Blush Magazine - Winter 2014

blush MAGAZINE S T U D E N T P U B L I C AT I O N

WINTER 2014

All About Girl Power

REBOOT YOUR BEAUTY BAG

Dressing The First Lady

The

Celebration Issue

blush MAGAZINE Dianna Mazzone

EDITOR IN CHIEF Creative Director: Joseph O’Brien Artistic Director: Jordyn Ferriss

Senior Editors: Avanti Dalal, Rebecca Aschen

Photography Director: Collins Nai Art Director: Vivian Zhen Beauty Director: Alexandria Cott Fashion Director: Aaron Valentic Web Director: Mikayla Madigan Fashion Writer: Ashley Laderer Health Writer: Kathryn Farrell Senior Photo Editor: Ashley Naftaly Advertising Sales Manager: Vivian Tai Advertising Sales Assistant: Daniel Cavosie Contributing Men’s Editor: Steven Rodriguez Assistant Web Editor: Michaela Bartlett Social Media Editors: Sarah Fielding, Nicole Glickman Contributors:

Samantha Ayala, Briana Badome, Brittany Barbarite, Monica Boylan, Megan Brown, Denzel Bryan, Brittany Burgos, Christina Buscarino, Kimberly Cardenas, Kimberly David, Erik DeFruscio, Juliane DeGiovine, Nicole Druzhinsky, Eva Eckstein, Ruby Frei, Gemma Gibb, Emily Keough, Kimberly Larco, Megan Madden, Emily Manchester, Daniel Marcella, Sarah Michelson, Daria Mossounova, Erin Mull, Cassandra Napoli, Cassandra Shaffer, Typhani Sheppard, Raashi Sood, Reagan Sullivan, Kyle Ursin, Celeste Velis, Joyce Xu Laura Hatmaker

ADVISOR

Winter 2014 WHITE OUT WHO SAYS YO U CAN ’T WEAR WHITE AF TER L ABO R DAY?

The Best of Holiday Beauty Sets S HO P S M AR T THIS S EAS O N THAN K S TO THES E L IM ITEDEDITIO N S ETS

FASHION’S NEW ICONS WHEN I T COME S T O PE RS O N A L ST Y LE , THES E F I V E WOME N ARE SE T T I N G THE B A R

Health Report: Seasonal Affective Disorder ARE YO U S U F F ERIN G F RO M M O RE THAN JU S T THE WIN TER BL U ES ?

CONTRIBUTORS

◄JOEY O’BRIEN

MAJOR AMC HOMETOWN Rockport, MA FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION “My brothers and I receive new pajamas to wear to bed on Christmas Eve. It gets me extra excited for Christmas morning and who doesn’t love pajamas?”

READING NOW There’s More to Life Than This by Theresa Caputo LISTENING TO “I will never get sick of ‘In the Lonely Hour’ by Sam Smith.”CAREER ASPIRATIONS “To make a difference.”

◄KATIE FARRELL

MAJOR FMM HOMETOWN Wall, NJ FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION “Blasting Christmas music while putting up my family’s Christmas tree then decorating with the lights and ornaments! “IDEAL” SATURDAY “A Brooklyn Bagel, a hot coffee, and a walk through Central Park...” LISTENING TO “Bridges” by Broods CAREER ASPIRATIONS “It changes daily, but currently in the fashion publishing world!”

◄CHRISTINA BUSCARINO

MAJOR AMC HOMETOWN Buffalo, NY FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION “Food! My family has a lot of Sicilian traditions. Homemade sauce and manicotti is my family specialty and I cannot go a holiday without it.” LISTENING TO “Steal My Girl” by One Direction CAREER ASPIRATIONS “I really want to pursue styling, whether it be for magazines, a fashion brand, or celebrities. I’d love to tour with a band as their stylist.”

◄GEMMA GIBB

MAJOR Communication Design HOMETOWN Capetown, ZA FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION “Back home, we celebrate Christmas in the summer, and I spend the holidays with my family at our beach house on the southernmost tip of Africa.

We swim and eat ourselves silly and make bonfires on the beach at night.”

READING NOW Women by Chloe Caldwell CAREER ASPIRATIONS “I’d maybe like to get into publications or the publishing industry. I’d also like to get more involved in nonprofit work for education in the arts.”

Letter from the Editor

T

his edition of Blush may be all about celebration, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that, with this being my last issue, it’s a little bittersweet. Since beginning Blush last year, it’s been a whirlwind—these past months have been full of triumphs and challenges but, most of all, great pride. I like to think that Blush is physical proof of what a group of dedicated, determined students can accomplish when working together to achieve a common goal.

I think I speak for the entire staff of the magazine when I thank the FIT Student Association for its unwavering support. Our student government leaders have believed in Blush since it was only an idea—I feel so fortunate to have been part of a community that truly fosters creativity.

Though it’s off to the “real world” for me, I have the utmost confidence in Blush’s student-staff. Every day, I am amazed at the multitude of talents possessed by our team. It means the world to know that Blush has been (and will continue to be) a platform for students to develop professional skills.

Here’s to a new chapter of Blush and to a very happy New Year for all of us at FIT!

Dianna Mazzone Editor in Chief

BEAUTY

By Cassandra Shaffer

NEWS

GLAM SLAM

Already making an impact in the music and fashion industries, Miley Cyrus is now taking the beauty world by storm as the newest face of MAC’s Viva Glam collection. Beginning in January, MAC will sell two new limitededition lippies as part of their ongoing campaign: a hot pink lipstick, and a sparkly gloss of the same hue for $16 and $15 respectively.

Cyrus takes this coveted role from Rihanna, who was the line’s previous spokeswoman. Other famous faces that have supported the campaign include Lady Gaga, Fergie, and Elton John—just to name a few. MAC’s Viva Glam collection funds HIV/AIDS research and communities affected by the disease. The purchase of one tube of Viva Glam lipstick provides eight nutritionally balanced meals, or one month of transportation to and from doctors’ offices to those who need it. Now that’s something to twerk about.

GET NAKED

Beauty enthusiasts rejoice! Now you can get everything you’ve ever wanted from Urban Decay’s Naked range of products.

The limited-edition “Naked Vault,” which made its debut at the end of October, includes a dozen of UD’s best selling Naked products. For $280 you receive all three Naked eyeshadow palettes, three double-ended 24/7 eyeliner pencils, three Naked Flushed blush palettes, and three Naked lip glosses. The eyeliners included are Darkside/Blackheart, Zero/Whiskey, and Perversion/Pistol. Also in the vault are Nooner, Streak, and Rule34 lip glosses.

If purchased separately, all of these products would cost $360. Run, don’t walk, to your nearest Sephora or log on to Urban Decay’s website to get Naked.

DRINK UP

Is the current fad in dieting now the latest innovation in skin care? Companies like Juice Generation sure hope so. Many juice brands are introducing new lines of beverages and supplements to amp up your beauty routine. Bizarre blends of charcoal and clay are becoming more common because of their detoxifying and anti-inflammatory benefits. This month, Juice Generation will begin adding charcoal to three of their existing juices. For example, their Activated Lemonade now contains lemon, lime, raw agave, activated charcoal, and alkaline water. This unconventional concoction claims to give the drinker healthy, glowing skin and draw toxins from the body.

Also launching this month are the brand’s new “Beauty Bombs.” These 30 milliliter shots, which come in Pure Earth and Le Détox flavors, mix ingredients such as French green clay and cucumber water to do so much more than simply hydrate.

The Best of Holiday Beauty Sets

By Sarah Michelson

Confession: The new makeup sets our favorite brands release for the holidays are the highlight of our season. They’re the perfect way to try new products and brands that you couldn’t normally afford. Because what’s even better than new makeup? Getting it at a great price! From eyeshadow palettes to mascara sets, we’ve tracked down the best deals for your money when scouring the aisles of your friendly, neighborhood Sephora. If you’re shopping for mom, sis, your BFF, or (let’s be honest) yourself, we’ve got you covered.

S E P H O R A FAV O R I T E S L A S H S TA S H With 10 deluxe-size mascara samples, one full-size mascara, and a mini eye makeup remover, this stash of mascaras lets you choose from brands like YSL, Urban Decay, Josie Maran, and Kat Von D. Sephora Favorites Lashstash, $45, available at Sephora.

MAKE UP FOR EVER STUDIO CASE Though it’s pricey, once you open up this case, you’ll see why: It’s packed with 12 of Make Up For Ever’s new creamy powder eyeshadows and a full-size black eyeliner.

The eyeshadows are arranged by look—natural, smoky, bold, and chic—and the sturdy case that it all comes in is reusable and practically indestructible.

Make Up For Ever Studio Case, $59.50, available at Sephora.

SEPHORA COLLECTION THE BEST OF SEPHORA For under $50, you get a nine-piece kit of full-size Sephora brand products, including a sheet face mask, lipstick, blush, nail polish, and an eyeshadow brush. They’re the brand’s bestsellers, so we’re guessing you’d probably pick them up at some point, anyway. Considering the value, it doesn’t get much better than this!

