The December Edit

AVENUE

THE

WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

STYLE BY NIGHT

FOR THE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL WOMAN

THE NIGHT BECKONS! page 16

page 6

BACKSTAGE BEAUTY

WINTER’S WOODS

NAILING IT IN NEW YORK

STYLISH COLD WEATHER FASHION

page 8

page 30

TOP BOOTS

FOR THOSE COLD BOSTON WINTERS page 24

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THE AVENUE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Volume 2 Issue 2 Elise Borja

DEPUTY EDITOR

Jessica Fortier

BEAUTY EDITOR

Sarah Tahami

C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R STYLING DIRECTOR SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Nate Hewes Michelle Rodriguez Natasha Bonfield

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Shelby Robin Erin Borst

MENSWEAR STYLISTS

Deston Barger Liza Pereguda

WOMENSWEAR STYLISTS

HAIR & MAKEUP ARTIST

Valerie Butler Olivia Laskowski Alex Kaneshiro Halle Butler

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Lauren Nathan

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Yashi Gudka Kyle Reisner Lauren Nathan

EVENT PLANNER WRITERS

Sophy Chen Abby Walker Yashi Gudka Halle Butler Bashair Al Hinai Valerie Butler Liza Pereguda Lauren Holappa Catherine Lindsay Stephanie Baladi Nate Hewes Shelby Robin Chrissy Waggett Alex Kaneshiro

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WARDROBE ESSENTIALS For the Young Professional Women

BACKSTAGE BEAUTY Nailing it in New York

ENOUGH SNEAKING AROUND A Case for Bringing Back Loafers

FASHION TECH Designers Embrace Technology

REINVENTING 90s TRENDS Fashion Industry Pulling Inspiration from the Past

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WINTER’S WOODS Exploring the Versatility of Cold-Weather Fashion

P. 8 Backstage Beauty

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ALL IS MERRY Winter Cocktail Trends

STYLE BY NIGHT Edgy yet Fashionable Ensembles for a Night Out

TOP BOOTS FOR BOSTON WINTER Boots Worth the Splurge

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES IN BOSTON Events in Boston

This Winter Season

UNIFORM MINIMALISM Streamlined Wardrobe, are They Predictable or Inspiring?

THE STYLIST EDIT Fall into Winter Essentials for Men and Women

DESIGNERS GO AFFORDABLE Luxury to Mid-Distribution

HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR HER Some Holiday Shopping Inspiration

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FASHIONABLE HOLIDAY DÉCOR Add Some Holiday

Cheer to Your Dorm Room

P. 62 Fashionable Holiday Décor 4

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MEET THE DESIGNER Interview with the Designer Behind Amerikanah.

letter from the

EDITORS Dear Readers, We welcome you to The December Edit, a festive issue filled with everything from holiday gift ideas to how to reinvent your favorite ’90s trends. This issue was inspired by holiday spirit and the winter fashion of dressing for cold weather. In the snowy city of Boston, it is a must to maintain style and warmth. As Northeastern University’s guide to fashion on and off campus, we prepare you with the best boots for Boston’s brutal winter and serve as your co-op style bible.

As students are wrapping up finals and are in the homestretch to winter break, we are here to brainstorm last-minute gift ideas and hand you a well-deserved holiday cocktail. The December Edit’s photospread, Style

by Night, incorporates eveningwear and luxury accessories, for we strive to look our best around the holidays. As we head home for holiday parties, it is time to lose the sweatpants of final’s past and trade in for a polished evening look. Our photospread hopes to serve as your inspiration to holiday style.

While The December Edit is fairly focused on the holidays, we do not neglect the nitty-gritty of fashion. Ever wonder what it is like to work behind-the-scenes of New York Fashion Week? Check out Backstage Beauty: Nailing It in New York to hear about a Northeastern University student’s experience. In Meet the Designer, our featured fashion designer, Felix, bares all about the harsh realities of creative theft and how he dealt with someone stealing his ideas.

We are cheerful and joyous to present to you The December Edit. As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to be reminded that fashion is not just in the way we dress. Fashion also has to do with ideas and attitudes. Kindness is always fashionable. Happy holidays!

Your Editors, Elise & Jess

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WARDROBE ESSENTIALS FOR THE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL WOMAN Written by Catherine Lindsay

As young adults venturing out into the professional world, it is important to know how to dress the part. However, it is essential to keep your own sense of style.

Many young women often just grab what is in their closet to go to interviews or work, usually including an ill-fitting skirt, an old pair of ballet flats and an unflattering white blouse. All perfectly adequate for the workplace, mind you, but if you want to stand out, here are a few pieces you want to make sure are in your closet:

A nice, simple pair of wide leg pants can go a long way. Unlike slimmer fits, wider pants fit almost everyone and look very flattering, without detracting attention from the task at hand. They can be worn with heels or flats, and paired with a wide variety of tops.

The safest bet is, as always, black. Great styles include these tailored trousers from Zara, but if you are feeling adventurous, you can chose a bright color or ones made out of an unconventional material for that extra oomph. Plus, you can reuse them over and over for a myriad of other situations outside the workplace!

Blazers We all have one, they can be paired with jeans, skirts and pants, and they’re available everywhere: the classic blazer. This staple of the workplace is one that many young women own but unfortunately, they are 6

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Photos courtesy of zara.com, H&M, Lord and Taylor, Forever 21, Steve Madden

Wide Leg Pants

often shapeless. Fit is the most important factor in buying a blazer, and you should definitely have adjustments made if you need to or go for something a little more expensive.

If you feel a simple blazer just “isn’t you”, go for something a little wilder like this velvet jacket from H&M and pair it with other more toned-down items. Do not hesitate to play with textures as well: sequins, beads and leather accents can look great if used tastefully. Don’t be afraid to venture into stores you wouldn’t normally go to because they seem to be more mature women: oftentimes they will have the best fit!

Blouses

Blouses are the one staple of professional clothing where you can explore patterns, color and textures unlimitedly.

