APRIL 2016
Vol. 1 No. 4
My Cister, My Brother Filming the Story of a Transgender Boy & His Family
Undrafted The Collective p. 24
Why Being a Good Listener Matters Avocado Recipes to Try!
Breaking Fashion Rules p. 10
Spring Nail Colors
Breaking Out: The College Student Funk
New Trends at
NYFW How I Overcame My Eating Disorder
Letter from the Editor
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Dear Reader, We thank you kindly for picking up IC Distinct Magazine’s first issue of Sara Belcher the semester! Over winter break, we elected five new editors to join our FASHION EDITOR lovely team, and we’re beyond lucky to have them! Tara Stacy, our Fashion Editor, is a junior journalism major; previously, she’s worked with CollegeTara Stacy Fashionista, Her Campus, and HiFashion Studios! Our new Beauty Editor, STYLE EDITOR Serena Weiss, is a senior writing major, and has previously written for The Stephanie Cordova-Rodriguez Ithacan’s Life and Culture section, making her a great fit for our magazine. Kalia Kornegay, another junior journalism major, is our new Lifestyle BEAUTY EDITOR Editor. She’s also works with The Ithacan, writing for their Life and Culture Serena Weiss section, and currently writes for IC Fuse and IC View. Sam Brodsky, senior writing major, was previously the Editor-in-Chief of the Ithaca College LIFESTYLE EDITOR Odyssey branch, and has interned with Hearst Magazines; she’s already Kalia Kornegay shining as our Health and Fitness Editor! And last, but most certainly not HEALTH & FITNESS EDITOR least, Mirelle Tinker, our sophomore Culture Editor, is a TVR major and writing and international business double minor. Last semester, Mirelle Samantha Brodsky interned with the Ithaca Voice, and is now a writing and publishing intern at Split Oak Press. CULTURE EDITOR I’m also proud to say that some of our topics are delving into some Mirelle Tinker deeper and more serious content. But with this comes disclaimers. While we write about food you can eat while you’re drunk, I want to remind evHEAD OF COPY eryone that in the United States, the legal drinking age is 21; we here at IC Annika Kushner Distinct do not condone the consumption of alcohol by any of our readers HEAD OF ILLUSTRATION under this age, and if you do decide to drink, we highly encourage you to Courtney Yule be safe and smart with your drinking habits. And do not drink and drive. Ever. HEAD OF MEDIA Our writers come from diverse backgrounds, and all have different Emma Noblesala opinions. The views expressed by our writers do not necessarily reflect the views of IC Distinct Magazine or our staff. We are here to create an open DESIGN TEAM platform for our writers to discuss their own opinions; if you disagree, conZoe Jenkins tact us — we’d love to hear your side of the story. Meghan Muldoon We’re very excited for everything that unfolds between these pages. If Tori Sciara you have any questions regarding our content, or wish to inquire about Raquel Borges working with us, feel free to reach out at icdistinctmag@gmail.com. We’d Madeline Strauch love to hear from you! Sara Belcher FACULTY ADVISOR Editor-in-Chief Katie Marks
DISTINCT dis • tinct /dә'stiNG(k)t/ 2
merriam-websters definition (adj) presenting a clear unmistakable impression
our definition
(n) a fashion and lifestyle magazine that celebrates the idea that beauty is inherent in individuality of expression
CONTENTS FASHION
NYFW Recap 4 Trendy Tops for Spring 8 Breaking Fashion Rules 10 Bralettes as Tops 12
BEAUTY
g Lip Colors Lookbook 13 Food for Your Face 16 Affordable Makeup Brushes 18 Spring Nail Colors 20 Beauty that Won't Bust the 22
UNDRAFTED 24 LIFESTYLE Procrastinate with Netflix 30 Break Out of the Winter Blues 31 Being a Good Listener 32
HEALTH &g FITNESS Beating my Eating Disorder 33 Vegan Drunk Food 36 An Avocado... Thanks 38
CULTURE My Cister, My Brother 39 Intersectional Feminism 42 College Student Funk 44 Windows Books 46 Distinct || APRIL 2017 3
NYFW: Recap Written by: Alyssa Curtis | Photography by: Elora-Ashley
One of the most fashionable and trendiest cities in the world outdid itself this February — if that’s even possible. The Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week, which ran from Feb. 9–Feb. 16, cultivated and uncovered some of the fashion industry’s craziest trends, statements, and events to grace the Big Apple.
Designers started some new trends and put their twist on some classics. New or old, the upcoming season is sure to see some interesting looks. Whether their featured styles were nautical or business-like, designers seemed to be heavily influenced by stripes, and colorful ones at that. Banana Republic, RED Valentino, DKNY, Rag & Bone, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Rosie Assoulin were a few of the designers and lines that seemed to follow this trend. Now that the grunt of winter seems to be slowing down, there were a lot of bare shoulders on the catwalk. Cutouts and slouchy straps are making a comeback, thanks to Prabal Gurung, Rodarte, and Tibi. Courtesy of @littlebaby.e (instagram)
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Whimsical florals made an appearance on the super models this NYFW. Michael Kors sported bright florals in structured clothing, Jason Wu designed couture dresses with blue, red, and yellow flowers, and Phillip Lim’s show had a mix of whimsical floral designs with structured pieces mixed in. The numerous catwalks also saw their fair share of neutrals this week. Yeezy, DKNY, Alexander Wang, Ryan Roche, Dennis Basso, and more had their own take of this classic. Some, like Yeezy, took the more casual route and did oversized sweatshirts, some mixed neutrals with cutouts, and others like Ryan Roche used the neutral palate in their more couture pieces. With society becoming more inclusive and body positive, the fashion world is finally catching up. Different creative directors for fashion brands are taking the idea of inclusivity and diversity in different directions. J. Crew’s line was modeled by people, not necessarily models, aged nine to 67. Plus-size models walked for Prabal Gurung, and Tome’s line was modeled by all different shapes and ethnicities. Indonesian fashion designer Anniesa Hasibuan is making headlines for her decision to have her line be modeled by all immigrants, and had them all wear light gray hijabs.
FASHION
Courtesy of @littlebaby.e (instagram) Hasibuan isn’t the only one who decided to take her art into the realm of politics. Social and political activism was a hot topic at NYFW. The Council of Fashion Designers of America officially partnered with Planned Parenthood. The campaign, titled: “Fashion Stands with Planned Parenthood,” created pins in Planned Parenthood’s signature magenta color to hand out to designers, modeling agencies, press, and more. Over 40 brands signed on to join the campaign, including Diane von Furstenberg, Carolina Herrera, Marchesa, Kate Spade, and Jonathan Simkhai.
Courtesy of @littlebaby.e (instagram)
Courtesy of @littlebaby.e (instagram) Distinct || APRIL 2017 5
Courtesy of @littlebaby.e (instagram)
Jeremy Scott, the creative director of Moschino, had all of the front-of-house workers wear T-shirts that read, “Our voice is the only thing that will protect us” on the front, while the back listed every senator’s phone number. Prabal Gurung decided to disseminate his opinions in a bold way. Some of his designs that walked the runway included feminist statements on the sleeves, and during the finale, he sent out his models each wearing a T-shirt that displayed a different feminist quote or a slogan from protest rallies. The runway wasn’t the only place new trends were spotted, or statements were made. All eyes were on the streets of New York City to see what people would dare to wear, making street style a new hot topic for the fashion world. Looks seen off the runway have become just as important as the looks on it. Assorted styles of structured jackets were visible on the streets of the city — some were classic colors, others stood out with bright colors or crazy
Courtesy of @littlebaby.e (instagram) 6
FASHION
patterns. From hems of dresses, to the lining of coats, to vests, fur was a hot pick for many of the show go-ers.
Courtesy of @littlebaby.e (instagram) Distinct || APRIL 2017 7
5
Trendy Tops Every Stylish Girl Needs This Spring
Spring is all about floral prints, bright colors and lacy shirts!
Shoulder-less shirts with sleeves are one of the hottest trends right now! The blood orange color and ruffled sleeves make this shirt perfect for spring! Cutout Shoulder Peasant Top by 1-STATE from Lord & Taylor!
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FASHION “Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.” - "The Devil Wears Prada" It’s finally time to break out the florals! Pair your favorite floral top with a cardigan and you’re all set!
Open Back Top in Red from Pacsun
Fine-Kni Cardigan in White from H&M Floral Top from Q Boutique
This knittted crop top in mustard yellow goes great under white lace. Knit Crop Top in Yellow from Necessary Clothing Lace Shawl in White from Joyce Leslie Women’s Clothing Off the shoulder tops are super trendy! Women’s Printed off the Shoulder Top from Target
Cotton Cardigan in Green from Gap Distinct || APRIL 2017 9
BREAKING
Fashion Rules
Written by: Natalie Pappas | Photography by: Adam Stantor
Clothing is a great way to boost confidence and form your identity. Fashion trends are constantly changing with what is currently popular, and individual styles represent the personality and preferences of people from different cultures. We love to experiment with varying combinations of designs, accessories, and materials, using them as a platform to express ourselves. Yet when putting together an outfit, the same basic rules for what we should not wear echo in the back of our mind. They’re so ingrained in our heads, but no one really knows where they came from or how they are relevant to fashion today. With the constantly changing fashion trends, it seems arbitrary to follow outdated rules. Fashion is about making a statement and making yourself feel good. So why not break a few passé rules? Here are the top five fashion trends it’s time to say goodbye to.