Sephora Collection The Best of Sephora, $49, available at Sephora.

TA R T E K I S S & B E L L E L I P S U R G E N C E L I P S E T This one is for you lip-product junkies! All-natural makeup brand Tarte has curated an eight-piece kit of lip tints and glosses in various colors and finishes.

There is something for everyone in this set, and best of all, any colors you don’t like you can pass along as a gift!

Tarte Kiss & Belle Lipsurgence Lip Set, $34, available at Sephora.

HERE’S HOW:

Overdrawn Lips

By Christina Buscarino

Not everyone was born with full, luscious lips like those of many icons and celebs (think Angelina Jolie). And now, Kylie Jenner has blown up the media with her Instagram selfies showing off her pouty lips. Scroll through Kylie Jenner-inspired beauty tutorials on YouTube and you’ll see: The key to nailing her look is the overdrawn lip. With this trend you can have the full lips you desire and, like Kylie, perfect your Instagram selfie game.

You can achieve this look with a lip liner and matching lipstick. First, use the lip liner to follow the natural shape of your lips—but veer just slightly outside the lines. (The width of the tip of your lip pencil is a good guide.) Use a matching lipstick to fill in the rest of your lips. A matte color will help to keep the look more natural, whereas lipstick with a shiny finish will reflect the real edge of your lips. To clean up the look, use concealer as needed around the edges.

Urban Decay

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Rush, $22, available at Sephora.

We’d advise that at first, you try this 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Rush, trend in the comfort of your home. $20, available at Sephora.

It’s tricky to master, but trust us when we say that when you’ve got it right, you’ll know it—your lips should look soft and full, but not surgically enhanced.

WINTER SKIN CARE: Spend Versus Save

By Typhani Sheppard The most common skin concern in the cold and dry winter is tight and irritated skin. This leads to the ultimate question: What moisturizer is best for my skin? And, more importantly, how much does it cost? It’s well known that not all moisturizers are made equally, but we’ve rounded up a handful that stand up to their high-end competitors.

O I LY

N O R MAL/ C OMB INATION

D RY

SEN SI TI VE

SPEND

SPEND

SPEND

SPEND

LA ROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR MAT $32

RILASTIL AQUA NORMALIZING FLUID $42

With patented ingredient LHA, a super-potent derivative of salicylic acid, this moisturizer keeps your skin hydrated and fresh-looking all day.

It's perfect as a makeup base because the longer you use it, the less visible your pores.

With its unique mix of 28 active ingredients including hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and omegas 3 and 6, Rilastil created a system based on molecular weight.

The moisturizer targets oily spots to keep them in check and then treats dry spots.

This natural moisturizer is creamy and comforting. It is highly concentrated with aloe juice, making it especially soothing. It’s also full of antioxidants, which help keep air pollution from penetrating deep into your skin. Plus, it smells delish!

SAVE

SAVE

SAVE

NEUTROGENA OIL-FREE MOISTURE $12 This basic moistener absorbs quickly into your skin and is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores. It’s not exceedingly fancy, but it gets the job done— and well.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL $4 Seriously, this is just basic olive oil. It’s natural and it does not clog pores. Dry skin just sucks this one up—you’ll be seriously surprised this miracle product has been hiding in your kitchen!

BOOTS BOTANICS MATTIFYING GEL-CREAM $10 Full of willow bark extract, a natural bacteria killer, this moisturizer keeps your skin breakout-free.

The silica gives your skin the effect of being lightly brushed with translucent powder.

100% PURE JASMINE GREEN TEA MOISTURIZER $34

AVENE SKIN RECOVERY CREAM $34 This cream works like an antihistamine to calm and prevent sensitive skin flareups. The rich, velvety formula keeps your skin wrapped up so external elements like the wind are not as irritating.

SAVE

BOOTS EXPERT SENSITIVE HYDRATING MOISTURIZER $6 This is a straightforward moisturizer with only a few ingredients. It’s a light formula and does not leave residue on the skin, making it perfect for those with sensitive faces.

All That

A SPLASH OF SHIMMER AND SHINE MAKES EVEN THE DREARIEST SEASON BRIGHT.

Photography by Ashley Naftaly

MA K E UP B Y J o rdy n F erriss MO D ELED BY Kimbe rly David S TY L ED BY Ra ash i So od

STREET

BEAUTY

By Monica Boylan | Photography by Reagan Sullivan WE TOOK A WALK DOWN 27TH STREET AND STOPPED TO SNAP OUR FAVORITE BEAUTY LOOKS. AND, IN HONOR OF OUR CELEBRATION ISSUE, WE ASKED THESE STUDENTS WHICH OF THEIR FEATURES THEY MOST LOVE TO CELEBRATE.

NAME Melissa St. Hill HOMETOWN Brooklyn MAJOR FMM “I like to accent my cheekbones and eyebrows. If it is a day where I’m not wearing foundation, I like to fill in my eyebrows and accent my cheekbones because I find it makes you look more polished.”

NAME Michaela Bartlett HOMETOWN Potsdam, NY MAJOR AMC “I like to play up my lips because I think it pulls an outfit together. Especially if your outfit is plain, you can make it pop with a fun lip color.”

NAME TJ Kurek HOMETOWN New Paltz, NY MAJOR Communication Design “My beard—I keep it clean and trim. I think it makes me look older and it’s supposedly ‘in.’

It’s also nice during cold weather because it keeps me warm.”

NAME Adam Lee HOMETOWN California MAJOR Accessories Design “My eyebrows! They are the easiest to manipulate, and nice eyebrows NAME Grace Taylor complete my overall look.”

HOMETOWN Long Island, NY MAJOR Advertising Design “My eyes! I used to do the whole allblack-all-around-the-eye thing. But my stepmom is a makeup artist and thanks to her, I’ve learned my lesson.”

NAME Mariana Alvarez HOMETOWN Mexico MAJOR AMC “I like to focus on my eyes. I think it is the easiest way to make an outfit pop from day to night.”

NAME Ally Ort HOMETOWN Smithtown, NY MAJOR FMM “I think a bold lipstick can change your mood in a second, so I love to accentuate my lips. It’s a great way to switch up your everyday look.”

New Year, New Makeup: Easy

By Jordyn Ferriss

We’ve all been guilty of making New Year’s resolutions that just don’t stick.

But, this year, we’re suggesting you make a resolution you’ll actually want to complete—revamping your dull and boring makeup bag. We all know that it’s easy to fall into the routine of purchasing the same familiar and lackluster cosmetics over and over. But, did you know there’s a new crop of innovative, multi-tasking beauty items that deliver even more? And, maybe it’s just us, but the start of a New Year sounds like the perfect opportunity to try products that blow our old ones out of the water. Here, our picks to help you kick-start your New Year and your new makeup bag.

MAS C A R A Lancôme Grandiôse Wide-Angle Fan Effect Mascara, $32, available at Lancôme.

Lancôme, known for its spendy yet high-performing products, recently introduced their newest mascara—a venture that definitely fits that bill. For $32, you can upgrade your current mascara to the Lancôme Grandiôse Wide-Angle Fan Effect Mascara, which boasts an innovative wand technology. The “Swan Neck” wand is said to be perfectly engineered to provide each and every lash with a healthy coat of mascara, ensuring bigger, brighter eyes.

The twisting motion incited by the wand as one opens the mascara mixes the ultra-black formula together, making it stay fresh longer than the average eye product. A testament to the power of technology, this mascara seems like the perfect addition to any makeup bag, don’t you think?

L IPS T I C K Josie Maran Argan Love Your Lips Hydrating Lipstick, $22, available at Sephora.

Josie Maran is a beauty lover’s go-to eco-friendly makeup brand— all of its products are made without parabens, sulfates, and other harmful ingredients, meaning the environmentally conscious makeup lover can feel a little less guilty when splurging on a new lipstick. This one in particular is a sure bet: It isn't your ordinary lip product, as it’s a three-in-one combination of a gloss, lipstick, and a balm. There is a clear outer core that promises to “drench lips in shine” with the help of pure argan oil, one of the brand’s trademark ingredients. The core of the lipstick is hyper-pigmented to deliver a buildable medium coverage in just a few swipes on the lips. Argan Love Your Lips Hydrating Lipstick comes in six shades, including a classic cherry red and a more subtle nude, so you’re sure to find a color that will be the perfect complement to your ever-growing lipstick collection.

y Beauty Upgrades

F O U N D A T I O N Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation Serum, $55, available at Perricone MD.

In the beauty world, it seems that there’s nothing more desirable than the no-makeup makeup look. Perricone MD, known primarily for its skin care products, has released a makeup line that promises to deliver a flawless and natural finish, making it easy to achieve that no-makeup feel. The No Foundation Foundation Serum delivers exactly what its name implies, instantly softening imperfections and evening out skin tone to give the user the look of flawlessness without the caked-on look that some foundations leave. The serum currently comes in one “universal” shade, but can be adjusted to match anyone’s skin tone with a few drops of Perricone MD’s No Bronzer Bronzer. Did we mention it also has anti-aging properties? Talk about an added perk.

