The Sleepover Issue

the

issue

8

Best Sleepover Movies

GOOD NIGHT YOGA

POSES

Behind the Cover

What to read when You're the Only One Awake at a Sleepover

FRONT OF BOOK

Masthead ����������������������������������������������������������� 4 Who we Are ������������������������������������������������������� 5 Letter from the Editor ����������������������������������������� 6 Behind the Cover ������������������������������������������������ 8

IN THI

MAIN CAMPUS

Books to Read While the World Sleeps ���������������� 16

THE MINE

Slumber Through the Ages: The Evolution of Vintage Sleepwear �������������������� 18 The Wind-down Kit: Bedtime Essentials ������������� 20 Best sleepover movies: A Listicle ������������������������ 22 Sleepovers: The Getting Ready Rituals ����������������� 24 The Blanket Scaries: Spooky Dating Stories ��������� 26 Give Back my Glow! PH balaching Smoothie �������� 28 A Sleepover With Myself ������������������������������������� 29 Love Letters I Can’t Send ����������������������������������� 30 Wake Up and Smell the Limerence ���������������������� 32 Goodnight Yoga ����������������������������������������������� 34 Pack Your Sleepover Bag ����������������������������������� 36 The Ultimate Slumber Party Playlist ��������������������� 37

photo by: OANH LUONG

2 REFINE: The Sleepover Issue

IS ISSUE...

Front of Book 3

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Atiya Dasté EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Iona Clark MANAGING EDITOR Alison Mupambirei SENIOR EDITOR Morgan Ritter

Editorial FOB/BOB EDITOR Rachel Williams FEATURES EDITOR Jada Montgomery FASHION EDITOR Emily Soloman LOVE EDITOR Chelsea Lubbe HEALTH EDITOR Ashley Green CULTURE EDITOR Alana Beltran DIGITAL EDITOR Lilly Werling COPY EDITORS Lilly Werling, Alexis Bray, Nav Nair

Visuals ART DIRECTOR Cara Kishter DESIGN DIRECTOR Tracy Weng FASHION DIRECTOR Carolina Tucker-DelValle LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Ava Mendelsohn ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHERS Julia Bristol, Katie Leis, Kayla McMonagle ASSISTANT DESIGNERS Katie Leis, Oanh Luong, Taylor Dawson

Marketing SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Isabella Smith Johnson ASSISTANT SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Hadiza Mshelia ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Karly Opher CONTENT CREATORS Atiya Dasté A special thanks to our staff writers and editorial, digital, and visual contributors

WHO WE ARE.

REFINE is a celebration of style, substance, and the stories Temple women are writing for themselves. Like a diamond shaped under pressure, college is where we define our edges—and REFINE is here to catch the light. We offer a sharp, stylish lens on campus life: the fashion, the culture, the music, the rituals of wellness, and the complicated beauty of modern love. Think of us as your editorial compass—navigating the chaos, curating the cool, and always championing confidence, curiosity, and unapologetic selfexpression.

REFINE mimics the voice of the reader’s BFF: We love you, but we have no qualms about giving it to you straight.

LETTERS FROM On a random day in the summer, I first found REFINE while scrolling through Instagram on the launch day of the Renaissance issue. I was instantly intrigued—there were so few fashion and editorial opportunities on campus, and this one felt different. I remember thinking, Maybe I could model… or join the board… who knows? Never in a million years did I think I’d become a staff writer—let alone someone who enjoyed writing. And certainly not the Editor-in-Chief of something like this.

That next semester, during my sophomore year, I joined as a staff writer for the Spark issue, then became Fashion Editor the following semester.

Long story short… here we are. Through immense procrastination and difficult days (and nights), I’m so proud of what this team has pulled together. Despite every setback and late-night meltdown, this issue exists—and it’s beautiful. I’ve had the joy of fully immersing myself in this little editorial world and working alongside college women who all share the same chaotic dream: to stress ourselves out for four months straight over a magazine we aren’t getting paid for. (Kidding… kind of.)

But truly, what unites us is passion—for storytelling, for visuals, for fashion, for art.

This issue is especially close to my heart. I’ve always been inspired by vintage pin-up aesthetics, so I knew a sleepover theme would be perfect. It’s very Bratz Y2K meets Grease 1960s slumber party—think matching pajamas, cheesy decor, and a kitschy femininity that’s so unrealistic it circles right back around to iconic.

And when the theme won the staff vote by a landslide? I knew we had something special.

In the words of Carrie Bradshaw: maybe the sleepover isn’t just about popcorn and pillow fights. Maybe it’s about intimacy, vulnerability, and the tiny rituals that make girlhood feel sacred. Or maybe… it’s just a really cute excuse to wear silk robes and pose with rotary phones.

Either way, it's magic.

Huge thank-you to my co-editor-in-chief Iona Clark for helping through the chaos, my go-to for ideas and second opinions, and the incredible staff that has worked through just a hard during our homestretch, the reason this magazine is even better than I dreamed it could be.

With love and matching pajamas,

Atiya Dasté

6 REFINE: The Sleepover Issue

THE EDITORS When I was a freshmen here at Temple, I remember trying so hard to find an organization that aligned with my major but also had a sense of community and openness. I tried out several clubs and orgs, but ultimately found a home at Refine.

