The Chic Mag-- The August Issue

TABLE OF CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE EDITOR....4-5 MEET OUR STAFF....6-9 WHAT IT MEANS TO BE NONBINARY, A Q&A....10-14 INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE....15 THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIDE....16-17 HOW TO BE A BETTER ALLY....18-19 PRIDE MONTH INSPIRED OUTFITS....20-21 SUMMER FASHION TRENDS....22-27 SUSTAINABILITY ISN’T MEANT TO BE A TREND...28-31 VNTGCAPZ AND DOMSNEAKZ...32-35 HOW TO PLAN THE PERFECT PICNIC....36-39 LOCAL PLANT SHOPS REVIEW....40-43

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 4

Hello and welcome back to The Chic Mag. In this issue, The Chic Mag writers focused on Pride Month, uplifting the voices of the LGBTQ+ community, and other summer festivities.

As you read through the Summer issue, you will come across pieces that discuss pride, inclusivity, spotlights on local businesses, and a few pieces that get you excited about summer! This issue’s objective is to educate readers on proper inclusive language, the importance of Pride month, and through a fashion lens, celebrate both Pride Month and the summer season.

So, whether you’re a part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally, or a friend, it is important to uplift their voices, celebrate their culture, support LGBTQ+ rights, and recognize the impact the LGBTQ+ community has had on the world.

With much anticipation and excitement, we introduce to you, the Summer issue of The Chic Mag. Enjoy.

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ET OU T O E R E UR ET OU STAFF M T O E R E T UR E OU STAFF M T O E RS E UR TAFF M LAUREN LIPPERT

MAJA PEIRCE

FF MEET OUR ST A A F T M F F F S E M E R U S T O T A A M F EET OUR ST FF R STAF A FF R ST Jessica herrera

Ashlyn Robinette

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Gabriella herran

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WHAT IT MEANS TO BE NONBINARY, A Q&A

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s a nonbinary and gender binary of being a man or a woman and what fluid person, Arlo Quitangon society has dictated that is. Oftentimes, people knows what it’s like to have this misconception that someone who struggle with identity and how is nonbinary falls on a spectrum of man to to make sense of it all. woman. When in reality it’s not a spectrum, it’s everything other than. Someone who is Quitangon, an ASU sophomore, shared what gender fluid can also identify as nonbinary it means to be nonbinary, the identities and because they may not feel like either a man expressions that exist under the umbrella term, or a woman, but they just kind of float around. and advice for those who are questioning Some days, or even moments, I feel more their gender or want to be better allies to the feminine, others more masculine. Someone LGBTQIA+ community. who is gender-nonconforming is someone who identifies as either a man or a woman, but they do not adhere to the boundaries or norms Q: What does nonbinary mean to you? that have been set by society for what a man or woman should be. Think feminine men, A: In a definition sense, nonbinary means masculine women. Again, all of the terms are anyone who doesn’t identify with being a a personal thing. Even though I may have the man or a woman. But that can mean so many same experiences as someone else and relate so things. How I’ve experienced being nonbinary much with them, we could identify differently might not be the same as other people who are because certain terms feel better. nonbinary. I’ve never aligned with the strict ideas society has for what a man or what a Deciding which terms to use was only one woman is. For me, it’s about being free to exist part of Quitangon’s complex journey of selfand enjoy what I enjoy, especially as someone who not only identifies as nonbinary, but also as discovery freshman year. gender fluid. It’s freedom to exist as I am.

“It was a whole mess,” Quitangon said of their struggles figuring out who they were and how Not everyone fits into fixed gender boxes and there is not one way to be, look or act nonbinary. to identify. “But I think that’s how it’s supposed to be.”

While the term “nonbinary” encompasses anyone who does not fall into assigned gender categories, it is not the only term used to Q: How did you know you were describe people whose gender identity is nonbinary? neither male or female.

A: I worked outward, then in. I cut my hair short Q: What is the difference between being and knew that I wanted it to look masculine. I nonbinary, genderqueer, gender fluid, or also started dressing more masculine. One day, I found a sports bra that was smaller, so it had gender-nonconforming? more compression to it in the chest. I realized that it aligned with who I saw myself as. From A: Nonbinary and genderqueer are umbrella there, I got a binder and questioned if I was terms for anyone who doesn’t align with the transgender *1. I didn’t know what was going

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on, so there was a lot of internal thinking. I thought about my name, and I started telling Starbucks workers that my name was Arlo. Every time I did it, it felt like pure joy. I started to lean more into my masculine energy, but I didn’t know if I was leaning so heavily into it just because it was different from what I’ve always been told to be. I struggled with whether I was a transgender man or if I still had a connection to feminine energy. I do! It was so confusing. Originally, I came out with he/they pronouns when I said I was nonbinary, but then I realized I wouldn’t mind if someone used she pronouns. It’s weird because there’s pressure when you’re queer *2, even in regards to sexuality. People say that you’re supposed to experiment and figure it out, but because of this notion of coming out, there is this pressure to know exactly who you are.

If you don’t know yet, and you already come out with your pronouns then doubt or change your decision, you worry that people are going to think it’s just a phase. I’m literally 18 and should be able to go at my own pace.

Gender is confusing, but that’s part of the process, Quitangon said. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s OK. Quitangon emphasized that those questioning their gender identity should take their time experimenting and know that it’s OK to not have all of the answers right away.

Q: What advice do you have for people questioning their gender?

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A: Just experiment! Go to Starbucks and tell them that your name is a more masculine, feminine or androgynous name. Wear different clothes and see how you feel about it. If you have supportive people in your life and you’re comfortable, talk to them about it. There’s not enough representation for nonbinary people. I remember when I was figuring out my sexuality, part of what helped me was leaning into movies and things like that, but there’s not much of that out there for genderqueer people. So, it’s all about experimenting with how you express yourself, how you look and being in touch with how you feel.