NAI L PO L IS H Nails Inc. NAILKALE, $14, available at Sephora.

There seems to be one thing that has taken over the culinary world recently, and that one thing is kale. This leafy green has multiple health benefits when consumed, as its full of vitamins A, C, and K. London-based cosmetics company Nails Inc. recognized the pros of kale consumption, and decided to add kale extract to its polishes. When the extract is added to lacquer, its powerful antioxidants provide the nails with the same nutrients the body gets from the vegetable, but in a more direct way. The appropriately named NAILKALE nail polish comes in nine classic and wearable shades. In addition, there’s also a base coat and an illuminator top coat to ensure that all stages of your manicure are kale-certified.

M O I S T U R IZ E R Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++, $60, available at Sephora.

It’s no secret that good skin is always in. But, environmental factors that we may not have had to worry about 20 years ago are now one of our main concerns when it comes to keeping skin healthy. Murad’s Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum moisturizer is a perfect fit in terms of protecting your skin from the elements. The moisturizer is antioxidant-rich and boasts the ability to shield and revitalize environmentally stressed skin. It also has SPF 30 to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UVA/ UVB rays, as well as vitamin C to repair skin clarity and firmness.

Murad’s RepleniCell patent-pending proprietary technology turns water into a “performance hydrator,” ensuring that your skin will be moisturized, fresh, and protected all day long.

IN CELEBRATION

By Gemma Gibb

F

eminism: a movement that encourages society to create a balance between men and women where women are no longer discriminated against for their gender. It’s a belief that has long been misconstrued, but, finally, is getting the recognition it deserves.

Feminism originally began as a women’s movement in which females stand in solidarity in order to bring women towards a position of power where they don’t feel threatened, but emboldened. And giving women a voice is what the fourth, new wave of feminism is about. The new age feminist does not demand to be treated the same way as a man but instead, that their differences be recognized, understood, and accommodated. In order for women to verbalize these concerns and opinions, they need to be given a voice.

Equality and equity are two different concepts. Equity is concerned with the accommodating of demands due to applicable differences between men and women. Equity recognizes women as a separate entity in themselves. Feminism, however, is about both men and women. People do not want to be limited to the constraints of their gender or the stereotypes associated with them.

That said, the reality is that innately, men and women are very different. Women do not only have different wants and needs than men but they are also physically different. Women are able to conceive and give birth and no matter how we may try to equalize these differences, we cannot. What we can do is accommodate them.

By embracing these differences between men and women while also respecting them, society can move forward.

The recent resurgence of feminism puts this responsibility equally on both men and women. Campaigns like the United Nations’ He For She (famously backed by Emma Watson) emphasize the need for male support. Gender inequality is reinforced when women are given equity in the comfort of a man’s world. Men dominate politics, media, and the workplace. In politics in particular, women such as Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin are shamed by their gender, objectified and scrutinized for their appearances more than they are for their viewpoints on political issues.

Before women can be fully recognized as a balanced part of society, they need to recognize each other and stand together. Media pits women against one another. Women scrutinize each other and ultimately themselves. Their successes, the way they look, and the choices they make are criticized instead of celebrated, as they battle to better one another.

N OF FEMINISM Sheryl Sandberg, author of Lean In, recently launched a new campaign to ban the word “bossy” in reference to women. She says that “when a little boy asserts himself he’s called a ‘leader,’ but when a little girl does the same she risks being branded ‘bossy.’” This discourages girls to speak up and to become leaders.

Submissiveness in women is a societal crutch and women must feel that they can take authority in the same way that competitive men do.

Thus, in order for gender inequity to be dealt with in the same way it is spoken about, society must speak up to give it the importance and voice it deserves. Here’s to the new wave of—both male and female— feminists.

BLASS IS BACK

Bill Blass introduces its new creative director: industry-favorite Chris Benz. The design house is most known for its high fashion American clothing with a sporty-yet-sophisticated edge. Benz’s appointment is set to shake up the label: Bill Blass has been without a creative director for about two years now. But why is Chris Benz the man for the job, you ask? The young designer’s point of view is quite similar to that of the late Bill Blass himself, according to the brand. “The reason Chris is on board is because we wanted a top-flight designer—someone who paralleled Mr. Blass,” said Stuart M. Goldblatt, Bill Blass president and chief operating officer. Benz plans to bring a contemporary flavor to the label while using its iconic 1980s styles as inspiration.

It’s everything Blass would want: an American designer who understands the modern woman of today. And it doesn’t hurt that Benz has become a fashion favorite by way of his own label, from which the designer has taken a step back to focus on other ventures—including this exciting appointment. Benz’s first collection for Bill Blass will hit the runway for spring 2016.

TO DYE FOR

FIT’s own student-run natural dye garden (located on the ninth floor terrace of the Marvin Feldman Center) has passed its initial testing and will be moving into laboratory testing in the weeks and months to come. The results of these tests will open up a new range of marketing opportunities and allow the college to delve further into research of sustainable product development. As featured in Women’s Wear Daily, the terrace garden has gained support from the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU) by way of FIT’s Think Big Challenge. The concept of the dye garden is to raise awareness of environmental issues in relation to fashion, including the processing of textiles using harmful chemicals. The garden itself plays hosts to a variety of flowers and fauna, all of which may be utilized to create sustainable, organic dyes. A testament to the project’s success, the dye garden was awarded a $10,000 grant from CGIU.

FASHION

NEWS

By Briana Badome

COOL IN CASHMERE

Lululemon has grown to become quite a force in the retail industry.

Controversy aside, the brand has made it big peddling its trendy athletic clothing. The brains behind this fashionable phenomenon? Former Lululemon head designer (and wife of the brand’s founder, Chip Wilson) Shannon Wilson. And now she, along with son JJ Wilson, are channeling their selling-savvy into a new venture: Kit and Ace, a line of elevated basics created using a cashmere-like material. The label leans more towards everyday apparel, creating comfortable, functional clothing that performs more

like athletic wear. The mother-son duo plans to introduce the brand across North America this month, opening popup shops in populated cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Toronto for customers to see and try their clothing firsthand. It’s been said that Lululemon and Kit and Ace have no intention of being competitors, but Kit and Ace’s target market does share some similarities with the Lululemon consumer: Both labels cater to a discerning customer who values quality and design. Kit and Ace may still be in its infancy, but trend forecasters predict immediate and aggressive growth.

A Mixed Ba g

By Avanti Dalal

It’s been said that eyes are the windows into one’s soul, but sometimes a bag can provide more insight into a woman’s personality than peepers ever could.

No outfit is complete without some form of arm candy—but there must be a reason why we gravitate to one bag over another. Here’s an educated look into what your essential day bag says about your purse-onality.

THE S TA R B U C K S THE BAG THE GIRL ORDER 1. A trusty hobo, preferably in a bright color or swirling print with tassels or fringe.

This girl would rather be at Coachella than anywhere else, would never refuse Florence + The Machine concert tickets, and would die to be best friends with Rachel Zoe.

Green Tazo tea, with soymilk, no sugar, and in her own mug.

2. A minimalist structured investment tote, preferably in tan or black, with internal pockets to fit absolutely everything.

This chic power woman wants to work a 9-to-5, has a penchant for art gallery visits on the weekend, knows her way around Madison Avenue, and exclusively orders in California rolls via Seamless.

Double shot espresso, although she already has caffeine in her veins instead of blood.

3. The “it” bag of the season, totally trendy and on everybody’s lust-list.

This girl is the ultimate street style fodder, goes apple picking in the fall, can recite the fashion bible in her sleep and Instagrams her brunches.

Tall skinny caramel Frappuccino, no whip.

4. A messenger bag, extremely comfortable with at least one obscure band pin on the strap.

She is as cool as a cucumber, probably lives in Williamsburg, and may be found front row at Webster Hall listening to Kodaline.

OUR PICKS

2. Prada Saffiano Lux Double-Zip Tote, $2,430, available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

1. Lucky Brand Loredo Hobo, $150, available at Macy's.

She’s already drinking a flat white at Intelligentsia.

4. Giani Bernini Glazed Leather Crossbody, $37.58, available at Macy’s.

3. Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag, $695, available at Mansur Gavriel.

The Curious Case of Winter Coats—Solved!

By Steven Rodriguez

Remember the one coat that you hated the most growing up: the coat that you dreaded putting on every morning before school because it was either too heavy, too big, or simply too ugly? The coat that lacked color, style, and most important, fun? We have all had—and still, for frigid winter days, have—that coat. But now, it’s time to make peace. Here’s how to style even the most cumbersome of winter coats.

URBAN OUTFITTERS S U P E R N O VA TA P E R E D JOGGER PA N T, $ 5 4 , AVA I L A B L E AT U R B A N OUTFITTERS.

GO BOLD Printed joggers are this season’s most misunderstood item—they’re meant to be the star of the show, not the runner-up. A bold print, especially one with intense color, creates a point of interest other than, say, that dull coat you don’t like wearing. These galaxy-printed joggers have the right amount of fun to get the party started.

