Thread October 2017

OCTOBER 2017

Breaking the Binary

In the Shadows

Within the misty woods lie secrets untold.

Fashion is evolving & clothing choice does not always indicate gender identity.

VAMPED UP Satisfying one’s thirst just got easier for the creature of the night.

thread

Table of Contents

FALL 2017

FRONT OF BOOK

04 Haute Online 08 Top 5 12 Editor’s Letter 13 Masthead

SEAMS

18 Runway Realway 22 Celeb Style 26 Clean Lines 30 Hats Off 34 Just Browsing 38 Classic Cut 46 On The Fringe

DIY 54 Branch Out 60 No Grit, No Pear 64 Can’t Resist 68 Simply Delicious 2 | THREAD

70 Vamped Up

42 Toting Around

80 Little Italy, Little Table

WHO, WHAT, WEAR

84 Global Get-Down 90 The Show Must Go On

MIDDLE OF BOOK

96 Sophisticated & Domesticated 118 In The Shadows 126 Dine-N-Dash

106 Iridescent Wonders CAMPUS CASUAL 146 148 156 158

Horoscopes Content Creators Horror Movie Quiz Repeat Ready

BACK OF THE CLOSET 166 178 186 196 208 214

Breaking the Binary A Queen’s Influence The People’s Princess Sole-d Out Beauty from Within Rant/Rave: Bell Sleeves

t

Click to view the story in motion with a video

202 Stick it to the Stigma

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HAUTE ONLINE Looking for some new blogs to add to your radar?

Whether scrolling for outfit inspo or needing a quick recipe, we’ve got you virtually covered.

ALEALI MAY In a sea of fashion blogs, Aleali May’s effortlessly cool style stands out.

The blogger describes her style as “a fusion of high-end fashion and streetwear.” May can be found rocking her own combination of a Hypebeastmeets-Vogue look.

May is also a model, stylist, and image consultant. Her impressive résumé includes working with brands like Nike and Adidas, and she has collaborated with Milk Makeup. She also works in the entertainment industry, having styled fashion-forward artists like Tinashe, Lil Yachty, and Wiz Khalifa.

The minimal theme of the site coincides with her laidback vibe and allows the images speak for themselves.

From fashion to business, Aleali May represents what it means to be a successful blogger in 2017. For inspiration, look no further than alealimay.com.

– ALAYNA HUTCHINSON 4 | THREAD

haute online

SOUTHERN SOUFFLE If there is one thing the South is known for – it’s food.

The comfort food and family-style meals that are unique to the South are what many would consider American classics. However, most food blogs don’t focus on the distinctive recipes that the area is known for.

Enter Southern Souffle: a food blog that shares the decadence of southern cooking with the world.

Erika, the creator of blog, began her blog in 2012.

The North Carolina native started her cooking career inside her dorm using a hot plate. Cooking was no new concept for the blogger.

Her grandmother is an icon in the soul food community and operates the highly regarded Chapel Hill restaurant, Mama Dips.

All dishes on the blog are made from scratch and have an intro that leads into the recipe. Erika’s light-hearted approach gives the blog a personal feeling.

Whether you’re a relatively new cook, or a seasoned chef looking to add some spice into your dishes, you can find recipes for just about anything.

From appetizers to full course meals each dish is bound to leave you full and happy.

CLICK TO VIEW THE WEBSITE!

SPICED APPLE PANCAKES

– VANESSA COPETAS WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 5

HUNTER VOUGHT Hunter Vought is a blogger who came into the spotlight in January 2016 through his Instagram page, VoTrends. He blogs about men’s lifestyle, travel, and fashion. His blog is consists of photos from his travels and flat-views of his casual style, with clothes from stores like Express and JACHS New York.

Hunter preaches about being passionate on his blog, “I can’t stress this enough, pick something that you love and stick to it. Nothing is harder than doing something that you are not truly passionate about.”

For Vought, traveling is a dream of his that began when he was given the opportunity to explore the US through sponsorships from the brands he works with. Traveling allows Vought to create content for his blog.

He divides the menswear into two sections, Spring and Summer 2017. Vought’s style is business casual, and he creates looks from some “under the radar” brands, like Bread & Boxers. His style is always matching, and everything is laid out to be visually pleasing.

If you’re looking for a new wardrobe, check Hunter Vought out at huntervought.com.

– NATHANIEL STANSBERY 6 | THREAD

haute online

TWO SAYERS Two Sayers is run by a couple, Matt and Angie, who were from two completely different worlds. The two fell in love and merged their wildly different lives into one. Angie grew up in Venezuela, and Matt grew up in New Jersey (where they met). They now both live in Denver, Colorado. They started their blog in 2015 and have been documenting their lives since. The two are passionate about travel, appreciate the intimacy of nature, and adore being in each other’s company. The couple enjoy sharing what they love and what inspires them.

The Sayers love photography, which is evident on their website.

The blog consists of pictures showing the amazing places they travel to. The duo recently teamed up with Urban Outfitters and style a plethora of different looks from the store. Both Angie and Matt have similar styles, and one can tell they help each other with styling. The two have a style reminiscent of the ‘70s. Their go-to look consists of lots of denim, often accessorized with belts and hats.

The Sayers are an adorable pairing, and one can feel how in love they are through their photos.

The couple is extremely active on Instagram, allowing followers to keep up with their lives. There’s no shortage of fun with these two; be sure to look through their posts and social media to follow their crazy and love-filled adventures.

– CALI CIOPPA WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 7

5 TOP

Find out the top five things that our exec board is inspired by right now.

1

CORDUROY Each year as

autumn approaches, I begin my search for a few special clothing items that will revamp my cold weather wardrobe. This fall, anything corduroy is at the top of my list. I am all about wearing stylish clothes that provide coziness and warmth, and corduroy does exactly that. This soft yet rigid fabric is being used for pieces such as shearling-trimmed jackets, cropped pants, mini skirts, hats, and even overalls. I love how this fabric can be incorporated into an outfit in so many ways, and its thick texture can also be transitioned into the winter months. I would say it is a must have for fall 2017. – RACHEL SINISTRO 8 | THREAD

2

STATEMENT EARRINGS

There’s no better way to start the fall semester than with a pair of trendy statement earrings. Seeing these come into style over the summer and moving into the fall tells us that people really love this trend, and it’s here to stay for some time. Statement earrings are great because they help me bring an otherwise casual outfit up to standard without making too much of an effort. Wearing them allows my personality to shine and creates a look people will be going gaga over. Their pop of color, shine, and exquisiteness helps bring out your best features and flatter your face in ways that bracelets and necklaces just can’t!

– GRACE ZIEMKE

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3

WIGS As a dark-haired

curly girl, it’s nice to have an option that provides no heat or color damage, protection for natural hair, and lets you change the color, length, or texture of your locks. With wigs, I can go from black hair to blonde in minutes without the damage of dye or bleach. I can throw on a straight wig when I want to take a break from the curly look. I can get inches without waiting for my hair to grow and try shorter hair without committing to the chop. It’s the best of all worlds when it comes to hair. Wigs. What’s not to love about them?

– JAIDA STERLING 10 | THREAD

4

BROCADE LOAFERS No matter how early I wake up, I find myself throwing on the usual uniform to save time: comfy T-shirt, jeans, shoes, and a denim jacket. I’ve got variations of the look, but it can still be a pretty boring. I’ve been obsessed with a pair of loafers I found at Target. Their brocade fabric adds shimmer and color to my otherwise dull ensemble, all while saving me from tying my shoes. Plus, they’re a lot cheaper than the Gucci loafers that every “it” blogger is wearing right now.

– KATIE PITTMAN

5

RED This timeless color is making its way down the runway and into my closet for October. Whether it’s a red dress, sweater, or shoes, red is a warm statement color that stands against chilly weather. It’s attention grabbing, but don’t let that scare you away. Red looks flattering on all hair and skin types. I love how it makes my blonde hair stand out.

Don’t want to go with Pantone’s Grenadine red? Shoot for a darker burgundy for a subtler look while also remaining trendy. Step out of your go-to color palette, and buy the bright red dress you’ve had your eye on. It might just become your favorite piece! I splurged on a pair of red block heels from Sole Society, and can’t picture my life without them.

– MADISON CLEVELAND

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Editor’s Note Hey Threadies!

Yet another summer has come and gone, but I must admit, it feels great to be back in the swing of all things Thread! We’ve got a lot of updates coming this year, and I cannot wait to share them with you all. Our social media is buzzing with fresh content, our website updated daily with new blog posts, and our videography team is producing mini-masterpieces regularly (Check out pages 14-15 to follow us on all of our platforms). I cannot express how proud I am of our Thread team and their extremely hard work, and I’m truly honored to present our first issue of the academic year.

Returning to campus means we get to revisit some of our favorite places in Athens County. In this issue, we pay tribute to the historic Stuart’s Opera House and its renovations after a devastating fire in 2015 (“The Show Must Go On” P. 84). We’re also highlighting some new beginnings, like Tavolino, a new, home-style Italian restaurant in Athens (“Little Italy, Little Table” P. 74). Perhaps it’s the appreciation for history and bounding energy that this town holds that makes it so welcoming.

As an organization, Thread hopes to emulate the sense of inclusivity that Athens has. We aim to create a safe and welcoming environment for all of our members, and we want to continue to cultivate this kind of

12 | THREAD

culture within our organization. In this issue, we’re celebrating diverse identities and the importance of representing these identities accurately in the media (“Breaking the Binary” P. 156). Not only that, but we strive to highlight the presence of these varying identities in the mainstream media (“A Queen’s Influence” P. 168).

We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we loved creating it.

But, most importantly, we hope that this issue invites you into our Thread family. We’re welcoming you with open arms!

Much Love,

thread EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Katie Pittman MANAGING EDITOR Madison Cleveland PHOTO EDITOR Evan Leonard

DESIGN DIRECTOR Samantha Güt

FEATURES EDITOR Kenyetta Whitfield

PUBLIC RELATIONS CHIEF Rachel Sinistro

SEAMS EDITOR Julia Brown

BUSINESS MANAGER Kelly Bondra

WHO, WHAT, WEAR EDITOR Haadiza Ogwude

DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT ASSISTANT Danielle Donavan

DIY EDITOR Jaida Sterling

CREATIVE CONSULTANT Taylor McCarthy

CAMPUS CASUAL EDITOR Rylie Brown

WEB EDITOR Grace Ziemke

VIDEO CHIEF Carley Matson WRITERS

Madeline Ballas, Nick Battaglia,Maggie Boyle, Emily Campbell, Marie Chailosky, Cali Cioppa, Shaina Dubinskiy, Maddy Fink, Dori Gray, Anne Herr, Colleen Howard, Nicole Isenberg, Hannah Klein, Alyssa King, Rylie Miller, Carly McFadden, Jackie Osborne, Sydney Otto, Hannah Pridemore, Geena Provenzano, Ella Shroll, Abigail Thomas, Micah Upshaw, LynAnne Vucovich

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kinsey Ball, Emily Barbus, Mia Barnes, Kelly Bondra, Maggie Boyle, Colby Caldwell, Melissa Cordy, Allison Haas, Madeline Hordinski, Rachel Issler, Matthew Jones, Elle Moore, Kaitlin Owens, Riley Perone, Hannah Ruhoff, Melina Triffon, Kelly Wallace

VIDEOGRAPHERS

Baylee Gorham, Hope Mueller

MAKEUP ARTISTS

Nicole Isenberg, Autumn Powell

DESIGNERS

Kelly Bondra, Nicole Dinan, Alexa Kryz, Mary Kuntzman, Rilee Lockhart, Adriana Mazzotta, Kathryn Maynard, Makayla Montgomery, Sydney Otto, Maddie Schroeder, Brooke Sheridan, Audra Swan, Alexandria Vella

STYLISTS

Cheyenne Bodnar, Irene Bowen, Maggie Boyle, Jordyn Bryant, Sarah Curl, Dori Gray, Heather Hurtt, Nicole Isenberg, Kathrine Krekeler, Wyatt Langer, Claire McGee, Autumn Powell, Geena Provenzano, Lauren Shaffer, Brittany Shaw, Jamie Sparandera, Nathaniel Stansbery, Rylie Sterling, Natalie Thomas

PUBLIC RELATIONS TEAM

aley Bender, Aidan Jones, Paige Kirby, Bailey Kormick, Skylar Moore, Blake Milore, Abigail Mulligan, Abby Patsiavos, Simphiwe Shongwe

BLOGGERS

Cali Cioppa, Anne Herr, Colleen Howard, Alyssa King, Lindsay Lafferty, Micah Upshaw

MODELS

Casi Arnold, Alexis Bahas, Aleigh Beard, Irene Bowen, Maggie Boyle, Claire Brockman, Natalie Buscemi, Ky Cobb, Julia Cook, Rylee Crimmel, Rachel Dannenhauer, Claire Elder, Jessica Farris, Conor Faut, Leigh Ferrero, Nicolette Filo, Isaac Bettinger, Dontay Graham, Maggie Heltzel, Will Hippler, Emily Houpt, Ameena Huq, Abbey Kay, Kathryn Kirk, Kathrine Krekeler, Nicole Isenberg, Taylor McCarthy, Michael McKean, Jonathan Morris, Chance Nelson, Ivy O’Shaughnessy, Jeana Rayo, Brittney Shaw, Margaret Smith, Dakota Stanley, Khanh-vy Tran, Carla Triana, Alisa WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 13 Warren, De’Vaughn Williams, Kyndal Wilson, Lauren Worley

Behind the Scenes of

Thread’s photoshoots

Middle of the Book

Celeb Style

14 | THREAD

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FACEBOOK.COM/THREADMAG

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+ Watch videos made by Thread on YouTube, including behind the scenes looks at the making of our photoshoots!