While figuring out your gender identity may be a clarifying and liberating experience, there can be professional, academic, social and familial challenges that come with it, Quitangon said.

Q: What challenges do you face being nonbinary?

A: On a professional and educational level, I haven’t seen any challenges yet. It’s really cool, ASU released this new thing where you can have your preferred name on your ID card. On a social level is where I face the most challenges. Being nonbinary is tough because people can’t tell sometimes, and they are constantly putting you into a binary box. People are always going to think that that’s a girl or that’s a guy, so I’m constantly having to explain myself or there is a pressure to explain myself. For a while, I would be misgendered *3 publicly at places like fast food restaurants. I would be so upset. Outwardly, I am intentionally expressing that I want to look masculine,

and to have someone contradict that and call me “ma’am” or use she pronouns sucked. Not everyone understands, or is willing to understand, what nonbinary means so there’s a lot of misconceptions and less acceptance.

Q: What are things people SHOULD say to nonbinary people?

As long as you are being respectful and not coming from a prodding place, Quitangon said that most of the time you will be fine. They recommend formatting your question like so: “If you’re comfortable telling me, how do you identify? What are your pronouns?”

A: Don’t ask a nonbinary person what’s in their pants.

You would never ask someone who fits within the binary what genitals they have, so don’t ask someone who is nonbinary. Don’t ask what bathrooms they use either. What does it matter? Don’t use any form of ‘this is just a phase’ because it is so invalidating. Also, don’t expect nonbinary people or minorities in general to hold your hand and teach you about every single thing. Personally, 99% of the time I will answer questions. I don’t mind but I do think that part of that is because I am particularly

A: A mindset that more people should have is if you have a friend who does not fit into the binary or is a part of the LGBTQ+ community, then good for Even if you are not a part of the LGBTQIA+ them. Non-binary people are just people expressing community, you should always be respectful to themselves differently and shouldn’t be made to feel nonbinary people and learn how to appropriately ask other. They are just existing in a different way than any qustions you may have. you are and that’s fine. Be aware of how they feel when you misgender them as well. Some people are Q: If unsure of someone’s gender identity, what more lax about it, others are not. Oftentimes when is the best way to approach or ask them about it people use the wrong pronouns it’s because they still respectfully? see you as they’ve always seen you. For me, I was assigned female at birth. So when I was going by A: More often than not, if you come from a place of he/they pronouns, a lot of people would use she/ wanting to respect another her pronouns, and that comes person’s identity and you from a place of knowing what ask someone from the my pronouns are and that I LGBTQ+ community what identify as nonbinary but still “...stop to their identity is and what seeing me as a girl. So if you intentionally see their pronouns are, they’ll have someone in your life probably just tell you and who does not align with what them as they are just be grateful that you they are assigned at birth, take rather than how you asked in the first place moments to yourself to really instead of just assuming. see them as they identify. See want to see them or I found that the people them as a nonbinary person. how you’ve always who take the most offense The more that you mindfully from someone asking are exercise that and stop to seen them...” cisgender *4 people or intentionally see them as they anyone who is trying to are rather than how you want fit into the binary. If you to see them or how you’ve approach someone who is trying to present as the always seen them, it becomes easier to use the right binary idea of what a man or woman should be pronouns. and you ask them their identity or pronouns, they take offense because they put effort into appearing a Q: What are things NOT to say to nonbinary certain way. people?

Aside from respectfully asking how they identify and what their pronouns are, Quitangon elaborated on how to treat nonbinary people and what things you should and should not say to them.

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“Knowledge is power,” Quitangon said. “The more you know about a specific community and the more you try to learn about a community, the better you can show up for that community and support them.

The root of most issues is that people don’t seek to understand each other. Listen to what others have to say and stay up with the news. If you know about something then you have the power to do something about it.”

By Ashlyn Robinette

privileged in my personal relationships to have people that unconditionally love and support me while I’m trying to figure out who I am. I know that I’m the exception. Most minorities and nonbinary people are going to have trauma attached to their identities. I have small things that I still hold on to that I’m still working through, but for the most part talking about it isn’t difficult for me. It is going to be hard for some people though, and having to unpack that trauma just to explain to someone, or even this feeling of having to constantly explain how you exist and why it’s OK for you to exist that way, is exhausting. Don’t expect every single nonbinary person you meet to have all the answers for you.

Q: What advice do you have for LGBTQIA+ allies?

A: In trying to be a good ally, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Make sure you’re doing it for the reason that you want to be respectful toward a community and support them, rather than you want to feel good about yourself. When you’re supporting minority communities, you shouldn’t center yourself.

Also, just because you’re talking to one person from that community does not mean that their experiences are going to be the same as everyone else’s, so remember that.

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The key to progress is knowledge, Quitangon said.

Society could be a more accepting place if people would educate themselves. The more you know, the easier it is to combat intolerance.

1- Transgender: of, relating to, or being a person whose gender identity differs from the sex the person had or was identified as having at birth especially: of, relating to, or being a person whose gender identity is opposite the sex the person had or was identified as having at birth 2- Queer: (a) of, relating to, or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction to members of one’s own sex (b) of, relating to, or characterized by sexual or romantic attraction that is not limited to people of a particular gender identity or sexual orientation (c) of, relating to, or being a person whose sexual orientation is not heterosexual and/or whose gender identity is not cisgender (d) of, relating to, or being a person whose gender identity cannot be categorized as solely male or female (e) of, relating to, or being a person whose gender identity differs from the sex the person had or was identified as having at birth 3- Misgender: to identify the gender of (a person, such as a transsexual or transgender person) incorrectly (as by using an incorrect label or pronoun) 4- Cisgender: of, relating to, or being a person whose gender identity corresponds with the sex the person had or was identified as having at birth Definitions source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary

WORK TO BE A BETTER PERSON TO ALL PEOPLE

Infographic by: Alexia Hill

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he purpose of Pride month is often misconstrued and even overlooked at times.