LACE UP

The right boot will enhance every inch of your look from the bottom on up. Why stop playing? Let’s keep the prints coming— these Dr. Martens incorporate not only a graphic print but also a color-block design.

The black and white naturally complement each other, creating a fashion-forward foundation for the rest of your look.

H E R S C H EL S U P P LY CO. R E T R E AT B AC K PACK, $ 7 0 , AVAILA BLE AT N O R DS TRO M .

ACCESSORIZE

DR. MART ENS MAY CH ILD BOOT, $230, AVAILABLE AT DR. MAR T ENS.

When in doubt, grab a backpack—it’s sure to steal the show. This one in particular features a vintage olive green shade with contrasting straps. It’s bound to be a sensation on the back of any boring coat. Once it’s topped with this, “that coat” will be transformed into a force to be reckoned with!

1 7 0 W E S T 2 3 RD S T R E E T NEW YORK, NY

+

1 6 9 W E S T 2 3 RD S T R E E T NEW YORK, NY

FREE TUB OF POMADE IF YOU BOOK A HAIRCUT ONLINE MUST P RE S E NT VA L I D S T U DE NT I D AT TI M E O F P UR CH A S E , O NE T I M E O NLY OFFE R

m a d e m a n b a r b e r s h o p. c o m

THE M O D E

By Aaron Valentic | Illu

In mid-20th century New York City, Truman Capote dubbed his circle of society women his “Swans.” They were the most glamorous and enviable women of the jet-set society, with their lavish apartments, limitless bank accounts, and superb taste in all things luxury. They were the women all women aspired to be.

Women like Babe Paley, C.Z. Guest, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Gloria Guinness were constantly looked at, admired by millions around the world for their exquisite tastes —it was hard to pick up a fashion magazine of that time and not see these women inside.

Aside from their taste for the grand and exclusive, they were also seen as role models for how women of that era should behave. It has been said that in the world today, there are no more icons—the Jackies, Graces, and Audreys of the world died at the turn of the century and since then, the public has seemingly embraced the Miley Cyruses and Rihannas instead.

Yet, over the past few years, a handful of intelligent, elegant, stylish, and rather reserved women have made waves in our culture, paving the way for a more refined and dignified era ahead.

C AT H E R I N E , D U C H E S S O F C A M B R I D G E The duchess who has captured the hearts of millions of people the world over, Catherine (or more popularly, Kate Middleton) has become the British monarchy’s “It” girl, as well as a fixture on international best-dressed lists. Her style, grace, and warm-hearted spirit are admired throughout the globe. And, with her new little addition to the monarchy, and another on the way, the Duchess has demonstrated her ability to master modern maternity style.

AMAL ALAMUDDIN CLOONEY Amal Alamuddin’s fame sky-rocketed when nowhusband George Clooney, the infamous bachelor, proposed to the Britain-based lawyer. Since coming into the spotlight, Mrs. Clooney has been recognized not only for her tireless work with human rights laws and her incredible intelligence (she is a graduate of Oxford University), but for her striking looks and impeccable taste in fashion. Clooney favors very classic, mod silhouettes, often adding a touch of personality through her accessories.

ERN ICONS

ustrated by Kyle Ursin

MICHELLE OBAMA

When one thinks of First Lady Michelle Obama, her youth, vitality, and strong-willed personality come to mind. As a young woman growing up in Chicago, Obama’s mission was to get herself an education, by attending both Princeton and Harvard Law School. Since becoming First Lady, Michelle Obama has become an advocate for various topics ranging from poverty awareness to nutrition, as well as the arts. As for her style, Mrs. Obama has the ability to catapult any designer she wears into a level of fame they never thought imaginable. The First Lady’s favorites include Jason Wu and Thom Browne, to name a few.

O L I V I A PA L E R M O

A street style star, if not the street style star of the 2010s, Olivia Palermo has conquered the New York City fashion scene. A model, member of the PR department at Diane von Furstenberg and later, of the accessories team at ELLE, Olivia Palermo has remained a beacon of excellent taste to young women. Although a regular socialite among modern high-society, Palermo, along with her new husband, Johanne Huebl, tends to remain private.

L U P I TA N Y O N G ’ O A new face within the Hollywood limelight, Lupita Nyong’o is like the modern day Grace Kelly— elegant, poised, well-spoken, and in possession of a stunningly beautiful wardrobe of enviable gowns, Nyong’o has captivated American culture like never before. A graduate of Hampshire College, Nyong’o attended Yale School of Drama, where she received her master’s degree.

Not long after graduation from Yale, Nyong’o received her breakthrough role in 12 Years a Slave, for which she won an Academy Award.

WHITE O

THE URBAN EQUIVALENT OF A WINTER WONDERLAND JUST SLABS OF COOL-COLORED CONCRETE AT NEW YORK CITY’S Photography by Collins Nai

STYLED BY Christina Buscarino MODELED BY Celeste Velis, Denzel Bryan MAK EUP BY Emily Keough MANICURE BY Kathryn Farrell PHOTO ASSISTANTS Ashley Naftaly, Ruby Frei

OUT

T MAY BE THE SLEEK S ROOSEVELT ISLAND.

ON CELESTE: DRESS Asos JEWELRY H&M SHOES Asos ON DENZEL: JACKET Topman SWEATER Asos JEANS Asos

KNIT SET Asos JEWERLY H&M BOOTS Topshop

SWEATER Zara NECKLACE H&M

BLAZER H&M SHOES Converse PANTS H&M JEWELRY H&M

ON CELESTE: DRESS & Other Stories JACKET H&M JEWELRY H&M CLUTCH Zara SHOES Asos ON DENZEL: JACKET Topman SWEATER Asos JEANS Asos

SWEATER Zara SKIRT Asos SHOES Asos COAT Asos NECKLACE H&M

Here’s How: Styling Crop Tops for Winter Weather

By Mikayla Madigan | Photography by Megan Madden

This summer, crop tops were all the rage. But, like warm weather, they have a short-lived life span—until now. With a few modifications crop tops can easily be worn in the winter, too. Here, our top tips for styling your summer duds. ▼2. T H E L A Y E R E D CROP TOP

Little-known fact: Crop tops are perfect for layering. You can wear them under a button-up or under an opaque shirt for extra visual appeal.

Here, it’s styled to create an interesting neckline and cover more of the collarbone with an offthe-shoulder sweater.

Paired with any style jean, high-rise or low-rise, You can still be fully warm and covered. ▲1. T H E S W E A T E R CROP TOP

Yes! Crop tops come in knits, too. Thick and soft just like any other sweater, a cropped knit boasts the fabrication and warmth of a sweater, but the shape and style of a crop top.

The trick is the pants.

Here, we’ve paired a knit crop top with highrise boyfriend jeans. This allows for just a sliver of skin to show, but still keeps your belly toasty.

▲3. T H E L O N G SLEEVE CROP TOP

Love the asymmetrical quality of a long-sleeved crop top? Try wearing one with natural-rise jeans for a cozy take on this summer staple.

These jeans in particular are even higher than high-rise, hitting where the natural curve of your torso begins. Here, black natural-waisted pants are paired with a striped, long-sleeve cropped tee.

How very French of you!

THE RISE OF THE TURTLENECK

By Juliane DeGiovine | Illustrated by Kyle Ursin

Let’s face it: Turtlenecks aren’t one of those fashion items you pine for.

From the moment we’re born, they just sort of magically appear in our closet. Every kid growing up has, at one point or another, been stuffed into a turtleneck by his or her parents—usually for those cringe-inducing yearbook photos. And, usually, said turtlenecks either itched our skin to the point of an unsightly rash or had some sort of three-dimensional cartoon on it (hey, the ‘90s were all about sartorial experimentation—and Dunkaroos).

But as we got older and wiser, turtlenecks gradually disappeared from our wardrobes. And, unless you were ever Didi Pickles for Halloween (the girl could rock a turtleneck dress unlike any other Nickelodeon cartoon), chances are you probably didn’t own a turtleneck for a stretch of several years.

But, it’s about time that you start treating turtlenecks with the same respect you would any other sweater (even your favorite Joe Fresh cashmere crewneck—the camel one). Because, believe it or not, these sweaters are not as itchy as your 6-year-old-self remembers—nor do they scream uptight prude à la Angela Martin from The Office. Turtlenecks, though they have been around for what seems like forever, are now part of a new crop of stealthy, sexy attire—like oversized men’s oxfords and yoga pants (to a certain degree). They’re not just for your Great Aunt Lillian anymore; everyone from Man Repeller blogger Leandra Medine to supermodel Kate Moss has put their own Vogue-worthy spin on this classic wardrobe staple.

The great thing about pulling off—or rather pulling on—the turtleneck is that there really are no rules for wearing it. From the billowy cashmere styles, reminiscent of a Parisian fashion blogger running errands (they could make jogging to the mailbox look fashionable), to the cropped and curve-hugging styles seen on the newly minted queen of sexy-chic, Mrs. Kim KardashianWest, it won’t be too difficult to put your own stylish spin on the turtleneck. Whether you pair it with distressed boyfriend jeans and a sleek pony, or try out the monochromatic look in a never-fail shade like black or ivory, the resurgence of the turtleneck has opened a plethora of previously un-entered sartorial doors. The secret is out—high-neck equals high-fashion.

