Fall fashion supplement

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Fall Issue

An Inkings Supplement

Inside

ATHLETA OPENS IN WESTPORT Photo by Logan Murphy

Fashion icons emerge in halls Spray tans: hit or miss?

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Fall Issue 2014

Brands clothed in controversy Deanna Hartog

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randy Melville and Urban Outfitters, stores acclaimed for their hipster inventory, have been producing highly controversial items with controversial production methods, which is costing them customers and gaining critics.

“Both of these stores are completely e x p l o i t i n g personal problems and trying to make them into something that is trendy and grunge,” Brittany Hood ’16 said in response to the “Stressed, Depressed, but Well Dressed” shirt from Brandy Melville and the “Eat Less” shirt from Urban Outfitters.

Urban Outfitters has also been producing drug and alcohol related clothing, such as socks with marijuana leaves.

However, the tipping point was the Kent State “Vintage” sweatshirt that featured red blood-like stains around tears that strongly resembled bullet holes, a reference to the deadly shooting at the college in 1970.

The recent school shootings around the country have made everyone more sensitive to the unfortunate reality that shootings can occur anywhere.

Photo from MCT Campus “ Y o u just can’t make clothes representative of school shootings, especially when we’re all very sensitive,” Jenna Patterson ’16 said. “That’s beyond hipster.”

of the stores partake in these practices.

“Glaring [controversial stores] I try to avoid, but stores in town like Gap and Old Navy make it hard to avoid,” Chun said.

“It’s usually a matter of convenience.”

Angry activists across the country believe these companies and their products are immoral.

“They don’t care what kind of attention they get, whether it’s positive or negative,” Hood said. Instead, she suggests, “Don’t shop there, don’t encourage other people to shop there and don’t support the company.”

Many of the items that can be purchased at these stores also glorify serious conditions, such as eating disorders, alcohol abuse, drug abuse and violence. With over 24,000,000 people suffering

“They don’t care what kind of attention they get, whether it’s positive or negative.”

-Brittany Hood ’16

Along with the shirts, students like Natalie Chun ’17 are protesting the clothing stores and similar corporations for child labor and human trafficking. Chun explained that this is particularly difficult in Westport because so many

from eating disorders in America, according to the National Institute of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, and 24.6 percent of the population abusing alcohol, according to the National Institute of Alcohol

Abuse and Alcoholism, some may claim that these shirts hit too close to home.

Hood argues that with so many people affected, it’s “inappropriate and indecent to be publicizing and making something casual” about these pertinent struggles.

Middle-school-aged children [who are frequent Brandy Melville customers] may not understand yet of the severity of these problems.

“I feel like it’s difficult to blame a kid who buys a shirt because they see all their friends are wearing it,” Patterson said.

Brandy Melville is also home to a “one-size-fitsmost” policy, in which all of the clothing in the store is produced in only one size.

The clothing is expected to fit girls of varying size.

Patterson recognizes the corruption in this. When Brandy Melville first arrived in Westport, she boycotted the store and their sizing policy. However, convenience of the location and the prices eventually brought her to the dressing room.

“When you try something on that’s meant for the smaller girls, and you don’t consider yourself a smaller girl, and it fits, it feels really good,” Patterson said. “It’s a reverse self esteem thing.”

For the future, Hood hopes that people will think about the repercussions of wearing these items and what message they are sending in doing so. “[The brands are] not stylish or fashionable. [They are] a disease and illness,” Hood said.

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Francesca Truitt thleta, the athletic clothing branch of Gap, is expected to open during the first week of November as a shop for fifth source of athletic apparel in downtown Westport.

While a majority of the athletic chains downtown prioritize running apparel, Athleta has hold on a whole different market.

Athleta focuses on

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comfort clothing, whether it be a sweat-wicking sports bra or a cotton sewn dress for brunch.

Grace Foster ’17, a supporter of GapFit, knew of Athleta, but did not yet have apparel from the label. “[Now that Athleta is downtown] I will probably actually buy stuff from them,” Foster said, “instead of just looking at their stuff online and wishing that I had it.”

Fleur Byrne ’17, said she is also likely to purchase Athleta products now that she has the ability to try on the clothing and see it in person. However, she doesn’t like the brand nearly as much as her favorites.

“A lot of it just seems like it might be for older women and not so much for teens,” Byrne said.

Giselle Briand ’17, also was not a fan of the designs. After she caught sight of the Odyssey

Pullover she said. “What the heck. That looks like a potato sack,” Briand said.

Although Briand and Byrne oppose the Athleta label, a number of Staples students appreciate the unique styles.

Sam Little ’17, an avid supporter of Lululemon, welcomes the newer brand despite her ties.

“I do love Nike and Lululemon, but they can be kind of basic,” Little said, suggesting that Athleta’s unique designs offer more variety.

Foster, like Little, also appreciates the distinctive style.

“It’s like Victoria’s Secret,” Foster said, “where it sells everything a girl needs in her wardrobe.”

Because Athleta is to be the fifth location for athletic apparel in downtown Westport, some customers claim that it’s overkill: “Enough is enough,” Briand noted.

However, despite the abundance of athleticbased clothing companies in downtown Westport, “they will get a lot of attention in the beginning,” Briand said.

“But it will eventually even out throughout the course of the year.”