It took my first semester to get settled in. I remember during my seminar class at Klein, my peer mentor suggested I look into Refine as they were currently recruiting staff writers. My first meeting I was filled with nerves, but when I met the girls, I was greeted with acceptance and kindness despite being a nervous freshmen with zero experience in the field.

Over the past three years, I have jumped around positions and have served in the roles of a staff writer, culture editor, digital editor, and of course, editor in chief. All of them have been so incredibly fulfilling and I have gained so much experience working with the team. Being abroad in Spain this semester was amazing, but was definitely very challenging in terms of working on the magazine while simultaneously being almost halfway around the world. Atiya, my co editor in chief, really made the making of this issue possible. Together we crafted our theme: sleepover.

Like Atiya said, this theme was overwhelmingly voted for. When it was decided upon, Atiya got to work on campus, and I worked alongside her virtually. Through many photo shoots, scouring through Pinterest board inspo, and coming up with themes that tied into a classic girls sleepover vibe, the final product is here.

Like Atiya said, this theme was overwhelmingly voted for. When it was decided upon, Atiya got to work on campus, and I worked alongside her virtually. Through many photo shoots, scouring through Pinterest board inspo, and coming up with themes that tied into a classic girls sleepover vibe, the final product is here.

We are so excited to finally release this issue. Despite many setbacks, we are proud to ffinally release the sleepover edition. We hope you love it as much as we enjoyed creating it. A special thanks to Atiya and the Refine team. who really put in the work to getting this issue out and making it look amazing.

With love and matching pajamas,

Iona Clark

Front of Book 7

BEHIND

e h t COVER Inspired by early 2000s cheesy chic sleepovers, models Sebastiana Lopez, Madison Torretta, Navya Nair, Tapiwa Masamvu, and Gabrielle McHenry brought our vintage Sleepover theme to life in this playful, ultra-pink cover shoot. Photographer Ava Mendelson, captured the dreamy chaos of glitter lip gloss, smeared makeup, worn VHS tapes, and iconic Playboy posters taped to bubblegum-pink bedroom walls. Dripping in nostalgia and attitude, the shoot channels the messy magic of late-night secrets and teenage rebellion. This cover is a celebration of girlhood, glamour, and the power of making your own fun with a team just as bold as the story we’re telling.

8 REFINE: The Sleepover Issue

Front of Book 9

Wel c om e t o g ir l s! Re f in t o h os t y o u on i g h t. L o v e y to s ta 10 REFINE: The Sleepover Issue

o t h e s l e e p o v er in e is s o e x c it e r m a g a z in e f or o u . Rem em b er a y l o v el y x o x

12 REFINE: The Sleepover Issue

Front of Book 13

14 REFINE: The Sleepover Issue

LLETTER e t PHOTOGRAPHER: ter FROM th e Ava Mendelsohn majors in Film and Media Arts with a minor in Sociology at Temple Univeristy. Her interest in filmmaking started at a very young age but she recently found an interest in photography two years ago. She has begun her own freelance photography and videography business, Mendel Productions, and especially enjoys shoots such as this one where she gets to be creative and bring to life a specific theme! She often leans towards topics of femininity, nature and social justice and wants to pursue a career in documentary filmmaking!

Front of Book 15

BOOKS

TO READ while the world sleeps Shh… Everyone’s sleeping. Here are seven books to read to wind down.

T

NG

IS H T T A M A A

BY

:R

here’s somethi ng special about the few hours between whe n your friends go to bed and when the sun rises that feel s intimate only to yourself. Th e lights are on lo w, everything has settled, the w orld has gone still, and you can’t seem to fall as leep.

It’s in times lik e these where a book might be just what you need to fall as leep. From th rillers to emotional pieces, here ar e seven curated books that I believe are pe rfect quick re ads while you snug gle into bed.

16 REFINE: The Sleepover Issue

1. Convenience Store Woman — Sayaka Murata Keiko Furukura doesn’t fit into the roles that society expects from women: she’s been working at the same convenience store for over 18 years, she’s not interested in marriage, furthering her career, or learning to adapt to social cues around her. She finds peace and purpose in the routines of the convenience store, with the book diving deep into how by working there she finally feels like she fits into society. Her emotional detachment, her interactions with others, and how she survives in a world that refuses to accommodate for her heavily implied autism is an emotional read sure to stick with you.

This is a book that I find difficult to recommend—not because it lacks value or merit, but rather because of how empty this book left me feeling. It’s the kind of emptiness that lingers when you feel as if someone has wrapped their fingers in every crevice of your brain and taken your thoughts, feelings, and perspectives on society and slapped it down in a book. Keiko’s want for less, for comfort over ambition, feels as if it’s a mirror into my own life as I struggle as a college student to figure out what I like. The book feels awkward and a little weird at the start, and maybe you can’t help but judge Keiko for wasting her life away at the convenience store, but when you look deeper you’ll see that Sayaka Murata has written about something taboo: existing outside the blueprint that society gives you

3. The 5 People You Meet In Heaven — Mitch Albom The Five People You Meet In Heaven is a book about death. Well, what happens after it actually. The story follows Eddie who works as a maintenance mechanic for a rundown amusement park.