Get The Look:

Womenswear

By Michaela Bartlett

Chilly weather is here, and that means that winter is peeking around the corner. Such temperature changes can be tricky to navigate, but ChloĂŠ makes sure to keep mid-season style on point with some unexpected color choices in the form of pastels.

When transitioning your pastels into the winter, textures come into the mix.

Materials are always fun to play with, so go ahead and match that eggshell-blue wool jacket with some heather-grey suede booties. The calm color palette ties this look together.

And now, you can you steal this style regardless of your budget!

Zara Wool Coat, $169, available at Zara.

Zara Faux Leather Pencil Skirt, $59.90, available at Zara.

Zara Perforated Office City Bag, $79.90, available at Zara.

Zara High Heeled Slingback Bootie, $169, available at Zara.

H&M Wool-Blend Coat, $149, available at H&M.

Michael by Michael Kors The Belted Wrap Coat, $198, available at Macy’s.

Ted Baker Mintye Cocoon Coat, $350, available at Bloomingdale’s.

River Island Cream 3D Lace Pencil Skirt, $65, available at River Island.

Daily Look Venetian Lace Skirt, $50, available at Daily Look.

Milly Skirt, $250, available at Piperlime.

Dorothy Perkins Rose Pink Wing Tote, $55, available at Dorothy Perkins.

River Island Large Satchel, $56.85, available at ASOS.

Rebecca Minkoff Avery Tote, $345, available at Rebecca Minkoff.

Topshop Merit Heeled Leather Ankle Boot, $160, available at Topshop.

Forever21 Faux Suede Heeled Booties, $32.80, available at Forever21.

Bona Drag Grey Suede Braided Bootie, $269, available at Bona Drag.

Style Evolution: Study

Abroad Edition

By Cassandra Napoli

I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that I find myself frequenting West 27th Street less and less each semester as jobs and internships have gradually consumed most of my time. Although I am no longer a regular on campus, I still find myself feeling inspired each time I am here. Those of you who still spend much of your time on this street know—it’s a street style photographer’s utopia. With that in mind, and given that so many of our peers opt to spend a semester abroad in fashion capitals like Florence and Paris, I began to wonder how a student’s style changes as they themselves change cities. They say style is eternal, but is it really?

Could it be possible for us to strut into FIT as freshmen with one style and leave through those very same doors as graduates with the same, after visiting such niche corners of the world? In search of an answer, I reached out to three well-traveled FIT students.

Meet the fabulous ALEXA POVEROMO. This style maven spent her fifth and sixth semesters living in the quaint Italian city of Florence, Italy which she passionately describes as the “most magical city in the world.” Before her travels, Alexa always had a unique take on accessorizing and her color palette was always so very New York.

When asking Alexa how she, as the epitome of a New York fashion girl, adapted to her surroundings during her year abroad, she told me that her environment persuaded her to stray from her “typical New York uniform.” Before Italy, her wardrobe consisted of black fitted garments and a plethora of black skinny jeans. Now though, she says she tends to gravitate towards less-fitted garments like a boyfriend jean or a trouser pant—styles she took an interest in after feeling inspired by the locals who always looked effortlessly cool.

Perhaps the biggest change of all was her newfound embrace of color—something that she described as “unthinkable” before Italy. Additional style changes for Alexa include her ability to recognize quality and craftsmanship—elements that she learned a lot about in the city of artisans. Back in NYC now, Alexa asks herself each morning, “If I was in Florence, what would I wear?" a question, she says, that will always inspire her look going forward.

For CAROLINE JOHNSON, life these days consists of living in the City of Lights—otherwise known as Paris. During her first days in her new home for the semester, she found herself feeling intimidated by the local women. No wonder—Parisian women tend to be globally recognized for their chic fashion sense.

Since moving to France, Caroline says she has taken a lot of time to embrace her new city and in turn, its collective style. Whether she is shopping, sitting along the Seine, or perusing the Centre Pompidou, she has taken mental snapshots of beautifully dressed women, all of whom have inspired Caroline to embrace a whole new style herself.

While living in New York, as Caroline explained to me, loungewear is considered acceptable and therefore played a major role in her wardrobe. In Paris though, this is certainly not the case. Since August, Caroline has adapted a more elegant, sophisticated, and bold style of dressing, which has allowed her to embrace her new city in a sartorial sense. Each morning, Caroline cheerfully creates a new outfit of the day, as inspired by Paris and its inhabitants. It will be interesting to see how Caroline’s style evolves once she’s back on campus next semester. Stay tuned!

WESLEY SPROUL, an international trade student, opted to spend this past summer in China, calling Shanghai home. Wesley’s summer relocation was due to her landing a coveted internship with a China-based company—though she wasn’t sure how Chinese women dressed for work. So, when preparing to spend her summer in Shanghai, she packed very conservative clothing quite different from what she would normally wear at her internships in New York.

What she found, though, was that women in Shanghai were actually quite forward-thinking due to the city’s rapid development and embrace of Western fashion and technology. To Wesley’s surprise, Western retailers like H&M and Zara were very popular and therefore, at times, Shanghai felt very much like New York to her.

Wesley doesn’t believe that an individual can adapt one style of dressing and stick to it for an entire lifetime. In fact, she feels that people are always changing and therefore, the way they dress must change, too. Though she acknowledges her experience in Shanghai as being an event that ultimately changed her as a person, she doesn’t think her style changed. This is partly due to the fact that the women in Shanghai weren’t so different from those right here in NYC.

Dressing the First Lady

By Erik DeFruscio

The mission? To design a daytime dress for a high-profile African American woman that adhered to a series of mysterious guidelines: It was to be not too long, but not too short, above or below the knee, with an open neck that wasn’t too revealing—a modern design, but not too conservative.

Natalya Koval, a junior Fashion Design major, and Chelsea Chen, a senior Fashion Design major, were the two lucky students whose designs adhered to these precise specifications and wowed the thenundisclosed client, First Lady Michelle Obama. As such, they were named finalist and semifinalist, respectively, in this high-stakes competition.

On Wednesday, October 8, Mrs. Obama hosted a fashion education workshop at the White House. During this event, FLOTUS was sporting the dress designed by Koval—though the young designer herself was one of the last to know. “While we were waiting for the White House representative to escort us, I received an email saying that Mrs. Obama decided to wear my dress to the daytime event,” Koval said. “It was so thrilling to me, I couldn’t believe it.”

Though Koval’s look took the top prize, making it to the gates was an accomplishment in itself. Originally, there were 26 design students participating in the competition. After all of the sketches were submitted, 12 semifinalists were selected, and Koval and Chen were chosen as the two finalists.

Though following the specifications of the dress, each designer still created garments with their own particular inspirations in mind. “Giving the very limited specs, I had to design something that was based on my aesthetic but that any woman would be able to wear,” Chen said. “For me, I thought I would use navy and cream because I think they are the safest colors anyone could wear.”

“The complementary colors, fuchsia and the orange, are two of my personal favorites and I think they really work well with an African American complexion,” Chen continued. “I really like asymmetrical designs so I tried to incorporate that in the dress, to visually divide the body up in a way that makes the wearer look very streamlined and slimmer.”

Koval, too, took a calculated approach to her design. “In my designs, I usually love to play around with lines and curves,” she said. “To me, it was like the path to success and those curves represent that path. I had to express myself as a designer and provide my point of view. It had to be a sleeveless dress, an A-line, and a circle skirt.”

Both Koval and Chen worked with mentors from FIT that critiqued their work while also receiving feedback from White House representatives after submitting samples. The students then had the ability to work with industry leaders who helped them take their looks to the next level.

“I got to collaborate with Lela Rose. It was a perfect match for me because I don’t have this experience of working with luxurious fabrics that she does, so she could add to the process,” Koval said.

The entire process took about four months, spanning from the beginning of July until October. Once at the event, the young designers were brought into a room where they were sat a table with the First Lady and Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour. The First Lady “took the time to acknowledge Natalya and me at the beginning of the speech,” Chen said. “Later, we all took pictures with the First Lady and she was asking us, ‘What do you think about this? Is this exciting?’ It was a very personal moment.”

For Koval, the event was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. “We got to talk and express our gratitude. She made my American dream come true. I will never forget when [Michelle Obama] said, ‘Job well done, babe.’”

A Pinterest-Inspired Guide to Holiday Gifting

By Emily Manchester

Phew! After weeks of grueling tests, projects, and papers, you made it through the semester, and you’re home for the holidays. But thanks to finals, you haven’t had any time to get gifts for your friends and family (not to mention you’re broke). Instead of spending hours perusing the mall for whatever you can find, why not give gifts this year that are original, creative, and inexpensive? We scoured Pinterest for gift ideas that are perfect for all the loved ones in your life.

