THE AVENUE: City Slicker

THE VOL.1 ISSUE 4

HOLLYWOOD HERMèS get the

URBAN

VS

THE A-LIST CONQUERING OF THE FASHION INDUSTRY

page 11

look page 4

10

WAYS

TO SPICE UP YOUR DORM DECOR page 25

CITY

SLICKER CHECK OUT THE HOTTEST LOOKS OF THE SEASON page 15

Table of

Contents 3 4

Letter from the Editors How to Achieve the Metropolitan Look

6 How to Survive Midterms 7 A Hidden Gem 11 Hollywood vs. Hermès: The

A-List Conquering of the Fashion Industry

15 City Slicker Fashion Spread 25 Dorm Decor Ideas for Fashionistas & Fashionistos

27 Winter Bag Essentials 28 Winter Dos & Don’ts Editor-in-Chief: Elise Borja

Assitant editor: Yana Sybiga

art director: Julia Le

styling team

Christine Kopera Erica Stanley Adam Ali Michelle Rodriguez Ludovica Tronci

Hollywood VS hERMèS

marketing team

Jessica Fortier Rachel Satell Stephanie Baladi Amanda Slomovitz

photographers

Mia Duncan Ian Altamore Elizabeth Johnson- Wilson Andrea Barriga Emma Haddad

Writers

Jessica Fortier Elizabeth Johnson- Wilson Nathan Hewes Alec MacLean Rachel Satell Thomas Shockman Ludovica Tronci

designers

Natasha Bonfield Shelby Robin Erin Borst Photo: http://e-makijaz.pl

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Letter

FROM THE

Editors

Dear readers, Welcome to the fourth issue of The AveNUe, Northeastern’s online fashion magazine. This edition’s concept is “City Slicker”, based on the metropolitan lifestyle of students in Boston. We are very excited to launch this issue, as it is truly unlike anything we have done before. Since we are a new publication, we are constantly trying out new article ideas, magazine layouts and themes. Each issue is very unique, showing our team’s diversity and constant flow of creativity.

As Northeastern students, we cannot help but envelop ourselves in the metropolitan lifestyle.

From the Boston Symphony Orchestra to the Institute of Contemporary Art, we have the world of high culture at our fingertips. Although the fashion industry is not too prominent in Boston, personal style is nothing short of spectacular. As college students make up about 20% of the Boston population, this city shows that anyone can achieve a top-notch wardrobe on a small budget.

Think of this issue as a handbook to achieve the city lifestyle with a college budget. As you dive into the magazine, you will find articles on everything from dorm decor ideas to Boston’s best fashion boutiques.

Unlike the other articles, our cover story takes a more serious tone. The piece looks into the fashion industry’s obsession with celebrity culture and its great impact on everything from advertising campaigns to models (say goodbye to Edie Campbell and hello to Kim Kardashian).

We would like to thank everyone involved with the production of “City Slicker”, including the photographers, graphic designers, stylists and writers. Without everyone’s great effort, we would not have been able to accomplish everything we did with this issue.

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to “City Slicker”. We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we had producing it.

,

Best regards

ELISE BORJA

YANA SYBIGA

How to Achieve

the Metropolitan Look A

sleek metropolitan look combines elements of leather, studs, black and gold. The key to a stylish city look is practicality and contrast. Black is an easy base to any outfit, while accessories can act as a pop of color. The contrast between a black base and colored accessories are a bold choice, conveying the personality of a confident city dweller. Accessories can be anywhere from minimalistic to statement-making pieces, dramatically changing the outfit.

Touches of gold instantly add a warm richness to the outfit, carrying a sense of bold timelessness. Leather is what provides that sleek urban look, while studs bring forth an edgy metropolitan vibe.

By Jessica Fortier Photography by Andrea Barriga

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A studded cobalt blue purse and colorful patterned scarf add pops of color and interest to an otherwise minimalistic outfit. This look combines black leather pants and a black sweater with leather pockets.

Short black rain boots are a sleek addition for a snowfilled city. Lastly, bold stacked bracelets, consisting of gold and bright colors, are added to bare wrists.

“

The key to a stylish city look is practicality and contrast.

