EQUALTIME
THE HONEST ISSUE
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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onesty is something I value immensely. I hate when people aren’t straight with me, so I do my best to be straight with everybody as often as I can. Because I put so much stock in being truthful, I’ve been very clear with the Equal Time staff that this whole editor-in-chief thing was new to me and I was partially winging it. I very tentatively accepted the EIC position at the end of last semester thanks to encouraging words coming from all sides, but I was SO apprehensive because I’ve never had any legitimate editing experience. I was diving in head-first, hoping a magazine would be produced when all was said and done. But if you’re reading this, everything worked out! The Honest Issue was born partially because of my insistence that my staff knew I didn’t have any major experience over them, and that I was open to any suggestions or advice they could offer. But the Honest Issue also came to be because of all the honest conversations with loved ones that I’ve been privy to: Hopes, fears, coming out stories (some difficult and some not-so-difficult), declarations of love, and even more genuine talks and experiences. The most raw, honest conversations leave us feeling vulnerable, but there’s also a power in telling your truth that’s hard to describe. I wanted both the vulnerability and power that comes with honesty to shine
through in every aspect of this magazine. This issue is full of truthful takes on beauty, plastic surgeries, mental illnesses, and identities. It’s for all who want the honest-toGod truth about aspects of life, or for those who admire candidness in their friends and loved ones. We hide a lot of the truth because we’re ashamed or we’re afraid of baring our souls and sharing our stories, but proudly exclaiming our truths instead of burying them can help us all feel more real.
Sam Perkins Sam Perkins, Editor in Chief @sammiperks
EQUALTIME Editor in Chief
Sam Perkins Managing Editor
Creative Director
EDITORIAL
CREATIVE
Chandler Plante
Health Editor Morgaine Mcilhargey Beauty Director Danny Dacus Beauty Editor Sophie Schlosser Lifestyle Editor Sophie Little Features Editor Bella Alvarez Fashion Director Ashley Wachtfogel Fashion Editor Sarah Felbin Fashion Writer Christine Zhang
SPECIAL THANKS
Harriet Brown
Singdhi Sokpo Designers Sophia Hautala Shannon Kirkpatrick Emily Baird Photographers Laura Oliverio Tori Sampson Sydney Pollack Emma Lehr Fashion Stylist Aanya Singh
CONTRIBUTORS Health Writer April Hill Gabby Sartori Beauty Writer Alexandra Pollack Lifestyle Writer Betsy Hart Tara Bolosan Features Writer Mary Keith
Equal Time is not responsible for the individual opinions expressed within. Equal Time is published twice an academic year at Syracuse University. All contents within are copyright of the respectful creators. No content may be reproduced without the written consent of the Equal Time editorial board.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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See what the cosmos have in store for you this month in our horoscope
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HEALTH
BEAUTY
What I Eat in a Day: College Edition 4
Big Girl, You Are Beautiful 10
Is Honesty Really the Best Policy? 6
Excuse Me, Are Those Your Real...? 12
Decoding Disordered Eating 7
Feeling Yourself: The Beauty Shoot 14 Candid Camera 22
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LIFESTYLE
FEATURES
FASHION
Anxious? There’s an App for That 24
Size Matters (And I’m Living Proof) 28
Street Style 33
Raising the Next Generation of Men 25
The Congregation of Coming Out 30
Everything You Want to Know About Breast Reductions but are Too Afraid to Ask 26
Consumer U 32
Same Size, Same Fit? 36 Fall Fashion Shoot 38 Five Affordable, Sustainable Fashion Brands 42
Health & Fitness
What I Eat in a Day College Edition
I followed a YouTube diet for a day, and it didn’t include Chipotle. Story by APRIL HlLL | Illustrations by SOPHIE HAUTALA
As a nutrition student, I love food videos. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been caught watching Tasty videos on Facebook when I should have been studying for an exam. Recently, I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole of YouTube videos that describe what people eat in a day. Search “What I Eat in a Day,” and hundreds of video results will pop up — “What I Eat in a Day as a Model,” “What I Eat in a Day to be Healthy,” and “What I Eat in a Day for Fat Loss” are just some of the top results. I decided to use one of these videos to see what it takes to eat like a YouTuber for one day. I chose “What I Eat in A Day - college edition,” a video made by popular YouTuber Hannah Ashton, who has 176,000 subscribers and 85,000 views on this video alone. I tried to follow along with what she ate in a day, but I modified a few things because I based my menu off of what I already had in my house. For example, Ashton ate dinner at her school’s dining hall, so she didn’t know exactly what was in it, making it hard to replicate. I ended 4 | EQUALTIME FALL 2019
up cooking homemade pad thai, which was similar nutritionally, but looked a lot different than her meal. (A breakdown of our meals can be found in the chart). Ashton’s meal plan was realistic for me to follow — when I was feeling organized. I liked that she used a lot of simple ingredients that I usually already shop for. I would have struggled to keep all the ingredients in my dorm freshman year because I didn’t have a car, but I could have accurately recreated her meals in the dining hall. Overall, Ashton had a moderate way of eating that might be feasible for people who put effort into keeping lots of healthy foods on hand. I also felt satisfied by the amount of food I ate. However, I will admit I never eat breakfast (one of my worst habits), and I don’t drink collagen coffee. Ashton takes an approach that is a lot more balanced than other YouTube videos I’ve watched. She even admits that some days she’ll eat more sweets or more vegetables, with fluctuations that are normal for many college students. Even though Ashton was realistic about her dietary habits, watching videos about what people eat in a day can give some viewers the impression that they have
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to follow specific dietary restrictions in order to be healthy or to look a certain way. Some YouTubers also spend a lot of time preparing meals or buying expensive ingredients, which doesn’t fit with my daily routine. These pricey ingredients, while they do have some health benefits, aren’t a required component of a healthy lifestyle. “I think they may send out the wrong message depending on the position of the influencer and their audience,” says Victoria Berlandi-Short, a senior nutrition science major at Syracuse University. She says these videos can provide some people with inspiration about healthy meals, but they may also send a message that a person has to eat like an influencer to look a certain way or to be healthy. That’s one thing I noticed in all the videos I watched—they all gave nutrition advice. Ashton used collagen powder in her coffee to “help her joints and bones,” a claim that is actually not substantiated by nutritionists. Nancy Rindfuss, a registered dietitian nutritionist and director of the dietetics program at Syracuse University, cautions against listening to advice from people without credentials. For
example, a number of health and fitness videos suggest using protein shakes to help you hit your protein goals. “Most people in the United States get more than enough protein without supplements,” she says. Rindfuss also raises the question of how these YouTubers are qualified to be giving advice. “I think [these videos] are a rich opportunity for dietitians to educate people, but if it’s not a dietitian, I’m concerned about who’s giving the advice.” I do feel that YouTube videos are getting better about showing realistic meal portions and snacks, rather than tiny morsels and unhealthy diets. But it’s still important to recognize that these YouTubers likely have some days where they don’t eat as perfectly as they pretend to. It’s easy to eat a certain way for one day, especially for the camera. Eating healthy is something developed over time, not just one day of eating “clean” or “raw.” A diet that incorporates fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and all the food groups in moderation (including dessert!) is going to lead to a healthier you, both physically and mentally.
