Up Fashion Magazine Spring 2012- Revive

Up

SPRING 2012

REVIVE yourself

Spring fashion preview Rainy day style

Miami’s Next Top Model Art of a Gentleman

Projects piling up?

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revival Letter to the Editor (5) Upsessions (8) Men’s Trends (10) Upkeep Made Up (14) Up Keep (18) Eat Up (19) Man Up The Miami Man (22) Male Wardrobe (24) ALC 101 (26) Men’s Beauty (28) Art of a Gent (29) Men’s Shoot (30) Features Revive Yourself (36) Resolutions (37) Stand Out Students (38) Renew Your Resume (44) Many the Miles (45) Dark Bloom (46) Top Model (52) Re5ve (54) 90’s (55) Hipster Nation (56) Movie Classics (58) Let Go (60) Fashion Week (64) Street Style (70) We Dare You (71)

spring 3

EDITOR IN CHIEF Lauren Pax ART DIRECTOR Jeremy Smetana PHOTO EDITOR Meaghan Wylly ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITORS Mercedes Williams Kennedy Cox LAYOUT DIRECTOR Reid Groth ASSISTANT LAYOUT DIRECTOR Krista Adkins COPYEDITORS Bridget Vis Sally Stearns FASHION DIRECTOR Meredith Fossett ASSISTANT FASHION DIRECTOR Lauren Paulson MEN’S DIRECTOR Zak Workman MARKETING DIRECTOR Kelsey Olsen BUSINESS MANAGER Jocelyn Zadzi INTERIM BUSINESS MANAGER Sarah Macheca BLOG EDITOR Nicole Theodore

staff PHOTOGRAPHERS Gabrielle Steffel Kelsey Novonty Liz Haering Marissa Fisco Blake Wilson Alissa Pollack

MARKETING TEAM Allison Mallon Annie Wood Brittany Burrows Brittany Hughes Chelsea Ezura Daphne Benzaquen Dominique Suarez Emily Wildhaber Jessica Leeper Kara Kannel Kelly Weekes Lindsey Anderson Lindsey Bartos Maddi Kurjan Meredith Miller Taylor Mauk Whitney McConney Melinda Price

4 spring

LAYOUT DESIGNERS Emily Schwegman Grace Brooks Alex Bishoff Morgan Holliday Katherine Mahon Jane Manchester STYLISTS Caroline Belger Claire Churchwell Lauren Flaherty Maudie Banta Natalie Briggs Alison Hartnett Brooke Katchman Lauren Kiggins Megan Albright Megan Coy Que Nyguyen alexis macino Alexis Macino

page

2012

WRITERS Alex McNulty Anna Kane Jen Heuerman Mary Kate Linehan Michelle Ludwin Nicole Theodore Oriana Pawlyk Sally Stearns Bridget Vis Elizabeth Kolena Kristen O’Connell Victor Fisher Zak Workman

”

MODELS All models are Miami University students FACULTY ADVISOR Annie-Laurie Blair

Up Magazine was founded in 2008

by Lauren Kelly and Kelly Phelan

letter from the editor Editorial Office 356 Shriver Center Oxford, OH 45056 Circulation 2,000 copies Contact upfashionmagazine@gmail.com www.upfashionmagazine.org Printer: The Merten Co.

Dear Readers, We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful second semester.

Those June-like days in March ignited spring fever even earlier.

From trying out spring’s newest and brightest trends to bringing new life to vintage pieces, this issue is inspired by the season of renewal.

Spring 2012 is all about soft pastels and strikingly bold colors, which gives something for everyone (see fashion editorials Dark Bloom on page 36 & Let Go on page 60). As Ellie Cook reminds us on page 56, style is the perfect place to show your personality.

But revival goes beyond your wardrobe. It’s an attitude and newfound motivation (pages 36 and 37). If you’re lacking the drive necessary to make a positive change in your life, meet some inspiring Miami students on page 38 who have already begun making their dreams a reality.

This semester, the staff of Up Magazine has been pretty busy revamping our website and blog. We also hosted the first --and hopefully annual-- Fashion Week. If you couldn’t make it to the events, be sure to check out some photos starting on page 64.

Our very own copyeditor, Bridget Vis, was a model in the show!

She shares her reaction to her first modeling experience on page 48.

I’d like to thank my staff for making my year as Editor in Chief so amazing. I’ve had the privilege of working with some fabulous individuals who I know will continue making Up Magazine the great publication I know and love. I’d like to welcome Up’s next Editor in Chief, Jen Heuerman (pictured below). I know she will be a fantastic leader for Up’s staff.

Stay stylish Miami,

Lauren Pax Editor in Chief

PS: We’re currently looking for more bloggers! If you’d like to be a part of our staff, this is a great way to get involved! Stop by our meeting on Wednesday, April 18 at 7pm in FSB 013.

spring 5

6 spring

9 East High Street

523.2022

spring 7

UP

sessions photography by nicole theodore styled by alison hartnett and anissa kahn

Neons can be color blocked for a hot look to match the summer temp.

Think brights are only for tops and accessories? Think again. This season it’s all about the neon pant.

8 spring

Red pants, H&M; Red Blazer, Tiffany Kim Vintage; Green Clutch, Urban Expressions; Tan strappy shoes, Jessica Simpson; Maroon skirt, Ann Taylor Loft; Orange/Tan bag, Juniper; White dress, Juniper; Pinkish jacket, Juniper; Tan fedora, Target; Blue pants, Forever21.

Don’t just sit back... step out in NEON: This spring’s must-have look.

A bright clutch or bag can spice up any outfit!

Don’t dress yourself in this trend from head to toe.

A little goes a long way. spring 9

10 spring

Pastel Punch photography by mercedes williams

Spring weather is here and that means it’s time to break out your brights! Colored pants aren’t just for girls this season, temper the bright colors with a relaxed fit and preppy extras.

All chinos, Top Man, $80; Blue checkered shirt, River Island, $60; Striped tank, All Saints, $60; White shirt, stylist’s own; Glasses, Gucci, $240

spring 11

SENSATIONAL CLOTHING BEAUTIFUL JEWELRY PERFECT GIFTS -andTHE CUTEST SHOES IN OXFORD!

12 spring

313 S. College Ave - Stewart Square - 524-3133

UP KEEP

divider photography by gabrielle steffel styled by alexis macino and maudie banta

spring 13

made up

m ade up { sasha zvereva 14photography springby lorenby canby styled

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Whether it’s a daring red or a feminine pink, try pairing your lip and nail color. This will give you a polished look, without appearing like you’re trying too hard.

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If you’re fearless enough to make a bold statement like a deep red lip, be sure to keep the rest of your makeup clean and simple to not distract from your alluring mystique.

spring 15

16 spring

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A deep smoky eye is perfect for a night uptown, but be sure to keep your lip color subtle and accessories simple with a look as daring as this.

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made up

If neon clothes are a bit too much for your simple style, try this season’s biggest trend on your eyes by making your lids a kaleidoscope of colors

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spring 17

“People more than things need to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed.”

I think Audrey Hepburn may have been onto something with this quote. Plus, who wouldn’t take health and beauty advice from her? Take a moment to think about how tenacious the human body is. We deprive it of sleep when studying and going out, substitute the healthy nutrients it needs for food that is cheaper or better tasting, and voluntarily consume toxins like alcohol and tobacco to sustain our leisure activities. We subject our bods to this harsh treatment, and what do they get in return? Nada.

The time has come to restore your mind, body and soul.

Because if you don’t, who will? After all, it’s the only one we have.

MEND YOUR MIND: Breathe: It is as inherent as blinking our eyelids, but its power is immeasurable. There are two basic types of breathing: upper chest breathing and abdominal breathing. When we are stressed or anxious, we resort to upper chest breathing, which results in short, shallow breaths and an increase in stress. However, by consciously thinking about “breathing with your belly,” by breathing from your diaphragm you will partake in much deeper and more beneficial breathing that can help calm you down and make you feel relaxed.

BETTER YOUR BODY: Stretch: We have over 650 muscles within our bodies that we utilize without even thinking about it. From smiling to standing upright to walking down the street, our muscle systems work together to help us go about our everyday activities.

The simple and easy way to rejuvenate our muscles is by stretching! Make it a routine to take 10 minutes out of your day to run through basic stretches each evening. Stretching helps increase your flexibility and ensures that your body’s range of motion is maintained.

SAVE YOUR SOUL: Shake: No Joke! Dancing rejuvenates your spirit. Not only is it considered a form of “fun” exercise, but the combination of music and movement releases our stress, increases our energy, and boosts our mood. Likewise, dancing builds confidence and increases social relationships with others.

This activity is an all-around beneficial pastime that can revitalize your spirit and make you feel like a whole new person.

So there you have it. Who knew the secret to total body rejuvenation could have been discovered in the lyrics to a rap song?! The directions are simple: Breath, Stretch, Shake…. And let it go.

Up Keep written by elizabeth kolena photography by marissa fisco

18 spring

Eat Up written by elizabeth kolena photography by marissa fisco

When your diet takes a dive, your next choice of action should be simple: revive it. Super foods to the rescue! Think of super foods as superheroes, swooping into your body to combat the toxins, save the day and replenish all aspects of your body systems. The best part of this tactic is: you control how much you get of them! Pile your plate up high with these foods!

Batman Broccoli This green vegetable is full of antioxidants that improve vision and prevents heart disease.

They also fight the evil toxins within our bodies.

Superman Salmon It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a … fish? Salmon is special because of its high oil content, which contains omega 3 fats. These are healthy fats that help prevent blood clotting and inflammation within the body. In addition, it’s a definite brain food, combating depression and dementia.

