August issue

District

Issue No. 12

Global Feminism Female Power

The Woman Issue

Suffrage: 85 Years Ago

+ Solo Travel Tips

Hoda of JooJoo Azad

YOUR Right TO A BEAUTIFUL LIFE

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District ISSUE NO. 12

Published August 4, 2015.

All views in the magazine are individual and do not show the views of everyone involved in the production of this magazine. All stories are opinion and no stories were sponsored by brands unless otherwise stated.

All images not contributed from the writers, have been credited on pages 66-67 to their rightful owner, by including the web address at which they were found.

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Happy

August!

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Editor’s Letter

The definition of feminism by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s is everywhere due to Beyonce’s ***Flawless. I love that song and the TED talk Adichie did about feminism. It strikes a cord in me, makes me want to question why we are not still all equal.

District is a magazine written mainly by women for women, so what better to represent us every year, than an issue entitled: “The Woman Issue” where we speak our mind out against what is happening in the world to our gender.

Our cover girl is a self-proclaimed headscarf wearing, Muslim, Iranian feminist. If that doesn’t say “woman” I don’t know what does. She explains her definition of feminism, what she thinks of patriarchy, and gives us her opinion on headscarves {hint: it might not be what you are expecting}.

We have a ton of contributor’s this month sharing their views on feminism through things like travel, the 2016 presidential election, and so much more. All of them are women sharing their views which is what District is all about.

As a bonus, the back of the issue contains an additional, miniature issue, all about college. Whether it be your first semester or your last, we have tips for getting on campus this Fall.

As always, remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and that District is “your right to a beautiful life.”

Keep It Beautiful,

Hayden Pigott

Editor-In-Chief 4

Insta: @hayden213 Tweet Me! @haydenpigott

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CONTRIBUTORS

Hayden Pigott Editor-In-Chief Haute Table

Pacelli Iglesias Assistant Editor

Kenzie Negron Sincerely Kenz

Rhiannon Manzi Peace & Blessings

Shelby Schneid Glitter ‘n Goals

Natasha Amar The Boho Chica

Torie Jochims Call it Adventure

Madison Cuthbertson From Madison

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Rachael Swerdon Cheats & Eats

Emma Clayton Dash of Serendipity

CONTRIBUTORS

Sonia Wade Facebook Manager Here Comes The Sun

Tatum Murray The Pace

Victoria Norris Memphis Made

District Is Looking For Writers Email districtmagazinesoc@gmail.com

for more information.

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CONTENTS Our Woman Issue captures feminism in all different forms & our College Edition preps you for your studies.

Pg. 16 District Chart | The Many Colors of Michelle Obama

12 THINGS

Pg. 12 Culture Shock | Check out the latest in books, music and movies coming out this August.

Pg. 18 Madame President | The female 2016 presidential candidates

Pg. 42 Female Empowerment | Discussing being a strong woman in modern society

From the Cover 8 Photo: Alex Jung

Pg. 20 Breaking Through Society’s Roadblocks | Being yourself

Pg. 44 Presidential Hopefuls | Taking a look at the 2016 presidential candidates & where they stand on women.

Pg. 47 Global Feminism | Discussing how difficult it can be when traveling abroad solo as a woman

Pg. 56 Getting Back At It | How to get back into the swing of things this Fall semester

Pg. 58 The Best Years of Your Life | Partner or no partner, make college fun

Pg. 60 Bright Wall Decor | Turn your dorm drab room walls into art

Pg. 62 The Perfect Interview | The 10 best ways to prepare for an interview as told by Shelby of Glitter ‘n Goals.

Pg. 48 Good Food Good Places | Another installment with Rachael’s picks from Dublin, Austin, Paris & more.

Obsessions Pg. 64 Get Organized | Sonia’s take on getting back on campus

Pg. 54 Ivy Style | Preppy style ideas for the Fall semester

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August Monday

Sunday

National Ice2 National 3 Cream Watermelon Sandwich Day Day President Nixon Resigned

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10 S’mores Day

T.E. 16 Lawrence’s Birthday al on i t a n ’n s N entio e v om Con W 1st ights R

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flew es t r t rha Sta a E d lia nite e Am oss U r ac

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Tuesday Wednesday

Barrack 4 Obama’s Birthday

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11 Cara 12 Viola Delevingne’s Davis’ Birthday Birthday 19th 18 Amendment Ratified

Coco 19 Chanel’s Birthday

25 National Park Service Established

26 Women’s Equality Day

Planner

Thursday

Friday

1st Atomic 6 Bomb Dropped

Charlize 7 Theron’s Birthday

13 Lucy Stone’s Birthday

National14 Creamsicle Day

Julia 15 Child’s Birthday

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Anne 22 Frank’s Birthday

Mother 27 Teresa’s Birthday

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Shania Twain’s Birthday

Saturday Anne 1 Frank’s Last Diary Entry 8

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Culture Music

Gardens & Villa // Music for Dogs // This album is deeply personal that pokes and prods the zeitgeist of music commerce, pleasure culture, technological advances and the new home the couple has found in Los Angeles {Heather Elizabeth, mxdwn.com}. “Fixations” has already been 12 released.

Shock

Grace Potter // Midnight // Potter says that everything about this record has been a wild, wonderful odyssey. She is exploring new sounds and this time around she learned to be patient and allow each song to boil down to it’s most universal form. The album will feature“Alive Tonight” which debuted earlier.

Beach House // Depression Cherry // The fifth album

by American dream pop band Beach House is a return to the simpler style of dream pop from their first two albums. The songs are structured around a melody and a few instruments; live drums are playing a lesser role. They are continuing to let themselves evolve by fully ignoring the commercial context.

Film

The Man From U.N.C.L.E. // In the early 1960s, CIA & KGB operatives participate in a joint mission against a mysterious criminal organization working on nuclear weapons.

Literature

Longing For Paris // A finding-yourself book about a woman who wants to choose a life that is filled with beauty, adventure, and deep joy without upending her life.

She’s Funny That Way // The interconnected personal lives of the cast and crew of a Broadway production, in this film about being in love, affairs, and so much more. Comedy abounds in this film.

Learning to Drive // When a marriage dissolves, a Manhattan writer takes driving lessons from a Sikh instructor with marriage troubles as well. They find the courage to get back on the road.

Malice at the Palace // A mystery involving a haunted Kensington Palace, the Queen of England, a royal wedding, and of course Georgiana’s beau Darcy turns up.

Brown Eyed Girl // Avery, a wedding planner, is forced to put everything on the line and risking her well guarded heart 13 when a southern man walks in.

12 Things You Didn’t Know About...

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he 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution is not something we probably think about on a daily basis.

However, since we think most of our readers are women, and this is the Woman Issue, we have compiled some fascinating facts about the amendment that gave us the right to vote in all elections and that led to our rights in so many other arenas. The 19th amendment opened doorways that had been shut by men for years, check them out:

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At the Convention, the “Declaration of Sentiments” was created, modeled after the “Declaration of Independence.”

On the eve of President Wilson’s inauguration, protesters thronged a massive suffrage parade.

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In 1918, President Wilson switched sides and spoke in favor of giving women the right to vote, when he spoke in Congress he said it was “...vitally essential to the successful prosecution of the great war of humanity in which we are engaged.”

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Two weeks later, the Senate passed the 19th amendment by 56-25. Then it was sent to the states for ratification.

Compiled by, Hayden of Haute Table

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It was not until 1848 that the movement for women’s rights launched on a national level, in Seneca Falls, New York.

The first convention was organized

by Elizabeth Cady Stanton & Lucretia Mott.

Originally married women couldn’t own property and had no legal claim to any money they might earn.

Wyoming as the first state to grant voting rights to women.

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Between 1910 and 1918, the Alaska Territory, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota had all extended voting rights to women.

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In 1913, Alice Paul founded the Congressional Union for Woman Suffrage which staged numerous demonstrations & picketed the White House.

On May 21, 1919, US Rep. Mann proposed a House resolution to approve women’s right to vote.

The measure passed the house 304-89.

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Tennessee came to a 48-48 tie & Harry T. Burn was the last to vote. He opposed the amendment, but his mother reportedly wrote to him: “Don’t forget to be a good boy and help Mrs. Catt but the rat in ratification.” With his vote, the 19th Amendment was ratified.

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District chart

Rainbow First 16

Lady

We perused the president’s wife’s wardrobe progression through the color wheel to discover her favorite shades.

Created by, Hayden of Haute Table 17

Madame

By, Sonia of Here Comes The Sun

President

Discussing how unbelievable it has been and who is running this year

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ince World War II, 99 women have led countries around the globe. Each of the six inhabited continents have had countries that were led by women. From Australia to Argentina, Norway to South Africa, women have been making a mark on the world as leaders of countries. Olivia Pope, Alicia Florrick, and Claire Underwood along with countless others have been representing women in politics through pop culture. Since 1964, nine women have run for President of the United States.