Long-sleeved, three-quarter sleeved, short sleeved, loose, fitting, floral, color blocked, geometric… there are so many options, even a few in your closet you probably had not thought about! Pair a top like this Lord & Taylor floral top with a simple skirt and you are ready to go!

Pencil Skirts

The knee-length pencil skirt has always been a classic of workplace fashion, offering an alternative to the usual pantsuit. You will find them at most stores ranging in prices and styles.

You can go bold or graphic here too, with an item like this Jacquard mid-length pencil skirt by American Apparel.

However, it is always useful to have a simple skirt in your closet that you can pair with almost anything.

If a slim fit is not for you, you can always adopt a pleated or A-line skirt, like this a-line skirt from Forever 21. Always try to keep your skirt at knee level or just above, so you feel comfortable sitting and getting up without having to adjust yourself.

Classic Pumps

No longer just a date night staple, the classic pump shoe can be worn to almost any occasion and with items ranging from tailored pants to boyfriend jeans. For special functions, the working woman should always have a pair of comfortable pumps she can wear to work. There is a lot of choice in terms of heel size, color, material and detail. This navy pump by Steve Madden is a perfect example of a classic shoe.

You can find all of these items in many different stores, varying greatly in price range. Although these are all essential and simple garments, there are a lot of options and you have to find the ones that work best for you. When in doubt, look at the colors you usually wear and find items that will complement them.

One thing to always remember is that you need to feel comfortable in your clothes. You must not worry too much about what others might think of a bold choice: if you feel confident, you will look confident! Looking like a boss is not out of your range, as these essential items can be bought at most womenswear stores. I recommend Zara for more structured and classic pieces and department stores such as Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor for colorful and unique items.

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Backstage Beauty NAILING IT IN NEW YORK

Written by Halle Butler

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Many people ask me how I came upon this opportunity and the answer is simply “Instagram.” Throughout high school, I would see photos of nail art and think to myself, “I could do that.” Upon attempting these designs, I soon realized that I could not do that. Nevertheless, I continued to practice and eventually got pretty skilled at it. I looked at Instagram for inspiration and I stumbled across the account of Julie Kandalec. It said she was a “celebrity nail artist,” a position I didn’t even know existed. I realized that there are professionals hired to do celebrities’ and models’ nails, and I wanted to be one of those people.

After endless “likes” and extreme back-stalking, I finally got Julie to follow me back—and even get a like or two. I then sent her an email telling her a bit about myself and how much I admired her work. She replied and scheduled a phone call where I got the chance to ask her what felt like hundreds of questions. She was warm, open and very eager to help me. A couple weeks later, she reached out to me asking me to assist her at New York Fashion Week. I immediately replied saying yes, failing to conceal my over-excitement. This was more than I had ever hoped to happen and I was suddenly plunged into a whole different world.

Julie Kandalec is the lead nail stylist for the NYFW shows, many of which were sponsored by Essie. I entered a conference call with the nail team to discuss all of the guidelines.

There were many strict guidelines: no Instagram, no photos posted to Facebook and no tweets regarding the show or the looks. We were to always look busy, always be polished and be ready to help at any point. All black clothing, no tattoos, hair and makeup done and natural nails were required. Regular manicure tools might be needed, but nail polish and kits were provided. We were encouraged to bring a folding stool, as we would not be receiving chairs and would otherwise have to sit on the floor. We were to stay out of the way of the lead hair and makeup artists and work quickly.

The first runway show I assisted on was Naeem Kahn, and it was a whirlwind. Beyond excited, I arrived unnecessarily early—before they even finished wrapping up backstage for the previous show. Backstage was everything I imagined. Almost everyone was dressed head-to-toe in black, the backstage crew was running around, cameramen were everywhere, interviews were happening left and right, surreal-looking models were entering the room and upbeat music was pulsing in the background. I can confirm that models do, in fact, eat food—including carbs. It was

a stressful environment, however, no one was shouting or impolite.

We met as a team backstage to talk about the look for the nail design and then it was go-time. I had not yet gone to nail school, so I just went with the flow. No one besides Julie and I knew how inexperienced I was, so I just pretended and no one questioned me. Thankfully, I knew more than I thought I did. We had three hours until the show would start, but it felt like three minutes.

The Essie PR associate led me to a model and I introduced myself. She spoke to her model friends in another language, and I tried to work as fast as possible. There was no time to be nervous, but nerves were inevitable when I saw a cameraman approach. That is when the pressure was on. I had to hold the polish bottle to show the brand and angle the model’s hands nicely. I had to paint the nails to perfection because he needed a quality shot, and every mistake would be in high definition.

The next model was getting her hair done at the same time, so I needed to maneuver around to stay out of the way of the hair stylists, although they found it difficult to stay out of mine. Let’s just say I basically got a free blowout.

After what feels like merely moments, it was already time for rehearsal. While the models prepared for a run-through of the show, the beauty teams got to take a break. However, it was the calm before the storm. Once they wrapped up, it was crunch time and an even more hectic rush than before.

Everyone scrambled for finishing touches, checked the models, finalized the looks and prayed nothing smudged.

And then it ended...And we went on to the next show to do it all again.

Since then, I became seasoned and fully licensed in nail technology. I have been lucky enough to join Julie again on the Essie team for other shows, most recently being NYFW S/S 2016 for Altuzarra. As if that wasn’t amazing enough, there was an extra ticket, giving me a chance to watch the show. Pretending that my Forever 21 outfit was couture, I spent most of the time looking at everyone in awe. I could pick out people from the crowd, like Leandra Medine and Anna Kendrick. It was quite an experience.

What I didn’t expect was how the actual show is not the entire event. Half the fun is before it starts and after it ends, seeing everyone mingle and get their photos taken. The outfits of the attendees are almost as fun to look at as the ones on the models. Watching the models walk down the runway, I had a glowing sense of pride in my work, especially when recognizing one of the girls I had met while doing her nails.