Aquaman Apples “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

But seriously, it does. They not only contain antioxidants to revitalize our bodies, they also lower bad cholesterol in our bodies and help maintain a healthy digestive system!

Spiderman Spinach The darkest green leaves are the highest in nutritional content, so it’s no surprise that spinach is a supreme super food full of almost every vitamin you can think of.

Wonder Woman Walnuts Go nuts over these nuts! They provide the body with good fat, which has been proven to increase the healthy cholesterol in our bodies that benefits our cardiovascular and heart health.

Obsidian Oranges These fruits are the perfect way to start your day. Vitamin C is a main component of these citrus fruits. They provide an overall boost to your mood and energy levels.

spring 19

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20 spring

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MAN UP

photography by mercedes williams

spring 21

written by zak workman

Up Readers, A few have inquired as to the meaning behind Miami Man. The title of this column stems from a conversation I had as a senior in high school. My high school hosted an annual blood drive and, wishing to both help others in an easy way and miss out on AP Statistics, I signed up. After finishing, I spoke with a few older ladies who volunteered with the Community Blood Center; they soon became curious as to my college plans. When I responded I was to attend Miami University in the fall, their eyes lit up. One immediately remarked “Ooh, a Miami man.”

She continued on, noting her own experiences in Oxford and how she was still a happy Merger, forty-some years later. She ended by noting that “There was nothing like a true Miami man,” and how proud she was to see another young man join the ranks.

Thus, it is with both joy and a heavy heart that I construct my final Miami Man column. Over the past year, I have been honored to feature a few gentlemen of Oxford worthy of the title; the ability to showcase a wide array of personalities and styles has been a fantastic experience.

Like many other students at Miami University, I am a proud member of the Greek system. My final choice for this issue was immediately clear: I am proud to announce this issue’s Miami Man to be Tim Good. Tim and I met in class, became friends, and then brothers; Tim is, in every sense of a word, the best little brother for which a man could ask—a Miami Man in every sense of the word.

To kick things off, how would you describe your personal style?

The best way to describe it is a relaxed preppiness. Button downs, chinos, Sperrys.

From where do you draw your style inspirations and influences?

A lot of it stems from my high school dress code—we were required to wear khakis, a dress shirt, a tie and a blazer. And, honestly, I’ve taken a few pages out of your book.

You’re too kind. Reflecting more on your wardrobe, what is your favorite article of clothing? What’s an article every guy should have in his closet?

Well, I love my Lacoste down vest and I’ve found it to be incredibly versatile. As far as staples, all guys should definitely invest in a peacoat. I have one myself, in addition to too many other rain and snow jackets. Can’t get enough of ‘em.

We couldn’t agree more. What’s one piece of clothing over which you’ve found yourself drooling?

I’d really like to pick up a nice shawl collar sweater. I’ve never owned one that I’ve particularly liked, and I think they’re pretty neat.

And what is an item or two of clothing guys ought to eliminate from their wardrobes?

Graphic t-shirts, for sure … thankfully, you don’t see many of those around Miami.

22 spring

Name: Tim Good Age: 21 Hometown: Baltimore, MD Major: Management Information Systems and Analytics Campus Involvement: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, Association for Information Systems Single/Taken: Single

Looking now at Miami. Oftentimes, we’re quoted of having that stereotypical wardrobe—true or false?

The stereotypes regarding North Face jackets and Sperrys that the Ohio students so aptly pointed out in their YouTube video do ring true to a certain degree, as does the J. Crew typecast. I personally, however, don’t have a problem with those stereotypes at all.

Rapid fire time. Favorite band?

Hands down, Minus the Bear.

Favorite movie?

Nicholas Sparks’s The Notebook. Kidding—I’d have to go with Book of Eli or A Knight’s Tale.

Favorite drink?

A double rum and coke, no lime, from Skipper’s or Top Deck.

Favorite quote?

“This is Jeopardy!” – I watch “Jeopardy!” with my housemates every night.

Ideal weekend night: go.

I would start out at my house with a good group of friends over. After kicking off the festivities, we’d head uptown around midnight to the various bars, all meeting up wherever. Ideally, we’d late-night at my house after the bars close—hilarity always ensues.

You’re daydrinking the following day. What do you wear?

A jersey from an old lacrosse camp, a pair of swim trunks, and some shades.

Solid choices. Finishing up, what do you want to do after graduation?

My dream job would to be working in some sort of systems integration consulting with enterprise resource planning software.

spring 23

male wardrobe

Attention Men: The Must-Haves for your Wardrobe written by andy martin photography by mercedes williams and blake wilson

It’s easy to run to the nearest mall when you feel like the clothes in your closet are holding you back from your full style potential. But instead of spending hundreds of dollars every time the seasons change, I present five simple articles of clothing that allow for unlimited versatility to bring never-ending vitality to your style by mixing-and-matching items. To save money, but not give up your style, follow these steps. Your wallet will thank you later.

24 spring

The Sun-Blocking Sunglasses

Everyone needs a good pair of sunglasses. Not only do they transcend every season but when treated nicely, they’ll outlast any other accessory. What gets complicated is the type of sunglasses you should purchase. There are a million kinds out there, but which one is right for you?

An easy-to-remember tip is that if you have a round face, go with a square frame, while faces with more of a square shape should opt for round frames. This will add a distinction to your facial features that can sometimes disappear behind frames with the same shape as your face. But forget about these rules if you’re a partygoer, in which case the right shades for you have thick frames that cover a large portion around the eyes.

One classic frame that never seems to go out of style is the aviator. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy a new pair of Ray-Bans for a couple hundred bucks. American Eagle sells aviators for under $20 -- no one will be able to tell the difference.

The Universal Pair of White Sneakers

You can’t possibly go wrong with a pair of bright white sneakers. It doesn’t matter what you wear or how you wear it, with white shoes on your feet, you’ll look polished from head to toe.

White shoes work if you’re one of those people who wear jeans for all occasions because they add some pop to your bottom half. A white accent at the bottom allows the eyes to travel down the body naturally, then stop at the shoes before bouncing back up the body. It almost forces a passerby to check you out.

Yes, white shoes need to be taken care of more often than darker shoes, but it’s worth the effort. Avoid mud, clean them occasionally, and they’ll suit you well for years to come. I prefer a nice pair of Puma brand sneakers, around $50-60.

They’re well worth the price tag with the amount of wear I get on out them.

he ‘‘ Temperature-Defying Sweater

Think sweaters are only wintertime essentials? Think again. I’m not talking about the sweater your grandma made you to keep you warm for the holidays. I’m talking about a thin, long-sleeved sweater that you can wear during every season.

A sweater like this adds sophistication to your wardrobe. It can be worn casually over a button-down or a simple undershirt.

Whether you wear it to school or on a dinner date, a thin sweater will do wonders for your style.

Make sure you keep your sweater simple, though. Try to stick to one or two dark colors such as gray, brown or black. This allows you to get colorful elsewhere, like a bright shirt underneath with the collar popping through.

You can find sweaters like these at most department stores. Plus, shopping around this time of year, you’ll be able to find most on clearance since most stores don’t realize their versatility. Don’t be fooled, buy them now and wear them yearround.

The Handy Dandy Reversible Belt

A nice black-white reversible belt allows for a versatility that should never be underestimated. This single purchase will cut your belt bill in half by giving you two distinct looks. You’ll need the black side for formal occasions or when you’re wearing light colors to add some distinguishing opposition, while the white side is ideal for when you’re wearing dark colors or you want to keep your look fresh and modern.

The key is to not mix-and-match with too much of the same thing. Just like the importance of white shoes, this accessory allows you to always change things up. To add some extra texture, purchase a cotton reversible belt instead of leather.

The Classic Button-Down Plaid Shirt

It’s safe to say this is something that is not going out of style any time soon. What’s great about a plaid shirt is it allows for vast outfit potential. Wear it with jeans, khakis or shorts—anything works. Wear it alone or put a nice sweater over it (see above). Wear it tucked in to create a sense of formality or leave it a little unbuttoned and untucked for the ultimate casual look.

Beware: it’s important to not go overboard with color. A lot of plaid shirts are on sale now that mix very bright colors, but this should be avoided at all costs. Go for a classic pattern that will give you plenty of versatility. Plaid looks great throughout the year but it’s how you make it fit with your other clothes that is important. One last caution: avoid plaid-on-plaid.

That much pattern is painful for the eyes and it creates a confusing match-up that rarely blends well.

spring 25

26 spring

ALC 101: What Gentlemen Drink It’s Friday night. You’re at Quarter Barrel and you’re thirsty. The bartender comes by and the words “rum and coke” begin to form in the back of your throat.

Then you stop. Looking around, you realize that you’re not with your usual crowd. These people know their stuff. And those rum brands? You’ve never even heard of them. You know that if you want to look on top of your game, you can’t order your usual. You start cataloguing all the classy drinks you know. Your mind plays endless reels of Don Draper sipping martinis, Old Fashioneds, and neat single malts. But it’s spring!

Who wants a stiff, warming scotch with flip-flops? You panic, and the next thing you know you’ve got an electric blue drink with more umbrellas than Daytona Beach on spring break. How is it that your man-card was so violently and suddenly revoked? What can you do to prevent it from happening again?

First, forget what you know about fruit and sugar. You can always find a refreshing, balanced drink with a little fruit and a sweet edge that doesn’t have “Cosmo” written all over it. If you want something simple to start with, go for semisweet apéritifs (pre-meal drinks), on the rocks with a splash of club soda. If you find a place that serves Lillet Blanc (like Oxford’s own Quarter Barrel), have them add a wedge of lemon. The semisweet wine balances with the sour lemon, and the seltzer takes away some of that sweetness to give you a drier, classier drink.