In 2016, two women, a republican and a democrat, are running for President and in 2015, for the first time, a poll done by Gallup show that over 90% of the US population doesn’t care about 18 the gender of our future

impact of a female

president. This is a major stride for the Feminist movement; however what will be the

president? Honestly, I don’t believe there is a right answer.

One notable disputing opinion is former female CEO Cheryl Rios of Go Ape Marketing, who was quoted as saying a woman “shouldn’t be president” because of “different hormones” and “biblical sound reasoning.”

Let’s just say the public didn’t take that very well. Hormones are one issue that many people are concerned about affecting the success of a woman in the executive office. If other countries can deal with it, who’s to say we

can’t? And in regards to “biblical sound reasoning”, we have separation of church and state for a reason, so this shouldn’t really even be a valid argument.

A consideration of the Smithsonian is what will happen when a woman isn’t the homemaker of the White House. What will be the role of the husband of the first female president? The Smithsonian has an exhibit in the Smithsonian Museum of American History dedicated to the First Ladies showcasing outfits they wore to their respective husband’s inauguration ball next to their tableware and a list of notable causes that each first lady represented and supported. Will the Madame President pick out china patterns or will her husband do that while she negotiates trade deals with China?

A few examples of successful woman few examples of successful women as leaders include Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany who significantly helped her country with energy development and reducing unemployment, and Pratibha

Patil, President of India, who opened countless schools for the poor of India.

Hillary Clinton, Democrat, is running for President in 2016.

As someone who has already been in the White House, she may have an upper hand gaining support of people who supported her husband.

Carly Fiorina, Republican, is running for President in 2016. As the first female CEO of a Fortune 50 Company, she may have the background to lead the country from an economical standpoint.

Regardless of whether or not a woman is elected president or even given the support of an entire political party, it is important for the United States to remember not to take gender into consideration.

Anything thing a man can do, a woman can do as well.

Who is your candidate?

Tweet us @District_Mag & we’ll create a poll for our readers!

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By, Torie of Call it Adventure

Breaking Through Society’s Being comfortable in Roadblocks your own skin

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hen it comes to being a woman today, “it’s hard out there” is the phrase that most readily comes to mind. Every day we combat a host of obstacles coming at us from so many different, often pretty horrifying angles. We battle unrealistic body image, unfair professional expectations and compensation, and a culture that promotes aggression in men to the point of excessive domestic violence, and sadly, in some instances, fatal outbursts in the face of rejection.

We are constantly fighting a veritable war against insecurity while living in a world that does everything possible to bring our insecurities to the surface at every turn.

The odds are stacked against us, ladies, but here’s what I have to say. Screw the odds.

We can kick insecurity to the curb, we can cultivate a positive self-view AND promote a community that supports one another instead of ripping us apart at the seams.

Building a solid foundation for this “I am Woman, hear me roar” world isn’t an easy task. We are so often shown a path to “success” by society that they feel earns them a pat on the back. They gave us an opportunity after all, we should be grateful. But as soon as we start down this path, we quickly discover it is absolutely riddled with red tape. Getting through all that and creating your own rules takes some time, but it all starts with this knowledge. You are worthy. You 20 are!

I know advertising has spent decades marketing products to make you “look and

feel better,” but here’s the deal. You don’t NEED to look or feel better - you are worthy of what you want and what you feel is right exactly as you are right now.

A swipe of mascara and a bold lip can be a heck of a good time, but they are not going to make the difference between whether or not you land your dream job. If you’re painting your face every day because you feel like it’s what you have to do to compensate for your insecurities, I hate to break it to you but it’s not going to work.

The foundation for breaking through society’s roadblocks starts with this: self-acceptance. A lofty concept, I know.

Sit with yourself and be okay with exactly who you are. Not who society tells you who are or should be, but who you really are. Write a positive affirmation and recite it in the mirror every day as you look into your own eyes (this step is very important). Tell yourself over and over and over again that you are worthy - then treat yourself like you mean it.

There are countless articles out there telling us that if we are confident, if we respect ourselves, we will be respected.

This is true - kind of. But it’s not about earning someone else’s respect. The truth of society as it stands now is this: no matter how hard you work, how good you are, and how creative you get, some people will not respect you. The secret key to breaking through the self-loathing that often comes with that realization is respecting yourself enough to not give a damn. You don’t need everyone’s respect to be a decent human contributing awesome things to this world. In fact, if you’re doing it right, chances are you’re going to have an enemy or two. Embrace that. It means you believed in you enough to stand your ground.

Women are taught to be docile and gentle and generally agreeable. We are programmed to

want everyone to like us, and when we direct our lives by that compass, we strip ourselves of the ability to ruffle feathers and shake this world up.

When it comes to our personal lives, the double standards only get worse. A couple months ago in Iowa, a young woman was shot and killed at a mall by a security guard she used to work with.

This woman quit her job after filing numerous complaints against the security guard for unwanted sexual advances. His reaction to rejection? Kill her. Is this an extreme example? Yes, but sadly it’s becoming more and more common.

Breaking through this particular roadblock is a little tricky, and we can’t keep ALL the dangers away without the help of others creating a systemic change, but there are a few things we can do.

First and foremost, be safe. If you feel at any point in an encounter with a man, friend or otherwise, that behavior has crossed an aggression line, if your intuition kicks the alarm on in your mind and your stomach does that uncomfortable twist-and-turn, don’t tackle it alone. Call the authorities and recruit some back up.

But here’s the thing. We aren’t required to reciprocate just because someone is interested in us. Everyone goes through it at one point or another. We have feelings for someone who doesn’t have feelings back or someone has feelings for us and we really aren’t feeling it. This isn’t wrong, or unacceptable - it’s just humanity. We are complex creatures with complex emotional systems. The stars don’t always align. It is absolutely okay if you’re not into someone who is showing you they are interested.

Basic human decency asks that we let them down easy, but let them down clearly. But if they don’t respect what you have made clear to them, it’s time to bring in reinforcements. Don’t waste a lot of time trying to reason with someone who refuses to see the truth you’ve presented to them, and definitely be cautious in dealing with someone who feels you owe them something just because they chose to be interested in you. Women of the world, you are allowed to just want to be friends with a

man. Your being nice doesn’t indicate romantic or sexual interest, and you do NOT have to defend that at every juncture in your friendship. Stand strong in that knowledge.

In the end, a few principles will help you overcome society’s obstacles and find a place of selflove, self-respect, and self-acceptance to use as your guiding compass.

You deserve the chance to live the professional life you want to live, regardless of whether or not it has been a female-dominated field up to this point. You also deserve equal opportunity to be successful in your career, regardless of how many females have been successful in that field before.

You deserve to be respected in the personal life you lead. If you want to be single, never want to get married, want to have 5 children and be a stay at home mom, want to date multiple people at once, or want to be committed to a single partner - what is right for you is right for you.

Ignore the double standards and walk to the sweet, unique rhythm in your heart.

You deserve to stand tall in the knowledge that you do not fit an unrealistic mold of society’s choosing. You do not have to be equal parts naughty and nice, you do not have to aspire to supermodel proportions. You do not have to constantly be “dieting” or “taking an aerobics class”.

You can focus on your health for reasons that have nothing to do with looking good for anyone else.

You can eat delicious doughnuts without feeling guilty about the pounds you might add on. You can be comfortable in your own skin. You can choose to apply makeup every day because it is an artistic expression for you, or you can never put a drop on in your life. You do not owe it to anyone to be “made up” before heading out on the town.

You are beautiful, awesome, and a boss babe.

Own that; know it, and walk the really freaking beautiful path that comes with that knowledge.

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Solo Travel:

By, Natasha of The Boho Chica

What’s All The Fuss About?

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ou need to take a solo trip at least once in your life.” If you’ve heard this line before and rolled your eyes wondering what on earth is this big life secret that you’re missing out on by never having traveled solo, I’m not surprised. The popularity of Facebook and Instagram celebrities has glamorized solo travel to the point that it looks like endless days of bright sunshine and sparkly rainbows. Bare bronzed backs against whitewashed, blue-roofed Santorini. Perfectly manicured hands picking tulips in Holland. How could anyone be blamed for thinking it’s all overrated?

But is it?

The reality of solo travel is miles away from the ideas we consume on pretty social media feeds but it’s this very difference that makes it so rewarding.

Missed flights, getting lost, language barriers, culture shock, traveler’s diarrhea, being stuck in a freak storm, and hating the local food are as much a part of solo travel as running through tulip fields with the wind in your hair and taking selfies on white sand beaches. On the road, away from the people, places, and situations that define your comfort zone, not only do you get to befriend the world but you also learn what you are really all about. It’s no surprise that most people return from a solo trip with a grounded sense of confidence and a better understanding of themselves.

Meet Humility, Your New Best Friend // Halfway across the world, when you’re on your own teaching 22 English in Korea, hiking in Nepal, bungee-jumping off a cliff in New

Zealand, trying to get directions in Sofia, or learning how to make Thai curry in Chiang Mai, the baggage of your past won’t matter and you’ll no longer be able to rest on past laurels. You’ll find your sense of self-importance slowly fading away and you’ll realize that the journey isn’t about you, it’s about the things that it brings you to.

