vol 1 issue 1
body talk
creating our own definition of beauty
the
premiere issue
table of contents 21 emeralds
are a girl’s best friend
4 style: get the look
Outfits inspired by your favorite runway looks from Alexander Wang & Kate Spade.
6 campus icons
Successful MU grads give advice on how to make it in their field of work after college. 2 AZURE FALL 2015
Mickey Heckman and Lauren Wingo share how studying abroad changed their lives and can change yours too.
COVER STORY
arrow
Life Coach and former MU student Julita Cardenas gives us top-of-the-line relationship advice.
10 body talk
Six MU girls explore what body positivity means to them, and how we can make our school a safer place for women.
18 hot spot
The hottest places to snack, shop and and shake it in the MU neighborhood & DC.
36 beau +
28 ocean
AZURE
MU grad Ocean Miracle shares what its like to be an up-andcoming designer in the fashion business.
WRITERS Janae Pickett Michaela Heckman Lauren Wingo Julita Cardenas Amanda Ghobadi
empire
staff
MAKEUP + STYLING Sarah Hall Amarah Wade
letter from the editor BEHIND THE SCENES
D
earest reader,
It brings me great joy to present to you the premiere issue of Azure, Marymount’s fashion and lifestyle magazine for women. The concept of Azure was born during a publications design class, but has grown to be so much more than I ever could have expected.
We’ve dug down deep to discuss issues that are relevant to women in our community, and challenged ourselves to write about things that will intrigue and interest you. Azure has been carefully crafted for the Marymount woman: stylish, sophisticated, intelligent, and diverse.
Thanks to the hard work and amazing writing talent from the girls at Her Campus Marymount, we have put together a wonderful collection of articles for you. We have covered everything from body image, to the life-changing magic of study abroad, and interviewed some very talented MU grads to help you along your career path.
I truly hope that our fall 2015 issue is a delightful surprise for you during the holiday season. Read, share, and most of all, enjoy!
Much Love, AZURE FALL 2015 3
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CAMPUS
icons
slow fashion
PC: Emma Barcklow
BY AM ANDA GHOB ADI when it comes to quality, time is the answer
Emma Barcklow
3 of Emma’s one-ofa-kind slow fashion pieces.
Tell us how you got started at your current job.
quality standards for fashion- it provided the basis for my concept which just grew over the span of my time at Marymount.
best in humanity. That’s what I aspire to do, and it’s kind of a daunting challenge, but it’s also really exciting.
is the perfect marriage of creativity and social impact- so it has the potential to really bring out and represent the
at Marymount were excited to teach, were amazing lecturers, and were exceptionally supportive. The close
Major: Theology and Religious Studies Graduation Date: May 2015 Field of Work: Ethical Fashion
I experimented with different fields like mad in college —try to count my majors. I was already working forty hour weeks by my senior year, taking that internship requirement to new extremes. I was trying to figure out where my interests and talents lie, and I had to figure out if it was 6 AZURE FALL 2015
possible to put them to use in a positive way. Slowly I developed an idea, and in September of this year I opened my own design studio, Grace and Ellie Georgetown. I create one of a kind and limited edition pieces, primarily day dresses. I was inspired by reading about the slow fashion movement — idea of elevated ethical, environmental and
How did your time What is your at Marymount favorite part about prepare you for working in your the future? So many field? Ethical fashion of the professors I had
CAMPUS
The beautiful, handrawn Grace and Ellie logo.
naturally in that kind of environment, really helped me develop a great work-ethic and challenged me to think. Both are clearly necessary in ethical fashion, but also to be successful in any field and to feel like a whole person.
If you can give any advice to students trying to make it in your field what would it be? Here are my cheesy mantras: if you’re feeling restricted—play the hand your dealt; consider the moves you
from saint to saks
icons
can take, rather than the ones you can’t. If you’re not sure about the direction you’re heading in—if it’s not doing good, it’s not worth doing. Learn more about Emma and her fashion line at: graceandellie.com Shelbi modeling Ebony Bombshell cosmetics.
Shelbi an MU girl takes on saks fifth avenue models
PC: D
elisa
Caro
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clothes too!
Shelbi Valentine One of Shelbi’s own unique projects at Saks.
Major: Merchandising, Graphic Design Minor Graduation Date: May 2014 Field of Work: Visual Merchandising Tell us how you got What is your started at your favorite part about current job. working in your The summer before field? It’s hard to my senior year at Marymount University I completed a Visual Merchandising internship at Bloomingdale’s. Throughout my senior year I worked part-time helping the visual team as well as taking classes. After I graduated I was offered a full-time Visual Merchandising position at Bloomingdale’s. Through connections that I made from working at Bloomingdale’s, I was then offered a job as a Visual Merchandiser at Saks Fifth Avenue.
pick just one thing that I love about my job! I love the creativity, my team, and styling the mannequins a lot. I also love seeing the end result of a display, especially when I see customers and sales associates take pictures of it.