Infographic by Fritz Schemel Created on piktochart.com

Nike (47%) Lululemon (27%) Patagonia (13%) GapFit (7%) Athleta (4%) *2% of students did not respond

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any Staples students a c q u i r e their logo wear from Athletic Shoe Factory, a family owned store in Westport that has been open since 1986.

In July of 2005, the store moved to a larger location. One year later, ASF Outdoors was introduced and offered custom logo wear. Students have been taking advantage of this amenity ever since.

According to Shawn Lacosta, the production manager of ASF logo wear, ASF mainly makes uniforms for the younger kids and logo wear for the high school. However, Lacosta does notice Bedford Middle School students make up a strong percentage of ASF clients. “They will come and buy Staples logo wear because they look up to the older kids,” Lacosta said.

According to many students, the convenience of ASF is what they love most. “I like how accessible logo wear is for Staples,” Kenny Brill ’17 said.

“It’s very convenient how you can go to the ASF website and buy it from there.”

Staples Superfans report they are disappointed more students aren’t endorsing in Staples apparel.

Varsity baseball player and superfan Ben Casparius ’17 shared his observations. “I’ve noticed a small number of fans wear logo wear, but I definitely think

they should because ASF is so close and a great resource.”

According to Lacosta, the field hockey and boys’ soccer team are their biggest clients.

“They’re the same kids we watched grow up and become high school students. We really make sure soccer and field hockey are always taken care of,” Lacosta said.

Meg Fay ’15, a

Fall Issue 2014

member of the Staples varsity field hockey team, confirms all of their logo wear is bought from ASF. Although soccer and field hockey are consistent clients throughout the year, Lacosta reports their biggest deals are situational.

For instance, when Westport fielded its Little League World Series team ASF was overwhemingly busy.

“It was only Westport travel baseball stuff.

All day would consist of printing t-shirts for them. We even ended up making fan jerseys after awhile,” Lacosta said.

ASF has been the go-to spot for team apparel since the store opened nine years ago. At this rate, students predict this Staples trend won’t be changing anytime soon.

Photo by Logan Murphy

Gabrielle Feinsmith

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SPORTING LOGOWEAR Hannah Murphy ’21 throws on her comfy track fleece, which can be purchased on shopasf.com. The site also sells logowear for girls’ and boys’ cross country, Westport field hockey, Westport PAL football and other Staples teams and clubs.

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Fall Issue 2014

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14 POST ROAD EAST | WESTPORT, CT

Fall Issue 2014

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Chunky Sweaters:

Fashion IN BRIEF: Julia Greenspan

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Dark nail polish:

tudents like Liv Smith ’16 love the fall because it is the perfect transition from summer brights to winter blues and grays. “My favorite is Baubbing for Baubles by Essie because it’s a mix between navy and gray, and matches with every outfit,” Smith said. Some other popular colors are deep reds, navies, blacks and light grays.

Every fall, chunky sweaters seem to be in style. This is because of their comfort without compromising stylish appeal.

“Chunky sweaters are like bringing your blanket to school,” Katherine Coogan ’17 said. “They’re perfect for cold days in the fall.” These sweaters go with anything from leggings to jeans, and make you feel super cozy in class.

Stylish sportswear:

Whether it’s for a sports team or for comfort, students love their sportswear.

However, this fall, Joe Blaikie ’17 predicts that sport and style will come together in an everyday outfit. “I think one of the top trends for fall has to be sportswear such as wearing Nike sneakers and varsity jackets with stylish outfits,” Blaikie said.

This trend, most importantly, will be, comfortable for class.

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Booties: Boots are always a fall must-have, but this season booties will be making their debut in the hallways. Booties are essentially boots except they are shorter than mid-calf or knee-high. Some are southern looking while others are on the grungier side.

Annabelle Lyme ’16 thinks they’re perfect for every occasion. “You can wear them with leggings and jeans, and the looks can range from classy to casual,” Lyme said.

Flannels:

Flannels are huge in both men’s wear and women’s wear this season. This shirt is the perfect fall staple for everything from pumpkin-picking to walking the halls.

“Flannels shouldn’t just be for Flannel Fridays,” Sarah Duvall ’15 said. “They make any outfit instantly more exciting.”

Students will sport plaid prints this fall wrapped around their waists or with sweaters and t-shirts.

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Fall Issue 2014

Celebs inspire creative cuts Claudia Chen

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s toddlers, most little girls have donned short ’dos. Since then, their hair may have grown longer, been braided, had hair tinsel added or gone through the cycle of lather, rinse, repeat numerous times. Through it all, some Staples girls have recently gone back to

their short-hair roots.

The short hair trend has taken Hollywood by storm.

Celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Miley Cyrus and Emma Watson have departed from their long locks to sport shorter hairstyles like pixie cuts and bobs. A photostory in Glamour Magazine recently showcased 52

celebrity women who also cut their hair.

Now, Staples students have joined the trend.

“I stole the idea of cutting my hair short from Jennifer Lawrence and Kylie Jenner,” Carolynn van Arsdale ’16 said. “I loved how they had the confidence to cut off a majority of their h a i r . It made me want to go for it, too.”

When Tova Byrne ’15 opted for a pixie cut, a hairstyle defined by closely-cropped layers on the sides and back of the head, she was similarly inspired.

“I wanted to do it for so long and would always admire it on other people,” Byrne said. “I woke up one day, like, if I don’t do it now, I’m never going to, and just went without telling anybody.”