You’ll learn to observe and understand foreign cultures; to fold your hands in greeting instead of reaching out for a handshake, to drink tea five times a day, and to put away your camera at a religious ceremony.

You’ll find that covering up is not so much about oppression as it is about embracing a culture that’s so different from your own but one that deserves just as much respect.

More than once, you’ll have your mind blown by the kindness of strangers and the sublimity of vistas. You’ll truly value and cherish it because you’ll go through a long journey that demands courage and perseverance. Through all of it, you’ll realize that the world is a warm, welcoming place that wasn’t meant to be your playground or anyone else’s.

Learn to Accept Yourself // We’re constantly burdened by expectations and this affects how we perceive ourselves and evaluate the things that are essential for our happiness. Solitary journeys take away as much of that pressure as we let them, allowing a rare opportunity for introspection away from the distractions of comfortable lives.

Planning, organizing and living your own adventures forces you to spend time with that one person you may have not realized you’ve been

avoiding - yourself. With nothing but your own judgment and intuition to navigate through the situations that travel brings, you’ll identify what you truly care about.

You might realize that a big fat paycheck doesn’t motivate you as much as the exciting prospect of learning a new language or maybe you prefer living in a rustic country cottage rather than a swanky city apartment. The good news is your dreams won’t seem as crazy when you’re traveling because you’ll meet people living these kinds of lives. You won’t hear ‘you can’t’ as much and even when you do, you’ll know from experience that it isn’t true.

You’ll learn that there isn’t a one-sizefits-all when it comes to the ideal life. The world was made for everybody including the clumsy ones, introverts, hipsters, and intellectuals. Once you’ve embarked on a long solo trip and allowed it to change you, it’s easier to strip off the labels and expectations, and believe that you can live your life exactly how you want. It’s okay to make mistakes along the way and backtrack a little but you always have a choice.

Regain Focus & Clarity // It’s amazing what we’re able to achieve once we’re truly focused on what’s important.

Clarity comes from self-acceptance and from finally being able to listen to your inner voice. When you spend extended periods of time by yourself, in an environment that can be as exciting and challenging as a solo journey, you learn how to do this without the urge to call that voice unreasonable.

Before we begin the mad race to chase after goals, it’s important to recognize if they’re right for us. Your Finance degree doesn’t necessarily mean that your life should be spent crafting spreadsheets.

Travel isn’t the only way to regain your focus and find out what’s important to you but it’s a great way to do that if you’re feeling stuck in your present

situation.

Think you care about the environment, development, bartending, or fashion enough to make a career out of it? Take a solo trip and see if you still care about it when you’re in the middle of your adventure. It’s like the ultimate test where travel presents you with a tempting smorgasbord of possibilities and you know what you really want when you make your choices. At the end of a threemonth long volunteering stint in South America, you might realize that you’re better suited to a career in teaching than in sales. Or maybe you’ll realize that you were more in love with the idea of teaching than by the work itself. A solo trip helps you clear your head and find out what inspires you. That’s the first step towards designing a life that’s right for you.

Solo travel isn’t some magic spell that will solve your problems or answer your doubts.

Once you’ve bought that plane ticket and set foot on foreign land, you’ll still have to constantly work at putting yourself out there, overcoming your fears, thinking fast, being street smart and taking risks. Life changing experiences won’t come to you; you’ll have to hike, bike, swim, and dance your way towards them. Once you return, you’ll be surrounded by the same situations, responsibilities and expectations as when you left. What will have changed though is your attitude towards them. And that is why you do need to travel solo, at least once in your life.

Natasha Amar is a Dubai based travel blogger and freelance writer exploring the world in cultures, cuisines and hiking trails.

Follow her love of travel and storytelling to the far corners of the earth on TheBohoChica.com, on Insta23 gram: @TheBohoChica & Facebook.com/ TheBohoChica.

Free Bird Self proclaimed Muslim, Iranian, Headscarf Wearing Feminist, Hoda Katebi has been blogging since 2013 after seeing a tragic death in the news. JooJoo Azad {“Free Bird” in Farsi} was created to explore fashion and social action through alternative dressing and a more conscious and ethical lifestyle. District caught up with Hoda in the midst of working on her Iranian Streetstyles book.

We talked thesis’, Iran, feminism, Alexander Wang, and so much more.

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Check out Hoda on: Twitter:@hodakatebi Instagram: @hodakatebi Facebook: JooJooAzad And always at: www.joojooazad.com

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Photo: Youssef Harzey

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Photo: Youssef Harzey

What is JooJoo Azad all about?

JooJoo Azad (which means “Free Bird” in Farsi) is a fashion and social action blog that serves as a resource for information and inspiration for alternative dressing, a more conscious and ethical lifestyle and wardrobe, and clearing misconceptions about Iran and Islam. This site is the visual integration of fashion, ethics, and culture.

How did you get started blogging?

June 2013 a pregnant, 21-year old Muslim woman in Paris was attacked for wearing a headscarf and lost her baby due to a miscarriage. From all of the hate that I personally experienced or have heard or seen, this story in particular struck a string deep within my core. I could no longer play the bystander role and powerlessly watch as ignorance manifested into hate crimes around the world. I had to do something—anything. I started JooJoo Azad in August 2013 as a space where I can take my voice and identity as an Iranian-Muslim woman into my own hands rather than let the media define and perpetuate a false representation of who I am.

Where would you like to see your blog go in the future?

Blogging full-time is definitely in the back of my mind (shh, don’t tell my parents!), but just as long as I can continue to have this little corner of the internet as creative, productive, and meaningful space, I don’t plan on leaving!

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Are you working on any exciting projects?

Not in particular. At this point in my life, I’m much more focused on juggling a job, an internship, schoolwork, extracurriculars, and personal life.

What is your favorite place to travel {in America}?

Yes! I’m currently in Iran taking streetstyle photography (I’m supposedly researching for my B.A. thesis or something) for an upcoming book I’m hoping to publish in a month or two! I’m really excited to share alternative representation of Iran that not many people outside Iran have had the privilege of seeing! (I’ll be announcing the pre-sale on my Instagram and blog, so keep your eyes peeled!)

Where in the world would you love to do a fashion photoshoot?

I want to go to the city Esfahan, Iran (reportedly the most beautiful city in the world) (Google it and you’ll understand!) but unfortunately this time around I won’t have time to go.

What is your favorite fashion brand?

I don’t have a favorite but I’m a fan of any philanthropic brand that can successfully integrate ethics with aesthetics.

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Photo: Felton Kizer

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Photo: Alex Jung

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Photo: Youssef Harzey

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What are you most excited about for the late summer/ early Fall?

Seeing my family and friends again when I return to the USA!

What is your favorite place to travel in the world?

Of course I love traveling to the motherland (Iran), but I really would love to visit South America! (In particular Venezuela or Brazil!)

If you could have dinner with any fashion designer who would it be?

Ouf. Alexander Wang.

If you could only choose one outfit to wear for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Patterned pants + a graphic (slightly cropped) sweatshirt + white buttonup blouse underneath + black cutout ankle boots + a minimalist black square vegan leather backpack + a matching headscarf. I’m also a big fan of patterned bomber jackets.

How would you define your style?

Photo: Alex Jung

A back-and-forth between hyper pattern clashing (on the blog we tastefully call it “unicorn throw-up”) and minimalism. I love playing with shapes and colors and I’m pretty heavily inspired by pop art, my Persian roots, my current environment, menswear, and minimalist 33 architecture.

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Photo: Youssef Harzey

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What are you most excited about in the month of August?

I’m going to ask my aunt to teach me how to make saffron ice cream. (Also all the exciting projects I’m working on in collaboration with Iranian fashion designers and photographers!)

What is your basic definition of feminism?

Feminism is this really mind-blowing concept that argues that women and men should be treated equally.

Contrary to popular belief, we feminists are not men-haters, do not think that the patriarchy should be replaced with the matriarchy, nor do we only drink male tears. We drink water on occasion, too.

What is your opinion of the concept of patriarchy?

I honestly believe that the patriarchy is at the root of most, if not all, problems within society. It is one of the oldest institutions of humankind that precedes capitalism, feudalism, and slavery. Inherent in the patriarchy is the concept that one group of humans is a lesser, sub-human species, essentially inviting a social division of exploitation and domination that has infiltrated various social, economic, and political structures.

Colonialism, imperialism, slavery, modern capitalism, homophobia, various women’s eating disorders, etc are all legacies of the patriarchy. And feminism—true feminism—is the 37 movement against this.

Photo: Alex Jung

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Photo: Alex Jung

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Photo: Hoda Katebi

Photo: Alex Jung Photo: Alex Jung

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Photo: Alex Jung

Photo: Alex Jung

Can you explain the headscarf?

