clothing options and introduced me to vintage clothing. Previous to this, I wore a lot of on trend, comfortable clothes, and now I love to wear unique clothes preferably in emerald green or red colours.”

Life experiences also may affect your style. For fashion and travel blogger Nacho Selma, leaving his hometown to live abroad triggered his most creative side. Even though his style has always been unique, experiencing different cultures has given him the confidence to update his wardrobe.

OLIVIA

urban hipster prints and patterns, and zero rules or limitations. I love the juxtaposition of mixing textures of denim, fur, floral and lace. I obsess over the fine details of high necks, ruffles, pleats and buttons. The wider the flare, the more my love affair. I am drawn to unique pieces that are oneof-a-kind.”

By Stephanie Cammarano for Dominique Healy

The ultimate secret to aging stylishly is to rebel against the so-called “ageappropriate” clothing. The common belief that you disappear from the radar when reaching your 60s is not true anymore. French model Philippe Dumas knows how to pull off classic style, keeping it trendy by adding a piece that breaks the monotony.

DANIELLE PRESLEY

“I don’t like wearing what everyone else does. No matter how formal or comfortable I might be dressing that day, I always give it a personal touch. With no doubt, being abroad has made my style evolve as it is today.”

Becoming a mom really changed the game for instagram style icon Danielle Reynolds. Her children have grown up watching her maintain a fun style NACHO throughout motherhood, teaching them to freely express themselves in their own way too. She describes herself as “outside the box and quite eccentric,” with an artistic and feminine approach to fashion.

“I would consider my own personal style to be a mixed bag of whimsical bohemian, with edgy

“When one is young one follows fashion [with] no question if it suits you or not. Now I know what looks good on me or not. There are clothes I like but I know [do] not correspond to my personality or silhouette. So experience [means] that I know how to mix classic and modern, and pick out what suits me the best to avoid the fashion ~faux pas~.”

Stylist and 60-year-old model Gillean McLeod is a true role model to everyone in the fashion world.

Beginning her modelling career at the age of 53,2 Gillean shows how it’s never too late to do what you’re passionate about. When asked to define her style, “quirky is the word that comes to mind.” She always aims for simple, elegant and high quality clothes.

“In the 80s I worked for Michele Lamy when she had a clothing line, and I think my love of simplicity and good design started there. Now I am a collector of Comme des Garcons and other Japanese designers, mixed in with a good collection of Rick Owens. Sometimes I look in the mirror and realize that I have duplicated my uniforms of days gone by at my Scottish boarding school.”

Emma Spedding, “Meet Gillean McLeod, the 60-year-old swimwear model urging us to enjoy wearing a bikini this summer,” The Telegraph, June 28th, 2016.

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FASHION

Keeping Spring Alive DIRECTED BY CLARKE SMITH & FRANCISCO VELAZQUEZ ISHA SENGHORE PHOTOGRAPHED BY MAX GOLDBERG, PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR POETRY BY FRANCISCO VELAZQUEZ She makes you feel some kind of way.

Almost like spring, She is a wonderland you lose all fantasy-in And you want to get back home,

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You follow her, And she teaches you how to change the flow How to move and maneuver your body Against hers, It can feel like this blank canvas, But she paints along with you, She tells you, “to find the light in the darkness,” And you can’t help but stare at her, In her true colors, she does not fumble or censor her fear Instead, she holds you, Almost like spring, In this wonderland, her hands are no longer temporary

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You settle, Not in this moment, but in her warmth And you both hesitate, never sure of doing too much You wonder if love has ever been the feeling she would want to share with you, But you keep your distance until the sky coils, You hear her laugh and you can't help but think of her tired voice in the morning, Or the quiver in her lips before your eyes meet hers,

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You think of kissing her, Like your life depends on it, But you know love at distance is her way of keeping spring alive And you can’t help but feel, Some kind of way.

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LIFESTYLE

K NOW ING YO U R SI GNS

BY EMILY BIAN, CULTURE EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ILLUSTRATED BY CHANNING SMITH, ART CURATOR Today, practically everyone knows their personal astrological sign—the sun sign. However, most people’s knowledge of astrology ends there.

Astrology is not a religion, but it does offer comfort, faith and a deeper understanding of the world we live in. It claims that nothing in life is coincidental—everything happens for a particular reason. Your birth chart can be determined if you know your birthplace, exact time and date. It is crucial that these three are accurate since the signs can change every two hours!

Horoscopes can help us find and reveal our strengths and weaknesses, as well as our natural qualities. Together, your sun, moon and rising signs chart a much more intricate and nuanced description of you.

SUN

When people approach you asking for your sign, they’re generally referring to your sun sign, which is determined by the day you were born. The sun is your identity—your more central sense of self. Your sun sign is the core of your ego, the basis of your “youness.” The sun is your ruling sign—the “adult”—the part that censors our inner child, reasons things out and makes final decisions.

In the birth chart, the sun is what shows our character, personal identity and ego. It represents our will to live and creative life force. Just as the planets revolve around the sun, we derive our life purpose from the sun in our natal charts. The sun also gives clues to our overall vitality; the sun is what directs us.

MOON

Within sun signs, personalities can still differ from person to person.

The moon is your subconscious. It’s in periods of significant stress that your moon sign can truly reveal itself.

During trying times, your actions are influenced by emotion and instinct, so the side of you that you normally keep hidden can suddenly come to the surface and conflict with your usual outward personality. This can make you feel crazy or like you aren’t acting like yourself, but it’s in these times that you might be more “yourself” than ever.1 Moon signs can give insight into the way you handle your emotions and fears; they also explain the way you love and feel. Habitual behaviors and prejudices are ruled by the moon.