For years, Pride month has been celebrated across the United States in June with parades, festivals and events. However, if we look beyond the rainbow designs and parades, we can see the true meaning of Pride month ‒ to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and recognize those who have fought and advocated for equal rights.

Pride month got its roots from the Stonewall Riots, a six-day protest which began on June 28, 1969, in New York City. The Stonewall Riots were a series of riots done by members of the LGBTQ+ community in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a gay club located in Greenwich Village. It was because of

the Stonewall Riots that the gay rights movement took off.

Prior to the Stonewall Riots, members of the LGBTQ+ community were not generally open about their sexual orientation or identity. However, the event at Stonewall motivated the LGBTQ+ community and sparked greater political activism for gay rights.

The first gay Pride march took place on the anniversary of the riots in 1970. The early Pride events focused on members being proud to be out of the closet, individual freedom, and diversity. Since then, political and social activism have become central for Pride events.

Today, people use rainbow flags, shirts, and other colorful accessories to celebrate. But where exactly did the rainbow design come from?

In 1978, the most recognized symbol of gay pride, the

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rainbow flag, made its debut by San Francisco artist, Gilbert Baker and has since then been adopted as the official pride flag. In 2017, Philadelphia redesigned the pride flag to include the colors brown and black to represent people of color and promote diversity and inclusion.

“The pride flag makes me feel happy and safe,” said Kiana Wilyat, a member of the LGBTQ+ community. “Seeing it anywhere in public lets me know that I’m safe and supported by at least someone in that area. Pride month reminds me of how far the LGBTQ+ community has come and that we still have to continue to fight for the rights of those within our community.”

Additionally, there are other flags to represent different members of the community. The transgender flag, which consists of five horizontal stripes, was created by trans woman Monica Helms in 1999 and was first shown at a Pride parade in Phoenix in 2000. The flag displays two light blue stripes for boys, two pink stripes for girls, and a white stripe in the center for those who are transitioning and feel they have a neutral gender or no gender, and those who are intersex. There are several other flags that were made to represent each individual part of the community. For more information on each flag, visit Pride Flags - TriPride.

Pride month is not only a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, but it is also a time to recognize,

remember, and thank the longtime activists who gave voice to the LGBTQ+ community and sparked change.

One of the most well-known activists for the LGBTQ+ movement is Marsha P. Johnson and rightfully so. Johnson was a black, queer, and trans activist. She was a drag performer, sex worker, and model for Andy Warhol, and she played a key role in the 1960s gay right movement in the U.S. It is said that she was the one who threw the brick that ignited the infamous Stonewall Riots, which was the catalyst for the gay rights movement.

Another well-known activist was Sylvia Rivera. Rivera was a Latina trans activist who also participated in the Stonewall Riots and co-founded the Street Transvestite Action

Revolutionaries (STAR) with Johnson. STAR was an organization that provided shelter to homeless queer youth and was a blueprint for similar organizations.

Although there is much more work that needs to be done, without the fearlessness and endless advocacy for equal rights that these activists had, the Pride month we have today would not be here.

Many people celebrate Pride month in different ways for different reasons.

Arianna Arenas celebrated in support of her younger sister, Anaviay Arenas.

“This year Pride month carried a very special place in my heart ‒ my

sister came to me to share not only her sexuality, but her feelings regarding her coming out journey,” Arenas said.

“This was a monumental moment for me; our bond is stronger than ever, her confiding in me caused me to be more vulnerable and to listen. One of the biggest values I’ve learned over the last month is to listen ‒ listen to the LBGTQ+ people in your own life, rather than listening to arrogance. Truly listen and hear who they are, and what they’ve been through and continue to go through, and what authentically living means for them.”

Jasmine Ibarra, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, celebrates Pride month with much gratitude as it is a reminder that she can feel free to express herself and who she is with no limitations.

“Pride month is not just about parades and festivities for me, it is so much more

than that,” Ibarra said. “The year 2019 was my official coming out year where I finally felt comfortable with just being myself and from then on, I felt like I got a fresh start in life. For me Pride month is a reminder to just be myself, be out and be proud because I was born this way!

I am very glad and very proud that I came out because now I can finally start living the life I love and love the life I live regardless of who I love.”

Pride month holds a special meaning for many people and is celebrated in different ways. However, it is also important to always remember to honor and respect the people that came before us who paved the way for many members of the LGBTQ+ community today and to be supportive of them even after Pride month comes to an end.

By Gabriella Herran-Romero

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How To Be A Better All Community and Correc

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eing an ally to the LGBTQ+ community is doing more than just accepting people for being LGTBQ+.

A true ally is always open to learning and uses the information they gather to advocate for the community. It is important for allies to learn the history of LGBTQ+ issues and the significance of those issues. Allies should get their information directly from LGTBQ+ members or sources, not just allies. This is important because people who are just allies and not LGTBQ+ haven’t experienced what it is personally like to be an LGTBQ+ person.

Most importantly, allies must ensure that everyone in the LGBTQ+ community is advocated for. Allies need to make sure that they are also advocating for LGBTQ+ members with disabilities and members who are POC. In 2018, Stonewall revealed that 51% of POC LGTBQ+ members reported experiencing racism in the LGTBQ+ community. Experiencing racism in the LGTBQ+ community can cause isolation, mental health issues and loneliness. New research has proven that LGTBQ+ people are more likely to have a disability. There is an estimation that 3-5 million LGTBQ+ people have disabilities.

If someone wants to be an ally, they need to support everyone in the LGTBQ+ community.

Familiarizing yourself with pronoun usage and new terminology is a huge part of allyship.Take the small step of including your pronouns on your social media bios

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and in the workplace. Using pronouns can help people who use they/them pronouns or have transitioned their pronouns feel less alienated. A person who identifies as a woman uses pronouns she/her, a person who identifies as a man uses pronouns he/him and someone who is nonbinary, genderqueer, or gender fluid usually goes by they/them.