How did your time at Marymount prepare you for the future?
Marymount definitely prepared me for the future by having an internship as a requirement to graduate. AZURE FALL 2015 7
CAMPUS
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I’m not sure if I would’ve completed one otherwise and I was lucky enough to get a job out of my internship. In addition, as a Fashion Merchandising major you take a Visual Merchandising class where you learn the basics of Visual Merchandising and how to complete a floor plan with the consumer in mind. That is very relevant to my job now. Lastly, my Graphic Design major trained my eye to be detailoriented as well as teaching me basic Illustrator techniques that I use today in order
little
PC: S
helbi
Valen ti
ne
to create different images that the vinyl-cutting machine can bring to life.
A chandelier and ornaments at Shelbi’s winter wonderland display at Saks Chevy Chase.
If you can give any advice to students trying to make it in your field what would it be?
It’s very hard to get into visual merchandising without experience. Internships are the best way to grow your portfolio. Also — network, network, network! The DC/MD/VA is smaller than you think. Make strong connections and keep up with them.
Shelbi’s winter wonderland display at Saks Chevy Chase.
miss
biology babe
this former campus cutie hopes to cure cancer
Gabrielle Grygotis Major: Biology Graduation Date: May 2015 Field of Work: Laboratory Technician Tell us how you got started at your current job. I applied PC
:G
ab by G
ry go
tis
8 AZURE FALL 2015
Gabby and her bff at graduation.
to countless jobs, and this position was actually the one I wanted the most. I had a phone interview, and about a month later, I
Meet Einstein, Gabby’s adorable little kitten!
had an in person interview. Four days after that they called and offered me the position. I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited in my life.
CAMPUS
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Gabby holds a baby crocodile on the MU trip to Belize.
What is your favorite part about working in your field? Anyone who knows me knows I am a huge science nerd. My current position is a great entry position for becoming a research scientist, which is my career goal.
How did your time at Marymount prepare you for the future? The Biology program at Marymount truly did prepare me for the future. I consider myself very lucky to of been able to study under such excellent professors. The basics of chemistry that I
learned at Marymount have proven to be very useful while completing my tasks at work.
If you can give any advice to students trying to make it in your field what would it be? Don’t give up. Apply to a million jobs. You don’t need to like your first
Gabby hard at work in the lab as a technician.
job; you just need to get your foot in the door. Making it into the science field is difficult, but it is not impossible. Keep on trying and never give up on your dreams.
best-selling author
the a criminal psych major takes on romance novels
Sarah Robinson Major: Criminal Psychology Graduation Date: May 2015 Field of Work: Romance Novelist We weren’t able to get an interview with Sarah, but we learned a lot during her presentation at MU in October. She shared a few secrets as to how to make it as a PC: booksbysarahrobinson.net
Breaking a Legend is Sarah’s latest work.
romance writer. Her first tip is to keep trying, keep putting yourself out there, and most of all keep writing. Write something every day. And don’t forget to read!
Reading keeps your mind sharp and fresh with new ideas. Make sure to establish an on-line presence and stay involved with your audience to help you grow a fan base. AZURE FALL 2015 9
b Every new year, my resolution is to “love thy self.” With body positivity becoming a new trend, learning to love one’s body is the first step into transitioning to a healthier life.
body talk
by Janae Pickett
Photos by Amanda Ghobadi
I
asked 6 girls their opinions on body image and they gave me their honest opinions on what body positivity means to them. The Warrior
Michaela Hekman says, “body positivity, to me, is complete acceptance of my flaws and imperfections and appreciating all of the unique and amazing things that my body can do”. Heckman who had trouble with her body image at a young age has overcame great obstacles. She has defeated an eating disorder that she battled with for seven years. She says it was one of the most challenging times in her life. With recovery, she has learned to embrace her flaws which turned out to give her strength. One quote she swears by is, “don’t forget to love yourself ”. When I asked her how she wants to impact the next generation she says, “Not putting myself down anymore, trying to be an example to younger girls who are so easily influenced.” She further celebrates herself by “pushing [herself] to new extremes everyday.” Michaela will proceed to spread acceptance in the future with her family and friends. When asked how she contributes to body positive in her own relationships she says, “Making sure that my loved ones know how much I appreciate them and how beautiful I think they all are, inside and out.”