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Photos courtesy of Kenton Magazine and No Tofu Magazine

In September, I, a random college girl with a mediocre Instagram, was fortunate enough to go backstage at Fashion Week, and I can still barely believe it happened.

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One of the best experiences, however, was assisting Julie on a photoshoot by Beauty Photographer Jamie Nelson for NoTofu magazine. We were in the photographer’s apartment all day, working on three or four different nail looks for the Chanel Obsessed photoshoot. Unlike a runway show, where we get to leave at showtime, photoshoots take much longer and require continued attention. The costume and props were all Chanel, but they were wild. These looks included a Chanel Storm Trooper uniform, a headband of knives and even a Chanel gun. The nail looks, like everything else, were over the top. We created pink lace nails

covered in Chanel decals, black-and-gold nails that spelled out Chanel and my favorite: black nails with chain detailing. For this shoot, we worked on plastic tips rather than the natural nail, and glued them on with easily-removable adhesive so we could swap them out and work on multiple looks at once.

Everything was an innovative, fluid process that came from shooting new ideas. While we were working, I asked Julie what the purpose of the photoshoot was. She looked at me, shrugged and said, “Making art.” I guess insta-stalking can really get you places.

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Enough

SNEAKING Around

Within the last few years, there has been a surge in popularity for luxury sneakers in lieu of loafers, oxfords and brogues. Blogs like SneakerHead.com and KicksOnFire.com have been spreading their casual shoe-love across the industry and affirming that the new trend is here to stay. However, I think it’s time to bring back the loafer.

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Photos courtesy of forever21.com, pinterest.com, toryburch.com

2014 was the peak of the sneaker trend, bringing it the forefront of high fashion. In January of that year, both Chanel and Dior featured sneakers on the runways in their haute couture shows. The trend, as trends do, trickled down from the runways to the readyto-wear lines and became a staple for most wardrobes. Men started wearing sneakers—think Converse or classic Adidas—with their suits and their casual weekend outfits were no longer complete without a stylish pair of trainers. Women got away with sneakers in the office and when they dressed up for a night on the town.

The spark of this trend spread like wildfire, as more and more designers introduced sneakers into their lines.

Alexander Wang even designed an entire sneaker-themed collection.

Fashion had found its new must-have.

With some new trends emerging, like the increasingly popular smoking-slipper trend, we will (hopefully) stop seeing the somewhat horrible, mad-science experiment of pairing expensive gowns and suits with shoes that most people reserve for the gym. The tone of fashion for the last few years has been entirely too casual. It is time for a reemergence and respect for dressing up and dressing well. A reintroduction of classic shoes like loafers, oxfords and smoking slippers, for both men and women, will be a well-needed breath of fresh air for an industry that has been lacking sharp sophistication.

Even with a seemingly casual outfit, a pair of oxfords adds an air of sophistication as well as an interesting kitschy pop of style. There is still a massive amount of room to play with the style, which can be seen most with smoking slippers. However, many brands are now releasing oxfords in bright colors and shiny metallics. Seems like there may be a new must-have is on the rise this season.

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All is Merry Winter Cocktail Trends | written by Christine Wagget

Photos courtesy of bonappetit.com, bevmothirstytimes.com, pinnaclevodka.com, pinterest.com, crateandbarrel.com, target.com

This holiday season, it’s all about dark cocktails. Bourbons, whiskeys and scotches finally have their time to shine—and with that comes no shortage of innovative drinks to whip up.

Whether you see the bar menu as your personal playground, or you prefer a more traditional drink, we have found plenty of options to satisfy each type of alcohol aficionado. Plus, the best thing about these cocktails are how simple and easy they are to make. Seriously. Each drink uses only three ingredients, so you can forget about any previous failed attempts at mixology and focus on crafting a delicious holiday drink. After all, it’s about less stressing and more drinking… oops...mingling. Being naughty never tasted so good.

Spiked Hot Chocolate 1.5 oz of your favorite scotch 3 oz hot chocolate 3 oz frothed milk or cream (half and half works well) Prepare hot chocolate first. Pour the scotch in a mug and slowly add the hot chocolate. Finish with frothed milk or cream.

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Apple Whiskey 2 oz whiskey 1 oz apple brandy 1 tbsp sweet vermouth Combine whiskey, apple brandy and sweet vermouth in a cocktail shaker.

Shake with ice and serve with lemon garnish.

Hosting the party this year?

Make sure to spice up your bar display with some festive drink accessories perfect for shaking, stirring and sipping.

Sparkling Vanilla Bourbon 1.5 oz bourbon 2 tbsp vanilla bean syrup 3 oz champagne or sparkling wine Combine 1 shot of bourbon and 2 tablespoons vanilla bean syrup in a chilled champagne flute. Fill to the top with champagne or sparkling wine and serve.

Tinsel in a Tangle Humor Napkins, Target $3 for set of 10 Hammered Cocktail Shaker, Target $12.99

Cran-Razz Sparkler If you find yourself more on the nice side this holiday season, there are plenty of fun “mocktails� to be made.

With the same fizzle and look as a cocktail, other partygoers will be none the wiser.

1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries for garnish 2 cups cranberry-raspberry juice 2 cups seltzer 2 tablespoons lime juice plus 4 wedges for garnish

Tipsy Penguin Double Old Fashioned, Crate and Barrel $9.95

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STY L E BY N IGHT

The night beckons! Ready for a night out on the town? This versatile collection of eveningwear and high-end accessories creates a series of edgy yet glamorous ensembles.

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Zara dress H&M necklace Gucci shoes McQueen bag

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Left Page Zara top Forever 21 skirt H&M necklace Nordstrom shoes Givenchy bag Right Page Givenchy bag Gucci shoes H&M pants and top 18

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Reiss dress Nordstom boots

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Left Side H&M jumpsuit Forever 21 necklace Nodstrom shoes Right Side Gucci shoes McQueen bag H&M pants and shirt 22

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TOP BOOTS for Boston Winter: Boots Worth the Splurge written by Nate Hewes

for the

MEN The 16” Maine Hunting Shoe

by LL Bean will keep your feet dry and comfortable in all conditions, especially trudging through puddles and snowdrifts throughout the winter.