Unfortunately, one day he ends up dying while trying to save a child, only to find himself in the afterlife tasked with meeting five people that have changed his life and soul throughout life. It’s a wonderful book that comforts you after the other two have made you cry. I loved reading this book back in high school, and I still recommend it to this day. The difficult conversations Eddie has, especially with his father, strike close to home with me and seeing him slowly lose his anger was beautiful and heart wrenching. Mitch Albom doesn’t ask that you believe in heaven, but rather simply sends you a message to appreciate the loved ones around you. If you've ever lost someone or felt as if you’re losing your purpose for being alive, this book will wrap you even tighter inside your blanket and hold you gently through the night.

5. Strange Pictures — Uketsu Strange Pictures by Uketsu is a phenomenal horror book if you like stories with interesting endings and an unreliable narrator. Inspired by online horror forms and Japanese internet culture, this book is a collection of short stories about cursed images and unsettling characters.

Reading it late at night feels like going down a rabbit hole, constantly trying to understand what the pictures mean. And when it finally comes together in the end, you’ll put the book down as a wave of confusion and shock washes over you. I had chills reading this book, constantly paranoid about what I would uncover in the next page but flipping to it anyways. It was just the right amount of cleverness and horror that even someone like me who doesn’t enjoy the genre, learns to love. This is a perfect read when the world is quiet and the only thing lighting the room is your phone. Uketsu has catered and made a book like no other, and if you end up enjoying this one, he has another book with the same horror-esque feel coming out called Strange Houses.

2. Heaven — Mieko Kawakami

Heaven follows two students who form a fragile bond from their shared pain of being bullied in school. The main character, Kawakami, is bullied for his lazy eye and Kojima, the girl he befriends, is targeted for her poverty. Their friendship is built from suffering and shared isolation rather than love and support. In this book, Kawakami explores the emotional endurance the two students face and how they survive when healing feels out of reach.

I think that this is a book that makes us question why people hurt each other and what it means to suffer but how we continue to survive nonetheless. It’s a read that left me heartbroken, as the last lines of the book make you realize just how struggle can make us overwhelmingly appreciative of the beauty around us. Despite Kojima's pain throughout the whole book, he acknowledges that he needs to continue living. This book is best read when the world is quiet—when you can sit with your thoughts that you push away when the sunlight starts seeping through the windows. It won’t sugarcoat suffering, but you’ll find yourself changed a little after this book.

4. The Alchemist — Paulo Coelho

If you want to reach where your heart is heavy and your head is swimming with thoughts of the universe, purpose, and spirituality, this is the perfect book to read. The Alchemist follows a young shepherd who has recurring dreams about treasure that exists in the desert. One day, he leaves everything behind in search of it. We follow him on this journey through the desert, where he meets people and experiences events that change his very core.

I love philosophical fiction and believe it’s one of the best genres out there, with this book being one of my favorites. This book will always stick to me, simply for the fact that it made me believe that should we have the courage to pursue our dreams, the universe will always work in our favor to achieve them.

It’s a beautifully well written book that makes you realize maybe what you’ve been seeking might already be right inside you. The Alchemist will remind you that the journey is just as important—if not more—than the destination and the people we meet on the way will change us, for better or for worse.

6. Vera Wang’s Unsolicited Advice For Murders — Jesse Q. Sutanto

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers is a refreshing twist on the murder mystery genre. If you don’t want something too heavy right before bed, this is a perfect mix of tension, wit, and twists that you won’t expect. It explores topics of found family, how food brings people together, and how people may not be what they seem. Vera Wong is an old Chinese lady who owns a tea shop, and is your average Asian mother used to a routine in her life. One day she finds a dead body in her shop, and as any loving nosy elder does, she takes things into her own hands, investigating everyone who comes through her teashop. While this book involves a murder mystery, it’s also about the human connections Vera makes along the way. I thought the book was funny, heartfelt, and had the most confusing but perfect cast of characters. This book is great for the quiet hours when you want something light and entertaining. With a late night snack, this book will have you thankful for your own found family sleeping soundly around you.

7. Magi — Shinobu Ohtaka

If only reading words late at night seems daunting, a shonen-style manga might be more up your alley. What starts off as lighthearted and whimsical transforms into an emotionally complex story. It deals with politically layered stories, morally grey characters, and philosophical themes. It’s rich in world-building, character arcs, and the story is beautifully inspired by Middle Eastern folktales, more specifically The Arabian Nights. As someone who doesn’t usually indulge in this genre of literature as much, I absolutely adored this manga. It’s vibrant, and indulges in how important love, compassion, and personal growth is. It has a beautiful art style and the child in me couldn’t help but want to be in a world filled with magic. When the world is quiet and you want to go to another one instead, Magi will teleport you into a world of quests, djinn battles, and beautiful lands. It’s a story that grows with you, and if you’re willing to stay with it, it becomes unforgettable.

Main Campus 17

slumber through the ages:

The Evolution of Vintage Sleepwear By: Atiya Dasté

the comeback Vintage sleepwear is making a comeback, with classic brands like Vanity Fair, Jockey, and Warner’s gaining new popularity. This article explores how these iconic labels, which ruled the ‘50s and ‘60s, are updating their nostalgic designs for today’s market. From vintage-inspired pajamas to luxe robes and lingerie, we’ll dive into why these retro sleepwear lines are now must-haves for stylish, cozy nights in.