Health & Fitness
Is honesty REALLY the best policy? Two Syracuse University students share their different philosophies on speaking the truth. Story by GABBY SARTORI | Illustrations by EMILY BAIRD
Honesty might be the best policy for some, but others are per- ly knows how those around her feel in the moment. She claims fectly fine with telling little white lies. While science shows that that even if she knows the truth will bother the person in the being honest tends to make people happier, does life justify a moment, it’s going to hurt less than lying about something and fib every now and again? them finding out later. A recent study by Anita Kelly, a philosophy professor at Alycia Bruce, another Syracuse student, considers herthe University of Notre Dame, tracked the health of 110 adults. self honest when necessary, but unlike Greenberg, she’s not Kelly asked half of the group to tell the truth for the duration afraid to tell a little lie. Bruce has been a gamer for four years of the study period, and the other half were not given any in- and has made close friends along the way. Her parents aren’t structions. The participants took a weekly lie detector test and comfortable with her hanging out with her online friends in real filled out a mental health questionnaire life, so Bruce lies about meeting up “Lying makes me feel so Kelly could track their progress. with them. She doesn’t mind bending “When they told more lies, their good because I am the truth because she thinks it doesn’t health went down. And when they told harm anyone. able to do what I want.” the truth, it improved,” Kelly says. “Lying makes me feel good beSyracuse University sophomore cause I am able to do what I want. I do, Anna Greenberg considers herself a very honest person. “I live however, feel guilty that I have to lie to my parents,” Bruce a fairly liberated life because I have nothing to cover up,” she says. “It gives me anxiety and makes me nervous to some exsays. Greenberg also adds that she doesn’t like to lie because tent that they will find out.” When the meet up is over, howit always comes back to bite people. “It turns into a big web of ever, Bruce is happy to have spent time with her online friends lies, which gets you caught. And the other person will be ex- and says it’s definitely worth the little white lies she tells. tremely mad at you, so it’s not worth it,” she says. Sometimes, telling small lies is tempting, but it may induce Being honest makes Greenberg feel relaxed because noth- more anxiety. Being honest can be difficult, so it all comes ing is kept hidden. When her and her friends went out with down to who can handle the pressure and who can’t. So, if you boys, for instance, her friends lied to their parents about it, but find yourself feeling anxious all the time, ask yourself if lying is Greenberg felt too anxious to lie to hers. She says she doesn’t really worth it… honestly. have to worry about people finding out the truth and she usual6 | EQUALTIME FALL 2019
Behind the scenes of what eating disorders actually look like. Story by APRIL HlLL | Illustrations by SOPHIE HAUTALA
Warning: This article might be triggering to readers with eating disorders. Continue reading at your own risk.
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ovies and television have a long history of misrepresenting eating disorders. Netflix’s original series Insatiable, for example, suggests that the main character’s eating disorder masks her murderous desires (newsflash — eating disorders don’t usually create an urge to kill). This misinformation in the media often leads to discrepancies between assumptions about mental illnesses and their realities, which perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Eating disorders are not a choice. Contrary to what popular culture would have you believe, eating disorders are complex medical and psychiatric illnesses that are influenced by social interactions, psychology, and biology. For instance, a perfectionist personality can increase someone’s risk for developing an eating
disorder. Perfectionists may feel there is only one “right” way to do things, which can lead to restrictive dieting and other controlling, food-related impulses. Nina, a high school junior from Westchester, NY, has struggled with eating disorders herself and acknowledges that a big part of it is about control. “People may feel like they’re losing control, like moving or a friend dying, but they can control what they eat,” she says. “Everything else is out of control, but I’m in control of calories or the number on the scale.” Other risk factors include anxiety spectrum disorders (like generalized anxiety or obsessivecompulsive disorder) and having a family history of eating disorders. American culture is also notoriously obsessed with EQUALTIME | 7
Health & Fitness dieting and thinness. The stigma surrounding weight can increase body dissatisfaction and foster the belief that an ideal body exists somewhere on your Instagram feed. Additionally, research from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine suggests that eating disorder behaviors are linked to altered brain chemistry. Serotonin, a chemical that causes feelings of contentment, is produced by eating protein. Low levels of serotonin should make you want to eat, and dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel pleasure, should release after a meal to make eating enjoyable. However, this typical chemical process doesn’t function properly in people with eating disorders. Individuals with anorexia nervosa, for example, tend to produce higher levels of serotonin, which can lead to anxiety. Instead of eating, these individuals’ brains try to reduce serotonin by avoiding foods that promote serotonin creation, like protein. They also don’t get the dopamine release after a meal, so the association between eating and satisfaction doesn’t exist. Unlike people with anorexia nervosa, who don’t release dopamine after a meal, people with bulimia nervosa release too much dopamine after a meal. This causes them to keep eating and can
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contribute to a vicious cycle of using food as a reward, eating too much, punishing themselves through purging, and repeating. Recognizing eating disorders Today’s eating disorders don’t look the same PHYSICAL
EMOTIONAL
Weight loss
Preoccupation with weight & body image
Complaining of being cold all the time Wearing bulky or excessive clothing
Refusal to eat certain food groups (fats, carbs, etc.)
Fatigue
Skipping meals regularly
Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
Withdrawal from normal activities
Disappearance of large amounts of food in a short period of time
Feelings of disgust after eating or toward food
Hiding food or food wrappers
as they used to. According to Dr. Tanya Horacek, a registered dietitian and professor in the nutrition department at Syracuse University, today’s eating disorders can present themselves in many forms. “Eating disorders have evolved a lot since I started in the field,” Horacek says. She explains that eating disorders can often be disguised as a special diet, such as glutenfree, dairy-free, paleo, or vegan. In addition, the more general term “clean eating” may promote restrictive diets that cut out high-carb or high-fat foods, according to Horacek. But that doesn’t mean everyone who eats clean has an eating disorder. The difference is that some people choose to maintain these special diets as a cover for food avoidance, weight control, or compensation for the lack of control in other aspects of their life. An important thing to recognize is that eating disorders can look different for everyone. Someone could have one or more of the following symptoms, or they may have
Anorexia nervosa others that aren’t listed here, depending on the disorder. Are you concerned you or someone you know may have an eating disorder? Nancy Rindfuss, director of the dietetics program at Syracuse University and registered dietitian nutritionist, says resources are the best thing you can give to yourself or to someone else with an eating disorder. When asked what she would recommend if a student were concerned about a friend, she responded, “I think the best thing to do is to refer them to a dietitian because they can help evaluate the person to see if there is a problem.” Most universities employ a dietitian who is trained in eating disorder management for students to access. If you’re concerned about a friend or family member, Horacek gives this advice: “Focus on what you notice and express concern, rather than focusing on what they’re doing. Saying ‘I noticed...’ and ‘I’m concerned about...’ rather than ‘You’re doing this’ can be helpful.” However you choose to respond, be sure to come off as nonjudgmental and supportive, regardless of how your friend or loved one reacts. Support is extremely important before, during, and after treatment. If you yourself are struggling with an eating disorder, reach out to a friend or a professional who can be there for you. Stereotypes and misinformation about eating disorders are easily spread by the media, but the truth is, eating disorders aren’t just about being thin or, in Insatiable’s case, hiding violent impulses. Eating disorders aren’t funny, glamorous, or a dieting strategy. Society needs to start recognizing eating disorders for what they actually are instead of overdramatizing them for views. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you can call the National Eating Disorder Association’s free Helpline at (800) 9312237 or text “NEDA” to 741741.
