FEBRUARY 2022
STEP INTO THREAD’ S DREAMLAND OUTHREADMAG.COM | 1
FRONT OF BOOK
04 Haute Online 08 Top 5 12 Editor’s Note 13 Masthead
SEAMS
18 Runway Realway 26 Buck-et Up 30 Let’s Get Layered 34 Connect With Your Curls 42 Pretty in Pimples 48 Betty White 52 Law Roach
22 Celeb Style
DIY
60 Spray It or Balm It 62 “You Deserve Self Care” 64 Unroll it 66 Satiate Sunday Scaries
2 | THREAD
58 Buzz Off
table of contents
WHO, WHAT, WEAR
76 Tomorrow Daily 80 Miller's Chicken
72 The Benefits of Fluffy Therapists
MIDDLE OF THE BOOK
100 On Cloud 9 114 The Divinity of Tarot Cards 124 It’s All In The Texture 138 Six Looks We Like - Marvel’s Avengers
CAMPUS CASUAL
86 Around The World In 80 Garments
148 Horoscopes 150 Quiz: Which Golden Girl Are You? 152 Hype Up Your Hand-Me-Downs
180 Turning the Tables: The Comeback of Vinyl Records BACK OF THE CLOSET
158 The Macro-Effect of Microtrends 164 Workwear: More than just a trend 172 Spring Cleaning Starting Early 174 Learn Your Lovers: A Guide to Lover Tropes 186 Long Lasting Levi’s 192 Rant/Rave: UGGs
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 3
HAUTE ONLINE Looking for a new internet obssession? Whether you want to listen to podcasts or watch some videos, we’ve got you covered virtually.
CINEMASINS My ongoing obsession is CinemaSins, thanks to my best friend who showed me the channel when we were kids. CinemaSins is a YouTube channel that reviews films and television shows and points out what is wrong with them. The format of their content is taking a film like “The Breakfast Club” or “The Avengers” and going through the entire film to point out plot holes, poor production points, and poor acting choices. These critiques will all contribute to
4 | THREAD
the final sin counter. However, sometimes if something in the film or show is extremely well done, the team will take a sin or two off of the counter, giving the film the proper credit. There are many videos and special editions that will interest anyone checking out the channel. The CinemaSins team, spearheaded by Chris Atkinson and Jeremy Scott, also puts some of the content in a podcast format. In the podcast, they are joined by Barrett Share from CinemaSins’ Music Video
Sins. They bring on some guests to discuss, analyze, and ridicule the world of entertainment. Apart from just examining specific movies and shows, the CinemaSins team will also discuss important issues going on in the entertainment industry. All in all, CinemaSins is great for when you are looking to get some insight into why a piece of work is successful or heavily criticized, or if you are just looking for some passing entertainment. - RILEY RUNNELLS
haute online
PLANBRI UNCUT Recently I have really been getting into podcasts, which is very new for me because I have never been the type of person able to sit down and just listen. One podcast that I have really gotten into is PlanBri Uncut. Brianna Lapaglia, better known as Brianna Chickenfry, created this Barstool Sports podcast. Lapaglia has quickly come to fame over the past year and her main audience is college students. She has recently been on a tour going from college to college around the country, and she visited Ohio University in October. People may see her as a party girl, but her podcast allows her to have a space where she can be vulnerable and open to shift the narrative people might have of her. Her podcast dives into the topics of mental health, friendships, relationships, and, of course, stories from college and advice for getting through. This is a podcast for college students and has something for everyone. Lapaglia is living proof that one can have a healthy balance of having fun and being successful, which is super important to keep in mind as you travel through the beginning of adulthood and start life on your own in college. Remember, as Lapaglia says, sleep when you are dead. - HUNTER GIBSON
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 5
JNAYDAILY I have never left my 2010s beauty vlogger phase, so I often look for influencers to watch on YouTube. Janea Brown, aka Jnaydaily, is one channel that I stumbled upon in my search. I was not disappointed. She is like a big sister to her followers, constantly sharing new beauty finds that she is currently loving. Her finances are a lot more in order than mine, so she also offers affordable dupes for those who cannot afford the exact products she uses. I also find her comforting, as she is raw with emotion. As a Black female,
6 | THREAD
the lack of representation in the media can be difficult. Brown shares these insecurities in numerous videos. One example of this is in her video, “Reset & Refresh - Picking Up the Pieces After a Meltdown.” In this video, she talks through what factors led her to a breakdown and highlights what made her feel refreshed afterward. One of the factors that spurred her mental detriment was watching yet another romantic comedy starring a conventionally attractive white woman. That caused her to go into a downward spiral since,
as Black women, we are not depicted in that light nearly as often, causing you to wonder if love is possible for you. Seeing someone be so open with their emotions is nice, and just goes to show that you are not alone in these thoughts. On a lighter note, she also put me on to Dr. Teal’s salt scrub, which is appropriate for every exfoliation need. - ALIYAH GRAHAM
haute online
H3 PODCAST What can I say, I am obsessed. Ethan Klein has proven time and time again he can be funny, yet civil when giving someone the biggest roast of their life. Ever since Trisha Paytas gave Klein the biggest backstab of his life in June — quitting their show “Frenemies” after ownership disputes — Klein has been able to maintain his podcast and host the show well, sometimes alongside his wife, Hila. I was first introduced to the podcast by one
of my best friends and I have been obsessed ever since. The podcast is available on YouTube, which is where I watch it. I watch the podcast when I am brushing my teeth, avoiding my homework, and when I am walking to class. The podcast is a great source of entertainment that provides great laughs. Watching the podcast is the best way to stay up to date with TikTok and YouTube drama without feeling embarrassed for knowing everything about
everyone online. Klein’s realness and constant hilarity have honestly gotten me through some tough days, so I recommend it for anyone else who needs a laugh or a new addiction. Support Klein and give his podcast a listen or a watch on YouTube. - KAYLA BENNETT
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 7
THEMED STUDY MUSIC As someone who loves to romanticize life, I have come to absolutely adore vibey YouTube background music for all occasions. I had “you’re following the mysterious student who is sneaking out of the dormitories (dark academia)” by user oliviaalee on repeat when I was reading a mystery series last year, and I am actually writing and listening to “dark academic playlist to read/study in your room” by user nobody right now. Nemo’s Dreamscapes is my favorite channel if I am not in the mood for classical music, and my first vibey playlist subscription. This user specializes in the “oldies playing in another room” vibe. Sometimes it is a train, a seaside cabin, or just crickets and rainfall outside a window, but, for some unknown reason, I always get so much done when those oldies are playing. Nemo’s Dreamscapes should be printed on my degree at this point. Cannot recommend romanticizing study vibes enough, as it really improves my productivity. - CRISTINA FORMICHELLI
8 | THREAD
top five
“SCHITT’S CREEK” One of my favorite shows of all time is “Schitt’s Creek”. The show has six seasons, and with episodes that are typically around 20 minutes long, it is a great show to binge watch. “Schitt’s Creek” takes on the story of a rich, high-profile family who has recently lost all of their money in a bad business deal. The family is left with only one asset after the financial issue: a town that they had purchased as
a joke called Schitt’s Creek. The show follows the family as they adjust to the culture shock of moving to a town in a very rural area, which was far from their definition of normal. The family has to relearn the way that they navigate life and relationships, and they meet some incredible people in the town. One of my favorite things about this show is the way that the story excludes the stigma around the LGBTQ+
community. They wrote this show in a “homophobia-free world,” which was super refreshing and beautiful to see. The show really emphasizes the importance of relationships and the value of being with the people you love. It truly is a must-watch for anyone who loves heartfelt comedy. - CORRIN SWITZER
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 9
“ONE TREE HILL” Getting into a television series has always been somewhat difficult for me. It is rare that I find a show that I fall in love with, but recently this has changed with my discovery of “One Tree Hill”. I know I am late to the party, but I guess it is better late than never. Almost everyone I know has watched this, but I guess I never gave it a chance because it concluded with its ninth and final season in 2012, when I was only about 10 years old. “One Tree Hill” has something for everyone, and I think that is why I have such an attachment to it. The storyline has aspects of sports, high
school drama, music, and even parent plot and storylines as well. Most television today has been heightened to an extent that is unreliable in a realistic setting, but not this show, and I believe that is why it has been such a success and is still talked about today. “One Tree Hill” is a breath of fresh air and will most definitely always continue to be a show I turn to when I need comfort. As Karen’s Cafe from the show states, “Someone told me this is the place where everything’s better and everything’s safe.” - HUNTER GIBSON
MIDI SKIRTS If I could only choose one article of clothing as a staple for this spring, I would choose midi skirts. I have been obsessed with them since the early 2000s when they were more boho-inspired and hung loosely around the body. Now, midi skirts tend to be closer to the body to show off the figure more and I love them just the same. Whether a solid neutral color or a simple floral pattern, these skirts are easy to dress up (Can you say kitten heels/blouse/ statement handbag) and dress down (sneakers/graphic tee/gold hoops?) They are an essential piece for my spring wardrobe and should be for yours as well. - MIA WALSH
10 | THREAD
top five
“SEX EDUCATION” One of my favorite shows at the moment is “Sex Education”. The show currently has three seasons, and it all starts with high school students who are trying to figure out themselves and their awkward sex lives. When students find out that Otis Milburn’s mother is a sex therapist, they begin to go to him for help, which then starts an underground “sex therapy” clinic. I cannot help but love all
the characters; each of them has their own key personality traits that pull the whole plot together. They do not hold back in the show at all; showing graphic scenes and telling the unfiltered truth is always expected as you watch. This British comedydrama beautifully incorporates diversity and inclusion as they bring up difficult topics. The transparency of each character
and their individual hardships makes the show more relatable; they are human and they are going to mess up. This show may be hard to watch at first because of the “raunchy” scenes, but it is worth trying to watch this series, as each episode brings important messages about sex, gender, identity, and growing up. - SAMANTHA KRUSE
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 11
Spring semester has started, which means Thread is back! We’re so happy to be back to the grind of creating this publication. There have been some key changes for the publication that we’re very excited to share with you. First, we have a new multimedia director: Kate Anderson. Kate is wildly talented and a perfect addition to the team. Next, we have a whole new fashion team, including Co-Directors Samantha Kruse and Riley James, Assistant Director Makenzie Price, Model Liaison Aliyah Graham, Makeup Director Alexis Ky, and Head Styling Assistant Grace Auble. All of these women are working closely with our photo team to take our photoshoot concepts and execution to new heights, and I’m incredibly proud. I cannot sing my praises of the executive board and the rest of the staff enough, so I’ll let their work speak for them. We’ve got great photos for our celebrity style, featuring Lorde (P.22) and Angus Cloud
12 | THREAD
(P.24), as well as two incredible profiles on the beloved Betty White (P.48), whose recent passing shook the world to its core, and Law Roach (P.52), whose contributions to the fashion industry are unmatched. Additionally, we wanted to focus on some back-toschool self-care, featuring a guide to curl patterns (P.34), the benefits of pimple patches (P.42), and a DIY guide to the art of affirmations within selfcare, such as mindfulness and meditation (P.62). We’ve also got some great features on topics like microtrends (P.158) and fashion in Appalachia (P.164). For our Middle of the Book shoots this issue, we wanted to get more creative than ever before. First, we honored fashion around the globe (P.86). Next, our Photo Editor Corrin Switzer constructed an incredible, dreamlike design to represent the sky for her clouds shoot (P.100). We also featured the iconic figures from tarot cards (P.114) and got up close and
personal within the texture of clothing (P.124), focusing on heavier editorial fashion. Finally, we have our six looks, featuring the iconic Marvel Avengers with modernized outfits inspired by the heroes combined with comic-style makeup looks (P.138). We are so happy to bring you the first issue of this semester. We hope you enjoy it and feel our excitement glimmering through every page.