See them featured in this issue’s spread, Winter’s Woods.

The Cranston Water Resistant Chelsea is a dressy and winter-worthy boot, given their waterproof leather and durable construction.

The JC Hiker is an aggressive yet functional all-terrain boot.

Made in Switzerland by Bally, they come in nine different colors and patterns.

Chloe’s Italian-made, over-the knee-boots offer sleek and stylish protection from the elements.

Sometimes being subtle is the best way to go. Prada’s Chelsea-style ankle boot operates in this manner, with a simple, yet well crafted form.

Aldo’s Dolcetti boots are ideal for wear in changing conditions, living up to your readyfor-anything attitude.

Available at Cole Haan in Java (shown) and Black, $298

Available at bally.com, starting at $795

Available at LL Bean, $169.00

for the

WOMEN Available at Net-à-Porter, $1,895

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Available at Prada, $895

Available at Aldo, $170

The 2014/2015 winter was one of the most relenting in Boston’s history. While none of us would like to see such a winter again, the following selections can definitely help you to prepare for any conditions the coming season may have in store.

If you are the kind of person who likes wearing golden shoes, the Venezia Leather Calf Boots probably already have your name stitched in the soles. A Berluti creation, these top-of-the-line boot’s style is matched only by their impeccable Italian craftsmanship.

Red Wing’s Iron Ranger Boot comes with an unquestioned level of durability. These USmade boots feature a moldable cork midsole and are Goodyear welted.

The 1460 Tracer Boots from Dr. Martens reinvent the brands classic style with a metallic finish, all while maintaining their reputation for comfort and durability. Their great traction make them a solid choice for dealing with ice and snow.

Burberry’s Colour Block patent rubber boots are a brighter alternative to many other weather worthy offerings.

Available in black and brown at Club Monaco, $320

While these may not necessarily be the most snow-worthy, the Triple Monk-Strap Boots

by Alexander McQueen keep you feet protected without compromising any style.

Available at Mr. Porter, $935

Available at Mr. Porter, $2,790

Available at Dr. Martens, $125

If you are in need of something simple and practical for the changing weather conditions, look no further than the Clackamas 200 from Under Armour. This pair offers superior traction and are lined with Primaloft to maintain comfort, even for a full day outdoors.

Available at Zappos, $129

Available at Burberry, $350

The Luge Suede boot by Stuart Weitzman provides a nice mix of practicality, given the rugged soles and style. The faux fur lining also provides exceptional warmth.

Available at Saks, $498

The Valerie Belted boot by Frye offers many features that are ideal for cold and wet weather.

The antique leather is soft, as is the lush shearling that lines each pair, keeping feet warm and spirits bright. Goodyear welt construction ensures paramount craftsmanship.

Available at Frye, $528

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FASHION TECHNOLOGY Written by Stephanie Baladi

In the past few years, there has been a change in how designers view technology, and many have begun incorporating it into their products. In 2013, Iris Van Herpen was using 3D printed flexible fabrics for her Spring/Summer Haute Couture collection. They were the first of their kind and the technique was unprecedented. For the past two years, the integration between fashion and technology has been increasing rapidly. Now, fashion technology usually refers to wearables—pedometers and smartwatches, for example. The problem a lot of designers run into when entering the wearable market is that they are competing against brands that specialize in these products and have been doing it for much longer. Brands like Samsung, Motorola, and Apple have already been through their trial-and-error phases and come out the other side.Every consumer has different priorities when shopping for wearables. Some will sacrifices style for usability; others will accept a short battery life as long as it looks nice; most people, however, want everything.

IF YOU WANT THE LOOK...

Photos courtesy of forbes.com, pcworld.com, blog.getpebble.com

Fossil’s Q Series: In October Fossil announced it would debut its own smartwatches and smart bracelets.

The line up includes the Dreamer (an activity tracker), the Grant (a watch with a traditional analog face and notification lights) and the Founder (a touchscreen smartwatch). However, as it is very new to the market Fossil is still working out compatibility issues with third party applications— for example, the watch will not notify you about Facebook messages, only texts).

IF YOU WANT THE FUNCTIONALITY...

If you are looking for the best of the best when it comes to user interface, battery life and just doing everything right, look no further than the Pebble Time. Yes, it is a little boxy and sort of looks like the Apple watch’s younger, less-cool brother, but with this watch, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. It has amazing battery life, works with voice-to-text, gives you immediate notifications and works with plenty of applications on your phone.

IF YOU WANT IT ALL...

There is one smartwatch that stands out from the rest in its ability to achieve a classic, streamlined design and still out perform some of the toughest competitors on the market: the Pebble Time Round. Pebble is a company that has been in the smartwatch business since it started so in that time they have figured out what works. With their newest creation they put together an incredibly thin watch face that was still able to hold all of the technological components essential to producing a premium product. With its amazing build, comfort to wear and excellent performance with other apps, it just cannot be beat.

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90’s

reinventing the written by Lauren Holappa photos by Nicolena Giordano

Overalls

Off-the-Shoulder Tops

My personal favorite ’90s comeback is overalls. They are a versatile piece that can add a cool vibe to any look. I chose to use ’90s grunge as my inspiration for this ensemble. If you are looking to embrace your inner Parisian, all you need is a pair of ballet flats and a striped, crewneck shirt. If you’re looking to channel the New York style, a black ribbed tank, a leather jacket and Adidas are the key pieces to go with your overalls. There are endless options when it comes to this trend.

Having grown-up watching Beverly Hills 90210, I was very excited to see the return of the off-the-shoulder top. In this look, I am wearing the classic off-the-shoulder top with a ruffle sleeve. Leandra Medine, the founder of Man Repeller, wears some incredibly unique off-the-shoulder tops and can offer some amazing fashion inspiration when it comes to this trend. Invest in this top if you’re looking for an overall flattering and trendy piece.