I O U W AT E R C O L O R M U G S All you need is a white ceramic mug to create this perfect gift for mom. Take a pie tin filled with water, add in a few drops of nail polish, and roll the mug in the solution to create a fun, water-colored cup. Use a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to eliminate any undesired color. Fill the mug with Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses and an IOU note, offering mom a night off by making dinner or a cleaning the house on a later date. She deserves it!

CHRISTMAS COOKIE PIZZA Between all the new friends you’ve made at college and all of your old high school buddies, you don’t have the time, money, or imagination to get everyone a gift. But, everyone loves a good Christmas cookie, right? So take it to the next level, and make a cookie the size of a pizza! Go to your local pizza parlor and ask for empty pizza boxes (most places will give them to you for free) and lay down colorful tissue paper before putting the cookie inside. Finally, throw on a Santa hat, and go deliver those pizzas! And if you really want to delight your friends, don’t tell them you’re coming. The surprise will be half the fun!

WARM & COZY FLEECE BLANKET Ever thought you could make a blanket sans sewing skills? Pick up a DIY fleece blanket kit, follow the super-easy instructions, and tie two pieces of fabric together to create a warm and cozy gift for your brother, sister, significant other—you name it.

CUSTOM IPHONE CASE If dad still has that old photo of you tucked in his wallet, give him an upgrade with a picture that won’t fold or tear. For only $20 on Amazon, you can design a phone case with a picture or pictures of your choosing. This is something you can do at school during a study break, and it will be delivered straight to your mailbox in time for the holidays. Plus, you don’t even have to leave your room for this one. It’s hard to put a price on that kind of convenience!

D I Y D O G T R E AT S Don’t forget about your pets! For your dog, scoop some peanut butter into a hollowed out bone and throw it in the freezer. Your furry friend will spend hours gnawing away at the tasty treat. Cats can be particular, but anything that has tuna in it is sure to please your feline friend.

Gifts in Celebration of You

By Allix Cott

Treat yourself this holiday with the gift of celebrating yourself! Because when it comes to the season of giving, it’s important to remember the number-one person in your life…you! While it is always exciting to shop for the ones we love, the holidays are also a time to take a step back and reward yourself for all of your hard work throughout the year. And what better way to reward yourself than with a gift that keeps on giving all year ‘round! ► This adorable, handmade print is a one-of-a-kind illustration that proves just how one-of-a-kind you are.

Sometimes inspirational quotes are exactly what you need to remind yourself who is most important in your life.

I Woke Up Like This Mug, $10, available at Urban Outfitters.

Personalized Stationary, $50, available at Rifle Paper Co.

►Instead of pulling out your mirror to find your flaws, remind yourself of just how flawless you are with Kate Spade’s inspirational mirror. Every time you pull this classic silver mirror out of your bag, you won’t be able to stop smiling; its adorable engraved message is sure to lift your spirits and carry you through your whole day.

◄ Beyoncé isn’t the only one who can #WakeUpLikeThis.

Now, you can, too! Sip your Pumpkin Spice Latte out of this perfect ceramic excuse to be fabulous—oh, and make sure to grab some extras for your mom, sister, best friend, and every other flawless person in your family! You will surely find yourself drunk in love with this (Sasha) fierce mug. ◄ Put your signature red lip right next to your signature next time you send a “thank you” to that special someone.

What better way to leave your mark than to have your own customized portrait illustrated on your very own stationery? Make an impression with your very own expression thanks to Rifle Paper’s customized stationary—it’s literally made just for you!

Hello Sunshine Compact Mirror, $30, available at Kate Spade.

You Are So Loved Print, $18, available at Etsy.

Floral Set Temporary Tattoos, $18, available at Rifle Paper Co.

▲ Celebrate your beautiful self by wearing your heart on your sleeve…and your favorite flower…and favorite bird… and favorite quote, all thanks to these gorgeous, hand-painted temporary tattoos. Using vegetablebased pigments, these allergen-free tattoos are the perfect way to show the world who you permanently want to be— temporarily, that is.

BODY BY BEYONCÉ Attention all Bey lovers: Beyoncé has teamed up with British retailer Topshop to create an activewear line.

The recently-announced partnership has the singer weighing in on each design. The collection is set to feature fashionforward activewear, footwear, and many accessories for dance, fitness, and sports. And to ensure the quality of each item, Topshop’s design staff will consult with fitness experts who will handle the technical aspect of the activewear.

The multi-party partnership is focused on creating a “technical and fashion-led collection,” which is set for release in the autumn of 2015.

U B E R H E A LT H Y

The convenience that Uber offers with its on-demand car service can’t be beat. But in an effort to outdo itself Uber has been trying to expand the types of services that they offer. In a recent promotion, Uber partnered up with Vaccine Finder to provide people with free flu shots in Boston, New York City, and Washington D.C. Users could request the shot through Uber’s app, and for those who requested in time, a vaccine kit was delivered complete with a registered nurse.

Although this offer was only available for a limited amount of time and in select cities, it serves as an example of the power of Uber. In fact, this promotion was only the beginning—the company’s UberHealth program is an ongoing project.

HEALTH

NEWS

By Erin Mull

SUPER-WEARABLE TECH

With the holiday season right around the corner, new products are being released in hopes of grabbing the attention of those searching for that special gift. One that just might do the job? Nevo’s Fitness Tracking Watch, available for pre-order in mid-December.

This high-tech, stylish watch tracks both fitness and health goals, making it the perfect gift for someone who is cognizant of both health and fashion. In fact, its design is what sets the watch apart in a sea of wearable tech. But, don’t let appearances fool you: The $200 watch is very sleek and minimal, but includes a lot of features. It has the ability to track the users steps, number of calories burned, and sleep quality and duration. A small second dial on the watch displays the users progress towards their fitness goals—the perfect tool to track the success of that New Year’s resolution.

Bake With This Not That

By Kathryn Farrell

The holidays are quickly approaching, and with the celebrations and parties comes all the delicious holiday baking. But, after countless sugar cookies, brownies, and cupcakes, you may be searching for treats that are a little more forgiving around the waistline. Use these three simple baking substitutions for when you want to lighten up your favorite holiday dessert recipes.

1 .R E P L ACE BU TTER WI T H… A P P L ESA UCE

Butter is an important ingredient that keeps your baked goods from drying out. But, with all the fat butter contains, it isn’t the healthiest option for baking. So swap out half the butter in your recipe and replace it with the same measurement of unsweetened applesauce. This simple swap will cut the overall calories significantly, but compromise none of the flavor!

2. R EPL A C E O IL WI TH… AVO C A D O P U R E E

Avocado is known for its healthy fat content, so by replacing half your oil with the same amount of avocado, you are cutting the amount of “bad” fat dramatically! Avocado has a mild taste that won’t affect many recipes, but this substitute works best with chocolate treats.

3. R EPLA C E E G G S WI TH… SILKEN TOF U OR A PPL ESA UCE If you’re not familiar with silken tofu, get ready to meet your new, vegan-friendly BFF: If you’re trying to turn a classic recipe into a vegan recipe, try tofu as your egg substitute. Eggs work as a binder; therefore the silken tofu (tofu with a blended consistency) will do the same job. The silken tofu replacement works best in brownie recipes because of its creaminess.

And if tofu isn’t something you’re willing to try just yet, then applesauce can work as an egg replacement, too! Applesauce works well with muffin and bread recipes because it lacks the leavening effect of an egg.

INSTAEATS: A Sit-Down With @shelovesfoodnyc’s Emily Sundberg With over 128 million photos tagged as #food on Instagram, it seems like no meal is complete unless there is photographic evidence. To discuss the ins and outs of this unlikely trend, we sat down with Emily Sundberg, Advertising and Marketing Communications student and the girl behind the popular (12K followers and counting!) Instagram account @shelovesfoodnyc. Read on to learn more about the girl behind the iPhone.

JO EY O'BRI EN : Why did you start @shelovesfoodnyc?

E M ILY SU NDB ER G: Before I was obsessed with everything culinary, I was a photographer and found that when people couldn’t model for me, I would photograph food. Eventually I started posting those photos on my regular Instagram and realized people may get bored of all the food photos, so I made a separate account.

JO: Did you always intend to focus primarily on Instagram?

ES: Yes, because I think Instagram is a platform that is minimal and straightforward in its purpose. Captions are great, but the main focus is that two-by-two square that you are looking at.

JO: At what moment did you realize the account was gaining recognition?

ES: The Infatuation, the creator behind the hashtag #eeeeeats, posted a few of my photos, and websites like Food & Wine and Buzzfeed featured me in their articles.

Eventually people began emailing me asking for suggestions and then I realized the number of my followers wasn’t just a number, it was people actually engaging with me.

JO: And aside from the food looking delicious, the pictures are beautiful as well. Would you credit some of the success of @shelovesfoodnyc to your photography skills?

ES: Definitely—100 percent. That is the first thing people always say to me. It is important to learn how to use what you are paying for in your iPhone. Turn the flash off, though!