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SEAMS

From the runways to the streets, and everything in between, here are this season’s most sought-after trends.

JUST BROWSING /// 31 16 | THREAD

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runwayrealway

BY EARL HOPKINS PHOTOS BY HANNAH RUHOFF

A

lexander Wang has been known to make waves in the fashion world. Since his debut in 2007, he’s had the ability to create trends that break boundaries in the industry. It’s his mark, and it’s one that’s widened as his career has expanded internationally.

The release of his Fall 2017 Menswear Collection further showcased his creative ingenuity, as he captured the vintage look of Stephen King’s book-turned-teenhorror flick, “Christine,” released the year of Wang’s birth (1983).

Wang’s new men’s collection took inspiration from the film’s occult look. The dark, muted tones consumed much of the color palette, as images of ’80s automobiles were layered atop hoodies and jackets with the words “slow and steady,” a homage to King’s killer car film.

Throughout the collection, the images ventured deeper into the automobile motif that’s drawn from King’s film. Cotton T-shirts featured embroidery of women on motorcycles, an advertisement of the “1-800-REAPER” hotline, and lightning bolts running down

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the shirt’s back.

Though Wang’s collection reflected the sleek and obscure style of the era, he wanted to modernize the pieces’ cuts to fit today’s standards. It was his attempt to balance the lines of comfort and luxury and was executed successfully. The looks are centered on tailored tops and motocross trousers. Multi-layered shirts and hoodies have been a staple in today’s fashion, and Wang adds elongated trench coats and motorcycle jackets to accompany the emerging trend.

The collection isn’t entirely engulfed in teen horror. The second half of Wang’s collection, the first to feature pieces from Wang’s “T” men’s line, offers some distinct variety. It’s fitting for a season entrenched in mist-filled nights — the elongated trench coats, embroidered hoodies and longsleeve tees were indicative of the collection’s temperament. Wang captured the austere feel of the autumn season.

The success of the collection’s release exemplifies Wang’s genius and his ability to integrate vintage looks with those of modern couture.

ALEXANDER WANG

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MADEWELL 20 | THREAD

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BY MAGGIE BOYLE PHOTOS BY HANNAH RUHOFF

W

ith the slogan “good days start with great jeans,” Madewell is more-or-less known for their quality denim and simple tees, and their Fall Ready-to-Wear 2017 line did not disappoint. For their collection, they stayed true to their signature look, with a bit of added ’70s flare.

“We’re evolving what we know our customer loves,” said Joyce Lee, Madewell’s creative director.

We’ve seen the return of ’90s styles lately, with Mom Jeans and chokers, but this line seemed to draw inspiration from the ’70s with lots of flared denim and trousers, stripes, floral prints, mustard-yellows, and Penny Laneesque oversized jackets. Lee did a flawless job of styling on-trend pieces such as white sneakers, mules, and two-toned denim. The line also offers graphic T-shirts and sweaters, delicate lace tops, and sparkly socks.

This line is perfect for the person who loves to layer and takes fall trends to the next level. It ensures that you can be both comfortable, warm, and stylish all at once.

Creatively made for the everyday woman, these pieces are casual and comfortable enough to be seen on the working mom, but bold enough to be seen as a style risk.

Something that really stands out in the collection are the coats.

Ten out of the 18 looks feature menswear-inspired oversized jackets that are a great wardrobe staple for colder months, and they

can also take your layering skills from zero to 100. For those days before it gets too cold, wearing one of these coats off-the-shoulder with a mini-dress and some brown ankle boots is a great way to debut your fall wardrobe. As for when the temperatures drop, pairing wideleg trousers with cozy, oversized sweaters and denim jackets ensure style and warmth on a day out.

Nothing in the line is too formfitting, but there are still pieces that can be taken from day to night, such as their wide leg utility jumpsuit. One advantage to this line is that Madewell is completely at your disposal. Unlike many designs we’re used to seeing on the runway, this collection is affordable and easy to shop for, considering Madewell stores can be found in most malls. This means you’re able to actually purchase what is seen on the models, rather than having to recreate a couture look from the runway.

Instead of an entire line of dresses, this line features pants, tops, coats, shoes, and even socks, which makes it easy and fun to mix and match with other pieces from the collection, as well as things you already have in your closet. The simplicity of this line means that almost everything can be paired with a basic pair of jeans or a white tee, but when put together, you really get a statement look, which is just one of the many ways Madewell is making a name for itself.

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CelebStyle Khalid Robinson is a 19-year-old El Paso, Texas, native who skyrocketed to fame last year.

BY MADELINE BALLAS PHOTOS BY KINSEY BALL

From tweets asking for rides to the studio, to recording his hit single “Location” during his senior year of high school, to winning the MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist, Khalid has skyrocketed to the top. Music had always been an influential factor in Khalid’s life; his mom was in the Army, and she chose to sing rather than be deployed. Growing up, Khalid listened to musicals and opera, but he produces tunes in the R&B and pop genres. The blend of instruments on his album, American Teen, correspond to the mix of prints, colors, and old school feels in his sense of style.

It’s no question that Khalid loves vibrant colors, as they often appear in his wardrobe. Most of the songs on his debut album carry a slower vibe, so the bright colors display his positive personality. The young trend setter keeps it cool at appearances and events by pairing the same prints together. He’s a big fan of camo-on-camo and checkered-on-checkered.

The American Teen likes to experiment with retro pieces like tracksuits, varsity jackets, and the fanny packs. Another key quality 22 | THREAD

about his clothing choice is comfort. In an interview with Vogue he said, “I could walk onstage with sweatpants and feel great about myself.” He is often wearing hoodies that somewhat reflect the “dadcore” style featured in Balenciaga’s Spring 2018 collection.

He loves being comfortable in his clothes, but Khalid can also turn heads in designer pieces. Gucci clothing appears in many of his Instagram posts, and he considers himself to be a mini-collector. The star paired up with Forever 21 to do a campaign called #F21XMUSIC. The menswear collection dropped in stores and online May 2017. The line features lots of distressed denim, MTV tees, and camo jackets.

The ad for the collection shows Khalid kicking it on a couch with headphones on.

The artist is like any other teen, except for the fact that he gets to express himself on a huge platform — and that his album went gold.

He writes about his teen years as a way to reflect on them in the future.

His laid back style shines through when touring on the road. Khalid translates his feelings into melodies and his outfits into masterpieces.

Khalid Robinson

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Millie Bobby Brown

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Millie Bobby Brown has taken the hearts of just about everyone. America’s newest sweetheart and adorable Hollywood it-girl is one of the most talked about child stars at the moment, with the closet to prove it.

BY RILEY MILLER PHOTOS BY KELLY JACKSON

At just 13-years-old, Millie Bobby Brown has made quite the name for herself from taking on the dramatic role of Eleven in the highly-anticipated Netflix show “Stranger Things.” She has signed a modeling contract with one of the world’s biggest agencies, IMG Models, become the new face of Calvin Klein, and will make her big screen debut in “Godzilla II: King of Monsters” in 2019. Brown is humbly and gracefully climbing her way to the top.

Brown’s style is not that of your average teen. From walking the red carpet in Burberry and Valentino to making something like jeans and a sweater fashion-forward, Brown combines high fashion pieces with simple accents to reflect her spunky style. During an interview with Drew Barrymore for Teen Vogue’s September “Icons” issue, Brown explained she does not feel the need to dress like someone she is not.

“I mean, I’ve never been one of those girls who dresses provocatively. It’s just not me. I keep it as appropriate as possible,” Brown told Barrymore.

What really stands out about Brown’s look is her pixie haircut. In

order for her to truly transform into her “Stranger Things” character, Eleven, she had to shave her head.

When she found out that she had to make this drastic change for her role, Brown told PeopleStyle that she was not phased.

“I reacted to it quite fine, it was my mum that didn’t react very well,” Brown said. Today, she sports a shoulder length bob.

Keeping it simple is key when it comes to Brown’s style. For the “Stranger Things” premiere, she paired her Mojgan Couture ballerina ball gown with a pair of sequined Converse.

Brown also enjoys experimenting with makeup. At the majority of her appearances, she has a simple glow and rosy lip. Recently, via Instagram, she explained that she likes to keep her makeup minimal for special occasions. She advised followers that wearing makeup everyday is not good for skin. She also told followers that being comfortable in your own skin is one of the most important mantras in life.

To embrace your inner Brown, have fun with your look. Pair simple pieces with eccentric patterns to create a bold, youthful ensemble.

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CLEAN LINES

BY ABBEY THOMAS PHOTOS BY RACHEL ISSLER

I

n her 2014 standup special, “One of the Greats,” comedian Chelsea Peretti picked fun at women’s fashion magazines that proposed, “wear a funky necklace” as a legitimate suggestion to combat social anxiety and more easily break the ice at parties. While bold, chunky, and overly-flashy statement pieces previously stole our attention, it seemed as though women were working to complement our jewelry instead of the other way around.

In recent years, minimalism has taken over jewelry trends — despite what you saw in Beyoncé’s 2016 “Formation” music video with the black hat, long braids, and layers of necklaces. The simple, dainty pieces come in silver, gold, and rose gold, and usually take the form of geometric shapes, like bars, triangles, squares, or semi-circles.

Minimalist jewelry pairs well with plain colored clothing, specifically rich earthtones, creams, black and shades of grey. It’s just metallic enough to add that extra oomph to a classic, everyday outfit, but modest enough not to take away from a busy one.

To add edge and variety, try minimalist ear cuffs, ear crawlers, and earring jackets. You can also 26 | THREAD

find layered necklaces, anklets and stackable rings. Because the style is so simple, it makes it easy to wear multiple minimalist rings or earrings at a time. The simplistic colors of minimalist jewelry give them a timeless appeal, allowing them to adapt easily to almost any outfit.

Minimalism goes far beyond the jewelry box. The notion of minimalism is a holistic idea that has gained popularity again in recent years. The goal of minimalism is to decrease the amount of material possessions in one’s life, cut out distractions, and allow oneself to live happily and authentically through appreciation of the important things in life. Minimalism challenges the consumerism of both the material purchases people make as well as the information people choose to take in. It reminds us to consider our needs before our wants and to attentively choose self-care above materialism.

To become a minimalist, it is a myth that you must limit all material possessions to under 100 belongings, go vegan, avoid buying nice things, wear uninteresting and monotonous clothing, and never spoil yourself.

Instagram influencers like Roe Cummings and her husband

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(@brownkids) advocate for a minimalist lifestyle — using their platform to discuss how living with the essentials does not mean living an unimaginative, mundane life.

Rather, living minimally is a way of freeing yourself by ultimately enhancing the colorfulness you already possess.

Although holistic living probably doesn’t come to mind mind when throwing on jewelry, minimalist fashion does borrow ideas from this way of life. Minimalist pieces serve as a reminder that you are the outfit. Rather than making statements for you, minimalist jewelry lets your style and personality do the talking while functioning as a filler. While bold statement jewelry attracts, minimalist jewelry engages. It works with existing style to add flair. It can highlight natural beauty by adding a slight touch of style to more basic outfits on no makeup or lazy hair days. Because it transitions

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well from outfit-to-outfit, it’s easy to purchase less and get more for your money.

Minimalist jewelry can be found at almost any store, from Urban Outfitters to Monocraft and may range in price depending on the quality. However, because the looks are so subtle, it doesn’t take a hefty price tag to receive the same dainty and elegant appeal. Unlike chokers and statement jewelry that tend to look cheap and merely glued together, it’s slightly more challenging to tell if minimalist pieces are of higher or lower quality.

This contemporary style clears out distractions and redirects focus to an individual’s authenticity, whether it be the radiance of your skin, the curve of your smile, or the locks of your hair. Edgy enough to be noticed, but not enough to steal the spotlight. Minimalist jewelry is just that — ­ jewelry. It is not main stage, but it can lead you to it.