Much Love,
MAKEUP DIRECTOR
Alexis Ky
HEAD STYLING ASSITANT
Grace Auble
MODEL LIASON
Aliyah Graham
MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR
Kate Anderson
PHOTO AND VIDEO:
Tommy Hensler, Meg Rees, Hannah Campbell, Bre Severns, Zoe Cranfill, Zelda Thayer-Hansen, Grace Auble, Kate Anderson, Grace Braslawsce, Amir Phillips, Emily Wolf, Zoe Cranfill, Riley Runnells
DESIGN:
Avery Allison, Dustin Emmons, Julia Greenwood, Grace Sublett, Kimberly Langhirt
EDITORIAL:
Tate Raub, Dori Gray, Katie Johnson, Jillian Craig, Hannah Campbell, Kayla Bennett, Carmen Szukaitis, Riley Runnells, Abby Blose, Cristina Formichelli, Samantha Kruse, Katie Johnson, Carlie Reese, Erin Finan, Kayla Bennett, Jillian Craig, Amy Szmik, Aliyah Graham, Sabine Obermoller
FASHION:
Alexa Scott, Tate Raub, Tommy Hensler, Carmen Szukaitis, Samantha Kruse, Grace Auble, Willow James, Kennedy Hall, Sabine Bainbridge, Serenity Powell, Mimi Calhoun, Zelda Thayer-Hansen, Aliyah Graham, Riley James, Deika Ahmed, Alexis Ky, Amy Szmik, Haley Mengerink, Alanis Nayder, Makenzie Price, Jack Wilburn, Molly Leonard, Alexia Ashley
PUBLIC RELATIONS:
Tommy Hensler, Samantha Kruse, Justin Miller, Amy Szmik, Haley Mengerink, Sara Wagner, Sabine Obermoller OUTHREADMAG.COM | 13
Around The World In 80 Garments, 86
Six Looks We Like - Marvel’s Avengers, 138 14 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 15
SEAMS
From the runway to the streets, and everywhere in between, here are this season’s most sought-after trends. CELEB STYLE P.22 16 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 17
M
RUN
18 | THREAD
seams
MIU MIU
NWAY REALWAY
BY KENNEDY HALL PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
Founded by Miuccia Prada in 1993, Miu Miu is the sister brand to Prada. Miu Miu is alluring and youthful, making it a brand for young women with an avant-garde style who are not afraid to take risks with their fashion. Miu Miu’s SpringSummer 2022 Ready-to-Wear collection is “Basic Instincts.” In the last two years, the pandemic has reshaped how people view themselves, the world, and fashion. In this collection, Prada and co-creative director Raf Simons take traditional workwear into a new identity, conveying their new normal for the office. The show took place at the Palais d’Iéna, where the audience sat in Eames office chairs. As the models walked down the white runway, two comedy pieces directed by Meriem Bennani play in the background on lensshaped screens. The waistline of the pair of pants was smaller with a belt, raw-cut trench coats, cropped blouses, low-rise skirts, trousers, and pastel two-piece sets. The collection consisted of neutrals, emphasizing navy blue and khaki, reminiscent of a prep school uniform. In
addition, there were silk, pastels, and floral embellishments on dresses and more contemporary knit two-piece sets for the less ostentatious. Rianne van Rompaey, in the frayed, low-rise micro-mini skirt, sent the internet into a frenzy. With the resurgence of early 2000s trends, Miu Miu has brought back their low-rise bottoms. Staying relevant to trends and styled tastefully. Prada took corporate chic and made it sexy and edgier. Miu Miu’s micro mini skirt might become one of the biggest fashion trends of 2022. The collection may not be for everyone. Love it or hate it, there is an appeal: the repurposing of classic pieces and taking traditional silhouettes and reimagining them. “It is about classics, about clothing that allows you to think of bigger things. Clothes are part of life, not the meaning of life. For me, this is a basic instinct – to reflect life,” Prada said in the wake of her show. Overall, the collection is edgier with preppy undertones, and reminiscent of simpler times adapted to our current reality. OUTHREADMAG.COM | 19
RUNWAY REALWAY
COACH BY SAVANNAH DAWSON PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
Two black horses pulling a man in a stagecoach: Circa 1941. Most do not need an explanation for this iconic logo that lines the top of the Coach bag. Since the luxury purse brand’s Manhattan beginning in 1941, the image has not changed. Many refer to Coach as the affordable luxury handbag, as the price point is not that of some other high-end brands, but the material and quality remain some of the best. The recent argument on the internet has been whether or not Coach can be considered luxury if everyone is wearing it. The definition of luxury has nothing to do with how many people have the product. If many people enjoy a certain product and are willing to purchase a product for a notso-cheap price, it means that it is well-loved, not devalued. Luxury is “something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary,” according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. The simple truth is that Coach is a classic representation of 20 | THREAD
luxury in the United States – it is New York’s own. A brand being considered mainstream does not make it unwearable as long as the products are worn the correct way. When we opt for simple, timeless pieces instead of what is trending, they tend to be the items that last and the purchases that we do not regret. Black, white, and brown unpatterned leather with gold accents will never go out of style, and the Coach emblem will always be considered an iconic symbol of fashion. If you elegantly style your Coach handbag alongside your outfit and shoes, you will look put together and tasteful. Unfortunately for the individuals on the other side of the argument, Coach will not be going out of style anytime soon, if ever. Coach will continue to mark the luxury of American fashion and make the average person feel as though they hold something of great value – because they do.
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 21
CELEB STYLE:
LORDE
22 | THREAD
BY HANNAH CAMPBELL PHOTOS BY GRACE BRASLAWSCE
seams
Pop star Lorde has officially made her comeback, proving clean energy can truly make a change. Born Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor, the 25-yearold singer made her debut nine years ago with the hit single “Royals.” At the young age of 16, Yelich O’Connor was instantly a household name. Since then, the singer took some time for herself and cut all negative energy to create her third studio album, Solar Power. Her newest album is drastically different from her previous work. In Solar Power, there is a soft, delicate nature that we have never seen through the hard exterior the singer usually portrays. Similar to her music, Yelich-O’Connor’s style has evolved with her age. Like Melodrama, the singer’s style was dramatic and loud. Using colors like black and red to make a loud statement that she was here. Her 2018 Grammy dress even came with a matching flask. Now, she has turned to a more simple, more natural look. Her new album is heavily inspired by nature , as the singer has spent the pandemic in her home country, New Zealand. Just like the beach, the music is vibrant and positive. The same can be said for YelichO’Connor’s wardrobe. The album cover is the artist jumping in the air in a radiant yellow bikini, demonstrating the free-flowing and playfulness that is to come on the album. Yellow continues to be a central color in the sing-
er’s wardrobe. Her outfit in the music video for her similarly titled single “Solar Power” is a bright yellow two-piece set from New York designer Collina Strada. Yelich-O’Connor runs up and down the beach in the video, showing a new and effortless side to herself. It is the definition of “less is more.” She continues this simplicity in her hair and makeup. Yelich-O’Connor opts for a more organic makeup look and lets her long brown hair down, flowing the wind as she runs. Even for events like the Met Gala, she chose to wear minimal makeup and her hair down with a loose, white two-piece from Bode. Her look celebrated the Arts and Crafts movement, as it included antique embellishments. Yelich-O’Connor’s style shows an optimistic, positive spirit that hopefully continues into the next era for the artist.
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 23
CELEB STYLE:
ANGUS CLOUD
24 | THREAD
BY CARLIE REESE PHOTOS BY GRACE AUBLE
Angus Cloud is one of HBO’s Euphoria’s newest breakout stars. Cloud plays the beloved, kindhearted drug dealer, Fezco, on the show. Just like Cloud’s character on the show, his fashion sense is incredible. He wears a number of high-end streetwear brands on and off the set. Cloud originally hails from Oakland, California, where he attended the School of Production Design at Oakland School for the Arts. While walking down the street, Cloud was scouted by Euphoria ’s casting agent, who thought he would be the perfect choice for the role. Cloud’s style is very much like his character on the show. They both sport multiple well-known streetwear brands such as Supreme, Palace, and Ralph Lauren. Cloud can usually be seen in ’90s oversized “grandpa” sweaters, T-shirts, and hoodies. He pairs those with sweatpants, baggy pants, or jeans. Cloud’s accessories are kept simple with beanies, chains, and a pair of branded sneakers. He recently did a campaign with the brands Fila and Gap in 2021. These advertisements cemented him not only as an actor, but as someone within the fashion sphere. Cloud also starred in the 2021 film North Hollywood , w h e re h e a l s o sports the same streetwear style. Cloud is not afraid to wear colors either. At the Euphoria season two premiere, he wore an amazing bright orange Versace suit. Standing out
seams
from his other male co-stars who were wearing neutral color pallets, Cloud’s fashion sense really shined on the red carpet. Though Cloud is still fairly new into the scene, he is quickly making a name for himself through his acting and through his fashion sense. There is no doubt that in the near future, Angus Cloud will continue to be a force in the streetwear scene as well in his acting career.
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 25
Buck-et Up BY ERIN FINAN PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
26 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 27
The bucket hat has its origins on Irish farms and fishing boats from the early 1900s. Early 20th century farmers and fishermen wore them because the wide, downward-slanting brim served as protection against the rain. It was not until the 1960s and the height of the Mod movement that the bucket hat transformed from a functional piece to a fashionable one. This is around the time the hats started being made with cotton, tweed, and felt materials. Bucket hats really started to gain momentum in the late ‘80s
28 | THREAD
and ‘90s through the hip-hop community with many rappers wearing them on album covers and in music videos. Bucket hats did not become mainstream until very recently. The bucket hat made its debut for high fashion brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, and Valentino in the spring and summer of 2018. Now in 2021, they have become a trend that is here to stay. Many people are turning to bucket hats in an attempt to recreate the fashion of the ‘90s and Y2K. With many variations of design, color,
pattern, and material, there is a bucket hat to fit any style. Beginners to bucket hat styling should consider starting with a single-colored bucket hat. Another option is a plain hat with an icon or graphic printed on it. These pieces are a great starting point and are easy to pair with most outfits. Try pairing a graphic tee with a bucket hat of the same color. Bucket hats come in a variety of patterns including striped, checked, polka-dotted, and many more. Using a patterned bucket hat to add something extra to an
seams
otherwise plain-looking outfit is a great strategy to elevate one’s style. Fall and winter are the seasons to experiment with fuzzy bucket hat looks. Layering a T-shirt with a puffer jacket or oversized coat and a bucket hat is a great winter look that is stylish and warm in the colder weather. The bucket hat is a versatile and stylish accessorizing piece that has a rich history and huge
“THE BUCKET HAT IS A VERSATILE AND STYLISH ACCESSORIZING PIECE THAT HAS A RICH HISTORY AND HUGE CULTURAL IMPACT.” cultural impact. The world seems to have found a new appreciation for the bucket hat, incorporating the piece into fashion shows, streetwear, sportswear, and more. With their versatility and practicality, it’s easy to see why bucket hats have become a staple in many wardrobes.
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 29
L e t ’s BY CARMEN PHOTOS BY
30 | THREAD
SZUKAITIS PROVIDED
Get
L
Layered M
ore is more and more is better when it comes to layering jewelry. Mixing, matching, and stacking jewelry has been a perpetual trend in fashion for years, and it is not going anywhere anytime soon. College students are multifaceted in their talents, skills, and personalities. Layering jewelry allows one to express their individuality and create an individualized, tailored style. Creating the ideal combination of stackable jewelry is entirely up to your discretion. Whether styling sweats or an elegant dress, adding multiple jewelry pieces is sure to elevate the look. Switching up texture and design in chains while layering is one way to add dimension and make pieces stand out. When stacking necklaces, pick a preference of metal and do not be afraid to mix, then start with the shortest necklace as the base. Next, add more, ideally with each necklace longer than the previous one. The number of layering opportunities is endless; one piece can transform into many different looks depending on how it is styled. For bracelets and earrings, the same rules apply. Start with one, then add another; mix and match until the desired look is found. Experimenting is key when deciding what looks best; stackable hoop earrings are a personal favorite. Celebrities continue to embrace this trend in fashion. In Rihanna’s most recent Savage X Fenty ad, she layered two beautifully chunky cross necklaces paired with a corset lingerie set. Actress Hunter Schafer is continually seen layering dainty chokers with pendant necklaces.
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 31
“
EXPERIMENTING IS KEY WHEN DECIDING WHAT LOOKS BEST” There can never be too many when it comes to layering up rings. Machine Gun Kelly is constantly stacking bulky silver chains and hoop earrings but, more importantly, rings. In a recent Instagram photo, he wears three thick rings on one hand and one ring on the other. Choose rings that fit a personal style and try a few combinations until a preference is found. Limitless options are one of the many reasons why this trend keeps coming back season after season. The versatility and appeal to individual expression allow no one to be left out; anyone can mix and match jewelry to create distinctive looks. Being extra is always fun and showcasing multiple jewelry pieces is one way to do that, so why have one when you can have two or three?
