April 2015

APRIL 2015

#CheersTo5Years

SOY HAPPY

FRESH

scent

LOVES ME, LOVES ME NOT

ON THE

RUN

Cover photo by KIRSTEN MARTINEZ

tableofcontents

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146

Loves Me, Loves Me Not Glowing Aura

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160 On Your Game

174 Two Of A Kind

190 6 Looks We Like

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Haute Online Top 5 Editor's Note

seams

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Runway Realway Celeb Style Street Peeps Blogger of the Month Carry Ons Skin Deep Fresh Scent Mane Options Color Coated Time Honored

diy

58 62 66 72 74

Charm Bands Welcome Home Rustic Portrait Work It: On The Run Make It: Porch Party

THE BEHIND

SCENES

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BEN LEESO Video by

who, what, wear

82 92 100 106 110 116

Free Flow Sound Waves World Citizens Breaking Silence Period Personas Eclectic Movement

spotlight style

198 206

Made To Order Soy Happy

back of the closet

216 222 228 234 244

You've Got Mail Progressive Models Pretty Spoiled Cheers To Five Years Rant & Rave: Bold Brows

in good fashion

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hauteonline SCOUT SIXTEEN Whether one is scouting for a new blog to obsess over or just looking for some eye candy, Scout Sixteen will undoubtedly exceed expectations. Created by Mississippi-native-turned-New-Yorktransplant, Justin Livingston, this lifestyle blog documents Livingston’s love of style, home, travel, and other odds and ends. With a knack for spreading creativity and encouraging readers to avoid normalcy, Scout Sixteen proves to be a go-to lifestyle blog for men and women.

STYLE

Featuring separate categories for Livingston’s personal style, grooming, and street style, Scout Sixteen gives readers unlimited options for inspiration. From crystal clear photos of his outfit choices to relatable grooming tips for men, it’s no wonder retailers like Express are flocking to partner with him. Livingston makes an effort to display trends that readers should be scouting for.

ODDS AND ENDS

Livingston shows readers that his interests expand past fashion and style with his Odds and Ends category. Highlighting links that helped get him through the week and playlists posted every Monday, Scout Sixteen keeps readers anticipating his next new post.

–ALICIA MACDONALD

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SOMETHINGNAVY Shoes, glorious shoes. That’s the first impression Arielle Nachmani’s blog, SomethingNavy, makes when scrolling through her striking photos. The recently married Nachmani lives in New York City, having come from a family background in the fashion industry. She began her blog in 2009 as a hobby but quickly received a large following that turned her work into a full-time job.

With little editorial contribution, the blog is primarily photography driven and features tutorials and artistic video shorts.

TRAVEL

A tropical vacationer, Nachmani posts various photos from her travels, staying true to her naturally beach-y waves and rocking her aviator sunglasses. Last winter she posted a photo diary of her trip to St. Barths, donning an assortment of trendy bikinis and flowy bohemian dresses. She is also adorably happy in photos with her husband and equally fashionable friends.

OUTFITS

Nachmani is an outfit genius, and highlights appropriate ensembles for different occasions. She outlines the designers of each outfit separate, which includes pieces from H&M, Celine, and Valentino. It also must be noted that she is a true Christian Louboutin fan, with a jaw-dropping collection of gorgeous stilettos.

–NADIA KURTZ

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LOVE & LEMONS Love & Lemons is a food blog that offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free recipes that make cooking with dietary restrictions less of a struggle. In 2011, Jeanine Donofrio and her husband, Jack Matthews, started Love & Lemons as a way of making healthy eating more enjoyable and exciting. Donofrio’s travel experiences to places like Japan and Italy serve as culinary inspiration.

Recently named 2014 Reader’s Choice Best Cooking Blog by Saveur Magazine, the site offers over 1,000 recipes pertaining to special diets. The recipes on the site are arranged by different categories including ingredients, special diets, meal type, and seasons. Almost all of the recipes take less than 20 minutes to prepare and cook. On Love & Lemons, readers can find recipes like lemon broccoli pasta or vegan chocolate chip cookies.

To give her photos a unique aesthetic, Donofrio shoots images as she cooks using a Canon 5D Mark II and edits them using software including Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Be sure to keep an eye out for a Love & Lemons cookbook coming in April 2016. The array of choices makes Love & Lemons the perfect blog for yearlong cooking inspiration.

–DARIAN RANDOLPH

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NUBBY TWIGLET Nubby Twiglet is a collection of the words, experiences, and photos of Oregonian Shauna Haider. The blog serves as creative inspiration for individuality and displays Haider’s personal style. She describes the blog as “a reminder that we can live beautifully designed lives without becoming slaves to the non-stop cycle of fads and trends.”

Nubby Twiglet focuses on advice for those interested in business, marketing, fashion, self-improvement, or design.

Haider has built a reputation as a creative director. Her extensive experience surely qualifies her to offer advice to aspiring businesses and bloggers. Haider also inspires individuality through the fashion and design sections of the blog. She includes a weekly photo segment complete with outfits of her adventurous days spent traveling or in her hometown of Portland.

With a background in graphic design, Haider shows off her own work and represents the work of others, often undiscovered graphic artists. In an archive she offers information and advice for designers and those who appreciate design.

Anyone seeking advice or inspiration as a business, artist, or viewer will enjoy this unique blog. Nubby Twiglet is a must-view for anyone with a passion for creativity.

–SAM PARKER

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TEATOXING

This April my house isn't the only thing that could use a healthy dose of spring cleaning. After months of habitually hiding out from the bitter cold, my body could benefit from a kickstart into spring. I'm all about the newest way to detox: the teatox.

While there are several different ways to teatox, all of these detoxifying teas have incredible benefits including weight loss, decrease in bloating, and an increase in metabolism and energy levels. Drinking flavonoid-rich tea on a regular basis boosts immunity, protects against cancer, and reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke, among other things. During fashion week, Kendall Jenner admits to drinking a dozen cups of detox tea. Check out Skinny Teatox, Kusmi Tea, and the SkinnyMint 20 Day Ultimate Teatox.

–MORGAN BORER

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BROAD CITY

Set in modern day New York, “Broad City” is a comedy that follows two 20-something women and their daily lives. The show is a departure from the average women-centric comedy.

Produced by Amy Poehler, the show brings a feminist cachet to slacker life.

The show satirizes the tropes held by past imperfect female lead roles. These shows merely feigned the supposedly relatable flaws of their glossy caricatures.

However, “Broad City” exhibits very real imperfections without the self-loathing.

Their failures and insecurities don’t poison their relationships, both romantic and platonic. The protagonists, Abbi and Ilana, unflinchingly support each other. They deal with their minimum wage jobs, roommates, and mediocre sexual partners while reveling in their friendship. “Broad City” combines sex, slapstick, and absurdist comedy while still maintaining its realness. It rejects standards by ignoring them.

–HANNAH HASEMAN

APPLE WATCH

After months of anxious waiting, Apple announced that they would finally be releasing their revolutionary new watch. The highly anticipated Apple Watch was a topic for conversation by anyone who enjoys the latest high tech gizmo.

Apple informed the public that they will be releasing the watch in stores on April 24, 2015, but sadly they have a back order list anywhere from 4-8 weeks from online pre-orders. The new Apple Watch has three different versions to pick from: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition. Each version is completely customizable so you can start from the ground up to create your very own watch. Personally, I love the look of the Apple Watch Edition, but because it has an 18-karat rose gold case, the watch starts at $10,000, I think I will pass! The Apple Watch and Apple Watch Sport range in price from $349-$599 which is a little more reasonable. I highly recommend giving the Apple Watch website a look. It’s pretty incredible to see what these watches can do!

–KIRSTEN MARTINEZ

JAMES DEAN

You’re standing in front of your wardrobe and you have about 30 seconds until you need to meet your friends uptown for a weekend out. Strumming through your options, you pass on the printed polo and the brightly colored button up until finally, you come upon the epitome of all style, a white T-shirt.

Simple, minimal, and best of all, completely effortless, the white T-shirt is an American staple to classic style. Though I can’t promise that you will be the next James Dean, I can promise that a white tee can be worn with essentially any pair of jeans, light or dark wash. You name it, a classic white tee will bring your outfit together under desperate circumstances. Just be careful not to spill anything on yourself tonight.

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NIKE PRO SPORTS BRAS

The worst feeling when you go for a run (other than the side cramps and shin splints) is an itchy, sweaty, too-tight sports bra. Athletic clothing should be the most comfortable kind; the kind you would want to spend all day in and then sleep in at night.

Fortunately, my favorite sportswear label is selling that kind of comfort in the form of a sports bra. Besides being offered in an array of bright colors with a complementary Nike swoosh, the bra is made in a Dri-FIT fabric that guarantees minimal sweat pools and no itchiness. So next time you cut your workout short from sports bra discomfort, head over to a sporting goods store and revamp your athletic wardrobe. Just do it.

–NADIA KURTZ

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EDITOR’S NOTE Spring Greetings Threadies!

I know the month of April marks many invigorating changes like the start of warm weather, wearing floral prints, and dancing in the rain. For Thread there is an even more exciting event this spring—our five-year anniversary!

In the last five years, Thread has evolved enormously, growing from a meager 64 pages in April 2010 to our current 245. This year alone we have expanded our Who What Wear section to include a broad spectrum of hot-button issues and culture in Athens. This issue we followed a group of hula hoopers around the city, learning all about the extraordinary art form (pg. 82). Speaking of the arts, our photo story, “Eclectic Movement,” captures the poignant beauty of dancers in motion (pg. 116).

In our Work It and Make It sections (that were just added last year) we embrace the outdoors, highlighting a number of activities to do at Strouds Run (pg. 72). Then we had a porch party with watermelon coolers and delicious avocado hummus (pg. 74).

In our Seams section, which has doubled in the last five years, we let loose with men’s hair and how to care for a long mane (pg. 40).

What is really extraordinary about our current issue of Thread is how expansive the features department has become. We boast a hefty middle of the book with our diverse and vibrant photo spreads. Our floral cover comes from “Loves Me, Loves Me Not (pg.

130), and the six looks we liked this season were inspired by elements in nature (pg. 190). Editorially, we have also become more progressive with 12 | THREAD

our stories about the recently popular subscription boxes and an informational article celebrating the beauty and courage of transgender models.

We hope you enjoy this last issue of Thread as much as we enjoyed being a critical part of its evolution. Although this is my last issue as editor-in-chief I will always carry the magazine and its message with me.

Cheers to 5 years,

Nadia Kurtz

APRIL2015

thread Editor-in-Chief Nadia Kurtz Managing Editor Louis Baragona Creative Director Cassey Eck

Design Director Alexa Hayes

Features Editor Nick Rees

Photo Chief Kirsten Martinez

Seams Editor Alicia MacDonald

Photo Editor Meghan Shamblen

Who, What, Wear Editor Cassie Fait

Video Chief Ben Leeson

DIY Editor Ali Shultz

Public Relations Chief Morgan Borer

Copy Chief Michelle Frantz

Business Manager Hannah Haseman

WRITERS

Kayla Beard, Paige Bennett, Tiffany Bey, Kayla Blanton, Sophia Borghese, Corttany Brooks, Julia Brown, Hayley Dashiell, Megan Fair, Maria Fischer, Katie Flowers, Kaitlin Hatton, Dottie Kramer, Milan Lavender, C. Mihocik, Sydney Otto, Sam Parker, Darian Randolph, Alessa Rosa, Kylie Souder, Alex Warner, Heather Willard, Christina Young

COPY EDITORS

Paige Bennett, Megan Fair, Deven Middleton, C. Mihocik, Sydney Otto

PHOTOGRAPHERS | PHOTO ASSISTANT: ERICA BRECHTELSBAUER & ROYLE MAST Kinsey Ball, Kelly Bondra, Kasey Brooks, Isaac Gibson, Kaitlin Hatton, Evan Leonard, Royle Mast, Samantha McGuire, Juli Pierandri, Halee Smith, Kaitlynn Stone, Bre Thomas, Ra'Vaughn Jarrett, Jenna Wallace, Brook White

VIDEOGRAPHERS

Kaitlin Hatton, Kevin James,

DESIGNERS | DESIGN ASSISTANT: KAYLA BREEDEN Kayla Beard, Sarah Blankenship, Kelly Bondra, Abby Day, Cassie Fait, Alessa Rosa, Audra Swan

STYLISTS

Sophia Borghese, Taylor McCarthy

PUBLIC RELATIONS TEAM

Sara Defibaugh, Sarah Kelly, Mikaela Linden, Alessa Rosa

BLOGGERS

Jess Conroy, Morgan Peterson, Danielle Rich, Adam Senecal, Marley Scott

MODELS

Kevin Arsenijevic, Kinsey Ball, Michelle Clark, Aaron Conkling, Paige Cuevas, Lindsey Curnutte, Dani Dean, Aaron Dye, Alanna Foran, Bridget Gibson, Davon Henry, Mackenzie Holden, Lauren Kumper, Gidget Marrison, Lindsey Matthews, Taylor McCarthy, Koren McConville, Kristy McConville, Kira Plumer, Sarah Rachul, Kyra Risenfeld, Ryan Snyder, Alison Stewart, Holly Todd, Parker Todd, Zain Yahya, Erica Yueh, Chaundrea

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seams timehonored pg. 52

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runwayrealway RED VALENTINO

By KYLIE SOUDER | Photos by SAMANTHA MCGUIRE

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reated in the fall of 2013 by Valentino to offer suggestions of prêt-à-porter clothing, Red Valentino is a more contemporary style, described as a modern fairytale with very distinctive traits. Appealing to a younger audience, Red Valentino offers supreme quality clothing with high style. The collection for spring 2015 has nautical tones of navy, hints of white and red, with a varying fairytale aspect in the pastel coloring and in the shape of the dresses and skirts.