Combining these colors is a no-no: Red and Pink, Navy and Black, Silver and Gold.
The combined colors of red and pink have had a bad rap for clashing and looking tacky. However, if the right shades are paired together, it can create a hip and modern look. A deep red shirt paired with a dusty rose dress is an attractive and vibrant match that will definitely turn heads in the spring season. Navy and black is another common no-no combination. However, these colors can look very classy and chic when paired together. A navy dress paired with a sharp black jacket, or a flared pair of black pants with a navy jacket can look very elegant and clean. A bold colored purse paired with this outfit can be a pleasing addition to contrast with the dark tones. The rule against pairing silver and gold seems almost nonsensical now. The two metals can look very high fashion and elegant together. Many outfits on the runway and in fashion bloggers’ lookbooks feature mixed metal accessories to add an extra touch to the outfits. Wearing gold and silver stacked bracelets is an interesting way to modernize and freshen up an ensemble. 10
FASHION
Don’t wear white after Labor Day.
This fashion rule originated in the early 1900s, when wearing white in the summer season showed that one was wealthy enough to have clothes that would keep them cool. Labor Day marked the end of the summer season, and wearing white after it was frowned upon because the wealthy could afford to change their wardrobe each season. This rule continued for decades but is now unnecessary. Lightweight material can be abandoned after Labor Day, but a white sweater paired with denim jeans can look very modern and chic. White can make an outfit look clean and fresh, while matching a “winter white” aesthetic.
Don’t wear mixed prints.
If done wrong, mixed prints can look too obvious and tacky. However, pair a smaller print with a more complex one, and you can get an interesting and bold look without being too showy. Use prints with matching color schemes that will enhance each other’s designs. A simple plaid skirt paired with a black and white striped shirt can be very eye-popping and trendy.
Only wear clothes of the appropriate season.
Matching clothes with their corresponding season can limit many inspiring fashion ideas. Who says you can’t wear shorts in the winter? A clean white top tucked into a pair of flared shorts, black tights, and bomb heels can look very chic and sophisticated.
Short women shouldn’t wear long dresses.
It’s commonly believed that maxi skirts or dresses don’t work on short or petite women. However, petite bloggers like Wendy Nguyen and Sheryl Luke show that this belief is a myth. A long skirt or dress can actually elongate a small woman, making her appear slimmer and taller. Pair it with a fitted top that is either cropped or tucked in, and a petite woman can really rock the look. Distinct || APRIL 2017 11
BE BOLD: Written by: Anna Darcy Photography by: Devin Kasparian
Bust Out The Bralettes
As the weather gets warmer, start shedding the layers! Wearing bralettes as tops is becoming more and more popular, so you don’t have to just stick to your old tees and tanks. Wearing a bralette in place of a shirt is not only going to keep you cool, but it will also liberate you and give you a sense of body confidence. It’s no longer the 1950s, so feel free to show your skin and be proud of your body. When wearing a bralette as a top, choose an outfit that you will be comfortable in. If you don’t want to bare as much skin, try pairing with a pair of high-waisted jeans and a cardigan. If you are ready to show off your beautifully unique body, good for you! Throw on a mini skirt and heels with that bralette if it pleases you. The point is just for you to be happy and confident with whatever you wear. The best way to feel comfortable in a bralette is to wear the style that you prefer. Three very “in” styles right now are the deep V, the long line, and the high neck. The variety of styles will help you to determine how much skin you want to show. When purchasing, make sure that you are getting a good deal. You should be able to find plenty of cute bralettes for less than $20, and make sure to keep your eye out for sales (which they often have at Victoria’s Secret)! Be bold. Be liberated. Be you. 12
ABOVE: Match a floral lace bralette with a floral skirt for spring LEFT: Cover up with high-waisted jeans and a cardigan over a cute high neck bralette
BEAUTY
Spring Lip Colors Photography by: Lanise Starnes
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Fa ce
dM elt ed
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MAC Up
BRIG
EDGY
Edgy Sephora Cream Lip
NU
Jeffree Star A
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BEAUTY
The Amp
Colourpop Kween METALLIC
Colourpop Kween
METALLIC
GHT
UDE
Androgyny
Distinct || APRIL 2017 15
Food For Your Face
You work so hard. feat in itself. It makes warm plate, and proper relaxing than taking care much-needed manicure, Face masks are a medicate your face occurs face mask when you suf you have the ingredients that help to reduce pores Below are some face is the ability to mix and time to start mashing
Written by: Raelyn Giansanti | Graphics by: Annika Kushner
AVOCADOS
The only thing more fun than having clear and refreshed skin might be the part where you get to rub your favorite green superfruit all over your face. The avocado can truly do no wrong. Not only does it work wonders for inside the body, acting to cleanse your digestive system by providing you with 15–40 percent of your daily fiber allowance, but it has amazing skin care qualities, as well. Avocados contain fatty acids that work to increase the skin’s elasticity by building up collagen. They also contain many vitamins and minerals, and are a great source of potassium that will give your face a radiant glow. The oleic acids inside avocados acts as an anti-aging agent for the skin, as well, helping to reduce inflammation, redness, and wrinkles. Additionally, it can soothe and fix damaged, sunburnt skin.
BANANAS Instead of baking muffins, it’s highly recommended to use that yummy banana mush for a moisturizing face mask. Bananas revitalize, nourish, and hydrate the skin through the active work of antioxidants. Hailed “nature’s botox,” bananas also have anti-aging effects. Face masks that contain bananas exfoliate the skin and also help to lighten pesky dark spots. Most importantly, bananas contain zinc and lectin, which are extremely effective in treating acne (the peel relieves acne, too!).
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BEAUTY
Don’t deny it – getting out of bed in these cold winter months is a sense to unwind after a long day with a cozy cup of chamomile, a self-care before it’s time to hit the hay. There is truly nothing more of yourself, whether you’re cleaning your room, giving your nails a or treating your face to a short but sweet facial. luxury, and more times than not the desire to brighten, scrub, or spontaneously. It’s common you’ll find yourself without a pre-made fer through a random breakout, and that’s totally okay. Chances are for a refreshing facial right in your pantry. Below is a list of foods and the stresses of everyday life. mask recipes to get you started, but the beauty of a food face mask match, and create something perfect for your skin. Now is probably your avocados.
EGG WHITES Egg whites are known for their beauty benefits, dating back to ancient civilizations in both Egypt and China. Egg whites are rich in protein and albumin, two biomolecules that have skin-toning and wrinkle-reducing qualities. Egg whites work best for oily skin because they tighten pores that secrete excess sebum. They evaporate blackheads, as well, and work wonders for small blemishes and dark spots.
OATMEAL Hot cereal is great for more than just busy mornings. Oatmeal contains amino acids that rebuild damaged skin tissue and promote healthy healing. Some of oatmeal’s other superpowers include its ability to heal blemishes and flaky skin, relieve itchiness, and moisturize.
Mask Recipes Honey Avocado Yogurt 1/2 ripe avocado 1 teaspoon plain Greek yogurt 1 teaspoon honey Mash the avocado until soft and then mix in the yogurt and honey until a paste forms. Apply to your face and leave on for 10–15 minutes. For deeper hydration, add one or two teaspoons of virgin olive oil. Rinse well.
Honey Lemon Cinnamon 2 teaspoons honey 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 wedge of lemon Microwave the honey for a few seconds, then combine with the cinnamon and lemon juice into a small bowl. Gently massage the mixture onto your face and leave on for 15–20 minutes. Rinse well.
Oatmeal Honey Banana 2 tablespoons raw oats 1 teaspoon honey 1/2 of a banana Mash the oatmeal and banana to form a paste. Leave on 15–20 minutes, or let it linger for 30. Rinse well. Distinct || APRIL 2017 17
Affordable Make-up Brushes Written By: Katherine Ly Quality makeup brushes are essential to everyone’s makeup collection. However, spending a ton on them is sometimes just not an option for me, and I’m always on the lookout for underrated, affordable, and synthetic brushes. To all the broke college students on a budget who want to be in control of their looks, this goes out to you.
Wet & Wild Beauty
The first brand on this list is Wet n Wild Beauty. I honestly could not believe my eyes when I saw its prices. The brushes are not only unique, but are also insanely cheap without compromising quality. Single brushes range from just $0.99 to $3.99, the 6-piece brush set goes for $10, and the 17-piece set goes for $28.99. No matter which set you choose, each brush turns out to be around $1.70, which is ridiculous in all the best ways. I definitely recommend these if you’re a beginner; they’re not super fancy and you can perfect your technique before investing in higher-end products. You can find them at mass market retailers such as Walgreens, or on wetnwildbeauty.com.