The Light
Janie is a senior communications major, and describes body positivity as, “being comfortable in your own skin, loving and accepting all aspects (flaws included!) of it.” She still struggles with body acceptance in her own life but with the help of her friends and family, she inches toward body positivity everyday. She is learning to embrace body positivity through how she dresses. She says “I prefer comfort over style, and if my body is comfy then I am comfy. Definitely dressing in a way that makes me feel good and having a “no cares in the world” attitude.” 12 AZURE FALL 2015
Janie is a big Harry Potter fan who lives by a famous quote from Dumbledore that can also contribute to her body positivity movement. “Happiness can always be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” She makes a point for body positivity to remind her friends “they are all beautiful”. She does not believe in one ideal of beauty. She says, “There shouldn’t be one standard of beauty because everyone has something about them that makes them beautiful, regardless of skin or appearance.”
The Confidant
Amarah Wade, who is a prominent voice when it comes to fashion, defines body positivity as “Loving the skin that you’re in, no matter what flaws you think you may have, and turning those flaws into something that you could possibly learn to love.” Amarah has combated with her own body issues regarding her height. She says, “I was probably around second grade when everyone started growing taller and I was left in the dust making me a prime target for being called midget, munchkin, etc. I feel that was really when I started to notice that I was really significantly shorter than much of my class, and that’s when I started to hate being so short.” Luckily, she has had her parents to help her along the way. She says that by her family telling her how beautiful she is helped her recognized that “being short is an asset”. She contributes to the body positive movement working in a fashion environment. She states, “I celebrate all bodies no matter how tiny or big they are. I love helping people be comfortable with their bodies with clothing. while working at a plus size styling company this summer, I really got to understand how clothes can make a not so confident women extremely confident, and loving their curves even though the world tells them to cover up and wear tents. Clothing no matter what size can really help with making your overall view of your body change into a more positive direction.” One quote she lives by when it comes to body positivity is, “There is no wrong way to have a body.” Top left: Michaela Heckman looking gorgeous. Bottom left: Michaela and her bff Lauren. Top right: Janie Paw being flawless. Middle right: Amarah Wade with her perfect smile. Bottom right: Janie and Amarah at the main house.
AZURE FALL 2015 13
The Uplifter
Lauren, who is a campus correspondent for Her Campus Marymount, an online guide for campus aged women, has a distinct definition of what body positivity means to her. She says, “My definition of body positivity is simple and yet so very complex. Girls everyday, all around the world, feel this intense pressure to be perfect. Some hurt themselves, starve themselves or give up completely. Body positivity is finding that one thing you like about yourself, that you are positive about and not focusing on anything else but what you like until you figure out that you are perfect the way you are. You don’t have to conform to any sort of standard.” Lauren has battled with generalized anxiety disorder since she was seven. She says “ I had this grand ideology of the world and how so many different events, people and situations that could hurt me. I didn’t really notice a lot of my flaws in my body until I started high school and my metabolism dropped. I gained up to 60 pounds in a year and I found myself looking in the mirror and hating what I saw. It was a hard time for me, especially because the GAD made me focus on my flaws and obsess over them.” She has conquered her disorder by working out and learning to accept her flaws. One person who contributes to her wellness is her Mom, who has been there for her from the start. One quote that helps her in the body positive movement is by Heidi Priebe. “Maybe your life won’t explode into beautiful, untamed chaos by the time the clock strikes 12 but maybe it doesn’t have to. Maybe each night is not an end in itself but a small stepping stone that eventually moves you toward a bigger, better life. One that is fuller and richer and wilder than you ever expected it to be, because you kept welcoming change in, even when it seemed easier not to.”
The Acceptor
Jennifer is a senior graphic design major who defines body positivity as “being happy and comfortable in your own skin”. When it comes to her flaws she says, “I’ve accepted my flaws because they make me who I am, I have also realized that this body that I have is my home. Nothing is going to change it per say and it is a beautiful thing. 14 AZURE FALL 2015
Lauren Wingo’s favorite part about her body is her bright and beautiful smile! Lauren and Michaela are bff ’s and roomies.
91%
58%
95%
5%
The number of women that are unhappy with their bodies & diet to gain their ideal body shape.
The number of collegeaged girls that feel pressured to be a certain weight.
Of the number of people with eating disorders are between the ages of 12 & 25.
The number of women that naturally have the body type portrayed by Americans in the media.