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The fashion industry is currently pulling inspiration from multiple decades—the ’70s, ’80s and 90s. Since the spring, the 90s have been emerging all over. Many fashionistas, including myself, invested in the iconic tattoo choker, circular frames, and halter tops. As winter approaches, the 90s are becoming more subtle, but still very prominent. Here are some of the trends.

Mom Jeans

The Slip Dress

Mom jeans—girls love them, guys hate them. Thankfully for us, they are back in style! Mom jeans are a comfortable and trendy alternative to your everyday jeans. This pair of jeans has been my go-to pair for fall—they go with everything and are so comfy. I love wearing them with bodysuits to balance the baggy fit of the jeans.

As a fan of Sex and the City, I was delighted when the slip dress re-emerged (who could ever forget Carrie’s nude slip dress?). The slip dresses were essentials during the ’90s, and could also be seen by celebrities such as Winona Ryder.

While slip dresses can be deemed scandalous, they add mystery, class and glamour to any ensemble, and are perfect for a night out. If you want to wear them during the day, throw on a t-shirt underneath and pair the outfit with sneakers.

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WINTER’S WOODS

Exploring the versatility of cold-weather fashion, Winter’s Woods provides a glimpse at everything needed to keep one comfortable with the change in season without sacrificing style, ultimately keeping you ready for any adventure.

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On Her Abercrombie dress Madewell necklace On Him H&M sweater Uniqulo coat Levi pants

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On Him LL Bean boots On Her Frye boots

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Abercrombie sweater H&M dress shirt Vince Camueto Jacket

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On Him Levi pants On Her Abercrombiesweater Abercrombie pants Madewell necklace

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Uniqlo coat H&M sweater Madewell scarf

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Gap pants LL Bean jacket Forever 21 scarf LL Bean boots

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Primark sweater H&M vest Abercrombie pants Nordstrom boots

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Left Page Abercrombie shirt Gap pants LL Bean boots Right Page Primark sweater Primark pants Steve Madden shoes

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Boston Bucketlist

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Written by Liza Pereguda

It is that wonderful time of the year again and Boston is ready as ever to share holiday activities with you guys. Here is a selection of events you simply cannot miss. I know it is cold outside, but there are so many amazing events taking place around you. Go check them out!

Photos courtesy of goldstar.com, www.faneuilhallmarketplace

URBAN NUTCRACKER Back Bay Events Center John Hancock Hall December 11-13, 18-20, 2627 2015 marks the Urban Nutcracker’s 15th anniversary, and to celebrate, there are many exciting additions to the show. It is a celebration of Boston cultural diversity through dance, while celebrating the timeless ballet.

Tickets start at $25 and can be bought throughout December.

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ICE SKATING ON FROG POND FANEUIL HALL TREE LIGHTING Faneuil Hall Marketplace November 22 – January 3 The Christmas tree at Faneuil Hall is the biggest in the Northeast. Blink!

Light and Sound show is an unforgettable experience and can be considered as a solid opening ceremony of the holiday season.

Boston Common November 22 – March 10 The winter skating season has just approached and there is no other place in Boston that is this beautiful for skating with your friends or family!

Enjoy skating in the oldest park of Boston. The admission is $5 for people above the age of 14. If you do not own your own skates, you can rent a pair at the pond for $10. The Frog Pond organizes college nights for students, giving them a 50 percent off admission every Tuesday night throughout the winter Grab your skates and a friend. ‘Tis the season!

UNIFORM MINIMALISM Written by Bashair Al Hinai

Picture Azzedine Alaïa; is he wearing a black mandarin button down shirt? Picture Karl Lagerfeld; is he wearing a Dior Homme suit and fingerless gloves? Picture Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto; are they dressed in monochrome from head to toe?

Traditionally used to show what team we are on and indicate our affiliations, the uniform has been hailed as the grand equalizer, leveling the playing field by showcasing our unadorned selves. The voluntary adoption of a carefully curated personal uniform is a choice that more and more style conscious individuals are opting for.

Enter Khaled Al Senan, a senior at our D’Amore-McKim School of Business, who uses “monochrome”, “minimalist” and “clean” to describe his aesthetic. Over and above its primary purpose of serving as an external layer for protection, clothing has provided us the luxury of non-verbal communication. Never has fashion been more collective, versatile and personal. “Fashion, like art, is a medium in which the dynamics of the larger world are manifested. By studying fashion we learn the system of norms and values embedded in culture,” Khaled continues, “on a personal level, fashion can be a starting point for forging an identity– how we perceive ourselves and want to be read by others. Our clothes can afford us security, confidence and the means to express our politics.”

At a time when most major fashion houses are coming out with four seasonal collections per calendar year, each bearing a new wave of trends for us to interpret and embrace, it is becoming exceedingly difficult for one to establish a unique personal style. Khaled concedes, “all style is referential. Style isn’t so much about originality as it is about knowing what works best on you and feeling comfortable in it.” Maintaining consistency when it is so much easier to be gleefully entranced by the endless possibilities of fashion can be an equally daunting goal. The Internet has facilitated unprecedented levels of access to fashion imagery– details The December Edit

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of what our favorite bloggers, artists and idols are wearing, buying and coveting are only a few clicks away. Step one to keeping this gift of accessibility from resulting in precipitate additions to our wardrobes is the realization that “the trend industry exists as a marketing machine with the primary concern of mass producing and circulating images,” Khaled continues to caution, “it’s necessary to drown out its noise and listen to your instinct, not an Instagram blogger.”