Unfortunately, members of the LGBTQ+ community are still victims of homophobia.

It is important to call people out for using homophobic slurs or participating in homophobic behaviors. These people can sometimes be family members which can make it more difficult, but it shouldn’t stop you from educating them. If you are struggling to stand up for someone in the LGBTQ+ community, it may be helpful to provide data about how homophobia has caused damage to LGBTQ+ mental health.

According to Mental Health America, 39% of the LGBTQ+ community has reported having mental illness within the past year.

LGBTQ+ youth are twice as likely to feel suicidal and over four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to heterosexual youth. Forty-eight percent of transgender adults have considered suicide in the past year compared to four percent of the overal U.S. population.

Words And Phrases That Are

ly To The LGBTQ+ ct Pronoun Usage

By Cara Martinez

Microaggressions

human.

“That’s so gay” or “You’re so gay” This phrase tends to slip through the cracks because it may feel harmless to some cisgender straight people. The problem with this is that it puts acting gay or being gay in a negative context. It is degrading and harmful for people who identify as gay.

“Bisexuality doesn’t exist” This one stems from ignorance, denial or a combination of both. People who say this are degrading the identity of someone who identifies as bisexual. Some people think that someone can only be straight or gay.

This comment is considered to be biphobic which is showing a dislike or prejudice against bisexual people.

“No Homo” People typically say this when they are concerned that they said something that makes them be perceived as gay. Similar to the first phrase, it makes it seem like there’s something wrong with being gay and the person who said this doesn’t want to be called “gay” because they think there’s something wrong with it.

“You are beautiful for a trans woman” This is very harmful toward trans women because it makes it seem like they are less beautiful for being transgender. Comparing trans women to cisgender woman makes trans women seem inferior to cisgender women. This is degrading and can cause them to question their self worth.

“What do you have down there” This is used against transgender people when people try to ask them what genitalia they have. It is very inappropriate and invasive and nobody’s business, but people tend to think it is okay to ask a transgender person what body parts they have. This is dehumanizaing and a way of treating transgender people like they are not

“It’s just a phase” This is used to make someone feel like their sexuality isn’t valid. When someone says this they are trying to convince someone that they are straight, causing them to question themselves leading to more confusion. This person is in denial of someone who isn’t straight trying to convince them they are wrong because they don’t want that person to be LGTBQ+.

Sources https://www.mhanational.org/issues/lgbtqcommunities-and-mental-health https://www.stonewall.org.uk/sites/default/ files/tackling_homophobic_language_-_ teachers_guide.pdf https://lgbtqia.ucdavis.edu/educated/ words https://www.stonewallscotland.org.uk/ about-us/news/15-things-lgbtq-peoplecolour-want-you-know https://www.lgbtmap.org/lgbt-peopledisabilities

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Collages by: Alexia Hill

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T

he latest fashion trends that once became popular were usually first seen on runways and fashion magazines; nowadays we can all agree that times have changed.

In recent times, we have seen what is fresh and cool in almost every aspect of fashion.

We can easily get ideas of what is considered “in” from hairstyles to accessories, from outfit inspo to the best shoe game, on social media. Instagram, globally, has 1 billion active users monthly according to Statista, so it is no surprise that the platform serves as a major fashion inspiration to people all over the world.

Celebrities like Ariana Grande, Kylie Jenner and Selena Gomez are all among the top Instagram accounts that users follow for tips on style and the latest fashion crazes. One very common theme that has recently become popular has been to bring back some ‘90s and early 2000s styles.

A popular fashion trend on social media is how to mix the old with the new. One great example is to recycle clothes. In this day and age, bringing back older styles is hip and actually good for the environment. So, borrowing your mom’s old shoulder padded blazers and combining it with a fresh pair of denim shorts and a cute top may be the trendiest summer outfit of 2021.

The ‘90s-inspired blazers are one of the most underrated trends of this summer.

Blazers can come in many different styles like cropped, oversized, fitted and tailored.

Blazer dresses are another great way to spice up your wardrobe. Colorful blazers add a dash of color to your outfit, and they can not only give your look a fun fresh feel but can also dress up a casual outfit for a brunch date or make you look more put together for a fun night out.

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Check out @rosaa.caninaa who wore a lime green oversized blazer as well as a pink contrasting tube top and a skirt on Instagram. @resikabel wore a lavender oversized blazer with a black top and jeans for an effortless trendy night time look. Both colorful blazers are from the Zara clothing store.

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You can pick up your cool vintage summer band shirt from your parents closet or you can find all different styles at Forever 21. This clothing store has some of the trendiest and most affordable graphic T-shirts and band shirts, from Def Leppard to Guns N’ Roses and even Madonna. A great idea is to pair up your new shirt with some cut off jeans for an “I’m with the band” look.

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Bags are also a great way to spice up an outfit, and shoulder bags are all the craze right now. We have seen bags evolutionize from small and cute to big and bulky. Right now the summer bag allows you to pack light and stay right on trend with cute styles just like @dania. vegaa. She paired up her small white shoulder bag with a gray ribbed halter top and a pair of white shorts, and she looks ready for the beach!

You can find a similar shoulder bag at H&M.

Now let’s talk about small accessories that will comple your outfits.

No look can be complete with some accessories and scrun as well as beaded necklaces charms for your phone, which also become quite popular re @julia.berit and @madiizk m phone case charms look cute Adding some fun decoration your phone is an effortless s trend you want to make sure be a part of. You can easily m the phone charms yourself o purchase them online on @p ashley_beads who has an en online business store with a selection.

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If you’re looking to spice up an outfit, then a colorful scrunchie might be all you need.