After the hairdresser cut her ponytail off, Byrne sent a picture to her friends before getting the rest of the haircut.

She came back to 50 texts that read, “What did you do?”

Byrne said that cutting her hair was about being different.

She said that what she lost in hair, she gained in confidence and a

’15 agreed, saying that it was “just easier” having short hair.

Despite the growing popularity of the short hair trend, some students still prefer to keep their longer hairstyles.

Camerin Elkin ’15 said that she prefers long hair because there are many hairstyles, such as a fishtail braid, that don’t look as good with short hair.

However, Staples students who have already clipped their hair encourage others to join in.

“Short hair on girls is frequently thought of as ‘tom-boyish’ or ‘rebellious,’ but more

“I woke up one day, like, if I don’t do it now, I’m never going to.”

-Tova Byrne ’15

Photo dramatization by Fritz Schemel

sense of defining who she is.

Others have sported a shorter cut for more practical reasons.

“I want to spend very little time with cold, wet hair,” Audrey Seo ’16 said. “I really don’t miss having long hair because it’s fantastic to not have it weighing my head down at all hours.”

Van Arsdale added that it was more challenging to keep her old, longer hair healthier because it was harder to watch for split ends and wash.

Grace Summerfield

than anything, it’s just hair,” Seo said. “It just so happens that short hair is super convenient, so perhaps more people should be taking advantage of that.”

Van Arsdale agreed that taking the risk of cutting her hair has paid off, and that anyone who chooses to do the same exhibits confidence and style.

“I’m now a huge advocate of everyone chopping their hair off,” Byrne said. “It’s very liberating. Viva la revolution.”

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full black beard has garnered nearunanimous praise, Moro was more hesitant to assume his stubble had such rave reviews.

“I know guys like it. Girls do not,” Moro said.

Rebecca Oestricher ’16 was quick to prove this theory. When asked about what percentage of adolescent guys are able to pull off facial hair, Oestreicher provided some in-depth statistical analysis to make her case.

“Five percent, maybe,” she halfjoked.

While the adolescents claim that student facial hair is something to be proud of, at the end of the day, there’s no competing with the adults.

“I joked with Mr. Shepro that I would challenge him to see who could grow more during Movember, but I think I’d lose,” Namasivayam said.

“I saw Mr. Rosenberg and realized my beard was still pathetic in comparison,” Ribolla echoed.

Nonetheless, above all things, they all had the same advice; “avoid the stubble hump.”

“Yes, it will probably look gross up to a certain point, mine, arguably, still does, but once it really starts to fill in, you’re golden,” Ribolla advised.

“Beard over mustache any day of the week,” Namasivayam said.

u sthave

Photos by Rachel Morrison

Michael Mathis ith Movember moving in fast, male students of all grades and sizes are putting down the razors.Nick Ribolla ’16, who prefers to keep his chin, soul-patch and mustache intact in a combo he dubs the “royale” grows out his facial hair because it is a “rite of passage” meant to be achieved.

“It’s the first step into being a fully bearded, bear punching, logcabin building man,” Ribolla said.

In fact, Nick Moro ’15 felt the masculinity almost instantaneously after growing out his facial hair.

“It gives me a strange craving to chop down trees and build boats by hand,” Moro joked.

According to WebMD, facial hair growth normally coincides directly with the transition from boy-to-manhood. As the website states, the average adolescent boy will start to grow facial hair between the ages of 15 and 16. On the other side of the spectrum, however, fully-bearded boy-wonders like Vignesh Namasivayam ’16, who has been growing his facial hair out since the seventh grade, believes it is not necessarily a “rite of passage,” especially for boys at this age. “[There are] a lot of people who don’t have the ability yet, so it’s not really a rite of passage. I think there are other things that could be considered a rite of passage over facial hair,” Namasivayam said.

In addition, with a furry friend in the facial region, some students believe the attention works out well.

While Namasivayam claims that his

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Graphic by Olivia Crosby

Halloween costumes are pumpkin up the party

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Fall Issue 2014

Thomas Nealon here’s only one day of the year when parents hand out free candy to random kids just because they are wearing a costume.

Halloween was originally supposed to be a scary and frightful night, but it has evolved into an enjoyable holiday for kids and a fashionable night for teenagers and adults.

Costumes are an essential part of Halloween.

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent seven million dollars on Halloween items in 2013.

However, for Westport residents, the supply of costumes won’t be as great this year due to the closing of Happy Daze and Spooky Town Halloween Superstore.

The closest Party City is located in Norwalk, Connecticut, less than 10 miles from Staples. Dave Crouse, Manager of the Norwalk Party City, said the most popular kid costumes this year have been Elsa from “Frozen” and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Crouse also said Halloween is now a more fashionable holiday. “The teens and the adults have become more fashionable with Halloween costumes, but the kids don’t care about fashion, just candy,” Crouse said.

Party Harty’s manager and Halloween buyer Jackie Marshall agreed with Crouse that the characters from the Disney movie “Frozen” seemed to be the most popular costumes.

It is safe to say that Halloween might not be so spooky after all.

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di o in u t s h ng ti t c i s s t n w e d Stu se Sarah Sommer

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pbeat music blasted from a radio on the table, filling the whole studio with the lively melody.

In the front of the room, a line of mannequins stood like soldiers, each draped in a unique uniform of brightly colored fabrics and pins.

Pictures of girls modeling dresses and fashion sketches lined every wall.