Prejudices may not be acted out, as our sun may censor them, but the moon rules our spontaneous reactions and feelings. Knowing this, it is wise to “What Does Your Moon Sign and Rising Sign Mean?,” More.com, July 27, 2018.

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neither give your moon too much nor too little importance in your life.2

RISING

For most people, their rising sign can be the most confusing to understand. Girlboss Editorial Director Jerico Mandybur describes it as “the zodiac constellation rising on the eastern horizon at the moment you were born.”3 Quite simply, your rising sign, also known as your ascendant, is what is responsible for first impressions—the energies you project into the world.

Upon meeting you, people will first interact with your rising sign. Have you ever been puzzled by how people describe you? That’s because it’s hard for us to see what others see—what you project may not be how you see yourself at all. The ascendant can be the mask or costume we wear to greet the world. It reveals our natural and personal defense mechanisms that we use to adapt to—and cope with—our environment. How we begin new projects and our attitude towards new experiences fall under the rule of the ascendant. Though that may not seem as important as sun and moon, what you’re willing to reveal says a lot about you.

“Free Natal Chart Report,” Cafe Astrology.

Jerico Mandybur, “What’s the Difference Between A Sun, Moon, And Rising Sign?,” Girlboss, January 21, 2018.

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ARTS

FL ORAL S T HROUG H T HE AGE S

BY MATTHEW WEINBERGER, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking.”

-Miranda Priestly, The Devil Wears Prada Floral print is nothing new. Whether you love it or hate it, you cannot deny that it has, over time, become an iconic style staple. To understand the history of floral print one must first take a look back to ancient times when it was popular to pin actual flowers to clothing, adding a colorful flare and splendid scent to an outfit.

This practice evolved into the floral embroideries first occurring on textiles in 12th century China. The popularity of the style was dispersed throughout central Asia and eventually towards the Middle East.

These floral patterns eventually migrated to Europe from trade routes frequented by the most chic medieval merchants around. As Italian studs and Ottoman fashionistas were exchanging style tips, by the 1500s every wealthy

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fashion-forward individual wanted to get their hands on floral print.

In the late 1700s, with the advent of the industrial revolution, textile productions increased dramatically and more people were able to obtain the ever-so-popular designs, even if they were not affluent. One thing led to another, and a few hundred years later, floral print is still popular.

In recent years, fashion runways have been loaded with floral prints. Most notably in 2015 we saw fashion houses including Miu Miu, Marni, Celine, Simone Rocha and Saint Laurent unveiling new innovative dresses, jackets and bodysuits adorned with floral patterns. Furthermore, on the Spring 2018 runways we were introduced to a myriad of new eclectic outfits sporting retro-inspired floral patterns reminiscent of what one might find on their grandmother’s couch, from designers such as Dolce and Gabbana, Marc Jacobs and Gucci.

In popular films, floral print can be spotted on iconic outfits worn by movie stars including Leonardo DiCaprio in “Romeo + Juliet,” Al Pacino in “Scarface,” Johnny Depp in “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and many more. One could even say it’s having a comeback. A great example of an artist who incorporates floral textile designs into his paintings would be Kehinde Wiley, who manufactures portraits with influences from everything ranging from French Rococo to West African textile design.

As far back as the history of fashion and art goes, it seems floral patterns, in one form or another, manage to stay relevant. When looking to the future of fashion and creative textile design, the question is not if floral patterns will still be used, but rather how they will be incorporated into whatever the popular style will be. No matter what goes on in the world of art and fashion, it seems floral patterns are here to stay.

FASHION

ALI CE + OLIVIA : N OT YO UR GRAND M A’S FLO RA L S

BY ISABELLA BYRNE, FASHION STAFF WRITER ISABELLA BYRNE PHOTOGRAPHED BY SAMUEL MOLINARO Stacey Bendet, creative director and CEO of Alice + Olivia, combines creativity, intentionality and activism as her framework when she designs a collection. She says, “There are pieces you see in the window and you just want to touch them, like a rainbow sequin skirt or a blue suede kimono. I always start with that emotion. Every outfit needs an emotional anchor that pulls you in and pieces that layer back to it. Creating that narrative is one of my favorite things I do.”1 Alice + Olivia is a brand truly unlike any other. In addition to the amazing collections that Bendet creates, the photoshoots have awe-inspiring backdrops showing how she consistently kills it on presentation. Bendet is known for her bright and colorful pieces, always incorporating florals that make for a new way to look at Grandma’s florals.

leather jacket that reconstructs our view of florals entirely.

In contrast, the Fall 2019 collection differed from Bendet’s usual designs as she planned to “take things down a notch in terms of embellishment and vibrancy.”

While the Spring 2018 collection had a bright and colorful presentation, Bendet used a dark and dramatic space inside a Gothic Revival synagogue as a backdrop for this whimsical themed collection.“Bendet used the word fantasia to describe her Fall 2019 collection, which punctuated the room and referenced Brooke Bobb, “Fall 2019 Ready-to-wear: Alice + Olivia,” Vogue, 2019 3

a modern fairy tale, romance, and magic.”3 The collection was filled with beads, bright colors and floral prints. In addition, she included statement tees saying things like “Go love yourself” and “Strong female protagonist,” which are a part of Bendet’s #aocommuniT where they partner with organizations such as the Global Fund for Women in an effort to arouse conversations.