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Hats Off

BY GEENA PROVENZANO PHOTOS BY RYLIE PERONE

A

lthough the conductor hat has been around for over 100 years, it has never been as popular as it is today. According to PopSugar, Pinterest searches for the trend have spiked 327 percent over the past year, thanks to celebrities like David Beckham and Bella Hadid.

Both Beckham and Hadid are constantly being photographed on the streets in various versions of the conductor hat. Beckham pairs his with a solid overcoat or sweater, while Hadid opts for a denim or fur coat.

This “new” trend actually came to life in the late 1800s, thanks to the rise of America’s favorite pastime, baseball. As the sport became more popular, players such as Babe Ruth and Harry Walker regularly took trains to get back and forth between games. The employees of the trains became inspired by these new stars and formed their own baseball leagues.

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Chicago engineer and amateur player George “Stormy” Kromer thoroughly enjoyed sporting his baseball cap on the job. Yet, he soon realized his newest accessory could not withstand the heavy winds that accompanied a conductor’s daily tasks. Kromer turned to his wife, Ida, to redesign a more stable and efficient cap. After stitching together some blue and white pinstripe cloth, the traditional conductor hat was made.

In May, Hadid collaborated with the Los Angeles brand, Chrome Hearts. The 40-piece collection featured a white, patent leather conductor hat adorned with silver chains.

Unfortunately, Hadid’s pieces, including the hat, are only available in boutiques throughout large cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and New York. But, there is no need to worry because popular stores including Forever 21 and Nordstrom provide

slug

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their own versions of the classic design. With prices ranging from $14 to $42, this hat can fit easily into anyone’s budget.

Perhaps the main reason this trend is growing — aside from its celebrity endorsement — is its versatility. Hats can provide an element of class and authority to even the most casual of looks.

Adding a hat to a denim outfit is one of the easiest ways to stay comfortable, but also stand out from the crowd. Having a bad hair day? Throw on a conductor hat.

No one will be able to tell you’ve just rolled out of bed. Since there are so many variations of the conductor hat, anyone can find one that suits their style. Try a pattern or vibrant color for a look that is daring. Stay neutral for a more subdued look.

With fall just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to bundle up with this accessory.

“HATS CAN PROVIDE AN ELEMENT OF CLASS & AUTHORITY TO EVEN THE MOST CASUAL OF LOOKS.” 32 | THREAD

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Browsing seams

Just

Looking to try something new with your brows?

Brow embellishment is a funky and creative way to switch up your usual brow routine.

BY NICOLE ISENBERG PHOTOS BY MELINA TRIFFON

F

or decades, the eyebrow has just been a backdrop for lovely shades of eyeshadow and fierce eyeliner, but as of now the eyebrow itself has been stealing the show. Brows in the past have undergone simple changes in size and thickness, but now they are being manipulated into hairy works of art.

This new fascination with brows seems to have people creating trend after trend.

First and foremost, the trend that is probably the most wearable is the Insta-brow. This trend is simply a dramatization of the natural brow.

The color of the brow fades from light at the beginning and then gets very deep and defined at the tail. To achieve this look, use a brow promade and angled brush to fill in and outline your brows. Instagram and celebrities are primarily responsible for making this trend explode over the last few years. There are thousands of tutorials on how to achieve the look on YouTube.

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had in your pencil pouch for years and never thought you would need again? Well, dig it out if you are daring enough for this next trend.

Feather brows are the new avant garde trend, but are best for those dressing as a bird for Halloween.

This style is done by taking a disposable mascara wand and dipping it in a glue stick, then raking the glue through your brows to separate the hairs straight down the middle. It’s a daring trend, but not a hard one to master.

Another celebrity and makeup guru favorite is the straightened “boy brow.” This trend looks effortless and is easier to master than the Insta-brow. It is perfect for the “no makeup” makeup look which is every college student’s dream, if they have a class earlier than 9 a.m.

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eye, right? So, it just seems natural to want to have one for your eyebrow. Carved brows are a trend that outlines the brow and gives them a smokey effect to compliment any eyeshadow that is being worn. Carved brows can be rather easy to achieve. The variation of this trend ranges from a more subtle look to a galactic glitter brow.

Since the rise in popularity of brands like Benefit and Anastasia Beverly Hills, brow trends have been appearing most everywhere.

Other trends like glitter brows, colored brows, foiled brows and the triple brow have dominated the Internet. These brows can be a bit intimidating, but they can give one an excuse to try out some funky beauty trends. Brow art seems to show no signs of slowing down, and there’s no telling what the next new brow trend will be.

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Classic Cut

BY ANNIE HERR PHOTOS BY EMILY BARBUS

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B

efore the invention of the disposable safety razor in 1901, the two most prominent tools for shaving were the straight razor and double edge razor. Similar to many things that were affected by industrialization, the straight razor fell out of style due to the work it takes to keep one maintained and sharp. Following that, the disposable blades of the safety razor kept sales of double edged razors low.

In the past few years, however, razor purists have been making their way to blogs, Twitter, Reddit, internet shops, and even brickand-mortar stores to spread their creed. Shaving the “old way” is the best way to get a clean and close shave. There’s an entire subculture of purists who believe that shaving right is key, and they follow it as closely as some people follow beauty trends, complete with tutorials, reviews on products, and experts in the field. They stress the benefits of traditional shaving, from cost efficiency to cleanliness.

The tools and techniques of this method can be daunting at first. There are dozens of types of shaving soaps and creams, not to mention aftershaves, and how does one go from a Gillette with six blades or a fancy electric shaver to one single blade that looks more like a weapon then a tool? To break it down, let’s look at the suggestions for getting started.

Razor: Straight razors are the most typical and highly-praised tool in the movement. According to purists, they give the closest shave, help to reduce irritation, nicks, and burns, and they can be seen as an investment tool to keep you looking your best. Straight razors without a disposable blade have to be honed. Honing is a process that straightens and sharpens the blade in order to maintain the benefits. Luckily, the process is only completed every few months, so there are longer periods in between maintenance than with any other type of razor.

If one chooses to go this route, a few new techniques and skills are involved, but it will pay off in the end with smoother skin and wellgroomed facial hair.

Soaps and creams and brushes (oh my!): Another caveat of the wet shave technique is the use of soaps and creams that come in a solid form, meaning you have to make the lather yourself. It’s an easy process, but requires a specific bowl and brush. It allows for plenty of personalization, and wading through the different types of soap really boils down to preference and skin type.

Most sources say it’s best to begin with a cream, and that it’s best to use a soft brush and work up from there. There are dozens of options for brushes, but beginners should go for a synthetic bristle before moving on to more luxurious options.

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After choosing the proper tools, there is the step-by-step process of actually shaving. It may feel like learning how to shave all over again, because each step has to be consciously thought about. Here is the best method for first time shavers:

1.

FIGURE OUT THE “GRAIN� OF YOUR BEARD Finding what direction your hair grows from allows you to shave effectively and safely.

When looking in a mirror, run a credit card or a finger down your facial hair. If you are going with the grain, the hair should feel smoothed down and not lifted at all.

2.

PREP YOUR BEARD This step is as simple as taking a hot shower or placing a hot towel on your face for a few minutes. This will soften the hairs and make them easier to shave off.

3.

PREP AND APPLY LATHER Prep the shaving cream in the bowl and apply, allowing the lather to soften and lift the hair.

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4. FIND THE CORRECT

ANGLE AND SHAVE Before you can shave, you have to find where on the blade cuts the hair without cutting you!

The best method is to place the blade flat against your face and then slowly tilt it as you pull it down your face. When you feel the hair start to be cut, you’ve found your angle and can

continue the process through a few passes until you are satisfied

5.

RINSING AND AFTERSHAVE It is essential to do the follow up steps in this process, or you may find you experience irritation and acne. Wash your face with warm water and apply an aftershave or gentle toner, such as witch hazel.

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seams

Toting Around

BY SIMPHIWE SHONGWE PHOTOS BY SPENCER HAWK

What is in your bag? Wait, do you even have a bag?

Men’s fashion has recently welcomed the use of bags to complete outfits. While stylish backpacks produced by companies like Fjällräven and Herschel Supply Co. have existed for years, men’s fashion has elevated beyond just simple backpacks. The addition of more bold options such as small crossbody bags and tote bags have multiplied the possibilities available in menswear.

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Small Cross-body Bags It’s not a purse, and it’s definitely not a “murse.” It’s a small cross-body bag. New York rapper A$AP Rocky and British grime star, Skepta, were early adopters of the trend; both rappers have been pictured sporting these bags. Virgil Abloh, designer and founder of streetwear brand Off-White, endorsed the trend early as well. The Louis Vuitton Fall 2016 Menswear collection featured cross-body bags, but they were commonly referred to as “leather tourist pouches.”

Not only did the small cross-body bag make an appearance in the Dior Homme and Hermes 2017 New York Fashion Week fall shows, but the streets of New York were a playground to many participants of the trend. The bags are typically larger than a wallet and can house a cellphone, keys, and other necessities.

The use of the small-cross body bag discourages the chunky pocket look.

Modern Leather Briefcases

Tote Bags “Motes,” or men’s tote bags, are perfect for a carrying a light load. Sling it over a shoulder or let it sway as it hangs a hand.

Carrying a tote bag is as simple as one makes it. Some are designed with small interior pockets for wallets and keys. Trendy tote bags are usually comprised of a simple canvas that is complimented with a logo or graphic. Tote bags can also accessorize most outfits, as they’re perfect for the beach or a quick study session. Tote bags made appearances in both Balenciaga and J.W. Anderson 2018 men’s spring shows.

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Modern Leather Briefcases Imagine you’re wearing a crisp navy blue tailored suit, a fitted white button-up, a black skinny tie, brown leather shoes, and a matching belt. What bag are you carrying? The answer should be a leather briefcase — not a backpack. Fact: Backpacks wrinkle the back of suit jackets. The tight straps hug the shoulders the and the back which creates a collage of creases.

A backpack can also discredit the professionalism established by a suit.

That’s not to say the only time to flaunt one of this bags is when wearing professional attire. The briefcase can be paired with anything. Single-strap leather briefcases hang toward the side of the torso. And, like most backpacks, leather briefcases contain laptop compartments.

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Cut, Fray, Repeat.

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On The Fringe Reminiscent of the denim of the ‘70s, fringe and frayed jeans are back and better than ever.

BY SYDNEY OTTO PHOTOS BY MELISSA CORDY

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his fall, slip into some denim that has stood the test of time, both figuratively and literally (well, sort of). Frayed jeans, a trouser trend from the ’70s and that later re-appeared in the ’90s, are back, at least for this season.

Frayed jeans became one of the biggest trends of the hippie era, whether it was frayed bell bottoms or a two-toned boot cut.

They were a staple at Woodstock and remained a must-have item for nearly a decade following that.

While they went out of style during the ’80s, frayed jeans made a swift return during the grunge era of the ’90s. It was hard to say no to a pair of ripped black jeans, some beat up Chuck Taylors, and a “vintage” band T-shirt.

These days, frayed jeans resurfaced during summer 2017, and they’re better than ever. With longer fringe and far more styles, there are a million ways to wear frayed jeans. Just look at the spring and fall runways for plenty

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of ways to rock the trend.

J. Crew had no issues sporting the trend in spring and fall seasons, but the brand took a more conservative approach. Fringe was shorter compared to denim other designers featured, and it was perfect for those who might be less eager to commit to the trend.

The pants pair well with a denim shirt or a floral blouse. Madewell’s Spring 2017 Ready-to-Wear collection also featured some conservatively fringed pieces in several different denim styles.

Several frayed pairs have also cropped up in Levi’s newest collection. Again, these jeans are not as extreme as some of the other popular pairs, but they’re great for everyday wear. Topshop chose to take a different approach to the trend: instead of only fraying the hem of the jeans, they have a pair available with both a frayed waist and bottom hem. For those willing to fully commit to the style, try a white or light wash to let the threads be

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the focal point of an outfit.

For a dramatic night-on-thetown look, try on a pair with a long, wispy fringe. ASOS carries several pairs with lengthier fringe that can be paired with a cute crop top or an oversized sweater and a cute sneaker or a chunky heel. These are perfect for heading out for an evening with the girls or out on a casual date.

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jeans currently in your closet, try updating a pair with do-ityourself frayed hem. Refinery29 has a great tutorial for adding a short fringe to a pair of jeans.

The Huffington Post has another tutorial for a frayed jean with a little bit more length. Either way, try on a pair and for something new. Who knows, perhaps this ’70s trend will become your next wardrobe staple.