It might sound a little gruesome but it is what holds me together, my being”. She has come to the realization in a campus class she took. She says, I took a figure drawing class one semester and I realized that it doesn’t matter your skin color or your weight or any of that. Your body is beautiful; it is something that is exactly you. Seeing those naked models with different curves and shapes was stunning. If she could give advice to someone who is struggling with body image she would say, “ Appreciate what your body can do. Things like breathing, laughing, dreaming, and more”A quote she attaches with the body positive movement is by Geneen Roth which says, “Your body is the piece of the universe you’ve been given, the place where love and joy and grief happen, where happiness unfolds. Do you really want to keep believing that it’s a horrible, ugly, lumpy thing? Do you really want to keep punching yourself like that?” She wants to make sure all of her friends are taken care of when it comes to body positivity as well. When asked how she enforces body positivity in her friendships, she advises “To make sure that everyone is happy and not particularly struggling. To make sure someone isn’t skipping meals and to make them feel loved and that their flaws are beautiful.” Queen Jenny and her awesome ear piercings.
AZURE FALL 2015 15
The girls on the steps by the main house.
16 AZURE FALL 2015
I
n reflection...
All of these ladies have different views when it comes to being body positive, but they all have a positive outlook on the movement of loving yourself. While doing the photoshoot, each girl focused on one aspect they loved about themselves which ranged from all over the body. Michaela focused on her eyes in which she says she likes them, “because they are my most prominent feature and make me look like an anime character.” When it comes to Janie finding one aspect of herself she loves, she says her hair. She states that “although it can be a little bitch at times, it’s always thick and soft and I always get compliments on it at the salon.” Lauren says that, “I love my smile because I feel like it’s the most beautiful part of me. I had a really hard time growing up because my teeth and jaw were out of line and it took more than two years of braces to correct it. Even though that was difficult, when the braces came off I couldn’t believe I was the same person and I smiled a lot more. I love being happy and when I’m happy I always smile.” Jennifer chose her ears in which she has decided to decorate them in her own way. She says, “I have seven piercings and they are what I’ve decided to decorate my body with. They are a form of my self-expression, what is done for me and no one else.” Amarah focuses on her dimples in which she says, “I love my dimples because they add a personality to my smile and a lot of people are envious of them.” These stories of the ongoing journey for body positivity do not end with these ladies. When it comes to body positive on Marymount University campus,some of the girls had suggestions and comments on how the University handles body positivity. Janie says, “Marymount doesn’t necessarily do a good job at enforcing body positivity, but it doesn’t do a bad one either. I just don’t really see much about body positivity on this campus.” She suggests, “Maybe by coming up with events that promote body positivity and never judging someone on appearance.” Lauren also feels that Marymount University does not contribute to body positivity. She helps the school with body positivity through her
organization, Her Campus. She says, “I make sure that any article that is written about body image is positive, non-biased, and caring. One of my biggest goals for Her Campus Marymount is to give young women at MU an outlet to be themselves and come together to build each other up. I hope to branch HC Marymount out even more so that it is well-known on campus and spread the idea that every woman is beautiful”. Amarah also feels that body positivity on campus has not been extended as well. She says, “I feel like there could be a group that you can really talk about body problems and have safe place for woman to come together. It would be nice to start a body positivity club and create a safe space for people to talk about their body issues and eating disorders.” Jennifer, who feels different about body positivity on campus says “I think Marymount does a fair job. I remember that they had a campaign to write on the girls’ bathrooms with some positive quotes. They also placed sticky notes of positive outlooks as well.” No matter how you feel about body positivity on campus, there should be more options for people to work on making themselves feel better. Campus does have resources such as the health center and counseling if needed. More should be done but it is a process that should be made aware of. When it comes to the trend of body positivity, hopefully it will never cease to stop. Women from all over are embracing their bodies as they are. Body positivity is a process that starts with the inner self, and ends with teaching others that self love is the best kind of love to give. In my own life, I hope to be as courageous as the woman I have interviewed. They are ambitious and brave women who continue to fight for body positivity in their own life and those close to them everyday. This is something that should be celebrated and continued with into the next generation.
Janae Pickett AZURE FALL 2015 17
spot
HOT
1 duck donuts
deliciousness is right around the corner Arlington has a duck donuts…need I say more? If you haven’t been to the hit Outer Banks chain yet then you are missing out. The fresh baked, warm, sugary goodness of donuts is now right around the corner from MU. Addiction is guaranteed.
BY AM A GHOB NDA ADI PC: Eleve
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2 zengo cycle
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After eating all those donuts it may be good to get in some exercise. Lucky for you, Zengo cycle is the place to burn calories in a pumped, high-energy environment. Peddle away to loud pop music with your girls and sweat
off all that stress the semester brings. You’ll get in some hard-core cardio and strength building all in under an hour from the DC metro area’s master trainers. $22 peak $15 off-peak
spot
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3 buffalo exchange thrift store excellence I discovered Buffalo Exchange nearly eight years ago in Ventura California and no other shopping experience could compare. The new Georgetown store is sure to blow your mind and your wallet. Founded by Kerstin and Spencer Block in Tucson in 1974, Buffalo Exchange
Vintage t-shirts
has been delivering premium thrift clothing for over forty years. Their clothes are fashionable and trendy and the retail atmosphere is fun and positive. This is the number one place to buy, sell and trade clothing. Fashion sense required.