The Spring 2018 collection is a much lighter vibe than the Fall 2019 collection, though Bendet incorporates florals in both to enhance a sense of playfulness and sophistication.

Especially in the Spring 2018 collection, it was “typical of Alice + Olivia: bursting with prints, feminine and frilly details, and a sparkly statement tee or two.”2 Bendet collaborated with eight female artists, striving to portray the inequality among female artists and therefore creating an important message. She wanted each diorama to portray rooms in the hotel consisting of solely female residents, to create a “collective presentation of their work as a modern-day take on the famously gritty Chelsea Hotel.” The collection was filled with pieces that cause us to double take, especially the floral Jenna Abdou, “How Stacey Bendet Marries Creativity, Intentionality and Activism at Alice + Olivia,” Forbes, 2018.

2 Sarah Cascone, “Forget the Catwalk—One Designer Got Jemima Kirke and Other Celebrity Artists to Make an Art Show for Fashion Week Instead,” Artnet news, 2017.

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FASHION

&

the playful profound

ELLIE TAUBNER AND NAOMI GALLAGHER PHOTOGRAPHED BY MAX GOLDBERG

DIRECTED BY ASHLEY MACKENS, FASHION EDITOR WITH EDITORIAL ASSISTANCE BY LINDSEY YOUNG, SOCIAL MEDIA AND MARKETING DIRECTOR All art influences other art in a cyclical manner. Fashion concepts are derived from influential paintings and sculptures, and inspiration for these works can be found in textiles and clothing collections.

The modern artwork housed at the Chazen Museum of Art serves as the perfectly profound backdrop for these playful spring looks. They are distinct, yet coincide in a display of pure whimsy.

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ARTS

AN ODE TO LOVE POEMS WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY MADELINE RASMUSSEN Spring is the most purely buoyant season. In the wake of a dreary and monochromatic winter, the colors of spring are intoxicatingly psychedelic, and we are all made more youthful by its presence. Similarly, nothing can make someone feel quite as youthful as newfound love.

Spring is the embodiment of a crush with its budding flowers, candied sun and sweet smelling air. It is the season

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of escalation, where temperatures rise, but they do not burn. Our devotion festers within us, but we don’t implode. Instead, to cope with the unbearable feelings of infatuation, we write poems. Bad poems.

Perhaps not always bad, maybe they are mediocre or even decent. The technical quality of the poem itself is entirely irrelevant. The true beauty of a love poem is that it is done out of

necessity, out of some burning internal need to take pen to paper and unfold the intricate medley of our desires.

We asked local amateur poets to go into their private collections and bravely send in their love poems.

Some are sweet, others are obsessive and occasionally they are sad. The common thread, however, is the unwavering dedication to express their lovesick anxieties.

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LIFESTYLE

poppin’ bottles

IT’S WHAT’S ON THE INSIDE THAT COUNTS

BY MOLLY RAPOZO, LIFESTYLE EDITOR PHOTOGRAPHED BY JORDAN BIAGOMALA & JOSH REDFEARN

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There’s no better feeling than existing in a natural state of being. Let’s unpack: the good feeling of an authentic, no bullshit, “this is who I am, world” state of mind. And nothing expresses this feeling quite as well as natural wine.

Defined as wine made without adding anything in or taking anything out, natural wine is less processed which means no added chemicals, no added sulfites and a less strenuous filtration and fermentation process. What you get is a simplified version of an already great beverage.

Sometimes natural wines can be associated with organic or biodynamic farming practices, but those are usually given. Natural winemakers are generally trusted to produce wine by those farming practices but don’t always spend the money to formally certify it as such. Organic certifications can be pricey and generally speaking, natural wineries are smaller and have a tighter budget.

Organic wine standards in the U.S. require that the wine is made without sulfites, which is what defines natural wines. So, to be certified organic, a wine must therefore be natural.

Here’s what to watch out for: organic grapes.

A wine can be made with organic grapes and can not be organic, because of those tricky organic wine certification requirements. So, when you peruse Trader Joe’s small shelf of “organic wines,” note that pretty much all of them have sulfites added.

Therefore, organic grapes went into the wine, but the wine itself is not organic.

Organic is great and all, but the real fun starts with natural wines. Because of the minimal processing, the taste is more similar to a sour beer—fruity, funky and bright.

Natural wines can be a little difficult to find, so make sure to go to a shop that specializes in wine if you want the best luck. Whatever you pick—red, white or bubbly—drink your wine in a natural state of mind.

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ARTS

PC MUS I C : PO P PY, P LAY F U L WRITTEN BY MARIN SMITH, ARTS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHS PROVIDED BY MARINA FINI

If music had color, PC music would be a glittery bubblegum pink. This genre originated from a single album that was first launched in 2013 by British producer A.G. Cook. His album included tracks from a wide array of artists, but they all shared a common feature: a hyper-pop core.

This explorative production style is extremely upbeat, yet contains an essence of satire.

PC Music is well known for not only embracing, but also intensifying the characteristics of modern consumerism, advertising and corporate marketing. The personas of the artists and producers are heavily influenced by cyberculture and their nearly futuristic performative identities playfully create a sense of caricature. PC music is, in essence, the drag show of music; in epic portrayals of the obscenities of modern culture,

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the genre addresses heteronormative beauty standards, expectations and lifestyles by embodying them further, pointing out their ridiculousness.