“ASOS CARRIES SEVERAL PAIRS WITH LONGER FRINGE THAT CAN BE PAIRED PERFECTLY WITH A CUTE CROP TOP OR AN OVERSIZED SWEATER.”

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DIY

Crafting the most intricate of knick-knacks, working out the mind, body, and soul, and making the most delicious of treats.

VAMPED UP /// 72

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diy: craft it

BRANCH OUT Create a minimal and organic dĂŠcor piece that clearly displays and organizes your jewelry.

BY ALYSSA KING PHOTOS BY KELLY WALLACE

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ecklaces and bracelets often tangle together after being thrown in jewelry boxes, bags, or storage. However, a hanging branch jewelry organizer gives you the perfect opportunity to organize and display your favorite accessories, while also brightening up your space and adding to your aesthetic. With these 10 easy steps, anyone can create this gorgeous, nature-inspired piece.

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Materials Needed: · Branch · Clear fishing line, twine or other hanging material · Nails (enough for every inch of hanging space) · Two additional nails or hooks to hang organizer from wall · Two screw eye hooks · Hammer · Small hand-held saw (optional) 56 | THREAD

diy: craft it

Step 1: Find your branch. You can use a freshly fallen branch or use a cutting device to remove one from a tree.

Step 2: Wash the branch with warm water and soap to remove loose debris.

Step 3: Trim your branch to fit your wall space where you want to hang the organizer.

Step 4: Hammer the nails about an inch apart from each other along the branch. Leave two inches without nails on both ends of the branch.

Step 5: Screw the eye hooks at the ends of the branch two inches from both edges. This will be where you will hang your organizer.

Step 6: Choose hanging material. You can either use clear fishing line –– better for smaller and lighter branches –– to create a floating illusion, or you can use twine or any material that matches your style.

Step 7: Choose a hanging style. You can cut one long piece of

material and tie one end to each hook to create a triangular look.

This option is best suited for smaller, lightweight branches though it will work for larger branches too. Another option is to take two separate pieces of your material and tie it to each screw eye hook so that your branch descends straight down.

Step 8: Prepare the wall for hanging. You will want to mark where

the nails will go to make sure they are leveled. Then, use a hammer to insert two nails or hooks into the wall. If you are going for the triangular hanging method, you will only need to use one nail centered in the middle of your wall space.

Step 9: Hang your earthy organizer.

Step 10: Add jewelry and admire.

This fun, easy-to-make organizer will add an eye-catching piece to any room by combining organic and synthetic materials. The entire process can be completed in one afternoon, and will save you from untangling chains in the future.

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Pep in Your Step Keep your shoes from dulling into fall; make these easy embellished heels to steal the show.

BY MADISON CLEVELAND PHOTOS BY ALLISON HAAS

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diy: craft it

DON’T WANT TO SPEND $100 on a pair of retail embellished heels?

Chances are you probably have shoes in your closet that could easily be spruced up. Bejeweled shoes are a great way to add some color and style to basic pieces. Don’t be intimidated by the design, they can be put together and on your feet within an hour. You can incorporate your favorite colors, metals, and styles into your design. If you don’t like heels, grab a pair of Converse, or flats and glue away! What’s better than having your own unique designer shoes?

EMBELLISHED HEELS MATERIALS A pair of shoes Hot glue gun Scissors Several packages of rhinestones Fabric glue 1/2 yard of lace STEPS Step 1: Find inspiration on Pinterest or from shoes at your favorite retailers. Once you have ideas, create your own pattern to follow. Sketch a quick layout on paper so you know where to place materials on your shoes.

Step 2: Now that you have a layout, plug in your hot glue gun to let it warm up. Start placing your rhinestones and gems on a table and layout your design for the shoes.

Step 3: Cut out pieces of lace as needed to fit onto the shoes. Then, glue your lace pieces with fabric glue.

Step 4: Next, use hot glue to add rhinestones on the shoes. A quick tip for using hot glue, take a toothpick to help place the glue on the shoe and put the rhinestone on top. This will help save your fingers from burns and make it easier to put the small pieces into place.

Step 5: Let the glue set and clean up any hot glue strings off the shoes. They’re all ready to wear! One last tip for this project is to use lace that matches the color of the shoes. It stands out just enough to add visual interest and texture without taking away from the gems.

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diy: craft it

BY MICAH UPSHAW PHOTOS BY KHANH-VY TRAN

Pearls have always been a symbol of status, class, and money.

However, money isn’t exactly what we have right now as college students.

Fortunately, there is an inexpensive way to incorporate pearls into your lifestyle with these pearl embellished jeans. Jeans are already a staple piece in every closet, and pearl beads are affordable and can be found at any craft store. This project involves a little sewing, but it will be worth it once you complete your project.

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MATERIALS NEEDED: - One pair of jeans - One pack of multi-sized pearl beads with holes through the center - Needle - Thread that blends in with jeans (light thread for light jeans, dark thread for dark jeans - Fabric scissors - Razor for jean distressing (Optional)

Step 1: Find jeans you want to embellish. You can buy a pair from a thrift store or give life to those old jeans hidden deep in your closet that you thought you would never wear again.

Step 3 (Optional): To give the jeans a bit of a distressed look, take a razor and scrape it over the desired area of the jean until fabric begins to fray. Continue scraping to create holes in the fabric.

Step 2: Buy one pack of multisized pearls with holes through the centers so that a needle and thread can be pulled through them.

Step 4: Throw the jeans in the washer and dryer like normal.

This will cause the frayed fabric to stretch and give it a distressed look. Also, your

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diy: craft it

jeans will be clean and ready to wear!

Step 5: Begin by placing the beads where you want them to sit on your jeans. Then, take a picture so you can use it as a reference when you begin sewing.

Step 6: Thread your needle and start sewing. Begin by pulling the needle upward through the

fabric. Once it is all the way through, pull the needle with thread through the pearl bead.

Repeat pulling needle and thread through the pearl bead three times to make sure it’s tightly secured to the jeans.

Step 7: For every few pearls you sew onto the jeans, try them on to make sure that the pearl placement looks correct.

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CAN’T RESIST

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diy: work it

BY ELLA SHROLL PHOTOS BY ANNA VENTRE

Resistance bands are the perfect way to get in a quick workout without heavy equipment. They can be used to intensify your pre-existing workout or create an entirely new one. The best part about these bands? They are adaptable to any performance level and range from low to high resistance.

The following are some basic exercises implementing the bands. It is always important to warm up before exercising to prevent cramping or injury.

LEG LIFT Begin lying on your back with the resistance band looped slightly above both ankles.

Keeping one leg on the ground, raise the other leg up. Depending on the resistance band you have chosen, you may reach more or less than a 45 degree angle.

Lower your leg slowly and repeat with 10 reps per leg.

RESISTED GLUTE BRIDGE First, put the resistance band around your hips like a belt. A high-resistance band is best for this exercise. Get in the sit up position with your back against the floor, knees pulled up, and feet to the ground near your butt.

Put your hands between the band and your back with palms to the floor. Lift your butt, keeping your shoulders and arms to the floor.

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When lifting, flex your glutes.

Be careful not to overextend –– you’re looking for a flat bridge, not an arch. Lower and finish two sets of 10 reps.

SIDE-LYING FIRE HYDRANT On your side, bring your thighs up to create a 90-degree angle with your torso. With the band above both knees, pull one leg up to create an almost-right angle to the other leg. Slowly lower and do 10 reps for each leg. If you are executing these correctly, your buns will be burning when you finish.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE WORKOUT!

CHALLENGE: SQUAT + LATERAL LEG LIFT Now that you’re a professional, try out a 2-in-1 move. With a band slightly above the knees, drop into a low squat. Make sure your weight is on your heels and your knees are behind your toes to get the full effect. As you lift yourself from squat position, raise one leg to the side about 45 degrees, and then return to the standing position. Do two sets of 10 reps, alternating legs, and remember proper squat form!

Finish with a second or third set depending on your performance level. Cool down with some light cardio or stretches. With dedication, no one will be able to “resist” complimenting your toned legs.

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Simply Delicious Dining halls provide fruit for breakfast and vegan options for dinner — great! But between meals, vegan snacks aren’t easy to come by unless you live off of raw almonds and butter-less popcorn all year. With a fridge and microwave at your fingertips, you can do a lot of cruelty-free damage. Make your non-vegan friends jealous with the delicious snacks and meals you whipped up in the comfort of your cozy home.

BY MARIE CHAILOSKY PHOTOS BY KAITLIN OWENS

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diy: make it

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Easy Vegan Stew

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diy: make it

Easy Vegan Stew Nothing sounds better than warm stew when it’s cold out.

This recipe is better on a stove or hot plate, but if you don’t own either, a microwave works well too.

Step 2: Add 1-2 tablespoons of water, cover bowl with napkin, then microwave for 2-3 minutes to steam vegetables.

Step 3: Add drained kidney beans and chopped tomatoes with the juice.

Step 4: Heat in microwave, stirring often.

Step 5: Add spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.).

INGREDIENTS: Kidney Beans Carrots Chopped Onion Tin of Chopped Tomatoes Zucchini Salt and Pepper Spices to Taste

DIRECTIONS: Step 1: Chop vegetables into bitesized pieces.

Bonus: Get a packet of microwavable rice and add to stew to make it heartier

Spaghetti Squash Dinner Add fresh basil and a vegetable of your choosing to spruce up store bought marinara sauce. My favorite vegetable to add to marinara sauce is steamed broccoli.

INGREDIENTS: Spaghetti Squash One Jar of Marinara Sauce Fresh Basil Vegetables of Choice

DIRECTIONS: The Squash Step 1: Puncture holes in spaghetti squash to let steam out when microwaving.

Step 2: Microwave spaghetti squash for 20 minutes, rotating it halfway through.

Step 3: Let squash cool, cut in half, de-seed it, and scoop out the flesh with a fork into a bowl.

The Sauce Step 1: In a bowl, add chopped vegetable with 1-2 tablespoons of water Step 2: Cover with napkin and microwave for 2-3 minutes, checking with a fork to make sure it is tender.

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Chocolate Sweet

Potato Energy Balls Healthy, vegan snacks are always good to keep at hand, especially ones that satisfy your sweet tooth and give you a boost of energy.

INGREDIENTS: Medium Sweet Potato 1/2 Cup of Oats or Original Flavored Oatmeal 1 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder 2 Tablespoons of Maple Syrup 1 Tablespoon of Peanut Butter

DIRECTIONS: Step 1: Microwave your sweet potato for 10 minutes, flipping it halfway through.

Step 2: Remove skin and mash the sweet potato in a bowl.

Step 3: Add maple syrup and peanut butter, mix until combined.

Step 4: Add oats and cocoa powder to the mix until thick and fudgy.

Step 5: Scoop mixture into balls and roll between hands until they are round.

Step 6: Store them in the fridge.

It’s easy to be vegan in college, despite what you may have heard.

Making food in your room is also an amazing way to relieve stress and bond with your roommate and friends. Have a “family” dinner, throw on a movie, and relax with these wholesome meals.

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Vamped Up Satisfying one’s thirst just got easier for the creature of the night.

BY DANIELLE DONAVAN PHOTO BY COLBY CALDWELL

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he weather is cooling down and Halloween is just around the corner, which means it’s time for goblins, witches, and most importantly: vampires and hot chocolate. Joining the two together is the best way to celebrate this upcoming holiday. This warm drink is ideal for those chilly nights when Edward Cullen isn’t available to get cozy with.

It’s also a great beverage to serve at a party (drip the sugar blood down the serving bowl to leave all your guests wondering). No matter how this drink is consumed, it’ll satisfy your sugar lust.

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Whipped Cream MATERIALS NEEDED:

INSTRUCTIONS:

1/2 cup of light corn syrup

1. Add 1-cup heavy cream, vanilla extract, and the extra fine granulated sugar to the bowl of a mixer.

1/2 cup of water 1 cup of extra fine granulated sugar

2. Whip on medium until stiff peaks form.

Red gel food coloring

Vampire Hot Chocolate MATERIALS NEEDED:

INSTRUCTIONS:

3 cups of whole milk

1. Add whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, white chocolate and the mini chocolate tips into a medium saucepan.

1 cup of heavy cream 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

2. Allow to heat over medium-low while stirring occasionally.

1 cup of white chocolate chips 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips

3. Heat until the chocolate is completely melted and the hot chocolate begins to bubble. Do not allow the chocolate to boil.

Red food coloring

4. Stir in two drops of red food coloring.

5. Pour the hot chocolate into the mugs and top with whipped cream.

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diy: make it

Sugar Blood MATERIALS NEEDED:

INSTRUCTIONS:

1/2 cup of light corn syrup

1. Mix water and light corn syrup in a small saucepan, add the extra fine granulated sugar and stir.

1/2 cup of water 1 cup of extra fine granulated sugar Red gel food coloring

2. Allow the saucepan to sit on medium heat without stirring until the mixture reaches 300 °F. 3. Once it reaches desired temperature reaches desired temperature add red food coloring and stir.