For many Staples students, this is the setting they spend two hours in each week, either working on long-term projects or learning about fashion. It is the home studio of Ellen Gang, a Westport mother who began her career in high school, making costumes and

clothing.

“I was making an outfit a week. Every time I went on a date, I made a new outfit,” Gang said.

Gang received a degree in women’s wear design from the Fashion Institute of Technology and worked for 25 years in the fashion industry.

In about 2007, she opened the Ellen Gang Design Studio and began teaching group, semiprivate and private sewing lessons to students of all ages.

“I could see that there was interest growing. It was fun for me. I love having the kids here, and I had so much stuff and so many ideas of what I could do with the kids,” Gang said.

In private and semi-private lessons, students generally

come in with a sketch or idea, and spend the year working on one project—often a prom dress or items for a college portfolio, Gang says. In group lessons, which are generally comprised of six or seven girls of a similar age group, Gang spends time drawing fashion sketches and talking about the general process of garmentmaking.

However, Gang’s classes are also beneficial to students in ways that stretch far beyond the fashion industry. “[The class] has definitely taught me that hard work pays off,” Ella de Bruijn ’16, a longtime student of Gang’s, said.

“It’s more than just the actual stitching… You know, it’s a puzzle, and you have to

Graphic by Julia Schorr

Fall Issue 2014

understand how the parts work together and the shapes, so there’s a lot of life skills in here and a lot of critical thinking that can prepare you for anything,” Gang said. “It’s all very valuable. I don’t think any of it is a waste.”

Fashion design also provides many students with new ways to use their outside skills.

“Ellen’s classes have certainly given me perspective on how I can make my drawings applicable through design,” Alyssa Domenico ’17, who began sewing classes after years of being interested in drawing, said. “She’s really boosted my self-esteem and I think my drawing skills have benefitted from that.”

A SEWING STORY Shannon Barry ‘15 and Ellen Gang intricately examine designs.

Gang’s class has woven a community, putting fabric and people together.

Photos by Colby Siegel SEW WHAT? Shannon Barry ’15 carefully constructs the sweetheart neck of a dress.

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Ben Foster

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hen weaving in and out between students in the Staples hallways, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the expressive spectrum of attire modeled

by Staples students. However, through the surging sea of tops, boots, jackets and accessories, Staples’ fashion icons Harley Kowalsky ’15 and Gwyneth Mulliken ’15 rise to the surface.

Kowalsky and Mulliken exert a fun and interesting aura complemented with smooth style.

Kowalsky’s taste for fashion is routinely inspired by Alexa Chung, a former British model. Kowalsky read Chung’s book “It.” “It’s pretty basic.

It just talks about her style inspiration, and includes a lot of her pictures and drawings,” Kowalsky said.

For the most part, Mulliken keeps her style practical. She

looks into blogs and websites when shopping for clothing.

Though she said, “I don’t think I really have a style icon,” Mulliken does appreciate Whitney Port’s fashion sense.

“She was in a TV show called ‘The City’ and now she has her own fashion line that I like,” Mulliken said.

She describes her style as “minimalist” and tries to add a “vintage edge to it or just a kind of cool vibe.” Kowalsky likes to shop at Madewell and Zara and she makes good use of the clothes in her house.

Kowalsky has basic t-shirts and solid colored sweaters from her mother that she wears, and her groovy appearance goes handin-hand with her personality. “I am pretty laid back and sure of myself,” she said.

Kowalsky’s go-to outfit is a white t-shirt, high-waisted jeans and black Nike Frees “I don’t shop that much because I wear a lot of my

clothes from past years, but generally, if there’s a season change and I need a new sweater, I’ll go shopping to find specific things,” Mulliken said.

Urban Outfitters or Oddz tends to be her shopping destination.

Mulliken chooses what clothes to buy based on how much they stick out to her and how many uses they can have.

“I like things I’ve gotten on vacation or in stores they don’t have around here,” Mulliken said. In an out-of-town store, she purchased a black and white jacket, which is one of her statement pieces that sets her apart from the Staples crowd.

Achieving good fashion is a lot tougher than it would seem. One of Kowalsky’s closest friends, Kaela O’Kelly ’15 really admires all the tough work that goes into it. “Harley is great at making things work.

She used a necklace from seventh grade and made it stylish,” O’Kelly said.

Fall Issue 2014

Go-to outfit: A pair of black jeans and layered sweater or jacket Celebrity style icon: Whitney Port Favorite accessories: Simple rings and stacked bracelets Essential fall item: Cargo jacket Go-to outfit: Her mother’s vintage light-wash denim jacket with a collared shirt Celebrity style icon: Alexa Chung Favorite accessories: Gold and turquoise stud earrings Favorite shoes: Chelsea boots

Photos by Logan Murphy

FASHION FORWARD FUN Harley Kowalsky ’15 (center left) and Gwyneth Mulliken ’15 (center right) sport their essential fall items.

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Fall Issue 2014

Boys baffled by rompers

Photo by Francesca Truitt

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STRIKE A POSE Kevin Watt ’15 models a 100% cotton Joie women’s Miri yarn dye stripe romper.

Chase Gornbein

deally, the romper is a perfect piece of clothing that fits all the basic needs for women attire. Consisting of both shorts and a shirt meshed into a stylish one-piece, the romper is crafted into a paradigm of perfection.

However, there are many guys who are unaware of what a romper actually is.

