THE MINI the new classic
letter from the editor Classic. Derived from the word class, a classic is something taught—or rather learned. We learn what is classic from history, from each other, and, most importantly, from ourselves. From history, we learn from our mistakes. And while it may takes us a few tries to get it right in our own lives or on a broader more global scale, we have to hope that we will appreciate what our predecessors took the time to uncover and discover about our world. In a broad focus, how does history teach us about our own existence? Social Editor Caroline Kreul explores Badger culture through a historical lens, revealing a UW spirit than not even decades can change. From each other, we learn the ins and outs of the world. Tips and tricks, hacks for life. In our DIY obsessed age, we turn to each other for advice and demos—even looking back in time for inspiration from style greats. Beauty ideals were practically invented during the Golden Age of Hollywood when Marilyn an Audrey reigned supreme. Lifestyle Editor Jen Anderson takes us on
a retrospective learning experience for a new, old school beauty regimen. And from ourselves, we learn the most important lessons of all. College is our age of exploration; it’s when we, hopefully, discover who we are. What is our classic, and how do we show the world? Fashion Editor Paige Schultz presents a compelling argument for why fashion is the perfect instrument of our expression. The courage to wear your heart, let alone your entire personality, on your sleeve is immense and perhaps it’s time we really celebrated what individual style can mean. It can express who we are or who we want to be, and even on the outside it can stay a personal secret. The development of personal style traces our own learning curve and becomes our classic. As MODA evolves this year, we hope to grow into our own style. Starting with this premier mini issue and brand new look, we are ready to take the world by storm. Thank you for your readership and support—and stay tuned for all the fun to come.
Chloe
from message boards to iMessage UW-Madison culture has evolved from the 1980s and Brian Bischel, Senior Advisor at the Cross College Advising Service, suggests how. By Caroline Kreul, Social Editor
It’s 2:10 on a crisp, fall, Friday afternoon. You’re sitting in the last five minutes of your political science discussion, staring out the window at the open grass and haphazardly twirling your pen around. You’ve just finished your usual round up of classes and are distracted by that fact that you haven’t heard of anything going on tonight. When class finally ends, you anxiously ask your classmate if there’s anything fun happening this weekend. Without missing a beat, your buddy turns to you and says, “I’m not sure yet but I’ll leave you a message at 6.” “Cool,” you reply. You make a mental note to check the message board on the wall inside the Memorial Union at 6 p.m.
The year is 1985, a time before cell phones, texting and insta-communication. The campus is greener, drinking is legal and UW-Madison is a very different place. With the wall-mounted phone as one’s only means of electronic socializing, students had to plan ahead if they wanted to go out. Brian Bischel, Senior Advisor at the UW-Madison Cross College Advising Service, attended UW as an undergraduate from 1984-1989 and appreciates the push it gave him to step out of his comfort zone. “If I had the option to just sit on my computer,” he said, “at that age, I would have, too.” While college students today may cringe at the thought of not having Facebook and Twitter on hand, this lack of constant communication did not bother most students. “There wasn’t this need to be connected, to talk with people constantly
in the same way there is now,” said Bischel. “There were so many things where we’d say ‘I’m not talking about that.’ Not because it’s taboo, but because ‘Why would I?’” Do status updates about someone’s lunch selection come to mind? Despite the modern convenience of picture
taking and instant communication, Bischel said students in the 1980s reaped some benefits from the privacy that the wall-jackphone days provided. “There weren’t all these things like Facebook posts being constantly updated or anything like that. There was a lot that people didn’t know about you and that
was perfectly fine with me.” With the lax drinking age of 18, students experienced more of a “’don’t be an idiot in public’ culture because [drinking] didn’t have that taboo thing about it. You were just out with friends.” Bischel said students also weren’t burdened with the same potential consequences for their weekend frivolities. “There weren’t cell phones all over the place for people to snap pictures, but there was also a lot less at stake,” said Bischel. “You could screw up then and not really have much of a penalty. Drinking tickets didn’t put your financial aid in jeopardy or anything like that.” Today, it is not uncommon for students to lose scholarships, pay hefty fines or, in some cases, get kicked out of school. According to the Division of Student Life page of the UW-Madison website, students caught “misusing” alcohol are subject to a
program called BASICS in which students must attend two alcohol-related classes. Students are also subject to a $263.50 fine on their first drinking offense. Thanks to modern communication, more people are aware of UW’s atmosphere than ever before. “I think there’s more publicity because I think there’s more ways to find out about it. It wasn’t like we had the Internet and we could post all of this nonsense like lists,” Bischel said. “There was a lot of partying that went on though. I definitely had friends who would party on the weekends but come Sunday mornings, they’d be in the library.” Having landed on Top Party School lists while also ranking as the 41st best school in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report, it is safe to say that students at UW are known for their work-hard, play-hard mentality, and that much hasn’t changed.