An extreme restriction of their calories relative to their bodyweight. Often characterized by weight loss or extremely thinness, but not always. A person can be anorexic and not look thin.
Bulimia nervosa An eating disorder that has both a binge phase and a purge phase (eating large amounts of food, then practicing a behavior intended to get rid of the excess).
Binge eating disorder One of the most common eating disorders in the United States, but also the newest recognized. It’s characterized by a sensation of a loss of control and episodes of eating large quantities of food, often very quickly and to the point of discomfort.
Orthorexia Obsessive behavior in the pursuit of a healthy diet. It’s different than just wanting to eat healthy, and it’s most commonly displayed with symptoms of an anxiety disorder surrounding unhealthy food.
Drunkorexia Increasingly common, it is a condition where a person consumes little to no food during the day and drinks alcohol in excess at night, whether it is to get drunk faster, avoid high calorie intake, or cope.
Pica The desire to eat food items that are not typically considered food and don’t contain nutrients, like chalk, hair, or dirt.
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Beauty
BIG GIRL, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL Five amazing ladies share their paths to self-acceptance. Written by TARA BOLOSAN | Illustrations by EMILY BAIRD From Facetuned Instagram posts by your favorite influencers to heavily edited advertisements in the trendiest magazines, we are constantly fed unrealistic beauty standards. This pressure can cause people, especially women, to feel a need to change their bodies, which makes it difficult to build up a genuine sense of selflove and confidence. Loving yourself is about more than physical appearance. It’s about accepting who you actually are, not who you “should” be. Here are five amazing ladies who have fallen head over heels in love with themselves despite ever-changing beauty norms.
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ALLY
“At the end of the day, everyone is stunning and the people in your life care about you and your well-being. Appreciate the way you look but that’s not what’s important.”
“Understand that everyone looks different and you look good looking the way you are. Be comfortable and honest with yourself.”
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DOROTHY “Life is too short to be wasted on caring about what others think about your appearance. Do what makes you feel good.”
KATY “It doesn’t matter how you look but how you see yourself. Confidence goes a long way and if you compare yourself, you can’t love yourself. How are other people going to love you, if you don’t love yourself?”
IZZY “My senior year of high school helped me realize I loved my curves. I didn’t need validation from the people around me because I loved myself and I knew I was beautiful in my own way.”
Everyone is beautiful in his or her own way, but it’s important to take some time each day to acknowledge this. Confidence and self-love develop over time and require an honest acceptance of all the little, unique things about you. You are only given one body, so why not flaunt it? Life would be boring if everyone looked the same, anyway. EQUALTIME | 11
Beauty
Excuse me,
ARE THOSE YOUR REAL ... ?
I (almost) woke up like this! G Story by SARAH GRINNELL Illustration by SHANNON KIRKPATRICK
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etting ready in the morning has been revolutionized by semi-permanent beauty treatments like eyelash extensions, eyebrow microblading, and dip nail polish. Gone are the days of swiping on coat after coat of mascara for women who would rather just indulge in these long-lasting services. Semi-permanent makeup allows women to wake up flawless while everyone else basks in the glory of their ingenious investments. Meg Lisowski, a junior engineering student at Syracuse University, has been getting eyelash and eyebrow treatments for four years. This love affair blossomed when she started working at a tanning salon that also offered eyelash and eyebrow services. While working the front desk, her eyelash extensions were on display, and she encouraged interested customers to replicate her look. Lisowski says she’s never looked back because her eyelash extensions make her “feel like a ‘bad bitch’ and make getting ready so quick and easy.” Lisowski explained that waking up with her eyelashes and eyebrows done has minimized her makeup routine, saving her time and effort. She said she doesn't get her eyelashes and eyebrows done to look natural; it is her goal to look as
glam as possible. She gets a full set of the biggest lashes and tints her brows as dark as possible. “I know some people don’t like them, but I don’t care what they think because I feel like my best self,” Lisowski says. Lisowski says she likes that the beauty industry is moving towards more semi-permanent treatments because it requires minimal effort to get the maximum look. She frequently gets acrylic nails and is willing to try other treatments, like laser hair removal, in the future. There is, however, one procedure that Lisowski is more hesitant to invest in. When it comes to microblading, she says “if it’s shit, it’s shit” because she has only ever seen “excellent or botched” microbladed brows. Microblading aside, Lisowski would recommend eyelash extensions and tinted eyebrows to anyone who is looking for a time saving investment to add to his or her beauty routine. She thinks we can all benefit from waking up with a full set of lashes. No matter who you are, Lisowski says semi-permanent beauty treatments are a great way to feel confident. Kristen Nolan, founder of The
Lash Factory in Syracuse, also has great insight into the world of eyelash extensions. The salon offers eyelash extensions, eyelash lifts, eyelash tints, eyebrow waxing, and Henna eyebrow tints. Nolan describes The Lash Factory’s main clientele as “25 to 40-year-old full time professionals,” along with the SU students during the school year. She explained that sometimes her clients come in before or after work for “me time.” Nolan said she feels a deep connection with her clients and appreciates that they take time out of their day to do something for themselves. She connects with her clients with the knowledge that she is part of their self care routine, and she takes pride in that. Nolan recommends eyelash extensions to anyone who wants to wake up and feel beautiful without applying coats of mascara. Eyelash extensions and other semi-permanent beauty treatments are not going away anytime soon. Waking up with a full set of fluttery lashes used to be something women could only dream of, but now semi-permanent beauty treatments are making it a reality. EQUALTIME | 13
Beauty
Feeling Yourself Whether you love bare beauty or a full face of makeup, make sure you feel truly, honestly you. Photos by LAURA OLIVERIO
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Beauty Beauty
young woman scrolls through Instagram. Each picture she likes is of a different model, celebrity, influencer, or friend edited to perfection. Some photos show airbrushed skin and flawless smiles; others highlight slender legs and toned stomachs. Although the posts are all edited differently, each one shows a warped reality that strays further from the truth. Women experience constant pressure to show only the best parts of their lives and looks on social media. But although the obsession with perfection is still alive and well, it appears that social media users are editing their posts less extensively. This recent trend towards authenticity stems from influencers who believe that it’s important for audiences to see their honest selves. Carrie Dayton, a YouTuber with 346,000 subscribers and over 71,000 Instagram followers, emphasizes body confidence and mid-size fashion for women whose measurements fall outside of traditional model sizes. She strives to be as real as possible in all of her content. “I’ve obviously grown a lot in my six years on You22 | EQUALTIME FALL 2019
Tube, and being authentic and relatable is my #1 priority now,” says Dayton in an email. “Being told I’m real and relatable is still the absolute biggest compliment you could ever give me.” Often times, influencers feel the pressure to be perfect because they believe their audience expects more from them than from “normal” people. Jerusha Jacob, a student at the University of Cincinnati, thinks it’s important to remember they are only human. “It’s so important to remind everyone that no one is perfect, because I think we hold people with a large platform to such a high standard,” says Jacob through email. Dayton says that growing up, she did not feel that her body type was seen or represented. Now, she is striving to provide others with the representation that she didn’t have. “In high school, I only saw one body type in movies, magazines, TV shows, etc.,” says Dayton. “If I’d seen someone my size being confident and bold, I can’t imagine what it would have done for me. That’s what I’m hoping to be for my viewers now.”