”

This outfit is compiled of practical layers and classic pieces. The layers allow for a comfortable stop at a coffee shop. A black “J’adore” graphic t-shirt is tucked into a burgundy pleated skirt with black tights. A black blazer completes the outfit’s third piece, complemented by gold jewelry.

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The outfit is topped off with an army green cargo jacket lined with fur and leather. Black riding boots are both a practical and fashionable choice for shoes. As a girl on the go, structured black leather Michael Kors is the handbag of choice. Topping off the outfit is a gold watch, a diamond statement necklace with gold accents, and black leather gloves with gold buttons.

HELLWEEK:

How to Survive

Midterms N

o matter how much forewarning we are given, every year— and without fail—students panic when midterms approach. Far be it from me to shame you for wearing the leggings and Ugg combination that half of the campus is sure to be rocking to midterms this year.

Instead, here are a few useful tips to help you get through this hellacioustime of the year.

Study Break

In order to keep yourself from going insane during this truly hectic time of the year, schedule regular study breaks. When it feels as if the walls in Snell Library are starting to close in on you or you cannot quite remember the last time you felt the sun on your skin, it’s time to treat yo’ self. Get a coffee from Starbucks, a pedicure at PS Nails or a warm oil treatment from Miniluxe to combat the winter wind’s attempt to suck the moisture from your hands.

For those of you hoping to satisfy a fashion craving during your break at a time of the year, when the practicality of down jackets and snow boots often trumps our desire to look presentable, check out our hidden gem of the month (on page 7).

Plan Ahead & Eat Well

Schedule your study sessions as well as study breaks. A cute planner makes staying organized less of a chore. We personally love the Daily Greatness Journal and Kate Spade’s photos: Andrea Barriga www.womansday.com www.lifeguardpress.com www.smashinglists.com

By Rachel Satell

collection of planners (seriously, how pretty are they?). Make sure to plan out your meals too! It is important to keep your energy level up when you study. In order to avoid becoming hungry or tired, keep some mixed nuts on hand for a quick energy boost.

Don’t forget to hydrate! It can be tempting to caffeinate every chance you get when studying, but remember to work some extra water into your diet as midterms approach.

In a study done by Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, it was found that adults who drank more water performed better on mental tests and had more ease with concentrating, than their dehydrated counterparts.

Remember to schedule time to get out of Snell and hit the gym, or even take a walk if you’re strong enough to brave the brunt of a Boston winter! Exercise is a super beneficial way to relieve stress. Try out a new class at Marino to get your blood pumping. Yoga can be especially helpful when it comes to stress relief.

Take Time to Exercise

Remember to have some time to get out of the library and hit the gym or take a walk (if you’re brave enough to face the brunt of a winter in Boston). Exercise is a super beneficial way to relieve stress.

Try out a new class at the gym to get your blood pumping and your body moving. Yoga can be especially helpful when it comes to stress relief.

Stress Relief

When the lure of online shopping and Netflix outweighs your desire to pass your midterms, fear not; there’s a special app for that. Self Control is a free application that you can install on your computer. It will allow you to block the access to certain websites for a specific period of time. That’s right, you no longer need to practice the will power—your computer will do it for you! Even if you decide to delete the app, you’re locked out of those sites until the time period is over. Just remember to not get distracted by the internet, while downloading Self Control.

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A Hidden Gem

By Thomas Shockman Photography by Ian Altamore

Picture this: you are headed

to Newbury Street for some weekend shopping. As you walk up Mass Ave, you realize how thirsty you are. You notice a convenience store on a side street and decide to stop in to grab an iced tea. The place looks like it has

Exterior of Bodega

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been out of business for a few years, but the front door is unlocked so you head to the back of the store where a vending machine is standing. As you reach into your wallet the machine suddenly slides to the left and your eyes are greeted by walls full of the newest sneaker releases and racks of some of the coolest streetwear out

there. Congratulations, you have just found one of Boston’s coolest underthe-radar destinations: Bodega.