Sonia Kashuk
BH Cosmetics
What I love about Sonia Kashuk’s brushes is that they give me that high-end feel at an affordable price. The handles have some good weight on them, so you know they’re sturdy and will last you a while, and the hairs are perfectly dense. Sonia Kashuk herself is a makeup artist, so you can be sure that all of these products are ones that she would use herself. This brand is known for its Core Tools and Kashuk Tools collections, and stunning limited-edition holiday sets. The brushes in the Core Tools collection range from $1.99 to $12.99, which I recommend for anyone looking for a “basics” collection, and the Kashuk Tools range from $8.99 to $19.99, which is a bit more expensive than the Core Tools. You can purchase them at Target!
BH Cosmetics is a brand whose brushes I don’t hear enough about, which is unfortunate because they’re absolutely beautiful and they receive great reviews. They’re the kind of brushes that make you feel like a glam makeup guru, if you know what I mean. The prices of single brushes range from $2.75 to $8.50. You can find them at their website, bhcosmetics.com! What I love about it is that it offers a “24-Hour Steal” which is usually a makeup product and brush duo that sells for a reduced price. 18
BEAUTY
EcoTools I recommend this to those who are looking for a sustainable brush option. As the name suggests, EcoTools dedicates itself to offering eco-friendly products. All of its products are cruelty free and vegan, the brush handles are made with renewable bamboo, and all packaging is made of bamboo fibers and cotton. Its eye brush duos are between $4.99 and $5.99, and face brushes range from $4.99 to $11.99. You can purchase them at Wegmans, Ulta, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and on ecotools.com.
Crown
Crown is a no-nonsense brand that sells professional makeup products at extremely affordable prices, so if you’re not as into the aesthetic appeal as you are into the quality, this brand is for you. It offers nine series of brushes that for the most part have similar price tags. Most eye brushes go for around $1.80 to $5, and face brushes go for around $4 to $15, with the exception of the Crown Pro Series, which is bit more expensive because it sometimes uses natural hairs. If you are strictly looking for synthetic hairs, I would stick with the Syntho Series, Esthetic Series, and Infinity Series. Synthetic brushes are better for applying cream products, and you may prefer them if you’re an animal lover, as well. You can find this brand at crownbrush.com.
SL Miss Glam Beauty If you are into the aesthetic appeal and don’t mind spending a few more bucks, check out SL Miss Glam Beauty. This brand is known for its feminine brush designs and unicorn brush set. Using these brushes will definitely make you feel like a princess! The Unicorn Love 6-Piece Brush Set goes for $79.99, which comes out to $13.33 for each brush. You can find SL Miss Glam brushes on slmissglambeauty.com, but be quick because they sell out quickly!
*All images are stock images and not IC Distinct Magazine original content
Distinct || OCTOBER 2016 19
Spring Nail Colors
Written By: Madeline Strauch | Photography By: Raquel Borges Nail polish is a wonderful medium to accessorize and express yourself! It comes in many forms, colors, finishes, and textures. You can do nail art designs, holiday/event themed nails, glossy or matte finishes, or simply just a single coat of color! The possibilities with nail polish are endless and completely up to your creativity — your nails are the canvas and you are the artist, the polish’s brush is a paintbrush! Nail polish choices often are decided as a result of our mood, what our color preferences are, or the season of year we are in. Spring is a lovely season for nail polish to shine (or matte) as your best accessory. The springtime brings with it a new light and warmth following the cold, gloomy winter days. Pastel hues are always a huge hit in spring because of how light and delicate they are, similar to the colors of the budding flowers. Pastels also look great on so many different skin tones and nail shapes. Never abandon your signature nails color(s), but here are a few pastel picks perfect for spring, if you want to try something new! One brand that is not so easily found here in the States but has an amazing polish formula and color selection is Barry M. This brand is also cruelty-free and has some vegan products. It is based in England but ships to the United States and lots of other countries internationally from its online site. Their “Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paints” are wonderful and come in many shades, and their pastels are particularly beautiful. They are retailed at £3.99 in the UK, which is about $5 in the United States. Their site claims that these polishes last up to ten days, provide an extra glossy finish, and have the appearance of a gel-like manicure you would get from a salon! From personal experience with the shades I own, the color payoff is very opaque and the finish is very salon-like. I actually find that they stay chip-free longer without a top coat!
Barry M’s “Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint” in shade number 548 “Prickly Pear” is a beautiful pastel lilac color.
Barry M’s “Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint” in shade number 521 “Fondant” is a gorgeous grape pastel.
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BEAUTY This next polish is a classic pastel polish — very fitting for spring. It is Essie’s “Mint Candy Apple.” Essie is a widely known brand found in almost every nail salon and nail junkie’s collection. Essie polishes typically retail for $9 and can usually be found at your local drugstore and Target/ Walmart. There are literally hundreds of shades of Essie nail polishes, so if “Mint Candy Apple” isn’t your cup of tea, you are sure to find a shade you’ll love!
“Mint Candy Apple” is a lovely mint green shade. I would say it appears more sky blue than blue-green on the nail.
Sinful Colors is a great nail polish brand that can be found at your local drugstore or Target/Walmart. They have a large color selection and are sold at an amazingly affordable price. They usually retail for about $2 and are great quality. Two shades perfect for the spring season are “Easy Going” and “Magik Touch.” “Magik Touch” is a limited edition polish from the Sinful Colors and Kylie Jenner collection.
“Magik Touch” is a pale periwinkle with very subtle silver and purple glitter that gives a beautiful metallic bluish-purple sheen.
“Easy Going” is my go-to pale peachy pink. Distinct || APRIL 2017 21
BEAUTY THAT WON’T BUST THE BANK Written By: Missy Birnbaum
With so many beauty products floating around, it can be hard to navigate which ones are worth spending money on. We’re all college students here, so I’m going to let you in on a secret and share my favorite inexpensive beauty products with you all!
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FACE
Starting off with a clean face, I recommend grabbing the “Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation.” You can find this product at many drugstores, or online at wetnwildbeauty.com! This medium to full coverage foundation retails for about $6 and photographs beautifully, so your Instagram will stay poppin’. To highlight and conceal, I suggest the “LA Girl ProConceal” concealer. This product retails for $3 and can be found at pick6deals.com. Next, go and get ahold of some Rimmel London “Stay Matte Pressed Powder.” This product retails for about $5 and is the perfect way to make sure your foundation is locked in. To get your hands on this, go to ulta.com.
LA Girl ProConceal Concealer
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CONTOUR
Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder
Wet N Wild Photo Focus Foundation
Now that your canvas is perfected, let’s carve out those cheeks with the Makeup Revolution “Ultra Bronze Palette” in the shade “All About Bronzed.” This bronzer and contour palette is perfect for achieving a variety of looks and retails for $10 at ulta.com. Highlight is everything these days, so you can’t forget about that. Colourpop.com sells a variety of beautiful highlights for $8, and even gives free shipping if you spend $30 or more, which is great if you want to pick out some of the other products on this list! Colourpop Pealized Highlighter in “Stole the Show”
Revolution Bronze Palette in “All About Bronze” Colourpop Pearlized Highlighter in “Candyman”
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BEAUTY
EYEBROWS
Speaking of things that are on trend, let’s talk eyebrows. I highly recommend the BH Cosmetics “Studio Pro Ultimate Brow Palette.” This palette has every brow color imaginable and includes both gels and powders, and is only $16.50 — it’s an amazing deal. Personally, this is the palette I keep in my professional kit, so it’s clear that I highly recommend it. BH Cosmetics Studio Pro Ultimate Brow Palette
EYES
Eyes are up next, and I’m sure you heard about the next brand I’m about to mention. Morphebrushes.com has some amazing eyeshadow palettes. If you are going for an everyday look, go for the “35O Color Nature Glow Palette.” This retails for $22.99 and has 35 shades with a mix of matte and shimmer finishes. However, if you’re looking for the perfect bold colors for a night out, pick up the “35B Color Glam Palette.” This palette features 35 crazy colors of both matte and shimmer finishes and retails for only $19.99. Plus, Morphe teams up with a lot of “beauty gurus” on Youtube and Instagram, so you’ll be sure to find a Morphe 35O Natural Glow Palette coupon code to save those extra bucks. To finish up the eye, you’re going to need liner and mascara. My holy grail mascara is the Maybelline “Volum’ Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara.” This mascara will stay on all day — I’ve straight up worn it in a pool and it did not budge. You can pick up this gem at ulta.com or your local drugtore. As far as pencil liners go, colourpop.com really takes the cake with their creme gel liners, and as they retail for only five dollars, I recommend picking up a few shades. If you want to talk liquid liner, it’s all about applicator preference. Personally, I swear by the NYX “Vinyl Liquid Liner” as my drugstore pick. It retails for about $7 and can be found at ulta.com.