32 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 33
CONNECT W YOUR CURLS BY ALIYAH GRAHAM | PHOTOS BY ELLA CALHOUN
34 | THREAD
WITH S
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 35
36 | THREAD
seams
P
eople have been embracing their natural hair lately, which raises the question, “How do I even find out what my hair type is?” Some charts and quizzes show different curl and wave patterns, or “types.” There are four main types of hair: type 1, which is straight hair, type 2, which is wavy hair, type 3, which is curly hair, and type 4, which is tight or kinky curls. These types can be further broken down by pairing them with letters to represent the hair strand: A for fine, thin hair, B for medium hair, and C for coarse hair. Some people tend to not even know their hair has waves or curls to it. One way to find out is to brush the hair while dry. If it has curls or waves, because brushing hair disturbs its natural texture, it will get OUTHREADMAG.COM | 37
38 | THREAD
seams
poofy. It is important to find out what type your hair is because different types of hair need different things. There are three subsections of type two hair, from 2A to 2C. These all encompass wavy hair. This type of hair requires products like sprays, mousses, and light serums so the waves are not weighed down. Waves also require more coaxing to bring out the natural texture - scrunching, finger coiling, and the like. Next, we have the type three curls. The subsections of these require slightly different things. The deeper the curl (3Cs), the more moisture it needs. For example, curl creams and light oils/serums could be your best
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 39
40 | THREAD
seams
friend. This also applies for 3A/3B curls, but they typically require less product so the looser curls do not get weighed down. Clarifying shampoos can also help the curls start off fresh in the curl crafting process, but make sure to follow up with a good conditioner. Finally, we have type 4 hair. These are our coils. They require lots of moisture and care to maintain. This hair texture does well with thicker creams or custards, gel, and protective styles. Curls and coils are fragile, so styles like box braids or locs can protect the hair. A final curly gal hair tip is to deep condition it. Deep conditioner is great for any hair with texture, but finding the right one is important. Make sure to look for key phrases like “weightless moisture” for looser hair textures and avoid the scalp. Embracing your curls, coils, and waves seems intimidating at first. However, it is certainly worth it when you look in the mirror and see that you are that much closer to happy, healthy hair.
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 41
42 | THREAD
Pretty in Pimples BY KATIE JOHNSON PHOTOS BY SARAH HOUPT
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 43
P
opping pimples with your fingers causes severe and permanent damage to your skin. Doing this can create acne scarring, delay the healing process, and spread bacteria, which will create more acne. I personally have struggled with acne for eight years now and tried everything in the books to heal it. Although everything over the counter, DIYed, and prescribed that I tried has not worked, brands like Mighty Patch and Starface really make a difference. Pimple patches are small, medicated “stickers” to put on individual pimples. The difference between a topical spot treatment and a pimple patch is that one can see the evidence of it working hours after application. When a pimple patch comes off a zit, one can see many things: the extraction of pus from the pimple on the patch, the pimple has significantly reduced in size, and the pimple has less redness on the surrounding area. Dr. Kassouf from the Cleveland Clinic explains the magic behind pimple patches as “absorbing any drainage from the pimple and covering the wound to prevent further trauma to the site, such as picking.” When choosing the right pimple patches for you, there are a couple of things to put into consideration. First, consider what type of skin problems you suffer from. If you notice classic papules or pustules on the skin, such as the beginning of a zit (papules) or the white-headed
44 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 45
46 | THREAD
seams
zits (pustules), then try opting for a hydrocolloid patch that will help draw out the pus. Hydrocolloids also benefit dark spots on the skin when used with hydrocolloid micropoint patches to achieve a brighter and more even skin tone overnight. If you struggle with cystic acne, then using a non-hydrocolloid patch with anti-inflammatory ingredients would be best. The next question you must ask yourself is, “How do I want to display my lovely pimple patches on my face?” You could hide them for day-time use by getting clear patches, expressing yourself and embracing your pimples with hearts, cannabis, colorful stars, or even “The Powerpuff Girls” patches, or opt for the regular patches that do not entail pointing at the pimple with a cannabis leaf sticker on your face, but also are not completely see-through. There is even a longer and thicker version of pimple patches that
work for big blemish areas. TikTok promoted the use of Band-Aid brand hydro seal bandages for this type of larger area blemishes, but I can promise you Mighty Patch’s surface patches will do the trick. The regular patches are foggier versions of the seethrough ones and are better for nightwear when no one is going to be looking at your face. Pimple patches are so versatile, work for numerous skin types, allow you to express yourself and learn to love your acne, create a seal to keep bacteria and debris out, can be worn under a mask to prevent “mascne”, worn out in public or overnight, and promote quick pimple healing.
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 47
How TV’s ‘Golden Girl’ with a golden heart impacted the nation.
BettyWhite BY ABBY BLOSE PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
48 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 49
As the world celebrates Betty White, there is no denying a life well-lived. Born to shine in 1922, White thrived in the spotlight for over eight decades as an actress and a comedian. To commemorate her life in summary, no one could say it better than Betty herself, “It's your outlook on life that counts. If you take yourself lightly and don't take yourself too seriously, pretty soon you can find humor in our everyday lives. And sometimes it 50 | THREAD
can be a lifesaver.” In reality, White was the lifesaver. Her humor was malleable, squeezing its way into every generation. Her smile was familiar and became a part of every American household quickly. And her ethics were timeless, as she took advantage of her massive platform to advocate for racial justice, social equality, and animal rights. White’s big break came with the sitcom “Life With Elizabeth.” She
not only played the lead role, but also took part in the production process, breaking boundaries for women in Hollywood. From that point on, there was no looking back. Her most notable characters included Sue Ann Nivens on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and the often simple Rose of “The Golden Girls.” Comedy came naturally to White. Whether she was in front of the camera or off-screen, White knew exactly how to make people
seams
laugh. When delivering a speech to accept an award (which she did frequently), White knew how to balance the heart-warming thankyous with the stereotypical witty and raunchy punchlines. With over 80 awards and nominations, White remained relevant and relatable. White even won a Teen Choice award at the age of 88, proving just how young she was at heart. Despite nearing her 100th birthday, White once said, “I’m a teenager trapped in an old body.” She knew how to show it through fashion. White was no stranger to funky patterns and bright colors. White liked to keep her ensembles fun and flashy, just like her personality. She was no stranger to sequins. Most notable was her glamorous evening gown from the 2010 Screen Actors Guild Awards. White was not afraid to be herself with a bright blue dress highlighted with deep purple detailing. The dress sleeves were made entirely of lace with sparkle accents. To top it off, the actress knew how to accessorize. From layered necklaces in her earlier years to perfectly matching earrings as time progressed, nothing completed an outfit quite like her contagious smile. Of course, White was funny; she was a comedian. There is no doubt that she knew how to dress for the spotlight, and no one can accuse her of being ordinary. However, the most notable feature of White was her heart. She was proof that ignorance when it came to social justice was not “a generational issue”. She remained an ally to many, and of course, a Golden Girl to all. Thank you for being a friend, Betty White! OUTHREADMAG.COM | 51
LAW ROACH Zendaya’s right-hand man & stylist to the stars. BY DORI GRAY PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
52 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 53
When Zendaya announced she would not be attending the 2021 Met Gala, the fashion world was beside itself. How was the earth to continue spinning without a jawdropping themed red carpet look from Ms. Coleman? Nevertheless, the universe persisted. To be a fan of Zendaya's awardwinning style is to be a fan of her longtime "image architect," Law Roach. Named The Hollywood Reporter's 2021 Top Stylist of the Year, making him the first Black stylist to obtain the award, Roach is certainly running the game. His A-list clientele consists not only of Zendaya, but also the likes of Anya Taylor-Joy, Tom Holland, Kerry Washington, and Hunter Schafer — just to name a few. In 2018, Roach achieved a place on The Business of Fashion's BoF 500, which is "the definitive professional index of the people shaping the fashion industry," according to The Business of Fashion. The atmosphere Roach grew up in was vastly different in comparison to the luxurious whirlwind he currently navigates. From the South Side of Chicago, he was the oldest of five siblings and the son of a single mother who "suffered from alcoholism and drug addiction," Roach said in a 2019 interview with The New York Times. "I grew up with nothing. Literally, nothing." After studying psychology at Chicago State University, he founded a vintage clothing boutique called Deliciously Vintage. Kanye West stepped into its Chicago location by chance, and the rest, as they say, was history. Fast forward to today and his accolades include being the first Black stylist to be on the cover of The Hollywood 54 | THREAD
Reporter's Most Powerful Stylists issue in 2017, serving as a judge on "America's Next Top Model," and being universally credited for Celine Dion's fashion reinvention. While Hollywood appeared to be at a standstill after COVID-19 first hit the U.S., Roach was requested to serve as the costume designer for Sam Levinson's "Malcolm & Marie," which stars Zendaya and John David Washington as the film's titular characters. That marked the first time Roach styled Zendaya for a film, though he has served as her stylist otherwise since the pair met in 2011. "At this point, [Zendaya and I] are sister and brother," Roach said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Together, Zendaya and Roach
seams
have produced the now-defunct gender-neutral clothing line Daya by Zendaya and designed two collections with Tommy Hilfiger. Roach's personal style is casually luxe and full of couture. Often sporting waist-length jumbo box braids, he is unafraid to wear Rick Owens Online platform boots or pose in an Aliétte gown. He tends to favor layers and loose silhouettes, but one should always expect the unexpected, as Roach could debut a tailored patterned suit at any moment. In discussion with The Hollywood Reporter , Roach said he "want[s] to be more involved in finding and cultivating young, new talent, especially talent of color." He also frequently honors and uplifts Black people
and Black fashion history through his work. Although Zendaya was not able to be there, Roach styled for and attended the 2021 Met Gala. Inside the charity event, he sat at a table race car driver Lewis Hamilton purchased specifically for Black creatives. In addition to crafting instantlyviral outfits and launching fashion icons — Zendaya became the youngest recipient of the CFDA Fashion Icon Award in 2021 — Roach currently serves as a judge on HBO Max's Legendary. The man is a powerhouse. And how does he do it? "No caffeine, no cocaine," Roach said in a September 2021 interview with The New York Times . "Just adrenaline, love, and passion."
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 55
56 | THREAD
DIY
Crafting the most intricate of knick-knacks, working out the mind, body, and soul, and making the most delicious treats. UNROLL IT P.64 OUTHREADMAG.COM | 57
58 | THREAD
BUZZED BUZZED OFF OFF
diy
BY ERIN FINAN | PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
From leopard print to smiley faces, dyeing freshly buzzed hair breathes new life into art and selfexpression. The buzzcut is not only a convenient and efficient way to keep hair under control, but it can also be a great way to convey personality and style. Today, we have seen an increase in the attention given to buzzed and dyed hair on the internet. The best thing about the look is that it is easy to create at home and prevents an expensive trip to the salon. If you are looking to change up your current hairstyle, maybe consider the dyed buzzcut.
MATERIALS NEEDED: 1. Old shirt 2. Vaseline or petroleum jelly 3. Hair dye 4. Mixing bowl(s) 5. Hair dye brush(es)
INSTRUCTIONS: STEP 1: Think about a pattern or design you want to dye onto your buzzcut. Look on Pinterest or TikTok for inspiration or come up with something yourself. STEP 2: Make sure to wear a shirt that you do not mind making into your designated hair dyeing shirt. If the dye gets onto your shirt, it will stain. STEP 3: Put Vaseline or petroleum jelly on your skin that connects with your hairline. This prevents your skin from getting stained by the dye. (Note: remember to put it on and around your ears too.) STEP 4: Pour each color of hair dye into its own bowl and get each color its own brush. STEP 5: Begin dyeing. Hair dyeing can be a difficult and stressful process, so consider inviting a friend to help you or simply just be there for emotional support. STEP 6: Depending on the hair dye used, you may have to wait anywhere between 20 and 40 minutes for the hair dye to process. STEP 7: Thoroughly rinse out the hair dye. STEP 8: Enjoy your new look. OUTHREADMAG.COM | 59
Spray it or Balm it BY TATE RAUB
ILLUSTRATIONS BY MADDIE JAMES
There is a seemingly endless list of things essential oils can be used for. Some of the easier things are as simple as using a couple of drops as perfume or to add to an oil diffuser for aromatherapy. Other DIYs only require a few more steps, such as making a body scrub or cleaning products. There are so many different scents to choose from that help with a variety of things. Lavender is generally perceived to be a relaxing scent and is a common one to diffuse, tea tree oil is great for spot-treating acne, diluted peppermint oil can help ease headaches and nausea, and diluted eucalyptus oil can clear one’s sinuses, to name a few. Now you may be wondering how to try out an essential oil or two, but never fear. Here are two simple DIYs to get you started: Make your own essential oil room/pillow spray: Materials Needed: Small, fine mist spray bottle 4 ounces of water 15 drops of an essential oil 2 teaspoons of witch hazel (optional)
Step 1: Gather all the ingredients. They can all be found at just about any in-person store or Amazon. Step 2: Measure the 4 ounces of water and pour it into the spray bottle.