Sebastian Wick ’17 has no clue.

“Aren’t they like pajamas?” Wick said.

“Or is it that thing that has balls attached to the end of it?”

No, it doesn’t have balls attached to it, and no, their current use is not as pajamas.

Instead, a romper is both a versatile and comfortable style of clothing. The romper can be described as a dress that allows for a comfy and fresh feel. It’s just as easy to wear to the beach as it is to wear to a fancy restaurant.

Jack Griffin ’16 was unaware that the romper has actually been around for almost 100 years.

“I think J-Lo invented the romper,” Griffin said.

The romper suit, or onesie, first appeared in the United States in the early 1900s as playwear for young children. In France during the 1950s, the romper was only worn by males because it was deemed as a play garment.

In 2006, the romper has reinvented itself in the fashion industry. Several designers, including Deborah Sweeney and Juliette Hogan, presented collections including romper suits to many retail stores.

Urban Outfitters, American Apparel and Old Pueblo Traders are a few of the retail stores interested in the romper’s obscure style and fashion.

Tia Zajec ’17 loves the romper for its aesthetic appeal and how easy it is to wear with any other clothes.“They are really cute and you can wear them with a lot of things.”

Yet, boys are still confused about what a romper is. The romper reminds Dan Cozzi ’16 “a little bit of overalls” he said.

Nevertheless, as the summertime approaches, rompers will certainly be in full swing. So, boys, start figuring out what they are because they will soon be everywhere.

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Guys’ fashion gets a splash of frat

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ne of the cardinal rules of fashion states; “no white after labor day.” However, no rule orders on the donning of other colors after a certain point in the season. And in the wake of such freedoms, pastels and patterns brighten up the hallways of Staples; paired with boat shoes and cashmere sweaters, the “preppy” style for guys is flaunted throughout the year.

For the male population at Staples, styles and fashion senses range all across the spectrum. There are the guys who wear sweats and sports logo wear every day, some who pull off graphic t-shirts with jeans others who add a little bit of “frat” to their wardrobe. These J.Crew and Vineyard Vines frequent shoppers have wardrobes composed of pastels, boat shoes, button downs and a pair (or ten) of Chubbies (shorts).

Harry Epstein ’15, has a high profile in men’s fashion– he works at Jack Wills, the British based “preppy” outfitter, and also has started his own clothing line– Gracious Manufacturing. Epstein describes a “preppy” wardrobe as including, “button downs, short chino shorts, seersucker and maybe some nice

loafers…but if not, then Sperry’s.”

The term “preppy” is in reference to the Northeastern subculture associated with private university preparatory schools.

The term developed

etiquette and accent reflective of an upperclass, Northeastern upbringing,” according to Wikipedia.

The styles have been taken to colleges and are classified as “fratty.”

“I would describe

SEA GAZING Michael Battone ’15 looks out upon the Saugatuck River wearing his Vineyard Vines shirt. into an American adjective describing the “subcultural speech, vocabulary, dress, mannerisms,

my fashion style as fratty,” George Garland ’16 said. Garland, a proud supporter of the style, finds most of

his wardrobe at Patagonia, J . C r e w , Chubbies and, of course, Vineyard Vines.

The popular brand, based in Martha’s Vineyard, was started in 1998 by two brothers who were sick of their corporate Manhattan jobs. The duo then began selling ties so they didn’t have to wear them themselves. Their start up story reflects the laid-back attitude of the company and of those who wear their clothes. Vineyard Vines now has their famous whale trademark printed on merchandise including ties, button downs, bathingsuits and sweaters.

Similarly, Chubbies promotes such a lifestyle. The men’s shorts and swim trunks

have an inseam of only five-and-a-half inches, range in over 120 designs and seem irresistible to Staples guys.

According to Garland, the Chubbies trend started about two years ago in Westport, after the company was started in 2011, by four Stanford students.

“In regards to frat clothes, I think it’s annoying but awesome,” Epstein said. “And I would like to involve myself at some point by purchasing some Chubbies.”

As described by Cameron Felton ’15, “It’s not a trend. It’s a lifestyle.”

Photos by Matt Bader

Caroline Cohen

MAIN STREET STRUT Walking across the downtown bridge, Jack Baylis ’15 sports fratty clothes. Similar attire can be purchased from nearby shops, such as Vineyard Vines and Sperry.

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Fall Issue 2014

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Fall Issue 2014

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Designer jeans are in my genes Ale Benjamin

I

f at any given time you ask me where I got something that I’m wearing, there’s about a 50-percent chance that I’ll answer, “My mom’s closet.”

Am I a walking charity case doomed to wear nothing but discarded frumpy sweaters? Far from it.

In fact, if anything, I consider myself a blessed beneficiary and, more than that, a downright economist.

You see, before I was born, my mom attended the Fashion Institute of Technology

inkStyle Silver Crown Award for Inklingsnews.com from Columbia Scholastic Press Association 2013 Silver Crown Award for Newspaper Columbia Scholastic Press Association 2013 Pacemaker from National Scholastic Press Association 2013

All the opinions, news and features in this paper are those of Staples High School students. Inklings, a cur-

in New York City.

Although she no longer works in fashion, to say she picked up a few tips (and a few free samples) along the way is an understatement.

But it doesn’t end there. I’m not just fashionably inferior to one parent but two.

Although he wasn’t in the fashion industry at the same time as my mom, my dad now works as the head of his own women’s clothing manufacturing company.