JO: Lastly, with social media constantly changing, where do you see @shelovesfoodnyc in five years?

ES: I have no idea where social media will be in five years. At some point I would like to monetize it. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, however I try to stay in the present and think change is essential. It’s important to meet new people, expose yourself to new ideas, and learn new skills.

CHEESE PLEA SE There is nothing like baked, cheesy pasta to receive countless likes on Instagram. “Cheesy food does well because it is something that people will not make for themselves,” Sundberg says. So next time you indulge in a delicious plate of mac ‘n’ cheese, don’t forget to snap a picture to see the likes flow in.

B A G E L M AV E N A staple of the New York diet, bagels are becoming increasingly popular on the ‘gram. A popular breakfast food, users often display their simple creations or decadent, multilayered piles of deliciousness. Sundberg finds even the most basic bagel to be a hit with followers.

N O T- S O - B A S I C PUMPKIN SPICE Save the sassy comments, because pumpkin spice is anything but basic. “It is important for people to eat what’s in season and pumpkin-flavored food is just that,” Sundberg says.

In fact, pumpkin spice is a flavor that is not offered everywhere, so rather than being a typical autumn enthusiast, you are a part of the exclusive club of pumpkin-spice lovers.

Seasonal Sadness: When It’s More Than the Winter Blues

By Brittany Burgos | Illustrated by Gemma Gibb

Although the fall and winter seasons are synonymous with joy and celebration for many, the transition into the colder months is a time of melancholy and mood swings for others. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs at the same time every year. It affects a large number of people, especially women and those that are far away from the equator. Most people who have SAD experience it during the switch from fall to winter, but some are also affected during the spring and early summer.

You may have SAD if you experience a period of depression that begins and ends at the same time every year. Symptoms of winter-onset SAD include fatigue, appetite changes and weight gain, increased sleep, irritability, hypersensitivity to rejection or criticism, heavy feeling in the arms or legs, difficulty concentrating, and withdrawal from family and friends.

Experts are still unsure of the specific cause of seasonal affective disorder, but they are aware of some catalysts for SAD. One such factor is the disruption of your biological clock: The reduced amount of sunlight in fall and winter upsets the body’s internal systems and may lead to a drop in serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood. Both of these bodily disruptions may trigger the feelings of depression that are a part of SAD. Another trigger for SAD is a change in melatonin levels. The body’s level of this hormone may be altered by the transition in season, which can interfere with your sleep patterns and mood.

Overall, SAD is a conglomerate of depression, anxiety, and agitation. It is more severe than a light case of the winter blues, and you shouldn’t try to tough it out on your own. Life is stressful enough for a college student; adding depression into the mix will undoubtedly lead to an immense amount of pressure that would be difficult for anybody to handle. The word “depression” is daunting, but it isn’t something to feel ashamed of.

If you have questions about whether you have SAD, it is important that you seek the help of mental health professionals to determine an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.

If you suffer with SAD, there are solutions to the depression symptoms. The main treatment is light therapy, which utilizes specific techniques to reset your biological clock.

Medicines and counseling may also help, but they are less common forms of treatment. If you have concerns or questions about SAD, feel free to contact the FIT Counseling Center at 212 217.4260, or visit the office in person in the David Dubinsky Student Center, Room A212B.

HOT CHOCOLATE Like You’ve Never

Seen It Before

By Samantha Ayala Photography by Daniel Marcella

With the cold front approaching, a cup of delicious hot chocolate can be the best kind of company. Always a winter staple, the classic hot chocolate has evolved into different iterations with all the bells and whistles. Here, our favorite recipes for hot chocolate—with a twist.

PEPP E R M IN T H O T CH OCOLATE INGREDIENTS: o 1/2 cup of milk o 1/4 cup heavy cream o 6 peppermint candies, crushed (about 4 teaspoons) o 5 oz. chopped milk chocolate

WH ITE HO T C HO C OLAT E

INGREDIENTS: o 4 cups of milk o 1 tsp. vanilla extract o 8 oz. white chocolate chips DIRECTIONS: o Combine milk, cream, and candies in a small o Whipped cream or marshmallows saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium DIRECTIONS: heat. o Stir milk, vanilla, and white chocolate o Whisk occasionally until candies dissolve chips in a medium sized saucepan. (about four minutes). o Cook over medium-low heat, stirring o Add chocolate and whisk until completely occasionally, until liquid comes to a melted and blended (about two minutes). simmer. o Instantly serve and enjoy. o Remove from heat and serve instantly; top with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired.

N U T E L L A H O T CH OCOLATE INGREDIENTS: o Nutella o 1 cup of milk o Cinnamon or whipped cream DIRECTIONS: o Pour 1/4 cup of milk into a saucepan and add two spoonfuls of Nutella (or more, more depending how sweet you would like it). Place on medium-low heat. o Whisk milk and Nutella together until blended. o Slowly pour rest of milk (3/4 cup) into saucepan. Stir until mixture is hot and bubbly. o Serve instantly and add any toppings as desired.

Want even more tips for crafting heavenly hot chocolate?

Head to blushmagfit.com for a bonus recipe—you can thank us later.

Healthy Steps for a Happier Year

By Nicole Druzhinsky | Illustrated by Gemma Gibb

Why is it that we can’t seem to stick to our health-related New Year’s resolutions? Perhaps it’s because of our all-or-nothing approach.

You attack your resolution head on come January 1, but the second you mess up, that’s it! So, instead of putting all your eggs in one basket, why not start implementing smaller, simpler steps for a happier, healthier 2015—right now? And, since emotional and mental health is the key to overall well being, we’ve rounded up easy ways to change your attitude—and your life.

• M E D I TAT E This time of year can be hectic and taking just a few minutes out of your day to sit down and focus on nothing but your breathing can sound bizarre, but can be totally helpful. For five minutes a day, close your eyes, sit down, and cross your legs with your back straight. Take a deep breath in and a deep breath out.

•SMILE It’s as simple as that. Try to smile at five strangers each day, even if it’s a small, half smile. If that’s too uncomfortable, then just smile in the mirror or when you’re alone to remind yourself that life isn’t so serious and that it’s meant to be enjoyed and lived fully.

•DON’T BE SO CRITICAL OF OTHERS You don’t know what they’re going through and they don’t know what you’re going through. Be more open-minded—accept others, accept yourself.

• “ H U G ” N E G AT I V E T H O U G H T S When a negative thought pops in your head such as “I’m ugly,” hug it with a positive thought. Think of the negative thought as one of your friends that needs a little cheering up and instead of scolding it for being in your mind, you consciously choose to observe it and soothe it with a positive thought about the same worry.

• T R E AT Y O U R S E L F L I K E Y O U W O U L D Y O U R B E S T FRIEND Would you tell your best friend that they are mean, gross, worthless, or terrible?

No, of course not. So why are you telling yourself that?

•ACCEPT COMPLIMENTS—DON’T BRUSH THEM OFF Say thank you and compliment the person back; that way, you both feel good.

Giving compliments to others is guaranteed to make the other person feel better and in turn, you’ll benefit from sending out positive vibes. It’s a win-win!

•COMPLIMENT YOURSELF! List what you like about yourself—you can make a great dinner, you really like your legs, you’ve got a passion for art, and you’re good at fixing computers.

Remind yourself of these attributes on a daily basis!

•BE PROUD OF YOURSELF! You’re the best you you could possibly be. And even if you’ve failed yesterday or today, that’s okay: You are trying.

•SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO BUILD YOU UP & CUT OUT PEOPLE WHO TEAR YOU DOWN If someone is hurting you or making you feel bad, you have every right to let them go.

• TA K E Y O U R T I M E & D O N ’ T F E E L B A D A B O U T FEELING BAD It’s healthy to be sad sometimes. You are doing your best.

The Girl Code to a Happier You

By Rebecca Aschen

It’s been said that, in life, it’s best to not take anything too seriously—taking things with a grain of salt can help almost anything, not just a bland entrée or a shot of tequila, go down a bit easier. So when you’re in a funk or down in the dumps, whether your dealing with a breakup, struggling in school, or stressed out at work, lift yourself up, have a good laugh, and celebrate yourself—because you deserve it!

And who better to give us some tips on celebrating yourself in good humor than some seriously sidesplitting stand-up comics? We caught up with Carly Aquilino, Alice Wetterlund, and Andrew Schulz of MTV’s Girl Code at Laugh FIT and got some pointers on ways to stay positive, pampered, and pumped up. Here’s what the cast had to say…

“WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE A FELLOW CAST MEMBER HAS EVER GIVEN YOU?’” ANDREW SCHULZ: “Damien Lemon once said, ‘Go where you are celebrated, not where you are tolerated.’”

It’s enough of a challenge trying to build up your confidence, without others tearing you down. With endless outlets for criticism in this day and age, surrounding yourself with people who truly root for you makes the task of celebrating yourself that much easier.

“THIS IS OUR CELEBRATION ISSUE— WHAT SORT OF THINGS DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO PAMPER AND CELEBRATE YOURSELF?” ANDREW SCHULZ: “Big fan of celebrating me. I like to sit on the couch and just watch the movies and television shows that I want to watch.”