For me and for millions of other headscarf-wearing women, the Hijab is a tool of emancipation against society’s objectification, sexualization, and dehumanization of women around the world. By wearing the Hijab (which includes not only a headscarf but modest clothing in general), we are able to liberate ourselves from the rubric of beauty that has normalized and perpetuated eating disorders and an obsession with external figures and features. By covering our skin we are shifting the focus and dialogue that the media has placed on our bodies to where we want the focus to be—on our intelligence, wit, and character. Contrary to what the media makes us out to be, we women are more than just (beautiful) meat. Of course, I’m in no way saying that wearing a headscarf and dressing modestly automatically frees you from society’s conception of beauty, nor that everyone who wears the headscarf has achieved this, but that is the purpose and intention behind why I, and millions of others, do.

So yes, I am Muslim. I wear the Hijab. I am a feminist. I only drink male tears on occasion. And no, I don’t need your help.

How can we all be more like Hoda?

Hoda’s Mind

Instagram or Twitter?

Favorite thing to bake?

Instagram!

Dark Chocolate Coconut Macaroons Fall!

Fall or summer?

I collect...

Poetry!

Favorite City?

Berlin!

Bloom of choice?

Anything wild & hand-picked!

Style icon?

Emma Watson

I want...

to never need sleep!

The gold bird necklace I always wear.

Most prized possession?

Favorite accessory?

Nail polish color?

Scarves! {hehe} None!

The New Jim Question the media, the status quo, and Currently reading? Crow by Michelle comfort; fuel yourself by reading ancient Alexander Persian poetry; and eat a lot of pomegranates.

A Girl Walks Home

Anything else you would like to add?

I’m starting pre-sales for my Iranian Streetstyle book next month so if you’d like to support my work I’d love for you to follow along on my blog/mailing list/Instagram!

Favorite movie?

Alone At Night (An Iranian feminist vampire movie— what could be better!?)

41

By, Rhiannon of Peace & Blessings

Female Empowerment

Discussing being a strong woman in a modern context.

** “Being a woman” = Embracing the feminine gender. This article is geared towards any person who identifies as a woman, or who feels that the feminine gender speaks to them. I realize there are multiple genders aside from female and male, and gender is completely different from biological sex. **

B

eing a woman is not something I would damn as a bad thing. I don’t feel like the lesser gender, or that I lack the upper hand when it comes to life. My gender is something I embrace in very superficial ways (sue me for liking shoes I guess).

My closet overflows with fancy dresses, bright colored sandals, and my jewelry collection cascades down my bathroom wall. My femininity projects into my personality as well - I cry like a girl, laugh like a girl, move like a girl, and talk like a girl because I am a girl. That’s not an insult, and I don’t think embracing my gender is bad.

Being a woman is empowering, fun, sexy, and a positive thing.

It’s about time we, as women, start looking at it that way.

Somewhere in the mixture of generations we have created this stigma that being a girl is a bad thing. Whether this was created by men or women, I’ll never know, but I think it’s fueled by our own gender.

We slut shame like it’s our job and we judge 42 other women as if they are a

completely different species. Putting down our gender is second nature to women, and that gives us a caddy and shady impression. What’s the point of this? When did someone else’s promiscuity, or lack thereof, become something that you felt inclined to discuss? We hate when our personal business becomes the weekly topic for gossip, but continue to do it ourselves. Instead of worrying about what the next woman is wearing or doing or who she is seeing, take that time to focus on how you can bring her, and yourself, up as a woman. We cant expect society to treat us with respect if we can’t treat each other with respect.

Now, if we can get past how we internally treat our gender, lets start figuring out how to be strong on the exterior. I came across a commercial as I was scrolling through Facebook one night that caught me eye. I think it was titled something along the lines of “Don’t Say Sorry”.

The video flashed between scenes of women apologizing for things that absolutely did NOT need an apology. Saying sorry for voicing your

opinion isn’t necessary, and I think that’s worth discussing. I’m not promoting rude behavior and I don’t feel like women should throw away polite traits and courtesy, but simply changing the way we word things can make us stronger and more empowered. I have 9 trillion opinions about topics, and I’m not going to apologize for how I see the world or what I do.

Being able to walk with pride in my values and opinions is important to me, and too often I feel like I have to apologize for things that a man wouldn’t apologize for.

How did our gender become so scared of opinions and voices?

What can we do to feel more empowered and comfortable with our own thoughts? There are so many things we are capable of doing - playing sports, changing the world, running a company, and raising a family - why are we so afraid of doing these things?

Society pushes women to be prim and proper, always in control, generous and kind, and to respect others along with themselves. When I was young I was taught that self respect was shown through what you wore and how you acted. If I had on a low cut shirt or a tight skirt, I could feel the stinging looks from people disapproving.

I was asked “don’t you have respect for your body?”. I didn’t feel the connection between my wardrobe choices and how much respect I have for myself. I struggled for a long time, wondering why I was perceived as having no respect for myself because of what I chose to wear. Now that I am older, and possibly more wiser, I’ve been able to create my own values and definitions of things like self respect. Today, I don’t associate my outer appearance with self respect. Self respect is not measured by the way you dress or sexual activity. Self respect is

being happy with who you are and being brave enough to live a completely happy life the way you want.

Now, maybe this post sounds like I’m some man-hating feminist, but I promise you I don’t hate the male population. Some of them are really awesome friends or boyfriends or fathers or brothers.

This isn’t about pushing feminism or condemning other genders.

It’s about inspiring young women to stand tall and be a catalyst for change in the world. Women are inspiring individuals, and I want to see my sisters being the best they can be.

*****

Eight Ways to be a strong woman: 1. Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes, 2. Educate yourself everyday - never get tired of learning new things.

3. Find your own personal style, that makes you feel beautiful.

4. Surround yourself with other women and men who support your hopes and dreams.

5. Recognize how strong you are, and let it be known.

6. Be an advocate for your fellow sisters - aka play nice!

7. Work on being happy with yourself instead of fitting in with society.

8. If something isn’t making you happy, get rid of it.

43

By, Victoria of Memphis Made

Presidential Hopefuls

E

lection season is quickly approaching.

In many opinions, it has been in full swing for quite some time. As 2016 draws closer and closer every day, it is easy to become confused as to the who’s who of presidential candidates. Here is a quick run-down of each Republican and Democratic candidate and his or her views on various women’s issues.

REPUBLICAN PARTY

With 16 announced GOP candidates and more announcing each week, it’s confusing to keep up with who’s who.

JEB BUSH – Hailing from a family of politicians who have had their fair share of turns in the White House, Bush is one of the more prominent Republican candidates, 3. He opposes abortion and stands against government funding for contraceptives, 1.

BEN CARSON

– A former neurosurgeon

from Florida, Carson has strong support from local citizens as well as strong anti-Obama citizens, 3.

Carson is a strong opponent of abortion as well as government funding for contraceptives, 1.

CHRIS CHRISTIE – The former New Jersey governor, who still feels the bridge scandal lurking behind him, is anti-abortion, against funding for contraception, and is also opposed to government sponsored family 44 planning organizations, 1.

TED CRUZ – The Texas

Who they are and where they stand on women’s issues

senator appeals to the most conservative of the Republican Party. This candidate is anti-abortion regardless of the woman’s reasoning, including rape or incest, 3. He is also anti-contraception, 1.

CARLY FIORINA – This candidate takes a controversial stance as a woman against women’s rights, as she is anti-abortion and against government protection of contraceptives, 1. However, in an interview with The Skimm, she wrote that “if a woman is facing an unplanned pregnancy, she deserves our empathy and support – never our judgment or condemnation.”2

LINDSEY GRAHAM –

Graham was one of the leaders to get the 20-week abortion ban through The House, and maintains his pro-life stance while continuing to oppose government funding for contraceptives and family planning organizations.

MIKE HUCKABEE – The former Arkansas governor and Baptist pastor, who had a fairly popular response in 2008, is running again and furthering his anti-abortion and anti-contraceptive stances, 1, 3.

BOBBY JINDAL – The historically socially conservative governor of Louisiana is against abortion, gay marriage, and government contraceptives, 1. However, his ability to help the state rebuild after Hurricane Katrina proved impressive, and shows voters that he is able to help rehabilitate a broken state, 3.

JOHN KASICH – The Ohio governor

who has displayed a mixed voting record in the past by voting in favor of socialist healthcare programs, is expected to maintain an anti-abortion stance as well as being against government funding for contraceptives, 1, 3.

GEORGE PATAKI – The former governor of New York introduces an interesting point of view to the Republican party, as he is pro-choice as well as an advocate for gay marriage on a state-by-state basis, 1. He is a more moderate candidate, 3.

RAND PAUL – The New Jersey senator has not yet given a definitive answer on the right to choose, but rather, asks the question, “when does life begin?” arguing that as a nation, before we can address the legality of abortion, 2.

MARCO RUBIO – The former senator is seen as a fresh face, however, he stands with many of his fellow GOP candidates in his opposition to the right to choose as well as government funding for contraception, 1, 3.