Scrunchies are not just for your ponytails anymore, they can also be used to wear around your wrist like a bracelet or you can tie them around your bag ready for on the go. If you want to try out this trend you can head over to @ jamesaccesories Instagram account, which has an online store that creates cool scrunchies made in Berlin from upcycled vintage designer silk scarves. Each one is limited and uniquely made by James.

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Bucket hats were also a big hit this spring and are still popular during the summer. They are a fun accessory and are definitely a late ‘90s and early 2000s inspired fashion. Even Prada and Louis Vuitton have joined in on the trend with bucket hat designs of their own with their timeless logos. A popular influencer, @sophia_ rosemary, is seen here rocking

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a groovy flower power bucket hat that fits in with her vintage Instagram aesthetic. You can find many cool bucket hat designs and fabrics at Forever 21 at affordable prices on their online store. The trendiest designs at the moment are tie-dye, corduroy fabrics, as well as the embroidered bucket hats.

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Fashion is all about experimenting and having fun!

Whether you are planning to wear fun blazers, graphic T-shirts, bucket hats or hair clips this summer, make sure that what you do expresses just who you are in all of its glory. Enjoy the versatility of fashion and, who knows, maybe create your own summer trend.

If you pick up any trendy items this summer, make sure to tag us so we can see it too on our Instagram account @thechicdaily!

By: Jessica Herrera

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G

rowing up, the word sustainability

was never a common term in my household. My parents, like many others, focused on providing for our family, paying the bills and getting my siblings and I to school. I wasn’t exposed to the idea of being “eco-friendly” until growing up a little and learning about Earth Day at school and how to garden from my grandma.

Now, I see the word sustainability thrown around often with brands, influencers, etc. But, even more so, I see people or companies throwing the word sustainable into their marketing in order to seem more humane, but not really backing it up.

Similarly, with social media and new trends at our fingertips constantly, we’ve learned how to talk the talk and not walk the walk. We learned how to make our lives “aesthetically pleasing” for an Instagram feed, but not actually enjoy it. We’ve learned how to seem ethical but not actually live that ethical lifestyle consistently.

“Sustainability means that something can be reused, recycled, then repeated in some way because we aren’t over using resources,” fashion design major Serenity Duran said. “It also means we can preserve and use our resources wisely without exhausting goods to meet short term goals.”

Sustainability has become one of the latest trends, by thrifting and reducing the amount of fast fashion bought, going vegan, DIY-ing, advertising for more sustainable things with less plastic packaging, and much more than I’d like to keep up with.

All of these are not bad ideals to have, and I hope to see more people take them on! The problem is not the ideals however, it is the execution.

The same people who say that fast fashion is disgusting post about their Amazon clothes haul, the same people who go vegan may still be eating out and not reducing their carbon footprint and buying bottled drinks everyday.

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Everything in one’s life should be done in moderation and no one is perfect. However it’s important to realize where you can genuinely be sustainable and where you are just putting up a front to seem more ethical to an audience, and whether or not that is ethical to do.

“I think sustainability trending has a good side and a bad side,” student Maja Peirce said. “The great side of it is that it’s creating more awareness around it and somebody might see something that is a sustainability post, and they might educate themselves and learn more about sustainability and how they can be sustainable. But I also think it does it a little injustice because it can create this idea that it’s okay to pretend like you’re sustainable when you’re not really doing those things. It’s all about doing what you can to help out.”

On a recent Instagram poll, it was concluded that 54% people felt they were sustainable, and 46% felt they were not sustainable, but 100% of people voted they felt they could do more to be sustainable. Answers on how to do that included, “eliminating paper towels and buying cloth washable towels”, “reusing and actually recycling”, and “Making premium gas a little more affordable because unleaded is bad for the earth and your car.. and enforcing, at least Glendale, hopefully Arizona as a whole to recycle more!”

Realizing you can do more is just one step in the journey to a sustainable and ethical lifestyle. Another crucial step is creating healthy, consistent, habits.

Being “Eco Friendly” is not actually helpful when it is short lived Story and Photos by: Alexia Hill

As I have noted, many people put up a front on social media, but what I see most often is people using tote bags as a purse or as an accessory in Instagram pictures to seem more environmentally friendly. However, when not putting the canvas bag into practice for what it was made for, it’s almost more efficient to just carry on using plastic bags and reuse those when possible.

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In a study done by the UK Environment Agency in 2011, titled “Life cycle assessment of supermarket carrier bags: a review of the bags available in 2006” it explains how so much energy is used to make these bags and if not used, the bag goes to waste.

bottles despite having a reusable one, because we are not consistent in our actions of sustainability. In 2016, the world generated 242 million tons of plastic, equivalent to 24 trillion tons of plastic water bottles according to The World Bank.

The study concluded that you would need to reuse a cotton tote bag over 380 times just to have the same environmental impact as using a plastic bag three times. For some, this statistic is inevitably, mission impossible.

“I think for the most part I waste food, I’ve always been very good at what belongs in the trash and in the recycle,” Duran said. “But I have a tendency to buy food and not finish it, leaving it in the fridge for days to go bad.”

In another Instagram poll, people were asked if they have a tote bag and if they actually use it. 48% of people said they have a tote bag and 52% said they don’t own one. Furthermore, 64% of people said they use their tote bag consistently, while 36% of people said they forget to use it.

Sustainability trending has given the audience of influencers this idea that to be sustainable in all ways is a simple lifestyle, when it’s really not. But, the trendiness and aesthetic beginning to emerge from sustainable ideals are not all bad. By bringing the subject to light, more people are given the opportunity to learn more and choose to be sustainable simply by being exposed to it.

“I go thrifting probably a good 5-7 times a month,” student Martha Luna said. “I don’t use a reusable bag, but now I will. I love thrifting and the rare items you’ll find there. If you walk around the mall, you won’t find anyone with what you’re wearing but if you shop at a big corporation there’s a higher chance you will.”