The uniform affirms a strong daily statement, and means that these carefully selected garments were thoroughly studied and refined by their wearer. At a time when novelty translates to status, it represents a different approach to valuing the creativity of fashion. When asked about his shopping habits, Khaled reveals that he shops four times a year typically on eBay and outlet stores. The wisdom in his

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method mirrors the motives behind having a deliberately curated set of garments, worn until worn out or passed down. “As I became more selective with my purchases, I found the clutter of my old wardrobe to be unnecessary and obsolete. Once I found a handful of outfits that work for me, I stuck with them,” Khaled says. A uniform offers the opportunity to eliminate excess, introduces a sense of stability to our lives, and gives us the gift of extra time made possible through the efficiency of a choice removed.

In our current era of fast fashion, purchasing thoughtfully and selectively is a truly admirable philosophy. A firm believer of quality over quantity, Khaled is wary of the limits to consumer consciousness in a hyper-capitalist economy.

He adds, “the overabundance of commodities inundate us at a pace in which we have no time to ask where things are made, and by whom, and under what conditions. A lot of people don’t have the privilege to choose where to shop, so I’m grateful to be picky.”

It is easy to mistake a uniform for the opposite side of sartorial flair, when it is simply the more disciplined side of the same coin. Khaled lists Issey Miyake, Junya Watanabe, Dries Van Noten and Haider Ackermann as some of the designers that he admires and wears the most. If you were to put these names into a Venn diagram, the overlapping area of their aesthetic nuances would be substantial. His outfits are about calculated communication, regardless of how they may appear to the uninformed eye.

Previously known for his more adventurous fashion choices, Khaled opted to consciously rebuild his wardrobe. Citing Lynn Yeager, Tilda Swinton and Björk as figures who have reshaped his understanding of style, his pared-back wardrobe speaks volumes about his identity. There is a comfort in the uniformity of his monochrome and minimalist wardrobe; it is understated in its approach, seen only when appropriate and when desired. While the implementation of minimalism isn’t so focused on elimination as it is the addition of depth, a uniform allows its wearer the advantage of automatically re-focusing attention to their actions and their words, creating a subtle power shift that is consciously unrecognized.

Azzedine Alaïa, Karl Lagerfeld, Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto and Khaled Al Senan have a lot in common with each other, and predictably, with everyone else. For many uniform wearers, having an unwavering aesthetic is as much about building an identity –and an armor– as constant variation is for others. Having said that, there is something inspiring about streamlining one’s appearance through the considered elimination of sartorial choice, and that is exactly where the uniform excels in its motives.

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THE STYLIST EDIT: WINTER ESSENTIALS | WOMENSWEAR written by Valerie Butler

CHUNKY KNIT TURTLENECKS

Who said turtlenecks aren’t cool? This practical piece is perfect for layering and cool weather outfits.

Asos.com, $54

BLANKET WRAP SCARF

Blanket scarves can save you from the frigid Boston winters. Stay warm, stay trendy!

Express, $27.93

FAUX FUR ACCESSORIES

PRINTED BOOTIES

Topshop, $30

J.Crew, $318

Fur is not just a luxury item; it can also be very warm. Bundle up with faux fur accessories to fashionably combat winter weather.

As the chelsea boot makes a comeback, don’t be left behind. Printed booties add character to any outfit and can be dressed up or down.

FLARE JEANS

If you thought ’70s-inspired pieces were only for fall, boy were you wrong! Flare jeans have not only kicked skinny jeans to the curb, but have become our jeans of choice this winter.

Abercrombie and Fitch, $39

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OVER-THE-KNEE BOOTS

These boots are a great compromise for winter.

You can wear them with jeans for a casual daytime look and with skirt or dress for a chic nighttime ensemble.

Asos.com, $72.19

KNITTED JUMPER DRESS

Combine warmth and style with the best type of dress this winter.

Anything goes with this dress, including your favorite winter boots!

Zara, $69.90

FAUX FUR POM-POM KEYCHAIN

STATEMENT BAG

STATEMENT COAT

Juicy Couture, $7.99

Kate Spade, $398

Net-a-porter.com, $595

Available in various colors, pom-pom keychains are a fairly cheap way to make your old bag look fresh.

When the weather gets cold and we resort to wearing all black, your statement bag will keep you sane under all those layers.

Although the weather is cold and gloomy, brighten up your day through your outerwear.

Don’t be shy; make a statement!

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THE STYLIST EDIT: WINTER ESSENTIALS | MENSWEAR written by Valerie Butler and Liza Pereguda

WARREN CHELSEA BOOT

Chelsea boots will allow for any outfit to look sleek and classic.

Cole Haan, $248

“THE SINTRAX” CASHMERE WOOL COAT

To stay bundled this winter, look into investment pieces like this coat. The wool keeps you warm, while the stand-up collar keeps you stylish.

Boss Hugo Boss, $695

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LAMBSWOOL ROLLNECK SWEATER

This sweater allows you to step away from traditional scoopnecks and into this chic and stylish piece.

J.Crew Men’s, $85

LARGE CHRONOGRAPH BRACELET WATCH, 42MM

Keeping you on time, even when there is a blizzard outside.

Burberry, $895

WHITE OXFORD SHIRT

There is nothing more polished than a white button down. Pair it under a sports coat, sweater or wear it on it’s own.

Banana Republic, $79.50

A NEUTRAL TURTLENECK

Not that we’re trying to emulate Drake’s Hotline Bling ensemble, but a neutral turtleneck is a perfect staple to any winter outfit.

Express, $45

WOOL SOCKS

What’s worse than a cold foot when you’re trudging through the snow, a wet cold foot.

Invest in a few good pairs of wool socks they can be both practical and fashionable.

ELBOW PATCH SWEATER

The great sweater is one you can layer, but the perfect sweater is one with elbow pads.

It’s versatile, classic and adds character.

Lyst.com, $45

LEATHER GLOVES

New England winters can be brutal. Don’t forget to keep your fingers warm with a stylish pair of leather gloves.

Ugg Australia, $135

“FROBISHER” FLAT FRONT SOLID WOOL TROUSERS

Freezing temperatures require pants that give warmth. These will keep you warm without sacrificing style.