Aperol—if you can find it—is a refreshingly simple orange liqueur that touts itself as Italy’s favorite apéritif. This bright orange drink looks cute and sweet, but the reality is much more complex.

If you luck out enough to find a place that serves Aperol, you’ll notice that while sweet at first, the liqueur evolves quickly into a strong, yet refreshing infusion of herbs and bitter orange. Over ice or with soda, Aperol stands alone as a perfect appetizer during the warmer months. Best of all, you don’t have to turn in your man card to order it.

time to learn your summer drinks, men of Miami.

If liquor is your thing but you’ve rolled up the whiskey shelf until winter, consider switching to gin for the summer. Complex, aromatic and hard-hitting, gin is a liquor that none of your bros can chide you for—no matter how fruity the cocktail. Avoid “gin and juice” (whatever that means) and instead go for a summer classic with an interesting twist. If you’ve got lime, mint and soda on hand, you may be tempted to reach for the Bacardi and have a mojito— don’t. Instead, uncork a bottle of Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire and have a Southside. Although undeniably refreshing and summery, the Southside still packs enough punch to keep any snide comments at bay.

written by victor fisher photography by emily schwegman

Finally, just because we’re avoiding frilly drinks doesn’t mean you have to close the door on daiquiris and margaritas. You just have to know what to ask for. When you order a margarita or daiquiri, don’t let it near a blender! Unless you’re planning on drinking through a silly straw and wearing a giant sombrero, put it on ice. Order a very simple Painkiller daiquiri (white rum, sugar and the juice of one fresh lime), and enjoy your sophisticated, grown-up drink. The same goes for margaritas. Hold the giant plastic pitcher, and just get fresh lime juice and triple sec with some decent Tequila (such as Patrón Silver or Cabo Wabo Reposado), and mix it all over ice. Add a little salt to the rim, and you’ve got a classic, refreshing cocktail that might surprise you with how much better it is than its slushy brethren. So, in review: slushy drinks and big sombreros at Fiesta Charra? Fine—encouraged even. But the same silly beverages while out with a professor, a romantic interest or a business associate? Better to go simple and classic.

There you have it: the key to looking cool and drinking what you want is to know how to balance.

A shot of high quality, 94-proof gin is a formidable spirit, even when mixed with citrus and sugar.

However, those details are exactly what the doctor ordered when it comes to kicking back during the warm months and showing your classier contemporaries that you, in fact, do know how to revive your manly, summer drink of choice.

spring 27

BEAUTY PRODUCTS for men

Smooth as Silk: Guys deserve nice skin too written by andy martin photography by gabrielle steffel

28 spring

Guys have it rough—skin that is.

From lotions to moisturizers, it seems like every skin product is marketed towards women.

It’s time we stand up and treat our skin with the respect it deserves. Our skin’s going to be with us for the rest of our lives, and we—just like the fairer sex—want to keep it looking fresh, soft and young.

Some common skin problems that all guys seem to suffer from include rough hands, chapped lips, and dry, unhealthy hair. But all these skin woes are actually easily preventable.

We men want to look good at 40, but accomplishing that begins by introducing college-age men like ourselves to the beauty of moisturizers, lip balms and hair conditioners.

Yes, Miami men, I said beauty and men in the same sentence. Moisturizing isn’t just meant for the ladies. Take it from Alex Rogers, a junior at Miami.

“It actually seems normal,” Rogers says. “I’ve never thought of chap-stick, conditioner or moisturizer as particularly gender-based products.”

That’s because they aren’t. A ton of brands have jumped on this new trend, all believing men merit the same skin protection that women receive.

Avon, Johnson & Johnson, L’Oreal, Procter & Gamble and other consumer product giants have jumped into the men’s grooming game. Dove, which is typically known for its women’s products, has introduced their new line “Men+Care.”

Even Dove, which in the past have always been associated with a feminine demographic, have introduced a new line, “Men+Care,” that is encouraging to men to take more care of their skin. Caring for your body isn’t a girly thing. It’s a human thing. And don’t worry, even the ladies agree that there’s nothing strange about men using skin-care products.

“I think it’s just personal preference, but it’s still a good idea,” says sophomore Zoe Tron. “Everyone should have soft skin and lips, not just girls.”

It takes little to no effort. Conditioner is one extra step in the shower for softer, silkier hair, and whenever a guy notices his skin or his lips are a little dry- applying some type of moisturizer only takes seconds.

Lip balms relieve pain, and allow for protection and healing of the lips, while moisturizers allow for healthy and revitalized skin. All of this comes together to keep skin healthy, fresh, and radiant.

If a guy wants to take the extra step in insuring his youthful appearance, he should have all the same things women use to keep beautiful. With this in mind, a man should feel like using these products are acceptable, and more than that, the use of these products should be expected.

It also helps to create a habit toward healthy living which will be greatly appreciated decades down the line. Plus, trust me, your skin will thank you.

So get to it guys! With softer hair, skin and lips, there’s no telling what you might be capable of.

art of a

gentleman written by zak workman

The Art of the Gentlemanly Exit: A Guide for the Miami Man Without a doubt, the Miami Man possesses an impressive social calendar. Whether it be a house party, a Greek function, or a simple study date, his calendar is chock full of events. And, as the Miami Man is a gentleman, he is noted for his ability to gracefully operate between such obligations with both ease and tact. The following are a few examples of certain situations the Miami Man has found, or will find, himself in. While the circumstances that led to the situation are wide and varied, a proper exit is still required.

The Party

Having received the invitation and planned for the applicable theme (if one exists), the Miami Man is, like most others, fashionably late. He arrives, mixes his drink of choice, and proceeds to mingle with his friends and fellow partygoers.

In this scenario, there exist two possible exit strategies and they are undoubtedly clear.

Commonly, a party will begin and all attendees will go Uptown around midnight to hit the bar scene. If this is the case, follow suit; any conversation with a pretty girl can be continued over a drink. On the off-chance it is a gathering spanning all the night, however, the Miami Man shall best remove himself at an appropriate hour.

While the final sentence may be surprising to some, I urge you to hear me out. My father once quoted to me regarding corporate parties that one’s best plan of attack is to “arrive late and leave early.”

John Tinseth, who runs the blog “The Trad,” agrees with the sentiment, writing in a piece regarding parties that the strategy is everyone will remember that the party didn’t get going until you arrived and it died when you left.The Miami Man’s appropriately timed exit keeps him safely away from that one whiskey shot he could have gone without and saves him from that ex who just had to spill her heart in front of the party.

The Morning After

After a long night Uptown carousing with his girlfriend, the Miami Man will have decided to head home after a fun night with friends. After the eventual debate—the girlfriend claims her bed is more comfortable (it’s not) while the Miami Man knows he lives closer (hey, he does!)—the happy couple makes up their collective mind and retires accordingly.

The next morning, however, comes far too soon and the Miami Man finds himself with an obligation to his friends. The plans have been set for weeks; he is due at a house for yet another function with friends. Thus, the Miami Man is faced with two options: leave his girlfriend and depart or continue with her for a pre-party breakfast.

In this exit scenario, the Miami Man shall behave as such: if his lady has plans of her own or was made aware of his plans previously, he shall feel free to leave without her. If the Miami Man has left his lady in the dark, however, he shall possess the decency to at least treat her to a brunch, an action which will pay for itself in time.

Graduation Day

The day has come. Our Miami Man has, much to his chagrin, met his 128 hours; soon to be gone are the days spent Beating the Clock or spending Saturday afternoons in a jersey and Ray-Bans. Coming to town are the proud parents and relatives, all excited for the impending diploma ceremonies.

The Miami Man shall handle his college graduation as he has conducted himself thus far, namely via equal doses of fun and class. The Miami Man is free to a shot or two of his favorite liquor before the ceremony, but he shall not drink to excess; he shall throw his cap proudly at the ceremony’s conclusion yet help others in the search and safe return of their own hat. He shall gracefully pose for pictures with his parents and Grandma and shall enjoy that evening’s dinner with the aforementioned relatives.

After the parents have retired to their hotel, however, and he is left to his own devices? The Miami Man can feel free to discard all (read: most) societal norms regarding his evening plans. The Miami Man will drink that Natural Light he doesn’t need, he’ll light up that fine cigar—only because the Miami Man knows that places like Oxford are few and far between and he’ll be missing these red bricks perhaps as soon as the following morning.

spring 29

All clothing, stylist’s own.

30 spring

Fit toperfection in every profession

photography by kelsey novotny styled by meredith fossett, lauren paulson, and kelsey novotny

spring 31

[

A style for every Miami Man’s future

32 spring

spring 33

DECEMBER 26th - JANUARY 11th, 2013 SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE, OPEN TO ALL MAJORS!

"I chose to participate in the Southeast Asia Winter program because I didn’t have time to fit a semester abroad into my schedule. At first, I didn't think studying abroad was really the place for me because I was so out of my comfort zone. Looking back at the experience, I wouldn't have changed a thing. I really felt I was able to make a difference in peoples' lives on this trip by going to the local orphanages and schools. We were also able to visit well-known companies, such as P&G, to experience how businesses operate in other countries. I took away so many memories from this trip, it was definitely the best two weeks of my life!"

Ryan Stafford

"Going to Southeast Asia was a life changing experience. I would encourage everyone to study abroad at some point in their college career, and I highly recommend this program. We visited so many unique places and experienced such a broad range of activities; there was never a dull moment. I had the opportunity to meet a variety of new people- I still keep in contact with my assigned Vietnamese buddy. My favorite part was visiting the temples in Cambodia; they were really beautiful."