It’s critical to be authentic in your actions and not let the pretty aesthetic or pressures of retail therapy bring you away from the importance of your waste.

“I don’t think anybody is anti-sustainability, This is not the only aspect of sustainability that I think there are people out there who aren’t needs to be worked on. Food waste and plastic very educated on it or don’t believe in climate waste are both bad habits that we continually change so sometimes they don’t see it as a increase. priority,” student Maja Peirce said.

Similar to tote bags, reusable water bottles are in trend, but there is still tons of plastic waste.

Eons ago in the trending cycle, “VSCO girls” brought the trend of hydroflasks to light and they haven’t left since. According to Similar Web, Hydroflasks website traffic for February was 736.77 thousand viewers.

So why is there still so much plastic waste?

Because we continue to buy plastic water

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“Everybody deals with this issue of consumerism being the devil on their shoulder, because it’s easier to be less sustainable...Places like fast fashion conglomerates and Amazon make it very easy and cheap to shop there, but if we can cut down where we can in regards to something you’re buying, then you’re not only supporting those companies who are making an effort but you’re also giving in less to that consumerism attitude and every little bit helps.”

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th ha r N k Y ur u T Sa Mo ha h e k Y a er n at o e o y T th n r N o u S M k N Y ur T ay o ha er k Y at u a o e o tu u S M Th th n k Na ou u r r To ay ot a er Y tu To e n o Sa M Th h e k Na u re y ot an r Y o tu To Sa Th h k Na u r M a er Y t u T o e S o n N o a k a u re M y Y tu To S o T th o a r M y u e To S o Th e t M ay h e an o Th r th a N er n a k N Y a tu r

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VntgCapz and Domsneakz are Keeping you Fresh in the Arizona Heat Story by: David Ulloa

n the ever-expanding world of streetwear and vintage clothing, Dominic Hidalgo and Cristian Roman have established a name for themselves in Arizona as “domsneakz” and “vntgcapz” (pronounced vintage caps), resale vendors of sneakers and vintage hats.

Hidalgo and Roman turned their passions into growing Instagram businesses that cater to sneaker and hat collectors throughout Arizona.

“It all started with my dad,” Hidalgo said. “He’s a big Jordan collector. He has hundreds and hundreds of pairs of shoes from way back when from the ’80s, 90’s pairs, countdown packs, DMP (Defining Moment Packs).”

When Hidalgo was in elementary and middle school, he was known as the “kid with the Jordans” because his father used to buy him the latest Jordans, Nikes, and player edition sneakers (shoes made for a basketball player and made available at retail). As Hidalgo got older, he learned the monetary value of sneakers.

“Domsneakz” began on Dec. 3, 2020, when Hidalgo camped outside of GameStop to purchase a PlayStation 5. Hidalgo sold the PlayStation 5 and bought a pair of Air Jordan Flint 13s. These were the first pair of shoes Hidalgo bought to resell.

Like Hidalgo, Roman’s business started with his passion for vintage clothing.

“I’ve always been the type to go thrifting,” Roman said. “I’ve always liked old stuff. And then I’ve always liked hats.”

Roman started “vntgcapz” when he bought 20 vintage hats for $200 from OfferUp. In November 2020, Roman sold these hats at an event called Heated Sole Summit, which was the first time he sold vintage hats.

Roman’s original intention was to sell hats in the parking lot of the Heated Sole Summit event, but the host of the event reached out to him with an offer to set up a table at the event instead.

“From there, it made me enjoy showing what I have, not by just selling, but by collecting also,” Roman said.

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Roman’s experience at the Heated Sole Summit helped him garner recognition and it deepened his passion for vintage hats.

Hidalgo garners recognition by forming relationships within the resale sneaker community. For him, “it’s all about connections.”

In the first few months of his business, Hidalgo struggled but the connections he formed benefited him in the long run.

“I’m now in a position where I have a lot of people who sell to me under the market, so I have a chance to flip in and make my profit,” Hidalgo said.

Hidalgo bought his first pair of shoes to resell, Air Jordan Flint 13, on OfferUp for $100 and resold them for $150. He did not explicitly name his sources, but Hidalgo said that he obtains his sneakers from his friends in the sneaker retailer business.

“I do it all through my peoples, Instagram, even OfferUp,” Hidalgo said. “If you can get lucky, OfferUp has a lot of steals.”

Rather than relying on connections, Roman gets his vintage hats from Facebook, OfferUp, pop-ups, swap meets and thrift stores.

“If I see a hat that’s for cheap that I know it’s worth something, I’ll pick it up,” Roman said.

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n Roman is looking for new hats to buy, he looks at olor and the team that is on them. Then, he checks the of the hat online and he will price his hats at $20-$30 w the average market price.

rding to Roman, certain teams will affect the value of at. He thinks this because there are some team hats are more sought after by collectors, noting the Las s Raiders (formerly the Oakland Raiders), Los Angeles ers, and Los Angeles Lakers as team hats that would orth more money.

estly, I can say I started at a really bad time,” Hidalgo “I started at a time when everything started blowing

te starting at a time when the sneaker resale industry already taken off, Hidalgo believes his emphasis rming connections within the sneaker community es his business unique. He also believes his business is rent from other shoe ers because he sells neakers in “singles,” ning he does not sell kers in bulk.

Shoes do the work for you. It’s a big investment. It’s like stocks.”

Both Roman and Hidalgo compared their businesses to investing in stocks because the resale value of their products can increase over time. However, Roman did mention that it is difficult to predict when a hat will become popular.

On March 19, 2020, Hidalgo and Roman collaborated on a photo shoot to showcase their shoe and hat inventory. In the photo, Hidalgo’s shoes were matched up with Roman’s hats. According to Hidalgo, after their collaboration, many of Hidalgo’s clients started going to Roman for vintage hats and vice versa.