RICK SANTORUM –

DONALD TRUMP –

SCOTT WALKER

The former Pennsylvania senator, after a disappointing 2012 run, is setting his sights on 2016, 3.

He is against the right to choose, and has voiced such opinion on multiple occasions, 1.

The widely-known businessman holds conservative stances on nearly every social issue, and the right to choose is no different.

He is against gay marriage as well, 3.

– The Wisconsin governor is emphasizing

economic strategy in his campaign, but will be unable to dodge tough social issues, 3.

Historically, Walker is against the right to choose as well as gay marriage, 1.

RICK PERRY – The 3-term Texas governor can bring a lot of experience to the table, and appeals to servicemen and servicewomen as an Air Force veteran himself, 3. Perry holds rather conservative values, and as

such, opposes the right to choose and also has voted to defund family planning agencies, 1.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY

The more liberal party of the two, the Democratic party as a whole is more open to women’s rights.

However, every candidate has his or her own stance.

LINCOLN CHAFFE – The former Rhode Island senator and governor started his political career as a Republican and then changed to the Democratic party, 3. Mr. Chaffe supports the right to choose as well as affordable birth control options.

HILLARY CLINTON – The former first lady and secretary of state boasts an impressive resume on her application for residency at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, 3. She has often stated that she will fight to preserve the right to abortion as well as contraception, 1.

MARTIN O’MALLEY – As a former Maryland governor, and one of the younger candidates in the race, O’Malley appeals to younger voters and minorities alike, 3. He has historically voted in favor of protecting the right to choose and contraception, 1.

BERNIE SANDERS – Mr. Sanders, a Vermont senator, is one of the most liberal candidates in the race, 1. As such, he has shown support for abortion as well as easy access to contraception, as well as family planning organizations, 3.

JIM WEBB – The former Virginia senator has a voting record of being economically liberal, but socially conservative compared to other Democratic candidates, 1. He does support the right to choose, funding for contraception, and family planning organizations, 3.

1Planned Parenthood 2The Skimm 3The New York Times

45

Global

By, Madison of From Madison

Feminism

Talking travel limitations based on gender

Me -- I really want to go to Marrakech next year.

Dad -- *cringes* I don’t know. I’m uncomfortable with you going to a place that has a history of mistreating women – as a father that makes me nervous. It’s not you that I’d be worried about. It’s that society and how they would receive you. he minute my father said this, my cultural trends restrictively defining women. And wheels started spinning – anger and that’s not to leave out the men. While fewer in frustration mixed into one. Granted he number, men can support gender equality too; is automatically turned away by anything they can be feminists too. Although there are North Africa/Middle East, I had never considered differences in the battles of feminists in each this perspective. I want to travel. I want to taste nation, the message is the same: gender equality. foreign cultures and embrace the people that

Due to a strong history of gender purport these cultures. I am a female and that stereotypes, women have consistently been held shouldn’t matter. But does it? Is there some back from achieving what men can. But why is external force in the world working this still having an impact on gender against females, obstructing them from “Although there equality in a modern society? In more doing what males can? developed nations where women are are differences

“Feminist – a person who just as likely to have the same level of in the battles of believes in the social, political and education and skill as men in industry, feminists in each why are women still paid less than economic equality of the sexes,” according to Chimamanda Ngozi nation, the messagemen? In lesser developed nations Adichie (and Beyoncé). where it is still a battle for education is the same: gender

I have discovered that this and equal representation, how do word musters fear in the hearts of cultural barriers hold women back? equality.” men. Because of its root in the word While I understand that the battle femme or woman, men think this is a call to arms is far more complex than a simple solution, I call against the male. They envision women marching for a support of feminism – and not just “white in the streets with torches, burning their bras feminism.” To be a feminist, one must understand and storming the castle for their rights – women’s that the struggles of women in Asia, Africa, and suffrage reincarnate.

South America are the struggles of women in

And still there are others who segregate.

Europe, Australia, and North America.

Some make a distinction between “white

From a first-world perspective, I should not feminists,” those that don’t support women of all be limited by where I can travel safely because I ethnic backgrounds, and “non-white feminists,” am a woman. But even more importantly, women those that do. In reality, if you are a feminist, you in patriarchal societies should not be forced into believe in the betterment of womankind – all submission because it is their duty to provide women, all around the world, of every ethnicity, and stay quiet as women. I believe that as a group race, and religion. we have the power to kill anti-feminist culture. I

There are women in the U.S. fighting for the hope that feminism becomes a topic that people rights to equal pay and recognition of the gravity aren’t hesitant to discuss due to its “controversial, of sexual assault in public and private institutions. rebellious nature” (whatever that means). I There are women in Pakistan fighting for equal fervently support gender equality in anticipation of representation in Parliament and freedom of the day when this issue doesn’t exist, in any form, speech. There are women in China in any nation.

46 fighting against deeply rooted

T

47

Good Food in Good Places Dublin, Ireland Bibi’s Cafe

By, Rachael of Cheats & Eats

This quiet café tucked away in a neighborhood just outside of City Center Dublin is all together quaint and delicious. The menu, updated weekly thrives on local vendors with quirky entrees like Brioche French toast and Sweet corn jalapeno fritters. The innovative food and cozy atmosphere give the cafe a nostalgic feel, allowing those who dine here to easily spend an entire afternoon lounging, as they would in their own living room. Surrounded by amazing friends and great food, my experience embodied just this. I am also a sucker for nutritious food, and my butternut squash entree with a garlic yogurt base topped with poached eggs didn’t disappoint. They even had gluten free toast…gasp!

Fumbally When I think of a creative Dublin The space with a side of eggs, Fumbally immediately

comes to mind. This loud cafeteria inspired space with an abundance of laptops and man buns resembles a trendy thrift shop. The random décor and furniture is scattered throughout the restaurant with the constant buzz of collaboration by guests in every corner. Atmosphere aside, the brunch style food is uniquely made to order in an open kitchen. Not to mention, the creamiest eggs I have ever tasted atop a slice of toast garnished with farm fresh tomatoes; likely picked a few hours before they reached my lips.

Dublin Roasted Brown Above the bus-

tling cobblestone streets of Temple Bar sits a small rustic coffee shop.

The space features high ceilings, full-length glass windows, an array of strung lights, and an old shabby piano tucked away in the corner for good measure. Coffee here is a must, and the natural light from the open windows embodies a relaxed atmosphere one can easily study in. I fell in love with this coffee spot while studying abroad, and started most days here with a simple Americano and fresh salad that changed daily based on the ingredients in house.

ARD bia at NimGalway, Ireland mos In the small costal

town, along the picturesque Spanish Archway sits a building made of stone.

One could easily mistake this award-winning restaurant for a fishing store.

Yet inside is a decorative masterpiece complete with a small bar area surrounded by two long tables. With every architectural aspect well thought out, this place is likely to astonish on appearance alone. Such detail is apparent in the food as well. The hand crafted cocktails, and local cider are refreshing and strong. While the entrees of lobster risotto and hake are sinfully delicious. Finish the night with an ingenious dessert such as the apricot pistachio cake or hazelnut nougat ice cream sandwich. Dinner here is nothing short of luxurious.

Pueblo Mexican Restaurant Every time I visit home, my Houston Del family and I go to our neighborhood Tex Mex restaurant called Del Pueblo. I grew up

going here for birthdays, and after every high school soccer game. It has become a tradition to have our family dinner here where the queso is rich and creamy and the margaritas are smooth and strong. I have had many great 48 experiences with family and friends at this local Mexican restaurant, and love to indulge in the fish tacos, refried beans and rice.

Side King Asian fusion with a local Austin East twist embodies the vibe at East Side King. Aside

from the Asian culture, echoes from the Live Music Capital of The World, and artwork by Peelander Yellow inspire their exotic attitude. The staple dishes at any of the four locations include the Tori Meshi, Brussel Sprout salad, and my personal favorite, Beet Fries. The deep fried veggie is paired with a truffle aioli sauce that makes you forget you are eating beets. Each truck also has a personalized menu, and is known to stay open after hours to satisfy late night cravings. The food is constantly adapting to Austin’s weird taste, with a flavor refusing to fade.

Austin On a healthier note, the stationary food Austin Picnik truck located in South Austin is known for Paleo inspired food

and butter coffee. Picnik tailors their food and drink to fit any dietary need, with a heavy emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Each of the featured drinks is customizable with nutrient dense additions like ghee, MCT oil, and butter among others. The small patio set up includes wooden tables with cacti and succulent centerpieces. The staff that is both welcoming and informative on all things Paleo fuels the friendly atmosphere. Please don’t let the authentic menu intimidate. Instead explore the nutritional side of food and order a Paleo Blondie and iced peppermint mocha.

Anyone who knows me is aware of my health conscious outlook on food.