Step 3: Add 15 drops of the essential oil to the spray bottle. Depending on the strength of the essential oil chosen, though, less or more may be better. (Tip: start with a few drops and add until the smell is strong enough for your personal preference.)
60 | THREAD
Step 4: If you have witch hazel on hand or feel like purchasing it, measure 2 teaspoons of it and add to the spray bottle. (Tip: If witch hazel does not complement the chosen scent, do not worry about adding it! However, it is really great for skin, which is highly recommended if you intend to use the spray on your pillow.) Step 5: Shake the bottle up to mix the liquid together. It may be best to give the bottle a shake before each use to ensure that it stays properly mixed. Step 6: Enjoy a sound sleep with the help of this spray.
How to create a custom lip balm with essential oils: Materials Needed: Small, microwave-safe bowl 1 tablespoon of shea butter or coconut oil 1 tablespoon of honey or castor oil for a vegan alternative 4-5 drops of an essential oil A small container for the finished balm
Step 1: Measure 1 tablespoon of either shea butter or coconut oil and place in the microwave-safe bowl. Heat the bowl in the microwave for 10 seconds and check on it. Lightly stir and continue heating for five seconds at a time until it is a smooth liquid. Let it cool for 2-3 minutes. Step 2: Measure 1 tablespoon of honey and add it to the bowl.
Step 3: Add in 4-5 drops of the essential oil, but feel free to add more or less based on personal preference. If you do not know what scent to choose, try peppermint, rose, or citrus. Stir until the three ingredients are well mixed. Step 4: Before the liquid mixture is able to fully cool, pour it into a small container of choice. Something like an old lip balm tube, mint tin, or tiny jar would work great. Step 5: Let it sit overnight to set. Step 6: Enjoy your new lip balm.
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 61
“
You Deserve Self Care
”
Affirmations, meditations, and more BY ABBY BLOSE ILLUSTRATIONS BY ZELDA THAYER-HANSEN
As we jump into the new year, we are all wishing for healthier habits, new routines, and ways to improve ourselves. One of the biggest setbacks to a New Year’s resolution is negative self-talk. The best way to overcome the gloom of “I cannot” is to fight back with the even stronger “I can” through the art of affirmation. Here are some tips to make your affirmations stick in 2022.
HOW TO CHOOSE AFFIRMATIONS THAT RESONATE: Affirmations are positive statements that encourage mindful thinking, but choosing the right ones can be tricky.
MEDITATION:
STEP 1: Consider these questions: Which negative thoughts impact my life? What am I seeking to improve about myself and my relationships? Flip a negative to a positive.
STEP 1: Sit or rest comfortably, gain knowledge of your surroundings, and focus on breathing patterns. Online guided meditations may be helpful for beginners.
STEP 2: Keep it short and sweet! Create a simple statement that is easy to remember.
STEP 2: Once relaxed, recite affirmations either aloud or silently. Meditation allows for a clear mind to really focus on an affirmation. “I am safe” can alleviate anxiety. “I am exactly where I need to be” reduces stress and tension.
STEP 3: Start affirmations with “I” or “my” and keep them in the present tense.“I am proud of myself” is much more encouraging than, “Soon, I will be proud of myself.”
62 | THREAD
diy: work it
PLAYLISTS: STEP 1: Start by building a playlist of songs that send the message of what needs to be affirmed. If one’s affirmation is “I am empowered.” “Good as Hell” by Lizzo is a great starting point. STEP 2: Listen. Once the playlist is complete, try to use it in an uplifting dance session or a powerful workout.
EXERCISE: STEP 1: Create the affirmation. Consider the reason for exercising. Whether the goal of a workout is to reduce stress, feel more energized, or simply maintain good health, there is an affirmation. Examples include, “My body is growing stronger” and “I can do hard things.” STEP 2: Recite personalized affirmations before, during, and after exercising for motivation and a positive outlook.
If one believes they are empowered, they are empowered. If one believes they can become successful, they will become successful. You can do whatever you put your mind to, one affirmation at a time.
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 63
UNROLLED BY KATIE MILLARD PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
S
ushi is delicious, but it can be hard to recreate at home. However, there are plenty of ways to get the same great flavor in an easily assembled, at-home meal. This filling, delicious dinner is easily customizable and can be as simple as Emily Mariko’s viral salmon rice recipe from TikTok, or as complicated as a homemade poke bowl. Here is one way to make deconstructed sushi, but switch it up at home with your own favorite toppings and treats.
INGREDIENTS: • Rice • Sriracha or another form of hot sauce • Mayonnaise • Your favorite sushi fillings and whatever
you have around • Salmon • Seaweed • Carrots • Cucumbers • Avocado • Edamame • Green onion • Anything else you like
STEPS: Step 1: Cook the rice. It does not matter how. Microwave minute rice will still make a great bowl. Step 2: Prepare the salmon. If you are using generic salmon, cook it in your favorite way or try a new recipe online. For that classic sushi feel, invest in sushi-grade salmon or any salmon that can be safely consumed raw. This does not have to be expensive. Aldi has thinly sliced and reasonably priced pre-readied salmon that is easy to add to your bowl. Step 3: Thinly slice vegetables. Cut long, thin strips of the carrots, cucumbers, and avocado. Step 4: Make the spicy mayo. For this, combine equal parts Sriracha and mayonnaise in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly, then add to a small ziplock bag. Step 5: Prepare the bowl – it really is that easy. Start with a bed of rice, then add the salmon, vegetables, and other toppings. Step 6: Cut off a small corner of the ziplock bag and drizzle the spicy mayo on top. Step 7: Top with some green onion and enjoy.
Now you can get that great sushi flavor at home without spending money or getting frustrated when you cannot professionally roll sushi yourself. 64 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 65
SATIATE SUNDAY SCARIES BY CRISTINA FORMICHELLI PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
66 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 67
P
ounding headache, queasy stomach, and the futile vow to never drink again; Does this sound familiar? Instead of that morning regret and burning urge to skip yet another class, pick yourself up with a delicious, portable, and not nausea-inducing breakfast smoothie that is sure to perk you up and make that hangover a distant memory.
INGREDIENTS AND MATERIALS NEEDED : INSTRUCTIONS :
1 . 1 cup coconut water 2 . 1 banana, peeled 3 . 1/2 c. creamy peanut butter 4 . 1 scoop chocolate protein powder * 5 . 1/2 c. Greek yogurt 6 . 1 pinch salt 7 . 2 c. ice 8 . Chocolate shavings 9 . Cool glass or travel mug 10 . Blender
1 . Plug in the blender and take the lid off. (Be
* (protein powder can be subsituted for
times as needed to start breaking down the
2 raw eggs & 1 tbsp. cocoa powder)
bigger ingredients.
careful with every step!)
2 . Pour the coconut water in first. 3 . Next, add peeled banana, peanut butter, protein powder, yogurt, and salt. (Tip: Substitute two raw eggs and one tablespoon of cocoa powder if you do not have chocolate protein powder.)
4 . Lastly, add the ice. 5 . Put the lid tightly on the blender and start by pulsing the ingredients. This can be done by pressing and holding the pulse button as many
6 . Once the firmer ingredients break down NEXT TIME YOU FIND YOURSELF IN NEED OF A QUICK-FIX BEFORE CLASS, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THREAD’S TRIED-ANDTRUE HANGOVER SMOOTHIE. REMINDER: KEEP THESE INGREDIENTS IN THE HOUSE AT ALL TIMES, YOU KNOW, JUST IN CASE. 68 | THREAD
a good amount, turn the blender on normally and blend until completely mixed. Turn off the blender.
7 . Pour the smoothie into a cool glass and garnish with chocolate shavings. (Tip: Chocolate chips work fine too. And, for the busy hungover folks, take it to go!)
8 . Enjoy and start feeling better.
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 69
70 | THREAD
WHO, WHAT, WEAR A glimpse into some of Athens’ most captivating people, places, and events.
BENEFITS OF FLUFFY THERAPISTS P.72 OUTHREADMAG.COM | 71
72 | THREAD
who, what, wear
BENEFITS OF FLUFFY THERAPISTS Emotional support pets ease the mind and provide friendship. BY KATIE JOHNSON PHOTOS BY EMMA FRIEND
F
inding a therapist can be challenging. You have to think about so many factors and it typically takes a couple of trial and errors before you find the right one. Luckily for me, I found one that always listens to me, gives me hugs, kisses my tears away, is very handsome, would never ghost me, and does countless things to make me laugh. My dog Niko checks off all of these and so much more. To f i n d t h e k i n d o f companionship I have, my recommendation is getting an emotional support animal, or ESA. Five months ago, I made a new best friend that has changed my life. I have struggled with anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember and have tried so many different treatments.
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 73
My physician recommended an emotional support dog and that was a treatment I had no problem looking into and being excited to pursue. A trip to the pet store to find supplies for my future friend from a breeder turned into me running into my fluffy soulmate at the pet store. I played with him for a while and instantly knew he was who I was looking for. I named him Niko, and he would now be coming home with me – having no idea what his amazing purpose in my life was. Being a puppy mom can be really exhausting and scary but has overall been beyond worth it. Waking up everyday knowing someone is counting on me to take care of them gave me a sense of purpose. Depression can cause excessive sleeping, and even though I always wanted to start my days 74 | THREAD
off early and accomplish things, I never could. With anxiety, there are lots of sleepless nights; I have always had trouble sleeping. However, Niko gives me motivation to get out of bed to feed him breakfast and take him to the bathroom. Every night he makes me “big spoon” him or sleeps on my pillow with his head over my shoulder. The sense of comfort he brings me knocks me right out every night and I have gotten to the point where I cannot sleep without him. Every trick I teach him makes me feel so accomplished and proud, and every time he gets a little bigger I feel like I am growing with him. Feeling guilty for skipping plans to stay home because of my mental health has now changed to, “I have to take care of my dog, so I shouldn’t go out,” and he is now something
I look forward to coming home to. Emotional support animals help with psychological issues; however, they require zero training and can accompany you in any public place. For those who suffer from social anxiety or panic attacks, being able to bring a friend with you gives you a distraction and a sense of not feeling alone helps. ESAs are also proven to lower the heart rate and create a flood of the feel-good hormone: oxytocin. Without Niko, my motivation and ability to go outdoors was always close to nothing, but now introducing him to his first snow, teaching him how to be kind to others on walks, and meeting new puppy friends gets me excited to go out with him. My new fluffy companion gives me a whole new outlook on life and a new best friend.
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 75
76 | THREAD
TOMORROW DAILY
who, what, wear
Athens based band brings back live alternative music BY HANNAH CAMPBELL | PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
E
very band dreams of making it big in the music business, hoping to change their concert venue from a garage to a real stage. For Tomorrow Daily, that dream is becoming a reality. Jake Waffen, one of the band’s guitarists and vocalists, started the band in Athens by simply writing songs. He said he did not want to be a songwriter, but realized it was an important part of the creative process. “I wrote a four-song EP because I was really interested in recording, not necessarily songwriting,” Jake said. “And then, obviously, you can’t really do one without the other, I feel like, if you’re doing it all by yourself.” Avery Waffen, younger sister to Jake, has been taking vocal lessons since she was younger. Her brother asked her to sing backup for the band and she later became a main vocalist. Avery, who is a junior studying design, utilizes her graphic design skills by creating T-shirts and designs for the band. Cole Maddux, the band’s bassist, grew up in Cleveland with Jake and Avery. While he plays the cello at Ohio University’s School of Music, he recently joined the band and additionally plays guitar and the keyboard.
Maddux has played both the cello and guitar his entire life and said he has always had a passion for both. “As long as I have been playing the cello, I have been playing the guitar,” Maddux said. “I have never just been one or the other. It is really rewarding to be able to go from one and then just … enjoy something along the same lines but totally different.” Jake graduated last year from OHIO as an engineering major. He currently lives in Columbus with the band’s drummer, Lorenzo Fava, while Mason Barnett, lead guitarist, lives in Cleveland. With the band living in different parts of the state and having such hectic schedules, Avery said it is hard to arrange practices and gigs.