4. Let the sugar cool down then dip the rim of chosen glasses into sugar mixture.

How to Make Vampire Hot Chocolate CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE HOW TO!

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WHO, WHAT, WEAR

A glance into some of Athens’ most captivating people, places, and events.

THE SHOW MUST GO ON /// 90

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Little Italy, Little Table

BY JACKIE OSBORNE PHOTO BY MADDIE HORDINSKI

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t 3:30 a.m., as some college students settle down, Emily Christine walks through the darkened door of her restaurant ready to start the day. While her kids are still asleep at home, she’s in the kitchen, making more cakes, cannolis, and biscotti for breakfast when she opens at 6:30 a.m.

Tavolino, “little table” in Italian, is an authentic Italian restaurant located at 9 Shafer St. Though it is an unsuspecting building from the outside, Tavolino holds history and a promise of good food within it.

Christine, an Athens native, opened her restaurant in June when she decided to share her love of cooking and passion for taking care of others in her hometown.

Christine admitted to experiencing a sheltered life in this small town,

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though she felt it was not necessarily a bad thing. Leaving Athens to see the world made her appreciate the place she came from. A sense of home and family is part of what brought her back.

“When you go out into the rest of the world, you realize Athens is this close knit welcoming community,” Christine said.

The grand opening of Tavolino was a struggle that Christine’s tiny restaurant was not prepared for.

The place was flooded with customers, all of whom were excited to try her handmade ravioli. Massive orders and one cook made for a jam-packed day. Busy with cooking and responsible for unloading a food shipment, Christine wasn’t sure where to turn. Rather than becoming angry, her customers understood and friends jumped in to help.

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“I feel like I dodged a bullet being here instead of somewhere else.

Even if they didn’t know me, everybody’s been unbelievably helpful and accommodating and patient. I don’t think that I would have been that lucky elsewhere,” she said.

Help doesn’t just come from her customers. An online cooking blog, written by a true Italian grandmother, inspires Christine’s recipes and helps her to celebrate the Italian culture in her restaurant by creating authentic food. Each day brings a new menu with new recipes.

Christine cooks everything herself. Sometimes in the early morning before the sun rises, but always when the customers come in. Nothing is ever prepared days in advance, per her personal belief that food needs to be fresh and healthy.

In this way, Christine takes care of her customers beyond just serving them. She is in charge of making sure they are given the quality of food that they deserve.

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For a time, Christine attended college as a nutrition major, with the hope that she could one day teach people how to take care of themselves by learning how to cook with the right foods. This ethos embodies the mission of Tavolino.

“I had this idea that I wanted to save the universe from bad health habits. I wanted to teach people how to cook for themselves, cook food that is not going to kill them.

This is a great way to do that,” Christine said.

When customers come in to Tavolino, Christine said she wants them to feel like they’re going to a grandma’s house in Italy. Nothing has to be fancy, it’s a come-as-you are deal. Enjoy the food, enjoy the company. One day she hopes to fill what is now a bare wall of the restaurant with black and white pictures of her customers, those whom she regards as family.

“Everybody’s part of the family,” Christine said.

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GLOBAL GET-DOWN

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who, what, wear

BY MARIE CHAILOSKY PHOTOS BY MATT JONES

F

lags, representing countries all over the world, are placed on College Green once a year signaling the celebration of International Week at Ohio University. These flags are put on display by the International Student Union to give people of all ethnicities and nationalities the opportunity to embrace their culture on campus.

“It’s really nice to see everybody taking pictures with their flags …and looking for their country … just embracing that diversity that we provide,” Carla Triana, president of the International Student Union, said.

The diversity that ISU provides can be seen in the 24 member organizations that fall under the umbrella organization. From the African Student Union to the Malaysian Student Organization, there are a wide range of groups that cater to interests of the international student population.

The newest addition to ISU’s lineup is the Napolese Student Union, which was adopted last month.

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weekly general body meetings to discuss the allocation of funds, so that member organizations have opportunities to hold events promoting their cultures. ISU is also responsible for making sure that member organizations are running properly and receiving the support they need.

Involvement in the ISU does not require members to have an international background. Domestic students with an interest in learning about cultures can become members, too. Both Triana and Ami Scherson, secretary of ISU, are domestic students who got involved with ISU through the Latino Student Union and the Japanese Student Association.

The ISU not only allocates resources, but it plans its own events. The three major events that ISU puts on every year are International Week, The International Dinner, and The International Street Fair. At each 86 | THREAD

of these events, students of all nationalities are represented and encouraged to share a part of their heritage.

“It’s a very humbling experience to be able to work with students from all over the world who are so passionate about showing their culture to people, and we want to make sure that they have that platform to really educate people and show them what they’re about,” said Scherson.

This year is one for celebration because its marks the 30th anniversary of the International Student Union. Special celebrations to honor the momentous occasion took place during the International Dinner on October 1.

The International Student Union is not only a general body that plans cultural events, it also serves as a community for like-minded individuals. Each member of ISU acts as a subset of the university, providing help and support to

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“IT’S A VERY HUMBLING EXPERIENCE TO BE ABLE TO WORK WITH STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD” –AMI SCHERSON

current and future students. It’s difficult for all of the member organizations to gather, but the large events allow them to. “‘One Nation, Many Families’ is our motto,” said Scherson.

This sentiment can be seen through ISU’s commitment to its member organizations.

ISU provides a safe space for students to share and exchange their traditions in a way that is beneficial to everyone. For many, the International Student Union is a home away from home, a global community tucked within the rolling hills of Southeast Ohio.

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THE SHOW

MUST GO ON After suffering a second fire in April 2015, Stuart’s Opera House in Nelsonville, Ohio, is recovering with the support of the community.

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BY LYNANNE VUCOUICH PHOTOS BY SPENCER HAWK

S

tuart’s Opera House has been a hub for culture and music in Athens county since its reopening in 1997. It has grown substantially over the years, bringing in acts like Shovels & Rope and James McMurtry. Stuart’s also hosts the Nelsonville Music Festival, a four-day event.

In April 2015, Nelsonville’s Historic Public Square was consumed by flames, but its surrounding buildings were salvaged. Stuart’s Opera House, a nonprofit theater, suffered damage from the fire and has been undergoing construction since.

The fire completely destroyed 30 Public Square, which was rented by Hocking College and was an art gallery. The fire also demolished the Hocking Valley Museum of Theatrical History.

In comparison, the opera house suffered minor damages.

“That was a tough night,” Brian Koscho, the marketing director of Stuart’s Opera house, said.

“It’s kind of incredible it didn’t take the whole square,” Koscho said. “It was a massive fire.”

Stuart’s Opera House has served as the pulse for music and culture in Southeast Ohio since its construction in 1879. Nelsonville, which was once a coal mining town, underwent a transformation during the industrialization era. The town’s popularity rose, and the opera house became a central location for

entertainment.

However, the venue was unable to keep their doors open and was forced to close in 1924 when the Great Depression hit. The Opera House remained closed until the Hocking Valley Museum of Theatrical History purchased the building in the 1970s. However, a fire in 1980 destroyed the cultural landmark. The Hocking Valley Museum of Theatrical History started a nonprofit organization before the fire and decided that the Opera House would be rebuilt.

Stuart’s Opera House reopened March 8, 1997.

Since the reopening, the opera house has reclaimed its spot as a cultural destination. Stuart’s features several musical acts, plays, dances, and art exhibitions.

Reconstruction and renovations began in April, 2015, the same month of the fire, and are now coming to a close.

“Coming to the end of [construction], it [has] made it even more incredible of a story,” Koscho said. “[It] made it something that we’re even more excited to be able to share with people.”

The renovated opera house includes a lobby that can accommodate over 200 people and is now available for event rental. The lobby also has new flooring, windows, doors, a catering kitchen, and office space.

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said. “It’s modern, but it’s not so much that it takes away from the history of the building.”

For those who are nostalgic for the old Stuart’s, there’s no need to worry. The main stage area remains the same. The building may be renovated, but it is still the historic landmark it always has been.

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different buildings and levels are connected throughout.

“As a staff member for over a decade, I have to say I’m most excited that the building is more functional now,” Koscho said.

30 Public Square was also rebuilt and features several new additions.

The new building has space available for rent, a conference room, a production area, and a backstage. In addition to this, the third floor now includes two

who, what, wear

classrooms and a recording booth.

Stuart’s Opera House has an Arts Education Program for the community and offers afterschool programs for students and workshops for adults. According to the Opera House’s website, there is an average of 7,000 students who engage yearly in the education program. Koscho said that the Opera House hopes to keep expanding on programs, especially now with the extra space.

The Opera House has already put on a show in its new lobby space and has hosted a wedding.

Children’s shows, folk music, theatre performances, and more will be coming to Stuart’s this year.

Koscho said that the opera house plans on using different spaces like the lobby or 30 Public Square for shows as well. As they say in the theatre, “the show must go on.”

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SOPHISTICATED DOMESTICATED PHOTOS BY KELLY BONDRA

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IRIDESCENT WONDERS

Lustrous opals and amethyst tones create an unforgettable, holographic radiance.

PHOTOS BY MIA BARNES

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IN THE SHADOWS Within the misty woods lie secrets untold and bewitching sprits from places unknown.

PHOTOS BY COLBY CALDWELL

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“NEVER PUT YOUR FAITH IN A PRINCE. WHEN YOU REQUIRE A MIRACLE, TRUST IN A WITCH.” CATHERYNNE M. VALENTE, IN THE NIGHT GARDEN 122 | THREAD

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h s a D DINE ‘N’

PHOTOS BY MAGGIE BOYLE

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LOOKS: THRIFT STORE FINDS PHOTOS BY ALLISON HAAS

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CAMPUS CASUAL Lighthearted reads for the quiz-taking, listicle reading, horoscope believin’ spirit in all of us.

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HOROSCOPES:

Fall Predictions

BY RYLIE BROWN

ILLUSTRATIONS BY AUDRA SWAN

The fall breeze creeps into town as new stars align and school is well underway. At any moment, a twist of events could change your plans, a new love interest could sweep you off of your feet, or old friendships could resurface. Aren’t you the least bit curious as to what this fall has to offer?

LIBRA (SEPT 23 — OCT 22) Oh, poor Libra. You’ve been so preoccupied holding onto the sweet memories of summer time as you scroll through your vacation pictures on Instagram. Fall semester might have been a fast, intense, and stressful wake up call, but don’t worry. Take a weekend trip to Hocking Hills for a hike or go kayaking at Strouds Run for a relaxing getaway. Setting aside time for your mental health is important this season.

SCORPIO (OCT 23 — NOV 21) Stop being so mysterious and secretive, Scorpio. It’s a great time of year for you to break out of your shell and join a social group on campus. The beginning of the year might have seemed too hectic to branch out, but fall brings you new opportunities and a chance to immerse yourself in a community of people that share similar interests and values.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22 — JAN 19) The weather might be cooling down, but you certainly aren’t, Capricorn. Even if you feel overwhelmed by school, it is time to take on more responsibility and pursue a big risk. Take that new job offer on-campus or go for a weekend hike with the cutie across the hall that you can’t stop thinking about. You’re all about predictability, but don’t be afraid to throw a wrench in your usual routine this fall.

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SAGITTARIUS (NOV 22 — DEC 21) It’s your time to shine, Sagittarius! Your ambition to kick butt and take names this month will propel you into the spotlight in the classroom and at work. Maybe you will get that job promotion you were hoping for, or you will ace that horrible calculus exam you have been dreading. Keep your head in the game, but don’t take all of the fun out of your life. Make room in your schedule to be the creative, free spirit that you are.

AQUARIUS (JAN 20 — FEB 18) Although you are one to shoot from the hip and leap into action based on your emotions, do not rush into anything that could lead to a messy situation this season. Just relax because fall is finally here and it is time for you to take advantage of the weather and chill vibe. Bring balance back into your life, get together with a small group of friends, and grab a treat at Donkey Coffee to unwind from your hectic schedule.

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PISCES (FEB 19 — MAR 20)

ARIES (MAR 21 — APR 19)

Tis the season of love for you, Pisces. Now is the time for all of the relationships in your life to thrive, especially in the romance department. If you are single, now is a great time to look for a long-term relationship, and if you are already in a relationship, it is your prime opportunity to try new things with your significant other. Maybe you’re tired of the same old Saturday night routine of watching Netflix and eating Big Mama’s. Opt for a new adventure and get to know each other this fall.