CARLY AQUILINO: “Get a blowout. I love the scalp massage; I always fall asleep while they’re doing it. Oh, and watch Bridezillas with my dog.”

ALICE WETTERLUND: “Some cat-couch time.”

So in summation, invest in a Netflix subscription if you’re among the few humans left who haven’t already succumbed to the addiction, and treat yourself to a blowout; a good hair day changes everything (and not having to fumble around with the round brush and blow dryer is worth every penny).

“BEST ADVICE FOR COMING TO TERMS WITH BEING SINGLE?” ALICE WETTERLUND: “Realize that nobody else is ever going to make you happy. Ever. Being with someone is awesome, but the only way you’re going to be happy is if you have your own back.”

CARLY AQUILINO: “Go out with friends. Being single isn’t bad; you just have to be happy with yourself.”

It’s easy to get down in the dating dumps when your feeds are flooded with sickeningly sweet couple shots and relationship status updates. So, when you begin to slip into a singlehood slump, remind yourself that most relationships are fleeting and Instagram feeds are constantly refreshed, but you’ve always got your own back.

Celebrating Our Suc

By Ashley Laderer

It’s no secret that some of the best of the best in the fashion industry attended FIT, studying here before going on to make history within their field. So, in the spirit of our Celebration Issue, we’ve rounded up four of FIT’s most well-known grads, each of whom are more than worthy of the spotlight. If these alums are any indication, it looks like we’re all on the right track!

B R I A N AT W O O D

Sometimes people attend another school before realizing where they truly belong—FIT! This was the case for Brian Atwood who first enrolled at Southern Illinois University to study art and architecture prior to making the big move to NYC to study Fashion Design at FIT. According to this shoe designer, his love of fashion stemmed from his fixation with his mom’s clothes and accessories when he was just a child. After graduating from FIT, Atwood pursued a runway-modeling career for an impressive seven years. This took him to Europe, where he continued to make art and sketch shoes.

During his time in Milan, Atwood applied for multiple jobs at fashion houses and was finally hired by Gianni Versace, making history as the first American designer hired by Versace. There, he worked his way up to being the head designer of accessories, and by 2001 he had learned enough to launch his own label, Brian Atwood. The line quickly gained momentum, and he won a CFDA award in 2003. Since then, his shoes have continued to gain popularity. His statement heels are fun, daring, and sexy and have a herd of celebrity fans such as Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, and Selena Gomez.

MARISSA WEBB

Adopted from Korea and raised in America, Marissa Webb had a love of fashion from a young age, after being introduced to her mother’s fashion magazines. However, once she reached college age, she decided to enroll at Rutgers University to study psychology. But eventually, she decided to follow her original passion by transferring to FIT to study Fashion Design. Her first internship experience at Daryl K solidified her decision. While still a student, Webb also worked freelance for Polo Ralph Lauren.

Webb has worked at several other big-name companies since her time at FIT. She stayed at J. Crew for over 10 years, working her way up to become the head designer of women’s wear. However, she recently parted ways with the company in order to focus on her namesake label. This was a dream of Webb’s for many years, and her experience and hard work paid off in a big way—her collections have garnered rave reviews at New York Fashion Week. As for the latest news, Webb became the creative director for Banana Republic a few months ago and has been tasked with refreshing the retailer. She balances this job with her own line, and she urges aspiring designers to learn something new every day.

ccessful Alumni NINA GARCIA

After a childhood filled with international travel, Columbian fashionista Nina Garcia first attended Boston University to study liberal arts. She then went on to study fashion in Paris before ultimately ending up at FIT. Garcia’s résumé boasts an impressive list of positions, beginning in PR at Perry Ellis before moving into the world of fashion journalism as a market editor and assistant stylist at Mirabella. Next, she moved on to ELLE, where she climbed up the masthead and eventually became fashion director.

Her next gig was at Marie Claire, where she is currently creative director.

While still at ELLE, Garcia was asked to participate in a new television show, Project Runway, as a judge.

Though skeptical to enter the realm of television and fame, she eventually took a chance and accepted the offer. Project Runway premiered in 2004, and the show recently finished its 13th season. Additionally, she has authored four books about style.

Garcia impressively balances the TV show and her magazine position. According to Garcia, it’s a lot of work and long hours (as we can imagine) but it’s worth it because she loves both jobs so much.

REEM ACRA

Born and raised in Lebanon, Reem Acra fell in love with art after being introduced to it by her grandma, who made silk flowers by hand. The first college she attended was the American University of Beirut. While attending the university, Acra created a silk organza dress out of what was originally her mother’s tablecloth. She wore it to a party where the dress dazzled a fashion editor in attendance. The editor was so in love that Acra was offered a fashion show—10 days later! After this crazy series of events, she went on to attend FIT, and studied abroad at ESMOD, a French school of fashion.

After schooling, she experimented with interior design for a bit, but quickly returned to fashion after designing a bridal gown for a society wedding. She became known for using superior quality fabrics and creating beautiful, ornate details on the gowns. Soon, she was not only creating wedding dresses, but also gowns for socialites and celebrities. She has dressed some of the most glamorous women in Hollywood including Beyoncé and Angelina Jolie.

Today, her designs are sold in the most prestigious department stores, as well as her own Fifth Avenue flagship boutique. Acra serves as a shining example for aspiring Middle Eastern designers hoping to make it internationally.

BOOK REVIEW: Lena Dunham’s

Not That Kind of Girl

By Kimberly Larco

Lena Dunham, the critically-acclaimed creator, producer, and star of HBO’s Girls, reveals her own kind of tender-butbrutal honesty in Not That Kind of Girl, and in true Girls fashion keeps nothing a secret. From her nostalgic memories, including the awkward and clumsy firsts, to the many conversations she’s had with her therapist on “beaches, in speeding vehicles in western states, and crouched behind a dumpster,” she’s an open book.

For those who have not watched the show Girls, the story follows a close group of millennials living in New York City, wandering the no man’s land between college and adulthood. Dunham’s witty and excruciatingly humorous collection of personal essays, taking the shape of a memoir more than an advice novel, conveys the same candid tone of Girls that has the ability to speak for a generation of millennials. Like Hannah Horvath, Lena Dunham’s alter ego in Girls, Not That Kind of Girl unabashedly bares it all, for readers to see each and every imperfectly perfect curve.

The book is divided into five sections, “Love & Sex,” “Body,” “Friendship,” “Work,” and “Big Picture,” each illuminating Dunham’s memorable and life-altering experiences as enhanced by many whimsical illustrations by Joana Avillez. The book starts with a younger 20-year-old Dunham declaring “I hate myself. My hair, my face, the curve of my stomach.” But in this highly self-conscious state, Dunham uncovers Having It All by Helen Gurley Brown hidden in a thrift shop and purchases the advice book, which came to serve as an inspiration for her own novel. In the process of advising others through her own blunders, Dunham uncovers that as a little girl she “had been obnoxiously self-aware, irritatingly smug, prone to reading the dictionary ‘for fun’ and making pronouncements like, ‘Papa, nobody my age enjoys real literature.’” She grew up befriending the adults in her life, and avoiding her classmates. When she was 9, she wrote a vow

of celibacy on a piece of paper and ate it because of Angela Chase’s disappointing and disastrous first time.

Not That Kind of Girl can be relatable for any woman no matter her age or current phase in life. Personally, as a college student studying in New York City, I found many chapters relevant for myself and to the millennial generation. Some personal favorite chapters include “10 Reasons I <3 NY” (“Because everything is everyone’s business, but every story starts with ‘There I was, minding my own business…’”) and “Little Leather Gloves,” in which post-college Dunham quits her restaurant job and wastes time with her rediscovered childhood friends.

In one particular chapter, “Is This Even Real?,” Dunham takes a more serious tone to ponder the existential question of mortality, coming to the realization that in order to accomplish everything she desired in life, she “can never spend a whole afternoon watching a Singled Out marathon again.” We learn from Dunham that life happens and one must merely accept all the quirks and turn those quirks into comical stories worth telling for years to come.

THREE OTHER LITERARY PICKS TO CURL UP WITH ON COLD WINTER NIGHTS Just Kids by Patti Smith This memoir, artfully written by the talented Patti Smith, captures her turbulent life pursuing artistic endeavors in the Chelsea Hotel and her complicated, fickle relationship with her friend and lover Robert Mapplethorpe.

Women in Clothes, edited by Sheila Heti, Heidi Julavits, and Leanne Shapton The editors visited FIT this fall to discuss their new book, a colloquy between hundreds of women revealed through photographs and shared stories about clothing and how fashion affects them on a daily basis.

Rookie Yearbook Three, edited by Tavi Gevinson Tavi Gevinson, the founder of Rookiemag.com, has edited another truly visually pleasing and thought-provoking journal of articles, interviews, photo editorials, illustrations, and other content from Lorde, Dakota and Elle Fanning, Sia, and so many more.

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