Colourpop Creme Gel Liner
5
Morphe 35B Color Glam Palette
NYX Viynl Liquid Liner
LIPS
Maybelline “Volum’ Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara
All that’s left are lips, and I only have one thing to say: colourpop.com. Whether it’s their Ultra Matte Lips, Lippie Stix, or anything in between, Colourpop is really slaying the lip game, and for prices ranging from $5 to $6 — I really cannot complain. No matter what formulation or color you choose, I can promise you that you will not be disappointed. So what are you still doing here, get shopping people! And be sure to tag us @ICDistinctMag if you try out any of these products! *All images are stock images and not IC Distinct Magazine original content
Colourpop Lip Trio in “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop”
Distinct || APRIL 2017 23
UNDRAFTED
THE COLLECTIVE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ALESSIA DI NUNNO
Krystal Novaton
&
Chance Peavy
&
Kecia Romiel
What started as “late nights in London” has turned into a collective. Ithaca College seniors Chance Peavy, Krystal Novaton, and Kecia Romiel turned their ideas into “Undrafted The Collective.” By combining streetwear, skater style, and art, they’re bringing a new spin to the fashion world. The first chapter of their collective is a clothing line labeled the “Prequel Collection,” based off the artistic idea of breaking yourself down to the bare bones, and building up from there. IC Distinct Editor Sara Belcher sat down with the trio to discuss the conception of their business and their ideas for the future. 24
Sara Belcher: When did you guys come up with the idea to start your own clothing line? Chance Peavy: It started two years ago, before I met Kecia. I was with my other friends in Soho and we were going around and looking for clothes and outfits, and we couldn’t find nothing. I’m joking around and I’m like, “Bro, we could just make our own stuff!” And I guess it started from there. Then when I went to London, I met Kecia for the first time, and Kecia was into art and I was into clothes. Krystal does art, Kecia records it. And I was like, “Okay, it sounds cool,” and then we started going from there. After a couple of late nights, I was just like, “Yo, we should make clothes. We should make clothes, but do it different from everybody else.” It started on some late nights in London, and now we’re here. Krystal Novaton: The name did come about two years ago. We fumbled around with finding a name, and then a lot of the development as a business and designs came about while we were in London. Some of our very early designs and inspirations definitely came from London. Kecia Romiel: I wasn’t here for the conception of “Undrafted.” It all started for me in London abroad last year. The early stages of “Undrafted” and brainstorming and trying to figure out what our reason was for going into a fashion line and what set us apart from the
rest: That was kind of what we were trying to figure out in London. Belcher: And what does set you guys apart from the rest? Peavy: We’re trying to go into a niche market, like a streetwear, skateboard kind of couture, with the small assets that we have, but all love and appreciation for couture and luxury wear. So what’s different about us is we’re trying to bring all of these elements together, as well as a totally freedom of artistic expression. And when we say artistic expression, we mean the stuff that’s on the clothes are like canvases. Stuff is really painted and drawn on, and has meanings and symbolism. Our brand kind of tells a story, and then we add visuals to add to that story. So I think for our first idea, because we didn’t want to make clothes just so that people could wear them and have that boring experience, we wanted you to feel like what you’re wearing brings an experience or tells a story. Novaton: We’re the bridge that connects art and the fashion world together right now, and you can see that’s very much in the early stages. I think the best way to describe our brand is to just describe ourselves. Our brand is made up of three pillars, and that is very much Chance, Kecia, and myself. We’re bringing together the art as far as videography and photography,
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Photos courtesy of Undrafted the Collective
and fine art, and design. When you have three people thatcan work so great together and can define the brand like that, then you have “Undrafted.” Romiel: Like Krystal said, we’re bringing fine art into fashion, into the streetwear, where there’s a large body of artistic expression that’s available — because everyone wants to be comfortable in what you’re wearing, and streetwear is where it’s at. Novaton: It’s introducing people to what fine art is, what luxury brands are doing, how much it is, and if they really can obtain that or even know what fine art is. When you own a piece of “Undrafted” or you are willing to participate with “Undrafted,” you’re wearing a piece of art, you get to learn. Romiel: You’re part of the artistic progress, as well. You’re not only buying a piece of art because it’s pretty, you’re part of the process of creating that art. It’s not only putting an image on a piece of canvas, or a piece of clothing; it’s also wearing it and how you feel in it, and how your interpretation of that piece of art feels to you, and what it can bring to the public. We look at these fashion lines at fashion week and how you have these models dressed in this extravagant clothing, 26
and you’re kind of thinking to yourself, “Well, I don’t seemyself walking down New York City wearing this every single day.” It’s not practical. We take pieces of it. Belcher: What was the process of creating a new line? Peavy: Even though we’re open, I can say this now: We still have so much work. So I’m fascinated by ASAP Mob. I love them. It’s like [a bunch of] guys, and they’re all doing their own thing. So when I first envisioned this two years ago, I was like, “Yeah, we’ll just get 30 or 40 people, and they’ll all just do what they’re good at.” That does not work out. Too many people does not work out. But with three of us, we get stuff done, and we get stuff done effectively. But it’s still so much work. One of the first things you have to do is decide your name, which is hard. I’m on my second book of like ideas, and in my first book, maybe the first 20 to 30 pages are all names that we could’ve gone with. Romiel: We had this conversation in London about the fact that we were in a box. The idea behind “Undrafted” was to take that person stuck in that box and take them out of it, so they can be free in a way. Peavy: And that was supposed to be our logo. Novaton: You’re finding your name and trying to figure out what you mean as a company, before you even start developing your business plan. Peavy: It’s like one door after another. Idea-wise, it could take up to two years. What I can say about us is technically we’re really not in it for the money — we’re in it to make something really cool. We got lucky with our [current] logo. [I was] showed a logo of a guy throwing something. I saw that, and I was like, “Wow, why don’t we get a boy looking up into the heavens with his arm out, and then we go from there?” [Krystal] drew it, and it came out perfect. Novaton: The process in general is going from finding out your name, which can take anywhere from six months to a year, and then trying to figure out what you mean, and in figuring out what you mean, you find your logo. That took a minute. It took a minute to find what dynamic of your team works — how big or how small you want it to be. That’s hard, because you love everybody, but not everybody fits, and sometimes people are temporary, and sometimes they’re not. We’re
the three main pillars, like I said, so it’s also making sure that all three of us are happy with everybody, so that we’re strong still. And then from there, the process is just going through that idea book and figuring out what ideas work and where we see the trends going. And if can we predict the next trend, we’re spot on. And then seeing how effectively you can execute everything: design stuff and marketing stuff. So far we’re pretty successful, but we’re still trying to keep the interest and make sure it’s not solely from a college campus. It’s growing. Belcher: In your opinion, what trends were you on point with? Novaton: I’d say we’re noticing a lot. About like a month ago, Kim [Kardashian] started wearing customized painted jackets on leather. The jean jacket is completely back, that doesn’t even have a season — that’s an all-year thing. There’s a lot of designs going on the back of flight [bomber] jackets — people are doing design work behind them. Some people are doing a lot of DTG, which is like a digital to garment they’re printing onto it. So we started seeing early on that people were starting to go more towards bright-colored things and DIY was a big thing. We took all that and decided, “How can we do things ourselves, make it trendy, have our message still, but still be early on where it’s still new?” It was a lot of research. We looked at a lot of small brands that were like us — seeing what they’re doing, what they’re putting out. Peavy: A big trend that we got most of our ideas from is people wearing brand stuff, but comfortable. Like people love the sweatpants and the long t shirt and the hoodie feel, but love it if it’s name brand, as well. Like I don’t want to just wear an H&M T-shirt , I want to wear an anti-social club hoodie extra large and feel comfortable. And this is for girls and guys. I love the idea because it’s like I’m still wearing something, but I’m also comfortable. I’m not in some tight leather pants or a tight dress shirt. Romiel: There’s also a trend moving towards unisex clothing and making sure that however you identify, you’ll still look dope in whatever we make. Peavy: We’re big on the unisex part.
“We’re not in it for the money —we’re in it to make something really cool”
Belcher: Your first collection is named “The PreDistinct || APRIL 2017 27
quel,” what was your idea for that? Novaton: We came up with our structure: In order to understand “Undrafted” and understand the collective and be a part of it, you have to be along with us for the ride. So for this first chapter — because we’re very much a collective, we’re not just fashion — being along with us for the ride means that you have to understand each part of the story. It’s in our mission statement to find the person you want to be for the journey you’re going to encompass. So the “Prequel” is chapter one. Peavy: Or chapter zero.. Novaton: Kind of, it’s weird. The “Prequel” is all about really being honest with yourself and stripping yourself down to the bone. It’s like looking at yourself in the mirror and being like, “You know what? I’m in a box, I’m not happy. Everyone’s happy with what I am and what I’m doing, but I’m not satisfied. I know I can do more.” It’s really being honest with yourself. That’s why in our collection, you see so many bones and so many little symbolisms that are going on. And after this, we’re going to walk with everyone to the “Suck It Collection,” which is upcoming. Ideas are still rolling around, but that’s when you kind of have to go, “Okay, now that we’re down to the bone, and now that we’re 28
ready to be honest, what’s next?” It’s the “Prequel” because it’s a story. Belcher: Do you have an end goal in mind for your brand? Novaton: I think it’s different for all three of us, just because the name of our brand is “Undrafted” the collective. Everything that we do is from scratch, down to the beats that you hear in our film — the beats were made by someone, we brought someone in, they are now part of the collective. People have an option to walk in and out of the collective. It’s not always going to be me doing the designs. Someone else is going to step in and they’re going to learn, and they’re going to change things up. So in the long run, it is that collective. Fashion will eventually be one of the things we do, but just one of them. Because the goal is that eventually we become so big that Kecia’s going to have her own film stuff coming in and out, and I’m going to have other things to do. But as an entity, we will still be the collective. Romiel: Our goal is to expand, to grow — but not only through fashion. We want to introduce people from all walks of life to art, to painting, to sculptures, to performance art, poetry, all those things. That’s our main
goal. Peavy: Krystal got me and Kecia to go with her on a trip to Philadelphia, and we visited this little space where it’s like 20 members, and each month someone else takes it over and they do their own thing. We wanted to do something like that, but with a youth perspective, because we think that the youth are so important: They change things, and they inspire the future. That would be a long term goal. We would also like this to be sustainable, where we can just focus on art, because what we struggle with now is staying in a creative mode as well as going to class — because it’s so hard to do both. When we were in London it was so different. Romiel: We were submerged in art in London because we went to classes that were based in different forms of art. Peavy: It’s a different learning environment than coming here, where we’re studying our respective majors. I always joke that if we ever cleared like $100,000 in profit, I would get “Undrafted” tatted on my arm — that’s also a goal. I also have a goal for myself. It would hurt my heart for [Krystal and Kecia] to leave me, but I’d love for them to be like, “Yo, I did this great time at ‘Undrafted.’” I would love to see them take this and go off and do something, and then kind of get the secrets from the rest of the industry and then bring it back. Novaton: I don’t think we’ll ever leave [“Undrafted”].