Bodega was founded in 2006 by Jay Gordon as a bit of an experiment as to what is possible without any traditional advertising. Nearly ten years later, it is easy to see Gordon’s experiment was a huge success. Bodega is known internationally as a premier sneaker store, stocking everything from Nike Tier Zero and Jordan Retro releases to Raf Simons’ and Rick Owens’ Adidas collaborations to your run-of-the-mill Vans Old Skools. Bodega also has a wide variety of clothing, ranging from inexpensive, eye-catching streetwear tees from brands like Alife, Only and Dime to rare (and quite pricey) Japanese brands like Needles, Cavempt and Bedwin & the Heartbreakers. In addition, Bodega has an in-house line which produces interesting designs on tees, hats and sweatshirts. Bodega carries clothing and sneakers for both men and women, though the men’s product gets the majority of the floor space.

Bodega’s worldwide popularity has led to a number of thoughtful collaborations, starting with their “Lumberjack” collaboration with Converse in 2007. Bodega has

“

bodega is one of boston’s most interesting hidden gems

”

also created models with Saucony, Adidas, Puma, Reebok and Vans.

Most recently, Bodega worked with Asics to create the small “Get Wet” capsule collection, which featured a windbreaker and two pairs of waterproof, Gore-Tex sneakers. Beyond simple collaborations with sneaker brands, Bodega has also worked with a few other brands to create meaningful products, such as their Liquiproof Footwear Protector, Marc McNairy welted boots and Kumanokoido teddy bears.

Whether brand new sneaker releases, rare Japanese clothing brands, or one-of-a-kind collaborations are your thing, Bodega is sure to have what you are looking for. Hidden in plain sight, Bodega is one of Boston’s most interesting hidden gems. On your next trip to Newbury be sure to make a stop to support your local bodega.

The Hidden Treasures in Bodega

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Clear your calendars for the F&RS fashion show on Friday, April 10 , 2015!

Tickets will be available through myNEU. th

Hollywood hERMèS

vs

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The A-List Conquering of the Fashion Industry

By Ludovica Tronci

Karl Lagerfeld once said, “The secret to modeling is not being perfect. What one needs is a face that people can identify in a second. You have to be given what’s needed by nature, and what’s needed is to bring something new.”

For years and years, that face has always been represented by professional models, such as Twiggy, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell or Elle Macpherson. These are women who started posing in front of the camera as teenagers and ended up conquering the world’s most famous catwalks and magazine covers.

However, in the last few years, more and more stylists have started to rely on well-known actresses and actors turning them into the new faces of their campaigns, rather than hiring professional models like Karlie Kloss and Chanel Iman.

As Amy Astley, the longtime editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, recently said in an interview with The

Business of Fashion, “Young actresses now realize that the red carpet is a really powerful career tool. It’s a lot of pressure but they likely decided, ‘I need to be strategic and capitalise on this. I need to have a plan when I go in front of the public to get my pictures taken.’”

A clear example is the Oscar winning Lupita Nyong’o. After making it to everyone’s 2014 Oscar’s best-dressed list with her blue pastel Prada dress, and capturing the camera’s attention in a Ralph Lauren caped dress at the Golden Globes, the actress became the face of the Miu Miu Spring/Summer 2014 advertising campaign.

In 2010, Julia Roberts became a Lancôme ambassador. Additionally, Riccardo Tisci decided to make her the new face of the Givenchy’s Spring/Summer 2015 campaign.

Kristen Stewart, known for her grungy tomboy style, became the star of Chanel’s 2013 campaign and one of Karl Lagerfeld’s muses for his Paris-Dallas Metiers d’Art annual collection. This year Prada too decided to put their Spring/Summer 2015 men campaign in the hands of four Hollywood stars: Ethan Hawke, Ansel Elgort, Jack O’Connell and Miles Teller.

As a consequence, the relationship between fashion and the Hollywood’s representatives has rapidly

changed. A dress doesn’t only have to look good on the star; celebrities must carefully choose who they represent. With their faces on specific high-fashion advertisements, these A-list stars can decide who they want to represent and show stylists and fans alike that they are more than just celebrities; they are fashion moguls.

The benefits of this relationship are clearly mutual. It is now almost impossible to think about Emma Watson without imagining her in a Burberry trench coat, or picture Scarlett Johansson without linking her to the amazing Dolce & Gabbana campaign.