The collection features A-line skirts, hot pants, loosely fitted jackets, and boxy short sleeved tops, with the occasional dress or two. Graphic prints are the first focal point of the collection. Ranging from stars and stripes to other graphic prints, these bold patterns are combined with pastel colors to make a show-stopping ensemble. Anchors, polka dots, and colored cheetah print were also featured throughout the collection with solid pieces, helping to outweigh the pattern play in several of the looks.

For an exciting transitional spring wardrobe after the gloomy winter recently endured, emulate the color pairings and pattern play encompassed in the Red Valentino Spring 2015 collection. A navy and white striped jacket would look great paired with a pale pink boxy top over a polka dot short. Mixing two patterned pieces can be interrupted by a solid piece such as a shirt or jacket to avoid too much graphic detail. A colored cheetah print top can be paired with a similarly colored striped skirt for a more intense take on the trend.

From a summer barbeque to a date night at the beach, the Red Valentino collection offers a variety of looks with enough differentiation for a spring wardrobe. A striped boxy sweater paired alongside a pale pink A-line skirt is the ideal way to showcase graphically dominant separates. Red Valentino’s Spring 2015 collection offers playful color combos and graphic detailing that will make any wardrobe whimsical and feminine.

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DSQUARED2

By MICHELLE SEBASTIAN | Photos by SAMANTHA MCGUIRE

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seamless blend of denim, bright colors, and leather, the spring 2015 collection of Dsquared2 offers a distinctive look into the tailored, yet vibrant way a man can take his wardrobe from boring to bold. This collection showcases pieces inspired by the work and style of Andy Warhol. From its tailored trousers and jeans, to its graphically printed athletic tops and jackets, Dsquared2 radiates with an eccentric and youthful vibe.

Dean and Dan Caten are the founders of the Milanbased fashion house, which debuted in 1994. This dynamic duo was driven by bold color pairings and designs paired with more subdued, tailored pieces for spring 2015. The collection featured everything from a simple whitecollared shirt and short combo, to a varsity jacket paired with a brightly colored, patterned pant. Some of the designs included graphics like cats, candy-colored camo, and Warhol pop art. This collection allows men to dress vivaciously while propelling a bigger statement with their choice of dress.

The Caten twins’ most influential theme was their innovation to combine an artistic legend within an everyday-wear collection. Allowing for one to produce a compilation of outfits with a variety of garments, Dsquared2’s collection will surely make a statement in any wardrobe this spring. On campus, the ability to recreate the quirky style of the spring collection is relatively simple. Pair a white v-neck with a boldly colored, graphic bomber jacket and dark denim for day, while swapping out the bomber jacket for a patterned trouser and bucket hat for night.

From nylon suits and speedos, to dancing cats emblazoned on a sweatshirt, the Caten twins have made a statement in menswear this spring. Allowing pop art to invade their collection, Dsquared2 offers men a myriad of options to gain inspiration to revamp their spring wardrobes. Any college male looking to make an audacious statement opt to emulate the eccentric and artfully designed pieces from Dsquared2’s spring 2015 collection.

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celebstyle ZENDAYA

By MILAN LAVENDER | Photos by CAITLYN WITHERS

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endaya Coleman has been no stranger to large audiences, innumerable cameras, and countless microphones since her rise to fame. After discovering her passion for entertainment at a young age, she continued to dedicate herself to soulful pop singing, hip-hop dancing, and comedic acting. Known for her hit song, “Replay,” and main role as Rocky Blue on Disney Channel’s, “Shake It Up,” Zendaya has continued to grow as a positive role model for the entertainment and fashion industries.

Despite her growing stardom, Zendaya has kept both her charisma and fashion sense humble, reminding those that her success is a reflection of her passion for hip-hop and freedom of expression—which is so vividly showcased in her street attire. Originally an icon for young girls, Zendaya is now a trendsetter among the entertainment world with her combination of couture and streetwear styles.

Confidently strutting the streets of California, Zendaya can undoubtedly be revered for refusing to allow gender norms to define her wardrobe. Partial

to her urban origins, the mix of bold colors, loud patterns, and androgynous clothing has become a look iconic to Zendaya. From her crop-top sweaters and high top Adidas to flat bill hats and boyfriend jeans, she creates a street style all her own. Yet, when business calls, Zendaya’s “go-to” is a bold pair of pumps that make any pair of boyfriend jeans look runway ready.

From her intricate dance moves to her one-of-a-kind style, Zendaya proves to be an advocate for fearlessness. Her sudden change from curly locks to bold dreadlocks—which are native to her family heritage of Zimbabwe—validates her dedication to her roots. Despite the benefits that fame creates, it does not shield one from the cruelties the spotlight also warrants. In light of recent controversy, Zendaya continues to exude her dauntless personality remaining true to both her freedom of expression and cultural identification. Zendaya, meaning, “to give thanks” in Shona is a role model for both fashion and integrity. For that, she is someone for which to give thanks.

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BLAKE GRIFFIN

By TIFFANY BEY | Photos by BROOK WHITE

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rom billboards to television screens, Los Angeles Clipper Blake Griffin has been making his mark not only on the courts but also on the fashion industry. Featured solo on the cover of GQ, Griffin has proven himself a powerful public figure since being named “NBA’s Rookie of the Year” in 2011. With a growing prominence among the fashion elite and an impressive fan base of over 6.4 million, Griffin will surely be staying in the spotlight.

Showcasing a classic yet refined style is one of the many reasons Griffin has become a fashion icon for men.

On the streets he can be seen wearing anything from a striped V-neck sweater paired with burgundy skinnies and lace-up combats, to a solid Henley, jeans, and sneakers. Not only is his street style impeccably put together and simple, but Griffin has mastered the art of a well-fitted suit. Spotted wearing “made-to-order” suits in everything from dark mustard to jet-

black, Griffin proves to be a style powerhouse on and off the court.

Whether one’s off to a party or to a college career fair, emulating Griffin’s style will surely turn heads. For a casual night on the town, pair a black bomber jacket with a graphic T-shirt, light denim jeans, and a pair of Jordans to top it off. If heading to an interview or class presentation, a three-piece suit in anything from black to blue, and topped off with a graphic tie is the ideal way to mirror Griffin’s style.

Griffin has shown time and time again that his style is one of a kind.

From the basketball court to the streets, his style remains youthful and refreshing for anyone in their 20s. Having worked with designers of the Jordan brand to create the Jordan Super.

Fly 3 shoes, Griffin has validated that his interests in fashion coincide with his love for basketball. With such immense success on the basketball courts and a growing reputation throughout the fashion industry, Griffin is definitely one to watch.

streetpeeps Video by KEVIN JAMES llustration by ANDIE DANESI

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seams

dressrelief

By JESS CONROY Photos by KIRSTEN MARTINEZ

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ress Relief started as a blog that aimed to enable readers to experience both fashion and function, in a fun and accessible way. Blogging last semester in addition to this semester has allowed me to explore the best way to present my blog, and I’m so happy that Dress Relief has transformed into not only a blog about accessible fashion, but also a lifestyle blog. I’ve been able to delve into other ways to stay comfortable in everyday life, including beauty, DIY projects, and recipes for easy meals. That’s what Dress Relief is really about, finding the most straightforward and effortless way to dress, eat, and live.

The idea for this blog came to me through personal experience; I’m a non-traditional student with chronic illnesses which have made it difficult to get up for the day, let alone cook myself a healthy meal for breakfast (or brunch, if we’re being real here) before class or get dressed in a stylish manner.

Over the past year, I’ve finally started listening to what my body tells me. I stopped wearing trendy clothes if they were uncomfortable, I stay in on weeknights (and some weekends) if I’m tired.

Whether you also deal with chronic illness, a busy schedule, post-workout pain, or simply want to find relief in your daily life, Dress Relief is here to challenge the norms of appropriate dress.

About three years ago I started the journey of trying to reach remission

from my main illnesses, fibromyalgia and ME. One big part of this was meeting with my many physicians on a regular basis. Although this was irritating and difficult to plan classes and a social life around, talking about what causes my pain and fatigue so often helped me to recognize my triggers, and also made me realize I needed to make some major lifestyle changes.

One of the most difficult things was when I figured out what an impact my clothing made toward my chronic pain.

Because fashion is such a big part of who I am, I knew I had to find a way to be both comfortable and stylish at the same time. I’ve spent these past three years experimenting with different shapes and styles of clothing and have finally started to find what allows me to project the aesthetic I want without causing myself any additional pain. chronic pain in a fashionable way.

Each week on Dress Relief, I offer my readers guides, style tips, and DIY projects. My posts have varied from how to stay stylish and prepared when on your period, to how-to’s on styling trends in comfortable ways for night and day. I aim to offer my readers a fashion and lifestyle blog from a different point of view than most traditional fashion bloggers, presenting posts as gender neutral and offering looks at different price points, giving all my readers a chance to experiment with their own fabulous and effortless style.

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carryons

By ALEX WARNER Photos by JENNA WALLACE

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he spring runways were overflowing with a myriad of redefined and newly designed handbags, meaning it’s time to swap out winter bags and grab some new arm candy. Designers like 3.1 Phillip Lim and Gucci showed the latest innovative ways to hold one’s personal items, truly emulating the idea that it’s not what you carry, but how you carry it.

The saddlebag, otherwise known as the ‘70s satchel, returned to the runway this spring. With its rounded shape, long strap and front buckle, this cross body bag adds a classic yet stylish element to any ensemble. Emilio Pucci amplified his Spring 2015 collection by adding a touch of color to this handbag. From rich brown leather to sumptuous suede, the saddle bag can be paired with virtually any look for a woman on the go.

The quintessential bag for a night out on the town, the large clutch is easy to pair with a little black dress or white V-neck and distressed denim.

Thick hand straps across the front of the rectangular bag and wristlet straps make the clutch a day-to-night must have. The lean shape of the clutch will give a clean feel to almost any outfit. Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta showcased their Spring 2015 collections with clutches that have hang straps. Paired with a little black dress, a clutch of any color, shape, or pattern will tie a look together.

The iconic bucket bag is another multipurpose handbag that is being reinvented this spring by textures, materials, and silhouettes. Unique for its slouchy style that pulls together at the top, this handbag is a wardrobe staple.

3.1 Phillip Lim’s collection featured the bucket bag with perforated leather, reinventing the silhouette of the bag.

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“

Unique for its slouchy style that pulls together at the top, this bag is a wardrobe staple. colors and styles making it simple to be paired with most outfits. The bucket bag will give any college girl the right mix between her studious daytime look and seductive nighttime look.

As a college student, owning any of these designer purses seems a little farfetched. Designer handbags can put a damper on your bank account, but it is easy to get the same kind of trendy look for a more reasonable price. Shoppers can purchase faux leather bucket bags and saddlebags at Forever 21 and H&M. Large clutches in a myriad of patterns and fabrics can also be found at Urban Outfitters or Anthropologie.

As Michael Kors said, “Learn to invest in the best quality you can afford and wear pieces in different ways.”

Adding a saddlebag, large clutch, or bucket bag to one’s wardrobe will undoubtedly take any spring style from dull to redefined.

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skindeep

By LOUIS BARAGONA Photos by MEGHAN SHAMBLEN

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t’s a place few men have deigned to step foot: Claire’s. Despite the availability of Piercing Pagodas and other body-jewelry retailers at local malls, men have long forgone quick piercings in favor of more conventional jewelry or accessories.

Piercings have begun to become accessories that transcend gender barriers and now provide men with an androgynous, bad boy look. Whether it’s a hoop on the nose of Lenny Kravitz or just a guy in class with an unusual tragus stud, men have started to take on body jewelry as their own.

In terms of care, piercings aren’t too difficult to keep up with. Depending on the location of the piercing, avoiding infection is just a matter of keeping up with daily cleaning. Salt-based solutions are typically the best cleaners for piercings no matter the spot. For the best, and least painful long-term results, piercings on the ear lobe should be turned to avoid crust build up, and should avoid contact with pillows, ear buds, cell phones, or direct sources of firm pressure for the first few weeks. For more unusual piercings like the tragus or rook, avoid twisting or moving the earring; this could make the healing process take longer. These fairly loose guidelines for care make having a piercing an easy thing for a man, no matter how busy he may be.