Since 2013, however, PC music has garnered a significant amount of support across different social groups. Though its polarizing nature has led some to intense distaste, many others have rallied behind the genre as a method of empowerment and liberation. When belting out the lyrics to PC songs, one may find themself saying things that sound extremely heteronormative and restrictive, but the lyrics’ heavily satirical tone can actually help its listeners poke fun at modern culture. As such, many folks within the queer community, myself included, have found PC music to be the upbeat dance music we have always dreamed of, all while having an undertone of political and cultural

rebellion. Some of the artists on the first PC music album—aptly titled “PC Music”—have not entirely embodied the essence of queerness this music has to offer, but many others have made it their primary, blatant goal.

Three female artists—Hannah Diamond, GFOTY (Girlfriend of the Year) and QT—were all featured on the first PC music album in which they collaborated with A.G. Cook. Hannah Diamond, arguably the most popular of the three, embodies an innocent yet seemingly perfect girl just living her life in a bubblegum pink cyberspace world. QT mirrors a similar persona, projecting the simple image of a lovestruck girl, but in her one and only song, titled “Hey QT,” she sings of a magical bubbly drink that lets her and her lover feel each other’s presence even while separated. Her emphasis on the mass marketing of romance-

AND P O I G NA N T inspiring products that begins with girls at a young age is ultimately a commentary that the next artist, GFOTY, also displays.

Though certainly more crass, GFOTY portrays a highly sexual party girl who does what she wants, when she wants, especially if it’s in the club.

She intensifies the characteristics of the conventionally attractive and heteronormative female, singing about sipping Starbucks, wearing tight dresses, partying intensely and having boys chase after her. She is the person that everyone idolizes.

However, she does so with a bit of a darker twist as her songs generally end up with her in some sort of despair.

The songs are heavily electronic but still unveil the drawbacks and pain of living as a female pressured into her performative gender.

However, taking these elements to the next level is the artist SOPHIE. As a trans woman, she uses music to express her sexuality, kinks and deepest emotions. SOPHIE’s music airs on the side of neo-pop with her use of “maximalist cotton-candy synthesizers,” pulsating beats and an almost vaporwave construction. She was also featured on the original PC music album and her hyperkinetic music has launched her into the spotlight. She continues to work with A.G. Cook and other PC artists to achieve a seemingly never-ending array of high-quality PC synthpop.

Lastly, my personal favorite PC musician: Dorian Electra. This LAbased gender nonconforming artist has used the platform that PC music established to embark on their own queerpop adventure. Though they were not on the original album nor

are they a self-proclaimed PC artist, Electra has undergone numerous collaborations with top PC artists, including pioneer A.G. Cook. For me, Electra’s music is a more blatant blend of queer culture, pop music and dance beats. They continually promote body-positive, gender fluid, sex-positive messages, straying away from the satire of PC and towards a brazen protest of cultural norms. Their songs are empowering, catchy and make it nearly impossible not to get up and groove!

So, for your next party, workout or preexam pump up session, I recommend you dive into the bubbly world of PC music. From the intentionally ostentatious aesthetics to the humorous lyrics, PC music is the place to be. This genre is sure to add a bit of pep to your step and extra whimsy to a sunny day.

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CULTURE

INFLUENCING CULTURE WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY CHANNING SMITH, ART CURATOR Sun streams along the tall windows of a remote Brooklyn loft. Plants line the walls and droop lazily out of their rustic pots. It’s an aesthetic heaven, and it would cost you $165 to be there.

If you are not one of Instagram Influencer Caroline Calloway’s 821,000 followers, you may be confused.

Caroline Calloway is a 27-year-old Virginia native who rose to fame by posting long captions reflecting on her time at Cambridge University.

Calloway’s content reflects a consistent aesthetic. She is smart and well-read, yet approachable.

She is overwhelmingly kind, yet unabashedly brazen. She likes plants, art, vintage books and natural lighting—at least according to her curated feed.

her “creativity seminar.” The four-hour workshop, marketed at $165, promised a personalized journal, coffee or tea with oat milk, a vegan lunch, fresh orchid crowns and new friends— basically a slice of Calloway’s lifestyle.

Turns out her lifestyle is expensive, and such a tour required more planning than she anticipated.

Though Calloway may be qualified to lecture on building an Instagram brand, she was clearly not prepared to schedule an event. She sold tickets for her Boston, Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas,

When swiping through her Instagram stories, it’s easy to see the appeal. Her apartment is decorated with woodland miniatures tucked into flower pots.

Her extensive shelf of books is color-coded and her woven carpet is constantly covered with a picnic of homemade salad and crafts.

Calloway’s posts not only gained her a loyal following from those infatuated by her vulnerability and “quirky girl” nature, but also a book deal valued at $500,000. Her early posts, which served as the introductory chapters to her memoir, were promising. In the end, Calloway pulled out of the book deal, sinking herself $100,000 in debt.

Despite this half-million dollar hiccup, it’s important to note that Calloway is a millennial pioneer—one of the first to become famous for her personal brand.

After her success on Instagram, she was looking to take the next step in her career.

Late December, Calloway announced she would be touring the U.S. to debut

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But the fire had spread to a point of no return; the plane to Fyre Festival had already taken off, if you will. In a moment of self-declared bravery and confidence, Calloway realized the promise she had made to her fans and rescheduled the tour.

In the end, a personal brand is not a product you can put a price tag on.

In theory, influencer culture seems counterintuitive.

Social media encourages egocentric behavior, meaning more time is spent curating and perfecting one’s own image as opposed to engaging with others. If this is true, it seems arbitrary to entangle ourselves in influencers’ lives and mimic their lifestyle.

This is the root of both Calloway’s success and failure.

Calloway’s online fame began with her long, lamenting posts about her love life at Cambridge.