“IT KIND OF TAKES EVERYONE TO ASSEMBLE AND PLAN A LOT IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO PRACTICE” AVERY WAFFEN
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 77
The band describes its sound as “Ohio attic rock,” although the band takes inspiration from artists such as The Strokes, Peach Pit, and Foo Fighters. Their selfproclaimed genre describes a completely original sound that the band created. “We felt that indie rock did not exactly describe what we were doing,” Avery said. “It had a little extra added to it. And we were also rehearsing in Jake’s attic for the … first two years of the band, so that’s kind of where the name came [from].” The band also said the Athens local music scene influenced their sound. Maddux said he had never played rock music live before joining Tomorrow Daily but loved attending local rock shows in Athens. “Going to house shows was one of my favorite things to do as [a] freshman and most of my sophomore year … but that was something I have missed and look forward to getting back to doing,” Maddux said. Tomorrow Daily released its first self-titled album in February 2020, which the band recorded and released independently. Jake said having that experience in college was amazing, but that it also took hard work and dedication. “We were recording up in the attic … and that was really fun,” Jake said. “We would just take a Saturday and Sunday and we’d all go up there and just grind for however long it took. That was a really cool experience for sure.” Tomorrow Daily released its newest song, “Out of View,” on Feb. 4 on streaming platforms, although the live music video has been out since November
78 | THREAD
2020. The band also played the Happy Dog bar in Cleveland on Feb. 4. Now, the band hopes to focus on creating more music instead of playing shows. The band emphasized how welcoming the Athens local music scene is and encouraged MADDUX anyone who is interested in music to get involved.
“THE COMMUNITY AND THE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE HERE IS SO GREAT”
“And it really makes it easy because I haven’t had a lot of turnaround time here with Tomorrow Daily, but it has been so easy because everybody there is welcoming.” Music from Tomorrow Daily can be found on major streaming platforms and on its Youtube channel, Tomorrow Daily Music. OUTHREADMAG.COM | 79
Miller’s Chick An Athens staple that keeps people coming back
80 | THREAD
BY KAYLA BENNETT PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
ken
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 81
82 | THREAD
who, what, wear
D
riving on W. State St., one can see a building displaying big red letters reading “Miller’s Chicken.” Despite it being a new hot spot for incoming students of Ohio University, Miller’s has been around since 1946. However, it was not always a hotspot for chicken; it was named “Miller’s Poultry” at the time of its establishment. Originally owned by Harold Miller, the business has been passed down through the family. Joe Miller, Harold’s brother, purchased the business in 1972 and is still the present owner. However, Joe’s daughter, Sandra Zoulek, spends most of her time taking care of Miller’s and its customers and employees. Although Miller’s is now famous for its chicken, the business did not start cooking “Miller’s Chicken” until the mid-1960s. It started out as a business that butchered and sold chickens to local businesses. Once the business started making its famous chicken, it also started making fried chicken, chunk potatoes, french fries, and onion rings. At the time, Harold’s wife Dorothy also started cooking sides like baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad. Housing in a couple of different locations on House St. and Factory St., Miller’s eventually found its home at 235 W. State St. in 1969.
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 83
“ YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO PUT YOUR CUSTOMERS FIRST, YOU HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY’RE TREATED WELL – EVEN IF YOU SCREW UP AN ORDER OR THEY’RE NOT HAPPY WITH IT – THE END RESULT IS THEY STILL NEED TO BE HAPPY.” SANDRA ZOULEK
The business, now heavy with local traffic, has been able to keep up its business due to the commitment and loyalty of its customers. Zoulek said when townspeople move away and come back, Miller’s is the first place they visit upon return. OHIO alumni also find their way back to their favorite chicken place, too, reminiscing on “the good times.” Customer loyalty has been of the utmost importance to Miller’s, but it was really shown that Miller’s was of the utmost importance to its customers when the pandemic started in March 2020.
84 | THREAD
When many businesses were shutting down due to COVID-19, Zoulek found that she would be faced with shutting down the business for a period of time and laying off full-time employees for the time being. Zoulek’s children handle Miller’s social media, and at the time, they posted on Facebook that Miller’s would be closing due to the pandemic. Because social media travels fast, the day before the closure, Zoulek said, the number of customers was tremendous. “You would not believe the amount of traffic that we had,” Zoulek said. “When we opened back up, people knew that we were back. It was just phenomenal. We had never been so busy.” Zoulek said it was the busiest she had seen Miller’s and this will be her 50th year working there. The business could not run if Zoulek did not have a reliable team of employees behind her. However, Zoulek said in the past year, because of COVID-19, it has been really hard to find help. She said finding dependable employees is becoming difficult, but she hopes to see a change soon. Miller’s has held its ground on W. State St. and hopes to continue being a hometown favorite – as the business continues to grow. “You just have to try to keep your head above the water and do what you can,” Zoulek said.
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 85
Around the s IN World t n e Models honor the fashion of their heritage. PHOTOS BY ZOE CRANFILL
0 8
86 | THREAD
m r a G
s
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 87
88 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 89
90 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 91
92 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 93
94 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 95
96 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 97
98 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 99
9 d u o l C On Step into Thread’s dreamland. PHOTOS BY CORRIN SWITZER
100 | THREAD
9
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 101
102 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 103
104 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 105
106 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 107
108 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 109
110 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 111
112 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 113
The figures that read your past, present, and future come to life. PHOTOS BY ZELDA THAYER-HANSEN
114 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 115
116 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 117
118 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 119
120 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 121
122 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 123
It’s All In The Texture
Mixing and matching these textured fabrics. PHOTOS BY ELLA CALHOUN
124 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 125
126 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 127
128 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 129
130 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 131
132 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 133
134 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 135
136 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 137
)
s k o e o l k i l x i s we
138 | THREAD
PHOTOS BY MEG REES
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 139
140 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 141
142 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 143
144 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 145
CAMPUS CASUAL
Light-hearted reads for the quiztaking, listicle reading, horoscope believin’ spirit in all of us. HYPE UP YOUR HAND-ME-DOWNS P.152 146 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 147
FEBRUARY
HOROSCOPES BY KATIE MILLARD ILLUSTRATIONS BY GRACE SUBLETT
CAPRICORN DEC 22 - JAN 19
Expect turbulence in love, Capricorn. Both Venus and Mars are in your sign, and they may be working in tandem against you. Venus is the planet of love and Mars of aggression, and the two will coincide to create some friction between you and loved ones, especially romantic partners. While disharmony may not be your favorite pastime, it will serve you in the long run. Tension or disagreement will enlighten you toward things that may need fixing and toward things that may not be repairable. These conversations can be hard, but they are necessary, and they will allow you to grow.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, everyone, and just in time for some good astrological news. Venus, the planet of love, is leaving retrograde just as the planet of luck, Jupiter, is entering its home sign. While the stars are aligning for everyone to be lucky in love this Feb. 14, let us dive deeper into what they have to say for you.
THIS MONTH’S SIGN It is your season, Aquarius; live largely and
AQUARIUS JAN 20 - FEB 19 authentically. Your sign is independent, unique,
and unforgettable, and you push everyone around you to live as individualistically as you do. You tend to embrace the unconventional and often stand out in some way. This month, allow yourself to bask a little in the spotlight that tends to follow you. While you are authentic for yourself, not to get attention, people notice you anyway. Let them in a little, Aquarius, and allow yourself to enjoy the positive attention you get. You may meet new people or get a new job in doing so. You never play by the rules, and people will follow where you lead. Expect an exciting month full of new memories, recognition, and opportunities.
PISCES FEB 20 - MAR 20
ARIES MAR 21 - APR 19
TAURUS APR 20 - MAY 20
You are lucky right now, Pisces. Jupiter is in its home sign (you) so luck will flock to you. This placement means good things for everyone, but you will be particularly affected. This strength in fortune has not occurred since 2011, so take advantage of it. Now is the time to take risks, especially under the rebellious Aquarius sun. If something sounds crazy or difficult, then now is the time to try it. Trust in yourself and your uniqueness, and good things are sure to come. When trying something crazy, remember to consider the long-term effects because odds are high that it will work out for you. Use your luck wisely, and enjoy taking some risks.
Shoot for the stars right now, Aries. Mars rules your sign, which is currently in Capricorn, a powerful position. This will allow you to pair your natural intensity with Capricorn’s, fueling your drive and ambition. Anything you have been putting off doing should be procrastinated no more. Write that paper, apply for that job, get that tattoo – anything that satisfies your persisting intensity. A busy schedule will fuel you, so add every wild dream to your to-do list and smile as you check them all off. Do as much as you can, and your ambition will be rewarded.
Love is headed your way, Taurus. Venus rules your sign, which is finally exiting retrograde after a year-long stint. Venus is the planet of love and beauty, so expect a charming few weeks. This will bring you new opportunities for love, romance, and potential changes in your physical appearance. With love surrounding you, do not forget to work on falling in love with yourself too. While potential new partners may be alluring, you will be happier and all the more wanted if you can love your reflection as much as you love those around you. Look outward and inward for love and you are sure to feel it.
148 | THREAD
campus casual
GEMINI MAY 21 - JUN 20
CANCER JUN 21 - JUL 22
LEO JUL 23 - AUG 22
Gemini, this month is for grounding and exploring. The moon is exiting your sign, Gemini, and you can expect a slight lightening of your emotions. Things that were causing you significant stress will be recontextualized, and you will be able to see things in a new, productive way. This decrease in stress will give you more mental energy and allow you to seize opportunities. If you look for something, you are sure to find it, although it may pop up in unexpected places. A new love with a stranger, job off a flyer, or club pamphlet pushed into your hands can change your life. Trust yourself and the signs you are given.
This month will be a nurturing one, Cancer. The moon is entering its home sign (you) right now, so expect a deepening of some close relationships. Under this influence, emotions may be tender for everyone this month, and this is truest for you. You will be most successful if you remember the value of home. Take a day off, spend time with family and roommates, and work to support the people you care about. Home will be your sanctuary and your maternal instincts will be finely attuned. Comfort is underrated – allow yourself to value it this month and you will have a peaceful, happy time.
It is time for some stress relief, Leo. With the new year kicking off, your naturally radiant personality is likely attracted to the promise of new changes in 2022. With the pressure of resolutions and returning to work, school, and society after the winter holidays, you may find yourself swept up in everything. Take a step back. You deserve to begin your year on the right foot, and it is important to remind yourself that you do not have to do everything, just the things that make you happy. Practice some self-care and take a day or two off before you get burnt out.
VIRGO AUG 23 - SEPT 22
LIBRA SEPT 23- OCT 22
SCORPIO OCT 23 - NOV 21
Opportunity will be in the air, Virgo, if you will let it. Under the Aquarius sun, you will be spurred to flaunt your independent side. Mercury, your ruler, is currently in Capricorn, which may lead to overthinking or anxiety. Take some deep breaths, think productive thoughts, and try to push past those thoughts so you can embrace what life has to offer. With focus and practice, you can rechannel worries into something to romanticize. Once you see your life uniquely, embrace anything crazy or unexpected. The smallest thing could lead to a new romance or opportunity, you just have to trust in yourself and the world around you to let it.
Play it safe this month, Libra. Venus, who rules your sign, is exiting retrograde. This may lead you to want to jump at any opportunity and wish to try every avenue for love and adventure. Be wise in your decision-making. It is easy to want to throw yourself into things, but careful consideration will better you in the long run. Make informed decisions and know there is no issue with sitting on something for a while. Embrace your natural tendency toward balance and equity and allow those feelings to guide you over any rash, exciting ones. With careful planning, you are sure to be more successful.
Be decisive this month, Scorpio. You like to hold your cards close to your chest and deliberate very carefully. Not this month. Allow the occasionally hasty nature of Aquarius season to lead you. Make strong, quick decisions and trust your unusually intuitive gut. You may face some big choices, but now is not the time for hesitation. If you listen to yourself, you will know what you feel instantly. There is no point in wasting time debating this month. Trust yourself instantly and you will make the right choices.
SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 21
Sagittarius, it is time for vulnerability. Jupiter, your ruler, is in its other home planet of Pisces, bringing luck to those who are authentic. While you tend to be honest toward others, you sometimes lack that same honesty with yourself. Let people in and allow them to see the real you. Better yet, do some self-reflection and introduce yourself to the parts of you that you have been avoiding. Having room to grow is natural, and recognizing it is not a failure. Do yourself and the people around you a favor and be vulnerable this month. You will come out a more genuine, relaxed person. OUTHREADMAG.COM | 149
“The Golden Girls” is packed full with strong personalities and the coolest “old ladies” television has ever seen. The show, which ran for seven seasons, gave viewers a hilarious cast that got into the craziest scenarios that always ended in a touching moment – typical sitcom. Everyone has their favorite “Golden Girl,” but which lady is most similar to you in terms of characteristics? Take this quiz to find out which “Golden Girl” you are. BY SARAH TODACK | PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
1. WHAT ELEMENT IS YOUR ASTROLOGICAL SIGN?
6. WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO ACCESSORY?
2. WHAT WOULD YOUR FRIENDS DESCRIBE YOU AS?
4. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FASHION SENSE?