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Piercings may not require intense maintenance, but finding the right style of jewelry for a piercing can be a bit more of a trial. To keep it trendy and simple, a captive bead ring, bar, or stud is definitely the way to go, especially for beginners. Diamond studs or, more realistically, cubic zirconia studs tend to look more Jersey Shore than New York Fashion Week, so the tacky baubles are to be avoided. Gauges are a lot more detailed in procedure and care, so only a truly dedicated man should opt for this alternative.

The location of a piercing can make all of the difference in care and longterm effects. Tongue piercings or anything in or around the mouth can be damaging to teeth, so act with caution when deciding where to place a facial piercing. Gauges can leave scarring and even an unpleasant smell. Nose piercings are a simple facial piercing that don’t normally have as many dangerous side effects, and a simple ear piercing is almost always a safe bet, with the most possibly detrimental— and painful—spot being the conch, which is in the center of the ear.

When getting a piercing, don’t forget to bring an ID and have a specific idea in mind of the exact spot and style of piercing. Luckily, for the men of Athens, Ohio, the Claire’s alternative is Decorative Injections, located on Court Street.

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freshscent

By KAYLA BLANTON Photos by JULI PIERANDRI

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hether it’s another Monday at the office, a date night with a special someone, or just a casual weekend in, there’s a special fragrance that defines each of these very different occasions. Chances are, one has a signature perfume that’s never been given a second thought, but the time has come to address the scents that will blend perfectly with any plans.

A fragrance specifically for the work place is an essential spot to fill in every perfume wardrobe. This perfume should be one that’s light and crisp, but most importantly, not too overpowering. Choose a clean scent with notes of light floral or citrus, depending on preference. A staple in this category is the beloved Daisy Eau So Fresh by Marc Jacobs. Its dainty and adorable packaging completes the ideal soft scent for the office.

Date night’s little black dress has a best friend: a sultry, seductive fragrance to keep things heated even after dinner comes to an end. A more potent fragrance that catches his attention, but leaves him wanting more is imperative for a date. A warm scent with notes of spices and a deep, floral twist will be just strong enough to linger across the table and leave an impression on a date.

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Family gatherings call for a comforting scent that epitomizes gentle hugs, smiles, and genuine quality time. Accurately named for this occasion, as the mother of all fragrances, is a soft vanilla musk. A scent that will always bring back memories, and promises the always adored, warm-and-fuzzy feeling inside. It may be reminiscent of a loved one, or a room in your childhood home, so it’s never a bad idea to wear that part of life spritzed on your décolletage to a family event.

If there’s nothing special planned for the weekend and the agenda consists of some dedicated couch-sitting and endless chick-flicks, it’s not exactly necessary to break out the beloved Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue. Instead, spritz with a favorite fun and fruity body spray to save the precious liquid gold (and dollars) for a fancier occasion.

Of course, the on-trend fragrances change depending on the season. If the beach awaits for summer vacation, go with a more tropical scent for day time, or wear a more crisp and woodsy scent during a log cabin getaway. Although it may not be something everyone thinks about each morning, try to remember that the perfect pair of pumps isn’t the only accessory one should consider adding to an outfit. A new personal fragrance can make as big of a statement as a hairstyle fresh from the salon, so opt to redefine your perfume wardrobe this spring.

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maneoptions

By KATIE FLOWERS Photos by KINSEY BALL

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W

hen it comes to the realm of hair styling, men’s hair seems to occupy a smaller portion of the industry compared to women’s. Hair trends for men continue to be fast-paced and diverse.

However, with much influence from the entertainment industry, hair trends for men have been transforming into a market of itself, from man buns to enviously long locks.

Featured on the runways everywhere from Armani to Gucci, long hair is making its own individualized statement on popular culture. Male celebs and athletes alike have also been spotted rocking the long hair style. From Harry Styles’ curly locks to Joaquin Phoenix’s man bun, celebrities are the ideal trendsetters to get inspiration for emulating this trend. On and off the runways, the most popular ways to style long hair include letting the tresses hang loose, wearing half up, or rocking the iconic man bun.

Long hair creates versatility within a man’s wardrobe, which makes it a simple style to maintain. With a myriad of ways to wear long hair, it’s important to experiment with different styles to find one that suits your hair best. Ohio University student Tanner Adair, who has been growing out his hair for two years, said he usually keeps his long locks pulled back.

“I usually wear it in a bun. It’s super curly so it has a lot of volume when it’s down,” he said.

Evan Rhodes is another Ohio University student who wears his long, straight hair in a ponytail or bun. He said he likes styling his hair in buns for

their simplicity and effectiveness.

Although Adair and Rhodes only use shampoo and conditioner in their hair care routines, purchasing products for one’s specific hair type is vital to ensure healthy locks. Pomade or styling gel are ideal to maintain a smooth, tamed mane. Hairbond Sculptor Professional Hair Putty provides a light hold to hair and defines texture for all hair types.

Redken’s Polish Up Pomade also gives hair a sleek, professional look.

Additionally, frizz can cause a bit of unnecessary strain on the hair care

“

I usually wear it in a bun. It's super curly so it has a lot of volume when it's down.

TANNER ADAIR regimen but can be easily combated with a light leave-in conditioner or smoothing serum.

A few precautions should be taken while pulling hair back into a ponytail or man bun to protect healthy hair.

First, it is important to use hair ties that are cloth covered. Elastic bands can damage and break hair. Men should also ensure that their ponytail or bun isn’t pulled too tight, since this can damage the hair and even lead to balding.

Whether one is looking to refine their personal hairstyle or experiment with a tried and true trend, long hair will undoubtedly create the ideal accessory.

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colorcoated

By SYDNEY OTTO Photos by KAITLYNN STONE

W

ith spring finally upon us, don’t just don a basic, dull, or boring jacket. Instead, opt for a piece that adds a sense of prestige and boldness to one’s outfit. A season of showstopping colors and vibrant patterns, outerwear has been transformed across the spring runways. So toss that black peacoat and revamp your wardrobe with the addition of a bold spring jacket.

From a bold, blue trench at Burberry, to a crisp, white one at Marc by Marc Jacobs, trench coats were spotted all over the runways for spring. Burberry hit the nail on the head with its spring collection, featuring everything from the classic solid trench to ones with eccentric prints and floral designs. The practicality of the trench coat is what makes it a go-to for any woman’s wardrobe, and purchasing one with a pop of color is a perfect addition to any outfit this season.

Pair a trench with a simple trouser and blouse combination for a more classic look, or pair a color block sweater and high-waisted shorts alongside a white trench for a fashion forward take on the trend. Both H&M and ASOS provide a budget-friendly alternative to Burberry’s high-priced trenches.

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The oversized coat, otherwise called a duster, was also spotted throughout several designers' collections. Both Red Valentino and Oscar de la Renta presented stunning options for this trending piece. Each designer showed off jackets with broad shoulders and boxy bodies. De la Renta emphasized the gingham pattern in light pastel greens and pinks to give an ode to spring for any outfit. A patterned duster similar to those shown at Oscar de 48 | THREAD

la Renta are best alongside a solid tank and pencil skirt combo. Red Valentino used a different approach, featuring a nautical theme alluding to spring and summer. Polka dots, stripes, and solids covered the coats in this collection. To emulate this style of overcoat, pair a graphic sweater with a high-waisted skirt.

Finally, Victoria Beckham reinvented spring jackets by applying a somewhat military twist. Her newest collection featured clean-cut trenches with

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contrasting belts cinched at the waist.

The military characteristics are brought out in the high collars and squared off shoulders. These long jackets are best styled with well-fitted trousers or a long flowy dress. Zara offers jackets very similar in style to Beckham’s new line, while still remaining under $200.

Rain or shine, spring jackets are the perfect addition to any outfit. Use any boldly colored or structured jacket to

accentuate an outfit, or make it more of a statement piece. These radiant jackets pull in the colors of spring while making any outfit stand out. Tan trenches and solid jackets tend to coordinate with just about anything, so break away from the norm. Adding a statement jacket to your daily wear will undoubtedly keep you stylish and prepared for whatever the weather has planned this spring.

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timehonored

By MICHELLE FRANTZ Photos by RA'VAUGHN JARRETT

T

ried and true trends are known for being reinstated in the fashion industry after a hiatus. This season the polo shirt, previously a men’s staple, but more recently near faux pas, is back. Thanks to a fresh update on the trend for spring, which takes the polo shirt back to its retro roots, the design is again accessible for more than just golfers and middle-aged men. To achieve the trend, choose a knit with stripes, color blocking, argyle, or another youthful pattern to pay respect to the once classic style.

The menswear trend appeared on the Spring 2015 ready-to-wear runways in collections from designers like Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, and the brand that popularized the polo shirt, Lacoste. While designer and tennis champion RenĂŠ Lacoste originally intended the polo shirt to be worn for sport, today it can accessibly be styled for everyday wear. Additionally, the retro take on the look breaks the mold and makes the polo shirt a trend that will stand out with minimal effort. Celebrities like Justin Timberlake and Johnny Depp have also taken this trend to the streets, wearing polo shirts with stripes and other bold patterns.

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Turning this piece into a stylish statement, rather than an unfortunate lapse in judgment, requires careful styling. Go for the ultimate throwback by wearing a polo under a grunge denim jacket and a pair of Levi’s. Or, for a more modern update, pair an old-school polo with a blazer or jacket.

With this look, don’t be afraid to tuck the shirt in to keep from looking sloppy.

The polo is also the ideal clothing piece for events when one needs to be dressed up without wanting to appear overdressed. Achieve the dapper style by swapping out the average button-up for a polo with retro vibes worn under a suit jacket. Button the polo all the way to the top to keep from looking silly when removing the jacket in the summer heat.

It’s easy to be trendy when a style

is so readily available. Polo shirts have always been popular and capitalizing on this new shirt’s quality will make a statement in any man’s wardrobe.

While the runway versions of this trend will run bank accounts into the ground, more affordable options can be found at retailers like Topman, Urban Outfitters, or American Eagle Outfitters.

Add some depth to that wardrobe and be the guy who looks put together and fashionable without being overthe-top by adopting this trend for the season. Prepare to wear this style seamlessly, between work and end-ofthe-semester parties. Make the polo shirt’s retro update a staple in your clothing repertoire. Nothing will show your bro tank-wearing friends who’s boss like adopting this vintage look.

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diy makeit

pg. 74

charmbands

By ALI SHULTZ Photos by KINSEY BALL

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B

eing in the swing of music festival season, it’s time to start thinking of a foolproof outfit, as well as the ideal accessories. Stackable bangles make boho-inspired statement pieces, and for this DIY, you can create a color scheme with the bracelets to wear for your days in the sun. Adding a few charms will make the bangles reflect your own personal style.

These bracelets can accompany almost any music festival fashion, including crochet tops and denim cutoffs, because some may say Coachella is just as much about the fashion as it is the music.

SUPPLIES A set of bangles Embroidery floss Charms Jump rings Glue A toothpick A pair of pliers Scissors

STEPS STEP 1

Apply a small amount of glue to a section of the bangle.

STEP 2

Start wrapping the embroidery floss where you placed the glue.

STEP 3

Once you’re past the glue section on the bangle, wrap the floss generously, and push the section together.

STEP 4

Continue wrapping until you reach the end of the bangle.

STEP 5

Add a small amount of glue to the end of the bangle and finish wrapping.

STEP 6

With the pliers, start attaching charms and jump rings to the bangle.

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SUPPLIES

STEP 1

STEP 3

STEP 2 STEP 5

STEP 4 STEP 6

FINAL

welcomehome

By PAIGE BENNETT Photos by KAITLYNN STONE

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Warmer weather means it is time to update your home décor as you prepare for friendly gatherings. Whether you enjoy your company indoors or outdoors, you want your home to boast some one-of-akind pieces that your friends will envy. A great way to own an item that no one else will have is to make these charming welcome mats that are suitable for your home. The fruit design is ideal for warm weather. With a little bit of time and even less effort, you can own these adorable welcome-home accessories.

SUPPLIES

One circle, semi-circle or rectangle rug • Scissors • Masking tape • Paint–white, green, red, and black for watermelon colors • Paint brushes

STEPS 1. If you have a circle rug, cut it in half. If you have a rectangle rug, carefully cut it into a semi-circle rug.

small line of the white paint after the green curve, then paint the rest of the rug red.

2. Paint the rug completely white.

You can use spray paint if you would like. Hand painting takes a little more time, but costs less money.

5. Once the red paint has dried, add small black tear-shaped spots in the red area to create the seeds of the watermelon.

3. Use the masking tape to tape off the fruit pattern for the watermelon.

Allow all paint to dry. Remove the masking tape, place your rug in front of a door, and enjoy all of the compliments you receive at your next party.

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diy

rusticportrait

By HEATHER WILLARD Photos by ERICA BRECHTELSBAUER

W

ood accents lend a beautiful, sophisticated edge to any room with a little more personalization and culture, as well as a natural flair. But whenever wood is involved, projects tend to start becoming pricey; however, you can make an inexpensive decoration with ink-to-wood transfer. It’s simple, easy, and anyone can do it. It’s also a fun way to add accents to your space. The designs are endless, and it’s a great way to show your personality and character through a classy art piece.