She was genuine and vulnerable in a culture of superficiality. She was just like us.

Austin, Charlotte and D.C. locations without booking venues.

Calloway received pushback on Twitter as she became increasingly flustered, backing out on many of her promises which had been included in the pricetag of her event.

So, Calloway cancelled the tour. She refunded all the tickets despite having purchased much of the materials, including 1,200 mason jars which she housed in her small Brooklyn loft.

The moral of Calloway’s cancelledthen-rescheduled tour is that no one is an influencer if everybody is an influencer. Anyone can rent a space and lecture on creativity, but not everyone should. We hold social media personalities up on a pedestal when in reality their fame doesn’t always translate to talent, but followers. Despite Calloway’s drive to extend her reach beyond Instagram, the expectations of influencer culture became too much to tackle.

This is not to say Calloway is unintelligent or a “scammer,” but an example of how difficult it is to monetize an online identity. If anything, Calloway makes a fantastic influencer, but her tour shattered the fourth wall. Sometimes an online personality is just that—online.

LIFESTYLE

WOODSTOCK: 50 YEARS LATER

BY RAYE PERNSTEINER, CONTRIBUTING WRITER | ILLUSTRATED BY CHANNING SMITH, ART CURATOR

Although Woodstock is often associated with high amounts of drug usage and “dirty hippies,” those who attended the original event remember it with fondness and a sense of magic. Taking place in Bethel, New York in August of 1969, Woodstock had over half a million attendees. Musical legends such as Jimi Hendrix, the Who and the Grateful Dead performed over the span of three days on a dairy farm in the middle of nowhere.1 Attendees of the festival remember the bond that they quickly formed with one another, as most shared both their resources and their love for music. Many people miscalculated the amount of supplies that they would need for the weekend, however, it was not an issue as the generosity of the crowd came through.

Young people of all races, genders and ages came together in harmony during these three days. People went for the music, but stayed for the peaceful atmosphere. Although met with much rain, attendees stuck it out and experienced the event of a lifetime.

Being at Woodstock was surreal—an isolation of sorts from the outside world. Photographer Elliott Landy, who covered the event, stated, “In the full Woodstock experience, you were cut off from the rest of everyday life. It was kind of a magic land.”2 Once the festival was over, those who experienced the magic were forever changed. They wanted their contribution to society to be one that made the world a more whimsical place.

This summer, in honor of Woodstock’s 50th anniversary, there will be another music and art festival in Watkins Glen, New York from August 16-18.

This festival, Woodstock 50, is produced by Michael Lang, one of the co-founders of the first Woodstock. Lang expects that this anniversary celebration will have the same magical feeling as the original music festival, and he hopes that “engagement puts people in that space again and they leave with purpose.”3 Lang plans to create that feeling by focusing solely on the music and creating a communal experience—the two main ingredients to “having an amazing, life-changing experience.”

“About | Woodstock,” Woodstock.com.

“Figuring out the magic of Woodstock,” CNN.com, August 14, 2009.

3 “Woodstock at 50: Michael Lang On What He Learned,” Billboard, January 30, 2019.

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ARTS

BY NAOMI GALLAGHER, ARTS EDITOR

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Film-grab.com

If you have yet to dip a toe into Sofia Coppola’s filmography, there is no better time than now to succumb to its dreamlike trance.

There is a certain quality to her films that allows us to watch them again and again. And then once more again.

A dreamlike familiarity, almost to an uncanny point. They play on our subliminal stimuli: the blue, dusky walk home; the congested and hazy cityscape; the crumpled sheets and perfume bottles of an adolescent girl’s room. Yet, simultaneously, they evoke the otherworldly imagery of dreams, whether it be champagne glasses overflowing amidst the gilded halls of Versaille, a pink wig in a dimly lit karaoke bar or spoonfuls of gelato in a lavish Italian hotel suite.

For over twenty years now, Coppola has flawlessly curated these charming tableaus and we have yet to see them fail at striking some sentimental chord within us.

The question is, just why do they enrapture us so? There are plenty of films that give us dewy eyes for the obvious thematic reasons.

Brilliant, poetic plotlines and sudden gut-wrenching twists are classic ingredients for a tearjerker, but Coppola’s films are largely lacking in these respects. In fact, some may find them lacking in much plot at all.

In a critique of “Marie Antoinette,” Variety Magazine commends the film’s conceptual strength but denounces its minimal dramatic impact.1 Many viewers likely assume that a movie about this infamous royal family would be cinematic in nature and centered around their bloody demise. This is not the case. Rather than spotlighting the historical events surrounding Antoinette, Coppola zooms in on the daily affairs within the court as a way to emphasize the troubling nature of her adolescent reign. The climax is still present; its existence is just subtle.

Through Coppola’s imaginations of decadent shopping sprees, punk rock masquerade balls, opium picnics and countless other debt-incurring Owen Gleiberman, “Sofia Coppola: Do Audiences Still Want to Look Through Her Gaze?,” Variety, July 4, 2017.

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escapades, the viewer comes to understand why teenagers should not run a nation. It is hard to say if anything could better articulate this calamitous story of youthful excess than the opulent visions Coppola collages together.

This is the common thread of Sofia Coppola’s oeuvre. The storyline is forever secondary to the imagery, yet the films resonate equally, if not more than plot-heavy dramas. It is like walking into an art exhibit that, for unclear reasons, cuts you to your core.