What does this mean for me? Mostly that he feels obligated to scrutinize the fabric of every single one of my t-shirts and declare

about 90 percent of them as “trash.”

Thanks, Dad. But luckily for me, this also means that he feels it his personal responsibility—no, his civic duty—to provide me with some real quality fabric in the form of dozens upon dozens of samples of his company’s t-shirts made of a prestigious Peruvian fabric called pima cotton.

These, my friends, are just some of the endless perks of having trendy parents.

As for my mom, her former fashionista days come in handy for me in another way.

While for many teens, shopping for the perfect new dress or pair of heels before the next big bat mitzvah or sweet sixteen can involve the hassle of tearing through every mall store at high speed, my favorite place to shop happens to be right across the hall.

There’s no need for me to keep up with the latest trends and agonize over which styles to choose; my mom is already one step ahead of me with what she picks out for herself to wear every day. Her past experience has helped her over the years to culminate the perfect collection of jeans,

handbags and shoes.

With that kind of talent and convenience under my roof, it’s worth the occasional stumble wearing heels that are a size too big for me.

I admit, I’ll probably never quite live up to my parents’ elite status of style. I may be just a mere genetic defect in their pristine sense of presentation perpetually struggling to catch up to them. Some might be offended or embarrassed by having to squander their lives away in this lowly status.

But hey, if I get free clothes out of it, I’m more than happy to say, “No offense taken.”

ricular and extracurricular publication, has a circulation of 1,800 and is uncensored.

All letters to the editor must be signed. The editorial board reserves the right not to publish letters and to edit all submissions as it sees fit.

The editorial board determines all editorial opinions, which are authored faithfully by the Editors-in-Chief. Inklings reserves the right to not publish advertisements that promote products that could be harmful to student health. The paper is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association and supports the Student Press Law Center.

Editors-in-Chief Zoe Brown Bailey Ethier

Features Editors Francesca Truitt Renee Weisz

Inklingsweb@gmail.com

Managing Editor Jacquelyn Sussman

Graphics Editor Olivia Crosby

Associate Managing Editor Jane Levy

Special Acknowledgement: Jackie Cope Quinn Hughes

News Editors Amina Abdul-Kareem Fritz Schemel Opinions Editors Cooper Boardman Claire Dinshaw

Advisers Mary Elizabeth Fulco Rebecca Marsick Cody Thomas 70 North Ave. Westport, CT 06880 Phone: (203) 341–1994

Decisions of Inklings and Westport Public Schools are made without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or any other discriminating basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.

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Fall Issue 2014

Bloggers have a passion for fashion Alexa Davis

Inklinations

What is your experience with fashion blogs?

“They help to inspire my outfits, but at the same time they can have a negative impact on a person’s body image.”

-Marta Clanton ’17 “I have never, in my life, gone on a fashion blog, nor have I looked up one.”

-Daniel Jersey ’17 “I don’t follow fashion blogs, but I do love reading magazines like Harper’s Bazaar.”

-Anna Greenspan ’18 “It’s a good way to see what trends are popular rather than buying a magazine.”

-Channing Smith ’17

L

aying in bed late at night, I scroll through my Instagram feed in search of some late-night inspiration for an outfit.

You know those nights, where you go to sleep and promise yourself you’ll try and make an effort to look good the next day?

For me, these nights occur too often, and ultimately make me feel pretty badly when I leave my house the next morning wearing only sweatpants.

Many fashion-forward people look at pictures on Instagram and fashion blogs that inspire them to get up in the morning and throw on a pair of tight, vintage, ripped jeans and a cute Madewell sweater.

But looking good is never easy. No matter how much you plan, laziness can often overpower a desire for style.

For instance, I’ll end up picking out a pair of jeans and a cute top almost every night, but after I drag myself out of bed in the morning, I find myself throwing that outfit back in my closet and swapping it for a comfy pair of leggings and a sweatshirt.

How does one wear

distressed jeans full of holes when it’s below freezing?

Not happening.

I truly envy people who are able to dress as well as the models featured in the fashion blogs. But isn’t there at least one day, my fashionista friends, when you want to just go to school in

But isn’t there at least one day, my fashionista friends, when you want to just go to school in your pajamas? your pajamas or a pair of comfy sweats?

The most common places to find seemingly easy, everyday outfits in town are Brandy Melville, Urban Outfitters, and Free People.

Essentially, these stores claim that comfy can be cute.

Just “throw on” these pair of jeans and a cute top and you’re ready to go! But, it doesn’t work like that.

The Free People fashion blog portrays a look of indy and chic a mixed

together, but carrying off that look requires wear an uncomfortable pair of pants and a long flowy shirt that I could never realistically wear on a cold Monday morning.

And that’s what I dislike most about Instagram blogs: they show me fashion that I am either too lazy wear, or fashion that is impossible to wear in the real world.

However, some students find fashion blogs inspiring and helpful when putting together a cute outfit.

“Manrepeller” is a popular Instagram blogger whose unique style brings flavor to the real world.

Blair Gould ’15 follows this post and incorporates Manrepellar’s style into some of her outfits for school.

Harley Kowalsky ’15 draws inspiration from fashion blogs, as well.

Kolwalsky follows the Danish blogger, Maja Ravn, who uses European styles to inspire others.