LIES

SUPP

Foam brushes (2) • A ruler • Matte Medium Glossy Mod Podge • Sandpaper (240 grit) • A piece of wood of your choice • A laser jet image printed on regular printing paper • Knife or scissors • A rag

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S STEP

1

STEP 1

Sand the piece of wood until it feels silky to the touch. This may take awhile, but make sure you sand the entire piece of wood evenly so it remains flat.

STEP 2

Plan where your image will be located on the wood. Use the ruler to make sure it is centered and straight.

STEP 3

Cut the image down to size. Be careful not to cut into the wood if you are using a knife, and make sure your lines are exactly how you want your image to be shown on the finished project.

STEP 4

Using a foam brush, put matte medium on the wood. Make sure that the medium is covering everywhere the image will be.

STEP 5

Using the same foam brush and the matte medium, cover the printed side of your image—be sure that you are gluing the printed side. The paper may try to curl, so be careful it doesn’t stick to your workspace.

STEP 6

Put the image glue-side down onto your wood exactly where you planned for it to be.

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4

2

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S STEP

7

STEP 7

Using the edge of the ruler, squeegee the excess glue out from under the image. Try to not wrinkle the paper or leave glue deposits behind. Let the glue dry for two to three hours.

STEP 8

Once the project has dried, take a wet rag and soak the paper for five to ten minutes.

STEP 9

Peel the paper gently off the wood, leaving behind the ink. The paper will not be very complying, so you may need to take your thumb and rub away the left behind paper.

STEP 10

Now that the ink is on the wood, apply a layer of Mod Podge with the second foam brush. You may apply more coats for extra luster.

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FINA

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ontherun

By CAMERON QUINN Photos by BEN LEESON

There’s nothing like discovering a new beautiful spot to run off to when you’re in need of some R&R or just craving adventure. The world is full of spontaneous escapades that lead to creativity and even surprisingly good workouts. Athens, Ohio is not short of great places.

Strouds Run State Park is the place to be when it’s sunny and 75 degrees. Strouds, or any other great outdoor spot around your area, is ideal for anyone to enjoy a day in the sun and also benefit from a day full of workout activities.

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work it

1. CANOEING

This activity can easily give you those toned abs you’ve been longing for. Strouds offers canoes that you can rent for as little as $10 per hour and many other kinds of boats, if canoeing isn’t for you.

2. VOLLEYBALL

Bring a ball down to the sand and get your friends together for a competitive game of sand volleyball.

3. SWIMMING

Swimming laps is a great way to get in a quick workout and enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds Strouds.

4. HIKING

Not everyone is aware of the picturesque trails that Strouds offers. Behind the beach are many paths and new places to discover with every step you take.

5. PADDLE BOARDING

For the likes on an Instagram picture or just for the really great workout, paddle boarding would be a great activity to try on the water.

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porchparty

By NICK REES Photos by KELLY BONDRA

Heat and sunshine are once again radiating from the sun in the sky, and it’s time to take advantage.

Forgotten during the dreary, frigid dormant months, the front porch is now ready for use. So wipe down the salt and dirt splattered posts, and bust out the deck furniture or those old thrift store armchairs, because summer’s almost here. What could be better than celebrating happy hour in the sun with a cold drink and hummus-dipped pita chips? Throw some sunglasses on, plug in the blender, crank up the speakers, and send out the group text—it’s an old-fashioned porch party.

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AVOCADO HUMMUS SUPPLIES

food processor · measuring cup

INGREDIENTS

· 1 (15 oz) can of chick peas · 2 medium ripe avocados (cored and peeled)

· 3 tablespoons olive oil

· 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice · 1 garlic clove (peeled) · Salt & pepper · Crushed red pepper (optional) DIRECTIONS

Step One Add chick peas, olive oil, lime juice, and garlic into the food processor. Pulse for 2 minutes or until smooth.

Step Two Add avocados for another 1-2 minutes until the entire mixture is smooth.

Step Three Add pepper and salt to taste.

Step Four Top with a splash of olive oil or sprinkle crushed red pepper.

Step Five Serve with pita or tortilla chips.

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WATERMELON COOLER SUPPLIES

measuring cup · blender

· fine strainer or sieve

INGREDIENTS

· 4 cups cubed watermelon · 3 tablespoons sugar · 1 cup vodka (chilled) · 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

· 1 1/2 - 2 cups cold seltzer DIRECTIONS

Step One Blend the watermelon cubes with the sugar until the mixture is smooth.

Step Two Then strain the mixture through a sieve or fine strainer to get rid of chunks.

Step Three Pour the watermelon juice into a pitcher, and add vodka and lemon juice. Stir well.

Step Four Pour into four glasses and then add seltzer to fill to the brim. Again, stir really well.

Step Five Top with sliced lemon for a festive garnish.

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who,

, what, wear soundwaves

pg. 92

freeflow

By CHRISTINA YOUNG Photos by KAITLIN HATTON

S

ince the hula hoop’s invention in 1958, children and adults alike have played with hula hoops as toys.

Remarkably, hula hoops are also a part of an ageless art form. The world of hooping creates a culture unto itself, involving more than meets the eye. From performing lassos (hand hooping above your head) to pizza tosses (pulling the hoop up from the body and throwing it into the air then catching it), hoop dancing expands as an increasingly popular sport and art form.

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who, what, wear

ABOVE | Caitlyn Rack and Madison Lindsay let their hoops flow all around their bodies when they let loose.

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“

There is no stereotype for a hooper aside from our borderline obsession for a plastic circle.

CAITLYN RACK

Hooping can require a lot of flexibility as exhibited by Madison Lindsay.

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Like any other niche culture, the hooping community contains stereotypes. Julie Russomanno, a sophomore at Ohio University and local hooper, feels that the stereotypes associated with hoopers do not appropriately represent that community.

Unknowing outsiders erroneously label hoopers. “[People think] we’re all rave going hippies on drugs. It’s ridiculous, honestly. Hoop culture is viewed very differently outside of the community than within,” Russomanno said.

The use of drugs would only inhibit hoopers’ bodies from performing to maximum ability. Hoop dancing

RIGHT | Hoop dancing entails a large amount of concentration and focus as shown by Caitlyn Rack.

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requires hours upon hours of practice, concentration, and an ample amount of energy.

Additionally, dancing for attention has also become a stereotype.

While hoopers may dance outside for space, many prefer to hoop in privacy, as it can be a very personal experience for some. On the other hand, some hoopers feel too shy to hoop in public. Hooping in public can also be distracting due to onlookers and surrounding people. Unless it’s professional, many hoopers do not hoop for attention.

“There is no stereotype for a hooper

aside from our borderline obsessive love for a plastic circle!” said Caitlyn Rack, a local Athenian artist and hoop dancer.

Hula hooping is much more than a fun way to kill time. It helps the body mentally and physically while awakening parts of a person that they never knew existed. There is a kind of euphoric high that one gets when hoop dancing, like electricity through veins. The benefits of hoop dancing are seemingly endless.

The art form benefits the body, because it gets every limb in the body awake and moving, improves posture and balance, and burns lots of calories. Hoop dancing is also used as an art form and meditation.

Some hoopers even feel that hooping lowers anxiety.

“It honestly is great for just learning to appreciate your body and the things you can do with it…many hoopers have proclaimed that hooping has even

saved their lives,” Russomanno said.

Russomanno has been seriously hooping for about 10 months and Rack for about two years. Like most other hoopers, the two had to do some research on hoop dancing to really immerse themselves in the hooping community. To start the hooping journey, one must gain the knowledge from an experienced hooper.

“It teaches you perseverance and patience when trying to learn a new trick that’s frustrating; it’s rewarding when you finally get it,” Russomanno said.

Beginner hoop dancers generally need to start with larger hula hoops to

LEFT | Madison Lindsay performs the lasso.

ABOVE | Hoopers sharing their tricks with each other.

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Caitlyn Rack utilizes her hoop to stretch out her muscles during her hooping session.

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Hoop dancing is a sport and an art form. Madison Lindsay poses with her hoop to exhibit the hoop's artistic roots.

learn basic moves. Once the basic tricks are down, hoopers like to downsize to smaller hoops for better momentum.

A variety of hoop sizes are needed for different kinds of tricks. Larger and heavier hoops are good for on-body tricks and smaller, lighter hoops are usually used for off-body tricks.

There are also different types of tubing material that the hoops can be made out of.

“Lighter tubing like polypro or HDPE are better for breaks and reversals (stopping the hoop and pushing it in another direction),” Russomanno said. “Heavier tubing like PE is better for beginners just trying to learn the basic movements of getting the hoop around you in the same direction in a fluid motion. Since it’s so heavy, the momentum kind of does the work for you.”

There are many ways to learn new tricks. Many hoopers use YouTube, Hooptricks.org, and hoop forums to learn new tricks and movements.

Sometimes hoopers learn by just playing around with the hoop and letting it flow around the body. It’s all about hoop flow.

“Hoop flow is letting loose and allowing whatever move comes into your head to flow out of you into your hoop! It's a visual representation of your feelings,” Rack said.

The hooping community is huge and always open to newcomers. Not only is hoop dancing fun, but it can bring so much more into a person’s life. Russomanno remarked how the community is a great way to make friends and share the hooping experience. You never know where the hooping journey will take you.

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BEHIND THE SCENES Video by KEVIN JAMES

HOVER & CLICK

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TO PLAY

MUSEUM HOURS

MTWF 10-5 THURSDAY 10-8 SATURDAY-SUNDAY 1-5

CAFE HOURS

MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:30-4

MUSEUM SOCIAL MEDIA

FB: KENNEDY MUSEUM OF ART TWITTER: @KENNEDY_MUSEUM INSTAGRAM: KENNEDY_MUSEUM

CAFE SOCIAL MEDIA

FACEBOOK: THE RIDGES CAFE TWITTER: @RIDGESCAFE

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soundwaves

By PERRI CAMELLA Photos by EVAN LEONARD

It’s undoubtedly the laid-back, carefree demeanor and revitalizing rock and roll sound that make this band so intriguing.

Megawave, a talented four-man band, just formed last June and is already sweeping the town of Athens. The band’s members, consisting of DJ Wymer, Tabor Wordelman, Danny Paul, and John Stathopoulos, are all Athens residents and veterans of the stage.

The band has played at almost every venue in Athens, proving that a little local exposure can go a long way.

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who, what, wear

Q&A: WHERE DID YOU GUYS MEET?

TABOR WORDELMAN: Friends of friends, really.

We had a lot of mutual friends. I think someone tweeted at me and was like, “Why don’t you hang with these dudes?” And then they became my best friends for about two years now.

DANNY PAUL: I remember the first time I met DJ. My friend Sam told me about this show that was happening [down here], probably about three years ago now, and I ended up going. I only knew Sam, but I ended up meeting DJ ‘cause he lived at the place that it was at. My old band played a few shows at his place, and he’s been in other bands too. Our bands have all played together.

WHAT WOULD YOU CLASSIFY MEGAWAVE AS? DJ WYMER: Rock 'n' roll.

WORDELMAN: I’d say definitely a mix, ‘cause we all like a bunch of different bands, and I think we all bring our own influences to it.

PAUL: I just feel like we’re a rock band. People call us a shoegaze and stuff, but I don’t really feel like we’re a shoegaze band.

WHAT DOES ‘SHOEGAZE’ MEAN?

PAUL: Shoegaze is kind of a thing that started in the late ‘80s or ‘90s. People would just stare at their pedal boards, because they had so many effects.

But we don’t really do that. We have a lot of effects, and I guess we like a lot of “shoegaze” bands, but I just say we’re a rock band.

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DJ Wymer (left), Tabor Wordelman (middle), John Stathopoulos (right), and Danny Paul (back) come together to play at a house show on Morrison Ave. 96 | THREAD

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WHO DO YOU GET INSPIRATION FROM/ WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE BANDS? WYMER: Swervedriver and Black Sabbath.

WORDELMAN: I’d say I’m most influenced by more minimal, shoegaze style stuff, like Ride or Slowdive or more technical stuff, like Death From Above 1979, A Place to Bury Strangers, or stuff like that— just weird alternative rock.

PAUL: I have one favorite band and that’s The Smiths.

DO YOU THINK THAT THE FACT THAT YOU LIVE IN ATHENS PLAYS INTO YOUR MUSIC AT ALL? DOES IT AFFECT THE LYRICS OR MOOD OF YOUR SONGS? WYMER: Definitely some of the lyrics sometimes.

I mean, I’ve written probably 75 percent [of the songs]. A lot of the stuff in our lyrics is reflective of what’s happening in my life and the setting. So, a little bit. Musically-wise, though? No.

YOU GUYS JUST CAME OUT WITH AN EP IN MARCH. WHEN ARE YOU PLANNING TO RELEASE ANOTHER ALBUM?

WYMER: We have plans to release a two-song split with our friends’ band, hopefully in May. Maybe some time in early May.

WHERE HAVE YOU GUYS PLAYED SHOWS AT IN THE PAST?

WORDELMAN: Our first show was at The Lodge.