You might have heard about spring cleaning, but it’s all about fall cleaning for you, Aries. Take time this season to declutter your life. Clean out your closet and donate your old clothes. Take it one step further and clean up your weekly schedule. Are you involved in an organization that you don’t absolutely love? Consider averting your attention somewhere else.

TAURUS (APR 20 — MAY 20) We all know that your devoted, determined nature pushes you to work hard, but don’t forget to leave room for play this season. You’re constantly on the go and pretty soon, the stress is going to catch up with you. Thankfully for you, Taurus, you will be focused on making life about balance and wellness again. Going to the gym, eating well and getting into shape will be important to you during the fall.

CANCER (JUN 21 — JUL 22) Buckle up, Cancer because this fall is going to be a crazy ride. You might have felt like you were full of energy in September and ready to socialize at every chance you could get, but now school is starting to wear you down. Don’t let your insecure and pessimistic weaknesses get the best of you! Look for ways to practice self-care like going to a yoga class or having a spa night with some friends.

GEMINI (MAY 21 — JUN 20) Personal space might be a commodity for you this month. Whether it’s issues with roommates or general anxiety about your workload, the amount of chaos in your life could be making you feel suffocated. Take a deep breathe in, take a deep breathe out.

Go for a walk along the Hocking River for a change of scenery and enjoy the fresh air.

LEO (JUL 23 — AUG 22) Your bold and passionate personality will shine through this season. Your positive energy will benefit others this month and make its way back to you as a major payback. Hustling between work, school, and clubs will be worth it this fall. A cash reward, positive relationship or a new job opportunity will be making its way to you.

VIRGO (AUG 23 — SEPT 22) Fall is finally making you feel refreshed. The end of summer may have put you in a serious funk, but now you’re bursting with energy. Use this season to put your hard working personality to the test and get your to-do list out of the way. Apply for your internship or get started on organizing your holiday travel plans. The fall breeze and changing leaves might even inspire you to try a new look and totally transform your hair. Go for it, Virgo!

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CREATORS

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On an Island

BY JAIDA STERLING

TheStyleIsland — A versatile blog about love, fashion, spiritual devotion and more created by OU junior, Charley York (or Charley Moné), is meant for everyone.

However, it is especially aimed toward women of color in their 20s and younger.

“There are people out there who need your advice on what beauty products to use for darker skin, which styles of clothing will compliment their body type, what hair products to use when you have kinky, curly hair,” York said. “That is what inspires me to write.”

She was inspired by this audience to write, and in return intends to inspire and relate to them through her own personal experiences.

This bobcat’s vibrant blog matches her vibrant personality, and her love of fashion, beauty and adventure is evident in her posts (check out her Girls Trip: NYC and Lookbook post).

She is open to writing about any topic that gets thrown her way, but enjoys writing about skin care the most.

School is her first priority, and although she has found it difficult to balance her education and blogging, she plans to find time to post on a regular basis.

“Starting off my first week of Junior year, I noticed how hard it was going to be to start blogging on a regular basis while in school,” York said. “I’m still in the works of trying to find a time and day that works for me.”

“THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO NEED ADVICE ON ... PRODUCTS TO USE FOR DARKER SKIN, WHAT HAIR PRODUCTS TO USE WHEN YOU HAVE KINKY, CURLY HAIR. THAT IS WHAT INSPIRES ME TO WRITE.” –CHARLEY YORK WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 151 IRSTNAME LASTNAME

Beauty Blogging is the New Black

BY REAGAN MCCURLEY

Liz Loring, a junior at Ohio University studying communications, took an interest in beauty vlogging last November and decided to turn her passion into a YouTube channel. Loring said she was inspired by the idea of combining the two things she loves to do the most, makeup and meeting 152 | THREAD

new people.

“I love talking about makeup. It’s the one thing in life that I feel really confident about,” Loring said.

Loring’s channel includes videos of her favorite beauty products, and doing makeup tutorials. Her favorite aspect of creating her vlog has been being able to express herself and

hoping to influence others in a positive way.

“It gave me a platform to really be myself and help others with makeup skills,” she said.

Although she doesn’t post as much as she would like, her goal for the future is to focus on perfecting her content and editing skills.

“It will be when I can take the time to make my videos the way I want them to be, I can’t be putting my name on anything less than great,” Loring said.

Loring said it’s all been a learning process for her. She remains optimistic for her vlog’s future.

“Soon, I will finally be putting content out there that will have the chance to make someone’s life a little bit easier which is truly amazing,” she said.

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Keeping Up With Klinefelter

BY RYLIE BROWN

Set against a pretty pink background, Katie Klinefelter, a student studying retail merchandising and fashion product development at OU, welcomes readers to her blog with a smile. Her self-titled blog features style, health, and lifestyle sections that perfectly capture Klinefelter’s personal style and youthful essence.

Klinefelter began blogging during her freshman year of college after her sister urged her to apply for an online internship that required her to blog about fashion.

“Since then, I’ve discovered my love for sharing insight on style and health,” Klinefelter said in an interview.

Klinefelter’s passion influences her to keep up with her audience as well. As a college student and blogger trying to appeal to a younger audience, she is constantly adapting to current trends and health crazes.

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“I try to focus on being relatable to the people who read my articles...I post about what I find useful, including health and fitness tips, and also day to day outfits that college students could see themselves wearing for different occasions,” Klinefelter said.

Juggling classes and a blog might seem to be a difficult task, but Klinefelter assures everyone that it is doable.

“It depends on how involved you are and how consistent you try to be with your posts,” Klinefelter said, “I think it is very important to plan ahead and create goals for your blog.”

After an inspirational internship in New York City and her time as a blogger, Klinefelter has set herself a goal.

This school year, she hopes to post to her blog at least once or twice a month, so readers beware that there is a lot more Katie Klinefelter to discover.

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WHICH HORROR MOVIE ARE YOU?

BY MADDY FINK

1.

2.

What Halloween costume would you be?

A. B. C. D.

Demented Clown Flirty Witch Gory Demon Creepy, cute twins with your bff

If you could pick any Halloween candy, what would it be?

A. B. C. D.

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ILLUSTRATIONS BY ABBY GORDON

Black licorice A Hershey Bar Red Hots Candy Corn

3.

What’s your favorite fall activity?

4.

What’s your go-to fall drink?

A. Dressing up and scaring friends - you love some good tricks!

B. Carving pumpkins and eating candy C. Going to the scariest haunted houses you can find D. Running through a corn maze at night

A. B. C. D.

Hot Chocolate Locally-made Apple Cider A Spiced Chai Latte A Classic Pumpkin Spice Latte

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If you got mostly A’s, you’re… IT! Although some people shy away from the spookiness and creepiness of Halloween, you embrace it! You love having fun this time of year and giving your friends a good scare whenever you can is what you live for!

If you got mostly B’s, you’re … Hocus Pocus!

You are not a fan of the scary things that come along with Halloween and that’s okay.

Bundling up in a cozy sweater, handing out candy, and watching a rom-com instead of a horror movie is much more your speed!

If you got mostly C’s, you’re… Insidious!

You take Halloween very seriously. You wait all year for the guts and gore and you love to bring your own scare factor to the table too. You want the most frightening costume possible, because you’re not messing around.

If you got mostly D’s, you’re… The Shining!

You’re a classic! You love the scares and screams that come with the territory,but you don’t like anything too scary. You enjoy eating candy corn, going to a pumpkin patch with your family, and watching the horror flick classics in the comfort of your own home.

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REPEAT

READY

BY HANNAH PRIDEMORE PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

A

As the leaves change and the weather gets cooler, it can be hard to create a new, and cheap, wardrobe that’s both stylish and warm. Building a new wardrobe can be as simple as adding a pair of tights to any casual summer look or layering a sweater underneath a dress. Taking clothes and accessories from summer styles and adding them to a fall wardrobe is an easy and budget-friendly way to spruce up any look.

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BASEBALL CAPS Baseball caps, or “dad hats,” aren’t just for shielding your face from the hot sun during the summer months.

Baseball caps are also an easy accessory to add to any outfit. Since they come in various colors, patterns, and fits, they pair well with almost any style.

Even though they’re commonly worn with shorts and a T-shirt, baseball caps can also be worn with jeans and a long-sleeved shirt for a casual look, leggings and a flannel for a loose fit, or jeggings, a solid-colored tee, and an oversized sweater for a simple autumn look.

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BASKET BAGS Basket bags were another trend that popped up over the summer.

Wicker bags have always been around, usually seen as picnic baskets or tote bags, but they have become repurposed with smaller sizes, decorative handles, embroidery, and various shapes. They’re usually worn with sundresses or jeans and a blouse.

They can still be worn in the cool autumn months with any autumnal outfit like a dark orange, yellow, or red cardigan paired with a maxi skirt, a simple belt, and a wide-brimmed hat.

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DENIM SKIRTS AND TIGHTS Denim skirts, a staple look from the ’90s and early 2000s, have made a comeback in the past year. Usually paired with cropped tank tops and graphic T­-shirt, they appear to be a trend made for warmer weather. Retailers have yet to remove them from the racks because they are versatile enough to wear in the summer and fall. Beyond the usual long-sleeve shirt or turtleneck, denim skirts can also be worn with chunky sweaters and tights or stockings. The colder it gets, the more common it is to wear tights with a higher denier, or opacity, but there is no one right way to wear tights.

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CROP TOPS Crop tops are a common summer piece that can be easily transferred to fall. With multiple colors, prints, and styles, they pair well with almost any casual or elegant outfit. Layering crop tops under a sweater, denim or leather jacket, or flannel is one way to stylishly fight the cool autumn air. Pairing high-waisted pants or skirts with crop tops is another way to keep warm. For example, you can style crop tops with high-waisted jeans, a sweater, pair of booties, and a wide-brimmed hat. Or for a more casual look, a simple cropped t-shirt, a maxi skirt, and a belt to top it off should do the trick.

MAXI DRESSES Maxi dresses are a simple look that can easily be carried over to the cool months by adding a sweater, turtleneck, or long-sleeved shirt.

There’s a bit more freedom of expression with maxi dresses because the colors and patterns can be mixed and matched, and there are no right or wrong combinations. For example, a black dress with a striped long-sleeved shirt is a quick way to add layers, or alternatively, a printed dress with a solid colored turtleneck. For a more complex look, pair a maxi dress with a denim or leather jacket and statement earrings to jazz up a plain outfit.

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BACK OF THE CLOSET An in-depth look at today’s most buzz-worthy topics.

THE PEOPLE’S PRINCESS /// 186

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BREAKING THE BINARY Fashion is evolving, and clothing choice does not always indicate gender identity.

BY DORI GRAY PHOTOS BY ELLE MOORE

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n July 13, 2017, Vogue magazine released an online interview starring Hollywood “it-couple” Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid, where the two cisgender (definition: someone whose gender identity correlates with the sex they were assigned at birth) starlets took it upon themselves to speak for the gender-fluid community about what breaking gendered clothing stereotypes means to them.

Hadid’s comment, “It’s not about gender. It’s about, like, shapes.

And what feels good on you that day. And anyway, it’s fun to experiment…” was truly the shot heard round the world, eliciting a swarm of critiques from people of all identities and backgrounds.

Social media — more specifically, Twitter — had a field day, and after a day of backlash, Vogue issued an apology, admitting that they had “missed the mark.”

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While the quick turnaround and admittance of their mistake could be considered admirable, the situation itself highlighted a very important issue in the modern-day fashion world: not many people really know what gender-fluidity is. According to Merriam-Webster, gender-fluid is an adjective “of, relating to, or being a person whose gender identity is not fixed,” Genderfluidity pertains to so much more than how a person chooses to dress. It’s about their personal journey, their personal gender identity, and how they would like the world to perceive and refer to them. Terms such as “androgynous,” “non-binary,” and “gender-nonconforming” are often misused as well.

Androgynous is an adjective used to describe someone that has the characteristics similar to those of what society would typically deem to be both masculine and feminine. Many fashion designers and enthusiasts alike seem to have a soft spot for androgyny, with androgynous models such as Erika Lander and Andreja Pejic being consistently booked, and subsequently reaching great success. Recent runway shows like Burberry’s Spring 2017 Ready-To-Wear Collection have also capitalized on the beautiful simplicity of gender-neutral clothing and androgynous models. However, it’s not the most inclusive title,

as the majority of the time the people that are considered to be androgynous all share the same traits of being white, slim, and female-identifying.

As quoted in an article for Teen Vogue, Dr. Meredith R. Chapman, a Dallas-based psychiatrist working for the Children’s Health GENECIS Program, defines the non-binary gender identity as “any gender that isn’t exclusively male or female.” Miley Cyrus and Amandla Stenberg, for example, are both notable actors, musicians, and activists that openly identify as non-binary.