It’s hard for me not to put my hands on anything that is “Undrafted.” I don’t think any of us would be like, “Okay, bye!” Belcher: Anything else you guys want to say about your brand? Peavy: We came together, said we were going to do it, and when it was time to do it, we went for it — and it is not easy. But we love it. It’s something we love. So that’s that.
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Here’s how to procrastinate with Netflix
Written by: Jessica Saideman It seems like school started a few days ago, but now the semester is more than half over. Instead of being productive and studying ahead, why don’t you delve into the endless procrastination stream that is Netflix? Here are some shows from a variety of genres that are sure to get your mind off of anything actually important you need to do.
Jessica Jones - 1 season, 13 episodes
Jessica Jones is a Marvel series about a superhero-turned-PI after being mind controlled by a really evil supervillain for a few months. This abusive mind controller, Killgrave, comes back, causing Jessica to use both her PI skills and superhero powers to stop his destruction. The show is really great at showing abuse survivors in a complex way. The characters and the action scenes are also amazing. The storyline gets you so invested that you can’t stop clicking “Next’ and you forget about your real life problems, while also learning about some basic women’s and gender studies in the process.
Parks and Recreation - 7 seasons, 122 episodes This excellent series follows the zany Parks and Recreation Department of the small town of Pawnee, Indiana. If you liked “The Office,” you’ll love the similar mockumentary style of this show, in addition to it being a wonderful sitcom that, with every episode, brings so much joy. Each character brings their own dimension and is someone to relate to. There is a total of seven seasons to binge through, so you can forget about your real life and imagine you have a relationship like Leslie and Ben’s. Each episode is more addictive than the last, bringing you into a world similar to your own, but free from your real-life responsibilities.
The Get Down - 1 season, 6 episodes
This dynamic and fun show is set in the late 1970s at the dawn of hip hop in the Bronx, and the height of disco fever. The show follows independent and talented teens and features amazing music, including a few originals that should be their own hits. Their soundtrack is fundamental in learning about the history of American music. You’ll feel like you’re learning so much about this pivotal time each episode, so you can forget about learning everything else in school.
One Day at a Time - 1 season, 13 episodes This is one of Netflix’s few original laugh-track style sitcoms, and it shows Netflix’s style by being refreshing and keeping with the times. “One Day at a Time” follows a Cuban immigrant family, particularly a single veteran mother trying to deal with her personal life and her family. It features discussions about deportation, a teenager coming out, and PTSD. Also, it doesn’t shy away from important issues, but is still fun and enjoyable. You can pretend you’re back in middle school watching sitcom reruns with no real responsibilities once again. 30
*All images are stock images and not IC Distinct Magazine original content
Sunny Tunes to break out of the Winter Blues
LIFESTYLE
WRITTEN By: Christine Gaba
After a long winter of freezing winds, heavy snows, and general unpleasantness, some of you may find yourselves in a bit of a funk and having a hard time getting into the mood for spring. However, sometimes all you need is the right music to get your heart pumping and your mind ready for the upcoming warm weather. Here are a couple of sunny songs to get you in the mood for everyone’s favorite season!
“Another Day of Sun” — La La Land (song genre: musical theatre) Really, the title says it all. The opening number in the hit 2016 film musical “La La Land,” “Another Day of Sun” is an energetic, upbeat ensemble song about people’s aspirations to make it big in Hollywood. The optimistic lyrics, catchy tune, and awesome full orchestra remind you that while we all face tribulations, there will always be “another day of sun” — no matter what. And, as we are leaving winter behind us, there is nothing like this song to remind you of that! Not to mention that you’ll be humming “ba-ba-da-ba da-ba-da-ba” and twirling around in that cute new sundress (topped with a tasteful sweater, since there isn’t that much sun yet) while soaking in the sunshine all day long.
“On Top of the World”-Imagine Dragons (song genre: alternative/indie/folk rock) Known for their more somber sound in music, American rock band Imagine Dragons takes a positive step outside of their comfort zone with this song. Mixed with upbeat drums, bass, and guitar, the track is cheerful and very danceable. The whistling and hand-clapping during the opener creates a simple, yet fun melody that draws you into the song and soothes your post-winter nerves. By the end of the number when you hear that great big crescendo of chorus, cymbals, and drums, I guarantee that you’ll be smiling, forgetting winter and getting excited for the new season.
“Walking on Sunshine”-Katrina and the Waves (song genre: 80s pop/rock) This ’80s classic is the epitome of peppy. With its lively guitar, gospel music–esque hand clapping, and triumphant trumpets, it is a powerhouse of enthusiasm and good vibes that makes it almost impossible not to like. Sunny (get it?) lyrics and Katrina’s killer vocals come together to create an energetic anthem that’ll get your mind off winter and out of your seat dancing before you know it.
“Keep Your Head Up” -- Andy Grammer (song genre: pop) Looking for music with a little more substance and less cheerleader pep than some other ‘pick-me-up’ songs? You may then like this little gem by Andy Grammer from way back in 2011. Reflecting on how important it is to stay positive despite all the negativity around you, the lyrics are the driving force of the song, showcasing a surprising amount of verbal maturity and expansion for a pop earworm. It also contains a lot of sun and rainbow imagery — great for pulling yourself out of the winter dumps, or for a little cheering up after a long day!
*All images are stock images and not IC Distinct Magazine original content
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Why Being a Good Listener Matters Written by: Kendall Palmatier Illustration by: Courtney Yule Listening. It’s one of the simplest things to do, so why do people find it so hard? People often have difficulty listening to something because it’s boring or they don’t agree with what is being said. The Huffington Post created a video in 2013 titled “The Importance of Being a Good Listener” in which a certified life coach, Vasavi Kumar, and the vice president of the International Listening Association, Dr. Pamela Cooper, were interviewed on why it’s so hard to listen. Cooper said, “It takes a lot of energy to listen. We can process 400 words a minute in our brain, but we speak at 125, so we’ve got some time lags there. And we have a tendency to wander off.” Kumar says that people, including herself, tend to check out of conversations that are boring, or when the speaker is only talking about themselves. There’s a lot to gain from being a good listener. For example, you gain the skill to empathize with people from all walks of life. Being able to empathize with people is one of the strongest abilities that any human being could possess. Not only do you gain empathy, but when you learn to listen, you gain knowledge from people’s life experiences. This knowledge could be something simple, like where to find the cheapest shoes, or something more complex, like how to deal with debt. It can be tricky to learn how to listen to people when you don’t normally actively listen to every conversation you have. Isadora Alman wrote a blog post on Psychology Today called “I Hear You: Five Tips On Being A Good Listener,” and she broke down why it’s important to 32
pay attention and not disrupt the person who is speaking. Alman wrote, “Listening is not just waiting for your turn to speak. It is being actively involved in the process and absorbing both the obvious and the subtle information being offered.” She also gives some tips on how to deal with someone who isn’t engaging in the conversation, and is only providing one-word answers. “A good listener asks open-ended questions about whatever you're sure is of interest to your conversation partner,” she wrote. A lot of people struggle with listening not just in an everyday setting, but when they’re in relationships, as well. The website Relate has an article called “Why it’s Important to be a Good Listener,” which goes into detail about listening while in a relationship. Effective communication and listening is key in a successful relationship because it allows you to grow and experience situations and emotions together. Engaging in conversations by listening is an important skill that builds character and empathy. It shows that you’re interested in the conversation and that you’re putting thought into what the person is saying. Listening is difficult, and let’s be honest, not every conversation you have is going to be captivating. Still, it helps to know how to listen. Listening builds stronger relationships with family, friends, co-workers, and people in general. So the next time you catch yourself wandering off in a conversation, try some of these tips. Remember, practice makes perfect!