As for me, I will look at classic style icons, such as Kendall and Kylie Jenner, but still not be inspired enough to show up at school in anything other than a comfy pair of leggings and slippers.

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Fall Issue 2014

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Combat the cold with fancy fleeces Izzy Ullmann

W

e all have that one classroom during the day that is uncomfortably freezing, but there is one thing that this issue screams: shopping spree!

Whether it‘s room 2014 or 1051, certain rooms are renowned for being unbearably frigid.

But I am not here to complain about it, I am here to present the ultimate style guide in surviving the worst chill of your life.

First of all, I’m just going to tell you right now that down coats are a no-go for this complication because they are dramatic looking, and put you at risk of being nicknamed marshmallow girl.

I would know.

Another choice explored by many, which

Graphic by Olivia Crosby I am about to shut down, is a sweatshirt.

Sweatshirts are for the gym. Or snow days. Or anywhere you’re alone.

But come on, sweatshirts just make you look grimy. It’s basically like screaming to the school that you

rolled out of bed and barely made the bus.

However, I do know an item that is fashionable, and will

keep you snug all day: a fleece.

My favorite aspect of fleeces is that their casual nature provide the opportunity to have that rolled-out-of-bedlooking-effor tlesslygorgeous look.

Also, when I wear one, I feel a comfort similar to a lady surrounded by her nine cats on a Friday night watching “Friends” marathons.

Let me just say that ever since I got this revolutionary item, my day is less of a polar vortex, and I can tell everyone wishes they could be as cozy as me.

So to all of my fellow temperature survivors reading this, until we can solve the chronicles of the erratic temperature changes, do yourself a favor and invest in a fleece.

Siblings fight to the death in the hanger games Jessica Gross I have never gone downstairs in the morning before school and been stopped dead in my tracks by the sight of one of my younger brothers in my brandnew, never-been-worn, tag-still-on Urban sundress.

However, I have gone downstairs before school and been stopped

dead in my tracks by the sight of my younger sister in my brand-new, never-been-worn, tagstill-on Urban sundress.

And sweater.

And scarf.

And sweatshirt.

And tank top.

And well, you get the picture.

I don’t know where or when or how the lines between hand-medowns and still-my-size got blurred, but at some

point my sister Ally decided my closet was some kind of open-24hour, totally-free, “nolimits” boutique.

Now, I’m not blameless. I’ve been known to pinch a pair of fuzzy socks, swipe a sweater or loot some leggings from the closet clearly marked with a little script “A” sign.

It used to be that I couldn’t fit into any of my little sis’ stuff. I’ve

always been tall, she’s always been pretty petite.

So while she looked cute in a stolen sweater, I looked like I’d either left something in the dryer too long or hit up Gap Kids for a scandalous, NSFW ensemble.

But now that we’re the same size and have similar tastes it’s payback time.

My mom says, “Couldn’t you girls just agree to share? Can’t

you come to some sort of understanding?”

We have tried. It was nice while it lasted.

But the peace has been broken.

Now, it’s war.

Swipe that stark black eyeliner on your cheeks, file those nails down to a point and make sure those boots have traction. It’s a battle of the bureaus.

We’re entering the Hanger Games.

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Fall Issue 2014

Don’t clash – you’ll look like trash Alix Sommers

G

etting up at 6:15 in the morning and figuring out what to wear is not an easy task, so it’s important to make the process as stress-free as possible.

In order to make things easy on yourself and ensure that you walk out of your closet with a stylish outfit, you must never think about wearing busy patterns with other busy patterns.

Clashing clothing is equivalent to announcing to the public that you don’t care about how you

Graphic by Eliza Goldberg

look. Clashing clothing is highly unattractive which is why it should never be done “I don’t like clashing because it looks too busy and too tacky because there’s too much going on,” Erin Munley ’16 said. Clashing is not something that should be done, but that doesn’t mean people don’t do it.

I love Gossip Girl, and I love Blair, but she’s a perfect example of what not to do when it comes to clashing clothing. On the show, one of her outfits consisted of a geometric printed blouse, a plaid wool miniskirt and patent leather, high-

heeled booties. As you probably assumed, this killed me because other than being disappointed with Blair, it made me highly upset to see such a big fashion mistake.

Even Glamour Magazine wasn’t impressed with her outfit, saying, “What happened to Blair?

We’ll bet Gossip Girl sent out a blast when she spotted this clash of stripes, checks and zig-zag prints. After all, she is the one and only source into the scandalous wardrobes of Manhatten’s [sic] elite. And this is one outfit worth talking about…”

However, there are people who believe clashing clothing has a time and a place, and if done properly, it could be a fashion must. “[Clashing] can be good, but it depends on what colors you’re wearing.

Like black and white stripes together with black and white polka dots could look great..,” Joe Blaikie ‘17 said.

Whether you’re a clashing fan or hater, in the words of Bill Cunningham, a well known American radio and talk show host, “Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.” So suit up and suit up right.

Fall Issue 2014

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Fall Issue 2014

(Don’t) shop ’til you Kacey Hertan

I

f you’ve ever seen me in the hall, you know that I am not the most fashionable student at Staples.

I’ve progressed since freshman year where on Pajama Day, I realized that what I wear to school normally is what everyone wears to sleep.

Although I still think yoga pants and t-shirts are much more practical than while cute dresses, and logowear days will forever be my favorite excuse to wear a sweatshirt and leggings, I’m actually not opposed to fashion;

I just hate shopping.