PAUL: We’ve pretty much played all over—literally all over Athens. We’ve played at The Skull, The Union, and Casa. Any of the house venues around here we’ve played at—The Wolf House, The Lodge, The Hen House.

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Danny Paul (drummer) gets his set ready in preparation for the show.

John Stathopoulos (vocals/guitar) joins in on harmonizing one of Megawave's new songs.

worldcitizens

By HAYLEY DASHIELL Photos PROVIDED

A

Illustration by AUDRA SWAN

group of Ohio University students are taking their travels to a completely new level by pushing the boundaries of studying abroad with exotic locales and intense academic program.

The Global Leadership Center (GLC) affords these students the opportunity to see parts of the world by assigning real time, applicable projects. The program is heavily business oriented and encourages students to build international analyses and communication skills. The students work as consultants for real companies—performing cost-benefit analyses and com­piling financial data.

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gram that requires participants to travel abroad at least twice. The Center itself provides two excursions: a trip to South East Asia for first year students and a trip to Germany for the second years.

“I think of it as [the College of Business’] cluster program but the cluster on steroids, because it’s two full years,” said GLC graduate Kerry Tuttle.

The fact that GLC students are working in real time with actual clients differentiates the program from other business and leadership certificates.

This real world aspect makes deadlines and consequences much more important. Each GLC class is separated into several groups. Each group then works with foreign students as consultants for

In 2014 the GLC first years traveled Vietnam and experienced the country's amazing culture.

In the middle, Erin Noonan, a junior studying anthropology sits in a city square.

In addition to all their hard work the GLC students got to enjoy the sights of Vietnam. Prior to their final project proposals, the girls had traditional Vietnamese dresses made to wear for the presentations

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an actual company or organization. The projects are largely student-led with little guidance from teaching assistants.

The process can be incredibly frustrating, but many in the Center agree that it is beneficial.

“The GLC is so innovative, because they [the students] are in there engaging in practical problem solving in an international environment. They are learning necessary skills for the world that they are entering into,” said Justin Kirschner, a first year graduate student and GLC Teaching Assistant for the first year class.

This year brought a rapid succession of changes to the program. In mid fall of 2014, the former director Greg Emory parted ways with the Center, and director of E.W. Scripps School of Journalism Robert Stewart stepped in as interim director. Previously, first year students have traveled to Vietnam. For the first time, the GLC will be partnering with organizations in Cambodia.

Even the types of projects are new this year. Past groups worked with businesses and entrepreneurs; alternatively,

this year’s students are working with non-governmental organizations.

“That is a reflection on me,” said Stewart. “My first goal was this big conglomerate, but when that fell through, all of my connections were NGOs, …which I feel personally more comfortable with.”

This upcoming summer, the students along with Stewart are flying to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Once there, they will spend two weeks working with their student partners to complete and to present proposals to clients.

This year’s clients consist of organizations like ActionAid Cambodia, Cambodian Living Arts, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

The work is hard and often exhaustive, but the students do get a respite.

This is the chance for them to truly experience the country’s culture. For Tuttle, eating authentic Vietnamese food was her most memorable experience.

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and still haven’t found them recreated in America,” Tuttle said.

The current first year students have a set of excursions planned for them in Cambodia. They will visit the infamous Killing Fields, where years of Cambodian genocide took place, accompanied by Smot artists (a type of Buddhist chanting poetry). In addition, they will see the iconic Angkor Wat, whose spired temples are known around the world, in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Even in their excursions, the program manages to be eye opening and impactful. At its core, the point of the Global Leadership Center aims to solve real world problems, while fostering a community in which minds can open.

Through those experiences, students become true citizens of the world.

“It is clearly a transformative experience, and it’s amazing we have a program that is this life changing for students,” Stewart said.

LEFT | The students had the opportunity to visit a historic Vietnamese temple.

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“

ABOVE | A group of GLC students poses for a picture with their Vietnamese partners.

“Being a part of the GLC is where I felt my greatest and most effective, as we work on dynamic projects with real clients, and real problems.”

–JONATHAN BALDWIN, JUNIOR “The fact that I am able to work with organizations abroad in my undergrad is absolutely incredible. I am really looking forwards to presenting our semester project in Cambodia next month.”

–ALEXANDRA PHILLIPS, SOPHOMORE “My experience over the last two years with GLC has been full of excitement, stress and a lot of adventure. The Global Leadership Center has helped make me a more rounded college student; and a more rounded person as well.”

–ERIN GOLDEN, SENIOR “I don’t even know where to start when it comes to GLC. The freedom and independence we had as students to figure things out on our own was amazing.”

–JUSTIN KIRSCHNER, FIRST YEAR GRADUATE STUDENT

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breakingsilence

By CORTTANY BROOKS Photos PROVIDED

W

omen survivors of violence—and friends and families of victims—create shirts emblazoned with direct messages and strong illustrations. For nearly 25 years, the coordinators have encouraged survivors to come forward in order to break their silence.

The Clothesline Project acts as a visual testimony to the shattering effect of violence against women. By decorating shirts with stories of women and displaying them on a clothesline, the project aims to raise awareness of violence’s impact on society.

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“I had the honor of setting up all the shirts and get to spend time reading about each of the lives that had been touched by violence. It helped me decide how I wanted to spend my life as a social worker and an advocate,” said Kat Wargo, Program Coordinator for the Ohio University Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program (OUSAOP).

Rows of T-shirts in various colors and sizes stretch across the Ohio University Women’s Center with striking messages like “Handprints do not disappear,” “It took ten years but you got out,” and “Love never hurts.” The shirts exem-

who, what, wear

plify the effect of violence on women. *Caitlyn is an advocate for the Ohio University Advocacy Program who wished to remain anonymous.

“It’s hard for other people to talk about domestic violence, because in general, there’s so much shame associated with being abused, and I think this project helps to take away the shame,” she said.

However, the experience can be so traumatic that it’s hard for survivors to open up and speak about it, Caitlyn said. The process of designing a shirt gives each woman and victim’s friend a new voice to expose an often horrific and unspeakable experience that has dramatically altered the course of a woman’s life. Participating in this project provides a powerful step toward helping a survivor break through the shroud of silence that has surrounded her experience.

For Michelle Dotts, who spearheaded the Clothesline Project at Ohio University Southern, it strikes a personal chord. As a child, she witnessed violence in her home. She is also a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.

“It does not define me. It’s just part of my past. We need people to know that domestic violence is not OK,” she said. And while she may have endured unspeakable incidents of violence, Dotts is determined to break the cycle and help others.

“With the Clothesline Project, the issue of violence against women is really in your face in a way that is impossible to ignore,” Dotts said.

Members of the community can get involved with the Clothesline Project by contacting the OUSAOP for the T-shirt making workshop or a display.

SAOP facilitates workshops with any type of community organization that is interested in raising awareness. The organization mostly works with shelters, women’s groups, girl empowerment groups, classes at Ohio University, and mental health support groups; SAOP also provides the T-shirts and shirt making supplies.

SAOP and the Ohio University Survivor Advocacy Program (OUSAP) partner within the community to ensure that all survivors of sexual, dating, or domestic violence and stalking have

TOP LEFT | The Clothesline Project, happening throughout Sexual Assault Awareness month, can be found across Athens, Meigs and Perry counties.

BOTTOM RIGHT | Handmade shirts recount experiences of sexual assault and gender-based violence.

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access to survivor services, advocacy, and accompaniment. OUSAP provides services to Ohio University-based survivors, while OUSAOP services the tricounty community.

The Ohio University Women’s Center supports the programs through different funding sources. OUSAP’s grant, awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, ends in October 2015.

The office has given OUSAP a total of $570,000. The center is researching funding options, including other applicable grants and have not formally asked administrators to adopt the program.

“It’s [domestic violence] never something you need to be stuck in,” Caitlyn said. “It’s never something you should

be ashamed of; it’s never something that should stop you from doing what you want to do.”

Rape and sexual assault are grossly underreported crimes in the United States. Only 36 percent of rapes, 34 percent of attempted rapes, and 26 percent of sexual assaults are reported to law enforcement, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Sexual violence as well as domestic violence are “crimes of silence” and as such leave victims to suffer alone in the shadows.

The Clothesline Project is a vehicle for survivors affected by violence to express their emotions and to move forward from their pasts by shining a light on their stories.

THE SHIRTS ARE COLOR CODED TO SHOW THE FORM OF ABUSE AND WHETHER THE VICTIM SURVIVED THE ABUSE THEY EXPERIENCED. WHITE: women who died because of violence

YELLOW/BEIGE: battered or assaulted women

RED/PINK/ORANGE: survivors of rape and sexual assault

BLUE/GREEN: survivors of incest and sexual abuse

PURPLE/LAVENDER: women attacked because of their sexual orientation

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ABOVE | The line recognizes the survivors of violence against women week and the victims of crime awareness week.

RIGHT | The public art display started Wednesday in Baker Center and spanned until Friday.

OUSAP CRISIS LINE 740-597-SAFE (7233)

EMAIL

survivor.advocacy@ohio.edu

LOCATION

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periodpersonas

By C. MIHOCIK Photos by EVAN LEONARD

Just like any organized societal group, there’s an executive board of officers. Unlike their nonhistorical counterparts, the SCA uses a different terminology to identify their officers.

Ellie Secrest shows off her decorative pouch that she made to carry miscellaneous items. She typically wears it when she has items that she needs to carry with her at festivals and other events.

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who, what, wear

CJ Queitzch displays her belt and decorative belt attachments. They are worn during reenactments or festivals.

The sun breaks through the tree branches and reflects sunlight off of shining armor. Laughter can be heard over feasts and roaring fires as embellishing gold and black trim twinkle in the firelight and speak of eras that have long since passed. Leather belts, linen tunics, and cotton pants circa pre-1600s carefully assembled create historically accurate garb.

But the people wearing the ancient garb aren’t settled in the history books; they come together regularly dressed as their chosen personas, as part of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA).

Athens, Ohio falls in SCA’s Middle Kingdom, the third oldest kingdom, according to its website. Within the Middle Kingdom, Athens holds the Dernehealde shire.

Members dress accordingly to the style and clothing of a chosen period before the 17th century. This could mean silk kimonos with oriental patterns or ubiquitous T-shaped tunics that date to B.C.E. “A person in the SCA can explore

the different fashions and different clothing styles of whatever period they’re interested in,” said Judith Winner, the Seneschal—which is the president—of the Dernehealde. “A lot of people pick a persona based on what they wore.”

Through activities, such as handcrafting, trading, or fundraising auctions, members of the shire collect bunches of fabrics, embroidery floss, pendants, belts, purses, and tunics in order to piece together their garb for their periodic personas.

Items obtained can be fashioned into a variety of accessories, depending on the person’s need. An old, sturdy but flexible Indonesian stick can become the core of a longsword, a short spear, or a pole arm. On the other hand, a repurposed curtain rod can be used to wave a banner or hold a lantern.

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LEFT | Ellie Secrest wears her tunic and hood with a necklace that she wears to meetings and events.

RIGHT | Ellie Secrest displays her patch that she and others in the group wear on their belts.

new member liaison—of Dernehealde choose a versatile style. A brown, corduroy vest garnished with a green polyester shawl and a leather belt tied around her waist depicts her as a generic Celt.

“I don’t have a persona yet,” Varner said. “So I’ve been deciding my garb either based on what was available or just what I thought looked cool.”

Don’t be mistaken, though. The SCA and their members are not part of the live action role-playing culture that is portrayed to the masses.

“We try to recreate the flavor of the medieval period or the periods that are covered by the SCA,” Winner said.

“But we’re not playing roles. There’s not dragons, no scripts, no storyline.”

Members of Dernehealde meet to share and to explore their knowledge of the history of fashion, tools, techniques, and culture in those time periods, even using interdisciplinary research to grasp a deeper understanding.

Members like Winner have researched subjects ranging from the different breeds of sheep used to harvest wool for clothing to fabrics that are made from baste—or plant—fibers, such as nettle and hemp or animal fibers.

“It’s the only place that you can get a group of people together that have a similar interest and share what you’ve found on these really bizarre topics that you researched,” Winner said.

“They don’t look at you funny. They’re like ‘Tell me more!’”

Tunics belonging to Tom Ellis. He wears these for causal appearances when he would not wear armor due to the weight.

LEFT | A fan and tunic to be worn by Rhydderch ap Eiryn (society name).

To be used for various reenactments and to keep the culture alive.

ABOVE | CJ Queitzch poses with her cloak, cloak pin and necklace.

WORDS TO DEFINE CHATELAIN(E) / HOSPITALLER: an officer who helps new members learn about the SCA.

EXCHEQUER (CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER): the officer serving as treasurer for a group or kingdom.

HERALD: officer who helps participants come up with SCA names and armory; or, the official who makes announcements on the field, or is the Master of Ceremonies for court. Local group heralds are called Pursuivants.

MARSHAL: a specially trained person who oversees combat activities for

safety purposes. A Knight Marshal holds this office in a local group. The Earl Marshal holds this office in a principality or kingdom.

SENESCHAL: the officer serving as “president” of a local group or kingdom.