3. WHAT IS ONE THING IN LIFE YOU COULD ALWAYS HAVE MORE OF?
7. HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR RETIREMENT?
a. Water b. Fire c. Earth d. Air
a. Caring b. Flirty c. Smart d. Cynical
a. Love b. Money c. Family d. Sleep
5. WHAT ROLE DO YOU PLAY IN YOUR FRIEND GROUP?
a. The kind one b. The wild one c. The responsible one d. The tough one
150 | THREAD
a. Gold Hoops b. Anything diamond c. Colorful earrings d. Anything simple a. Preppy b. Flashy c. Sophisticated d. Comfortable
a. Surrounded by friends and family b. Trying new things and meeting new people c. Still working a job you love on occasion d. Relaxing at home
campus casual
MOSTLY A’S: ROSE NYLUND
You are Rose Nylund. Much like Rose, you are often labeled as naive because of your kind and trusting nature. However, you just like to see the good in people, much like this “Golden Girls” icon. You have a pure heart that is always open to friends and family, making you loved by many. Like Rose, you are funny without even trying and your innocence is endearing. Keep up your cheerful and positive attitude; it will take you far in life.
MOSTLY B’S: BLANCHE DEVEREAUX
You are Blanche Devereaux. Much like Blanche, you are the life of the party. As a social butterfly that goes on too many dates to keep track of, you are always making friends (or love interests) wherever you go. You would never be caught without your carefully manicured look full of accessories and pizzazz. Just like Blanche, you are forever young and plan to spend every day living life to the fullest with your closest friends by your side.
MOSTLY C’S: DOROTHY ZBORNAK
You are Dorothy Zbornak. Much like Dorothy, you are the smart and quick-witted one of your friend group. Despite being the “mom friend,” you are incredibly entertaining to be around with your genius, sarcastic jokes. You have many ambitions in life, ones that you will reach because of your intellect and passion. Like Dorothy, you can be mislabeled as uptight, but you and your friends know just how much fun you can get into.
MOSTLY D’S: SOPHIA PETRILLO
You are Sophia Petrillo. As the CEO of mischief and brutal honesty, you may rub people the wrong way. The best part of it is that you could not care less. Your snarkiness is what makes you a blast to be around. You are a very low-maintenance person who prefers comfort and peace, so you have no problem giving anyone who disturbs this your piece of mind. However, much like Sophia, you have a heart of gold and give out the best advice to those you care about. Anyone is lucky to have you as a friend. OUTHREADMAG.COM | 151
Hype Up Your Hand-Me-Downs BY HANNAH CAMPBELL PHOTOS BY MICHAELA FREY
V
intage clothing is all the rage nowadays, but it can get pretty expensive when items are older and more valuable. Ditch the local thrift store and shop through your parents closet. Your parents have probably held onto special items throughout the years, just in case you would ever ask for them. Now’s the time to bring vintage back with a customized touch. Here is Thread’s guide to making your parents’ old clothes look brand new:
HANG LOOSE Oversized anything looks great all year round, but going as big as possible is ideal now that the days are getting colder. Grab your dad’s jackets and shirts for a look that is cute and comfortable. Old corduroy and denim shirts make perfect shackets – shirt jackets – for those lazy days. These can be flawlessly paired with a crop top underneath, leggings, and winter boots. For a special night out, a black leather jacket can complement a shorter midi dress and Chelsea boots to look put together without much work at all. 152 | THREAD
campus casual
WORKING GIRL Whether you are actually going to work or just running errands, your mom’s old work clothes can be just as stylish now as they were then. Anyone’s mom who grew up in the ’80s has to have a blazer hidden somewhere in her closet – probably with massive shoulder pads, too. To look professional, yet casual, add a cropped turtleneck and jeans. For a look outside of the office, pair a blazer with a hoodie and leggings and heavily accessorize the jacket with belts and pins with a personalized touch. OUTHREADMAG.COM | 153
I’M WITH THE BAND Everyone has an old concert T-shirt that they have held onto for memorabilia, and this includes your parents. Instead of going to Urban Outfitters to find a new one, grab the original from your parents’ closet for a vintage look. Concert T-shirts can be dressed up or down. For smaller or fitted tees, pair them with some flare jeans and sneakers for a more casual look. Add to this when winter comes around; throw a patterned long-sleeve or a turtleneck underneath the shirt for an extra pop of color. For more oversized T-shirts, wear them with a colorful pair of bike shorts. 154 | THREAD
campus casual
NOT YOUR MOTHER’S JEANS
AN OLD SCARF
Mom jeans have come back into mainstream fashion over the years, but there are many ways to put a personalized touch on your mom’s old ones. The great thing about jeans is that there are so many cheap DIY projects to try. For a modern look, dip one pant leg into bleach for a two-tone effect. Another customized option is to sew a printed fabric into one of the back pockets. Lastly, add holes in a straight pair. The possibilities are endless.
Scarves are usually worn in the winter, but they can work any time of year when styled correctly. Let us just hope your mom did not leave it at someone’s sister’s house. Silk scarves may seem average; however, they also make for great crop tops. Depending on the size and how short you want the top, tie and twist the scarf to fit your needs. Colored printed scarves are great for tying up in your hair as a headband or bandana.
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 155
BACK OF THE CLOSET An in-depth look at today’s most buzz-worthy topics. LONG LASTING LEVI’S P.186 156 | THREAD
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 157
BY JILLIAN CRAIG PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
THE MACRO-EFFECT
158 | THREAD
back of the closet
T OF MICROTRENDS
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 159
D
uring the transition from summer to fall in 2021, videos of what to wear that is not “cheugy” or outdated peppered users’ “For You” pages on TikTok. Traditional riding boots were to be swapped with small booties, preferably leather; teddy bear jackets were out but oversized shackets were in; bright colors were traded for neutrals. On top of those transitions in which articles of clothing were “in,” according to creators on the platform, many videos were titled “trends we’re leaving behind” and “this not that.” According to a MasterClass staff article, fashion cycles occur in five stages. In the first stage, introduction, a style is introduced into the fashion world. In this stage, a product is debuted by celebrities, in fashion weeks, or in a strategic marketing effort. The product is made in small quantities, sold in a few places, and sold at a high price. In the second stage, increase (also known as the fashion acceptance stage), a style gains further popularity in the fashion world and is eventually given the “trend” label. Trendsetters and influencers buy and wear the style, contributing to increased consumer demand, which results in more stores and fashion labels selling the style. In the peak stage, which immediately follows, the public is saturated in the nowtrending style. Now available through mass production, the style becomes less expensive and more widely available as retailers figure out how to replicate the style. At some point after its peak, naturally, the style faces a decline. It becomes oversaturated and 160 | THREAD
mainstream, so consumers looking to be fashion-forward drop the trend and move on to new and “unique” styles. After a style’s decline, it becomes obsolete, the final stage of the cycle. The style is unstylish in the eyes of mainstream fashion consumers who are now chasing the next trend after the influencers. As the name indicates, though, fashion trends are cyclical and come back around again at some point. On a larger scale, the MasterClass article cites jean waistlines as an example, noting how “high-waisted jeans saw peaks in popularity during the 1940s, the late 1970s and early 1980s, and the 2010s, while low-waisted jeans saw peaks in between these years, in the 1960s and late 1990s through the early 2000s.” Other examples that are more accessory-based include claw clips and barrettes, which made their mark in the ’90s and were revived in the late 2010s and early 2020s. Given the critiques of what’s hot and what’s not at the change of a season, the large amount of waste produced comes as no surprise. For Levi’s “Buy Better, Wear Longer” campaign, its website cited, “Between 2000 and 2020, global clothing consumption doubled. And while we have more items in our wardrobes, we’re wearing what we have less often and throwing out our clothes too quickly, keeping clothing for almost half as long as we did 15 years ago.” Geoff Buckley, a professor at Ohio University whose expertise lies in the areas of urban sustainability, environmental history and justice, national resource conservation, and more,
said the lack of sustainability in fashion is part of a larger trend in mass consumerism and throwaway society. “It's not just fashion. It's really so many of the things that we buy,” Buckley said. “Automobiles are a great example of this where we don't discard things because they don't work anymore. We do it because basically planned obsolescence. You want to have the latest and greatest, the newest item, and the repercussions of this from a sustainability perspective are kind of interesting.”
back of the closet
In his example for fashion, Buckley talked about jeans. People buy jeans in a particular style that is popular at the time, like slim fit. When that style falls out of the definition of “fashionable,” despite more than likely fitting well and remaining in perfectly good condition, people discard them in some way. “They're still good. We don't continue to wear them. So we give them away and we feel good about that. We donate them,” Buckley said. And even in donation, Buckley pointed out, there are massive effects on other
“
...WE’RE WEARING WHAT WE HAVE LESS OFTEN AND THROWING OUT OUR CLOTHES TOO QUICKLY, KEEPING CLOTHING FOR ALMOST HALF AS LONG AS WE DID 15 YEARS AGO.
”
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 161
parts of the world. “It's extraordinary in some countries in Africa how there's been just an incredible clothing dump and the impact there has been on the textile industry,” Buckley said. “They are so overwhelmed with our discards, our fashion discards, our clothing discards that it undercuts — and bear in mind the kind of really low labor costs for manufacturing textiles in Africa — it undercuts even that industry there. So, … what we think of as a good thing,
162 | THREAD
maybe donating something, has a deleterious effect economically elsewhere.” Buckley pointed out that society has changed to one that shops for recreation, has planned obsolescence for many products, and does not upcycle clothes. “It's a huge, huge topic [and] it's hard to narrow it down to simply fast fashion during the pandemic. It's part of a much longer trend in mass consumerism and throwaway society,” Buckley said. “From a sustainability
perspective, this is just part and parcel of being a throwaway society.” Considering the cyclical nature of fashion trends, there is a solution to promoting sustainable fashion and consumerism: thrifting. While talking about thrifting, Buckley recalled his son’s use of the Patagonia Worn Wear program. According to its website, Worn Wear is a program that allows Patagonia customers to trade in their used Patagonia
back of the closet
clothing in exchange for credit toward their next Patagonia or Worn Wear purchase. Because the brand’s clothing is designed to last, Patagonia will resell the clothing on its Worn Wear website. In terms of other solutions, though, Buckley said he is not sure what can be done when considering the supply chain and how production and manufacturing changes affect other parts of the world. “I mean, if you just look at a
computer, for example, or even just a bicycle, it might say ‘Made in America,’ but you know, the raw materials come from all over the place,” Buckley said. “And so it's very complicated. So our purchases [and] our consumption has a ripple effect that's felt really all over.” In terms of consumption, Buckley advises being thoughtful when making new purchases. “We certainly do have a big problem, and I think simply purchasing goods because this
is what's fashionable is not part of the answer,” Buckley said. “But rather, being more frugal and practical about and careful about the purchases we make, because, you know, we have to think about the resources that go into making something and then what happens to that item when we decide we don't want it anymore. And even though those things seem l ike very simple sort of questions, they're actually much more complicated.”