It would be insufficient, however, to insinuate that her style’s emotional command hinges solely on visual

“ COPPOLA HAS FLAWLESSLY CURATED THESE CHARMING TABLEAUS AND WE HAVE YET TO SEE THEM FAIL AT STRIKING SOME SENTIMENTAL CHORD WITHIN US. ” experience. Though her masterfully forged image sequences could stand gracefully on their own, the same could be said about the films’ soundtracks. Both components are mutually integral to the full takeaway.

In a highly intentional manner, Coppola makes audio and visuals coalesce to form a distinctive atmosphere.

Her thoughtful arrangement of sound and vision can be perceived on a scene-by-scene basis. In “Somewhere,” there is a scene in which protagonist Johnny Marco and his daughter play ping pong and swim together, a moment in which a somewhat strained relationship uncomplicates.

The scene is set against “I’ll Try Anything

Once,” a gritty, lo-fi track featuring just an electric organ and vocals by The Strokes’ Julian Casablancas. The unpolished, demo-like essence of this song compliments the beauty of simple companionship—and makes you wish you also had someone to share underwater tea parties with.

Another audiovisual tour de force is Coppola’s debut film, “The Virgin Suicides,” an adaptation of the 1993 Jeffrey Eugenides novel that investigates the immense labor of being an adolescent girl. A true goosebump-raising moment of this movie is one in which Lux, the star of all the neighborhood boys’ fantasies, bolts from her front door to the impossibly badass opening riff of Heart’s “Crazy on You,” culminating in a car makeout scene that, frankly, puts “Titanic” to shame.

The entire soundtrack, combined with kaleidoscopic 70s imagery of youthful innocence, articulates the highs and lows of teen angst.

However, the ultimate hallmark instance of this brilliant sensory entwinement is perhaps the legendary walkaway scene in “Lost in Translation.”

This film, like “Somewhere,” examines unconventional companionship as well as feelings of anonymity and alienation.

Accompanied by “Just Like Honey” by The Jesus and Mary Chain, this curtain call forces us to swallow a cocktail of emotions, and a potent one at that.

What lyrics more aptly encapsulate a bittersweet farewell than “Walking back to you is the hardest thing I can do?” I would argue none.

Despite the candy-like addictiveness of immersing oneself in the ethereal world of Sofia Coppola, I will venture to say that doing so is not a purely indulgent act. Alongside some intoxicatingly lavish imagery, her films force us to appreciate life’s subtleties as well.

Even more so, these subtleties unveil something essential about ourselves; they excavate our subconscious notions of familiarity and emotionality.

By tapping into the nostalgic crevices of our psyche, they reveal to us the moments, sensations and connections in our own lives which move us.

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CULTURE

INVITING LUCK WRITTEN BY SAYA INOUE, CULTURE STAFF WRITER ILLUSTRATED BY MAGGIE ROETHLE

I remember learning about engi (縁起) as a child. It was something I learned from everyday life—from carrying an amulet for safe travels to helping my family clean the house on New Year’s Eve to invite luck on New Year’s Day. The idea is that certain objects and behaviors reward good luck.

As a matter of custom, Japanese people do not discuss their own religious beliefs. However, we do generally loosely believe in religions or folklores. While it is relatively rare to see people gather for religious purposes in the community, we do go to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples and practice traditional customs in sacred events such as funerals. Although not many Japanese people would say they believe in God, that does not mean they are atheist. In fact, Japanese people share the view that it is important to have religious feeling.1 Yaoyorozu no kami (八百万の神) literally translates into 800 million gods. Eight Fumi Hayashi, “Gendaizin Nihonzin Ni Totte No Sinkou No Umu to Syukyouteki Na Kokoro,” The Institution of Statistical Mathematical.

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hundred here does not refer to the number of gods but to the idea that gods exist in all objects in nature. The belief originated in part because Japanese people both fear and admire the great power of nature—fear because it destroys through natural disasters, and admiration because it brings beauty and necessities to our land. Yaoyorozu no kami is the reason there are certain ideas and ritualistic beliefs we, as Japanese people, share across generations.

Manekineko is one example—a ceramic cat we put on the counters of stores and restaurants. These cats keep their right hands moving to invite success into the business establishments.

There is also teru teru bozu, an animism practice which includes little objects we craft to wish for sunny days in case of an important outdoor event. Finally, Japanese people carry omamori, an amulet that promotes success—for giving birth, economic fortune and health.

These traditions are all related to the sentiments underscoring yaoyorozu no kami. For one, we carry omamori because we believe there is great power we cannot see playing around us. No

Japanese person would encourage another to throw away their amulets, because we believe punishment would ensue from disrespecting the spirits. This tradition may defy every aspect of science, but I respect it.

Whenever I am on a plane and feel nervous, I always think of the amulet in my bag. It makes me feel strong, bringing to mind my grandmother and the great power that surrounds me.

We practice certain customs to wish for success and good luck, but we also refrain from practicing certain manners for fear of bad luck or to avoid a bad omen. At night, we do not put new shoes by the entrance of the house, where we usually take off our shoes, because it is a custom saved for the day of someone’s funeral.

Some of us do not want to lie on a bed facing north because the dead are laid in that direction.

For better or worse, people are becoming increasingly oblivious to the customs our ancestors have practiced. Our lifestyles have become much easier and more convenient, and people seem to only believe what has been proven “real” by science. But what is “real”? Our lives are full of unexpected surprises— sometimes summoned by the great power of nature.

LIFESTYLE

PLAY IN G HOUSE

BY CASSIE HURWITZ, DEPUTY EDITOR

Treehouses are a sacred and timehonored tradition—whether a stand-alone structure with a swing set or an actual cabin built into an age-old oak. They’ve been versatile structures from day one, used as dwellings, meditation rooms and restaurants in locations throughout Southeast Asia, Paris and England.1 Not to mention, treehouses are a childhood fantasy shared by many.