I’d much rather wear clothing that went out of style years ago or has holes than shop.

First of all, the process takes so long.

When I was young and naïve, I believed my mom that it is actually possible to take a “quick trip to the mall,” but I have since learned the truth.

Even if you’re just shopping for just one dress, it takes hours of trying on thousands of dresses, tons of necklaces, and numerous accessories all which acquire examination at every angle for parental

approval.

Secondly, the prices.

I can’t help but look at a $20 shirt and think about the number of Starbucks iced-mochas I could buy with that money. Why spend $200 on a pair of jeans when you could be buying a ticket to “Newsies” on Broadway instead? I’d much rather have a few pairs of sweatshirts and a few more bucks than a fashionable outfit.

So you’re probably wondering why I don’t wear sweats every day to school. I promise you, it’s not by choice.

My mom has actually resorted to

drop drop drop drop drop

grounding me until I go shopping.

The week b e f o r e school I wasn’t allowed to hang out with my friends until I shopped.

Once I got to a store, my mom seized the opportunity and made me buy summer, fall and winter clothes all at once because she and I very well knew

that I wouldn’t be going on another shopping trip anytime soon.

Needless to say, I’d be happy to go to the beach or the movies, but never invite me to go shopping.

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Fall Issue 2014

Students Quinn Hughes

S

pray tan. It’s a term that has a negative connotation and seems to immediately bring images of orange traffic cones or Snooki to the mind (if you can distinguish between the two).

However spray tans shouldn’t only a depicted in Jersey Shore or Real Housewives of Orange County. In fact, if someone wants to get that gorgeous golden glow, it might just be the best option.

There are really four major methods to get tan: -spend time outside in the sun; -use a tanning booth; -lather on some tanning lotion, get a spray tan; Tanning outside is the all-natural way to get the job done, but it actually can be the most harmful. A novice tanner may not time how long they are out in the sun, not use sunscreen or fall asleep while tanning.

Sunlight contains UV radiation, the

most prominent carcinogen in our environment.

Now, I’m not saying that we should all become heliophobiacs and move underground and never come outside, but there’s no reason to constantly over-expose your body to rays that are proven to cause cancer.

Tanning booths use sunlamps that also give off UV radiation.

The only difference is the radiation is more concentrated and so tans come quicker.

However, saving a couple hours tanning can’t justify shaving off several years on the backend of my life due to skin cancer. But, if that’s a risk you’re willing to take then tanning booths may be the solution to all of your tanning needs!

Tanning lotion and spray tans fall under the same category of sunless tanning methods. They are both made up of dihydroxyacetone, which causes the skin to turn darker temporarily. According to all current studies, it is not a carcinogen and the only negative

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for the gold side effect it has is an increased sensitivity to sunlight for 24 hours.

However, most lotions and sprays are also made up of sunscreens, so sunlight is not really an issue.

Spray tans often use the same products that are in tanning lotions, but spray tans are in a mist form.

Choosing between the two really boils down to convenience and aesthetics.

Tanning lotions can be used at home.

However, they will often look uneven as the user is actually applying it to their own skin.

Spray tans require more complex devices that evenly apply the mist to the whole body, giving an even coating of the solution.

Personally, tanning doesn’t necessarily fall very high on my list of priorities, so I don’t see myself using any of these methods in the near future. However, if getting gorgeously bronze is way up there on your to-do-list, spray tans appear to be the best way to get a goodlooking tan that won’t give you skin cancer.

Graphic by Julia Schorr

Fall Issue 2014

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c o S

Jennifer Gouchoe

W

hen I walk into Urban Outfitters, I immediately gravitate to the sale section because, let’s face it, I’m not wasting my money on a $50 t-shirt. Before I reach the racks of barely marked down clothes, I’m blinded by the plethora of socks of all different patterns.

Some people think socks are stupid, but the fact is, decorative socks are all the rage.

Besides Urban Outfitter’s wide array of socks, many stores and online stores such as ModCloth, TopShop and Sock It To Me carry all sorts of socks of all different patterns.

Stripes. Polka dots.

Tribal. Flowers. Cats.

Dinosaurs. Avocados.

Pizzas with mustaches.

You name a pattern, and it is probably on socks.

People have drifted away from the standard argyle, opting for new and exciting patterns that can express individual interests and personalities. And though some of the socks are goofy, and while some people may deem them unwearable, funky socks can indeed

Photo by Caroline O’Kane

i k

be worn in public.

So, now that it’s officially boot season, it’s the perfect occasion to break out the designs.

Forget the boring white ankle socks. Tuck some midcalf-length socks over your skinny ones, pop on some combat boots, and you’ve got yourself one heck of a stylish outfit.

For the guys, sport some crazy socks along with Vans or Converse.

Although they may not

be as visible when you wear them under jeans, anybody who catches a glimpse of what’s underneath your pant legs will wish they were as cool as you.

Not only do the funky socks make major fashion statements, but they’re also great gifts.

There is no better way to show your love for a person than getting him a gift that says, “Hey, I want to help you keep your feet warm and help

Photos by Jennifer Gouchoe

o

t t

you look like a fashion god.”

Although people may gape in awe at your unique and zany socks, don’t be afraid to own it. Ignore the judgmental looks because those boring ankle sockwearers don’t know what they’re missing out on.

This season, it’s time to knock the socks off of everyone.

And yes, that pun was intended.