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 163
WORKWEAR: MORE THAN JUST A TREND BY RILEY RUNNELLS PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
A
s a rule, fashion differs from region to region – especially when it comes to city fashion versus rural fashion. Though some styles overlap, every area is influenced in a different way by what is trendy, comfortable, or utility-based. Athens has a very specific style influenced by Appalachian trends, but it differs from other Appalachian areas in that Ohio University students make up a lot of the population, flooding the area with different types of fashion. 164 | THREAD
back of the closet
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 165
“We're a little skewed here with the university to compare to what [clothing items] people out in the county might be using and wearing,” Lisa Williams, associate professor of instruction in retail and fashion merchandising, said. “We see a lot of more young,
“WE SEE A LOT OF MORE YOUNG, TREND-TYPE OF FASHION IN THE UNIVERSITY SETTING. BUT I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT IN THE COUNTY AREN’T NECESSARILY ASSOCIATED WITH THE UNIVERSITY.” WILLIAMS
trend-type of fashion in the university setting. But I think a lot of people out in the county aren't necessarily associated with the university.” Putting OHIO students aside, many Athens residents put more of an emphasis on workwear — a subsection of fashion involving types of clothing worn for work, especially work that involves manual labor. Pieces in this style of clothing emphasize durability and utility, with some of the most common workwear items being leather and rubber boots, overalls, jeans, beanies, and other Carhartt-based items. Generally, workwear is not considered “fashion” or a trend in Appalachian regions because it is for utility – it means, literally, clothes one wears to work. Williams believes utility and comfort are more valued than trends in both Athens and Appalachia in general. This is, in part, attributed to residents 166 | THREAD
searching for clothing that will last to avoid the hassle of constantly buying new clothes. It is also, in part, because of residents avoiding the financial strain of constantly buying new clothes, Williams said. According to Williams, logic plays a lot into clothing purchases. Aside from workwear, people will typically purchase clothing for church and special functions, like weddings and funerals. “I think, especially if money is tight, utility is going to be a huge part, [along with] things that are going to last a while and can be reused by other family members,” Williams said. Because of deep tradition and emphasis, workwear is a heavy focus in many clothing
back of the closet
“I THINK, ESPECIALLY IF MONEY IS TIGHT, UTILITY IS GOING TO BE A HUGE PART, [ALONG WITH] THINGS THAT ARE GOING TO LAST A WHILE AND CAN BE REUSED BY OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS.” WILLIAMS
store options in Athens and Appalachian regions. One such store is Mac’s Work Wear, 940 E. State St., which even specifically advertises Carhartt. A family affair, Jim McLaren and his sister currently run Mac’s, but it was originally opened by his father in 1950. “Back then we had suits and work clothes both,” McLaren said. “But as things have evolved over the years, you just don't see as many people anymore in suits. When I was in college in the early ’80s, most all the professors wore a suit back then. And now you're not going to go to class and see a professor with a suit and tie on. The way things changed over the years got us away from more of the dressier clothes.” Though McLaren’s store has been a huge part of Athens shopping since 1950, retail itself has changed greatly over the years in town. Trina Gannon Blair, an assistant professor of OUTHREADMAG.COM | 167
instruction in retail and fashion merchandising, said 30 years ago there were many more stores in Athens, including a K-Mart and a Forever 21, but that just because some of the stores have left does not mean there are not many other options in town. She specifically mentioned some of the boutiques uptown that provide some alternative options for people who are not as invested in the workwear culture. She even mentions the mall in Parkersburg, W.Va., where people can drive around 45 minutes from town and discover more options. Gannon Blair feels people do not have many limitations to just the workwear trend of the 168 | THREAD
region when shopping in Athens. She also knows that with online shopping, foregoing potential financial barriers, no one in any region has many limitations anymore. “These stores might be closing and there might be less access, but there's more access online for people to shop,” Gannon Blair said. McLaren credits the workwear necessity to a great deal of outdoor activity readily available in Appalachia. However, he sees a large mix of clientele seeking out the workwear style, including Appalachian residents looking for durability and OHIO students emulating the trend. “It’s just another one of those
fads where it comes and goes,” McLaren said. “Years ago, way back in the ’90s, there were a lot of the Carhartt coats that we couldn’t even get when you tried to order. And my salesman, I was asking him why it was so hard to get it, and he said, ‘Do you watch MTV?’ And I’m like, ‘No.’ And he said, ‘Well, turn that on some time.’ And so I turned it on, and every other rap band that was in there was wearing Carhartt coats. So then, of course, when they’re doing it, now you've got everybody in the big cities and everywhere wanting to look like them and wear the same stuff.” Williams and Gannon Blair believe buying workwear as
a trend can sometimes be detrimental to those who wear the clothing out of necessity when trend-followers are buying up all the items from thrift stores and other stores specifically designed to be more affordable to those with lower income – even though both recognize there is often an environmentally conscious motive behind buying workwear pieces. “It does take away the availability for the people who need that price point versus the ones who are trying to be ecologically sound of mind and not encouraging more production,” Williams said. However, in terms of the
appropriation nature of emulating workwear style, they both don’t see an issue with honoring the trend. “I don’t think it’s wrong because it’s a part of our Ohio culture,” Gannon Blair said. “It’s just kind of ironic,” Williams said. “The people who buy it because it’s functional for them and their lifestyle, that somebody would find that trendy. When it’s just basic, functional fashion that provides warmth, that provides protection, that's durable. But that somebody would want to emulate that they are from a rural environment when they're not, it's just kind of interesting, and that's how fashion is, too. It can be absurd sometimes.” OUTHREADMAG.COM | 169
Both professors acknowledge the fact that workwear has more than one meaning: though it applies to the subsection of fashion that has to do with durability and functionality, it also means clothing that one wears to work. For some people, the Carhartt-overallsboots style is workwear, but for others, workwear means suits and dresses. For the people of Appalachia with limited retail options, and those with lower income on top of that, obtaining suits and dresses can prove to be an obstacle in professional environments. “I think we're seeing that relax a bit; the work environment seems to be a little less rigid on professional wear, and people are able to wear things that they feel comfortable in,” Williams said. “So I would hope that employers would understand that not every person that's interviewing has the ability to go out and buy a suit and a tie or a woman's dress suit or anything like that. I would hope that wouldn't be a reason to exclude this person from their interview, because they can't afford it. It is definitely a form of privilege, that not everybody's going to have that opportunity or even desire to own a professional garment – maybe they don't want to work in a professional office setting. But they're expected to wear professional clothing to interview, so that makes it difficult on the people who don't necessarily want to put the money into that kind of a product.”
170 | THREAD
back of the closet
Gannon Blair said there are outlets like the Salvation Army or the Career Closet through OHIO’s Career Network, where students are provided with business professional and business casual clothes for interviews, career fairs, formal events, or any careerrelated function, both on and off campus. But, if there is one aspect of workwear and fashion in general Williams and Gannon Blair agree upon, it is the convoluted nature. Fashion, in general, is hard to pin down into words, let alone workwear fashion mixed with the complexities that come with it like thrifting, low-income buyers, and the Appalachian region itself. Fashion is subjective, and no one area completely dresses the same because of an emphasis on individualization. “Fashion is very interesting and individualistic,” Gannon Blair said. “I really do hate to stereotype it. It’s hard to generalize; to inform people without stepping on someone’s toes.”
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 171
SPRING CLEANING STARTING EARLY BY KAYLA BENNETT ILLUSTRATIONS BY GRACE SUBLETT
Cleaning out a closet can be hard, especially when keeping everything is easy. “I’ll wear it eventually,” “it holds sentimental value,” and “I can crop it or make it into something else” are all statements one may tell themselves when trying to clean out their closets. However, with a whole lot of discipline and a few easy tricks, cleaning out a closet that is bursting at the seams can be simple. The first step in purging a closet is evaluating a set style or look. Figuring out what the end-goal look is should be the first step. Organizing a set style can show what basics are going to need to be kept and what pieces need to go. Pinterest can be a great place to start when figuring out the style goal. After deciding on the style, decide what fits in with the style and what does not. Do not worry, the clothes that might be too hard to get rid of that do not fall into the style’s category do not have to get tossed yet. The next step is having a fashion show. Trying on the clothes will help the process of picking out what works and what looks better on the hanger. Growing in and out of clothes is completely normal. Finding comfort and confidence in every piece of clothing is the most important.
172 | THREAD
After trying on every clothing item, having no cuts is OK. However, that is not the last step. Another step to take when cleaning out the closet is thinking about the next time the piece will be worn. If the piece is not going to be worn during the next season the piece is weather appropriate, time to say goodbye. Usually buying clothes is a lot easier than getting rid of them, but that $2 sweater from the thrift store might have only looked cute because of the price. Making sure to evaluate a purchase is extremely important. Have at least three to five outfit ideas before buying an article of clothing. Purging a closet can be easy, the process just requires a lot of thinking and trying on.
back of the closet
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 173
Learn Your Lovers: A Guide to Lover Tropes BY DORI GRAY PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
Protagonist and Soon-to-be Love Interest begrudgingly drag their luggage into their shared hotel room — the only suite conveniently remaining after the hotel accidentally overbooked the weekend. Looking forward to sleeping after the stressful day, they both take in their surroundings and simultaneously groan. … There was only one bed. Merriam-Webster defines a trope to be “a common or overused theme or device.” MasterClass states that tropes are plot devices or character attributes “used so commonly in [a] genre that it’s seen as commonplace or conventional.”
The romance genre, in particular, is notorious for its novels’ tropes, though romantic tropes exist outside of the genre as well. The “there was only one bed” trope is a plot device used to push a couple toward realizing their feelings for each other via forced proximity, and the feelings realized often range from pure lust to true love. No matter how overused, romance tropes are both useful for writers and an excellent source of entertainment and serotonin for readers — do not fact-check that last part. The following are five fanfavorite novel tropes used to bring two characters together, sometimes for forever.
***Writer’s Note: Please be sure to research and read both content and trigger warnings pertaining to the provided trope-y titles before enjoying. Certain novels may contain content some readers may find distressing and/or offensive. 174 | THREAD
back of the closet
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT A trope many debate the real-life possibility of, love at first sight is articulated in multiple ways: eyes meet in passing and a character is mesmerized; a chance encounter at a coffee shop turns into a first date; a werewolf imprints on an unsuspecting human. They are all basic concepts, really. Example: “What If It’s Us” by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera “The Sun Is Also a Star” by Nicola Yoon
ARTHUR is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it. BEN thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things. But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them . . . ? Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated. Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited. But what if they can’t nail a first date even after three do-overs? What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work and Ben doesn’t try hard enough? What if life really isn’t like a Broadway play? But what if it is? What if it’s us?
Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story. Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us. The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 175
FRIENDS TO LOVERS There are levels of friends to lovers. Level one is classic friends to lovers. Level two is best friends to lovers. Level three, the big one, is childhood best friends to lovers. There is something intrinsically nostalgic about this trope, bringing forth early 2000s Taylor Swift-esque memories of wondering whether or not the classmate who lives next door is soulmate material. Example: “My Life Next Door” by Huntley Fitzpatrick “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase’s family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?
176 | THREAD
Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a knowit-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.
back of the closet
ENEMIES TO LOVERS In stark contrast to meet-cutes in love at first sight origin stories, enemies to lovers often begins with a “meet-ugly.” The couple could be sworn rivals in school, bickering coworkers vying for the same promotion, or even a mob boss and the FBI agent assigned to infiltrate and dismantle the mobster’s empire. But, the saying “it’s a thin line between love and hate” proves to be true with this trope, as the former enemies become lovers despite their differences. “I would never fall for someone like him,” a character may profess. Spoiler alert: the character falls … hard. Example: “Get a Life, Chloe Brown” by Talia Hibbert “Her Royal Highness” by Rachel Hawkins
Chloe Brown is a chronically ill computer geek with a goal, a plan, and a list. After almost—but not quite—dying, she’s come up with seven directives to help her “Get a Life”, and she’s already completed the first: finally moving out of her glamorous family’s mansion. The next items? Enjoy a drunken night out. Ride a motorcycle. Go camping. Have meaningless but thoroughly enjoyable sex. Travel the world with nothing but hand luggage. And... do something bad. But it’s not easy being bad, even when you’ve written step-by-step guidelines on how to do it correctly. What Chloe needs is a teacher, and she knows just the man for the job. Redford ‘Red’ Morgan is a handyman with tattoos, a motorcycle, and more sex appeal than ten-thousand Hollywood heartthrobs. He’s also an artist who paints at night and hides his work in the light of day, which Chloe knows because she spies on him occasionally. Just the teeniest, tiniest bit. But when she enlists Red in her mission to rebel, she learns things about him that no spy session could teach her. Like why he clearly resents Chloe’s wealthy background. And why he never shows his art to anyone. And what really lies beneath his rough exterior… Millie Quint is devastated when she discovers that her sortof-best friend/sort-of-girlfriend has been kissing someone else. Heartbroken and ready for a change of pace, Millie decides to apply for scholarships to boarding schools . . . the farther from Houston the better. Soon, Millie is accepted into one of the world’s most exclusive schools, located in the rolling highlands of Scotland. Here, the country is dreamy and green; the school is covered in ivy, and the students think her American-ness is adorable. The only problem: Mille’s roommate Flora is a total princess. She’s also an actual princess. Of Scotland. At first, the girls can’t stand each other, but before Millie knows it, she has another sort-of-best-friend/sortof-girlfriend. Princess Flora could be a new chapter in her love life, but Millie knows the chances of happily-ever-afters are slim . . . after all, real life isn’t a fairy tale . . . or is it?