Roman and Hidalgo’s friendship extends long before their collaboration. The two have known each other since they attended first grade at Peralta Elementary School in the Maryvale area of Phoenix.

“Shoes do the work for you. It’s a big investment.

It’s like stocks.”

ated in the name, capz” specializes ntage hats. Roman hat a lot of sellers in na focus on selling ge clothing and he does not usually see vintage hat s. Hence, Roman chose to specialize in vintage hats. her reason he says he chose hats is because “it’s always y out here so a hat is always useful.”

r time, you start learning,” Hidalgo said. “You start g your research. And you learn that shoes can be a big tment.”

“Cristian really motivated me to get up and do it,” Hidalgo said of starting his sneaker business.

Hidalgo said that when Roman turned his passion for vintage hats into a business, it inspired him to do the same with shoes.

“Seeing him with the hats. Me with the shoes. And both being two blocks from each other. And doing our own thing. Seeing him at events. You know, big-name events in Arizona. Doing his own thing. It’s cool,” Hidalgo said.

r interview, Hidalgo showed me a pair of Nike Air 1/97 Sean Wotherspoons and mentioned that the value ese shoes has skyrocketed since its release. According 2018 article from Sole Collector, a sneaker news ite, these shoes originally retailed at $160. The current e value of the shoes on StockX, a shoe and clothing e website, sits above $1000.

In our interview, I asked Roman and Hidalgo what advice they would give to anyone who is interested in turning their passion for vintage hats and/or shoes into a business.

Roman said, “Don’t care what other people think. Don’t let them bring you down. Don’t let them talk bad about you.

Just push it, you know?” Hidalgo referred to a saying in the resale sneaker community: “Scared money don’t make money.” Both men encourage anyone who is interested in joining the sneaker and vintage hat resale community to take risks.

ade me money just doing nothing- sitting there,” go said. “You know, you don’t have to do nothing.

Cristian Roman and Dominic Hidalgo’s businesses can be found on Instagram: @vntgcapz & @domsneakz .

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HOW TO PLAN T

Whether you’re planning a relax date, or a cottagecore inspir

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THE PERFECT PICNIC

xing afternoon with your gal pals, a romantic outdoor ed photoshoot, follow these Insta-worthy picnic tips.

FIND THE PERFECT LOCATION Location! Location! Location! This can make or break a picnic because the location will set the entire mood. Try to find an open, grassy area. Too much dirt, rocks and mud can stain clothing and cause discomfort. Sitting in complete or partial shade is ideal. In addition, sitting too close to water sources like lakes may attract mosquitos and other insects. Most importantly, check the weather in the picnic area of interest beforehand. A rain or storm would quickly ruin a picnic.

LOCAL PICNIC SPOTS: Chandler: Veterans Oasis Park Gilbert: The Riparian Preserve, Morrison Ranch Silos, Freestone Park, Discovery Park

PLAN A GREAT MENU Picnic food can consist of snacks or be a full-course meal. What matters is that it can be transported and cleaned up well. Figure out who is bringing what prior to the picnic. It is best to divide and conquer. For instance, in order to condense how many coolers are needed, have one person bring all of the drinks. Also, try to avoid leftovers. If you are outside for hours, certain foods may spoil. Only bring what you can carry and think you’ll need. Freshly cut fruits and vegetables as well as charcuterie boards are easy, shareable options. Along with plates, cups, napkins and utensils bring at least one plastic bag to collect trash during your meal. Hand sanitizer is a must! Getting take-out from your favorite restaurant is a great option too.

Phoenix: Papago Park, The Japanese Friendship Garden, Encanto Park, Granada Park Queen Creek: Queen Creek Wash, Mansel Carter Oasis Park Scottsdale: Pinnacle Peak Park, Chaparral Park, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Tempe: Tempe Town Lake and Beach Park Your backyard or neighborhood park can also be a great location!

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DON’T FORGET ENTERTAINMENT! Food, nature and conversation may end up being enough, but just in case, bring some form of entertainment for everyone. Consider bringing a speaker and take turns playing music. If you’re artsy, bring a sketchbook to draw the scenery or bring paint, brushes and canvases to paint portraits of one another. A disposable camera, deck of cards, or board game is also a great idea. If you don’t want to bring entertainment, then plan your picnic at a time where you can either stargaze or watch the sunset together.

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CREATE A HANDY CHECKLIST To avoid forgetting something, make a checklist of everything you’ll need. Here is a sample checklist for picnic essentials:

Blanket Entertainment of choice Food of choice Beverage of choice Napkins Utensils Plates Cups Trash bag Hand sanitizer Sunscreen Sunglasses Bug repellent

WEAR A CUTE OUTFIT

DON’T WANT TO PICNIC

BY YOURSELF? BOOK A LOCAL LUXURY PICNIC INSTEAD!

Of course, wear whatever you feel most comfortable in and is appropriate for the temperature. It may be fun to coordinate with others if photos will be taken. Find inspiration on Pinterest by looking up “picnic aesthetic,” “picnic aesthetic outfit,” or “cottagecore picnic.”

Props like a bouquet of flowers, book, or wine glass can make the photos even more dreamy.

For best results, take photos during golden hour!

Desert Peach Picnic Co. Desert Sage Picnic Co. Ivory Desert Picnic Co. My AZ Picnic Picnic in AZ Picnic Point AZ Whimsy Picnics

Of course, wear whatever you feel most comfortable in and is appropriate for the temperature.

It may be fun to coordinate with others if photos will be taken.

Find inspiration on Pinterest by looking up “picnic aesthetic,” “picnic aesthetic outfit,” or “cottagecore picnic.” Props like a bouquet of flowers, book, or wine glass can make the photos even more dreamy. For best results, take photos during golden hour!