I couldn’t help but wonder: When did our bedrooms become runways? Sleepwear—once reserved for privacy, practicality, and the pages of a Kohl’s catalog—is now enjoying a renaissance. The Vanity Fair slip your grandmother swore by and only went to bed in? It’s suddenly a TikTok holy grail and worn as a skirt (Guilty). That silky Jockey pajama set from the ‘60s? Living rent-free in Gen Z moodboards. There’s something decadent, even romantic, about the return of vintage sleepwear, like playing dress-up just for yourself. And in this new age of selfcare rituals and Instagrammable nightstands, slipping into something soft and nostalgic feels… revolutionary.

But to truly understand how we got here, we have to slip back in time, into the boudoirs of the past.

When Were Pajamas Invented?

The word pajama stems from the Persian pāyjāmeh, meaning “leg garment.” Originally worn by men in South and West Asia, they were adopted by British colonists in the 18th century and brought back to Europe as stylish, exotic loungewear. By the 1920s, women had claimed them too, finally swapping tight corsets for something a little looser, softer, and freer.

The slumber party revolution had officially begun.

18 REFINE: The Sleepover Issue

1920s–1930s: Art Deco and Androgyny

Think slinky silk sets, dropped waists, and biascut nightgowns. Sleepwear in the ‘20s was all about ease and elegance—a reflection of women’s newfound independence. Coco Chanel even popularized wearing pajamas outside the bedroom, pairing them with ropes of pearls and the whiff of scandal. The ‘30s followed suit, with Hollywood starlets lounging in floor-length satin and feather-trimmed robes that whispered luxury.

1940s–1950s: Domestic Glamour

War brought austerity, but post-war America gave rise to the perfect housewife fantasy. Sleepwear got brighter, flirtier, and more playful. Enter Vanity Fair and Warner’s—brands that sold dreams stitched in lace. The boudoir became a place of powder puffs, quilted robes, and pastel peignoirs. It was about looking good while putting curlers in—and for once, that was considered aspirational.

2000s–2010s: Peak Comfy

The early aughts gave us camisoles with built-in bras, terry cloth shorts, and those striped pajama pants we all stole from our crushes. Brands leaned into “cute and casual,” but often left glamour behind. Sleepwear became less about seduction and more about survival—of finals week, heartbreaks, or Netflix marathons.

2020s: The Great Sleepwear Revival

1960s–1970s: Rebellion and Romance

As the world loosened up, so did hemlines. Think babydoll nighties, sheer fabrics, and a whole lot of peeka-boo. Jockey introduced more breathable, sporty styles for women who didn’t want to be trussed up like a pinup. Sleepwear became sexier, yes—but also expressive, colorful, and sometimes psychedelic. It was flower power under the covers.

Now? We want it all. Comfort and glamour.

Sustainability and nostalgia. Enter the vintage sleepwear revival. Gen Z and millennials are thrifting Vanity Fair robes and pairing them with claw clips and oat milk lattes. Warner’s is reissuing classic silhouettes with ecofriendly fabrics. Jockey’s retro underwear is now a style statement, not a secret. Sleepwear today is soft power— equal parts fashion and self-love.

Because slipping into vintage-inspired pajamas isn’t just about bedtime. It’s about becoming the main character in your own dreamy little world. A place where satin reigns, the moon is your spotlight, and even insomnia feels like a plot twist.

And who knows—maybe that lace-trimmed slip you thrifted isn’t just a piece of history. Maybe it’s a love letter to yourself, one soft hemline at a time.

So, the next time you’re choosing between your boyfriend’s T-shirt and that 1950s Vanity Fair nightgown, ask yourself: Who do you want to be when the world goes to sleep?

Because in the age of aesthetic night routines and inner child healing, vintage sleepwear isn’t just a trend.

It’s a mood. A memory. A manifesto.

Now go pour yourself a glass of sparkling water, light a candle, and slip into something dreamier.

1980s–1990s: Satin Sheets & Slumber Parties Cue the drama. Big hair, shoulder pads, and lingerie that said I mean business—even at bedtime. Silk chemises, leopard-print robes, and lace-trimmed slips ruled the scene. This was the era of the Victoria’s Secret catalog and sleepovers scented with Love Spell body spray. Girls hosted slumber parties in oversized tees—or matching satin pajama sets if they were feeling fancy.

Main Campus 19

THE WINDDOWN KIT: BEDTIME ESSENTIALS From skincare must-haves to the perfect playlist, these are the essentials that make winding down feel like a luxury and help you rest, recharge, and glow overnight.

20 REFINE: The Sleepover Issue

1. Clinique - Moisture Surge 72Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator Nothing beats the comfort of dewy, hydrated skin before bed. Clinique’s Moisture Surge is a fan favorite for its lightweight, oil-free formula that keeps your skin plump and radiant. It provides an instant moisture boost, ensuring you wake up with smooth, soft skin— no matter how dry your winter nights get. $45

2. Neutrogena - Hello Hydration Hydrating Serum ( Available at Marshalls ) For a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on results, the Hello Hydration Hydrating Serum is a great pick. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it draws moisture deep into your skin, leaving your face fresh and plump by morning. Plus, it’s often found at Marshalls, which means you can grab this steal for a fraction of the regular price.

3. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

If you’re looking for hydration that truly goes deep, this serum from The Ordinary is your go-to. Packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, it delivers moisture to every layer of your skin and helps repair any damage from the day. Use it right before your moisturizer for maximum hydration while you sleep. $7.90

4. Soma Mouth Tape ( Available on Amazon ) For the ultimate rest, try Sona Mouth Tape to promote nose breathing overnight. This simple yet effective piece of tape gently keeps your mouth shut while you sleep, encouraging healthier breathing patterns, improving sleep quality, and reducing snoring. If you’re a mouth-breather, this is a gamechanger for restful nights. $15

$7~10

$10~50

5. Silk Pillowcase Sleep in luxury every night with a silk pillowcase. Not only is it gentle on your skin and hair, reducing the risk of wrinkles and hair breakage, but it also keeps your pillow cool and comfortable. Silk helps your skin retain moisture, so you wake up with a hydrated complexion—and who doesn’t want to sleep in total glamour?

6. Silk Sleep Mask For those nights when you need total darkness to get your best sleep, a silk sleep mask is the perfect addition to your bedtime ritual. Not only does it block out light, but its silky fabric also prevents friction, reducing pressure on delicate skin around your eyes. It’s like a mini spa treatment every time you close your eyes.

$10~25

Main Campus 21

Best Sleepover Movies:

A Listicle

By: Atiya Dasté

One of the best parts of a sleepover is picking a fun, classic movie to watch with friends.

Whether you’re into comedy, romance, or drama, here are my top five go-to sleepover movies and why they’ll never not be iconic.

1. Bridesmaids (2011) Bridesmaids is literally a must. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and somehow gets more relatable every time I watch it. Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph have the best bestie chemistry, and the airplane scene alone will have everybody crying laughing.

Plus, it’s perfect for appreciating the ones you get to call friends!

22 REFINE: The Sleepover Issue

2. Spice World (1997) If youve never put on Spice World at a sleepover, did you even have a sleepover?? This movie is pure serotonin. The Spice Girls serve outfits, random British humor, girl power, pure delulu energy, and aliens—and that’s exactly what we need during a night with the girls- nothing making sense.

3. 13 Going on 30 (2004) This movie is comfort food. 13 Going on 30 is so nostalgic, and Jennifer Garner’s little dances and awkward moments are so real. It’s all about that feeling of wanting to grow up fast—and then realizing adulthood is just… weird. It’s perfect when you and your friends want to scream-sing “Love Is A Battlefield” and do the “Thriller” dance in pajamas.

4. Crossroads (2002) I’m sorry, but Crossroads is peak cinema and I will die on that hill.

Britney Spears, Zoe Saldana, and Taryn Manning on a messy road trip?? It’s giving friendship, first loves, trauma bonding, and karaoke in the desert. It’s a little messy but that’s literally why it’s perfect for late-night watches when the snacks are hitting and everyone’s getting emotional.

5. American Beauty (1999) Okay hear me out: American Beauty is more of a deep cut, but it’s sooo good for that “we’re getting kinda philosophical at 3 a.m.” vibe. It’s haunting, weird, and super aesthetic with all the red roses and slow motion shots. It’s one of those movies that hits different when you’re older and actually get the themes. Plus, it sparks the wildest conversations afterwards. (And the cinematography? Ate.)

Conclusion: No matter what the vibe is—chaotic, cozy, or a little emotional— these movies never miss. They’re perfect for laughing until your stomach hurts, getting in your feels, and making those random memories you’ll talk about forever. At the end of the day, sleepovers are all about having fun with your girls, and a good movie marathon is just the cherry on top.

Main Campus 23

Sleepovers:

s l a u t i R y d a e R The Getting By: Hadiza Mshelia

From loungewear to beauty trends, Hadiza shares what goes on before getting ready for sleepovers!

Sleepovers aren’t just about watching horror movies, late night confessions or actually putting the sleep in “sleepover”.

It’s all about what goes on behind the scenes of sleepovers - or as we all know, get ready with me! Ranging from the hot matching set that you’re just dying to rock to the new beauty trends or buy the hottest new outfit that’s totally in right now you just got because you may or may not have been influenced by outside factors (Don’t worry, I too have been guilty of that!) Here are some behind-the-scenes sleepover rituals that are considered the highlight of the night!

outfits

Starting off strong, here’s some cute outfits that are just perfect for sleepovers! My personal favorite thing to wear are some matching silk pajama sets or if you just want a chill late night loungewear type of vibe.

In my closet, I have so many pajama sets in an array of colors; these include dark green, black, blue and pink that I’ve gotten over the last year from either Marshalls or Amazon. I know I played it safe to be a bit away from the pricier options such as Victoria’s Secrets and Skims, but hopefully I’m looking to expand more in that collection for some more variety depending on my mood.

If you want to lounge at home during the evening ordering sushi and doing each other’s makeup or just hanging out in the morning while cooking up

24 REFINE: The Sleepover Issue

a cute brunch and debrief, my personal choices for them include a cute little camisole or a vintage college sweatshirt with sweatpants. My go-to brands include GAP, Brandy Melville, Garage, and Urban Outfitters for some matching sweatpants/ sweatshirt combos or cute tank tops and shorts sets.