Ted Baker, $195

J.Crew, $16.50

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Luxury to Mid-Distribution

DESIGNERS GO AFFORDABLE Written by Yashi Gudka

It is essential that this generation of fashion consumers be cognizant of the retail aspect of the fashion industry.

We are currently in the middle of a sharp turning point and the hierarchical order of brands that has withstood time is being redefined.

“Affordable luxury” is on the rise, creating great challenges for the luxury fashion industry by giving everyone the opportunity to attain an elite, fashion-forward image.

Affordable luxury levels up to brands such as Michael Kors, Tory Burch and Coach. The rise in middle class consumers in emerging markets are creating a demand for accessible luxury products, as summarized by Claudia D’Arpizio, a partner at consulting firm Bain & Company. Globally, the middle class is set to hit 3.5 billion by 2020 at a rapidly increasing rate. Thus, the general expected outcome is a higher demand for affordable yet highend products. Generally speaking, the current middle class desires luxury.

However, this demographic is not able to financially invest in this desire, causing them to turn to affordable luxury. According to D’Arpizio, affordable luxury mimics luxury designers from “stores in prestigious locations, to high-end customer 58

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Photos courtesy of vogue.com and vogue.co.uk / Sources: businessoffashion.com, theglobeandmail.com, thefashionlaw.com, vogue.com

service, to luxurious packaging”. As a result of the way accessible luxury sells itself to the public, the middle class is inclined to spend on these products.

Two of the most notable ways that luxury brands are trying to contend with and assert their dominance over affordable luxury brands are by releasing diffusion lines and teaming up with high-street retailers. These methods are rather ironic when compared to the ideology that “the more expensive something is, the more exclusive and, therefore, desirable it becomes” as put by Business of Fashion writer Lauren Sherman.

So why exactly are luxury designers dropping lines such as T by Alexander Wang and Adidas x Stella McCartney?

To expand their audience. Highstreet shops are more publicized and promoted in the media. Thus, the average fashion consumer is placed in closer proximity to collaborations.

Consequently, the demand for these collaborations increases, benefitting both the luxury and fast-fashion brands. Another strategy employed by luxury brands is the opportunity to deviate from their image with diffusion lines. As a result, brand equity is preserved by the philosophy that the main line is catered to the premiere, loyal customer and diffusion lines to the more average customer. This mechanism is in an effort to maintain the hierarchical order in the fashion industry, as previously mentioned.

“

affordable luxury is on the rise, creating great challenges

”

It is also important to evaluate the effectiveness of the “competition” stirred up between affordable and true luxury brands. There is a widespread stance that affordable luxury brands are unsustainable because of poor distribution tactics and high degree of variability. They may benefit from accelerated profit at the preliminary stages of their expansion, but overall do not have sustainable core principles.

As for designer brand tactics, diffusion lines have been proved to be unsuccessful. For example, Marc

by Marc Jacobs the diffusion line of Marc Jacobs was put under the wing of Luella Bartley and Katie Hillier in 2013. However, the collections displayed lack of allegiance to the Marc Jacobs brand essence and was reabsorbed into the main line.

The key to this analysis is looking at the big picture. Although designers are going affordable, the cost of their main brands are still augmenting.

Discernibly, this approach seems to be counter-intuitive. The deeper means of the “price proliferation” are to maintain brand equity and align with their heritage. Brand equity is arguably the strongest luxury brand technique needed to thrive in this generation’s fashion industry; thus in order to do so, the increasing cost of raw materials, manufacturing and marketing are important to consider. In parallel, as the rich are getting richer, brand clientele becomes more exclusive and loyalty strengthens.

Acknowledging that the whole concept of designers going affordable is essential to understanding the economics of fashion. As a consumer, active retail acquisition will shape the future relationship between designer luxury and more affordable fashion.

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holiday gifts for her

Written by Alex Kaneshiro

Under $25

Read My Lips Mug Kate Spade, $20 For your friend who loves to to lounge around with a hot cup of tea and a good book, this mug is a great stocking stuffer.

Girl Boss by Sophia Amoruso Nasty Gal, $16 Help your most ambitious girlfriend out by giving her the best-selling words of wisdom from founder and CEO of Nasty Gal, Sophia Amoruso.

Lokai Bracelet mylokai.com, $18 Give the gift of land and sea, all wrapped up in this zen bracelet.

$25

Marc Jacobs Fragrance Daisy Dream Rollerball Fragrance Sephora, $25 Marc Jacobs’ Daisy fragrance line is the definition of subtle femininity and is the perfect gift for your friend who embodies just that.

Roller Lash Mascara Benefit Cosmetics, $24 This mascara by Benefit Cosmetics curls your lashes for a bright-eyed look and makes for an awesome addition to any girl’s beauty essentials.

Copper Candle Urban Outfitters, $24 A reusable copper candle for a toasty night in.

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Sakura Bath Bomb Lush, $6.55 A Lush bath bomb is a relaxing and must-have treat for the girl who is always on-the-go.

Double Navette Ear Cuffs Topshop, $25 These dainty ear cuffs are adorable for any occasion, but should be reserved for a holiday party.

$50 Cities Bag American Apparel, $42 Black is the new black, especially when it comes to the versatile American Apparel cities bag.

Victoria’s Secret PJ & Eye Mast Set Victoria’s Secret, $54 There is nothing better than a holidaythemed sleepover, and this Victoria PJ set is the ideal comfy-cozy present.

Leather Pouch Clutch Madewell, $49.50 This holiday season, treat a minimalist gal with a leather pouch to be used year-round.

Elisa Pendant Necklace Nordstrom, $50 Give your best friend a little sparkle and shine for a classic holiday look.

$100 Kanken Backpack Fjall Raven, $100 Image 14: When it comes to your most outdoorsy friend, get her the backpack that proves that you can adventure in style.

Polaroid Cube Target, $99.99 Image 15: The Polaroid Cube is a generous gift for any artsy girl in your life.