Story By:Ashlyn Robinette

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I

f you’re anything like me, you’ve spent the last couple of years slowly accumulating houseplants and trying desperately to keep them alive. As I embarked across the Phoenix metropolitan area to find my next plant child (or to some, perhaps a victim), I had one particular type of plant in mind: a string-of-pearls succulent. My journey and search for a

» A&P Nursery Address: 2645 W Baseline Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202 As I entered through the nursery’s widely opened doors, friendly faces and a myriad of plant care supplies greeted me immediately. Venturing deeper into the nursery, past the small room and into the outdoor plant area, I was met by sunshaded flowers, ivy, herbs, cacti, and several small trees. Family owned and operated since 1970, A&P has a multitude of plant types at affordable prices (you can buy 4” potted herbs for just $3.29 each).

If I wanted a tiny, round cactus, or a Pink Lady shrub, I would’ve gotten them right then and there. The overall layout, selection, and pricing of the store was pleasantly surprising, beautiful, and slowed my usually anxious demeanor. I could feel the warmth and serenity of the place despite its location being just off the ramp of the busy highway.

Though it was the smallest of the nurseries, I truly felt present, as I heard the tiny dewdrop sounds dripping from small leaves and the gentle crunch of the gravel under my shoes. A&P was truly a local plant shop bliss. I wanted to go back just to sit in a corner and read a book. However, I didn’t find my string-ofpearls, so I moved on to my next destination.

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» SummerWinds Nursery Address: 3160 S Country Club Dr, Mesa, AZ 85210 This nursery was many times larger than A&P--and a lot more hectic. The open sidewalk pathway led me through a small maze of indoor houseplants including pothos, ferns, air plants, and small ceramic planters to accompany them. Though up slightly in price compared to my previous excursion, the costhere was still around $20.00 on average for houseplants.

SummerWinds has stores across the valley and a couple of them in California, and it does an excellent job in providing great volume and variety. There was faint, upbeat music on the loudspeaker and large labelled signs directing me throughout the land. If I was interested in urban gardening or if I was looking to adopt a couple of herbs and veggies nestled in the greenhouse, all signs were clearly pointing me in those directions.

They also had large trees, flowers, a small pond, and I even spotted a gray cat wandering around the premises.

SummerWinds would take hours to look through completely, and some of their varieties were truly surprising. They even grow bonsai trees and sell piles of bamboo stalks. An adventure on its own, SummerWinds Nursery was an exciting bombardment of plants and plant enthusiasts. Despite its comprehensive list of plants, I still was not able to find my desired succulent. So, I carried on.

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» The Plant Stand of Arizona Address: 6420 S 28th St, Phoenix, AZ 85042 If I thought SummerWinds was a big nursery, I was not at all prepared for The Plant Stand of Arizona, a local nursery started by Eddie and Debbie Smith. As its name suggests, this place is the place to go to for plants. Hidden down a narrow street, the Plant Stand of Arizona is 15 acres large, with a huge asphalt lot filled with 4-foot-tall ceramic pots, thousands of shrubs, and three extremely long greenhouses.

The first greenhouse had several larger tropical houseplants and a couple of larger backyard plants, carefully shaded in their moist and dark environment.

The second greenhouse had all of the classic houseplants, ferns, snake plants, ivy, pothos, monstera, etc. They even included cleverly designed pots and macrame holders. My reaction to this plant nursery was a resounding “wow.”

Walking past all of my dream plants and being able to stand

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amongst rows and rows of them beside me and above me was a heavenly experience.

As I neared the end of the long pathway and turned around to walk back to the entrance, I felt so far away and so removed from the past 20 minutes I had spent admiring the leafy beings. Time doesn’t feel real when you are looking up at endless rows of hanging plants, weaving back and forth in neat rows. The Plant Stand of Arizona also includes helpful signs about which plants are good for air filtration. The one downside of their plant selection is the lack of specific plant type labelling, which meant you either had to figure it out on your own or ask an employee.

Pricing was also around $20.00 on average for the medium-sized plants, which seemed justified for the care and varieties they offered. The third greenhouse appeared to house the ceramic planters, large tools, and even a small collection of artificial plants. I ran back and forth throughout the three greenhouses, attempting to find my notorious string-of-pearls. Yet, just as I thought that this would be the place where I could find my true love, I was let down. As beautiful, expansive, and incredible this nursery was, they still did not have my particular plant. My last plant nursery would be my last hope.

» Wh

Address: 2647 E Souther

Located on the same blo Nursery is a family-own and currently owned by in, I noticed the barrage yellows and purples. It w such variety and scope; I potted plants. Quickly, I and I was basically touri plants. There were count tied at their top, and hun Though it wasn’t what I w specializes in landscapin a few smaller houseplant

hitfill Nursery

rn Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040

ock as The Plant Stand of Arizona, Whitfill ned operation founded by Leslie E. Whitfall his grandson, Brian Blake. As I walked of color--oranges and pinks and reds and was invigorating to see so many flowers in I got lost in the swirls of beauty from its realized that this was also a huge property, ing a small park with carefully curated tless trees waiting to be planted, palm trees ndreds of bushels of unidentified plants. was looking for, this nursery heavily ng and selling huge plants. Whitfill did have ts located near its register, priced similarly

Story and Photos By: Miranda Heinrich

to The Plant Stand but with significantly fewer options. As I made my way around the maze of trees, dirt puddles, and muddied tractors, I was entranced in the foliage and dissociated from my own reality. There was a large artificial pond toward the back of the land, and a couple of closed off greenhouses. I clearly didn’t find my string of pearls here either, but I fell in love with yet another small adventure of endless trees, mud, and potted plants.

It’s likely that these stores will actually have my string of pearls in a couple weeks, so you might catch me making my way to these four wonderful plant nurseries again soon.

My succulent is yet to be acquired, but the experiences I had in these Phoenix/Tempe locations were unmatched. Whether you are a serious houseplant collector or just a wanderer with an affinity for nature, you will find something of value at each of these places.

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