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4 iPic Bethesda
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movie-going luxury at its best
Going to the movies may never be the same after your iPic experience. Luxury reclining seats, a full wait staff, blankets, iPad menus, AND cocktails. Yes, this is indeed the
place for every girl’s night out ever. Premium tickets will cost you $24 bucks, but the pampering and free popcorn is worth it. Slap on your 3D glasses and be ready. AZURE FALL 2015 19
HOT
spot
5 gate 54 lounge eat to the beat & relax with your friends Officially called CafĂŠ Saint Ex, this French restaurant turned lounge is a great alternative to the more intense clubs in the DC area. Enjoy a full dinner menu while vibing to your fav DJ, or even catch a comedy show. Expect a casual, laidback night with good music, good food, and good company.
PC: Cafe Sain
t Ex
Party away while enjoying French decor & food
aint Ex
PC: Cafe S
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n Post
PC: Washingto
Emeralds
are a girl's new
Beginning by Michaela Heckman and Lauren Wingo
AZURE FALL 2015 21
who are you...why are you here...what is the purpose for you...what is the point?
I
t’s those thoughts that haunt us. It’s the thoughts that make us wonder who we really are in this world. Why are we here and what were we meant to see? Why are we in this world full of hate and destruction and backstabbing friends and betrayal? Where is the beauty?
(Lauren) I was lost. Lost in every sense of
every way. The unknowns and the possibilities were suffocating any hope that I attempted to feel. I was steady in my life yet it was as though I was boxed in and I couldn’t escape. The torture in my mind from this anxiety was my new normal. I wasn’t living, I was surviving. (Michaela) I was broken. so crushed and shattered from everyone around me and everything i was experiencing that I had completely forgotten who I was, and how to BE me. I just kept getting hit with bad thing after bad thing and I honestly didn’t think I could survive it. I was a ghost of who I used to be- nothing left but a sad, angry, self-hating little shell. Everything was green. Absolutely everything. The grass, the trees, the buildings covered in ivy and flowers. You could even argue the people were green. It was that green that gave us life. It gave us a purpose. Study abroad changed everything. It saved our lives, it made us whole, and it created a new sense of purpose. It caused us to second guess everything, to make mistakes at pubs, to miss trains and buses, to get in fights with strangers. Our hearts were full when we thought of our loved ones back home… yet this was our new home.
(Lauren) As soon as I stepped foot in Cork,
as soon as I met Michaela officially and found out she was my roommate, I knew that my life was going to change. I feel that Cork gave me life. I lost weight, figuratively and literally. The weight on my shoulders from any anxiety I had lifted whenever I walked the half a mile to campus and 22 AZURE FALL 2015
passed people with accents from all walks of life, rivers that flowed through the city and the random outbursts of rain. I found out that I had a love of knitting and a knack for exploring. I created a new home and I honestly left part of myself there. (Michaela) The plane ride across the ocean was like CPR for my soul, and the moment I stepped foot onto that tiny green island, my heart started again and I began my new life. I didn’t try to pretend that nothing had happened in my past- that will always live with me, no matter how hard I try- but when i moved to Ireland, I was forced to recreate myself, shape myself into who i wanted to be, and who I knew I really was underneath all of the scarred tissue. When I met Lauren, I knew an adventure was just about to begin, but I was in NO WAY prepared for the journey we have been on in the past year! Every moment we had there changed us, it changed us forever and gave us insight to the world that was beyond our imagination. Every new memory molded us, touched our souls. With every new person we met, we branded them into our hearts, never to be forgotten.
(Lauren) Honestly the people made the
experience. Every single person, whether they broke my heart, gave me random advice in a Dublin pub, or became a lifetime friend, I will never forget. One of my roommates from Korea was constantly in the kitchen making delicious dishes and she made me try each one. I loved her constant love of life and excitement. Another of my roommates from County Waterford, Ireland gave me insight into Irish culture and she made me happy whenever I saw her. I also met a girl in a hostel in Dublin who was from South Carolina. She gave me advice on everything that was so heavy on my heart and we talked until 3am that night. I hope she knew how much that meant to me. These are only a few people. Only three of the dozens of people who changed my views on life
Lauren and Michaela at Blarney Castle.
AZURE FALL 2015 23
A beautiful street in the city of Cork, Ireland.
Lauren and Michaela in Galway with their friend Amy.