For instance, I love when people appreciate the taste of a healthier dessert alternative without knowing the nutritional value behind it. The Juiceland in Hyde Park shares a space with a vegan ice cream parlor called Sweet Ritual. She is queen of the dairy free ice cream realm, and her sixteen off the wall flavors turn traditional ice cream lovers to the vegan dark side. Daily flavors include Cinnamonkey Elephantastic and Unicorn Poo that pair nicely with house made toppings like glitter, chocolate syrup, and cookie dough ites. The staff will let you try all the flavors if you ask nicely, but I recommend the Chai Chocolate or Vanilla atop a gluten free waffle cone. Healthy and delicious!

Ausitn Sweet Ritual

Paris Angelina’s

If any restaurant can make hot chocolate opulent, leave it to Angelina’s.

The French café founded in 1903 is known for their exquisite tea, pastries and above all, hot chocolate. The rich dessert puts chocolate fondue to shame, and is served with a side of cloud like whip cream in cups of only the finest china. Many guests like my mother and me come for hot chocolate alone. Yet other extravagant dessert menu items include the Mont-Blanc and Tarte au citron. Regardless of what you order, indulge in a glass of champagne while you do so and sit back and appreciate the art of French cooking.

Regis A small café in the midst of narrow streets on Paris St. the Isle St. Louis serves typical French cuisine with an American

influence. They also specialize in cocktails, and will gladly customize drinks based on a guest’s preference. The bartender gave a preview of his secret recipe and made a martini infused with St. Germaine liquor and cucumber. The drink was refreshing with just the right hint of natural sweetness.

49

Latest

Obsessions The Editors Share Their August Picks

“

Kate Spade New York Acrylic // Swoozies

Since I am moving into my new college apartment this month, I am looking into all of my options for decorating and just stuff in general. This stapler

by Kate Spade is so cute! I love lucite and this is just perfect! HAYDEN

“

The Paris Style Guide // Anthropologie

When I was on Anthropologie’s website I was scrolling through the new arrivals and I saw this book and just the cover was enough for me to put it in my cart. It just looks so beautiful on the outside and the photos inside are gorgeous! HAYDEN 50

“

Soludos ‘Classic’ Espadrille Sandal // Nordstrom

These shoes are so precious! I have been wanting to get a new pair/replace my broken down ones. I like them because they wrap up your ankle which will probably make your leg look longer...and I am a sucker for stripes... and the color blue. Really it is just a win-win.

HAYDEN

“

Quatrefoil Stacking Mugs, Set of 6 // World Market

I have been keeping my eye on these at my local World Market because they would be perfect in my new apartment! I am kind of obsessed {hint hint, latest obsessions} with the quatrefoil pattern so I think these would be adorable on my kitchen counter. And there are six of them so when I host brunches and have people stay over they can use these cute cups! HAYDEN

“

Gilded Elephant Tote // Anthropologie

So this is adorable for a day of shopping with the girls or a beach bag or maybe you use it as a tote for your groceries at Whole Foods or The Fresh Market. The elephants are precious. HAYDEN

“

Camilyn Beth Women’s Cinderella Blue Go Go Dress // Tuckernuck

“

Oh my this is so cute! I feel like Kate Middleton would wear this...anyone else? It’s the perfect thing for a nice brunch or garden party. HAYDEN

Cork Passport Case // J. Crew

I saw this cute passport case on “Dash of Serendipity” and I fell in love. I have been wanting a passport case because I have to keep up with it on my own now and this one is perfect! HAYDEN

“

Raffia Crochet Continental Hat // Tuckernuck

Love this hat! I feel like this would be the perfect hat to pair with a cute one piece, a cover-up, and the Amalfi Coast.

Right? It would look so cute...but sadly I do not have the plane ticket, so I’ll have to stick to my FLA 51 beaches. HAYDEN

District

Issue No. 12

The College Issue

Ivy Style 52

Through Thick & Thin

+ Decorating Your Dorm

YOUR Right TO A BEAUTIFUL LIFE

Editor’s Letter

I have always heard, from my parents and others, that college would be the best time of my life. I always took it as people reminiscing on being younger, not that college would actually change the core of my being and I would enjoy it.

Don’t you hate it when you are wrong?

Well in this case I don’t because I am so happy that college has been some of the best times of my life. I cannot wait to embark upon my sophomore year at the {greatest -- I am totally biased} university in the land {hook ‘em}.

On the right are just a few of the many photoshoots I have done for Haute Table on college campuses around the United States.

This special edition of District is all about either your first year {hello freshies!} or heading back to school, we hope you enjoy.

As always, remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and that District is “your right to a beautiful life.”

Keep It Beautiful,

Hayden Pigott Editor-In-Chief

Insta: @hayden213 Tweet Me! @haydenpigott

53

By, Hayden of Haute Table Compiling our favorite looks for heading back to campus this fall.

Ivy Style W

ith the Fall semester quickly approaching, it’s time to talk campus clothes.

While people will want to throw on their baggy t-shirts and athletic shorts, unless you have an 8am class, we are suggesting you throw on something chic.

People will stop and look at your stylish,

54

ivy league inspired wardrobe as you walk through the stoic halls of your university.

We are big on cords, navy blazers, silk ties as belts, and anything else that looks like a 1980s’ Brooks Brothers catalog.

So put on your argyle, penny loafers, and monogrammed dress shirt and get out there!

55

By, Kenzie of Sincerely Kenz

Getting Back at IT

S

How to prep for the eptember is fast approaching. Are you ready? January is always thought of as next semester the beginning of the year. But for anyone who is currently in school, it is clear that the beginning of the year is in September. After such a long Summer vacation I can’t say that I’m not excited about going back to school (besides the food). However, I do put a lot of preparation prior to each semester at school, which I usually start a few weeks before each semester. Below are my top 5 tips on preparing yourself to have the best semester you possibly can. I hope these tips inspire you to do the best you possibly can next semester. After executing them for a whole year in college I have found that they work wonders for me! Whether it be college or high school, good luck in your up coming semester!

o

N1

Get Organized:

-People will tell you this time and time again, but really, organization is the key to success. I highly recommend investing in a planner as well as a calendar. Being able to have a big picture of every assignment, exam, or paper that is due each day does wonders. Another organization tip I love is color coordinating. Having the same color folder and notebook for certain classes allows me to quickly run out the door with the proper books when I’m rushing to class. Fun Fact: color coordination is also an amazing tactic for taking notes; you should definitely invest in highlighters before your next semester if you plan on doing this! Anyway, organization goes much further than just schoolwork. I don’t know about you, but when I have a messy room or even something as small as a misplaced shirt that I want to wear, I go insane. Having a clean, organized room allows you to enter a calm, relaxed environment before or after class.

o

N2

Set Goals: -I feel very strongly about this one. Setting a goal allows you to work to your fullest potential each and every day to achieve it. A goal can be something as small as writing neater notes to something as big as maintaining a 3.6 GPA in the upcoming semester. Whether they are long term or short term I like to write my goals down somewhere that I can constantly see them. This serves as a reminder for me to give that extra push when I really want to achieve something and find myself straying away from my objectives.

56

o

N3

Learn about your future professors:

-So, you might get stuck with a professor you don’t care for, but ultimately (most of the time) there is nothing you can do about that. Sites such as ratemyprofessor.com allow you to search your professor by his or her name and find out all about them. At least if you’re going to have a bad experience, you can use this as a tool to learn what qualities your professor holds which categorize him or her as an unfavorable professor. Another way to learn about your professor is to shoot them a quick email prior to the start of class.

Something as simple as hey! My name is so and so and I am extremely excited to take a class with you next semester can go a really long way.

o

N4

Find Balance:

-Something I have a tough time with is finding a steady balance between time with my friends, my boyfriend, my schoolwork and myself. I have learned that stress is inevitable if you try to please everyone and constantly try to do everything. You need to set priorities of what matters most to you and go from there. Going along with this; all school work and no fun isn’t going to get you anywhere.

Taking a break from schoolwork is something that you must do every once in a while. If you stay organized and don’t procrastinate, you’ll be able to find down time.

o

N5

Be Positive:

-I am a super nerd and really enjoy learning. In fact, one of the biggest reasons why I’m excited to go back to school in August is because I can’t wait to go to class and start assignments. However, I know most people aren’t like this at all and actually dread the thought of schoolwork. If you’re one of these types of people it isn’t going to be easy for you to work to your full potential. If you want to achieve something or learn something you have to invest enough time and effort into it. You’re not going to want to invest any time or effort if you’re completely turned off by it as a whole. The best remedy for this is to be positive. Yeah, a lot of homework and exams suck but think about how lucky you are to even have the opportunity to learn and go to school. There are many people out there who aren’t lucky enough to have that privilege.

57

The best years of your life Why college is the best time of your life--regardless of your relationship status By, Tatum of The Pace

Y

ou know what they say, “you always want what you don’t have.” I’ve found this to be true with most things—from straight-haired girls lusting over curly locks to single girls longing to be in a relationship.