34 spring

FEATURES

spring 35

photography by blake wilson

“Remember when…”

“Remember the good old days …”

You say these phrases time and time again when reminiscing with your friends, classmates and family.

The mind is constantly clouded by nostalgia. But the reality is, you can’t go back. It’s always easier to find comfort in something familiar. But be careful. If you cling to the past too long, you may find the present days flying by without a wink.

What you actually have is this moment. The “right nows” of your life that become the opportunities to renew yourself in more ways than one. So what are you waiting for?

Four years at Miami has taught me that life comes whether you like it or not, which can lead to feelings of regret and denial. You can find denial about anything-- denial that something is wrong with your grades, in a friendship, or in a relationship. But how you react to this denial is the only way you grow up. How you face your fears, nemeses or overall challenges is how you become more of a human being day by day.

Each year you are presented with a challenge that shapes who you are, especailly in college. Freshman year: you become a “grown up” in college, and so you learn to take care of yourself. Sophomore year: you have new friends, classes and experiences, so you begin to realize your true potential by finding which organizations and activities fit your passions. Junior year: you transition to upperclassmen status, and realize your future is approaching faster than you think, so you start accepting more responsibility and building your resume.

36 spring

But then there’s senior year: you’re somewhat stunned to acknowledge you’re on your way out — you go back to that nervous, “deer in the headlights” state because you know there is another chapter waiting ahead of you, and you are once again unprepared. Question is—how do you approach this huge challenge?

Look back on how you’ve changed all these years. Be proud of that.

There is no time like the present to reflect and revive yourself. You can use your past experiences to help focus on what you want for yourself now.

American writer and mythologist Joseph Campbell once said, “We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” It’s a scary thought, isn’t it? It’s the definition of growth. To open yourself to new ideologies, people and maybe even places. Recognize the rarities — love, progression, respect — and maximize their potential to you as an individual, to a community, to an entire society if given the chance.

Compromise with others, but also compromise with yourself. Listen to your initial, “gut” feeling … it tends to be the central element of truth, the conscience behind your moral compass.

But don’t forget to also take a walk in another person’s shoes. You may not see eye to eye, but the world doesn’t need to sustain the “agree to disagree” argument. Be above that.

Revival is individualistic, but it’s also a group effort. The path we lead or follow in love, in friendship and in life is of our own choosing.

Challenge your destiny. If you don’t,

at the end of this year, in next 10 years, or even at the end of your life, you will be burdened with the question of “What if?”

Don’t let yourself linger in the unanswered. Don’t hesitate to stimulate yourself every day for the rest of your life. After all, life is chaos personified — the unexpected flying at you at any given moment. So make it worthwhile in every way possible. Make it count. There is no Jerry McGuire to say to you, “You complete me.” No one defines who you are but you.

And maybe without even noticing it, you may just live out your destiny, day by day, year after year, without looking back at that boy or girl you once knew. But if you do look back, identify the loss and love, the suffering and joy, the ignorance and education. These relationships, experiences, even revivals, make you realize just how far you’ve come from where you started.

And just as Carrie reminds us in the series finale of Sex and the City, “The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself.”

New Year’s Resolutions how to stick to them, and make them count

written by nicole theodore

We all have done it. Said to ourselves after the first of the year, “I’m going to work out every day,” or, “I’m going to get a 4.0 this semester,” and have ended up working out once a month, and pulling a 3.2 GPA. Why can’t we stick to our resolutions? Why is it always a fight to make that goal happen? These questions may never be answered, but there are ways to combat the lazy funk we all seem to slide into a month, a week, or maybe even two days after we made our resolution (mine lasted two hours this year).

Tip One: make small goals everyday

Tip Two: get organized

It’s hard as college students to always stick to large goals made, especially New Year’s resolutions because of our busy schedules, extracurricular activities and social lives. So instead of making a huge, hard to reach goal, start making small goals every day that will eventually get you to a larger one! Making a small goal is also easier to reach more quickly than a large, lofty promise to yourself. For example, if your New Year’s resolution was to get a 4.0 (a very ambitious goal for some), try making small goals about school daily, so that it’s easier to see the end of the tunnel. Try reaching a aiming to have an assignment done early, or to get all of your school work done before you go out. Doing little goals like this end up building to the larger one, as opposed to being lost in such a huge commitment.

So you made the New Year’s resolution.

Now what? In order to stick with it, becoming organized is the next step in accomplishing this goal. Get a calendar, a planner, anything for you to be able to write down dates, times, and events that have to do with your resolution that will keep you in check of what’s going on.

It’s easy to make the goal, but what’s harder is figuring out when you have time to work on it or to think about your progress. By being organized, it will be easier to manage your time, which will allow you to squeeze in a few drinks with friends on the weekends. This is an obvious necessity.

Tip Three: no negative nancy’s

Tip Four: get creative to stay

Complaining is probably one of our favorite past times, but when it comes to complaining about working on our New Year’s resolutions, all it’s going to do is make it way harder to accomplish.

Example: making a resolution to work out more.

Every time I step into a gym I want to complain out loud, but the key thing to remember is that being negative is not going to make it go any better. Being positive, and thinking things like, “I know I hate running, but I can’t wait to put on my new bikini in a few weeks” is way better and more manageable than thinking to yourself, “I would rather be doing 30 pages of reading than running on this stupid treadmill”. Think of the end result and how positive it will be, rather than the current negative option. It’s easily available but don’t give in!

If your New Year’s resolution is over a long period of time, it’s easy to stray away from the path. Get creative to stick with it! If it’s working out, take a picture of your body every day, and as crazy as that sounds, put them on a bulletin board to watch the transformation. Having something visual is a great way to remember why you made this goal in the first place. If it’s a goal like saving money, print out your statements online, and circle how much you have saved.

If you’re saving up for something big, print it out and put a picture of it on your wall! Being constantly reminded of your resolution is the best way to keep up with it. Even keeping a diary or a log of things you have been doing leading up to your goal is a great way to remind you of your progress... and procrastinate from doing homework, of course.

allowed

motivated

All in all, it’s never too late to complete the resolution because you can always rework your strategy.

Reviving it may almost be a fun thing to do, even to get your mind off schoolwork or get you motivated.

Just know it’s never too late to reattempt that old goal and start a brand new day with a fresh start.

spring 37

written by nicole theodore and alex mcnulty photography by kennedy cox

38 spring

Sunglasses, ambition, photography, and hard work are just some of the words that came to my mind when I stepped into 203 Chipotle Apartments, also known as the “headquarters� of Release Sunglasses. There, I met with Matt Rosinski, Alek Toumert and Blaine Westropp, the three Miami students who launched the company right here in Oxford just last spring, which has now begun its journey into the retail world.

Up: What inspired you guys to start Release?

Blaine: Alek and I were sitting in our apartment one day on the computer when it all came to me.

We were messing around, made a logo, and found a wholesale sunglass distributor and we said we wanted to try and start a sunglass company. We got Matt involved, and then all sat down at dinner one day, came up with a business plan, and decided to do this.

Alek: It was a challenge to us, we had tried other ventures before, and Release was finally something that we created ourselves. We wanted to combine everything we loved about other companies into one, and make everyone involved happy.

Matt: All three of us bring something different to the table. Blaine has always been great at marketing, video, and websites; Alek is innovative and understands products and the logistics behind operating a business; and I am the numbers guy, I do our accounting and inventory. We have all the elements to create an amazing business together, and this inspired us to go for it, and do it with sunglasses.

Up: What do the three of you have that other companies may not?

Blaine: All of us bring something very unique to the table, but at the same time there is a certain level of trust that is underlying within us. We have been best friends since we were little. That connection allows us to get through problems that arise, and work together so well, because of this long built friendship. I don’t know many other companies that have that.

Alek: Some things do not need to be said but are understood when we work together, because we know each other so well.

Matt: When we do business, its business, but we are still friends while we do it. We don’t let anything come in between us, and never will.

Up: Do you guys have anyone else working for you? I mean, between building the website and updating it, getting new products in, handling sales, and putting out marketing, that seems like a lot of work to handle.

Matt: The three of us handle everything. We don’t need to have someone else doing

everything for us. We have so much fun running Release, that to have someone else do it would not produce the same quality and passion that is there when we do it together.

Blaine: The three of us are able to sit down and talk about every aspect of the company, and where we want it to go and what to work on. So it seems like a lot of work, but at the end of the day, it renders perfection because we did it and are more passionate about it than someone else who doesn’t know Release.

Alek: Release is who we are, and that’s why we choose to handle all aspects of the company by ourselves for now. We want our customers to realize everything we put out is because we love creating our company from top to bottom.

Up: What has been your biggest failure, setback, or disappointment during the time of running Release?

Alek: We try not to even think of what we have failed at. Anything we didn’t do well at, in terms of products or how to ship the boxes, we learn from, and turn it into a learning experience. So in my mind, we have never had any failures or setbacks because we always use these situations to become better.

Matt: When our customers give us suggestions, or we see a better way to go about something, it’s never seen as disappointment or a set back, we use it to shape our company every day.

Blaine: If we didn’t think this way, we would just be average. We have had our ups and downs but in the end, that is what makes us better.

Up: What keeps you guys going?

It has to be hard running a company, and trying to graduate at the same time.

Blaine: We look at the word ‘Release’, remember what it means to us. When we came up with the word “Release” for our company, it was meant to symbolize doing something different by creating mistakes and following your dreams. Release is our dream, and when stuff gets hard or really busy between the three of us, we all remember that this is our dream, and we want other people to follow theirs. We are trying to spread this vision to all, and that’s what keeps us going.