24 AZURE FALL 2015
(Lauren) I came home with a tattoo, an Irish
University of Cork
sister named Michaela, three full suitcases and an even fuller heart. The reverse culture shock was incredibly difficult. One of the greatest challenges was attempting to figure out who I was in the States now. I had no idea and I honestly don’t know when I will. I cannot believe how my life has changed. My values have changed. Everything. My one tip if you’re thinking about studying abroad? Know that it will change you, it will create a fire in you. You will be tested, you will
and love. Dozens who changed me forever. (Michaela) The people made the place, the place made the experience, and the experience made me. I was shaped by the time spent there, and my eyes were opened to new possibilities. I learned more about other cultures than I ever have from any textbook. I had discussions about politics with French and Irish men, I ate Korean food, drank German drinks, danced around with crazy Canadians, and explored the Irish countryside. I met people who I will carry with me in my heart for as long as I live. They don’t realize what an impact they made on my life, but I will never forget, and I will always be thankful for every single experience—good and bad. We stopped traffic, drank copious amounts of Irish coffee, ran through ruined castles and explored Italy with only a paper map. We sat in silence and we screamed out loud. We twirled in the streets of Florence, drunk on Gelato. We laughed until we cried and even cried until we laughed. We danced with Irish men and laughed at the American stereotypes. We knew that we would leave Cork changed in the best ways.
University of Cork
get hurt and you will find something in yourself you may not like. Something raw, something to be treasured. And you will hold onto it for the rest of your life. (Michaela) I came home by force, kicking and screaming and bawling my eyes out. I came back with ages of wisdom, a lifetime of stories, a few hidden bottles of Murphy’s, and enough memories and life lessons to carry around with me and keep me together for years to come. Because of this experience, I now have friends from all over AZURE FALL 2015 25
the globe, friends that I can ring at any time, and they will be willing to pick up a conversation as if they saw me yesterday. Because of this experience, I now confuse everyone when I say “take-away” instead of “to-go” at every restaurant. Because of this experience, I feel as if my heart is too big to remain in my chest, and my soul is too wild to remain in my body. My advice to anyone thinking about studying abroad? Don’t do it if you’re not ready to truly find out who you are. If, however, you are fully willing to find out what kind of person you are, even if it’s not who you’ve spent your whole life pretending to be, then studying abroad will be the most unique and incredible and priceless experience you could ever have in a million years. Brace yourself, it’ll knock you on your ass if you’re not careful! But my-ohmy, is it ever beautiful.
Lauren and Michaela in the Cork City Centre.
The Irish countryside.
26 AZURE FALL 2015
Micky & Lauren
An Irish tree covered in Ivy.
AZURE FALL 2015 27
Ocean models her own designs on the MU campus. She is wearing a custom altered skirt and her own cutout top.
28 AZURE FALL 2015
OCEAN EMPIRE When I sat down with ocean in late November to meet for our photo shoot, I was immediately humbled. While perched in the passenger seat of her car, we laughed and reminisced about her time as my RA at MU. She gracefully changed into clothes from her line in the back seat while I kept watch to make sure no one was looking. For a fashion diva in the making, Ocean was as real and raw as it gets. Since graduating in 2014, she’s been hard at work developing her brand and trying to create impact in her community. She’s charming, beautifully honest, and not afraid to reach for the stars. Turn the page to find out what she had to say about the rise of her fashion empire. BY AMANDA GHOBADI AZURE FALL 2015 29
Ocean wears her own skirt and scarf.
T
ell us a little bit about yourself. Where did you grow up and how did you end up at MU? My name is
Ocean-Miracle Morris, I was born in Washington, DC. I am family oriented. I love to help others, and I love art, music, and fashion. I grew up on the east coast, mainly in Atlanta, DC, and Richmond. I found myself at Marymount University after I graduated high school in Atlanta, May 2010. That summer I moved back to MD with my Dad and I knew for a fact, I wanted to do fashion. I applied to Marymount University, after hearing about the fashion department from Montgomery Community College (where I attended my first semester of college). They denied me. So I reached out to the admissions office to see if there were any other alternatives to getting accepted into the university, they said yes. I finished the semester off at Montgomery College strong, I then, faxed over my final grades to the admissions office, and
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on Christmas Day I received my acceptance letter from Marymount University.
Did you always know you wanted to be a fashion designer? If not, when did you discover your talent? Yes, as a little
girl I loved dressing up in my mothers clothes and shoes. It was in the 8th grade where I discovered sewing to be something I really enjoyed. Home Economics was the course, the assignment was to hand stitch a small pillow and ever since that day, I’ve been reconstructing my clothes. I would cut up old shirts and sew patches onto my jeans. I knew then at 13 years old, I wanted to do fashion.