Beauty/Skin Care Trends

Who doesn’t want a fresh and clean face before bedtime? I sure do! My night routine consists of mostly popular products that are plastered all over everyone’s TikTok for you pages and at your local Sephora or CVS! My skincare regime consists of cleansers, toners and moisturizers from LaRouche Poussey, Good Molecules and believe it or not, Rhode Skin by Hailey Bieber (told you I was easily influenced, wink wink).

The Vibes

To brighten the night up, here are some immaculate vibes that you will remember forever! With a curated playlist on any music streaming platform of your choice (Saying this as a die-hard Spotify girly) with any musicians, both old-school and modern — can really set the night up for success!

A decade ago, when people thought of sleepovers, they pictured prank calls, confessions and scary movies. But now, it has evolved in ways you would have deemed out of the ordinary. With showing off the cutest Victoria Secret’s PJs to facials, and of course, capturing it all for the ‘gram , the Snapchat private stories or a TikTok montage. It’s less about truth or dare, and more about skincare routines, aesthetic snack setups, and glamour.

Main Campus 25

The Blanket Scaries:

SPOOKY Stories Ghosts, gossip, and things that go bump in the night—these are the tales we whisper when the lights go out and no one's ready to sleep.

THE HAUNTING OF HOOK UP APPS Sarah had sworn off dating apps after too many awkward first dates and confusing “I don’t want to make this official” texts. But one night, feeling a little lonely, she couldn’t resist logging back into Tinder. Immediately, her screen was filled with faces, and she swiped right on a particularly cute guy who seemed to actually read her bio. They matched. They texted. They made plans to meet.

But as the day drew near, Sarah noticed something strange: he never actually suggested a place to meet. They texted all night, but the plan never materialized. On the night of their “date,” Sarah found the last message from him: “I’ll be there soon.” When she checked her phone again... there was no name. Only the words: "I’m always here. We’ve already met." Sarah looked up, only to see the guy standing in her doorway. He was wearing the same shirt from their profile picture. And then he said, “I was just wondering if you wanted to Netflix and chill?” Sarah screamed, but no one could hear her over the sound of ghosting.

THE CASE OF THE DISAPPEARING TEXTBOOK Jessica had prepared for her midterm exam in the hardest class on campus: Organic Chemistry. Or, so she thought. On the morning of the test, she sat at her desk, reviewing her notes, when she realized —her textbook was gone. Her heart dropped. She searched every drawer, under the bed, and even in the fridge. No book. Her roommate, Kelly, walked in with a smug smile and tossed it onto the floor.

“Oh, I borrowed it for my project last night,” she said. “You’re welcome!” Jessica was about to scream, but then she realized—it was the book that had haunted her dreams. “You don’t need to know everything,” it seemed to whisper. The ghost of academic anxiety had claimed another victim.

THE GHOST OF MISSING TEXT It was a dark and stormy night (okay, it was just raining a little), and Emma sat on her bed, phone in hand, anxiously waiting for the reply. She had sent a simple “hey, what’s up?” text to that cute guy in her sociology class. Hours passed. No response. Every time she checked, it was as if the message had disappeared into the void. Her heart raced. Could he be ghosting her? Her fingers hovered over the screen, but just as she typed, “Did you get my text?”—she noticed it: a single, ominous notification from Snapchat. A screenshot.

She screamed. The ghost of a man who only texts after midnight had claimed another victim.

The Curse of the 2 AM Group Project We’ve all been there: the dreaded group project. But for Jess and her classmates, it was the worst kind of haunted experience. Every time they tried to meet, one person always bailed. Suddenly, Jess was stuck alone, working in the library at 2 AM, fighting for Wi-Fi, trying to Google an entire semester’s worth of research. That’s when it happened. The other group members—every single one of them—sent their contributions just before the deadline. But they were all vague, disjointed sentences that didn’t make sense. And just as Jess hit submit, a notification popped up: “Your group members have withdrawn from the project. You will receive an F.” Jess looked up. The library was empty. Her phone buzzed again: “You were warned. Beware of doing this alone next time.”

THE ROOMMATE WHO NEVER LEFT When Megan moved into the off-campus apartment, she thought she’d finally escape the confines of the dorm.

But the moment she unpacked her last box, she knew something was off. Her new roommate, Claire, was always there. She never left for class, never went to the gym, and somehow, even when Megan stayed up late to study, Claire would emerge from the bathroom looking more rested than ever. Megan even tried to get a guest in, but Claire always seemed to be in the way, standing in the kitchen at 3 AM, watching her as if she was waiting for something... or someone. Megan finally realized: Claire wasn’t real. She was just a figment of her overworked, under-slept imagination. Or, maybe... Claire was just the spirit of finals week.

Main Campus 27

Gimmie back my glow!

Ph balancing smoothie

Blended by baddies: the perfect blend of ph loving nutrients that supports a heathy gut and a hydrated girl.

1/2 cup unsweet cranberry juice (prevents uti) 1/2 cup greek yogurt (gut health) 1 bannana (natural sweetner) 1/2 cup blueberries(anti oxidants) 1/2 cup pineapple (hydrates) 1 tbsp flax seeds (fiber) Add ice and Blend!

A Sleepover With Myself

By Carolina Tucker-Delvalle

It’s a weekend night, no plans, no energy and no desire to get all dressed up and go out in the city. Tonight is a night to look within, to recharge and recenter. With the busy life of a college student often weeknights are reserved for dancing, drinking and socializing. But when was the last time you spent a night with yourself? Light a candle, put on your comfy pjs and order a sweet treat to indulge in while you watch that comfort TV show on netflix that you can quote from beginning to end. Tonight is all about your favorite things and doing what makes you feel good.