Portable Vinyl Record Player Urban Outfitters, $98 Image 13: The vinyl record player is the ultimate device for a girl with the vintage aesthetic.

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fashionable

Holiday DĂŠcor Written by Shelby Robin

The holiday season is right around the corner, which means it will soon be socially acceptable to listen to nothing but holiday music and eat all of our favorite winter treats. To help you fully embrace the festivities this holiday season, here are some ways to add holiday cheer to your dorm room or apartment.

BY CANDLE LIGHT Candles are the closest us college students are going to get to watching our Netflix by a fire, so why not enjoy it? Check out Skeem Designs for some beautifully packaged candles and bottled matches that are definitely Instagram-worthy. If Christmas is your seasonal holiday, check out this adorable Holiday Countdown candle at Urban Outfitters. This candle will help you keep track of how many shopping days you have left until Christmas.

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NIGHT LIGHT

Photos courtesy of skeemshop.com, urbanoutfitters.com, papersource.com, and primark.com

If you like adding a little twinkle to your room, try not to get overwhelmed by all the fairy light options at your disposal. Primark has a great affordable selections like these romantic bronze heart LED lights that look enchanting hanging above your bed, or this prancing reindeer that could be a pretty addition to your desk. If you have some money to splurge, Urban Outfitters is your friend, with their sizable collection of light strings like this battery-powered copper string that has a lot of versatility for home decor. Lastly, if you like embracing the kitschy festive style, this holiday lights phone charger is the perfect combination of hilarious and festive, and would also make a great gift.

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BED TIME STORY A super easy way to swap in some holiday cheer to your dorm is picking out some holiday bedding or a festive pillow. Target has a great selection of pillows, giving you control to coordinate the holiday pillows with your room’s color scheme and aesthetic. If you are looking for a total revamp, check out this marble print duvet cover from Urban Outfitters. It is not necessarily festive, however, it will make you bed appear luxurious and dreamy.

DIY Don’t be scared of doing some handy work! If you don’t have any DIY ideas, scroll through some inspiration on Pinterest. They will be fun to make (not to mention easy on your wallet).

A Pinterest tutorial can help you take your snowflakes from crafty to couture.

Check out these snowflake medallions!

If you are looking for a challenge, or are a more advance DIY-er, try making a snow globe in a mason jar.

Then you can have your perfect winter wonderland.

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FESTIVITIES

Photos courtesy of pinterest.com, urbanoutfitters.com, target.com, and papersource.com

When you are inviting over all your friends to party under the mistletoe, here are a few pieces to add a bit of festive cheer. These typographic balloons from Urban Outfitters are a great wall decor piece for all of December, but they even better for a holiday bash. Also, you should definitely abandon your red solo cups for these cheerful paper cups from Paper Source to hold your eggnog. If it is a New Year’s party you are after, these glitzy poppers are too pretty to pass up.

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Meet The Designer

INTERVIEW WITH AMERIKANAH DESIGNER FELIX

By Valerie Butler

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Amerikanah is not the average American brand; it is a brand for the intellectual. Felix is a Brockton, Mass. native who created a line that empowers the new youth. Amerikanah is a sociopolitical, street-style brand that embodies self-expression and equality. Although Amerikanah is rising in streetwear, Felix hopes to expand his audience and solely create high fashion. Past collections have addressed the serious problem of police brutality, questioned the war on drugs and shed a light on military recruitment. Many of the brand’s pieces address societal norms and feature messages such as “Land of the Free” and “One Nation Under Surveillance”.

When asked if one of our stylists could interview him on the spot, he reached for his scarf to cover his face in order to remain as close to anonymous as possible. He insists on being a ghost-designer. After ensuring him it will not be a video interview we got to learn a little about the young designer’s inspiration and upcoming collections.

V: Tell me about your most recent Fall/Winter collection.

F: “Escapism” is just that; it’s about escaping. It reflects my feelings of not wanting to hit a glass ceiling, because there is only so far I can take my work. As a black person, there is only so much you can do in the fashion industry.

V: Where do you draw inspiration from for each collection?

F: Whatever I’m feeling I just put it out. Art is an emotional thing. Two summers ago, I came up with the idea for “Frustrationism” as a response to everything happening in the black community. I was frustrated, which is why the collection is so anti-establishment.

V: What is your process like?

F: First I sketch and let them sit for a week to see if I like them. Then, I make them if I can. If not, I take them to my sample maker and manufacture the pieces to be mass produced. I’m very critical of my work; I’m never satisfied.

V: Who do you work with?

F: Most of the models are my friends, but I do it all.

V: Why haven’t you hired anyone?

F: I prefer working with people, not hiring them. That way they don’t feel like I’m the boss. It’s very laid back. I love

collaborating; my way isn’t always the highway.

V: Who have you worked with?

F: NorthSense, Blur Visuals, Karmaloop and Laced V: What is your favorite piece?

F: I don’t have one. I guess you could say I’m working to create it. If I had to choose, it would be the olive green trench coat. (photo 2 and 3) V: Do you wear your own pieces?

F: Not really. I like pieces for, like, a month, then I just don’t.

V: How do you style your pieces for lookbooks and photoshoots?

F: It’s based on the model, what colors work with their skin and body. Not everything works for everyone. (photo 4) V: Tell me about your long term goals.

F: In the future, I plan to show my collection at Paris Fashion Week and open a few small stores—maybe in Brockton, Dallas or Tokyo.

V: How do your parents feel about your work?

F: I don’t think they really know that I’m actually making money from clothes.

V: What should we expect from you in the future?

F: Don’t expect anything. You’ll see what I want you to see.

Due to its anti-war graphics, Amerikanah is making headlines on hypefreshmag.com, illsmag.com, gearbottle.com and modernlifemag.com. These graphics question freedom and take a stand against violence while still maintaining the brand’s street-style vibe.

For inquiries and collaborations, contact info@amerikanah. us. To see more looks from this designer, check out amerikanah.us.

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