HEALTH & FITNESS
How I Beat My Eating Disorder Written by: Alex Durham Illustration by: Courtney Yule
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Anyone who knows me, knows I’m an open book. If you ask me a question — no matter how personal — I’m always willing to answer it truthfully. Especially if the answer could help you in some way. So that’s why I’m writing this. I’ve made peace with my past. I’ve become a stronger person because of it. I’ve earned a greater amount of empathy for those struggling with body acceptance (women especially) than I could ever put into words. But I’m going to try. It started with my junior year of high school, and by the summer before senior year, having an eating disorder entirely consumed my life. It made everything I did, everywhere I went, every interaction I had or event I attended, wholeheartedly about food and how it made me look. Christmas wasn’t a holiday; it was all about being surrounded by a feast and the anxiety that came with it. Going to the beach with my friends was about wearing a shirt over my bikini and longing for the froyo everyone ate but me. Taking a picture was about finding the perfect pose to disguise my double chin or flabby arms. Meals were about portion-control, calories, and eating “clean.” Time before and after meals was about ruminating over my next meal and its portions, calories, and cleanliness. It was about craving the foods I denied myself. An empty house was about stuffing my stomach to the point of sickness with anything I let myself eat regularly. The hours after were about crying in my bed or over the toilet, thinking I was crazy. Then, the next morning was about not eating anything in order to make up for the night before. Binge Eating Disorder is the most common in the United States, affecting 3.5 percent of women, 2 percent of men, and up to 1.6 percent of adolescent females, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. Personally, it meant that I didn’t gain or lose any weight. It meant that, even though I wanted to desperately, I never made myself throw up after eating. It meant that I didn’t look like someone with an eating disorder. Everyone’s story is different. There are common threads woven through each one — the self-loathing, the body checking, the baggy clothes, the restrictive diets, the excessive workouts — but no one person has the same eating disorder. That doesn’t mean that not everyone can beat theirs. With all my heart I believe anyone can overcome issues with food and their own body. They just have to want to start. While I was still in the peak of my restricting and binging, I found myself researching tips to overcome 34
eating and body image disorders. Here is a compilation of what I found. I also want to emphasize that these are what helped me, and I strongly suggest seeking help outside of this article if you need it.
1. Understanding Your Disorder and Finding Your Triggers
Understanding a problem is the key to solving it, and eating disorders are no exception. The realization that I had a disorder came through Googling something along the lines of: “constantly thinking about food.” I came across numerous articles detailing the symptoms of EDs, like this from the NEDA website: “Eating much more rapidly than normal. Eating until feeling uncomfortably full. Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry. Eating alone because of feeling embarrassed by how much one is eating. Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed, or very guilty afterward.” I identified with each in a way that made me feel absolutely disgusting and yet hugely relieved at the same time. The article finally gave a reason to why I’d been acting the way I was. This was why I couldn’t stop eating. This was why I hated myself. I had an eating disorder. And the website said there was something I could do about it. The first thing I did was some internal digging. Why did I binge? What triggered it? Some more web searching led me to many reasons for binging that I identified with and many I didn’t. According to Healthline. com, the following are potential causes for the onset of binge-eating: stress and anxiety, restriction, boredom, childhood trauma, and social eating. Personally, boredom, social eating, and restriction were mine. I decided to tackle restriction first because that was something I felt I had the most control over.
2. Moderation, Not Deprivation
I found Josie Mai on YouTube. Her video on beating her own BED explained to me that by restricting my calories, I wasn’t allowing my body the nutrients or energy it needed to thrive. I was also depriving myself of the best part of eating — enjoying tasty foods. When I had even one cookie or a bowl of pasta, the taste of it sent my mind into a state of, “You’re never going to have this again, so you might as well eat all of it.” Josie said that I needed to unlearn restriction in order to stop my cravings (which led to binges). She
taught me that food is not “clean” or “dirty.” It's fuel for your body. Some have more nutrients than others, but no one food is going to make you “fat.” She taught the importance of eating in moderation and avoiding deprivation.
3. Getting Rid of Restrictive Tendencies
This meant no more portion control. No more calorie counting. I deleted MyFitnessPal. I threw away my scale. I bought whole milk instead of 2 percent. I began allowing myself to eat the amount of spaghetti or cereal or cake I wanted without worrying about calories or fats or carbs. I just ate until I was full and satisfied. I ate so I wouldn’t crave and binge later. This also meant that I had to redefine exercise. A workout couldn't be catalyzed by wanting to burn calories or fat. My motivation to move had to come from wanting to be outside, to feel my heart pumping, to make my body feel good. I had to give up looking at calorie-burning calculators and even timers on machines, and just do what felt right. If I wanted to run for five minutes, I would. And I wouldn't feel guilty for not running for 20. At first, it wasn’t easy. I gained weight. I found myself resorting to old routines: keeping track of calories in my head, remembering that a 150-calorie cup of cereal filled the bowl about 3/4 of the way. And even without restriction, I binged in social settings and out of boredom because that’s what I’d done for so long. I kept checking my body in the mirror, terrified of losing all my “progress.” That’s when I realized I couldn’t overcome my ED alone.
4. Finding a Support System
I told my best friends and my mom. It was a relief to let people in, to show them how much I’d been battling internally. I explained my situation to them, knowing that they couldn’t truly understand but that they’d be willing to help in any way they could. So I told them my triggers and what they could say or do in those situations to help me. I called them when I was bored and feeling anxious about binging. I went to them in social situations where we were surrounded by food. Not going through everything alone made recovery so much easier.
HEALTH & FITNESS about my body. Days when I crave the gym, thirst for toning the jiggle of my arms, the roundness of my stomach. On those days, I’ve learned to take certain steps to feel better: shower, clean my room, play Ingrid Michaelson, wear comfortable clothes, and concentrate on the things in life that make me feel good. I keep motivational quotes written on my bedroom walls. I have a playlist of happy music on standby. Because living isn’t about looking good. It’s about enjoying yourself. Life’s so much better when you’re having a good time, rather than worrying about your next meal or if your stomach is showing.
6. It Takes Time
No one overcomes this overnight. For me, it's been three years since the height of my disorder. But I promise that it does get easier if you keep trying. You aren't going to be perfect. You're going to mess up and want to scrap all of your progress. You're going to want to give up because it's easier. But you deserve to get better. You deserve a life that isn't run by the food you eat. And I promise that if you keep trying, you will one day look at your body in the mirror and smile. You’ll start to see yourself as you actually are. You’ll see yourself as whole instead of being made up of all these little flaws and imperfections. In the depth of an eating disorder, those things feel enormously bigger than you. But I swear you’re so much more than all of them. More than your stomach, your thighs, your hips, your arms, your chin, your shoulders, your back. You’re all of them put together. And together, they can do all sorts of amazing things, like run and dance and swim and sing. Together, they’re beautiful, and they’re you. And you can do this.
5. Living to Feel Good, Not Look Good
One of the hardest issues in beating eating disorders is learning to love your body. I still haven’t quite figured this one out. There are days when I feel shitty
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Drunk & Foods to Eat if You’re Vegan Written by: Christina Tudor | Photography by: Christina Tudor
*Please remember that IC DistinctMagazine does not condone the consumptoin of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21. We also encourage those who drink to drink responsibly. One of the most common questions I’ve gotten since becoming vegan is this: What do I eat when I’m drunk now that cheesy, greasy foods are out? Most people are under the assumption that vegans are super healthy and eat nothing but kale. While that may be true for some, we vegans love a good alcohol-inspired pig-out, too (I know I do). Here are five foods to eat after a night out when it’s 2 a.m. and you want something unhealthy to chow down on while binge-watching Netflix.
1) Amy’s Frozen Vegan Pizzas These pizzas are available right at Wegmans, which is much cheaper than ordering out. Amy’s pizzas can come with Daiya vegan cheese, but others are completely cheese-free. My favorite is Roasted Vegetable, which has artichoke hearts, caramelized onions, and shiitake mushrooms topped with balsamic vinegar. Just put it in the oven and wait 20 minutes! If you’re feeling delivery, not a problem. Just ask for the pizza place to leave the cheese off and double check to make sure there’s no egg in the crust. Then, top with veggies to your heart’s content. And check out the guide “Veganize Your Delivery Pizza!” on Peta2.com.
2) Nachos
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While there’s nothing wrong with your typical chips and salsa, there are plenty of ways to spruce up this snack: Add Vegan Cheese You can add vegan cheese (Daiya is available at Wegmans) or you can make your own. Many recipes for vegan cheese use cashews or potatoes and carrots. My favorite can be found on the site Veggie on a Penny. (And even better, you can make mac and cheese with this, too.) Add Some Guacamole. My favorite way to make guacamole is to throw together two avocados, sweet bell peppers, red onion, garlic pepper, lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Throw all three of these together, and you’ve got yourself some mouth-watering nachos.
HEALTH & FITNESS
3) French Fries You can’t go wrong with a plate of fries after a night out — something delicious to soak up all that booze. To satisfy this craving, I recommend High Carb Hannah’s Homemade Oven Fries. The recipe can be found on her YouTube channel in a video called “How to Make Perfect Oil Free Fries.” All you need for this recipe is potatoes, a baking tray, seasoning, and some ketchup. This simple recipe requires the use of knives and careful attention to the oven, so make when sober, consume while buzzed.