a nod to the golden age of beauty In contrary to the complexity of beauty today, the women of Old Hollywood were innovative in developing simple and successful beauty techniques beneficial to the average woman. By Jen Anderson, Lifestyle Editor
Without the Internet, advanced technology, or Sephora, women in the 1950s had to be innovative, developing beauty techniques with everyday items. While some experimental beauty tricks caused slightly more trauma than intended, others paved the way for modern methods. With different brands constantly claiming that they have the newest miracle cream or magic serum, a visit to the past reminds us of the small homemade remedies that can save time and money, and maybe even keep us safe from harmful chemicals. The glamorous women of Old Hollywood radiated softness; their hair was always perfectly waved and their skin seemed effortlessly smooth and blemish-free. Screen icons Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn each developed their own
DIY beauty tricks, the effects of which influenced an entire generation of young women hoping to achieve their classic looks and success. Their looks started fads across the nation, including at home beauty treatments, the DIY trend of the age. While Marilyn Monroe’s classic beauty
epitomizes Old Hollywood glamour, some of the methods she used to achieve her iconic look had disastrous effects. As a natural brunette, she often smelled strongly of bleach and she used unfiltered chemicals on her face to achieve that signature, reflective glow in her photographs. Despite these few beauty blunders, Marilyn did revolutionize the innocent, doe-eyed look. To emphasize her delicate blue eyes, Marilyn’s makeup artist put a very small dot of red lip liner on the inner corners of her eyes. The contrast between the red of the liner and the whites of the eyes resonated in pictures, intensifying her gaze. Though Marilyn’s bleached and chemically enhanced look may not have been as attainable as many women of the 1950s had hoped, other stars’ beauty regimens provided opportunities for more achievable, natural looks. For example, women admired Audrey Hepburn’s natural beauty for her flawless, “no makeup, makeup” look. With a simple sweep of mascara, Audrey created a classic, everyday face that easily transitioned from
the big screen to everyday life. As a simple means to achieve lash perfection, Audrey was known to meticulously separate her eyelashes, post-mascara application, with the tip of a pin. The time-consuming upkeep of some techniques lead many women to phase them out, but the idea
of using common items to enhance one’s look stuck. Household products became every woman’s tool to define and enhance their features. For the face, petroleum jelly applied under the eyes before bed reduced puffiness. Hair was easily altered with a variety of mixes from the kitchen. Lemon juice was the natural lightener of choice as an alternative to harsh chemicals like bleach. Lemon left hair bright and “sun-kissed” without stripping away natural texture. Apple cider vinegar hair rinses made for shiny, silky hair—comparable to today’s $200 Keratin treatments. In addition, both lemon and vinegar acted as a clarifying treatment as well. Beauty products have become so complex, involving a vast array of brands, products, and lists upon lists of unfamiliar chemical ingredients. In a society with so many choices, we often forget that we can choose to look back. The women of Old Hollywood cinema embodied simple, natural beauty without the use of expensive tools or concoctions. We shouldn’t hesitate to use the tricks they left behind.
editor’s picks: closet classic MODA Editors share what “classic” style means to them with pieces from their own closets at their favorite spots on campus. By Paige Schultz, Fashion Editor For many, a classic piece means a little black dress or a pair of simple heels. Or perhaps it comes in the form of a worn-out pair of blue jeans, a sweater that has been loved to death, or a purse that has traveled everywhere, never failing to keep your most precious essentials by your side. Classic, then, can mean a myriad of things depending on the individual defining it. Yet, when asked to pull our favorite classic items from our closets, the MODA editorial staff unknowingly agreed on one cohesive feature that connected all of our pieces together. You see, “classic” describes much more than the aesthetic of an accessory
or piece of clothing; it’s about the way an element of fashion makes you feel. By dictionary definition, a classic represents something of extraordinary value and the way we see it, what could be of more value than you? A classic wardrobe piece encourages selfempowerment. It’s the one thing you can wear and feel confident in; the one item that makes you feel the most comfortable in your skin. To be classic is to unapologetically be yourself and embrace your individuality. Expressing it through fashion simply provides a means of communicating this to the world. It’s your way of saying, “This is me, this is what I love, and damn right it’s fabulous.”