A non-binary person could feel that they are in some way a mix of both male and female, or just something entirely different. This, of course, then has the potential to affect how one chooses to craft their wardrobe and shape their personal clothing style.

Sally Gainey, a first-year student studying pre-media arts and studies at Ohio University, utilizes they/ them pronouns and is, themself, non-binary. At 18-years-old, the Columbus, Ohio, native has a lot of personal experience-fueled insight on gender-fluidity and gender identity in general. Also, they just so happen to have killer fashion sense.

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at the time.” Typically, they “try to dress as fun as [they] can,” and “always like to look puttogether.”

When asked about how their non-binary gender identity ties into how they dress, Gainey explained, “In the beginning, when I was first figuring out my identity, I tried really hard to dress completely neutral so 170 | THREAD

that I could pass as neutral. But, [now that I’ve] figured myself out [more], I personally don’t see fashion as being gendered and,” like previously mentioned, “kind of just wear what I want.”

“Personally, I rarely get dysphoria based off of clothes that I wear, because I don’t associate certain clothes with being hyper-feminine and vice

back of the closet

“NOW THAT I’VE FIGURED MYSELF OUT [MORE, I PERSONALLY DON’T SEE FASHION AS BEING GENDERED AND JUST WEAR WHAT I WANT.” –SALLY GAINEY

versa. So, my gender identity doesn’t really [correlate] with my fashion.” They especially believe that wearing “feminine” or “masculine” clothing shouldn’t allow people to assume their gender based on their outfit.

Gainey said they felt both “baffled and angry” after reading the misinformed Vogue article on gender-fluidity and fashion.

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“My gender identity isn’t just a feeling. It’s so much more than that, and it goes so much more beyond what I wear,” they stressed. “I really wish people would stop [assuming that] gender equals the clothes you wear. And I really wish people would do more research and talk to and let the voices be heard of actual genderqueer people before they go out and try to make big statements and act like the advocates for [groups that they don’t belong to].”

“Gender-nonconforming” is a more accurate term to describe people who may be cisgender, but do not follow society’s ideas and stereotypes of how they should look or act based on the sex that they were assigned at birth.

Jaden Smith, the son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, is notorious for being gendernonconforming when it comes to his fashion choices and interests.

In an interview for his August 2016 Nylon cover, he explained, “I’m going to take most of the blows for my fellow MSFTS,” Smith referenced his brand. “So, you know, in five years when a kid goes to school wearing a skirt, he won’t get beat up and kids won’t be mad at him. It just doesn’t matter.”

In today’s day and age, there is an abundance of celebrities that are also gender-nonconforming when it comes to fashion, such as Cara Delevingne, Kristen Stewart, and Harry Styles.

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More historically, icons such as Grace Jones, David Bowie, and Prince paved the way with their unapologetic self-expression.

Clothing designers like Thom Browne have used their platforms to promote gendernonconformative clothing.

In the Thom Browne Spring 2018 Menswear runway show, male models donned clothes of various patterns, skirts and dresses of all lengths, and higher-heeled shoes.

Runway fashions may not be easily accessible for most.

Luckily, Sally Gainey has a few brands to recommend.

“They’re not necessarily gender-neutral companies, but I really like to get inspiration from Lazy Oaf, WC Japan, and Dolls Kill. I really like things that are fun, pop, pink, and retro.”

There are other online clothing stores to be recommended that consistently challenge “gendernorms” as well, capitalizing on offering unisex clothing, whether it be in their advertisements or on their product pages, such as American Apparel, 69 Worldwide, Daya by Zendaya, Not Equal, or others.

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now-infamous Vogue interview.

“Every trans and genderqueer person’s identity is different. I don’t really think that anyone in the fashion industry should think that they’re the sole voice for everybody under the umbrella, because every person feels differently,” they say. “Some people associate their fashion with their gender, and some people, like myself, don’t. For some, the way they dress is really important with helping [them feel validated within themselves], and for others, they don’t really think twice about it.”

“I would encourage cisgendered people to not think so heavily about what is ‘male’ and ‘female’ and what’s blending together,” Gainey said, “because if we want to be more inclusive in non-binary fashion, then it’s important to stop assuming that [the way someone dresses completely and accurately indicates their gender identity].”

To genderqueer kids that may still be confused, Gainey said to you, “Be confident in what you wear. Always wear what makes you the most comfortable.” And to cis people, “please, please respect people’s pronouns and identities no matter what they’re wearing.” Their final plea? “I feel like everyone should just be allowed to wear what they want to wear and be happy.”

In conclusion, you do you, boo.

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Queen’s Influence

Drag has creatively influenced the world of high fashion since its beginning through ball culture, conventions, and performance.

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s RuPaul, one of the most prominent drag queens in HERstory, says, “We’re all born naked and the rest is drag.” A concept imagined

by Vogue’s American first lady of drag, RuPaul Charles, explains her take on the way society blends with the drag community.

Each day, people across the world are get dressed in the clothing they feel best expresses who they are. This is synonymous with the drag community. For years, the margins that lay between what is considered high fashion and drag have blurred. The idea of cinched waists and voluptuous bodies didn’t fall from the sky, it, in part, came from the drag community.

While many think these fashion concepts evolved with celebrities, like the Kardashians, they are simply taking full advantage of this already-coined style. Many other fashion trends, popular

sayings, and dance moves have seen the transition from the world of drag to high fashion, bleeding into everyday garb and society.

Whether it is the term “throwing shade” or “voguing,” the drag community is responsible for leading the way.

As drag culture continues to spill into mainstream media and fashion, the ideals of luxury and glamour comprise the desires that many queens have. However, drag never diminishes the desire of acceptance within society. RuPaul remains a public figure for drag culture.

Working to bridge the gap between drag culture and society, RuPaul has become the official poster child for the community.

She is reflective of these ideals and continues to make paths for the culture and queens within it. RuPaul held the first DragCon event, which was covered by Vogue.

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say the entire point of DragCon is love. The main point of DragCon is merchandise,” the author of the Vogue article stated. And merchandise they had, everything from phone cases to backpacks.

This large event was held in New York City, and queens from all ages and backgrounds came to celebrate together.

All queens are welcome, but it is up to each individual to bring something extra to events like this. Just like high-fashion realms, people want to see what the best and most creative have to offer.

All encompassing the ideology that drag queens want the, “desire to be safe, to be seen, and to be accepted, if not always understood, exactly,” the Vogue author stated.

Another instance of drag fashion tuning into the mainstream streets of Hollywood is the development of RuPaul’s Drag Race, a competitive show that has nine seasons.

Queens compete weekly in lipsync battles and fashion shows, in order to win the coveted prize of $100,000 and the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar. While the drama and amusing nature of the show keeps viewers coming back, the safe space that the show has developed for drag queens reflects the community’s ideals.

Drag culture has hit Athens, Ohio, in a major way, as many shows and performances are held locally. The Union held a drag show in which queens from all over came to host the event. ShaVaughn Peterson, known as Pop, is a local queen who 182 | THREAD

took part in hosting the event at The Union. They said that drag is a revolving door when it comes to fashion. “Drag queens have been borrowing from runways and runways have borrowed from drag queens,” they said. Pop also adds that although high fashion has borrowed styles from gay and drag culture, the queens want the expensive designer garments because that’s exactly what they see models wearing. As for the drag shows, Pop says, “it’s circus maximus” when it comes to the crowds and the types of people who attend. They stated that proper queens know how to read their crowds at drag shows and part of their hosting duty is to do just that.

During the mid ’80s, the drag community witnessed a rather sharp shift in the work that they were doing. As the AIDS epidemic intensified, the community looked to each other to make a difference.

While keeping drag fashion as the pinnacle of the community, annual balls were held on larger scales to raise money for AIDS foundations.

These efforts led the way helping fund the search for a cure to the tragic disease that struck society in such a massive way. Almost 30 years later, individuals continue to shine within the community in the hopes of making the world a better place.

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey and the devastation that Houston witnessed in the summer of 2017, Houston drag queen, Regina

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“I WANT RUPAUL TO BE THE FIRST LADY OF DRAG, BUT NOT THE ONLY LADY OF DRAG.” –SHAVAUGHN PETERSON

Thorne-DuBois, held a drag show in her apartment as her and a few friends were trapped due to the flooding. Thorne-DuBois (with the help of Facebook Live) ended up raising thousands of dollars for the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. This is yet another example of individuals within the drag community using their forwardthinking attitudes to aid those around them.

Whether it is a convention, a reality TV show, or the access to social media platforms, the drag community uses fashion to create a safe and inclusive place. Queens like RuPaul must continue their work on these larger platforms to make an impact on society, but as Pop so perfectly said, “I want RuPaul to be the first lady of drag, but not the only lady of drag.”

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The People’s Princess Remembering Princess Diana

BY CARLY MCFADDEN PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

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wo decades ago, the world lost an irreplaceable woman.

August 31 marked the twentieth year since Princess Diana tragically passed away. Diana Spencer, born on July 1, 1961, became more popularly known as “Princess Di” when she married Prince Charles in 1981.

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years later, Princess Diana has remained an icon because of her humanitarian efforts, class, and— of course—her sensational style.

Princess Diana was born in England to aristocrats Edward John Spencer and Frances Shand Kydd. Although Diana was shy growing up, she exuded empathy and kindness. As she grew older, Diana became increasingly more interested in fashion and current events, laying the groundwork

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for the style icon she would eventually become.

Diana became subject to the media and public eye when she began her relationship with Prince Charles. Her fashion sense and beauty captivated people across borders. Although new to the lifestyle, Diana embraced it with class. The couple’s marriage took place on July 29, 1981, and was televised worldwide. The wedding became known as “the wedding

of the century.” Unfortunately, the fairytale marriage ended in a divorce in 1996—one year before the tragic accident.

Princess Diana was known for her perfectly tailored, boldcolored ensembles. Her style has been emulated for decades, reinforcing its timelessness. It was not just Princess Diana’s clothing itself that made her so sensational, but the evolution of her style. In her early years WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 189

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with Prince Charles, her style was romantic and frilly. She draped herself in pastels, lace, and ruffles. During the ’80s, Diana switched to sleek, form-fitting outfits that embraced her body.

Her style was classically complex.

She combined blazers and denim, wore sequins head-to-toe, and ditched pastels for colors like royal blue and bright red.

At a movie premiere in 1985, Diana shimmered in a silver Bruce Oldfield gown with an open back and broad shoulders—looking more like an old-time Hollywood starlet instead of a traditional royal. Diana also wore a white

silk gown covered in pearls and sequins paired with a matching bolero jacket at a tour in Hong Kong in 1989. She referred to the outfit as her “Elvis dress,” and its unconventionality sparked controversy among fashion experts.

“She shone in the dress, and the dress shone around her,” designer Catherine Walker said.

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by defying societal standards.

While her style choices were groundbreaking, they are not the only reason Diana is missed. She was more than a princess—she was a humanitarian. She proved to the world that royalty wasn’t synonymous with words like “out-of-touch” and “stuffy.” She became a patron of over 100 charities. In 1997, she walked in an Angolan minefield to show the world that she was willing to put her own safety at risk to advocate against landmines.

In addition, she fought to change the perception people had about HIV/AIDS. She was photographed shaking the hands— without gloves—of people diagnosed with HIV. This

shook society’s stereotypes to their core and served as a turning point for how HIV-positive patients are perceived today. She made trips to children’s hospitals at least three times a week. She famously said, “Some of them will live and some will die, but they all need to be loved while they are here.” Diana’s generous heart and charitable endeavors labeled her as the “People’s Princess.”

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that royalty is more than just for show. “It was amazing to see her [style] transformation,” designer Valentino Garavani said. “Just looking into her sparkling eyes, you could tell she was free, so happy—herself.”

Diana was the first royal that the average woman could relate to. She was a woman who placed her values on other people over her own social status. Even after her divorce, Diana didn’t stop helping people. Her style remained unchanged, as well. She continued to wear bold colors and slimming silhouettes, a testimony to her unconventional yet classic take on life.

Princess Diana’s legacy is carried on through Kate Middleton, the wife of Prince William. Kate has adopted a similar style and focuses on humanitarian efforts, much like her late mother-in-law. A garden at Kensington Palace was dedicated to Diana on the eve of the twentieth anniversary of her death. William, Harry, and Kate visited the garden in remembrance of her. That day, masses of mourners also visited the garden to pay tribute to the princess and leave flowers for her. Though two decades have passed, Princess Diana’s legacy lives on. Women everywhere emulate her iconic style and are inspired to help others the same way that Diana helped the world. She truly was the “People’s Princess.”