The culture of social media is slowly shifting towards authenticity (#nofilter) Story by BETSY HART | Illustrations by SHANNON KIRKPATRICK Influencers also believe it is important they accurately portray their lives, not just their bodies. Emily Wass, a YouTuber and student at the University of Richmond, has 200,000 subscribers and 10,400 followers. She tries to make sure that her audience knows her life is not perfect. “I have recently been trying to include a part in a lot of my videos where I talk about either issues that are important to me or some of the more serious/ negative experiences I’ve been through,” Wass says through email. “I think this is important because I never want to portray my life as perfect and I want my videos to make a positive impact and be more than just surface-level content.” This openness and authenticity between influencer and audience was not always there from the start. While Dayton does everything she can to show her true self online now, there was once a time in her YouTube career when she tried to fit in. “When I first started YouTube in 2013, my little beauty guru community was so polished. We all had the same cameras and lenses with the same Bath &
Body Works candle burning in the background, with the same background music and high-pitched voices, and we all bought the same makeup,” Dayton says. “There wasn’t much originality or authenticity, and I honestly don’t even recognize myself in those videos.” With all this pressure to conform, social media can lead to comparison. As influencers constantly post their toned bodies, large houses, and lavish lives, it’s hard for audiences to not feel like their lives are inferior. But Dayton believes that audiences are past this feeling and are starting to appreciate more authenticity online. “I think more and more people are growing tired of the mental anguish it causes seeing these unrealistic photos and are flocking to real, unaltered content instead,” says Dayton. While highly edited posts, exaggerated personas, and Photoshopped pictures still dominate social media platforms, the cry for authenticity grows louder each day. If influencers continue to produce honest content, it won’t be long before creators will need to get real or get out. EQUALTIME | 23
Lifestyle
ANXIOUS? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT Modern stressors reqire modern solutions. Story by MORGAINE MCILHARGEY | Illustrations by EMILY BAIRD
F
eeling overwhelmed is basically in a college student’s job description. Juggling classes, a social life, and extracurriculars while attempting to get enough exercise and sleep is almost an impossible task—not to mention the stress of an impending graduation and subsequent catapulting into the “real world.” So, how do you cope? Some students are turning to mental health apps to relieve their anxiety. Guillermo Parrilla-Yriarte, a senior at Emerson College, has been meditating with the app Headspace for the past six months. “I felt like I was kind of losing a grip on myself, and I wanted to start meditating but didn’t know how to,” Parrilla-Yriarte says. “Since I tend to be the type of person that can’t explain or really manage my feelings sometimes, this has offered me a way to handle them.” Gwyn Esty-Kendall, the Health Promotion Specialist for mental health at Syracuse University, says using a mental health and wellness app can be helpful, but students should be aware of the severity of their problems. “It can be an alternative if people maybe don’t have serious mental health issues or just don’t need that level of support,” Esty-Kendall says. “If students are trying to use that as a cure-all or the one answer, I think that could be a negative because people might not seek help when they need it if they’re relying on an app.” I’ve never used mental health apps, so I put two
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to the test. Fittingly, I used them when I needed all the help I could get—during midterms. First I tried Headspace, which leads you through meditation and offers courses on topics like anxiety management and physical health. I meditated every morning for three minutes and listened to its courses on anxiety. It was a little hard getting used to sitting still, but I liked the routine it provided because it forced me to relax and clear my mind for just a few minutes. I also tested AntiStress, which claims to provide “anxiety relief” and “reduce stress and improve focus” through multiple minigames, like chopping vegetables or shattering light bulbs. These games were extremely satisfying and addicting, but they were only a temporary distraction. I prefered the low-commitment fun over the daily meditation, so I won’t be paying for a Headspace subscription… but I’ll probably keep chopping cucumbers in my free time. Mental health apps can be easily accessible ways to practice mindfulness, but they aren’t for everyone. Syracuse students can use the app Sanvello, which treats stress, anxiety, and depression; plus, it’s free through the university. They can also utilize resources in the Barnes Center, such as counseling services, pet therapy, and the Crowley Family MindSpa. Mental health issues are complex, so the best treatment varies from person to person. It’s important to know what works for you: apps or no apps.
RAISING THE NEXT GENERATION OF MEN Let’s learn from toxic masculinity and teach the next generation to respect others and be more authentic. Story by MARY KEITH | Illustrations by EMILY BAIRD “It’s not your fault!” exclaims Victoria Mescall, a former resident advisor, sorority member, and current sorority house mom. As a domestic violence activist, Mescall makes sure no one feels responsible for their own abusive experience. “Even if I say it a hundred more times, even if I say it every day until I die, there’s people I know that won’t believe me,” Mescall says. “They will still always think that they went outside, they went upstairs, they didn’t say ‘no’ at first. They will always think that they had a hand in what happened to them.” Violence happens for many reasons, but toxic masculinity is the prevailing cause. Anyone can be masculine, but the issue isn’t masculinity — the issue is toxicity. According to the American Psychological Association, toxic masculinity is the pressure to fulfill particular traits, such as being aggressive, heterosexual, and stoic. “Toxic men” are molded by a variety of factors, like their upbringing and culturally accepted norms of domineering, violent men. Toxic masculinity has dangerous outcomes: sexual assault, domestic violence, and misogyny, to name a few. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women and one in nine men experience violence at the hands of an intimate partner. The key to resolving violence between men and women lies in combating toxic masculinity. Dr. Tanya Gesek, a child and adolescent psychologist, explains that toxic masculinity makes men feel entitled to push boundaries and engage in dominating behaviors, especially towards women and LGBTQ+ individuals. She says that marginalized groups are pushing back against discrimination from toxic men. “I think you see toxic masculinity in relationships, I think you see it in athletics, I think you see it in the business world,” says Gesek. “It’s considered a positive asset, but then women are looked at as ‘bitchy’ and ‘bossy.’” Toxic masculinity is also seen among young men in fraternities, who agree that the stereotype is sometimes accurate.