Acts as the group administrator and legal representative of the SCA.

eclecticmovement Photos by ERICA BRECHTELSBAUER

The broad and diverse dance community in Athens, Ohio, encompasses groups that are dedicated to distinct cultures and styles. A bigger picture exists behind the movements and forms displayed; each carries a message, whether it be an issue, emotion, or opinion felt by the dancers.

Peek into the lives of dancers and their messages as this photo essay explores Athens Black Contemporary Dancers, a group through Chinese Learner Association, and the art of belly dancing.

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Athens Black Contemporary Dancers members Caroline Ciferno (left) and Corrinne Bailey (right) dance to their choreographed piece “Because We Need Each Other.� Athens Black Contemporary Dancers presented their concert on March 26, 2015.

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LEFT | ABCD members Lily Gelfand and Sydney Sanders perform “What If I Just.”

TOP RIGHT | ABCD members Christina Perry and Sydney Sanders dance to “Keep Up!” BOTTOM RIGHT | ABCD members Deneisha Franklin and Raven Reid perform “Disfunction in Different Streaks.”

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ABCD members Lauren Holland, Diarra Ndiaye and Janae Potts dance to “Freedom Fall.” The piece was choreographed by ABCD President Brittany Spivey.

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ABCD member Lauren Holland moves to “Freedom Fall.”

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Belly dancers Ellie Olin, Nadine Borovicka, and Liz Tompkins practice at Olin’s home studio. Olin is a belly dancing instructor who teaches weekly at Arts/West in Athens, Ohio.

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ABOVE | Students Yating Liu, Ruohan Wu, Elsie Zhang, and Weijia Li practice a traditional Chinese fan dance. All girls are members of Chinese Learner Association at Ohio University. The dance group recently formed this year and performs a variety of dances.

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BELOW | Weijia Li, a member of Chinese Learner Association, instructs other members on choreography for a fan dance.

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LEFT | Belly dancers Ellie Olin, Nadine Borovicka, and Liz Tompkins practice at Olin’s home studio.

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ABCD member Maiya Sullivan dances to “Shattered Eyes On Me,” which was choreographed by Trezon Dancy.

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CHECK OUT THE

THREAD BLOGGERS ​Morgan Peterson The Lone Giraffe thelonegiraffe.tumblr.com

Marley Scott Lazy Internet Girl lazyinternetgirl.wordpress.com

Adam Senecal The Last Living Man thelastlivingman.wordpress.com

Danielle Rich Chic Fab Fitness chicfabfitness.wordpress.com

Jess Conroy Dress Relief dressrelief.wordpress.com WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 129

Loves Me, L

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Loves Me Not Photos by KIRSTEN MARTINEZ

Radiant petals and soft floral scents give unrivaled dimension to an otherwise overlooked adornment.

With bundles of flowers in an array of vibrant colors, the natural allure of the models was enhanced by the delicacy of the blossoming buds.

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HOVER & CLICK

TO PLAY

BEHIND THE SCENES

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2015–2016 EXECUTIVE BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF Louis Baragona MANAGING EDITOR Alicia MacDonald CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lindsey Smecker FEATURES EDITOR Michelle Frantz SEAMS EDITOR Deven Middleton WHO, WHAT, WEAR EDITOR Megan Fair DIY EDITOR Paige Bennett COPY CHIEF Courtney Mihocik

DESIGN DIRECTOR Kayla Breeden PHOTO CHIEF Royle Mast PHOTO EDITOR Erica Brechtelsbauer VIDEO CHIEF Hannah Squeglia PUBLIC RELATIONS CHIEF Morgan Borer BUSINESS MANAGER Hannah Haseman

FASHION MONTH COORDINATOR Marley Scott

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GLOWING

aura

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Photos by KASEY BROOKS

As darkness closes in, luminous lights diffuse to create an unmatched display of figures. By illuminating the features of the models, playing with light is taken to a whole new level.

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ON YOUR

Photos by ISAAC GIBSON

The combination of athletic pieces and edgy, high-end items make for a perfect team. Whether on the court or on Court St. get ready to root for the home team, strap on some heels, and be the first and best at the finish line.

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TWO OF A

KIND

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Photos by ROYLE MAST

Make the perfect pair in coordinating and complementary outfits with your other half.

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6nature LOOKS WE LIKE:

Photos By: KARA GUYTON

HUMMINGBIRD

As wings flutter, one catches a rather colorful glimpse of these sweet feathered birds.

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TREE

Standing tall and sturdy, these arborous structures create shadowy figures throughout the forest.

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DEER

Delicately prancing through their forested habitats, these woodland creatures are known for their gentle, serene nature.

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LIONESS

Reigning with power and prestige throughout the animal kingdom, this leader of the pride holds her head high with her mane flowing through the wind.

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BEETLE

Patterned outer shells and vivid hues promote a dimensional appearance unique to its species.

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BEE

Easily distinguished by their striped body and graceful wings, these insects buzz through the air hastily and full of dexterity.

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MAD

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DE TO ORDER

By MARIA FISCHER Photos PROVIDED

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A

lthough ‘90s fashion is best known for stretchy chokers, acid wash denim, and crop tops, the era of grunge brought along another trend: customized clothing.

Levi Strauss & Co. paved the way for customizable fashion in 1995 with the creation of the “personalized pair” program. The denim company gave customers the opportunity to personally select the specific cut, fabric finish, and color of their pair of jeans.

To Levi’s satisfaction, this new madeto-order trend took off. Nike followed in Levi’s footsteps and began offering customization services in 1999. For an extra $100, customers could now design their own pair of shoes. Converse soon joined in and started providing their customers with various color, graphic, and personalization options for an additional $10.

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shaw, began donning her now iconic nameplate necklace. With chic Miss Bradshaw on board with the personalization trend, the jewelry world quickly followed suit.

It was official: customized fashion was everywhere.

But like everything in the fashion world, the customization trend works in a cycle. By 2004, the personalization trend lost its thunder. Levi’s “personalized pair” program was discontinued, and nameplates were ditched for the next trendy accessory. With a surge of reality TV popularity, the goal became to emulate television’s newest “stars” look-for-look.

Originality wasn’t necessarily important anymore. Rather than hand-selected pieces of their own, loyal teens, tweens, and twenty-somethings aimed to dress like their reality idols Lauren Conrad and Paris Hilton. Popular fashion became a sea of Abercrom-

bie & Fitch logo tees and Juicy Couture sweatsuits.

Fast-forward to 2013, the year of the blogger.

Fashionistas took to the Internet to create websites to highlight their own personal styles. The Internet became flooded with hundreds of thousands of blogs that all showcased the individual’s best looks and most creative outfits. To get noticed in the Internet world, bloggers suddenly had to flaunt styles that set them apart—which meant adding majorly personalized pieces to their wardrobe.

Retailers took notice. From pants and shoes to shirts and bags, stores rushed to satisfy their customer’s budding need for personalization, cueing the rebirth of customizable fashion.

This born again trend is showing no sign of stopping. New York-based start-up, Tinker Tailor, offers services that allow customers to create one-

of-a-kind luxury dresses, tops, or skirts. Buyers are given the freedom to choose everything from the item’s fabric to its embellishments. The company explains that they want to give shoppers “the opportunity to put a personal stamp on beautiful clothing from the world’s top brands.”

Launched in 2012 through Kickstarter funding, Bow & Drape also allows millennial trend-watchers to customize clothing pieces with different personalization options. Bow & Drape boasts a wide selection of appliqués, embroideries, and fonts for monogramming. From sparkles to emojis, shoppers can transform a basic sweatshirt or pair of shorts into a piece of their own for as little as $45.

For self-proclaimed fashionistos, Boston-based online retailer, Indochino, mastered the art of customized menswear. For $29, they will send a tailor’s kit containing 16 fabric swatches, measuring tapes and a $29 credit toWWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 201

ward a future order. Men can purchase a made-to-measure suit without leaving the comfort of their bed.

But who can forget about those Carrie Bradshaw-esque nameplates. In 2013, Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz brought the nameplate necklace trend back onto the scene during Paris Fashion Week.

Since then, stars like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, and Rihanna have all been spotted donning their names around their neck. As Reese Witherspoon’s stylist, Leslie Fremar, explained to US Weekly, “They add a personal touch to any outfit.”

Jewelry commerce websites like 202 | THREAD

BaubleBar boast personalization tabs where shoppers can create their own nameplate necklaces, either a bar with an engraved name or a stand-alone scripted name attached to a single chain.

Trend followers are literally attaching their names to their own individual style.

Manhattan-based blogger, Alanna Martine, agrees that fashion is all about adding a personal touch. One of her most cherished pieces is a custom made wire-gold bracelet her godfather brought to her from Amalfi, Italy that says "Alanna" in script.

Growing up, Martine, the 20-year-old behind the blog, Killer Queen, was in-

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spired by intricate costuming seen in theater productions. She wanted to channel that same level of artistic creativity into her outfits—and that meant customizing her wardrobe to fit her personal taste, not anyone else’s.

“The more dramatic and interesting, the better,” Martine said. “I never want to blend in; I want to stand out. My blog is a place where girls can be inspired to dress outside of the box. Killer Queen isn’t just a name, it’s a persona, an aura, a confidence I want my readers to take with them.”

Martine believes customized fashion is a sign of individuality and genuine character.

But for Tori Simokov, an Ohio University senior behind lifestyle blog The Champagne Edit, rocking exclusive, customized pieces isn’t a priority.

“For me, custom pieces are too expensive and often aren’t very versatile,” she explains. “What’s the point of getting custom clothing made if it isn’t vibrant and eclectic? The purpose is defeated if it looks like something you can just go out and buy on your own, right?”

Rather than shell out money on one-of-a-kind pieces, Simokov pre-

fers to personalize her style with small details. She would rather make her outfit unique by incorporating simple touches, like adding a favorite bracelet, ring, or rocking a signature hat, than through customized garb.

The verdict: for a trend that’s ironically based on individuality, customized fashion is mainstream once again.

But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Although customization can be deemed as “showy” due to the high costs that can sometimes come along with personalization, at its core customized fashion is simply a fashionista’s personal stamp of approval. Shoppers like a product so much they want to endorse it with their name or add a touch of themselves to the piece.

The price of customization varies, making it possible to add a small piece of yourself to an item for as little as $10.

Personalization and customization allows shoppers to become their own designers—and what’s more appealing to fashion enthusiasts than having the opportunity to create their own customized looks?

As Beyoncé says: if you liked it, then you shoulda put your name on it.

(Maybe that’s how that one goes.)

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seams

S H oy

appy

By ALESSA ROSA

Photos by BRE THOMAS

M

ore and more people are making a conscious decision to modify their lifestyles by adopting veganism to match personal beliefs against the commodification of animals.

Veganism is discontinuing the use or consumption of any animal products and by-products including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, leather, wool, honey, fur, and silk.

This lifestyle has proven to be the ideal choice for those with ethical, environmental, or health concerns related to animal commodification.

Some feel ethically compelled not to partake in the maltreatment and exploitation of animals—believing them to be sentient beings. In other words, all animals are able to feel, see, hear, smell, and taste and should be spared any pain or maltreatment.

Philosopher Peter Singer’s book, "Animal Liberation," explains how the enslavement of animals comes from the idea that human beings have more rights than non-human beings. Many find this arbitrary notion to be morally wrong, and they choose vegan and vegetarian lifestyles for personal comfort and to reject the industries that treat animals with cruelty.

Ohio University junior Liana Carsner was a vegetar-

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ian for many years before becoming vegan during her sophomore year of college. That change followed her realization that the dairy and egg industries are just as grueling as the meat industry.

“First and foremost, I am vegan because of the animals,” she said. “I believe that if more people really confronted what happens in the industrial farming system, we would be seeing a lot more people becoming vegetarian and vegan.”

Although animal welfare is many vegans’ main reason for giving up all animal products and by-products, environmental sustainability is also a prevalent motive.

According to Carsner, “commercial farming, especially cattle farming, is one of the most overlooked contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.”

Geology major Kellie Hill also cited environmental concern as her reason for choosing veganism.

“When I got to high school, I became very aware of the environment and how to be conscious of my ecological footprint,” she said. “That’s when I learned the facts: veganism reduces methane and nitrous oxide production, saves large amounts of water, decreases pollution of waterways, lessens destruction of topsoil and habitats, avoids antibiotics and growth hormones, and is all around more environmentally sustainable.”

In addition to external factors, many vegans experience health benefits after making the switch.

Pittsburgh native and current Athens resident Danny Paul faced resistance from his mother when trying to change his diet in high school. She was con-

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cerned about health risks associated with eliminating meat consumption.

As it turns out, when done correctly, a plant-based diet is also healthy.

E.W. Scripps School of Journalism Director Robert Stewart experienced dramatic health benefits such as lower cholesterol and healthy weight loss after becoming vegan about three years ago.

Stewart and his wife, a family doctor, participated in the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) to better understand how her patients could benefit from dietary changes. A week into the program, Stewart decided to never eat meat again.

Hill also experiences many health benefits from being vegan including increased energy from eating a plantbased diet, which provides protein, iron, calcium, and is low in fat and high in fiber.