Up: I can tell how hard you guys work and love this. Now, what are the plans after graduation since all of you are seniors?

Alek: We have an office and a studio planned out in Cleveland, our hometown, for after we graduate to work in.

Blaine: Each and every day we get a little better, ship another pair of glasses to a new state, or even a new country, and we will continue after we graduate to make Release better and better.

Up: Can’t wait to see what is in store. Anything we should be looking forward to seeing with Release in the near future?

Blaine: We will continue to perfect the things we are good at.

Produce new promotional videos, photo shoots, or music videos of bands wearing our products. The future holds a lot for Release, and our customers are never going to be disappointed.

Alek: New styles of sunglasses, as well as exploring other products like clothing, are in our future and always will be.

We want to give people what they love and then some. Our customers should always be walking away happy and wanting more when they come in contact with Release.

Matt: We are going big, and we will continue to give our customers not only quality products, but amazing customer service as well. When it comes to the future, Release will be there and better than ever.

Check out Release’s website at www.releasesunglasses.com.

Their Release stickers are all over campus, and maybe soon, they will be all over the world.

spring 39

While most sophomores are focused on completing their Miami Plan courses, Tyler Bubin, a sophomore engineering management student, has started his own company called Oxford and Co. Bubin is anticipating it will become the next big thing to hit the streets of Oxford since Patagonia sweaters and Hunter boots.

Bubin’s casual line represents the classic Miami style of working a polo into any look, which he did when we met over coffee. Keep your eyes and ears open Miami, you could be the first to don Tyler’s threads!

Up: What’s the next step for Oxford & Co.?

Tyler: The next big step for O&Co. is web design and advertisement. The website is up, we just have to post the products we plan to sell. We also plan on doing a photo shoot sometime soon so we have more pictures on our site that really communicate the lifestyle brand we believe Oxford & Co. can become. Additionally, we are creating samples of our clothing for people to wear around campus and generate buzz about Miami’s exclusive brand.

Up: When should we plan to see the products in Oxford?

Tyler: Over break my partner, Tyler Williams, who is in charge of finances, secured a substantial loan that will allow us to begin production over seas. It is my goal to have our products on campus before this semester ends.

Up: Who are your biggest style influences?

Tyler: We really like the simple, but bold, looks of Banana Republic and J. Crew.

Up: Is there a certain look your collection can be characterized by?

Tyler: O&Co. is a semiprofessional to professional brand. Our brand is for those who believe their appearance is important, those who intend to control a meeting, and those who want to make an impression when they enter a room. We are a brand of quality.

Up: In 10 years from now what can you envision yourself doing/ where do you see yourself living?

Tyler: Ten years is such a long way down the road! But I really see myself continuing my passion for startups. This university brand is just one of my many ideas i plan to bring to fruition. I also do have what i consider a

40 spring

“formal job,” that I enjoy. I am a marketing director for Health Club in Pittsburgh and I do plan on owning it someday and branching it out into a successful franchise.

Up: What websites or stores do you draw inspiration from?

Tyler: Currently, we plan to launch an e-commerce site as our main source of customer traffic.

Therefore, we aren’t paying as much attention to what is trending in fashion, more towards what is the most popular setup for a clothing site. Technology, promotion, and originality are key to any new brand of clothing trying to make a name for itself.

Up: Do you have any help with this venture?

Tyler: Oxford & Co. is owned by Tyler Concepts LLC, a company made up of all Miami students and myself. The other two are sophomores Tyler Williams, who is the Chief of Finance, and Cole Desmond.

Up: How are you going to price things/manage revenue?

Tyler: Tyler oversees all the monetary decisions. To describe the pricing of our apparel though, you can expect to pay similar to what Abercrombie & Fitch or Ralph Lauren ask for their clothing.

Up: How do you manage your business on top of school?

Tyler: Some sacrifices had to be made. I am taking 15 credit hours a semester, so sometimes on weekends I’m stuck indoors all night catching up on coursework.

I stay motivated by keeping my mind on the end result of all this hard work. I’d much rather work hard these four or so years and party the rest of my life, than do it the other way around.

Be sure to visit Oxford & Co’s website, www.oxfordandco.com, to be one of the firsts to rock a truly Oxford original.

With under a year of college under her belt, Meg Albright, a freshman marketing major and entrepreneurship minor, is already making her dreams a reality. In an effort to give both men and women an easy-tounderstand and affordable styling outlet, she created her blog-turnedbusiness entitled “Highlight”, which launched in 2010.

Up: How did you first come up with the idea for your website?

Meg: I bought a Mac, which had the software iWeb on it, and began my styling blog called “Highlight”. As time went on I realized that not only women, but also men, could use some styling tips, and if the guys weren’t interested in the fashion then at least the women in their life could have a sense of how to dress them. From there I decided I wanted to actually apply these tips instead of simply writing about them, which is when I turned this blog into a business.

the construction of the website, I maintain and manage the entire site myself and am the only stakeholder in the company.

Up: What do you aspire to do after college?

Meg: After college I plan on working in the fashion department of a big fashion magazine in NYC, gaining clientele, and then going off on my own to grow Highlight’s brand as my styling company for celebrities as well as anyone else.

Up: Who are your biggest influences in the fashion industry?

Meg: My biggest influences in the fashion industry are the icons whose style is actually attainable.

So people like Rachel Bilson, Blake Lively, Lauren Conrad and Rachel Zoe.

Up: What is your favorite item in your closet now?

Meg: My favorite item in my closet right now is a sheer blouse that I pair with a statement necklace. It is the perfect combination of being chic, classy and glam, but every time you wear the outfit you can transform it into a new look with a different necklace.

Up: How do you benefit from your own styling service?

Meg: The work with Highlight has allowed me to become a writer for another website called www. stylez4women.com. In terms of

Up: Do you watch any styling shows or refer to any styling books?

Meg: I am obsessed with the Rachel Zoe project. Also, I use Pinterest, whowhatwear.com, la

petite fashionista, cupcakes and cashmere, and Atlantic pacific for inspiration.

Up: How does Miami fashion/ culture influence your designs or how are you hoping to bring something to the Miami fashion scene?

Meg: I would like to bring a twist to Miami’s already defined “prep look”. By maintaining the classy integrity of the outfit, everyone can add a little something of their own personality to the look. For example, a necklace, a scarf, a cool jacket- whatever! This way everyone still dresses well, but now uniquely.

For your own wardrobe stylist or shopping assistant, visit http:// www.megalbright.com/.

spring 41

I walk into King Library to sit down with Alan Oakes, a senior architecture major who has created his very own clothing brand. From designing the line to building its website, he is well on his way to becoming an established designer. I can tell just by looking at him that he’s organized and fashion conscious, yet incredibly personable. For someone who has his own couture line, Oakes is incredibly down-to-earth.

Up: How did architecture turn into you getting involved with fashion?

Alan: My past four years at Miami have opened up my eyes to knowing that architecture is the foundation to other realms of design, especially for fashion and photography. It gives you this conceptual basis as a creative person or designer, whether that be designing something for a purpose, [like architecture] or designing clothes.

Up: Did you always doubt that architecture was for you?

Alan: It’s been a weird roller coaster ride. I didn’t know if architecture was really what I wanted to do freshman year.

I applied to a fashion design school in New York, thinking I would transfer, but I ended up coming back sophomore year.

Up: Was that a good decision?

Alan: It ultimately was. Everything happens for a reason, and Miami has provided me with a more liberal arts education, which has helped me, for the better, with design. Architecture has put me in a mindset to approach anything in design, it gave me confidence.

Up: Have you always been interested in design?

Alan: Yes, ever since I was little.

Whether that has been building Lego’s, or sketching buildings and clothing, and I will continue to do this throughout the rest of my life.

Up: So, moving on to your collection. I am obsessed with those pictures on your website.

You did that all yourself?

Alan: I did! When I lived abroad I fell into photography extremely easily. I traveled to places like Italy, Amsterdam, Hamburg, and other cities throughout Europe

42 spring

and fell in love with taking photos.

It’s this license to go out in public and document whatever you want. When I went to photograph my collection I was making all these calls to photographers and thought “why don’t I just shoot this myself?” I even found my model on Craigslist.

Up: What was the inspiration behind your collection?

Alan: Movies inspire me for my designs. Pride and Prejudice inspired my collection. Art and traveling are also always giving me ideas. Intellectual things inspire me. I always think how fashion is a direct response to society. Thinking about society and stereotypes, especially at this school, also gives me inspiration.

Up: What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far?

Alan: This past semester I was in a retail design studio, and was able to participate in an international competition for fashion design. I got chosen as one of the finalists, and now I get to go out to Vegas at the end of February and see if I’ve won or not. They will even build the design and fabricate it if I win.

[SPOILER: He got Honorable Mention!]

Up: That is so amazing! So what’s next, what’s your goal after you graduate?

Alan: After graduation, I will be applying to graduate school for fashion design, and continuing my dream of designing clothes.

Make sure to check out Alan’s website and collection at http:// www.alanoakesportfolio.com/. I am sure we will be seeing him gracing the fashion world soon enough.

Photos provided by Alan Oakes.

As I walk into the Shriver lounge, I see Ronald Blassingame, a senior Black World Studies major and the brainchild behind his T-shirt company, Spkng In Tongues.

The unique name for his company came from a simple observation he made in his closet while browsing his shoes. He noticed that the tongue of the shoe was the central piece that held everything together. Essentially, he wanted to play with the concept of having a voice through what you wear, and thus, Spkng In Tongues was born. But Spking in Tongies is more than a brand to him. It’s about challenging people to dress outside of the box.

Up: In what ways are you looking to improve your designs?