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 177
SECRET RELATIONSHIP Secret Relationship is a trope with many subtropes: family member’s friend, best friend’s family member (cue “Best Friend’s Brother” by Victorious Cast ft. Victoria Justice), office romance (frequently in tandem with enemies to lovers), and more. Secret relationships often take place because of another trope, forbidden love. There is a certain je ne sais quoi about lovers sneaking around that has the ability to easily draw a reader in — it’s spicy; it’s thrilling; it’s fun. Will the novel’s main couple get caught making out in a supply closet at their mutual friend’s birthday party? Keep reading to find out. Example: “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid “The Wedding Party” by Jasmine Guillory
Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now? Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career. Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways. Maddie and Theo have two things in common: 1. Alexa is their best friend. 2. They hate each other After an “oops, we made a mistake” night together, neither one can stop thinking about the other. With Alexa’s wedding rapidly approaching, Maddie and Theo both share bridal party responsibilities that require more interaction with each other than they’re comfortable with. Underneath the sharp barbs they toss at each other is a simmering attraction that won’t fade. It builds until they find themselves sneaking off together to release some tension when Alexa isn’t looking, agreeing they would end it once the wedding is over. When it’s suddenly pushed up and they only have a few months left of secret rendezvouses, they find themselves regretting that the end is near. Two people this different can’t possibly have a connection other than the purely physical, right? But as with any engagement with a nemesis, there are unspoken rules that must be abided by. First and foremost, don’t fall in love.
178 | THREAD
back of the closet
FAKE RELATIONSHIP The relationship could be fake for paparazzi cameras, a wedding date, or to convince someone’s parents they are mature and deserve their inheritance. For some reason, two people have decided to fake a relationship. Of course, hijinks ensue. Eventually, deeper feelings are uncovered, despite the relationship’s fraudulent premise. Example: “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han “First Comes Like” by Alisha Rai
What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them…all at once? Sixteen-year-old Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren’t love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she’s written. One for every boy she’s ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control.
Beauty expert and influencer Jia Ahmed has her eye on the prize: conquering the internet today, the entire makeup industry tomorrow, and finally, finally proving herself to her big, opinionated family. She has little time for love, and even less time for the men in her private messages — until the day a certain international superstar slides into her DMs, and she falls hard and fast. There’s just one wrinkle: He has no idea who she is. The son of a powerful Bollywood family, soap opera star Dev Dixit is used to drama, but a strange woman who accuses him of wooing her online, well, that’s a new one. As much as he’d like to focus on his Hollywood fresh start, he can’t get Jia out of his head. Especially once he starts to suspect who might have used his famous name to catfish her.... When paparazzi blast their private business into the public eye, Dev is happy to engage in some friendly fake dating to calm the gossips and to dazzle her family. But as the whole world swoons over their relationship, Jia can’t help but wonder: Can an online romance-turned-offline-fauxmance ever become love in real life?
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 179
Turning the Tables: The k c a b e m Co of Vinyl Record BY TATE RAUB PHOTOS BY CORY TOWE
180 | THREAD
ds
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 181
182 | THREAD
back of the closet
For those who caught the vinyl collecting bug and have no idea how to get started, Thread explains the numerous ways to get organized and start off right. CREATE A LIST OF FAVORITE ALBUMS: Before figuring out where and how to start collecting, take some time to think about what records you want to find. Having a simple list can help with organization and prevent frantic feelings while searching. Take the list a step further by ranking the albums from must-haves to albums that would simply be nice to own. If something is found that is not on the list but the purchase feels right, go for it. However, sticking to the list can help prevent impulsive — and later, regrettable — purchases, as well as help save money. Before starting the hunt: A simple online search of “records for sale” or “vinyl near me” can pull up shops nearby that sell used records, online sale listings, and ads for yard/garage sales that will include used records. Depending on which source feels most comfortable, the following are some tips for all three locations. QUALITY CHECK: Learning how to check the quality of a record is important information to grasp. The condition of the record sleeve can be very telling of how well-cared for a record was, and in turn, whether or not it is a playable find. Carefully pull the record out of its sleeve
IF DAMAGES ARE MORE DRAMATIC, SUCH AS WATER DAMAGE, A LACK OF INNER SLEEVE, AND LARGE SPLITS IN THE OUTER SLEEVE, FEEL FREE TO INSPECT THE RECORD AS PER USUAL, BUT THE CHANCES OF IT BEING PLAYABLE ARE SLIM TO NONE.
and thoroughly examine it for severe scratches, chipping, and other blemishes. Even with minor blemishes and/ or dirt and dust, a record can still play and sound completely normal. Lightly use a fingertip or fingernail to feel for a scratch or dent; if neither is present, the record is more than likely going to play just fine. A brush or record cleaning solution can remove any light debris. Feel around for deeper scratches that intersect or are alongside the grooves, which will cause popping noises or the needle to get stuck, respectively. To check for warping, hold the record flat and slowly rotate it at eye level. Other mild causes for concern are if the outer sleeve and/or inner sleeve are bent or lightly split. There is still a good chance that the record is fine and just well-loved, but take a mental note of it. If damages are more dramatic, such as water damage, a lack of inner sleeve, and large splits in the outer sleeve, feel free to inspect the record as per usual, but the chances of it being playable are slim to none. USED RECORDS: If in a record store, thrift shop, or antique store, the key is making sure to have enough time to be there for a while. Employees try their best to keep the sections sorted alphabetically, by genre, etc., but things still end up in the wrong spot or people hide their “maybe” purchases so they can come back and buy them later. OUTHREADMAG.COM | 183
It can feel tedious, but bring a friend or listen to something while searching. The chances of finding an original Beatles record mixed in with Beethoven or Purple Rain in the jazz section are low, but never zero. We are still living in a pandemic, so if venturing into the real world does not feel safe, online hunting is a great alternate option. Facebook Marketplace, eBay, 184 | THREAD
Depop, Mercari, and Poshmark are great sites to check out. Prices tend to vary a bit more based on sellers’ knowledge of records’ values, but it is still possible to score good finds. The downside, unfortunately, is that scamming is much easier online. Make sure to read as many reviews of sellers as possible to determine whether or not they are trustworthy. Generally speaking, if they have
a decently large amount of reviews and a majority of them are positive, the purchase should be okay. Be even more vigilant if spending a large sum of money on a record. Additionally, try to use PayPal to pay and select the “goods and services” option to have the ability to get a refund in a worst-case scenario. Garage and yard sales are a more sporadic source for used
record hunting. Unless buying the records of someone who genuinely listens to every genre, expect a selection likely limited to the specific music taste of whoever lives there. It is a fun gamble of whether or not you will end up at a sale put on by someone with a similar taste in music or end up empty-handed. Overall, just trust your instincts and trust that the more time
OVERALL, JUST TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS AND TRUST THAT THE MORE TIME SPENT SEARCHING, THE BETTER THE RECORDHUNTING SKILL WILL BECOME.
spent searching, the better the record-hunting skill will become. Very soon, you will know the best places to look for and how to find good quality records. Then, it will be time to start crossing off all the albums on your wishlist. Happy collecting!
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 185
186 | THREAD
back of the closet
LASTING LEVI’S BY SAMANTHA KRUSE PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
L
evi’s rich history led to the brand becoming a global leader in jeans. It all started with Levi Strauss, an immigrant from Bavaria, Germany, who recognized the need for durable clothes for the working class. Levi founded Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) in San Francisco in 1853 when he opened a dry goods business. Soon after, he and a tailor named Jacob Davis combined forces, which led to the first manufacturing of “waist overalls” — now known as blue jeans. That invention transformed workwear for the everyday person, and LS&Co. only progressed from there to create several brands, including Levi’s. According to the company’s website,
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 187
as success led to manufacturing on a larger scale, it developed its Terms of Engagement in 1991, which is a code of conduct that incorporated ethical standards and requirements into LS&Co.’s supplier factories. This step towards improving ethical standards made the company’s values even stronger as it set out to address “forced labor, working hours, wages and benefits, freedom of association, discrimination, and health and safety,” according to LS&Co.’s website. Ever since the company infiltrated these ethical standards, its brands followed suit and started changing its practices as well. The brand, Levi’s, has the mission to change the clothing industry for good, starting with production. Levi’s website provides information on exactly how it is becoming more environmentally friendly. Its most sustainable collection, WellThread, is made in “Worker Well-Being” facilities using rain-fed cottonized hemp and “Water<Less” technologies. The Worker Well-Being initiative focuses on “financial empowerment, health and family well-being, and equality and acceptance,” according to LS&Co. Cottonized hemp is used in production, as it saves water, grows faster, and leaves cleaner soil. Hemp yarn is “soft like cotton,” according to Levi’s, and is used in styles such as its Stay Loose Jeans, Loose Sleeve Trucker Jacket, and WellThread shirts. In addition, Levi’s makes puffer jackets and vests from recycled plastic bottles and rubbish. As the brand continues to create new initiatives and technologies to guide manufacturing processes, it also has opened Levi’s SecondHand shop. Levi’s “Buy Better, Wear Longer” campaign focuses on the overproduction and consumption issues in fashion and how the brand is working to raise awareness and change consumer habits. As Levi’s works to create this change, it has teamed up with “six icons and activists working on issues critical to the future of [the] planet,” according to LS&Co. One of the partners is Indonesian climate activist Melati Wijsen, co-founder of Bye Bye Plastic Bags, a youth-led movement with the mission to ban plastic bags, and founder of YOUTH188 | THREAD
back of the closet
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 189
190 | THREAD
back of the closet
“A S T H E B R A N D CONTINUES TO SPREAD AWARENESS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF ECOFRIENDLY PRACTICES IN THE INDUSTRY, IT ALSO RECOGNIZES HOW THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT.” TOPIA. Another partner, Jaden Smith, co-founded JUST Water, which is a certified B Corporation producing sustainably-sourced, plastic-free bottled water. Levi’s has made significant efforts to implement a sustainable production process and plans to improve even more in the future. According to Planet Home, Levi’s intends to “lead the fashion industry in sustainability” and aims to utilize “100% sustainably sourced cotton by 2025.” As the brand continues to spread awareness about the importance of ecofriendly practices in the industry, it also recognizes how there is always room for improvement. Levi’s durable jeans are meant to last, and its values have shaped it into the global brand it is today.
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 191
RANT/RAVE UGGS
ILLUSTRATIONS BY AVERY ALLISON
RANT
BY CRISTINA FORMICHELLI
Listen, I am someone who has worn UGG boots in the past, so I feel it may be hypocritical for me to slander them. However, because I wore them when I was, like, 10 years old, and it has been a decade since, I think I have room to judge. I sincerely apologize to anyone who likes wearing UGGs, but I am questioning you on that aspect of your wardrobe. They are not cute and honestly have not aged well with fashion trends. The shoes are so chunky in a not cute way. They just look so unattractive. One can be absolutely gorgeous and fashionable and they still will ruin a ‘fit. I cannot imagine myself wanting to pair my outfit with a tacky pair of shoes like UGGs. They also suck in the winter; I know we typically wear them in the winter, and they are warm, but when I wore UGGs, my feet still got damp walking in the snow. There is absolutely no need for these shoes to continue to be as popular or as widespread as they are. I do not get how they are still being massproduced. They are just so ugly, like, I cannot deal with those shoes. At the end of the day, I obviously cannot tell people what to wear. If something makes you happy, do it. But, does it really make you that happy wearing UGGs?
192 | THREAD
rant/rave
RAVE
BY CARMEN SZUKAITIS
In my world, UGG has been a closet staple for years. I own it all, from clothing to slippers to boots, and with the brand’s recent resurgence in popularity, I am starting to love UGG even more. UGG boots were bound to make a comeback with the revival of 2000s fashion trends, and the comeback has finally arrived. More specifically, the UGG Classic Mini Boot is the
shoe that everyone is currently wearing. Unlike its taller boot sister, the Mini is incredibly easy to slide on while on the go. In general, UGGs conveniently pair with the go-to loungewear looks in every college student’s wardrobe. While some people perceive UGGs as a fashion faux pas, I do not. I will admit that the shoes are not the most aesthetically pleasing. However, they are not for someone looking to make a fashion statement. The brand’s signature fluffy-lined shoes put comfort over appearance, and I love them for it. The winter months are dreadfully cold, but UGGs keep my feet and ankles warm all day long. According to UGG, the wool lining is designed to regulate body temperature regardless of the climate. My favorite way to style UGGs is with leg warmers and sweats to keep myself cozy in the cold weather. UGG boots will always have a special place in my heart because, when I was younger, I watched my sisters get them for Christmas every year. I was jealous. Now, there is no reason for me to be jealous because I can keep up with trends and live out my childhood fantasy with my UGGs.
OUTHREADMAG.COM | 193
February 2022 194 | THREAD