4) Ben and Jerry’s Vegan Ice Cream Before becoming vegan, I spent many nights my first year of college eating whole pints of Ben & Jerry’s in one sitting (which may have something to do with why I can’t stand eating dairy anymore). These pints are so decadently creamy that you won’t even know they’re vegan. The four existing flavors — the ones available at Wegmans — are P.B. & Cookies, Coffee Caramel Fudge, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, and Chunky Monkey (written in the order of preferred taste). My favorite, obviously, is P.B. & Cookies, but you can’t go wrong with any of them. I’m also very happy to announce that Ben and Jerry’s just revealed three new vegan ice creams — Caramel Almond Brittle, Cherry Garcia, and Coconut Seven Layer Bar — that are already starting to hit the grocery stores! (Seriously, I’m so excited and going to Wegmans now in search of them.)
5) Vegan Stir Fry This is another recipe you’re going to want to make before you hit the bars because it takes a lot of prep (less work once you get home). For a great stir fry, make the rice or thai noodle of your choice and combine it with the veggies and sauce you want — I recommend peanut, curry, or soy sauce! It has bold flavors but is still easy to make, and you even get your veggies, too! I hope you enjoy these delicious vegan treats after your next night out! I know I will.
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An Avocado... THANKS
Written by: Madison Barlow | Photography by: Madison Barlow We all know the Vine, and we’ve all seen the meme. But the question still stands: Why was that little boy so excited to get an avocado as a Christmas present? The answer is actually pretty simple: Avocados are kind of amazing. Whether you’re a health nut or a foodie, or you just really like easy recipes, the avocado is one fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) you should definitely include in your diet. The health benefits are endless; they’re packed with healthy fats, potassium, and fiber. Not only that, but they’re versatile — go with almost any dish — and can be used for meals on the go.
Avocado Toast
An avocado-fan favorite, this quick and easy toast is the perfect way to start your day. But it also makes for a great snack to munch on when your energy is running low. Avocado toast can be topped with anything from fried eggs to red chilli pepper flakes to tomatoes. If you’re trying to cut down on carbs, rice cakes are a great substitute for the “toast” part of this recipe. It’s super healthy and tastes just as good! Personally, I always like to top my Avo-toast with one egg (over-easy), salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
Avo-Salsa
Dicing up avocado and mixing it with corn, chopped tomatoes, black beans, and even quinoa is a great way to satisfy your Mexican cravings throughout the week. You can even pack the mixture in some hollowed-out bell peppers! Not only is this recipe great-tasting and easy to make, it’s also packed with flavor. Sprinkle in some cilantro and jalapenos to add a spicy flare to this perfect party dish.
Buddha Bowls
If you haven’t heard of these by now, get ready — you’re about to learn about one of the biggest 2016 health crazes. The primary ingredient in these bowls of creative genius is rice, but the fun comes in when you start to pile on the toppings. Taste the rainbow with colorful ingredients like bell pepper, black beans, red onion, broccoli, and — of course — avocado.
Avocado Grilled Cheese
Who doesn’t love an American classic every once and awhile? Grilled cheese is always an easy meal option, especially when you’re on a budget (which most of us are). But sometimes, bread and cheese can get a little...well... bland. So, what’s the best way to add some flavor? You guessed it: avocado. Pairing my avocado grilled cheese with pesto and tomato is my favorite way to make a simple meal super satisfying.
Brovocados (Brownies + Avocado)
I know — it takes a while to wrap your head around the idea of avocados being a staple ingredient in your favorite guilty pleasure. But, yes, they’re real. And they’re delicious. While avocado brownies may take up a little more prep time than you’d like, they’re worth it. Surprisingly enough, there isn’t a concrete difference between the original chocolatey treat and avocado brownies. While they may be a tad less sweet than we’re all used to, the texture still holds up. They’re just as fudgy and decadent.
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All in all, I think we can now understand the hype behind the avocado kid’s Christmas present. The next time you’re roaming the grocery store craving something simple and satisfying, put down the packaged food and head to the produce aisle to whip together one of these recipes. An avocado … you’re welcome!
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My Cister, My Brother : Documentary Spotlight Written By: Franny Bernstein
It’s funny how life can hit you with little surprises. About a year ago, my 12-year-old cousin Siddy came out as transgender, and began his transition from female to male. After talking to Siddy; his parents, Julia and Gary; and his twin sister, Maddy, I saw the complex emotions the family was going through and decided to create a documentary. I wanted to document the truth of one family going through a bittersweet chapter, and to capture their unconditional love, while confronting the uncomfortable questions. Most importantly, I wanted to show the normalcy of these people, who, at the end of the day, are just a fun family who goof off and love each other — a family just like yours or mine. Nowadays, the term “transgender” is becoming a more widely spoken and accepted term, the research on it intensifying as time has progressed. According to Advocates For Youth, “It is estimated that between two to five percent of the population fits under the broader transgender identity in which they experience some gender dysphoria.” Studies have also shown the dangers many transgender youth face, including a
high percentage of attempted suicide, physical attacks, sexual and verbal harassment, and sexual assaults. The media has also not been kind to the transgender community. In 2002, GLAAD studied scripted television shows containing a transgender character and concluded that 54 percent were represented negatively. The biggest danger to the transgender community is ignorance, and that’s why I wanted to create a documentary that normalizes the transgender experience. To create the documentary, I visited Siddy’s home in Bethesda, Maryland, for a week. During that time, I followed the family around like a fly on the wall, filming family dinners, b’nai mitzvah lessons, outside games, etc. I also sat down with siblings Siddy and Maddy, and did individual interviews with their parents, Julie and Gary, as well. This documentary felt unique because of my already close relationship to the subjects. I felt new kinds of nerves tumbling inside while interviewing them, anxious that the questions might be insensitive and hoping the final film wouldn’t be damaging to any interfamilial relationships. Due to my close ties with the family, I was able to capture Distinct || APRIL 2017 39
" I wanted to document the truth of one family going through a bittersweet chapter, to capture the unconditional love, while not being afraid to confront uncomfortable questions."
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their genuinely typical lives. They didn’t act differently because I was filming. They didn’t hide their feelings from the camera. For example, I captured a subtle but telling moment during dinner when Julie accidentally referred to Siddy as a girl while asking, “Does she want some of your bun?” Maddy quickly responded, “He.” It’s a small and typical moment that may have gone unnoticed if the family had been more self conscious under the camera’s gaze. Yet, more than anything, the documentary is about the family’s transition. Every family member goes through a different journey. The parents struggled with guilt, wishing they’d understood sooner. I remember Siddy’s mother, Julie, said, “I guess this goes back to thinking [that] for twelve years you’ve had two girls, and that’s what I thought I had. And then all of a sudden, this is thrown at you, and you kind of have to rethink who they were, or think, ‘Should I have caught this — that Siddy was a boy?’” There, Julie opened up about struggling to deal with her own sadness while trying not to let Siddy know about her own inner turmoil. It’s these raw moments that show the truth many parents face in accepting their child’s identity. I also discovered the incredible bond between Siddy and his sister. I chose to title the film “My Cister, My Brother” to highlight the twins’ strong relationship and how they empowered each other. The situation was also fascinating because it examined questions such
CULTURE as, “What is gender?” Because Siddy and Maddy had grown up as girls with the exact same upbringing, the film then examined the biological component to gender. Maddy simply, yet profoundly explained, “Whoever I am is my feminine, and whoever Siddy is, that’s his masculine.” I hope the film can now serve as a microscope, zooming in on one family’s experience with a 12-yearold transgender kid. I hope it can show the normalcy of Siddy and his family, despite the many emotions regarding the change. Since its completion, the Greenstein family has used the film as a way of coming out for Siddy and received much praise about their honesty and bravery. I had an incredible experience creating the documentary, and I hope to continue to use filmmaking as a tool for social justice.
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Intersectional Feminism Written by: Amy Thomas | Graphic by: Annika Kushner
January 21, 2017, will be considered one of the most monumental days in modern history. That day, crowds of people across the globe — and an estimated 470,000 in just DC — matched to show the world that women’s rights cannot and will not be ignored. To see both women and men from all sectors of life come together in solidarity is truly inspiring. Looking back throughout this controversial year, the march itself serves as a reminder: We are not alone. There is a sisterhood taking shape here in America. However, for some, it raises this question: Just who is allowed to be a part of it?