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In the same way, it was hard to think about the supermodel Kate Moss without tying her to the greatest campaigns for fashion houses like Dior and Chanel.

It does seem then that the fashion industry is revolutionizing itself. Fashion designers and photographers that once searched for the new Gisele Bundchen or Adriana Lima are playing it safe by filling advertisements with Hollywood’s top celebrities.

Last September, A-list celebrity Amy Adams starred in Max Mara’s accessories campaign. The luxury Italian brand made an incredibly clever decision as Adams became

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the second actress ever to star in such a role (the first one was Jennifer Garner). After the campaign, the brand’s popularity increased dramatically, likely due to the popularity of Amy herself.

But it’s not only that. While the career of a model starts really early and reaches its peak at the age of 23-25, actresses and actors seem to not face the ageing problem.

As former Lancôme ambassador Isabella Rossellini explained in an interview with the UK Telegraph, “Now there is a celebrity fixation.

Models are not doing so many of the campaigns—it’s actresses. And if they are in a successful film when

they are 38 or 40, they still get the campaign. But it’s the celebrity that gives them the longevity. Most models start working less at 30, and then by the time they are 35 it’s over completely.”

Let’s look at supermodel Karlie Kloss as an example. She is only 23 and already one of the world’s top Victoria’s Secret Angels and one of the most wanted faces on the runway. She is indeed the protagonist of the new Marc Jacobs Spring/ Summer 2015 campaign, Jason Wu Spring/Summer 2015 campaign and Kate Spade Spring/Summer 2015 campaign. She also appeared on the cover of the 2015 February issue

of InStyle Germany. However, the question that instinctively rises is: Where will Karlie be in her 30s? Will she be replaced by a 40-year-old Emma Stone or Lily Collins?

It is difficult to say if this is merely a passing fashion or if Hollywood will end up conquering all the covers and catwalks. However, one thing is for sure: it would be hard to find anyone else able to look as effortlessly chic in a black pantsuit as Jennifer Lawrence in her last Dior campaign.

Sources: http://www.businessoffashion.com/2014/09/ amy-astley-symbiotic-relationship-fashion-young-hollywood.html http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmnews/11280086/Isabella-Rossellini-interview-on-ageism-in-Hollywood-and-the-fashion-industry.html Photos: modamob.com, tomandlorenzo.com

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CITY SLICKER Amongst Boston’s y the vibrancy and in te o sophistica uth, there’s no need llectualism of tion. Afte to sacrific r all, what ’s beauty w e style for ithout bra ins?

Photography: Mia Duncan Models: Kyle Higginbottom and Nakaila Pollard

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Coat: H&M Belt: Streets Ahead

Sweater: BWGH Shirt: H&M Pants: JackthreadS

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Shirt: Thrift Store Pants: H&M Necklace: Charlotte Russe

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Coat: H&M Shirt: H&M Pants: H&M Shoes: Aldo

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TOP: H&M

Top: Thrift store Skirt: Charlotte Russe Necklace: So Good Jewelry

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Top: H&M Sweater: H&M

While accommodations within Northeastern housing can seem bleak, cramped and spartan, one can turn their collegiate abode into a pleasure palace with a little planning and investment in the right places.

1. Make use of your university-supplied furniture.

Keep it out of the way, taking up as little room as possible.

2. Have a chair that you like the looks of and is comfortable for working and lounging (mine is Louis Ghost Chair).

DORM DECOR IDEAS

25

for fashionistas & fashionistos

3. Use mirrors and wall murals to make your room seem spacious and airy.

4. If you have a nice view from the window, don’t cover, but accent it with decor that you like - just make sure it does not significantly obstruct natural light.

5. Vegetation really adds life to a space. It doesn’t have to be real (all plants seen on the pictures are faux), but a variety of sizes and textures helps create an increased sense of depth.

By Nathan Hewes Photography by Elizabeth Johnson-Wilson

6. Don’t just stick to lights that are mounted to the ceiling and walls (I happen to detest them, and prefer to use table and floor lamps instead). You may also want to consider covering up permanent light fixtures with lampshades that emits light of a less putrid color.