It’s difficult to overlook this community, especially in instances of hazing or sexual assault. Bailey Arredondo, Newhouse graduate student and former fraternity brother at Texas Christian University, says that brothers who tend to exemplify toxic masculinity hide behind their Greek letters. “Toxic masculinity is when you first meet someone and they immediately say what fraternity they’re a part of, instead of their name and where they’re from,” says Arredondo. This type of brother prefers the social scene of fraternities over the philanthropy. Relying on the social aspect of fraternities can cause men to act hypermasculine, another factor in toxicity. However, not all fraternity members prescribe to toxic masculinity. Both Arredondo and Syracuse University fraternity member Ben Weiner remain true to themselves. “I still call my mom everyday, I still love to watch football games, I still go to the gym,” says Weiner. “I’m still me.” Weiner is a camp counselor at Camp Schodack for the Boy Scouts of America, and gets to be a role model for young boys; he instills the virtues of respect and self-acceptance. Hopefully, as the 10- and 11-year-olds grow, they remember and internalize traits that make a good man. Both Arredondo and Gesek, the child and adolescent psychologist, teach important values to the next generation of boys: kindness, understanding boundaries, and staying true to themselves. They also agree that it’s critical to educate girls about toxic masculinity so they’re a part of the conversation. Domestic violence activist Mescall believes that boys and girls should learn about toxicity together. “This isn’t the fifth grade puberty video. We don’t need to be in separate classrooms to have these talks,” says Mescall. “I think it’s more problematic when you do that because teaching women that they have to look out for something in the world that could harm them perpetuates this idea that it’s your fault.” EQUALTIME | 25
Lifestyle
Everything You Want to Know About
BREAST REDUCTIONS but are Too Afraid to Ask
We sat down with ET editor Sophie Schlosser and asked her everything. Some of the questions have been edited for brevity and clarity. Story by ET EDITORS | Illustrations by SOPHIA HAUTALA Equal Time: What did your parents say when you brought up that you wanted a breast reduction? Sophie Schlosser: So I was in Hawaii with my family for spring break and I was bikini shopping with my friend. I remember looking at myself in the mirror after trying on every bikini that fit her and just crying because nothing fit me. My mom knew that it had been an ongoing struggle with my body image, because my breasts made me look like such a bigger person. So I remember when I brought it up to her, there wasn’t even a moment where she was unsure about it, just because she knew it was really diminishing my confidence in my self-worth. And so I told her in Hawaii and she was really on board with it, really supportive. My dad was a little on the fence, just because he’s more about like, ‘This is a body God gave you. You doing something to it is kind of vain.’ But he knew that whatever would make me happy he would be okay with. But yeah, my mom was really on board and so the minute we got back we started asking people about surgeons and looking for it. And that’s really when we got the process rolling. ET: How’d you find your doctor? SS: So my doctor was a plastic surgeon who has her own practice in Denver. My mom has some friends who would go to her for other plastic surgery reasons, and she was really well known for breast reductions. So I went on her website and I was looking at before
and after pictures and it was exactly what I wanted. All the before pictures were girls that were just like me in terms of their breast size and clearly had the same mental state as I did. Like me, they just didn’t want big boobs. So that’s how we found her. ET: How did you end up affording it? SS: It’s a very pricey surgery. If there were any doubts about it, it was the price of it. Because not only is the procedure itself so expensive, there’s also a million other things you have to do. For me, there wasn’t a plastic surgeon place in Aspen, so we had to drive four and a half hours to Denver to have my surgery and then back the next day. So that’s also more expensive, to get the hotel room and everything. You also have to buy all these specialized bras that you have to wear throughout the surgery. There’s these expensive two tubings that you have to pay someone to come empty for you. But basically, we knew we could afford it. It was just the decision of wanting to put all that money towards this. I think it all just came down to the fact that I couldn’t even lead a normal life living in the way I was in my own skin. And so I think for my parents that became more important to them than the money. ET: What size are you now? SS: So I was a triple E and now I’m a 34C. What they do when you first go into your consultation, they make you go into a
Victoria’s Secret and pick your “dream bra” that you want to fit into. I think that was one of my favorite days, going in and picking out a bra that I loved the most. I think I picked out a B, a 36B. And they try to make your breast size according to that bra. After I healed a little and I put on that bra, it was the best moment in my life. I cried. But they tell you before surgery you’re going to grow, like, a size after because of weight gain and your body evening itself out. So now I’m a 34C. ET: What did that dream bra look like? SS: It was tan and had white lace embroidered onto it with little sparkles on the end of the laces. I remember seeing that bra weeks before at Victoria’s Secret and wanting it but knowing they didn’t make it in my size. ET: The procedure itself, did it hurt? Was it painful afterwards? SS: For me, I had enormous boobs. They said that for a lot of people with this surgery, they only have to make the scar around your nipple and a straight line down. But because my boobs were so big, they had to do that and go all the way under. So they told us that it was going to be a much longer surgery, which scared everyone a little bit. I was going to be under for four, four and a half hours. And yes, it hurt. The recovery process wasw really, really terrible. There’s a really large risk of complications after surgery, so I was really lucky I didn’t have that. But with the stitching, you have to go back every week for a checkup to make sure the scarring is going the way it should be. For a while, you have to wear surgical tape on your scars. You can’t lift your arms above a 45 degree angle or else it hurts really bad and you have a risk of ripping your scars. I was mostly on bedrest, but for me the recovery process wasn’t as bad as it is for a lot of people. Some people can’t even move or pick things up, but thankfully I was up and walking up and down my driveway two days later, trying to get back up on my feet.
Otherwise, the tubing was terrible. There are these tubes they put in your sides that drain fluids from your boobs and those have to stay in for like two weeks. That’s really difficult because you have to sleep with them in and you have to empty them, and I’m really squeamish so that was not my territory. But after a few weeks, you get the hang of it and recovery isn’t that bad. ET: What were some of your friends initial reactions after the procedure? SS: Everybody was shocked beyond belief because it was like a whole new me. And not just my breast size but more like the way I was acting. Everybody just said that I was meant to have small boobs and that was very clear after the procedure. It just seemed like something that was way more me. ET: Would you recommend the procedure to others who are wanting to have smaller boobs? SS: I absolutely would recommend it. I was kind of a special case because I never had surgery before this procedure and I scarred terribly. When I went in for a checkup six months after, they told me they’d never seen someone scar as bad as I did. And it wasn’t because I wasn’t doing my scar care or anything, it was just my body physiology. So that’s hard for me because sometimes I can’t wear certain shirts I want to and sometimes I do feel insecure being naked because I do have these awful scars. So if you’re considering it, I really would consider that aspect of it too, because I never thought it was a possibility but it is. So it’s hard, but at the end of the day, I am so much happier with the boobs I have now. I used to have to wear three to four bras a day. Now I never wear a bra and I just feel like I fit in in a different way. So in terms of health and quality of life and my EQUALTIME | 27
Features
SIZE MATTERS (and I’m Living Proof ) Why the business of boobs is busting out from “bigger is better.” Story by SOPHIE SCHLOSSER | Illustration by SOPHIA HAUTALA
Y