Despite its benefits, switching to veganism can prove difficult. Some common issues include a lack of meal options when dining out and lack of understanding from family members and friends.

Carsner shared that eating out can be a challenge and requires some background research on the restaurants and frequent questions for the waitresses and waiters.

“However, I’ve gotten really used to communicating with restaurant staff, and I know what’s vegan at almost all of the places that I frequent,” she said. “Now, I have a pretty good system worked out for when I’m in an unfamiliar city.”

Her tip is to avoid home-style cooking, which usually includes lots of butter and animal fat, and instead opt for Chinese, Thai, Indian, or Mexican cui-

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sines, which tend to have more vegan options or are more customizable.

Despite the challenge, Hill finds the experience of being in a new city and finding vegan options exciting. “When I go to an unfamiliar city, I’m always scoping out the vegan hotspots. It’s like a game,” she said.

Unfortunately, many non-vegans have a difficult time understanding the choice, and explaining this new lifestyle to family and friends can be a challenge.

Paul, who grew up in a farming com-

“

If I can be vegan in a dorm room on a barista budget, anyone can.

KELLIE HILL munity, experienced plenty of teasing from family and friends after making the switch. However, his mom came around and became a vegan herself, making cooking a fun activity for them to do together.

“A lot of my friends were pretty judgmental about it,” Hill explained, “I really have no idea why, but sometimes they’ll mock me or apologize when they consume an animal product in my presence. I don’t think I’m better than anyone else for being vegan. It’s my own prerogative.”

Once people turn to veganism, knowing what they consume becomes part of everyday life and is usually an interesting journey of discovery that can be enjoyable and surprising. Not eating meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy opens the door to experiencing new vegetables, legumes, grains, and fruits.

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Although the aforementioned animal products and by-products are known to be non-vegan, there is a surprisingly large amount of products that consumers have no idea contain animal products or by-products. Some of these lesser-known items include certain cosmetics, tattoo inks, beers, wines, gums, and sugars. Most of the time the hidden culprits are gelatin, lanolin, casein, and bone char.

Gelatin is a popular thickening agent derived from boiling cow or pig tendons, bones, skin, and ligaments in water. Common products thickened with gelatin are shampoos, cosmetics, puddings, and marshmallows.

Some beers and wines are cleared using the substance.

Lanolin, also known as wool wax, has moisturizing features and can be found in many makeup products. Lanolin comes from sheep’s wool, and although not directly harmful to the animal still aids in supporting the wool industry.

Casein is a type of protein derived from mammalian milk, making it not vegan. Many protein snacks and products contain casein as well as paints used by many artists.

Most would expect their powdered sugar to be vegan, but many companies still use animal bone char to filter the sugar so it becomes white.

Another issue many associate with eating vegan is the extra cost, but some vegans find cutting out meat actually

makes things cheaper.

Hill said, “If I can be vegan in a dorm room on a barista budget, anyone can.”

Food is not the only aspect of veganism. Vegans also have to aware of what clothes and cosmetics they wear.

Fortunately, many clothing stores will label their vegan merchandise, making it easier to pick out in stores.

Hill has kept clothing and shoes containing leather that she purchased before becoming vegan, but she no longer purchases new ones.

“I keep it and wear it because I believe things should be used until no longer possible,” she said.

She also loves doing outdoor activities in the winter, causing people to wonder how she does them without wearing wool. According to Hill, “acrylic, spandex, or nylon socks for snowboarding work just as well for me as wool ever has.”

Cosmetics prove to be a bit trickier to identify as vegan, but most of those not containing gelatin or lanolin are vegan-friendly. Making sure they are not tested on animals is also essential.

The beauty box, Vegan Cuts, is the perfect way to discover vegan and crueltyfree beauty products without committing to a full size product.

The beauty of being independent is that aligning personal beliefs with lifestyle choices is possible. If veganism has sparked an interest, do more research and start going veggie.

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you’vegotmail

By JULIA BROWN Photos PROVIDED

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I

magine having a birthday every month, and receiving a gift filled with new stuff just waiting to be used. While having a birthday every month isn’t possible, the experience can be simulated with subscription boxes.

Subscription boxes are packages that customers receive on a regular basis. The boxes are filled with products meant to introduce customers to a new brand they will love. The subscription box craze took off in 2010 with the launch of the beauty service, Birchbox.

Since then boxes have branched out, catering to other interests including gourmet food and knitting.

But are subscription boxes really worth the money and hype?

Birchbox, the original subscription box service, was created with women in mind. It provides sample size beauty and lifestyle products for $10 a month.

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Birchbox is personalized for subscribers who submit beauty profiles when they sign up. The value of the most recent package was around $35, making it worth over double the initial amount subscribers paid. However, many of the products in the boxes are sample sizes, which are usually given out for free through other retailers like Sephora.

Birchbox is unique because it uses an online store platform on which subscribers can purchase full-size versions of products they love, making the company a great one-stop shop for anyone on the go. Birchbox also allows customers to accumulate “points” by reviewing products online and using Birchbox’s online store to purchase products. Those points can then be used to buy more items online.

Birchbox subscriptions can also be given as gifts, simulating that monthly birthday many people desire.

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Stitch Fix and Bombfell offer clothing subscriptions to meet the fashion lover’s needs. Stitch Fix provides five women’s clothing items and accessories each month.

Subscribers complete a style profile which ensures they receive items they like. Subscribers can opt for automatic shipments or pick individual months to receive the boxes. Each month, if customers choose to receive a box, they are charged a $20 styling fee.

Should a subscriber decide to keep

any items from her box, the styling fee is applied to the cost of those items, which on average costs about $55.

When the box arrives, subscribers have three days to decide what they want to keep. After three days, unwanted items can be returned in a prepaid mailing bag. If customers keep all five items, they receive 25 percent off their entire purchase.

Stitch Fix also offers clothing in petite and maternity sizes; however, its sizes only range from 0-14.

For those who want to be ecofriendly, Goodebox is a box service dedicated to providing natural and cruelty-free beauty and lifestyle items to its subscribers.

Boxes are $16 to $19 each and are available for monthly or bimonthly subscriptions. Members complete an online profile when they sign up so the boxes are personalized to their specific tastes. Goodebox also provides an option for boxes to include vegan products. Full-size and trial-size products are included in each box. The true value of the most recent Goodebox was around $33, much more than the price of the subscription box.

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For the yoga enthusiast, there is a subscription box tailored to the yogi’s needs. Yogi Surprise supplies yoga lovers of all skill levels with products that range from yoga accessories to snacks that are vegetarian and cruelty-free, with no genetically modified organisms. The most recent box included Rad Roller, a massage

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roller used to relax sore muscles. Yogi Surprise is not customizable, but one new member is rewarded with a yoga retreat each month. A lifestyle box is about $40 a month , and a jewelry box is about $25 a month. The total value of the most recent lifestyle box was about $62, making it worth much more than the original investment.

Bombfell is a clothing subscription service for men with sizes ranging from XS to XXL. Stylists at Bombfell use a combination of a style profile and a subscriber’s social media accounts to create monthly boxes. There is no styling fee, but similar to Stitch Fix, customers pay for the clothing items they keep, which have an average price of $69 per item. Bombfell sends out a preview email 48 hours before shipping with pictures of the clothing being sent. If a subscriber doesn’t like what he sees, he can simply ask for a different selection or skip that month entirely. Customers have 10 days after receiving their shipment to decide what they would like to keep. With

free shipping both ways, Bombfell makes it easy to create an enviable and personalized wardrobe.

The bottom line is that subscription boxes are usually worth the hype and money. These services provide affordable and simple ways to test new brands at prices that are much lower than what they would be in stores. With so much variety to meet different interests and budgets, it’s not hard to see why hundreds of thousands of people have already signed up and joined the subscription box craze. It’s a guaranteed method of rewarding oneself and being surprised with new items every month.

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progressivemodels

By MEGAN FAIR Photos PROVIDED

W

hen it comes to the fashion industry, we are often sold a homogenous idea of beauty. If people talk about challenging the fashion industry’s idea of beauty, they often focus on tearing down the institution of skinny.

While it is important that fashion represents healthy folks as the ambassadors of style, there is little talk about a group of people who have long been erased from fashion—those who are transgender*. Until recently, perfection and high fashion, as defined by the industry through its choice of models, has been limited to cisgender* models.

According to transgenderlaw.org, 2-5 percent of the world’s population is transgender—about 3.6 million people. When the industry refuses to acknowledge the existence of transgender people, it sends a message to mainstream society regarding the worth of those individuals, whether it intends to or not. This message, infused with ignorance and a lack of understanding about what it means to be transgender, leaves an exceptional group of people in the dark.

This is not an article designed to tear down the fashion industry. Instead, it’s a platform to celebrate and shine a spotlight on the transgendered folks making waves in the industry, changing the game, and opening doors to the fashion world for more transgendered individuals. While most know very important and visible transgender champions and activists like actress Laverne Cox and writer/editor Janet Mock, it’s important to dig even deeper to find those who are revolutionizing modeling and fashion.

One example is Andreja Pejic, a transgender woman and model who has garnered attention since her start at the age of 17. Since the beginning of her career she has modeled both masculine and feminine

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clothing for high-profile designers such as Jean-Paul Gaultier and Marc Jacobs.

She has built an impressive career despite not falling into the gender binary. According to an interview with People, Pejic was grateful to have the opportunities provided to her as an androgynous model, even modeling a wedding gown while still considered by the press and public to be an androgynous male. Pejic, however, made the definitive leap to declare a female gendered identity in 2014.

Isis King is a fashion designer and model, but many may recognize her as a former contestant on "America’s Next Top Model." King was the first 224 | THREAD

transgender woman to compete on the show and is also American Apparel’s first openly transgender model. Before finding fame and recognition, King was homeless and lived in a shelter. Unfortunately, homelessness is a sad reality for part of the transgender community. One in five transgender individuals are homeless as the result of family rejection and societal discrimination, according to transequality.org.

Some transgender individuals are using their personal success to bring attention to the lacking transgender presence, and various companies are taking notice. For example, American

haircare brand Redken, hired Lea T. who is the first openly transgender model to be the face of a global cosmetics brand.

Last spring, Barney’s New York hired Bruce Weber to photograph and create a documentary about its campaign Brothers, Sisters, Sons & Daughters.

The documentary and photographs of the campaign featured 17 transexual individuals and their family members wearing items from Barney’s spring collections. While creating a fresh way to advertise their brand and products, Barney’s consciously chose to use their brand power to create a platform for transgender

individuals and their families to share personal stories. The campaign helped advocate for acceptance and acknowledgement.

The aforementioned brands and transgender figures are doing revolutionary things for the community and androgyny is becoming a prevalent trend, but the industry has more strides to make. Currently, trans women are finding the most success in the industry, but their advances serve as an example to trans men, non binary,* and genderqueer* folks that the fashion industry is starting to open its doors to all who wish to represent fashion and beauty.

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TERMS CISGENDER: Identifying with the gender that was assigned to match your sex at birth

TRANSGENDER: One’s gender identity is opposite to the one

assigned to match their sex at birth; transgendered folks transition from male-to-female or female-to-male through clothing and appearance changes and/or surgeries and hormone therapy

NON-BINARY: One’s gender identity does fit the binary format; you neither identify as a "girl" or a "boy"

GENDERQUEER: Not subscribing to conventional gender dis-

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prettyspoiled

By SOPHIA BORGHESE Photos by MEGHAN SHAMBLEN

Even top makeup artists can run into some nasty mishaps. Sometimes the highest quality lipstick stains the teeth, and other times winged liner is an epic failure. One of the worst sins that beauty worshippers commit, however, is wearing makeup that is too old. While smudgy makeup is easy to fix, wearing makeup past its expiration date isn’t a minor error.

Makeup junkies rarely stop to check if their mascara is too old, unaware that it can cause an eye in-

fection. Even worse, they continue to wear their old foundation and have no idea why they are breaking out after every wear.

Just like food, makeup will go bad.

Unlike food, the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t require cosmetic companies to print expiration dates on containers, causing many to wear makeup that has turned to rubbish.

Prevent falling victim to this deadly beauty sin by following this breakdown of when to toss makeup:

LIP PRODUCTS

Good news: lip products like the MAC Viva Glam Miley Cyrus collection will live for 18 months, as long as they’re always capped and not shared too often. Even though lip products stay fresh for months, they can still collect bacteria from the environments in which they are used. It is important to be aware that public product touch-­ups can lead to outside bacteria getting stuck inside lip gloss tubes. Lips aren’t the cleanest facial feature, so sharing lipstick with friends is usually unsanitary.

As soon as the 18 months are up,­­buy new lipstick.

However, if a lip gloss looks dirty before then,­­it is probably time to toss.

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NAIL POLISH

Spending more than seven dollars on nail polish isn’t worth it. OPI Nail Lacquers want nothing more than to break up after a one­year relationship.

As long as the product remains well mixed and spreads on evenly,­­it’s fine to wear. But as soon as it smells like rotten banana peels­­, it belongs in the trash.

To avoid smelly nail polish, make sure that the product is well mixed before opening the bottle.