When I was 16, a good friend and I discussed double standards between men and women. I told her about the sheer stupidity of slut shaming and she followed up with the unfairness of the tampon tax. It went on like this for a while — we hit all the right notes of womanhood, laughed over the fated “You up?” texts from boys, and talk about our unashamed love of pink. And the whole time I was thinking, “Now this is sisterhood.” But then we steered toward the subject of race. I can’t recall what initiated the conversation of interracial marriage, but do I recall her exact words: “I think it’s disgusting when whites and blacks get together.” She started talking about one girl a few years above us. “I hope she has fun with her black boyfriend,” she said, saying the word “black” as if it were something shameful.That idea of sisterhood vanished from my head as soon as I learned that her whole mindset was a mess of contradictions. I would watch her make fun of black women’s appearances: their hair, their body, their demeanor. She would go on to say how she booked an appointment for the tanning booth the next day. She loved the twerking in Miley Cyrus’ “Can’t Stop,” the video where Miley grabs the ass of a black woman, because “OMG, it’s just so funny.” She loved rap, said the N-word like it was a slang term in urban dictionary, and then proceeded to tell me that black people are often in poverty because “they’re lazy.” Granted, I grew up in borderline rural Pennsylvania. Every once in awhile, I would drive past a car with the confederate flag as a bumper sticker. I’ve seen more camouflage than necessary in one lifetime. I’ve heard the words “All Lives Matter” enough times that I’ve become desensitized. But that 42
still doesn’t make racism okay. We often forget the sheer amount of hypocrisy in some of mainstream’s most “feminist” stars. Take Taylor Swift, for example. She has made her whole career on playing the victim. Poor Taylor, terrorized by many, is just trying her hardest to do what’s right — even if that means twisting words so she can get more publicity. She shows up for feminism when it’s convenient to her. Then there’s Miley Cyrus, who has been an advocate for female sexual liberation. She has been a proponent for girls to “not give a f---” about what the world is thinking. And she continues to not care, especially when she sports dreadlocks at awards shows, wears grills in music videos, and makes comments on racism that are “not too kind,” as put by Nicki Minaj. There’s Lena Dunham, who has been applauded for her realistic portrayal of females. She preaches body positivity and identifies as “feminist,” and yet her show, which takes place in New York City, is one of the whitest things I’ve ever watched, showing almost no minorities. We live in an age where white female stars can say they’re for empowering women, but then partake in the very acts that oppress some of those women. Just as men can ignore many of the struggles of women because it doesn’t affect them, white women can ignore the struggles of minorities, and even perpetuate them. They take bits and pieces of other cultures because it’s fashionable or cute, but they fail to understand the cultural significance of these items. They create a double standard of their own, where white women can yearn for big lips and butts, but laugh at black women for being born with them. They
can wear Native American costumes for Halloween, while ignoring the cultural significance of these headdresses. These are only a few examples of how we forget the struggles of women of color. We forget about Islamophobia and the systematic incarceration of blacks and Latinos. We forget that the creators of the Women’s March were not just white, but black, Latina, and Muslim. We forget that 53 percent of white women voted for Donald Trump, the very man who wants to take their rights away. White women have the power to ignore the barriers and obstacles that women of color can’t avoid. But white women also have the power to
CULTURE remember. They have the power to understand. They need to use that power wisely.
We Can Do It!
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College Student
FUNK:
How to Find Motivation
Written by: Deanna Wetmore | Illustration by: Courtney Yule
Even the best students will experience it: the college student funk. What exactly is the college funk? Basically it’s a period of time in which all motivation is gone and all you want to do sleep or chill with Netflix. Sometimes this can come from having anxiety or even depression, which is not abnormal for college students. In 2008, a survey done by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America found that out of 40 million adults with anxiety in the United States, 75 percent had their first experience by the age of 22. Still, it’s not only people with anxiety that get into a college funk — it happens to anyone who feels stressed or overwhelmed. The problem arises when students continually fall into these slumps. Here is some advice that can hopefully help any person in a bad slump find their motivation again. Catlyn Donovan, a sophomore at Hudson Valley Community College, has experienced the college student funk before, and knows how the feeling of lacking motivation to get work done. During her transition from high school to college, she found herself overwhelmed by all the assignments and new people. “I think that any big change like starting college is a big deal, and some people react differently than others,” she said. Her first semester was hard as she struggled to complete work for her classes. Eventually she learned how to balance her schedule, and found a few techniques that worked for her. Donovan’s general advice is to “find a reason to get the work done … Are you in college to make your parents proud, to get a good job, to learn more about something? … Whatever the reason is, think about that to get yourself motivated again.” She also added that “ranting to friends or just alone in your room does help … It can clear your mind and let your brain know that now you’re done complaining. It’s time to get work done.” Donovan is an example of one out of many students that have gone through a slump while in college. As Donovan had found, the slump is not easy to get out of. Google search “how to get out of a slump,” and thousands of search results will show up with websites that have “life hacks” on how to get motivated again. Some of the things in these articles or posts are so generic that they don’t actually help at all. One example is a blog called lifehacks. org, with posts that give advice in a certain number of steps. One post deals with finding motivation. Some of the points are keep positive, find inspiration, and even find what motivates you. The problem with this advice is that it’s way easier said than done. How do people keep so positive? When the whole initial problem is lacking motivation, how is a person supposed to simply pluck motivation out of the air? This why people need some solid, reliable go-to’s instead, such as the following: Move to a different location. Get out of your comfortable bed or chair and do your work around or with other hard-working people. When people are surrounded in an area where others are working, it signals a sort of “work mode” in your brain to start thinking and be productive. This idea has been proven to be a positive influence by Chris Winfield, an entrepreneur and contributing writer to Inc.com. Winfield himself has dealt with 44
CULTURE slumps in his career, and has created steps to overcome a slump. This is something Donovan also found helpful. She warns against becoming isolated, because then “you are alone with the thoughts, which tend to be the same ideas you’ve already thought about, which leads to nothing new being done.” Another tip is to establish goals by making a list of long term ambitions that require working towards over lengthier periods of time, and then also a list for shorter goals. It does no good to overreach, aiming for goals like “write entire five-page essay” for one day. Think in smaller, more attainable terms, such as, “complete first two paragraphs of essay.” Donovan suggests taking breaks after accomplishing little things; she found that helped her. She added, “Stopping every once in awhile made the task I was doing less overwhelming, in a way. ... It’s basically like a reward system.” Changing up a typical daily schedule can also help people in funks who feel like they’re going through trivial motions everyday. This can be as simple as treating yourself to something you really enjoy (there is your inspiration), whether that be playing a sport or playing an instrument. Additionally, you could try going to sleep or waking up earlier than you usually do. Really anything that is different from what you would normally do will help give your brain something to think about. It could even be a small as walking a different route to your classes one day. Finally, for those who may be anxious, it helps to stop, take a deep breath, and simply listen to what is happening around you at that moment. This helps you live in the now instead of thinking and rethinking about how much work needs to be done. Just imagine that this tough time is like trudging through a swamp. It smells, you can’t move very easily, and there’s mud and sludge in your shoes. But to get out of the swamp, you just have to keep moving forward. It may be hard, and you won’t want to do it, but when the work is done, you will feel better. Every college student has gone through this at one point at different degrees of severity. Everyone is also different in what works for them. So if one method doesn’t work, try another. See what you respond to best. In the end, you can do it — you just have to move forward!
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Windows Book Recommendations Written by: Mirelle Tinker | Graphic by: Annika Kushner
When we pick up a novel, we crave to experience a feeling, a conflict, an achievement, that has been barred from us in our current lives. We search for a story that can allow us a glimpse into a person’s viewpoint that excites us — leaves us curious as to what someone would do in such a unique situation. Yet, each story, each narrator, each sentence, carries a unique perspective, and sometimes it can be difficult to choose which life you’ll want to inspect. That’s why Windows Book Recommendations exists. The purpose of these recommendations is to give you a quick glance at three different works, each offering a “window” into a distinct story or engaging point of view.
Ruth Ozeki’s award-winning novel “A Tale for the Time Being” follows the author, Ruth, as she discovers the washed-up diary of a Japanese schoolgirl, and reads the girl’s troubled story as the author herself sorts out her own crises. The piece offers a unique perspective into the life of Nao, a Japanese school girl who grew up in America, and her family’s economic and psychological dilemma of living in spite of suffering. As Lesley Downer of The New York Times writes: “Many of the elements of Nao’s story — schoolgirl bullying, unemployed suicidal “salarymen,” kamikaze pilots — are among a Western reader’s most familiar images of Japan, but in Nao’s telling, refracted through Ruth’s musings, they become fresh and immediate, occasionally searingly painful … All are drawn into the stories of two “time beings,” Ruth and Nao, whose own fates are inextricably bound.”
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Quite possibly the most well-known piece on the list, George Orwell’s thought-provoking dystopian novel “1984” offers an inventive perspective on government and humanity. The window into this world will draw readers in through its analysis of a possible future where thought police arrest nervous dissenters, war means peace, and the ultimate betrayal is the abandonment of one’s true feelings. Though the piece was written decades ago, its message (and its warning) still reverberates in modern society, making this novel a perfect choice for widening one’s view on the structures of power we have created. Jonathan Freedland of the UK’s Independent states: “The novel creates a world so plausible, so complete that to read it is to experience another world. And what higher goal can fiction reach for than that? And yet it rests on that simple, two-word question on which most political thrillers are built: what if?”
The famous poet Anne Sexton has been known for her daring evaluation of society, femininity, life, love, and death. Her confessional poems, then, offer a window into a darkly imaginative world that continues to engross casual readers and scholars alike. Intense, bold, and unforgettable, Sexton’s creations are for those looking for a poem with a beautiful bite. International editor Peter Longofono of the Washington Square Review claims: “While she [Anne Sexton] championed the self as an inexhaustible reservoir, meanwhile asserting the female voice with formidable creative energies, it is clear that her genius rests on neither confessionalism nor feminism alone. To borrow Kumin’s phrase, Sexton has earned her place in the canon by advancing the frontiers of the English language’s unique poetic territory: diction both brutal and sinuous, ritualization, mythmaking, and the talent for extrapolating Place from Self.”
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