ou’d think a Victoria’s Secret in every American mall would basically guarantee a bra for every pair of breasts nationwide. However, once you pass the iconic feather-winged mannequins with perky, pintsize chests in favor of the tables overflowing with itchy grandma bras, you start to realize how Buddy the Elf felt growing up with his North Pole peers: ridiculously large. It wasn’t long ago that ample assets were big business, with breast enhancements far outnumbering reductions because of the perceived correlation between busty and beautiful. Lifestyles keep evolving, though, and in recent years, smaller breasts have proven conducive to more robust exercise, better back health, and the ability to button up shirts without giving people a frontrow seat to the ugly bra you bought at the old lady department store. Apparently, Victoria’s Secret hasn’t realized that most of the female population still squeezes into bras that are traumatically too small. The practical solution nowadays: breast reductions. It’s entirely possible that the bra industry hasn’t focused enough on accommodating larger-breasted women, ultimately making big
boobs seem unfashionable. This explains the monumental rise in breast reductions over the years – according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, breast reduction surgeries rose by 157% between 1997 and 2013. But that alone doesn’t account for why young women have been looking to reduce their chest profile. I was once one of these young women desperately searching for an answer that would solve my diminishing confidence caused by my breast size. At 15, I faced my biggest fear: getting fitted for a bra. “34 EEE,” the sales lady announced after unfurling the soft yellow measuring tape from its death grip around my torso. “Unfortunately, we don’t carry bras in your size, but I can give you the names of some special stores for girls like you.” Girls like me. My heart sank. I slumped over in the corner of the dressing room, eyes closed and imagining the reflection of my 34EEEs overtaking the three-way mirror. I needed smaller boobs. Stacey Folk, the Denver-based plastic surgeon who ultimately performed my breast reduction, has seen an anecdotal jump in teenage breast reductions over the past
decade. Folk has gotten two breast reductions herself, so she fully understands the urgency of women who want to get this procedure. “I was a 34 DDD, now a 34D. I tell all of my patients that I have had the surgery, and even show them my scars if it helps, so I am pretty open,” she says. My breasts grew pretty quickly during high school… the biggest problem for me was feeling self- conscious about my appearance. I like fashion, and felt limited in what I could wear.” In my experience, I felt the same limitations when, seemingly overnight, my burgeoning chest size hijacked my self-esteem. I squeezed into three sports bras every morning, my humiliation as transparent as the attempts to disguise my insecurity. Hobart College sophomore Stella Jalai also struggles to reshape her body to better fit the Victoria’s Secret ideal. “I tend to complain about having big breasts and not being able to wear certain clothes and looking fatter than I am because my breasts make shirts look bigger on me,” Jalai says. “Even though I get attention from boys, which gives me confidence, I always wonder if it is because they like my body or because I am an attractive person.” There is an unspoken obligation for women to conform to a sexualized society that promotes perfectly proportionate bodies. This is evidenced by the rise in breast reductions among adolescents. Tyler Greene, a first-year student at Richmond University, also thinks a smaller cup size would go a long way towards increasing her confidence.
“Smaller breasts seem very popular among celebrities, so I feel pressured to alter my appearance to look more like them,” she says. “There is a lot of pressure to attain the ‘perfect’ body, and it does not usually include large breasts.” As these societal pressures rose around me, I no longer felt “normal” in my own skin. Despite this, I always knew I was Sophie underneath my strategic layers of clothing. While crude comments about my appearance eventually became background noise, I realized that, this being the 21st century, I had options. After hours of research, I mentioned a breast reduction to my mom. Our conversation carried on for months as I peppered her with arguments in favor of the procedure. She grew to understand I was tired of the camouflage — I couldn’t run, jump, play sports, or sleep comfortably. My breasts were not only diminishing my confidence, but also my health and quality of life. On June 15, 2017, I awoke from anesthesia 750 grams of breast tissue lighter. I wasn’t emptier, though, but rather overflowing with self-love. The walls of adversity and self-recrimination that had built up around my midsection gave way to joy and acceptance. I escaped a place of isolation to emerge stronger than ever. For the first time in three years, people, including me, saw and accepted me for who I am. Finally, Sophie Schlosser came out of hiding once and for all.
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What happens when the closet feels safer than a confessional? Story by DANNY DACUS | Illustrations by SOPHIA HAUTALA
The intersection of religion and sexuality is consistently an area of contention. Looming fears of conversion therapy, disownment, and disdainful Leviticus quotes conflict with the affirmation that “God makes no mistakes.” Churches have made headlines both for accepting and rejecting LGBTQ+ individuals, but no two experiences are exactly alike. For many people, religion and sexuality are deeply personal aspects of their identity. Take Syracuse University freshman Audrey Liebhaber, a Reform Jew from a fairly religious home. Until two years ago, she kept her sexuality hidden from her family. She came out to her sister first, who wasn’t surprised. But she says that her parents, while supportive, took it much harder. Luckily, they’ve become more accepting over the years, something Liebhaber is grateful for. SU sophomore Jennifer Kim was also hesitant to tell her parents. She came out to her dad as he dropped her off at college her freshman year and was pleasantly surprised when he took it well. “My parents aren’t homophobic at all, my roommates are gay and bi, and they never questioned it with my friends, but I always felt they probably wouldn’t like it if their own kid was bi,” she says. While coming out to her father turned out better than she expected, 30 | EQUALTIME FALL 2019
Kim says she’s still not out to her mom. “I lead a double life with my sexuality,” she says. For many, religion is a place of solace, but for Kim, it’s one of worry and doubt. Her home life centered around religion, as she grew up in a Korean Catholic household with parents who were heavily involved in the church. “My dad was even part of the church council and handles a lot of the stuff in our church like budgeting and projects,” Kim says. “We have crosses in our house, and we go to church for holidays like Christmas and Easter. We also have had our priest over for dinner a lot.” Kim says that many kids in her parish, including those her age, are fairly accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals. But she never discussed LGBTQ+ affairs with any adults, much less came out to them, aware of the fact that they would likely be homophobic. “I was generally just scared of bringing up LGBT-related topics in church because the Catholic church is notorious for being problematic, especially with homophobia… I don’t think it was actively preached, but I knew Catholicism generally looked down on homosexuality,” Kim says. After coming to terms with her sexuality, Kim felt less attached to the Catholic church’s teachings; she now
identifies as more of an agnostic. Syracuse freshman Allie Kaylor echoed Kim’s sentiments about fearing older church members’ reactions. The Methodist church announced its stance against gay rights last year, but Kaylor’s pastor had waited until the decision was made to take a side. She is still not out in her church because now she worries that some of the older people in her
nonbinary and queer, emphasized their positive experiences with their religion and continues to practice Hinduism. “My religion itself is very accepting of someone who is so trivially deviant, but the culture is not, so I can practice at home with no hard feelings, but have a harder time in public worship settings,” Rao says. They explained that in Hinduism, neither God nor the soul
“Someday, I’ll come out on my own time, and I hope they understand...” church may not accept her. Despite her concerns, she’s never questioned her faith. “I’ve never doubted that God loves me,” Kaylor says. But Kaylor, who describes herself as both religious and non-denominational, explains that she still hasn’t come out to her family. “I know they would likely be accepting, as they have expressed support for celebrities and other people that are openly LBGT, but I am just not ready yet,” Kaylor says. “Someday, I’ll come out on my own time, and I hope they understand that God loves me for who I am, and they do too.” Syracuse sophomore Aparajita Rao, who identifies as Hindu, agrees that their religious community wasn’t initially accepting of LGBTQ+ identities — but Rao attributes that more to cultural norms than religious dogma. Rao, who is