How did your time at MU prepare you for the real world? My time at Marymount
University prepared me for the real world by teaching me responsibility and structure. I didn’t just attend Marymount, I was apart of Marymount, I represented Marymount day in and day out when I took on the position as a Resident
Ocean models her own designs on the MU campus. Both her top and skirt are reversible.
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Ocean and her models backstage at her fashion show. The back of Ocean’s Redskins dress as seen on the runway. The front of Ocean’s one-of-akind Washington Redskins dress.
Ocean’s gorgeous cutout romper “Tombraider” on the runway.
Ocean and her models backstage at her fashion show.
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Assistant. I knew that this job would allow me to experience a new journey of memorable moments that would prepare me for the real world.
Were there any crucial experiences you had during college that helped you become the woman you are today?
There were definitely crucial experiences that I had throughout college that helped me become the woman I am today. During my senior year, I was involved in an accident as the passenger. I faced head trauma, which caused me to miss a week of classes, all while projects and presentations were still due. Although my professors were understanding and an extension was given to me, it allowed me to realize that the world doesn’t stop for one little mishap, no matter how major or minor. Pick up yourself and continue on with your life.
What was the first step you took after graduating to get ready for the real world? The first step
from other fashion lines? I would describe
my brand to be simply bold. Something that is essential that has a creative bold aspect that will allow audiences to always remember.
Do you have a favorite piece from your collection you’ve designed? If so, why is it your favorite? I do not have a favorite piece. Everything that I’ve constructed has a special place in my heart, because it represents a specific time in my life.
What is the hardest part about being an up and coming designer and what is the best part? The hardest part about being an up
and coming designer would be building the perfect team - a team that I can trust with my baby, my world, my life. The best part about it, is being able to do what I want and when I want. I don’t have to design for anyone’s approval but my own.
“Always follow your dreams, make them realistic, but always aim high so that you can receive high.”
I took after graduating to prepare for the real world was signing up for a credit card - to build credit, by doing this, it allowed me to be responsible with spending and making payments on time.
Do you have any advice for others who are trying to make their way into the fashion industry? The advice
I would give anyone trying to make their way into the fashion industry would be to always follow your dreams, make them realistic, but always aim high so that you can receive high.
Are there any jobs or internships you had that have been crucial to your career development? I did my internship Where do you see yourself and your with a small business owner, who was indeed a brand 5 years from now? What impact fashion designer. The name of the company was would you want to have made through Pico Vela, her interests were mainly into knits. I your work? I see myself and my brand was able to experience building a business up, from the bottom. Working with her truly taught me how to always maintain a positive attitude as well as to be patient, lastly to always believe in yourself and your creations.
How would you describe your brand (OMMICI) and what makes it different
overseas running a successful business—not only overseas but in the US as well, and in 10 years, all over the universe. The impact that I would like to have made through my work, would be the ability to change, help, and improve peoples lives worldwide, through my creations.
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Do you have a favorite quote or a designer you admire who inspires you and keeps you moving forward? I have a
favorite quote by Ralph Lauren that says “Fashion is about something that comes from within you.” This is something that I live by when I think about creating, because essentially everything comes from within, well, and in 10 years, all over the universe. The impact that I would like to have made through my work, would be the ability to change, help, and improve peoples lives worldwide, through my creations.
Any closing remarks you would like to
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make or things you want to say to the ladies of MU? Appreciate your time and
experiences at Marymount University. They are truly once in a lifetime. Meet and enjoy your surroundings, learn to love, listen, and live life for you. Top left: “Midnight” on the runway Top right: Ocean’s dress “Unfinished Business” on the runway at Voyage to Utopia Bottom left: Ommici model on the runway Bottom middle: Designs from the Ommici kids collection on the runway Bottom right: Two of Ocean’s models backstage
Ocean models her custom cutout top and fringe skirt.
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BEAU +
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how to attract the love of your life by living “as if”
by Julita Cardenas 1) Detach from all of your exes.
The poet Rumi once wrote, “Our task is not just to find love, but all of the barriers we have built against it.” Babe, if you are single, what is holding you back from love? Sometimes the finding the answer is not just formulating a response to this question, but boldly taking action and making a decision to enter into a relationship. What is living “as if ?” Nope, I’m not talking about Alicia Silverstone in Clueless. I’m talking about the Law of Attraction. One of the most effective ways to enter into a long-term relationship is to look inward and assess what you really want… Then, you take a specific course of action to change your life. Living “as if ” is a way of telling the universe you are ready for love, through acting as if you already have what you want.