I don’t have a kitchen, I still want to have a place to make breakfast and brew an espresso. Using three corrugated steel shelving units mounted to a stained piece of wood, I created a simple and rugged surface with an ample storage that is easily adjustable.

7. When selecting bedding, a duvet cover is an ideal option, as it can be changed out without needing a whole new duvet or comforter. While you may choose a simple cover pattern as I have, pillows are a great way to accessorize your bed with fun prints and patterns.

9. White space has value too - don’t feel like you need to cover every bit of free wall.

Leaving even a small portion of wall blank helps balance out your space and can keep your room from becoming overwhelming.

8. Not all storage solutions need to be plastic and unattractive. Even though

10. Accessorize with pieces you love. They help transfer your personality into your space, add ample interest and bring it to life.

Winter Bag Essentials

By: Elizabeth Johnson

Hand Cream

Lip Balm

Hand cream is a no-brainer. The Again, in the interest of protecting your skin, always carry around some lip cold weather does one thing to your skin: dry it out! While the rest of your balm! Strong winds and dry air cause the delicate skin on your lips to become even body is sufficiently bundled, your drier than usual, so a lip balm can help hands are always readily susceptible seal in moisture and prevent cracking. I to the drying effects of the weathpersonally love Carmex; it supplies the er, which be noticeable to you and everyone else. Brands like L’Occitane most moisture for your lips! or Aveeno make super rich creams to keep your hands looking and feeling soft.

Tissues

It never hurts to have a few tissues in your purse with you! Going from very low temperatures outside to higher ones indoors is a surefire way to cause a runny nose (we all know wiping it with your sleeve is never cute). With all the bugs being passed around during the winter season, a few tissues will come in handy if you have the sniffles, or if people around you do.

Vaseline

Vaseline is surprisingly useful. It blocks your skin from the wind, protecting it from the cold temperatures and drying weather. It also helps with a dry nose. When your skin gets dried out from the blasting heat indoors, putting a little Vaseline on it really does the trick. It is such a simple and versatile product, but so underrated and underused!

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photos: ecx.images-amazon.com si.wsj.net/public/resources/images

Sunscreen

Yes, you still need it in the winter!

The sun still rises every day, and the harmful UV rays reflect off of snow (which we can find in abundance around Boston). Try a thinner formula with SPF 30: that should give you enough protection without weighing your skin down any more than it needs to be with all the

Winter dos don’ts

&

By Alec MacLean

DO: EMBRACE THE LIGHT

Fashion gurus have always propagated against wearing too much white during winter’s harshest months. White can be drab and often shapeless layers can have the effect of making you look like one of those piles of snow on the streets. However, white has always been a strong contrast color; wearing winter whites can add a crisp and refreshing palette to the streets, which is a necessity as the sun sets in the early evening.

DO: ACCESSORIZE

Although the cold weather can prohibit wearing too many accessories, finding pieces that fit into winter outfits is an essential task. Metal jewelry can get cold, so swap silver bracelets and metallic earrings for wooden or woollen pieces.

DO: STAY UNDER WRAPS

The endless war against the cold can only be won with effective battle armor. Layer sweaters and button-ups, scarves and cardigans, t-shirts and long-sleeved shirts to maximize your warmth during blizzards. Find ways of covering up so no piece of your skin has to face the cold!

DO: KEEP CALM & CARRY ON

Make sure that your bag is ready for the winter, too.

Leather protectors can extend the life of your purse. Add a layer of security against snowflakes and rain that can quickly age leather products. Make sure to pack wisely. A small satchel or side bag can stock all of your most needed goods without having the same surface area as a summer bucket bag.

DON’T: CHALLENGE THE COLD

Do not expose your toes in sub-zero temps. Even if your polish is on point, make sure to stave off hypothermia in low-circulation areas by keeping your digits in thick socks and warm, well-fitting shoes. The snow-melting chemicals that coat the streets can do a number on your boots, as well. Keep your kickers in pristine condition by coating their tips with coconut oil.

DON’T: PRETEND IT’S SPRING

Winter time can be just as wonderful as any other season.

Finding outfits that work for you will make the weather moot. Discover the best parts of the season by exploring in style!

Photos: dilettantishly.tumblr.com