What makes a great night in? When speaking to others about an ideal night in I found that there is a common activity, the everything shower. The everything shower is a term coined by Tik Tok beauty gurus similar to the 10 step skin care routines so common in get ready with me videos. The everything shower consists of every luxurious step in your shower routine from exfoliating with your special sugar scrub to applying copious amounts of your favorite scented lotion. This pampering time isn’t just so your skin is buttery smooth but also so that you take the time to really care for yourself and appreciate a time away from the world.

Other activities also mentioned that would greatly add to a solo slumber party were: coloring with nice markers, listening to podcasts, ordering a sweet treat, having a glass of wine, and blasting music while dancing in pjs. All these activities are things that can be done with others but there is something special about having an intimate night alone and filling it with all the things you love.

In an age of social media and the intimidating “u up” texts from a tinder match, putting your phone on DND for one night can refresh your senses and give you a better perspective on what really matters to you. Despite trying to ignore it, spending a Friday night in while hearing a party bumping music down the block can cause intense FOMO. As described by a dear friend “F*k hookup culture and f*k fomo bc you don’t want to be anywhere you’re not wanted” Parties will always be there and your friends are a text away.

Spending one night alone wont take away from those experiences. It can actually make you appreciate all the times you do go out even more! Especially when you realize that you are making a choice to stay in, you are choosing yourself tonight and that is an iconic move. An iconic It girl pampers herself and recharges. So allow tonight to be a slumber party with yourself.

Main Campus 29

By Kayla McMonagle

r’s to a sculpto in e iv g y d o ry s in your b of the centu e The curve c ie p t r a the sire, you’re of your greatest de . The pull m o ro ll a b re, r of the ets the sho e m e d in the cente ti e as th ras as smooth to the auro ty u a e b muscles is r u o tie y ea move a nd eets me lik m t a th your ha nds u o in y e my The beauty es that tak c n la in the sky. g r u o y their other, his is what lover meets a ry core. T im r p s it r’s day. y from d a summe te lp u breath awa c s e en h Love, K elo saw wh Michela ng

M,

J, I w ish I neve r loved you; I w ish I neve held your ha r nd or held yo u late at night.

I never let m I w ish yself fa ll; I w ish I never le bring a mity t you to my solitud e. I w ish I ne at you w it h e ver looked very thing in me. I w ish I made you m never y home, bec ause it was a known. I w is ll I’ve ever h I saw it soo ner, how I fe a nd faster. I ll ha rder w ish I never made you m because whe y home, n it was gon e, I never felt wa rmth aga that in. I w ish I n ever loved y I lost myself ou, because the sa me.

30 REFINE: The Sleepover Issue

Wit h what o nce was, K

T, The sun hits your eyes to where they’re teal, like a stone I purposely picked with my palms. The wind blows my hair straight into my eyes, you pull it back like you want to kiss my temple. Oh, my love, you stand and make me so lovesick, you hold my hand to the tune of your thoughts. I settle and write this poem to the tune of mine, this web that we’ve tangled ourselves into. Let it drive you to want to stay tangled forever.

Yours, K

A, My he a r t ca surro lls on unds ly for your b you, i I have o d t’s t he y a nd a mill desire y o i on rea ur eye not ion t o be sons w s t hat of how t he a i shine hy I w a hea r t hat hea rt t a r n i r u t t ca n stops mpha you w b b n r i e t t h t he eak. S ly. at ing exist i o, wh incred a nd I ng. A en I s fter a no lon i b l e ee yo ll, my ger ca u wit h hea rt n see h only b t he po im my eats f ssibil or you ity of . us

O,

Undy ingly, K

To the soul that en tered my life whe nI needed it the mos t, you’re an intrig ui ng work of art. May you al ways know love an d what you mea n to me.

I want to hug and ho ld, laugh and breathe, and love and hope w ith you. I hope you know th e love that I ca rr y in every word spoken is al ways st rikingly no te d. May you one day see th e sa me sun that I se e as I glance at you. The gent le touch of a fr iend.

I look at you like you’re the sun, an d I’m a newborn sunflow er. In a world that ’s a little less lonely, thank you for being you.

To a best friend, I love you in trut h.

Always the Merri er, K Main Campus 31

P U E K A W

and smell the

By: Hadiza Mshelia

LIM

Oh what could have been… Hadiza digs deeper into the meaning of limerence and how feelings can evolve much deeper than a fleeting crush.

T

hroughout our lives, we’ve had crushes that come and go like a revolving door. Whether it’s that cutie at the IBC or the skate park, the one time hookup that made you feel like royalty for the one night, or someone who flirted with you one day. Next thing you knew, you were planning out your future together!, From fantasizing about your wedding and future baby names to how well their last name would sound with your name. Caught yourself in one of these scenarios at one point? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us!

I have found myself in this position multiple times over the years. Time and time again, there have been a handful of interactions with guys over the years where I experienced this feeling. Even if they did so much as wink at me or complimented me by calling me something along the lines of “beautiful”, “cute” “pretty” or “hot. I felt so ecstatic that I would find myself fantasizing about our future life together – imagining us living in a lush mansion with a large pool and two dogs, you name it!