Yet, as dreamers grow older they forget about long afternoons spent holed away above the treetops.

Secret forts crumble, tire swings lie still and imagination stops running away. However, something can be done about this declining whimsy.

Emilie Sennebogen, “History of Tree Houses,” How Stuff Works.

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Spend the night in a treehouse.

You don’t have to build your own— treehouse hotels exist all over the world. There are quite a few in the U.S. which are perfect for a weekend getaway to the woods. Treehouse Point in Fall City, Washington offers six individual units—Bonbibi, Temple of the Blue Moon and Nest, to name a few—all tucked into the gorgeous foliage just half an hour outside Seattle. Beware, though, these treehouses all share a bathroom on the ground level.

The Original Treehouse Cottages in Eureka Springs, Arkansas are a collection of seven houses, some boasting heart-shaped jacuzzis, fireplaces and wraparound decks— not to mention heights at least 20

feet off the ground. This resort is perfect for a getaway with your significant other, and also provides more luxurious amenities for those who aren’t looking to rough it.

Plus, the Ozark scenery is a great background to bring your childhood dreams to life.

The Mohicans are a group of treehouses smack dab in central Ohio—which may not seem overly glamorous—but each of the six cabins are hand-crafted to perfection and nestled within towering trees. The most picturesque of all is the Little Red Treehouse, which is designed after nineteenth-century barns and includes a five-foot stained glass window.2 Each unique space allows you to unplug and enjoy the fresh air.

“Little Red Treehouse,” themohicans.net.

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El Cosmico

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If you have a fear of heights or just want something a little more standard, the River’s Edge Treehouse Resort in Robbinsville, North Carolina offers the perfect balance between fantasy and practicality. The units are off the ground, but not quite as high among the treetops as the others.

What’s special, however, is that most of the units have a tree growing right through their deck—which lends itself to the cabin’s name.

Spending the night suspended above the ground may not be everyone’s cup of tea, so there are plenty of other unusual, fantastical hotel options. You may not be able to visit the hobbits in Middle Earth, but you can stay in a replica of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Shire. Sandwiched between many of Montana and Idaho’s extensive national forests and just a stone’s throw from Glacier National Park, The Shire of Montana—also known as the Hobbit House—is an ideal haven for those escaping elves, orcs or everyday responsibilities. Don’t miss the series of fairy houses hidden through the property, as well as the vivacious wildlife all around.

The Shire of Montana

For those simply desiring a rustic good time, El Cosmico in western Texas is near both El Paso and Mexico, but mainly sits in the middle of the desert.

Its proximity to Big Bend National Park may be attractive, but the real reason this hotel attracts celebrities like Broad City’s Abbi Jacobson and Queen Bey herself is the accommodation. Choose from yurts, teepees, tents and trailers of varying size while still staying in comfort—each comes equipped with a full or queen size bed and heated blankets or mattresses. The units are relatively inexpensive and, of course, provide the perfect Instagram-worthy photo ops.

All over the country—and world— hotels are innovating their sound structures for something new.

Between luxury tree houses, fantasy dwellings and upscale glamping, anyone with wanderlust in their mind and a youthful heart can revive their imagination.

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Treehouse Point

Treehouse Point

El Cosmico

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awaken Tasha Cherono Photographed by Morgan Winston

Creative Direction by Reilly Koch and Geordon Wollner Assistance from Maria Dayneko and Janey Sheth Makeup by Ashley Trondson

Tasha is wearing an original design by Allison Adelia Art Direction by Reilly Koch

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Special Thanks: August 414 State Street Madison, WI 53703

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LIFESTYLE

STO P T H I NKI NG & STA RT M A K I NG

BY KATE LAWLESS, LIFESTYLE EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ILLUSTRATED BY RACHEL COHEN

When is the last time you did something creative, just for the sake of expressing yourself? Sure, school and work will ask us to problem solve, create marketing plans or write essays. Outside of that, it can be hard to find the time or inspiration for our creative sides after all the obligations we juggle every day.

That creative spark is one of the most natural, authentic things about an individual. Our ability to imagine, think outside the box and create something entirely new is humankind’s best and most defining quality. As an added bonus, it’s a great stress reliever.1 Having a creative outlet positively impacts your life in many ways.

Hobbies can make you smarter and more relaxed.2 They can help with recovery from mental health issues by improving your self-esteem and “Hobbies,” Head to Health, December 12, 2017.

2 Ibid.

connecting you with others, if you choose to partake in a creative social activity like taking an art class or joining a writing circle. Hobbies can even make you physically healthier by lowering your blood pressure and stress levels.3 Maybe the “traditional” creative outlets, like watercolor painting and composing music, aren’t your thing.

Don’t worry, you’ve got a lot more options than just those. Knitting, putting together magazine collages, creating playlists, filling out another page in your coloring book; they’re all simple ways that you can relieve stress and make something new.

I’ll be the first to admit that I can’t play any instrument or draw anything to save my life. My baking is inedible at best. But I love designing mood boards online, setting up my weekly spread for my bullet journal, trying out—and usually messing

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“Why Everyone Needs a Creative Outlet,” A Healthier Michigan, January 15, 2019.

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up—new makeup looks and, as you might guess, writing.

Biased as it may sound, writing is a fantastic creative outlet. You can dream up fictional stories, write about what you read in the news this morning or write down your people-watching observations. This outlet allows time alone with just you and your thoughts.