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MASCARA

The product no one leaves home without only has a six month lifespan. The product may last a shorter time than most other products, but it is easy to replace. Both consumers and beauty professionals have found drugstore priced mascara to be better than higher ­end brands, meaning that the beloved CoverGirl LashBlast is replaceable for about $8. Don’t even bother investing in a more expensive brand for everyday use. As soon as a mascara loses its liquid consistency,­­toss it. If it smells or feels crumbly, it’s past expiration.

EYELINER

Eyeliner also only lasts about a six­ month period. Like mascara, people wear it in close proximity to their eyes.

Considering that this eye defining product comes in small tubes, bacteria loves to live inside. If it gets in contact with one’s eyes, that person is at risk for contracting an eye infection or developing itchy eyes. Eyeliner should never dry out or lose its original pigment. It should remain charcoal­-esque or liquid­-like at all times.

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FOUNDATION/CONCEALER

Skin tones change constantly with the weather, and when people spend time in different environments. Foundation and concealer become rotten and should be thrown out after their one year mark. Makeup artists usually recommend changing up foundation routines, and it is important to replace often.

Because these products serve as the base to great makeup looks, go ahead and splurge on lovable brands. High quality foundation is difficult to find at discount, so EstĂŠe Lauder Double Wear is worth the extra dollar.

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EYESHADOW/BLUSH (CREAM) Be sure to buy a new NARS Laguna Multiple after a year or year and a half. Any kind of cream or multi­-use product will collect bacteria the same way lipstick does. It’s important to be aware that these products can cause acne from the germs hiding within an old blush.

Luckily these products last long enough that it’s only necessary to purchase a fresh cream eyeshadow once in a while.

EYESHADOW/BLUSH (POWDER) It is difficult to reasonably pay for blushes and eyeshadows, because it takes many colors to create intricate looks. Don’t worry about always having to replace them, though, because they usually last for two whole years. Splurge on enviable products like Urban Decay’s NAKED Palettes for a high fashion feel. However, eyeshadow and blush will begin to lose pigment over time. When that happens makeup bags are due for a new NARS Orgasm blush.

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s r a e y 5 o t s r e e ch

By DEVEN MIDDLETON Photos provided by THREAD STAFF

F

ive years ago, then-junior Jamie Ratermann decided to remedy the lack of distinct personal style and fashion inspiration on the bricks of the Ohio University campus. After working for three years on studentrun publications, Ratermann realized there was a void to fill, a way to marry Athens and fashion. Ratermann aspired to bridge the gap between the ability of a student-run publication to inform the community and the lack of confident self-expression of personal aesthetic.

“I felt that a fashion and culture magazine could flourish on campus,” Ratermann said, “Also, I had an interest in creating a fully digital magazine. At the time, digital versions of magazines were just getting started.”

Despite the arduous demands of creating a publication, Ratermann moved forward and created a media plan to decide on consistent themes the magazine would cover. She then recruited editors from previous class and publication work. Classmate Jordan Valinsky became managing editor, Aimee Rancer took on Seams, and then Lauren Huefner became the DIY editor. With a small executive board in place, the title "Thread" was chosen, and the magazine was born.

“That first issue was hectic. We were learning how to navigate the campus for photo shoots and assemble volunteer models. We were having fun, but we had to keep a constant reminder that the first issue would set a precedent for all the following issues,” Ratermann said. Even after all-nighters and a delayed release, “We felt that we had created content no other publications were producing on campus.”

Thread began to receive positive feedback, and with all of the acclaim came more involvement. Meetings in Scripps 111 began to fill with more staff members, growing with

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each meeting. The peaking interest proved the staff was onto something.

"When I first got involved my sophomore year, it seemed very exclusive, almost a bit intimidating to a certain degree,” eventual 2012-13 Managing Editor Maddie Gaither said. “Thread was something so new and so different from any other existing student publications/groups on campus.”

After its initial release, Thread gained continuous momentum, going from a budding startup to a flourishing campus read. It matched the readership of other widely-viewed and well-known student publications. One of Thread’s most successful strategies was reinvention.

“Professional magazines never stay stagnant, they should always change.

That’s why we got food and fitness involved, even though it’s not traditional fashion we knew people would be interested in that writing,” 2013-14 Managing Editor Brooke Bunce said. “One of the biggest challenges was getting people interested outside of the publication staff so we created Thread Fashion Week (now Month) that was made up of outreach events ending with the release party. We expanded it for people who wanted to write and work for Thread but not just about fashion. It’s so much more than just fashion,” Bunce said.

Even in its photographic and technical elements, Thread sought to push the boundaries for student photographers, photo editors, and videographers.

“I think Thread took chances and became more liberal and more edgy in its aesthetic,” 2013-14 Photo Editor Audrey Kelly said. “I loved the direction

we took during my senior year: We tried to include different lighting setups and different scenarios for columns and sections that we repeat throughout issues to try to make the magazine more diverse. We had a chance to expand on creative ideas and projects that weren’t just class assignments.”

As its fifth birthday arrives, Thread has reason to celebrate. While keeping its promise to deliver fashion advice to the students of Ohio University and offer a peek into the town of Athens, Thread continues to evolve.

“

Thread was something so new and so different from any other existing student publications/ groups on campus.

MADDIE GAITHER “I want to make a major impact on Thread during my time as EIC. I want to increase diversity and representation in Thread,” future Editor-in-Chief Louis Baragona said. “I want Thread to stay Thread but to also explore different things, to be more real but to be more editorial. I want Thread's stories to be exciting, different, and interesting. I want people to look at shoots and images and be stunned. After I leave Thread, I want to leave knowing that I really helped Thread grow into something perfect.”

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equalties

By SOPHIA CIANCONE Photos PROVIDED

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J

esse Tyler Ferguson is a decorated actor who has received five Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for the popular comedy, “Modern Family.” Ferguson aspired to become an actor after attending a play with his mother when he was young. His acting career began on the stage in 1998, when he appeared in several theater productions including “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” In 2006, he made his primetime television debut in “The Class,” a short-lived sitcom. Being cast as openly gay lawyer, Mitchell Pritchett of “Modern Family,” skyrocketed Ferguson’s career in 2009.

Amid his impressive acting career, he developed an interest in the fashion industry and wanted to get involved.

In 2012, Ferguson and his husband, Justin Mikita, co-founded Tie The Knot to raise LGBT awareness in the most fashionable way possible—bow ties.

Due to his outsider status, Ferguson didn’t want to seem over-confident, so he designed an article of clothing “that would take up little bodily real estate.” The couple designs select

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bow ties for each season with the help of guest designers, which most recently included famous friends Lizzy Caplan and Weird Al Yankovic. Each design is produced in a small quantity to “inspire and promote uniqueness and individuality.”

The bow ties as well as regular ties and pocket squares are sold through The Tie Bar, an online retailer that has partnered with Ferguson’s organization. The proceeds then benefit organizations fighting for marriage equality around the nation.

Tie The Knot has made donations to the American Civil Liberties Union, American Foundation for Equal Rights, Freedom To Marry, Human Rights Campaign, Lambda Legal, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Australian Marriage Equality, Respect for Marriage Coalition, and The Paley Center for Media. As one can see, Ferguson and Mikita are attempting to spread the wealth to all organizations fighting the good fight.

Tie The Knot is especially excited to have pledged its support to Freedom to Marry, which is an organization avidly working to bring marriage equality to the Supreme Court. Because multiple states

in good fashion

already permit same-sex marriage and support for the cause is growing stronger, Freedom to Marry believes the Supreme Court must make a decision soon. With building support behind the cause, the organization has confidence their campaigning will be successful.

Lambda Legal is another beneficiary of Tie The Knot. Lambda Legal was established in 1973 as the first legal organization dedicated to achieving full equality for lesbian and gay individuals.

During the 1970s, they fought and won some of the first cases involving lesbian and gay parents and samesex couples. From the establishment of this organization to today, the avid volunteers at Lambda Legal work tirelessly for marriage equality. With monetary support from Tie The Knot, the organization is able represent even more cases and continue to make history.

Ferguson and Mikita find inspiration for bow tie designs from their surroundings. Currently, they are working on Chicago based designs.

The ties are named after popular streets in Chicago. There’s The Belmont, available in either white with red, green and yellow stripes or

tan with white, light and dark blue stripes, The Clark, a grey bow tie with a white linear design, and The Fulton, a checkered tie in apple green or turquoise. The designs also draw from the city’s landmarks including the Hancock Building, Horses of Honor memorial, and the historic waterfront.

The bow ties are each sold for $25.

Then $20 of the sale, or 80 percent is donated to one of the multiple marriage equality organizations Tie The Knot supports.

The company additionally sells cufflinks, which cost $35 a pair. A similar percentage or $25 of the sale is also donated to the same aforementioned organizations. In late 2014, Tie The Knot teamed with LZZR Jewelry to design a limited-edition bow tie necklace for those supporters wanting a little variation from the classic bow tie. The necklaces cost $105 each, and similarly to the bow ties, proceeds went to marriage equality foundations.

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comfortable while watching a gay adoption story centered on the loving characters of Mitchell and Cameron with their adopted daughter, Lily.

Although Ferguson and Mikita have yet to adopt a child of their own, Lily and the rest of the young cast of “Modern Family” has served as motivation to one day adopt and start a family.

The couple understands the possible backlash that could stem from adoption and are aware of the recent comments made by Dolce & Gabbana. Ferguson recently took to Twitter to vocalize his disapproval. He posted, “Help! I’m getting rid of my @ dolcegabbana suits but I want to use the opportunity to raise $ for people who can’t afford IVF. Any idea how?”

From his comedic acting career to his endless fashionable bow ties, Ferguson has dedicated a large portion of his time to making a difference in the LGBT community. It isn’t only about the monetary donations to multiple organizations, but also the fact that a public figure has taken a public stand for so many others. As Ferguson continues on this journey with Tie The Knot, he will touch many more people in the hopes of equality for all.

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boldbrows RANT

By KAYLA BEARD

It is absurd how many eyebrow makeup tutorials have been popping up on Facebook these days.

There are so many tools and tricks out there—skinny brow brushes, fancy powders, mascara wands, two tons of concealer—and everyone is trying to get that “on fleek” look, but I’m just not about it.

First, they don’t look natural. The purpose of makeup is to enhance natural beauty. Your 8 a.m. bioscience class is not a runway; you don’t need to overdo it. Plus, when brows look fake, the rest of the face follows suit. You look like a Barbie or a clown.

Second, some eyebrows don’t need enhancement. If you’re rocking small scale forests up there, you should not bring a pencil anywhere near your brows. A simple pair of tweezers can do a lot for a set of thick eyebrows. Remember, tweezers are for cleaning up natural brow lines and not for re-shaping them. Some of y’all are doing too much.

If you already look like Lily Collins, chill out.

The same goes for people with sparse brows.

Some folks are shaving their brows off completely just to draw them. That is excessive. Thick, shapely eyebrows have a lot of character, but so do sparse or thin eyebrows.

Finally, this trend is toxic to the individuality that eyebrows ought to have. Lately, everyone is aiming for the same beauty standard. Instead of emphasizing their natural eyebrows, folks are going to great lengths to get the “perfect” shape and definition. In doing so, they have enlisted in the army of brow clones that is slowly overtaking the makeup world.

As someone who was cursed with weirdly shaped, sparse eyebrows, I can’t say I haven’t tried some of these brow techniques. When girls walk around with brows that look like stickers, it’s time to put down the makeup brush. The complete eyebrow re-model must stop. Your face is not a construction zone.

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RAVE

By BRITTANY OBLAK

Accessories can make or break an outfit for better or worse. That same concept can be applied to bold brows, especially with the trend gaining popularity.

Eyebrows are as much of a fashion statement as a pair of glasses. Both are often the first part of the face people notice. Not only do bold brows automatically take years off the face, but can also make eyes look bigger and brighter!

Nothing is more off-putting than when someone’s eyebrows look like a mascara or eyeliner mistake, which is exactly how small and squiggly brows appear. Small, over-plucked brows do absolutely nothing for the face, while drawing in brows that accommodate one’s own face can work wonders.

The difference since I started using stencil kits and growing out my brows is incredible—it looks like a complete alteration to my beauty routine.

Also, bold brows are currently flooding the runway. It would seem there was a tweezer ban in effect at Fashion Week. Cara Delevingne has made a career of her gallant eyebrow-induced gaze, and there is no denying how good she looks. Her brows have become an integral part of her fierce look.

Bold brows can and should be your best friends.

They eliminate the need for so much makeup, and once mastered can cut your morning routine in half.

Brows may seem intimidating, but we live in an age of YouTube tutorials.

Cosmetic companies like Too Faced and E.L.F. are also making kits that make it exponentially easier to execute this look. Bold brows are for those who don’t fear the fierce. I urge everyone to grow and draw boldly where you haven’t grown before. Bear those brows.

Illustration By KAYLA BREEDEN

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PRESENTS

LOVES ME, LOVES ME NOT APRIL ISSUE RELEASE PARTY WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 9 PM-MIDNIGHT | BRONEY’S FEATURING: food, drinks, a photobooth & music!

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