I know this may seem like an overwhelming and intense feeling, but don’t worry - it’s nothing serious or any cause for concern in the slightest.

There just so happens to be a word for this seesaw of emotions: limerence.

32 REFINE: The Sleepover Issue

What is limerence? You may ask. Limerence is much more than catching feelings for someone. It’s a natural and strong desire to be so attached to someone that you can’t even help it at times because it’s just too overwhelming to explain it, even to yourself. It can feel like an illusion or a made up reality. At the end of the day, you just gotta say to yourself: “Wake up and touch some grass.”

Yes, I know it can be hard to take off the rose-colored glasses and take a look at what’s really going on, but it’s ok to have a higher self confidence boost just from one special interaction with that person. Sometimes, a compliment, a glance, or a flirty convo can make you glow in the best way—and that glow is something to hold onto. Just don’t let it convince you that a five-minute moment means forever.

MERENCE You’re allowed to feel excited. You’re allowed to blush, to fantasize, to get a little carried away. But you’re also allowed to give yourself a bit of tough love —to remind yourself that you’re whole with or without them.

So the next time someone gives you butterflies, enjoy the feeling... then check in with your heart and ask, “Is this real love, or just a beautifully distracting daydream?”

Either way, you’ve got this.

A friendly reminder, just because someone made you feel extra special, doesn’t mean they’re your soulmate! It’s all a figment of your imagination.

Main Campus 33

T H G I N D O GO

A G O Y

n tches, sati 8 Soft stre etest e w nd the s pajamas, a ht g i r d down way to win s i h sleep. T before you reamy d ow is our atter bedtime fl y -of-da ch d n e o t r e answ k stars. in-the-dar and glow-

rani) a K a it r a ip V ( ll a Legs Up the W

laxes the lower e r s g e l r u o y g n i Elevat nd promotes a , g n i l l e w s s e c u body, red g a soothing, n i t a e r c , n o i t a l u circ tion. restorative sensa

Seated Forward Fold (P aschimottanasana)

A gentle stre tch for the h amstrings and lower ba ck, this pose encourages deep breathi ng and helps calm the mind for slee p.

sana) a il it B a n a s a y r ja (Mar Cat-Cow Stretch rounding

ing and h c r a n e e etw the spine, n i n o i This flow b s n e d releases t and relaxe d e your back d n u o r g u feel helping yo . before bed

34 REFINE: The Sleepover Issue

Reclining Bound Angle Pose (S

upta Baddha Konasana)

This hip-opener releases tension in the pelvis and groin, promoting relaxa tion and easing stress for a peaceful night ’s sleep.

sana)

atsyendra M ta p u (S t is w T l a in Sp

lieves tension in e r e n i p s r u o y g n Twisti es the body, and the back, detoxifi rom the day’s f s s e n t h g i t s e s a rele relaxation. activities, aiding

Happy Baby Pose (

Ananda Balasana )

This gentl e stretch t argets the lower bac hips and k while pr omoting a playfulnes sense of s and rela xation, pe unwinding rfect for .

Corpse Pose (Savasana)

The ultimate resting pose, Savasana allows the body to absorb the benefits of your practice, releasing any last bits of tension and bringing you into a peaceful state of stillness.

TheChild’s Pose (Bala sa

na)

This restful p ose stretche s the back an hips while ca d lming the ne rvous system preparing yo , ur body to re lax and let g tension. o of

Pack your sleepover bag Find out what your sleepover checklist says about you!

START Matching Pjs or Adam Sandler Fit

Skincare Routine or Makeup Wipes

Card Games or Girl Talk

She’s chill, low stress, working on herself. No drama. Prob wants to stay in together doing self care.

Snacks or Wine

Speaker for Music or Watching Movies

Face Masks or Art Supplies

Girls Girl, down for whatever, Goes with the flow. She’s the type to get up and dance it out with you or help you get back at them.

Satin Pillow or Satin Sheets

Digital Camera or Hair Tools

Going-out Outfit or Door Dash Card

The life of the party, always down to stay in or go out but guarante you will always have a feral but fun night with her.

your signs slumber party anthem Whats your sleepover vibe based on your Zodiac sign.A mix of sleepover hits Libra

SZA

Aquarius Billie Ellish

“just us” Brings the crystals and teaches you to maifest your dream life.

Pisces

Rihanna “Kiss it better”

Cry sings into a hairbrush with you

Gemini Tove Lo

“Habits” She calls you out but you needed to hear it

Virgo

Leona Lewis “Bleeding Love”

Brings her whole skincare routine

“Chihiro” Keeps everyone up laughing at her random thoughts

Taurus

Sabrina Carpenter

“

“Taste”

Gives the best advice at 3 am

AriesGlorilla Cardi-B.

“Tomorrow 2” Suggests to prank call your Ex

Scropio

Summer Walker

“Girls need love” Listens more than she talks but shes a safe place

Capricorn

Nicki Minaj

“Barbie Dreams” In charge of aux and the vibes

Leo Gwen Steffani

“Sweet escape” Arrives in a matching set and a blow out

Sagittarius

Cancer

RavynLenae “Love me not”

Does everyones hair perfectly while crying about her ex

Brittany Spears

“Circus”

Shows up fashionably late but with snacks