So without further ado, here’s how to Manifest a Relationship by Living “As If ” 36 AZURE FALL 2015
One of the biggest reasons why we have lag time in between relationships is because we still live with the pain of a breakup. We carry the pain around with us as we go about our day, holding back when new connections arise. Are you missing out on new connections as they pass by you? Think for a second, “How does living with the pain serve me?” Chances are, it doesn’t serve you at all. Believe me, I’ve dealt with this and it’s a paradox because deep down, we know what’s best for ourselves better than anyone else. Your friends, parents, co-workers and anyone else in your inner circle may give you advice and offer valuable opinions, but they don’t know what you go through- just like you don’t know what they go through. If you know it’s time to move on, place your ex out of your mind. Detach physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Keep ties with him platonic or not at all. Set a timer for as long as you like, and sit with the pain. Give yourself the chance to think, reflect, and even cry. Seriously, bawl your eyes out if you need to… It’s better to cry than holding those emotions in and prolonging your next relationship. Then, boldly state, “I’m moving on with my life. Better things await me. New connections and new love.” Make a decision, commit to yourself, and the right guy will want to commit to you. When trying to create love, the biggest barrier is not circumstance. It is ourselves. If we haven’t pinpointed what we want and detached from what we don’t want, it is going to take a lot longer to “Law of Attract” your Mr. Right. Letting go can be scary when you don’t know what else is out there in your future, but trusting that your ideal relationship exists is the first step.
BEAU + 2) Dress the part.
When we take action, this is a sign to the universe that we are ready for a change. And who doesn’t live mixing up their look a little or a lot? Amp up the sex appeal, and start thinking of how you will dress when you are in a relationship. Think like it’s already happened and your beau just called you and told you he is taking you somewhere special, and it’s a surprise. Now, you are left with the question, “What on earth do I wear?” Start updating your wardrobe with clothes you would wear on dates. Start wearing sexy lingerie underneath your clothes during the day as if you have a rendezvous with the one you love after work. Not only will this attract someone to you, but it will make you feel more confident in yourself. When we feel sexy, others will notice and respond to our powerful energy. Attracting a man is not just about looking attractive- we need to love ourselves and feel sexy. Do it. Dress like an A1 girlfriend because that is Y-O-U lady!
3) Make room for your next love affair.
Is your apartment a mess? When you are single, do you let yourself go in your living space? Perhaps when you have a guy over, you tend to sporadically decide it’s time to declutter, hide items from your childhood or anything potentially embarrassing, buy some flowers to put on the counter, and spray as much room freshener as possible. Remember, living “as if ” is being bold, and acting “as if ” we already have what we want. It’s like telling your job interviewer, “I look forward to working with you in the future.” Instead of decluttering and redecorating when you have a guy over, do it all of the time. Going a step further, start researching feng shui and move furniture around your bedroom. Clean your bedroom with essential oils, as you think positive thoughts. Sleep on one side of the bed, and leave the other side available for your next guy. It’s up to you how you make room in your life for your next leading man, and get creative doing so. Start thinking about how your living space might say, “I’m single,” and make the shift to, “I have a sexy man in my life.”
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4) Speak it.
I’m a huge believer in the power of affirmations. I have a list of them tacked on my bathroom wall for me to absorb each morning and night. When using affirmations to attract love, we need to literally become these affirmations by believing them. Start saying to yourself, “I’m in a relationship with the man of my dreams,” “Men are attracted to me and feel comfortable pursuing me,” or “I am in love.” Shift your energy to be in alignment with what that would feel like. Einstein believed in parallel universes, or simply put, the fact that our desires already exist in a place we cannot yet see. Making bold statements about our future is making a declaration that we are truly ready for what we want. Start believing these statements and they will come true.
5) Plan ahead.
Ever had an invite to a wedding and you didn’t know if you would have a plus one? Act like you will. Even if it doesn’t happen, you have a new sense of confidence about entering into a relationship. If there is a concert you want to attend in a few months, buy an extra ticket under the impression you’ll have a date. If you want to move to a new city in a few years, assume you’ll be moving with your husband. Shift your mindset from “wanting and not having” to “it already happened.” Thinking like you’ll be with the right guy soon is more likely to lead him to you, instead of getting caught up in wanting and not having. We may not know what our future holds, but we have two options when it comes to our destiny. We can wait or create. You can go about your day and settle for having no love life, just hoping that maybe a guy will come along and pursue you. Or, you can get proactive about doing the inner work before entering into a relationship, and then increase your options in dating, leading you to the long-term love you seek. Entering into a relationship requires more than faith in the things unseen. It requires making a choice to move on from our exes, leaving our insecurities at the door, getting clear about what we want, and committing to making changes. Believing it’s possible is the first step.
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Š 2015 Amanda Ghobadi | Publication Design