But the truth is, college is such an important and amazing time in our lives, spending it wishing for different hair or a different Facebook relationship status is just a waste. The time really does fly, so it’s important to make the most of it. College is one of the best times of our lives, regardless of our relationship status. Don’t waste your precious time longing to find love or wishing you had a bit more freedom: enjoy the now. There are major pros of being single and of being in a relationship. Allow me to remind you of just a few:

Lunch time

Single: When you’re in a relationship, you might feel obliged to eat most meals with your S/O, but when you’re single, lunch is your time to be a social-butterfly. “Lunch dates” are a great way to maintain friendships in the busy world of college—plan roomie lunches, schedule a weekly lunch date with your freshmen year lab partner you totally clicked with, or use the time to branch out and meet new people! After a lunch of talking and laughing, you will feel rejuvenated and (almost) ready to head to the library or to your next class.

In a Relationship: After a busy morning of classes, working, or studying, there’s nothing quite like spending some quality time with your S/O. Lunch is a great time to talk about your days so far, discuss your weekend plans, or just chat about your favorite TV show or what’s going on in the world. Let’s be honest: food and time with your special someone is good for the soul and the perfect mid-day pick-me-up.

The Academics 58

attending

Single: Going to classes, study groups and group meetings,

writing papers, creating presentations, and studying for exams takes up a lot of time. When you’re single, you have more time to spend on the reason you are in school, which is both beneficial to your transcript and to you as a person: learning is one of the best things we can do to improve ourselves.

In a Relationship: If you have similar classes, an S/O makes a great study buddy. Chances are you both have strengths in different areas and can help each other out when one is struggling. Even if your majors are completely opposite, just being near your S/O makes you feel good, which is a great atmosphere for getting schoolwork done. You both want the best for each other and want the other to succeed: what better study partner could you ask for?

Nights Out

Single: Hellooooo!—nights out as a single lady are incredibly fun. Blasting your favorite music, getting ready with your girls, and taking way too many selfies (news flash, most S/O’s are not about that selfie life)—these are the nights you will look back on as your “glory days.” Plus, you’re totally free to hang out and dance with whomever you want! Cue: All the Single Ladies!

In a Relationship: Nights out with your S/O are super fun. You already know you can call each other, “mine,” but that doesn’t mean you both don’t want to dress to impress one another! No matter what your night out looks like—playing games at a party, dancing at a club, or having drinks at a bar—all are great ways to have fun and get closer to each other. Having a partner in crime for the weekend nights just makes them all the better!

College is a blast—whether you’re riding solo or taking on the journey with a special someone by your side. So stop wishing for a different love life and start loving the life you have.

You won’t regret it!

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Bright

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Wall Decor

t’s move in day and you can’t wait to see the room you’ll be living in for the next nine or so months. But, when you finally open up the door, you’re faced with the most mundane room you have ever seen in your life.

You’re beginning to regret leaving your comfortable bed behind at home. Couldn’t I have fit that in my suitcase, you think to yourself? Plain wooden furniture sits against equally plain white walls. It may seem like an impossible feat to take this room from its current state to something more inviting, but add a few pillows and some great wall décor and it’ll feel like home in no time.

You’ll see that even once you start unpacking things like your bed spread and start filling up your closet the room will already start to feel like home. But something that really takes your dorm to the next level is festive wall decoration.

Last year, I had a really fun set up on the wall next to my bed. I hung up pictures, prints, and a fun tassel banner. I can’t even tell you how many people told me they loved the setup as the year progressed. The wall served as a creative outlet as I was always adding to it and changing it up.

It’s important to have pictures hung on your walls (to me at least) to serve as a great reminder of different memories you cherish, plus photos add some life to your walls! Last year I printed off about seventy pictures. A few were cut square and others were left in the typical 4 x 6 format. I hung these sporadically about the wall adjacent 60 to my bed, though I didn’t hang them up with just any ordinary

By, Emma of Dash of Serendipity

tape. I used my beloved washi tape! Don’t even get me started about my love for washi tape (or should I say addiction?). The fun, colorful tape can be found at almost any craft store (and even Target). I have an array of different patterns and colors that I store in a dish on my desk. For the wall, I used my blue and gold tapes. I think that hanging my photos with this tape helped give my room a more home like feel.

I also used this tape to hang up the gold foil prints that I purchased from Etsy. These prints had sayings like “East Coast”, “Bee Humble,” and other things on them. I loved having these on my walls to break up the photos. I also had a few prints from Evelyn Henson on another wall in my room. Adding these differentiated my space from everyone else’s. So many people hang up pictures of themselves and their friends in their dorm rooms but not too many people have prints or pieces of art. I think that these things give the room a different level of personality than photos do.

What brought the wall all together was the banner at the top. Tassel banners are so fun on their own and they’re perfect for party decoration, or in this case, room décor! I also purchased this from Etsy and found it looked perfect hanging on top of my photo/poster collage. You can find tassel banners in an array of different sizes and colors, which makes it easy to fit into your room. I love the extra element of fun that was added through this banner.

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By, Shelby of Glitter ‘n Goals

The Perfect Interview

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veryone wonders how to land the perfect job, and the key is always the interview. Nail the interview and I can guarantee you, you will land the job or at least be considered in the future if you were not a perfect fit for that particular position. Here are ten ways to prepare for an interview.

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Resume- Make sure Cover Letter- In the References- Even your resume is up process for applying for though you were to date and reflects the job you most likely not required to your best self for that had to submit a cover provide a list of position. In addition, make letter, this gave a little more references during the sure you bring an ample amount of insight to what is reflected in your application process, bring your copies for everyone you could be resume. This should reflect a little list of at least 3 professional potentially interviewing with. more of your personality and goals references to the interview. in the professional field. Make sure Like your resume, bring ample you know of any classes, experiences, copies to provide to anyone Suit- Your personal and details you may have referenced who may ask for them. appearance is the in your cover letter when going into first thing the your interview. interviewer will see,

Small Details - What I mean before asking the first question by this is plan the small or even introducing themselves details of your overall look. I they have mentally judged you on suggest wearing your hair up your appearance, if they know it or or back so you do not feel not. You can never make a second the urge to touch it or constantly first-impression so make sure having to fiddle with it. I normally go for you look professional. I suggest a modest black or navy suit for a first a low pony or bun in order to get a more professional look. Keep makeup simple and interview with a solid shirt and natural. I also make sure I keep the jewelry simple jewelry. simple, usually limiting it to single pearl earring and a gold watch. If you can bring a leather portfolio with all your documents into the interview, rather than a bag or a purse, the portfolio can hold your keys and phone as well. [Put your phone on silent!]

You want to look put together and look like 62 you have your life together, even though it could be crumbling down at that moment.

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Research- DO YOUR RESEARCH! Know what the company is about, the corporate culture, mission and vision statements, etc. This will show the interviewer that you respect the interview and position enough to do the background research yourself so they don’t need to explain everything to you. This also shows your interest in the position and company. If you saw that they just got a large acquisition, ask about it and how the transition is going. If there was a large fire in their building a while back, what struggles did they go through to continue business?

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Mental Readiness- Interviews can be intimidating and can cause someone loose their cool. In the pageant world I have seen girls melt under the pressure of a panel interview and ultimately causing them to loose the competition. Prepare yourself mentally by doing the research and predicting what the interview process is going to be like. If you want, practice. Practice your elevator pitch, opening introductions and asking questions. Practice not only makes perfect, but also makes you appear more confident to the interviewers.

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Prepare Questions- During every Timeliness - This means know how interview the interviewer will ask you if long it takes to get there, leaving you have any questions, make sure you yourself a cushion in case you do have a couple pre-prepared to ask about happen to get lost. Adding addition the position, the culture, the company, stress of running late, while in a suit and heels is etc. This will allow you to show the research you have never a pretty picture. done about the company or show you are genuinely interested in the position and the company.

[Sample Questions: What do you see the biggest challenge being for this position? Why is this position open? What is the average turnover rate for the company and why do you believe it is so high/low?]

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Follow-up Letter- Upon interviewing make sure to send a follow up letter.

According to The Ladders, 75 percent of interviewers said that receiving a thank you letter from a candidate effects their decision making process. I recently stumbled upon the best outline I have yet to find, thanks to Business Daily and goes as follows:

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Good afternoon, [interviewer’s name], Thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the [job title] position with [company name]. It was a pleasure meeting with you, and I truly enjoyed learning more about the role and the company.

After our conversation, I am confident that my skills and experiences are a great match for this opportunity. As we discussed, I believe my (background in / ability to) [skill or past job duty discussed in interview] will serve me well in [main job duty].

I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of joining the [company name] team and would greatly appreciate a followup as you move forward with the hiring process. If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me by email at [email address] or by phone at [phone number]. Thanks again, and I hope to hear from you in the near future.

Best regards, [Your name]

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Get Organized.