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Sole-d Out

BY NICK BATTAGLIA PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

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rian Jones sits atop his bed; its frame houses the boxes of over 40 pairs of shoes, and dozens more lay scattered across his mattress and floor. The soulful voice of singer Faith Evans comes through the Bluetooth speaker in the corner of the room. Jones admires a pair of Nike SB “Wheat” Dunks lying amongst the rows of sneakers in his closet. “My uncle gave me those,” Jones said. “A lot of these are from years ago. That’s part of the reason I keep them. I bring them everywhere.”

Jones, a junior at Ohio University and a self-proclaimed “sneakerhead,” is one of the many young men highly involved in the culture of buying, trading, and wearing of shoes, but most specifically sneakers. This popculture phenomena blossomed from the hip-hop sub-culture during its infancy in the mid 1970s.

Shoes and their use a status symbol can be traced back to 400 B.C. when nobles would distinguish themselves from commoners by painting their foot-wraps red, as discussed by The Blade. However, the market

for sneakers didn’t diversify and expand until 1985 when Michael Jordan released his first pair of Air Jordans with Nike. Today, the ancient trend of customizing sneakers and buying different released colorways remains a staple of collecting.

“You can get so creative with shoes,” Jones said, while holding up two different pairs of Reebok Air Pumps. “You can have two shoes from the same line that look nothing alike. That’s what makes it cool—all the subtle nuances and varying aesthetics and colorways.”

The movement towards sneaker companies releasing multiple shoes in different colors came forth when companies began noticing buyers were buying multiple pairs of the same shoe and styling them differently with markers. Fashion has always been about personality, and the opportunity to reflect personality through the colors and custom designs is appealing. A shoe has the power to tie an entire outfit together, especially a rare shoe— and that’s where the hype builds.

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values the secondary sneaker market at over $1 billion, a byproduct of the human drive to own something others don’t.

It is also a byproduct of people following in the trails of their heroes. With so many sneakers to choose from, it’s hard for a pair to break the underground.

Musicians have some of the biggest influence in what shoes surface, and which shoes stay afloat in the massive pool of rubber and canvas that make up this industry. “them converse gon in 90 seconds ;cool ;get em dirty dont keep em in a box as a novelty,” rapper Tyler, the Creator tweeted July 13. Over 100,000 pairs of shoes from a line in his most recent partnership with Converse had sold out in less than two minutes. Why? Because his fans like his music, and his style, and want to reflect that in their own footwear.

This is the case for many sneaker companies, who have struck deals with hiphop icons to sell their brand.

How frequently does an advertisement run for a sneaker on television and radio, or take up a page in a magazine? The market has changed to tap into the desire by music lovers who want to flex their style by wearing a pair of Nike Kobe Sunsets they saw Frank Ocean sporting on Twitter.

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usually obtained by resellers for upward of $700. Adidas has never run a television ad for Yeezys. Instead, they relied on West’s massive scope of influence as a hip-hop legend to garner a fan base for the sneaker.

It worked. How many pairs of Pumas can be found on the second market for over $1000? Lebron James, one of the biggest names in basketball, can’t even build hype like that for a shoe.

Artists and shoes, a symbiosis existing together to create and grow.

Athletes make the shoe, and then musicians push them to the masses.

The industry of shoe collecting is easily accessible, and often very addicting. You don’t need a pair of Jordans to be a sneakerhead. You don’t need to own over 50 pairs of shoes. Just having a passion for footwear and a knowledge of the culture can suffice.

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“YOU CAN HAVE TWO SHOES FROM THE SAME LINE THAT LOOK NOTHING ALIKE. THAT’S WHAT MAKES IT COOL...”

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Stick it to the Stigma

No makeup-makeup trends could do more harm than good.

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a restroom,” which compared clipping toe nails in public to touching up makeup. Covergirl Growing up is a demanding was eager to find out if this time for everyone, especially those who choose to wear make- was just one sign or if it was a part of something bigger. up. There are constant beauty To explore more, Covergirl standards placed on individuals, placed massive outdoor vanfrom childhood to adulthood.

These rigid beauty expectations ities around New York City and interviewed several womshape the experiences of many people and define what beauty is en about their experiences “supposed” to look like. More of- applying makeup in public. ten than not, women, and some- Their promotional video shows times men, are expected to look people sharing their personal naturally and effortlessly beauti- stories when they were correctful, while simultaneously wearing ed or judged for putting on makeup in public. Two ladies the perfect amount of makeup. interviewed during the proThere are several unspoken, but universally-known, expecta- motions stated they thought tions people face when wearing people who publically apply makeup. First, wearing too little makeup are vain for doing make up may lead others to per- so. Another woman shared a ceive them as lazy, sick, or tired. story of a taxi driver who asked her to stop applying makeup Secondly, wearing too much makeup may lead others to think during her ride.

The video also shows that a person is trying too hard or Covergirl conducted a survey just wants attention. Lastly, if with 15,000 women, and more and when someone decides to than half said they felt uncomwear makeup, the places where fortable touching up makeup in makeup is applied can cue eye public spaces. Covergirl shares rolls or side-eye stares and be these statistics and personal perceived as vanity. stories in order to challenge The places where individuals the stigma behind makeup apply makeup are also interusage and encourage people twined in these unwritten rules. to not be ashamed of makeup.

Covergirl has recently released Stigmatizing the use of makeup the project,“#ProjectPDA,” which stands for public displays in public spaces discourages self-love and confidence. of application. The campaign Not only are people expectwas a response to subway signs ed to wear makeup to look that said, “Clipping? Primping? “natural,” but they are also Everyone wants to look their best but this is a subway car, not sometimes expected to wear

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makeup to appear “attractive.”

Growing up with commercials, magazines, and billboards advertising products with thin models created the sensation that people are not beautiful unless we look like edited and retouched models. This is why so many, who don’t necessarily want to wear makeup for the sake of enjoyment, feel a strong urge to wear makeup and feel naked without it.

In December 2011, Renfrew Center Foundation conducted a survey to support their Barefaced & Beautiful, Without & Within campaign. Renfrew Center Foundation is a non-profit organization that focuses on the education, prevention, and treatment of eating disorders. Their campaign aimed to start a dialogue about healthy body images.

The results of the survey showed revealed half of the 1,292 women surveyed experience negative feelings when they don’t wear makeup. Sixteen percent stated not wearing makeup causes them to feel unattractive, 14 percent felt self-conscious, and 14 percent felt naked, as if something was missing. Only 3 percent shared that going without makeup up made them feel more attractive.

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hood with the application and usage of makeup is a result of pressures our society enforces.

If women feel that they aren’t beautiful without makeup, they can never be truly happy in their own skin.

Wearing too much makeup in some occasions can also cause feelings of shamefulness. Katharine Tafelski, a junior at Ohio University, who started wearing makeup at the age of six for dance performances, said that wearing too much makeup on a normal day would direct attention toward her. “If I wore more than mascara and some foundation to class or work I might get some stares. Especially because I typically don’t wear too much makeup in the first place.”

Tafelski’s is not alone in her experience. The ridicule

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women face for wearing “too much” (i.e. noticeable) makeup is daunting and unnecessary. The stigma that surrounds wearing “too much” or “not enough” makeup can cause detrimental effects on self esteem. Shaming people for touching up in public causes feelings of self consciousness and guilt. Social norms and stigmas surrounding cosmetics and the amount people apply, allows control over people and how they perceive themselves.

One of the most exciting characteristics of the current generation is having the motivation and willingness to challenge harmful stereotypes.

With so much changing in the world, the time has come to challenge makeup stigmas.

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Beauty From Within

BY ALAYNA HUTCHINSON PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

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eritage 1933 is dedicated to making everyone feel beautiful, while challenging society’s perception of beauty at the same time.

The black-owned, St. Louisbased based natural beauty company is focused on promoting self-love. Founded in 2015, CEO Latoya Thompson has made it her mission to help women feel good about themselves through the use of her products. Thompson’s goal to promote natural beauty and self-love doesn’t just end with her customers.

The CEO also gives back to those in need. As the website explains, for every product purchased, Heritage 1933 will donate a free hair care product to women and children living in homeless shelters.

Thompson has a very personal connection with this cause because she lived in a shelter as a young girl.

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experience, she was determined to achieve personal success, while also being able to give back. It was a thesis paper she wrote as a college student, which challenged the social stigmas of self-image connected to women and children living in poverty, that lead her to start this initiative. Like most people, Thompson believes that having healthy hair is an important key to feeling confident. After realizing people often neglect to donate hair products to shelters, she was motivated to make that a priority for her business. She also uses her platform as a stylist and fashion blogger to spread the company’s story, along with her message of self-love.

The line, which is sold on Heritage 1933’s site and in St. Louis boutiques, offers a variety of bath salts, body butter, masks, oils, scrubs, and four styles of hair clip-ins and extensions. The prices range from $10-$40, and $115-$125 for hair. Each product has fun, trendy names, like the “But First, Coffee: Exfoliating Scrub,” and the “O.M.G. Seal and Moisturizing Oil.” Many of the products are also multipurpose, and they can be used on both hair and body, like the “Ms. Know It All Butter.”

What’s even better than the products themselves is what’s in them. Thompson

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created each formula herself after researching natural and homemade products and watching do-it-yourself videos.

Heritage 1933 prides itself on having only high quality, safe, natural, non-toxic hair and skin products. The site even offers a full list of ingredients used in each product.

And the good doesn’t stop there. Heritage 1933 is also environmentally conscious, giving customers discount codes if they send back the empty glass containers their products came in.

Not only is Heritage 1933 helping people feel good on the outside, but they are promoting finding beauty within. Their site says they are dedicated to “challenging the narrow perception of beauty,” and embracing natural beauty.

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more than one face, when we celebrate natural beauty, we see that,” Thompson said. The website is covered in inspiring words like “confidence” and “believe,” reiterating the company’s message.

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in articles like Essence magazine’s “11 Beauty Brands That Actually, Truly Give Back,” and a Buzzfeed “7 Woman-Owned Companies You Should Support If You’re a Beauty Addict.” As of 2016, 151 hair care products had been donated. With more products, and an expansion of retail sales to make the products more accessible, Thompson hopes

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to see the number of donations triple in 2017.

Thompson encourages people to join Heritage 1933’s “tribe” of customers by purchasing products, as well as making direct hair product donations for their quarterly shelter drops. She also hopes people will simply share their story.

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RANT

BY CALI CIOPPA

As we all know fashion repeats itself with trends, styles, and even fabrics. Although a lot of trends are coming back from the ‘90s, a recent ‘70s trend has been making its way into the fashion world yet again; fluted sleeves. Yes they may make a simple shirt a little more extraordinary, but I think this trend needs to make its way back to the ‘70s and stay there.

My initial thought was to give these popular sleeves a chance and to try them out. Can’t knock it until you try it right? However, they were way too much to handle. I tried sitting down to a delicious meal only to have my sleeves completely wearing it. They got in the way of everything I tried to do, I was not a happy camper.

Clothing is supposed to be functional, not a pain. Why would I want to wear something I constantly have to worry about? When dressing up to go out on the town with friends, the last thing I want to think about are my obnoxious sleeves. Like come on, I think it’s a bit ridiculous to make sure these bundles of fabric don’t knock over a drink or get drenched in the bathroom sink. They are just inconvenient.

Next time Friday rolls around and you’re getting ready for a night out, as a word of advice, skip the bell sleeve. You’re better off saying goodbye and good riddance. Sometimes annoyance outweighs the aesthetic of a trend.

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ILLUSTRATIONS BY ASHLEY MOREMAN

RAVE

BY SHAINA DUBINSKIY

This fall’s new sassy statement sleeve trend is what everyone in the fashion world is raving about, from the gurus at Who What Wear, Refinery 29, and the big execs over at J.W. Anderson and Gucci, who debuted the trend at last year’s spring Fashion Week. Not to mention that we’re seeing this look all over our favorite it-girls like Jamie Chung and Kendall Jenner. This look adds a touch of excitement to the average boring sleeve, as well as instantly adding a touch of haute couture to the everyday outfit.

What’s awesome about this trend is that it can be versatile. Whether paired with distressed jeans for a street style look, an A-line skirt for a business setting, or faux leather leggings for an edgy take, the top still manages to be the center of attention and adds the perfect flavor to your outfit. This trend can also be mixed and matched with other popular styles without looking like your outfit is clashing, like the cold shoulder look and the velvet trend. And if you’re not on a Gucci or J.W. Anderson budget, this look is also affordable for the everyday stylish college girl, with tops available at stores like Zara and Forever 21. Bell sleeves are easy to accessorize for the perfect completed look by just adding a cute choker or a pair of sunnies and throwing on a pair of espadrilles or chelsea boots.

However you chose to rock this trend whether you dress it up, down, mixed, matched, or accessorized, it’s clear that bell sleeves are here to stay. By keeping the look versatile and fun, it can truly live up to it’s name and perhaps become the next big thing in sleeve history.

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