has a gender. Deities have been assigned genders by people, but can appear however they like. “I think the lack of rigid gender roles in some of our stories helped me not beat myself up over being nonbinary,” Rao says. “At the end of the day, my morality is about causing minimal harm, and being kind and empathetic is more important than my gender and appearance.” Religion is a hard topic for many people, regardless of their sexuality. For some, like Kim, religion can be the thing that keeps you up at night and in the closet. For others, like Rao, religion can be the thing that makes you more sure of your identity. Coming out to religious family and friends can be incredibly intimidating, but it may comfort you to know that there’s a congregation of religious LGBTQ+ supporters behind you. EQUALTIME | 31
Consumer U Features
Consumer U
Could the cost of luxury brands prevent college students from creating their own styles and fitting in on campus? Written by Mary Keith | Illustrations by Emily Baird
I
n the famous words of Carrie Bradshaw, “I like my money right where I can see it: hanging in my closet.” Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone. Sure, in Sex and the City Bradshaw somehow manages to accumulate $40,000 worth of shoes with only $1,125 in her savings, but in real life, not everyone is as careless (or confident?) with their money. Staying on top of trends is fun and important for people who express themselves through fashion, but the luxury of wearing designer names like Louis Vuitton, Stuart Weitzman, or Canada Goose is one that few can indulge in. These notable and easily identifiable brands are frequently seen around campus, although their prominence could potentially reduce the self-esteem of those who can’t afford the latest trends. Woodchurch High School in northwestern England recently banned Canada Goose, Moncler, and Pyrenex jackets on their campus in an effort to promote inclusivity and socioeconomic equality for all students. As a private institution, Syracuse University also has the power to eliminate designer items from its grounds — but should it? While Newhouse graduate student Hannah Lees is passionate about fashion, she says that she wouldn’t spend upwards of $200 on a single designer T-shirt. However, she isn’t offended by people sporting well-known brands. “If anything, I look at someone who’s wearing something luxurious and go, ‘Wow! They look really cute today,’” says Lees. “I don’t go, ‘Wow, I really wish I could have that. I’m going to go buy it.’ I know my limits.” Lees said that while she doesn’t care about owning designer brands, she can understand implementing a ban for students who might choose fashion over necessities like rent or utilities in an effort to fit in. On the other hand, Jacorey Moon, a Newhouse graduate student and the owner of the blog Unapologetically Haute, has sacrificed food for fashion before. But he also understands his limits and knows when to put that pair of shoes he’s been eyeing back on the shelf. “It’s like my mom has told me,” said Moon. “If you can’t 32 | EQUALTIME FALL 2019
afford to buy it twice, then you really can’t afford it.” While not everyone is ready to afford or invest in luxury brands, Moon says it still doesn’t give the university any leverage in instilling a ban. He adds that as adults, students should have the right to convey their personalities through fashion. “I do feel like you’re taking somebody’s freedom away when you’re banning them from wearing something,” says Moon. “Just because someone else can’t afford the designer labels that these people are wearing, how can you benefit from a ban just because you can’t have them too?” Additionally, a luxury ban could put a strain on the Syracuse University community and affect local businesses. J-Michael Shoes, a local store on Marshall Street, sells a large range of designer clothing and accessories to cater to university students. The store is notable for carrying expensive lines, such as Birkenstocks, FILA, and Ray-Bans. Canada Goose, Patagonia, and J/Slides are popular luxury brands at the moment, according to J-Michael employee Deion Lunstrum. If a campus ban were to be implemented, a large proportion of the store’s sales would decrease. Lunstrum mentioned that J-Michael also sells lesserknown and cheaper items in the store that are not listed on the website, such as Elan, Project Social T, Southampton Studios and Z Supply. These particular brands do well and help to diversify the range of items sold. Both Lees and Moon agree that affordable fashion allows people to be more creative with the way they choose to dress. High fashion names definitely can influence looks, ideas, and designs, but it’s up to the individual to mix, match, and establish their own style, regardless of price or brand. So forget about Carrie Bradshaw and stop deciding between groceries or a Gucci belt. Follow the advice of real-life fashion icon Anna Wintour: “Create your own style. Let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others.”
Cue the Outfit Inspo Story by CHRISTINE ZHANG Illustration by SOPHIA HAUTALA
Getting dressed in the morning can be hard for many college students, especially while rushing to classes, climbing the Mount steps, or sprinting to catch your bus to South Campus. Comfort is a priority, but finding a balance without sacrificing your personal style can be tricky. We’ve featured four girls with some seriously unique outfits and asked them about their outfits, their style, and how they manage to stay comfortable while still looking fashionable.
Sammi Chi Sammi is wearing her favorite shirt from 180 The Store, black jeans, and sneakers from her go-to brand, Veja. Her chic, round tote is from Oreund Iris.
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Alexis He Alexis’ top and jacket are from H&M. She pairs them with pants from MoerShop and Adidas Stan Smith sneakers. She accessorizes with glasses by Gentle Monster, a bracelet by Alex and Ani, and a Casio PROTREK watch.
Lauryn Holden Lauryn wears an oversized sweater from Primark and jeans from Brandy Melville. Her sneakers are Nike Air Force 1 and her tan teddy jacket is from an Instagram boutique. Lauryn says, “I love layering in strange weather, and I usually go for something comfy that has room for flow. When I need to put a quick outfit together, I’ll always reach for these jeans because they’re my favorite and are super easy to work with; same with the sneakers.”
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Amber Grant Amber is wearing a denim jacket with an all-black outfit underneath. She also accessorizes with a scarf and boots to elevate her look. “I love to layer pieces but remain comfortable. I’d probably call my style something like ‘comfy-chic.’ This is definitely a go-to outfit for me. I love my jean jacket for fall because it’s warm enough for cooler temperatures but comfortable enough so it’s not too warm. I also love to add boots in the fall to elevate any look,” she says.
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SAME SIZE,
same fit? Story by ALEXANDRA POLLACK | Illustration by SHANNON KIRKPATRICK
W
alking into a clothing store only to find that nothing fits you can be the most disappointing feeling in the world. Buying new outfits should be exciting, but unfortunately, the stress of finding something that is both flattering and fits well often outweighs any fun to be had. With the weather growing colder, my best friend, Jolie Smith, and I decided to take a trip to Destiny USA to find some new fall pieces. Jolie and I are both a size four, but we have extremely different body types. I am tall at 5’9,” with a rather disproportionate body (legs for days!). Additionally, I am flat-chested and often have trouble filling out shirts.
Jolie is much more petite, hovering around 5’4” with an average chest size. Since body shapes differ vastly, this ultimately asks the question: Will the same size-four clothing fit us both?
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To begin our daunting adventure,
Jolie and I went to Abercrombie & Fitch. A&F is always a store I have found to be true to size, but the dress we tried on proved my expectations wrong. (For all pictures below, I am on the left and Jolie is on the right.) Unfortunately, Jolie and I were both very disappointed with this wrap dress. We both tried on a size small, which did not come close to fitting either of us. The dress was way too short on me, which made me feel exceptionally uncomfortable. Jolie experienced the exact opposite problem and was practically swimming in the dress. “It doesn’t flatter my body, and I would have to size down,” she said. The dress made her feel rather frumpy and did nothing to boost her confidence.
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OUTFIT 1
In most stories, one size does not fit all.
Next, Jolie and I decided
to try on something that screamed autumn. To our pleasant surprise, the outfits were moderately successful on both of us. The sweater fit Jolie nicely and she said she’d
consider buying it. It was a little shorter on me, but I didn’t mind. The jeans were long enough and fit us both well in the waist. If Jolie and I weren’t broke college students, we would have purchased the entire outfit in a heartbeat.