Ronald: I really want to move past just screen-printed designs because I feel that this is something that everybody is doing. I try my best to be as different as possible. I really like to alter different pieces and combine different fabrics as a way to add my touch of creativity to a basic article of clothing. I want to cover as many markets as possible.

Up: What is the best-selling design and why do you think it is?

Ronald: My best-selling product so far has been the “Young, Black & Gifted.” The design is pretty simple, but I think the message is what people were so drawn to.

For many black students, we find it difficult to become comfortable on a campus, and many of us often feel that our input and intelligence is overlooked because of our color. This shirt is somewhat seen as a reminder not only to our peers, but also to ourselves, that we are here for a reason.

Up: In the future would you like to continue with designing?

Ronald: I would love to continue this brand in the future. This is something that I am passionate about and it makes me extremely happy. It brings a lot of stress, but it is also so much of a stress reliever. If I am blessed enough to do this as a career, I would jump at the first opportunity to do so.

Up: So what are your plans after graduation? Are you hoping to launch this career path as soon as you graduate?

Ronald: This summer, I plan on moving to New York City and attending the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Manhattan. I felt that if I wanted to take this brand seriously I would need to leave Ohio and go somewhere

that would offer me more opportunities in this field.

Up: How has Miami has influenced your business ventures and how do you anticipate them to continue to build/expand while at Miami?

Ronald: Miami has influenced the majority of the things I create. In my prints, I try to have a deeper meaning than what is seen and much of this is learned through classes I’ve taken, relationships I’ve built, and social cliques that I’ve seen on this campus.

Up: How do you hope to influence Miami students?

Ronald: I hope that I can show that if you want something, just go out and do it. I’m still in the beginning stages, but I feel like there is so much more for me out there. I love when people go out and chase their dreams and not give in to people who doubt them.

That inspires me and I pray that my quest to make my dream a career happens. I hope that I can inspire someone to do the same, too.

Up: How do you manage your business on top of school?

Ronald: Time management has become something that I’ve mastered over the last two years. I usually attend classes, then work, and while at work, I’m able to read and catch up on homework in between different tasks. Any free time that I have usually goes to designing.

I’m happy that this is my last semester so my course and work load aren’t that heavy, which

allows me to have a lot more time spent working on the line.

Up: How would you like to shape/bring something to our fashion scene?

Ronald: I am trying to challenge the way people dress and have people step out of their comfort zone when it comes to clothing. A lot of the styles that are big on the West Coast like baseball jerseys and raglans aren’t popular at Miami, so I am trying to add my own twist to that and bring it to the Midwest. My biggest target when it comes to this is women.

I love when a woman can wear heels and a nice dress, but I love it more when she can be versatile and throw on a pair of Jordan’s!

Up: What advice do you have for other entrepreneur students?

Ronald: My advice would be to save up as much money as possible before jumping into anything. I feel like a lot of the issues I ran into were because I didn’t know that I should put away money before I decided to begin a business. The best advice I’ve received so far was in order to make money you have to spend it, but it would have been a lot easier if the money weren’t coming out of my check every other week. I would also advise people to find an investor to put money into your business. It is a great way build business relationships and have more money to purchase more products.

On April 3rd his spring line will drop, so look out for a release party to come at Kofenya. In the mean time, check out the designs on his website, http://www.spkngintongues.com/

Photos provided by Ronal Blassingame.

spring 43

Renew Your

written by sally stearns

Creating a resume may seem difficult, but in actuality, it’s a lot easier than you may think! Here is an example resume from a Miami Senior, Sophia Andrews, along with helpful, concise tips from Career Services to revive your resume and make it stand out from the rest. With these easy tips, you’ll be well on your way to securing your next job! After all, Andrews herself landed an internship with the Chicago Board of Trade!

44 spring

Many the Miles

written by rachel sacks

Between classes, projects, papers and group meetings, finding time for a social life may prove to be a daunting task for the average college student.

Throw in thousands of miles of separation and a time change, and the process of reviving a friendship is no easy feat.

“Maintaining long distance friendships can be super difficult,” says Alex Yensen, a Miami University junior. “I feel like a lot of our relationships are based on seeing and talking to people every day.”

Today, we want instant connections that can be easily made on our own campus or hometowns. However, the friends who are miles away can prove to be just as good, if not better, than the ones we have sitting right next to us.

I personally have experience with long distance friendships. I met one of my best friends when I moved to Michigan in fourth grade. But in eighth grade, she and her family moved back to Japan. We decided to try our best to keep in touch through the most advanced connection of the 90s - email and telephone.

But as we got older and entered high school, our lives quickly changed and our connection wasn’t as strong, even as we turned to Facebook and Skype as our primary methods of keeping in touch. Weekly phone calls from the United States to Japan added up, so keeping in touch became even more difficult.

Turns out I’m not alone. Miami sophomore Ashleigh Ostin also has experience with overseas friendships. When three of her high school skating teammates returned to Finland after a year in the United States, they kept up the friendship despite the miles separating them.

“Although we live thousands

of miles away and across an ocean, the relationships I have with my friends in Finland are some of the best,” says Ostin.

“Calling and texting is not usually an option because of the cost of international service so we usually try to talk through Skype and Facebook.”

Many Miami students also encounter the challenge of staying connected after studying abroad with friends from across the country.

“Since I was abroad last semester, friends from the program are now all over the country at different schools,” said Yensen, who studied abroad in Rome last semester. “Getting a Facebook post from them about an inside joke or something is fun because even though we can’t talk face to face, we can still keep up our friendship.”

But don’t underestimate the power of simply picking up the phone and calling a friend. With text messaging instantly at our fingertips and the cost of international calling, phone calls seem to have become obsolete. But they haven’t lost their value.

My friend in Japan and I can only talk on the phone about twice a year, but we enjoy the time we get to catch up and just hear each other’s voices.

Even if the phone calls are more expensive than just sitting on the computer emailing or instant messaging, they revive the pleasures of old phone conversations we had when my friend just moved to Japan and our friendship was stronger.

But even with the phone calls, there are times when I’m having a bad day and I wish I could just walk over to my friend’s house to talk to her in person. Fortunately, I’ve learned satisfy this urge by reminding myself of happy memories we shared and re-

membering something that made us laugh years ago.

When our birthdays or holidays roll around, we send each other a special gift. Instead of standard presents, we send something that is representative of our lives. I sent her a Miami item when I first arrived in Oxford and she sends me Japanese gifts that let me see what her culture is about. This tradition keeps our lives connected no matter how far apart we live.

Even though I have not been fortunate enough to visit Japan (yet) and renew our friendship in person, Ostin has been able to see her Finnish friends through the activity that brought them together—skating.

“I do get to see [my friends] once or twice a year,” Ostin says.

“I have visited them in Finland once and they have visited the USA once. I have also been lucky enough to see them at various skating competitions in Europe.”

With everything that goes on in the crazy, hectic life of a college student, it can often be hard to keep up with the lives of our friends who live far away. But true friends are always there in a time of need.

“Oftentimes we can go weeks without communicating,” says Ostin when looking back on her friendship with her former teammates in Finland. “But this does not affect our friendship in the slightest. I think the thing about true friendship is it doesn’t really matter how often you talk or see each other; you just know that person is always there.”

We may not get to see each other’s faces often or talk every day, but I know and hope that the relationship between my friend and I will stay strong with the help of technology and a little effort. spring 45

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Dark Bloom take a walk on the wild side with some of spring’s edgier looks

photography by jeremy smetana styled by lauren paulson and lauren kiggins All clothing from Juniper or Stylist’s own

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Pink Jacket, Juniper, $68.50.

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spring 51

I give her my name and even though it’s not on the list, Tiffany doesn’t seem to care.

“Who’s free?” She yells above the volume of Adele’s voice blaring from a radio on a table in the center of the room.

Before I know it, Tiffany has taken my coat and backpack, led me to the stylists at the only vacant station, and is stating that my hair’s rather short, so curls would be best.

My hair hasn’t been in curls since my First Communion.

“Your hair’s so silky,” Heather comments, reaching for a blue-tipped pin to hold the curl she’s just made with her iron.

She sticks the pin in place, and Lexi secures it with a cloud of hairspray. written by bridget vis

Shoulders back.

Hips forward.

Look fierce—don’t look down.

I’m standing at the edge of a 100 foot runway, hand on hip with giant fake eyelashes, and I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing here.

I’m a journalist, not a model.

Yet, here I am ready to make my runway debut in the Miami University Club of Fashion and Design (MUCFD)’s annual fashion show in front of several hundred Millett audience members.

Please, God, don’t let me trip.

I didn’t wake up this morning thinking I’d be showing off one of the 78 hand-crafted pieces in the 14 MUCFD’s designers’ collections to eager fashion enthusiasts. It wasn’t until 2:30 p.m. when their president Brittany Burrows asked if I could fill in for a model.

Sure, I can do that. How hard could walking down a runway be?

Thirty minutes later I arrive at Millett with black heels, a nude bra, and my journalism textbook in my backpack (Silly me thinking I would have time for homework!).

I’m instructed to head all the way to the back, passed the runway lined with 500 white linen-covered chairs, and up

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a red staircase to find the dressing rooms.

I walk down the stairs into the stadium. First reality: That’s a long runway and those are a lot of chairs.

When I was told MUCFD’s fashion show was growing again this year, and moving to Millett from Shriver to accommodate that, I wasn’t thinking they meant this big.

A few butterflies in my stomach have me on edge, so once I get backstage, I ask a girl with her hair pinned up in curls, if I’m heading the right way.

“Yep, just up those stairs,” she says, pointing to the aforementioned red staircase. “It’s on your left, but you can’t miss it. You’ll smell the products.”