Take photos of things you want to remember, pour your heart into your poetry and dance like crazy to your guilty-pleasure playlist. It might feel silly or dramatic, but those don’t have to be bad. If you’re still struggling with what it means to be creative, remember that there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Let go of your boundaries; break outside of the box. Whatever you do isn’t going to be perfect because nothing ever is, but you might end up saying or doing something that makes you feel a little lighter, freer and happier.

LIFESTYLE

THE LITTLE THINGS IN

BY KATIE HERRICK, LIFESTYLE STAFF WRITER ILLUSTRATED BY RACHEL COHEN No romance movie is as famous as The Notebook. Between Noah writing Allie a letter every day for a year, him building her the house of her dreams, their iconic fight— and rainy makeout reconciliation— or that heart-wrenching ending, their romance is truly a whirlwind.

for them every corporate holiday or birthday.

Real love presents itself in many forms. A “be safe” before heading out with your friends, brewing some extra coffee in the morning, sharing bites and sips of your meal; the best kinds of love can be simple.

When you think of traditional romance, what comes to mind?

Expensive gifts, grand gestures, public displays of love and affection?

Romance doesn’t exactly conjure up an image of just watching a movie together or snuggling before bed.

Growing up with Disney princess movies or Nicholas Sparks films as your example of love enforces the illusion that love isn’t real unless it reaches an unattainable level of devotion.

While romance films and books are fun, they show a type of romance that isn’t always healthy or real.

Love is more than what you see in the movies. It is an action to be practiced every day, not just with your significant other but with yourself and friends too.

Not every person is good at big gestures or even comfortable with such large displays of affection.

Every person feels and expresses their emotions differently. Those unrealistically high expectations and pressures can destroy a relationship. It is important to live in the moment and enjoy the love you feel at that time and place.

You don’t need a thousand roses to know your significant other loves you, and you certainly shouldn’t be expected to publicly and expensively declare your affection

Your partner might just want a hug instead of a bouquet of flowers delivered during class— that doesn’t mean that they are

ashamed of you. Your partner might want an extravagant date for your anniversary, but that doesn’t mean your kiss goodbye in the morning means any less. Neither means that one couple loves each other more than the other.

Every person and every couple expresses love in a different way.

There are more or less five love languages; words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, receiving gifts and physical touch.1 Each person appreciates, gives and wants to receive each of these differently, and each person has a primary and secondary language that they prefer.

The way partners display affection to each other is going to be different for every person and pairing; grand gestures do not equal romance or true love. Comparing your love story with anyone else’s, especially one that is not real, will only cause problems. What matters most is that both partners work to understand the love that they want to express and receive.

“FAQ,” The 5 Love Languages.

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CULTURE

P U T TIN G THE ‘F EM ME’ B ACK IN FEM I NI SM

BY ALLYSON KONZ, CULTURE STAFF WRITER ILLUSTRATED BY KAITLIN BANAFSHEHA There’s a stereotype going around—a rumor, you could say—about feminism. It goes along the lines of feminists being fire-breathing, angry, aggressive Doc Martin enthusiasts who hate men.

There’s quite a few dangerous assumptions with this negative imagery, maybe the most important being that feminists aren’t allowed to be soft. Feminism, as some may have it, is as far away from any hue of pink and anything feminine as possible. Let’s dispel these rumors.

Too much pink and you’re superficial; too much force and you’re considered brash.

These double standards loom over women in politics, business and everyday life.

But I want to address the softer side of feminism: the empowerment in being vulnerable, appreciating feminine tastes and ignoring sexist criticisms about yourself.

In middle school, I desperately wanted guy friends like all the ‘cool’ girls who would invite the guys to join their Friday night dodgeball tournament team. As I struggle with my identity as a middle schooler, I needed to become friends with girls who either curled their eyelashes or played sports. I was afraid of eyelash curlers (still am), therefore, I felt like I needed to ditch everything and anything feminine if I wanted a shot into the realm of popularity. My insecurities then were nothing special—most middle schoolers experience it—but they did

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because I couldn’t afford being labeled otherwise.

Oh, how I was wrong.

Being driven and ambitious is a good thing, but that doesn’t mean it must take away from being gentle and kind to yourself. These things, unlike I had previously believed, are not mutually exclusive.

change the way I viewed myself and the way I acted. No makeup, no pink, no more girly interests that could drag me into a realm of humiliation—even if I liked them.

I felt the pressure to outgrow this seemingly childhood phase in order to be taken seriously. I struggled—and still do—with vulnerability because I believed for so long that it made me weak. I thought I wouldn’t be taken seriously if I opened myself up—if I was too ‘soft.’ I felt like I had to be a driven leader with wild ambitions and take on more than I could handle. I wanted to be deemed as hardworking and serious

The same goes with vulnerability.

Being soft spoken is not synonymous to being weak. There is real power in not following the status quo; being in touch with your feminine side is just as badass as wearing a high ponytail and a business suit. I admire women who are bold enough to be themselves, even if it means the rest of the world looks at their hobbies or fashion as superficial and shallow. I wish I had the inner strength and self-confidence to realize this earlier.

But don’t get me wrong: not everyone likes wearing heels, putting on makeup or being a ringleader of fashion. That wasn’t really me. But I told myself I could never be that, and that’s where things went wrong.

Female empowerment is beautiful.

Being true to yourself—no matter your personality or hobbies—is beautiful.

There is power in relentlessly chasing after your dreams, regardless of what people may think of you. But the best part of all about being a woman is, perhaps, that you get to choose.

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