3
Next, we wanted to go to a store notorious
for inconsistent sizing. We headed to H&M, where disaster struck. We still wanted to go for a nice fall look, but H&M failed to deliver. Below is the unfortunate and traumatic outfit we tried on. This outfit was atrocious. The top technically fit both of us, but it didn’t flatter either of our bodies. The quality was also extremely poor — neither of us would ever consider buying this shirt. But the jeans were even more offensive than the top. Usually when jeans don’t fit me, my thighs aren’t the issue, but these jeans were so tight my legs couldn’t breathe. Even if I had laid down and sucked in my stomach all the way, there was no way these size four jeans would button. Although I hate to say it, it was kind of disappointing that the pants didn’t fit me. I know body positivity means ignoring store clothing sizes because they’re arbitrary, but not fitting in my usual size definitely made me think that maybe I was gaining weight or that I should start watching what I eat. I know I shouldn’t let sizing have that much of an effect on my self confidence, but it’s so hard to just let it go, which is why focusing on sizing is such a waste of time. This experiment was extremely eye-opening. I can’t say the results were surprising; it makes sense that the same size clothes would fit Jolie and me differently. That being said, I do think it’s the fashion world’s responsibility to pick up the slack in terms of becoming more inclusive. As for large retailers, their responsibility is even greater, as they control most of the options on the market. My main takeaway from this experience is that stores should consider other factors when designing their clothes besides general waist and hip sizes. For tall girls like me, clothes often fit our waist and hips, but they’re never long
OUTFIT 2
OUTFIT 3 enough. I’ve noticed that stores are beginning to include long and short versions of sizes, which is an improvement, but there is still work to be done. Size inclusivity would only be advantageous to a brand. It would make their image more body positive and could even increase sales because more people will now be included in their target market. Ultimately, while retailers everywhere are beginning to take note of the importance of size inclusivity, there is always room to grow.
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Falling into fashion A FEW COLORFUL WAYS TO FALL INTO FASHION IN ARMORY SQUARE photos by EQUAL TIME photographers
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FAST FASHION: We love the small price tag and convenience, but we aren’t big on the waste it creates. As advocates like Greta Thunberg encourage people to be more eco-conscious, responsibly sourced materials and well-paid employees are becoming important considerations in the way people shop. But it can be difficult to dress sustainably in a way that suits both your style and your budget. Here are five affordable, sustainable brands you may be missing out on:
& Other Stories
Mix fashion-forward Urban Outfitters with Reformation’s vintage vibes and you’ve got & Other Stories, an H&M Group brand that is leading the eco-friendly charge. Their items are responsibly manufactured and beautifully simplistic. As an added bonus, customers who recycle empty beauty packaging or pre-loved clothes with the brand receive a 10% off coupon. Getting discounts to help the planet? Yes, please!
ABLE
ABLE is focused on ending the cycle of poverty by paying women fairer wages. Their items are produced in Ethiopia, Peru, Mexico, and at their headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, and they openly publish the lowest wages that they pay on their website. Their pieces are minimalistic, with a palette of soft, neutral colors that will fit into any wardrobe. If you’re looking for an honest company that’s giving power back to the girls, then you can’t get any better than ABLE.
thredUP
It’s no secret that thrifting’s popularity has skyrocketed. But if you don’t live near a thrift shop (or have already overshopped yours), then it can be hard to get on board. That’s where thredUP comes in. It’s an online thrift store where users can buy and sell new and gently used clothing from popular brands and designer labels. Upcycling has never been easier - you can even choose to donate $5 to a charity of your choice when you send them your items.
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FIVE
AFFORDABLE & S U S TAI N AB L E
FA S H I O N B R A N D S Being environmentally-conscious and being wallet-conscious aren’t mutually exclusive. Story by SARAH FELBIN Illustrations by SHANNON KIRKPATRICK
PACT A “guilt-free fashion brand,” PACT clothing is made from organic cotton with processes that use less water than other manufacturers do. Their solid-colored basics are simple and effortless and their mission to transform fast fashion into ethical fashion is a message you can feel good about supporting. PACT also offers a recycling program for customers’ old clothing, towels, and linens. They encourage shoppers to shift to a more sustainable lifestyle using the hashtag #easydoesit - we agree!
Made Trade
Every Made Trade piece must meet one or more standards: sustainable, fair trade, heritage, USA-made, or vegan. Like ABLE, Made Trade also prides itself on its transparency and fair wages. With lower prices than some of the above brands, Made Trade is a more affordable option; many pieces fall between $50 and $150. A great place to find timeless basics with a twist, Made Trade can help you bulk up your personal collection without any of the guilt.
Be an activist in your own right with pieces that give back to the planet just as much as you do!
HOROSCOPES The stars don't lie.
ARIES | March 21 - April 20
You cannot continue to blame your anger on the absence of Schine quesadillas. For November, take a deep breath and go to Alto Cinco. We promise, it’s all going to be ok.
CANCER | June 22 - July 22
You’re going to completely eat it on the promenade this winter and everyone is going to see. Pick yourself up and ignore the inevitable bruising. It happens to the best of us (but seriously, WHY is there no salt here?!).
LIBRA | September 24 - October 23
We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but meeting your soulmate in the drippy basement of a band house is not actually romantic. This month, aim higher. You deserve it.
CAPRICORN | December 22 - January 20
Stealing composites from various sports houses doesn’t make you cool, Capricorn. We admire your stealthy reflexes, but this month, try putting it back where you found it. Illustrations by SHANNON KIRKPATRICK
TAURUS | April 21 - May 20
This month, stop juuling in the library — you’re not as discreet as you think you are. Also, the tobacco pod? Love yourself.
LEO | July 23 - August 23
As December approaches, it serves as a reminder that being in FYP does not give you the right to start belting holiday songs in the middle of a conversation. We appreciate your excellent vibrato, but please sir, it’s a Tuesday.
SCORPIO | October 24 - November 22
Some may call you hard to read, Scorpio, but we know that underneath that tough exterior there’s a warm center. Also, you’re going to have three fire drills this week. Sorry, we don’t make the rules.
AQUARIUS | January 21 - February 18
We get it, you’re a free spirit, but stop trying to run away from your friends after two drinks. No one wants to spend their night chasing after you and, truthfully, you seem to be getting faster.
GEMINI | May 21 - June 21
You hate being called two-faced, but have the same amount of followers on your finsta as your rinsta. Now is the time to unapologetically block the snakes and live your best life, queen.
VIRGO | August 24 - September 23
You seem like the kind of person to ask the professor 27 different questions in the last five minutes of class. Love the enthusiasm, Virgo, but this is earth science — consider giving it a break for the rest of the semester.
SAGITTARIUS | November 23 - December 21
This month, consider venturing beyond the dining hall for dinner. You’ve had the same soggy Ernie pizza for three days in a row now, and we’re starting to worry about you.
PISCES | February 19 - March 20
Stop falling for every sad boi you see, Pisces. Just because they wear black nail polish unironically doesn’t mean they’re the one for you.
EQUALTIME | 43
EQUALTIME YOUR STUDENT FEE