And smell the products I do.

The first dressing room’s doors are wide open to “Hair.” Around 30 students from the Aveda Frederic’s Institute are jammed into the small room with most set up at stations, two students per model, while others float freely around wielding curling irons and hair spray bottles.

“Name?” asks Tiffany, one of Aveda’s instructors directing the chaos.

She has a list of all 36 models’ appointment times, and like all Aveda’s staff, is wearing black from head to toe.

“Hairspray makes me sneeze,” Heather says, rubbing her nose.

I relax back into my chair, and their routine is repeated, until I overhear the model in the next chair’s conversation with her stylist.

“I’ve modeled in this show twice before,” she says. “But I also work for the modeling agency Heyman Talent in Cincinnati.”

Second reality check: I was going to be walking on the runway with professionals!

I knew MUCFD only uses Miami student models, but I didn’t know that some of those students are actually living, breathing, working models.

I’m going to look like an idiot.

When Heather and Lexi finish pinning the curls, I’m shuffled to the other dressing room called “Make-up.” It’s separated from “Hair” by a bathroom called “Snacks,” which is full of Nutter Butters, Chips Ahoy and Cheezitz.

“Make-up” turns out to be even more cramped than “Hair,” and chairs are set up in the hallway with abandoned music stands turned up like tables for more space.

At “Eyes,” eyeliner is used to draw cat eyes on my lids, and then come the fake eyelashes.

“You’ll get used to them,” my Aveda beauty stylist says when she’s done gluing them on.

completely forgetting the threesecond pose rule and not feeling fierce at all.

Yeah, right.

“You did fine,” Nicole assures me.

“You’ll get it right next time.”

At “Complexion,” I’m immediately jealous that the male models didn’t have to go through “Eyes.” They only get moisturizer and bronzer to make their faces shine.

Halfway through “Complexion,” I can hardly recognize myself in the mirror when MUCFD’s Burrows comes in and announces we have to break to do a practice run through.

“Put on the shoes you’re wearing for your first look!” she instructs.

I find where my backpack has been tossed, and manage to get my black heels on, before my name is called where I’m supposed to be in the runway line-up. I’m placed in collection 4, the last collection before intermission. When we all are in place, the music begins and models start making their way down the runway where photographers are practicing getting their shots.

“This is way more intense than the modeling practices were,” a girl in front of me says about the classes offered by MUCFD’s modeling committee throughout the year.

And since I just found out I’d be modeling, I hadn’t attended them.

Third reality check: I have no idea how to walk down the runway.

“Just keep your shoulders back and hips forward,” says senior Nicole Wagoner, who has modeled all four of her Miami years in the show. “It might feel awkward, but otherwise you’ll look like Quasimodo in the pictures.”

The other models rush in to help, too: Don’t walk too fast, swing your arms in alternating patterns, look straight forward, and pose twice at the end of the runway.

“Hold each pose for three seconds for the photographers,” Nicole chimes in, while demonstrating a pose with her hand on her hip. “Pose on your dominate side first, then your other, and step back with your dominate foot to turn back.”

It’s almost my turn, and they all give me one last piece of advice: look fierce.

I make my way down and back,

I go back upstairs where my makeup is completed, and Heather and Lexi remove the pins and style my hair into big, gorgeous curls.

I don’t believe this. I look like a model.

I can’t admire myself too long because the afternoon has flown by and it’s already 6:30, half hour until show time, and I don’t even know what I’m wearing yet.

Fourth reality check: Yea, I just did that.

Downstairs I find my designer, senior Chelsey Rodriguez who created 12 pieces for collection. The fashion show’s theme is “vintage prep,” but Chelsey says her collection is more “urban vintage” because it reflects her personality. All the pieces are pink and black.

Chelsey hands me a dress with one sleeve made from a pink fabric with a gold oriental pattern on it. When I put it on, it’s too big, and she quickly fixes it with safety pins.

“Don’t worry,” Chelsey says, “it looks awesome.”

The show starts and we line up in order behind the stage. We are vaguely aware that Burrows is welcoming the crowd. We hear a round of applause, and then the music starts.

Collection 1’s models begin walking, and when they return they run backstage to wait to go again with the entire collection. Though, you must be fierce in your first walk, we are told it’s OK to smile the second time.

Waiting for their turn, some models sit down, while I notice the 6-footplus models are practicing their walk.

All I can do is stand there.

“Don’t worry,” Nicole says. “Your adrenaline’s going to rush as soon as you take your first step.”

The “quick-change” model barely makes it into line behind me before our collection is up. I watch the others go.

Then it’s my turn.

Cameras flash.

My mind goes blank. I freeze for a second, stuck in my pose at the beginning of the runway.

What am I doing here?

But then I hear the beat of the music, and as promised, my adrenaline kicks in and I take my step out onto the runway—shoulders back, hips forward—perhaps one small step for Tyra, it’s one giant leap for me.

Thump, thump, thump. Step, step, step.

How many steps does it take to make it 100 feet?

Flash, flash, flash.

I can’t make out any of the photographers responsible for the flashes, but my gaze is fixed on their murky shadows. Out of the corner of my eyes, I’m semi-aware that the white blur is really the hundreds of seats full of people currently staring at me. Where’s my boyfriend?

Do not look.

Nothing and everything happens at once. I swiftly sidestep the model in front of me on her way back halfway down the runway, and make it the rest of the way with my arms swinging in an alternating pattern at my side. Amazingly, my body has taken over like it’s been doing this for years.

I strike my first pose, pause—one, two three—then my second, pause— one, two, three—and step back with my face locked in the fiercest expression it can make.

Then the other way.

Thump, thump, thump. Step, step, step.

I make it almost the entire way back with my gaze fixed to the white curtain straight ahead. With only a few steps left, it wavers to shoot a triumphant look at my fellow Up magazine members.

Fourth reality check: Yea, I just did that. spring

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written by erin maxwell photography by liz haering

With the arrival of spring comes rejuvenation of the inside; cleaning out your house and yourself. So what’s the next step, you may ask? Add some exterior revival in the form of stylish, one-of-a-kind vintage wear from some of Cincinnati’s finest boutiques. Check out these affordable, retro and utterly fabulous stores for the ultimate spring revival.

1. Casablanca Vintage

3944 Spring Grove Ave., Northside, 513-541-6999 Who knew the largest selection of vintage clothing was a short half-hour drive from Oxford? Located in Northside, Casablanca’s two floors are filled with old furs, silk gowns, old-Hollywood suits, and a plethora of accessories that will keep you drooling for days. Amongst the gorgeous vintage finds you may even find “Hollywood” herself, Casablanca’s owner who lives and breathes for finding the best of the best in the vintage world and bringing it to her store.

2. NVision

4577 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-542 – 4577 For the vintage veteran, NVision couldn’t be more perfect.

But beginners- do not be discouraged! NVision has great finds for everyone, no matter your experience with the retro world. Focusing primarily in vintage clothing, art and furniture, NVision’s encourages customers to “Come on in… The inspiration is free!” This beautiful boutique is also the venue of Northside’s “Second Saturday,” where you can view art, shop, and drink and eat in one of Cincinnati’s most creative and diverse neighborhoods on the second Saturday of every month. How much more revival can you ask for?

3. Red Polly Space Outfitters

4016 Hamilton Ave., Northside, 513-541-6856 After you’ve satisfied yourself with some amazing Casablanca and NVision finds, head over to Red Polly Space Outfitters, your last stop in Northside. You’ve treated yourself; now take home some vintage goods for your home. You can’t go wrong with the Red Polly, who makes it their priority to deliver your newfound vintage furniture free of charge. Oh Dorothy, you’re not in Oxford anymore.

4. The Mustard Seed Boutique

311 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, 513-221-4022 Beginners, this is your calling. This new consignment boutique couldn’t be cuter or cozier. Crystal chandeliers greet you in a wooden-décor, floor-to-ceiling vintage paradise. Among the many designers this shop features include those already in your wardrobe like Anthropologie, J. Crew and Marc Jacobs. Storeowner Barbara McManus says she has always had a passion for fashion and for Clifton, so The Mustard Seed was a perfect fit. She describes her boutique’s philosophy as one that focuses on creativity and customer service. Translation: not intimidating!

5. Chicken Lays An Egg

3107 Hamilton Ave., Camp Washington, 513-265-6386 So what did come first, the chicken or the egg? You’ll be too busy scanning the shelves of Chicken Lays an Egg for glorious vintage shoes, sunglasses and sweet bouquets of flowers to care. Yes, this store offers floral accoutrements to revive your soul while you shop. Heaven? Not quite, but if you make your way to Camp Washington and you’ll surely find a souvenir worthy of making your friends green with envy. Vintage mint green, that is.

Take a risk. Revive the life of your vintage find and your wardrobe.

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We Love the written by annabeth kane

When Marc Jacobs, King of 90’s grunge, traded in his flannels and greasy middle part in favor of a svelte physique and a cropped haircut, I paused and held a moment of silence for the 90s. Could Jacobs, as well as the entire fashion world, abandon the era that had given us boy bands, Keenan and Kel, and my personal favorite Valley Girls, Cher and Dion? As if.

I breathed a sigh of relief when I came across lookbook.nu, who, according to their street style connoisseurs, make it clear that the 90s are alive and well! They too could not let go of their childhood affection for plaid and destroyed denim. 90s fashion is the dress code of our youth, so it’s no surprise that it’s making a comeback. But its resurgence does not mean comeback of scrunchies and jelly sandals...it has returned to “Grunge-ic” proportions.