Making your life organized before the semester gets hectic By, Sonia of Here Comes The Sun

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have to admit I am not always the most organized person. My life gets busy and somehow things always seem to pile up during the worst weeks. However, even with a busy life, I don’t drop assignments and I always make the definitive choice to pass up cleaning my room over some other activity. It’s not the easiest to get organized when you are overwhelmed, so it’s important to start from the get go with a plan and work from there. Keeping in tune with the “broke college student” theme, this article aims to offer free and inexpensive solutions to getting organized.

Home is where the heart is so naturally you have to start at home. If you’re at school, home is most likely the dorm or apartment you live in.

When you move in, devote an entire weekend to unpacking. It may seem boring and tedious, but once you are completely unpacked your life will be less chaotic. Take it from someone who didn’t completely finish unpacking until 6 months after she had lived in her apartment. Find a place for everything you have and if you don’t have space, then we can start figuring out what you do and don’t need.

Clothes are always the hardest thing for me to get rid of. This year, I’m taking a new approach. One of my close friends (in exchange for dinner, coffee, and an unlimited amount of love) is coming to my apartment and helping me purge my closet. If she hasn’t seen me wear it before, (unless it’s new!) it’s out. If it’s last season, it’s out. If it doesn’t fit me properly, it’s out. She is making all the calls and I can give reprieve to 10 (and no more) pieces of clothing she 64 deems unsuitable. It’s going to be

a struggle but it’ll be worth it. If you don’t have anyone that will do that for you, pull three things out each day that you can toss during the week and on Sunday pick two or three things that can go back in. If you have tons of t-shirts you want to keep but won’t ever wear, pack them up under your bed or in your room at your parent’s house. No need to keep them out.

As far as school and desk supplies go, make a list of everything you like to have when studying.

If you don’t organize your things in binders, toss your binders. If you haven’t touched a highlighter in years, toss the highlighters that you say you are going to use but really wont. Get rid of all the notes you have accumulated for classes you won’t have to deal with again, Google will remember the equation for linear regression models so you don’t have to. Set up your desk with as little clutter as possible so when you start adding things to it after you start classes, it won’t be a mess.

The kitchen is the heart of the home so it has to be on your list as well. Pack up any glasses you won’t realistically need. I use a ridiculous amount of coffee mugs but if you don’t drink coffee, they are taking away valuable storage space. Put everything in a spot that is useful for you.

Spices where you spice things. Sugar next to the coffee pot.

Once your home is somewhat organized you can begin to focus on what you will need for classes.

Buy a planner.

Now. Go do it.

Learn how to write down assignments so you can keep track of them. I don’t color code my things because I don’t always have more than a blue and black pen on me. My planner does however have a very specific set up. I use a Lilly Planner and have separated each day out into 4 sections. In the top line next to the date, I write what classes I have that day and at what time. In the day section, I split it into 3 sections. On the left goes all things relevant to that day. Meetings, due dates and tests. In the middle, goes my to-do list for school. What assignments can I get done today? On the right goes, my to-do list for non-academic things. Am I trying to put up a blog post? Do I need to pay rent? The first week of school, when you get all your syllabi, write in all your big important dates in your planner.

All tests, all due dates, all major school dates like withdrawal deadlines. It’ll be way easier to “Organization is just pull up your planner what you do before you do something, so instead of searching that when you do it, it for all your doesn’t get all mixed syllabi.

Organize up.” –A.A. Milne your computer.

Go into My Documents and make a file for each of your classes. Put all of your work from your classes into those files.

Go into your email inbox. Make a file for this semester. Save absolutely every email

you get related to a class in that file including all correspondence with teachers. Build a Google Drive.

It’s hard to keep up with a flash drive but if you can put everything on the Google cloud, you can get to it from anywhere.

Put together your school bag. Whether you use a tote or a backpack, it’s all the same. You will need a notebook, pens and pencils, your planner, an extra phone charger, a spare emergency $10, and a folder for any papers you get. I carry my tablet with me to campus so I also have that and my charger in my bag any time I leave my house.

When you start out organized, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to find things. No more looking around for that lost paper or a shirt in your bags of clothes. You may still be a mess but at least your stuff won’t be.

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Where to find Pg. 12-13

Longing For Paris: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51keMr7EoJL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg Malice at the Palace: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51oGZZCasfL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg Brown Eyed Girl: http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1416367837l/18126966.jpg She’s Funny That Way: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1767372/?ref_=cs_ov_tt The Man From U.N.C.L.E.: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1638355/?ref_=cs_ov_tt Learning to Drive: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3062976/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 Beach House: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depression_Cherry Gardens & Villas: http://www.brooklynvegan.com/img/bp/gv-lp.jpg Grace Potter: http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/diffuser.fm/files/2015/06/GracePotter-Midnight-CoverArt.jpg

Pg. 14-15 Votes For Women: http://historyoffeminism.com/wp-content/uploads/suffragette-votes-for-women.jpg

Pg. 16-17 Black & White: http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/50f9c7aa69beddfc4200000a-1200/barack-michelle-obama.jpg Other images: Found from various images off of Google Images when typing in Michelle Obama + a color.

Pg. 20-21 20: http://wellandgood.com/2013/03/29/6-ways-laughter-boosts-your-health-and-happiness/ 21: http://thebottomoftheironingbasket.blogspot.ca/search?updated-max=2011-04-06T20:15:00%2B01:00&max-results=2

Pg. 22-23 22: http://www.tinaadamsconsulting.com/tina-adams-for-women/blog/how-to-pack-like-a-boss/ 23: http://embracingtwentysomething.typepad.com/my-blog/

Pg. 44-45 Elephant: https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/observando-2072450/photo-2011605551/ Donkey: http://seenandsaid.blogspot.com/2010/12/donkey-sanctuary.html

Pg. 46-47 Photo: http://www.theloveassembly.com/6-amazing-places-to-travel-see-pink/

Pg. 48-49: http://m-e-d-u-sa.tumblr.com http://truly-fearless.tumblr.com/post/72886251387

Pg. 50-51 Paris Style Guide: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-new2/36442325.jsp#/ Passport Case: https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/accessories/travel/PRDOVR~A4418/A4418.jsp Dress: http://tnuck.com/collections/ladies-whats-new/products/cinderella-blue-go-go-dress Hat: http://tnuck.com/collections/ladies-whats-new/products/raffia-crochet-continental-hat Espadrilles: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/soludos-classic-espadrille-sandal/3653370?origin=keywordsearch Stapler: http://www.swoozies.com/product/289666?source=pla&utm_source=gmerchant&utm_medium=cpc&utm_ term=289666&cvosrc=ppc%20google%20product%20listing%20ads.289666&gclid=Cj0KEQjwkIurBRDwoZfi1bGCx ocBEiQAmcs-ek_lZu4h41dht_P0EywvR45-y565Quzf9y78L4IZx90aAg8b8P8HAQ&gclid=Cj0KEQjwkIurBRDwoZfi1bG CxocBEiQAmcs-ek_lZu4h41dht_P0EywvR45-y565Quzf9y78L4IZx90aAg8b8P8HAQ&jadid=41301119975&jap=1o 3&jkId=gpt:pt_195024&js=1&jsid=35619&jt=1&jr=http://www.swoozies.com/product/289666%3Fsource%3Dpla%26u tm_source%3Dgmerchant%26utm_medium%3Dcpc%26utm_term%3D289666%26cvosrc%3Dppc%2520google%2520pr oduct%2520listing%2520ads.289666&gclid=Cj0KEQjwkIurBRDwoZfi1bGCxocBEiQAmcs-ek_lZu4h41dht_P0EywvR45y565Quzf9y78L4IZx90aAg8b8P8HAQ 66

Pg. 52-53 College: http://newenglandprepster.tumblr.com/search/college

Pg. 54-55 http://charlestonclass.tumblr.com/post/66890409666 http://www.myfavoritefit.com/2012/10/page/3/ http://prepfection.com/page/3 http://freebirdblonde.tumblr.com/post/40639572766 http://my-ear-trumpet.tumblr.com/page/2 http://ffffound.com/image/66c641264526dcf7b91f52e9bfa214270fda185e http://blog.naver.com/PostList.nhn?blogId=theshg

Pg. 56-57 Planner: http://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/Organization-Tips-DIYs-34385347#photo-34385347 Quote: http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/1031479/quotes-for-everyday-inspiration Bike: http://www.gstatic.com/hostedimg/1eb3ce7e80b33b46_large Books: http://cadot.tumblr.com/post/60172831124/back-to-school Positive: http://zooeygrace.tumblr.com/post/79123521456/

62-63: Bun: http://www.hotbeautyhealth.com/hairstyles/20-chic-bun-hairstyles-we-love/ Suit: http://www.tallook.com/2014/07/05/20-basics-every-tall-women-needs-in-her-closet/ Watch: http://stylemepersonally.tumblr.com/post/38674079681/hermes-hermes-bracelet-and-kate-spade-watch Letter: http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/solutions/thank-you-note

Pg. 64-65 Desk: http://www.bhg.com/rooms/home-office/storage/home-office-storage/#page=16

Pg. 67 http://loubis-and-champagne.tumblr.com

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