The trick to reviving any fashion era is to not commit to it fully. Lace, distressed denim and neon colors are all fun ways to try out the “new” 90s trend. Brands like Free People and Swell have some great 90s looks--check out their blogs for inspiration. Try pairing a bright neon nail polish with an otherwise neutral outfit or adding studs to your favorite “darty jorts”. By keeping it subtle, you can learn which trends work and which trends should stay hidden in Helga’s closet shrine.

Take our advice and you’ll be all that and a bag of chips.

90s

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n o i t a

Not So Hipster written by ellie cook photography by liz haering

N

Over spring break, I spent the first half of my week in the greenest city in the nation – Portland, Oregon. Not only is it famous for its efforts to be eco-friendly, but for the supposed (though vehemently denied) hipster culture.

Waiting in line at the famed Voodoo Doughnut, I spy a notso-uncommon couple in front of me – both sporting skinny jeans with one in combat boots and the other in a beanie hat, his arm wrapped casually around her waist...

Suddenly, I’m no longer walking behind this couple in Portland, but strolling along on Spring Street. It’s not a common sight here in Oxford, seeing as it’s simply not the preppy Miami style and since being a hipster has somehow gained a bad connotation in the media. But this style is really something that should be celebrated.

When I wake up in the morning, my first thought is usually what in the world I’m going to wear that day. I went to a Catholic high school, where I simply threw on my plaid uniform skirt and sweatshirt every morning and walked out the door – so there wasn’t much room for individuality.

As I grew older, I began to get sick of being mixed in with the 500 other girls walking the halls and began to find little ways to highlight myself amongst the crowd. I wore brightly colored low-top Nike dunks, bracelets, high-top socks, Keds with electric blue laces, numerous rings, and on spirit Fridays when our uniforms weren’t required, I swapped the socially accepted sweatpants for skinny jeans.

When I left behind that plaid skirt behind and entered the world of Miami, my style began to blossom. I always resented being called a hipster in high school because I wasn’t dressing that way to be different, I was just being me. Now I’ve let things like my canvas sneakers and hair bandana become my trademark pieces.

And I’m not the only one. Third year Molly Stiebler experiences a similar thrill in wearing her trademarks.

“I enjoy pairing things together, and getting a lot of mileage out of the same three to five pieces, worn in different ways,” says Stiebler. “It’s probably silly, but I’d consider getting dressed a hobby.”

Like me, Stiebler wouldn’t necessarily call herself a hipster either but says she enjoys makeing creative choices with those pieces.

“I do dress more artsy than most,” says Stiebler, “perhaps because of my design major.”

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While Molly, myself and many others don’t like to identify with the hipster community, I’ve realized it’s really become a way of identifying those who are don’t fit into the excepted dress code. Especially at Miami, where there is such a prominent style, those with an alternative style are easily qualified as hipsters.

Some may say being a hipster is a lifestyle choice, and maybe for many it is. Here, though, I’d say it’s mainly a definition of style. Many things can qualify you as a hipster, but at the same time there are things about every person’s style that set him or her apart, like Miami junior Trevor Cook.

“My style has been constantly evolving and will probably continue to do so until they put me in that boring black and white penguin suit,” Cook says joking about what his family will dress him in at the funeral. He really wants to be buried in a gray tux and pink bow tie).

Like me, Cook thinks people’s clothing and accessory choices say a lot about their personalities.

“Your style is the primary and initial way to express who you are,” he explains. “Before you ever have the chance to say your first words, people will see your choice in shoes, whether you prefer plaid over polka dot, and the messages your fashion conveys. When people look at me, I want them to think ‘damn, that guy is classy but fun.’”

As Cook points out, your style is what people first, so it’s one of the easiest ways to express yourself. It is something that is uniquely you, and something that can be completely different and uninfluenced by those around you.

“I have always loved pushing the limits of what is readily accepted as ‘normal’ clothing,” says first-year business major, Anissa Khan. “I love to express myself through the way I dress and I usually put together an outfit based on how I feel that day. I don’t have any specific inspirations other than myself. The way I dress is my expression of who I am and my form of art.”

At a school with such a definitive style, it may seem like it takes courage to be different, but really it isn’t any different than wearing a Northface or riding boots. I’ve never been afraid to wear the clothes I do because to me, style isn’t what you put on, but how you wear it. My style is a reflection of who I am, make sure yours reflects the real you.

Belt, Juniper, $25; Skirt, Juniper, $26.50; Top, stylist’s own; Shorts, Urban Outfitters, $48.50; Headband, Urban Outfitters, $24.50; Combat Boots, stylist’s own.

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Recreating the Classics 58 spring

What do the names Rose, Jack, Daisy and Jay all have in common?

Well if you can’t remember, you’ll certainly be reminded this year.

written by ellie cook

Rose and Jack hit the big screen in 3D on April 6 for Titanic’s re-release, marking the 100th anniversary of its sinking.

Watching Titanic brings back memories, from readying the box of tissues to awkwardly arriving at the scene of Jack drawing a naked Rose while your dad is standing in the kitchen (or maybe that was just me…). Whatever memories you have, it’s sure to be a thrilling experience to see this classic on the big screen again.

There’s a reason this story is so timeless – I mean, come on, who hasn’t dreamt of being like Rose and go against your social status to fall for the boy you know you are not supposed to be with. Just barely escaping the watchful eye of the bodyguard time after time, stealing glances, slipping notes while your mother is sitting two seats away– it’s so temptingly rebellious.

Let’s be serious, though, we’re a century past that scandalous affair. We’re college kids drowning in papers and exams that all seem to fall in the same week.

Watching this movie is an escape.

It’s a way to romanticize about leaving all of our responsibilities behind, standing at the bow of a boat and feeling like you’re king of the world.

After watching it again, I realized how long the movie really is. We are with these characters for 3 hours. By the time the end comes around and I’m watching Rose shake Jack while repeatedly saying his name in that raspy half-frozen voice, the tears are flowing and I’m way more upset than I should be. I’m in college. I still shouldn’t be this upset about a fictional love story. But can you really blame me?

I think what makes Titanic so timeless is that the ending is so bittersweet. The entire movie leads up to this finale that we’re

expecting to be happy. After all, they fight through so many obstacles to end up together in that water. And then Jack just dies.

Rose just lets him go!

Yes, it’s extremely depressing, but it’s also beautiful and uplifting.

Jack was only in her life for such a short time and yet he had such a lasting effect. It makes me realize the beauty of human interaction. People come into our lives all the time and we really just never know when someone will come along that will alter us forever.

On the other hand, there are some people that have the poten-

I’ll

never let go, Jack.

I promise. tial to alter us forever that never get the chance. Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby are another example of a tortured love story.

You can see this love story unfold when the classic novel, The Great Gatsby, is made into a motion picture set for release on Christmas Day. The characters live a lavish lifestyle with all the things money could buy. Like Titanic, there’s a very distinct line between the upper and lower classes.

It’s a story that mirrors similar social aspects of today, in that the wealthy are perceived to be completely separate from those of lower class. Enter Occupy Wall Street, where the wealthy few are thought to have much more money and opportunity than the

vast majority of the population.

And that majority does not like it.

Besides the somewhat controversial issue of social class, there is also the story of forbidden love once again. As readers, we can’t help but feel bad for Gatsby. We’ve all had that friend who pined over someone she couldn’t have—or maybe you’ve even been in the position yourself. It is heart wrenching to watch it happen, but this timeless theme will keep repeating itself.

It is one thing to experience this story through the novel, but quite another to have it put on the big screen. The new cast shows the magnitude of the event with Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Isla Fisher and Tobey Maguire claiming the leading roles.

Having so many sophisticated stars on board pays tribute to the excitement and grandeur surrounding this re-make.

With such a classic story set in the 1920s era that seems magical, I think it’s safe to say most every fan is waiting with bated breath for this classic to make its comeback.

Both Titanic and The Great Gatsby are stories that have stayed with our culture for many years and will most likely remain for many years to come. They may both contain tragedy in their final moments, but these bittersweet endings almost seem meant to be. Real life doesn’t always have a happy ending, so we can relate to these stories and realize we must cherish the happy moments when they do happen.That’s what makes life memorable.

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Let Go photography by meaghan wylly styled by que nyguyen, brooke katchman, and alexis macino

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Green dress, Juniper, $68.50; Blue dress, Juniper, $52.50; Lime green dress with polka dots, Juniper, $42.50, Gold necklace, Juniper, $16.50; Long blue dress, Juniper, $52.50; Pink dress, Juniper, $44.50; Brown maxi skirt, Juniper, $35.60; Yellow flower dress, Juniper, $38.50; Short cream skirt, Juniper, $29.50.

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photography by meaghan wylly

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>>

The launch party at The Woods started the week off with a bang...

...with stationary models and a red carpet entrance that allowed guests to show off their style

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photography by que nguyen

...creating accessories at the do-it-yourself event

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>>

The days that followed included...

...and a trendy trunk show at the Oxford Community Art Center featuring Cincinnati, Columbus and local designers.

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photography by meaghan wylly

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>>

MUFW’s grand finale featured MUCFD original designs in the annual fashion show at Millett.

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Ruoshui Meng

Courtney Bernard

Steven A.

photograph by victor fisher

STREET STYLE photography by mercedes williams

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Mike DeZenzo

Jennifer Harris

We Dare YouYou We Dare photography by alissa pollack styled by anissa khan and claire churchwell

One Spring 2012 trend seen on runways and red carpets is a coloful lock contrasting against your natural hue. If you’re afraid of commitment, try using chalk pastels, as seen on The Beauty Department blog.

Background photo from flickr, súgán.

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Up 72 spring

www.upfashionmagazine.org