Name: Chloe Karaskiewicz Year in School: Junior Major(s): Psychology and French Role in MODA: Editor-in-Chief
Personal Style: “Clean and simple. I love no fuss, classic pieces with a quality cut or a unique construction element that brings it to the next level. My style is softly feminine and there’s a lot of black in my closet—can’t beat that Parisian class.” Favorite Style Advice: “Coco Chanel is famous for the simple, classic elegance of her collections and has a great line about accessorizing that I think really applies to the whole of fashion. She said, you should ‘…always take off the last thing that you put on.’” Classic Piece: “My high waisted jeans are my favorite. I love the silhouette and the instant chic they give an everyday jeans-and-tee look. Jeans are always in--they are a classic--but the cut of these give me a little more edge to work with.” Classic style to me is really about what it
means to be you. I think that clothes say a lot about who you are and who you want to be, and a defined style is very representative of this. The more you know about yourself, the clearer and more unique your style has the potential to be. I’ll throw in another Chanel quip just for fun: ‘dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.’” Location: “I’m on the rowing docks off the Lakeshore Path. I’ve always loved this area of campus: it’s very serene and filled with natural beauty. I love the city but to get away from the craziness of school and life, I like to spend time out on the water. With everything going on in our lives and the modern world, sometimes it’s just nice to take a step back and find time for the simple joy of just being.”
Name: Jen Anderson Year in School: Sophomore Major(s): Journalism and Strategic Communication Role in MODA: Lifestyle Editor
Personal Style: “My style is always changing. In the past few years though, I’ve found myself drawn toward dainty colors and materials. I take a lot of my quirk from Parisian women. I like to keep it simple and fresh. I’d say the best way to describe my style is ‘innocent gamine.’” Favorite Style Advice: “Dress to please yourself, not others.” Classic Piece: “My piece is a caramel-colored, thick-knit cardigan with elbow patches. It’s the quintessential sweater for me because I
can wear it with absolutely anything. I’ve even admittedly worn it to bed in the winter. For me, comfort and versatility embody the meaning of classic style. In order to be classic, style has to come from within and not be influenced by the outside world.” Location: “The Botany Gardens is the one place in Madison where I can go to find inner peace and clear my head. I love that it’s in the middle of all the action, but somehow still so serene.”
Name: Marlee Katz Year in School: Senior Major(s): Fine Arts with a Certificate in Entrepreneurship Role in MODA: Fashion Director
Personal Style: “I like to be comfortable and edgy. I’ve been very into wearing black and Dr. Marten’s. I like to pair dresses with Docs or leggings with a vintage tee and neon Nikes. Sometimes I tend to be a bit all over the place, but I always rock what I love whether it’s considered on-trend or not.” Favorite, Classic Style Advice: “All black everything. You can never go wrong with that.” Classic Piece: “Although it’s a recent purchase, I’m in love with my Raquel Allegra top. I consider it a classic because I can dress it up or down. It has been my go-to class piece with jeans and
boots and my go-to going out piece with flared lace leggings and flat-forms. To me, classic means timeless. A classic piece can be worn any day of the week and at any time of the year. Classic pieces are tasteful, perfectly constructed, wellfitting, and will never go out of style.” Location: “As a creative person, I’ve always been fond of the Chazen Art Museum. It’s the perfect place to go to gather your thoughts, admire the galleries or just sit and relax. The building has incredible lighting and is just a refreshing and calm place to be.”
Name: Paige Schultz Year in School: Junior Major(s): Journalism, Strategic Communications, and Communication Arts Role in MODA: Managing Editor & Fashion Editor
Personal Style: “Classic, minimalist, and feminine. My wardrobe is composed mainly of timeless, flattering staples that I can mix interchangeably with one another. I’m very basic and I appreciate fantastic quality.” Favorite, Classic Style Advice: “Yves Saint Laurent once said that, “Dressing is a way of life.” I’m a firm believer in style being the utmost form of personal expression. What you wear represents who you are, what you love and the confidence you have in yourself. Style has never been about fashion per se, it’s always about being just you.” Classic Piece: “My faux leather dress is my classic piece. Whether I’m pairing it with my oversized cashmere sweater and ankle booties for class, or dressing it up with a pair of heels and my beloved VC Signature clutch, I always feel confident wearing it. To me, that’s what classic
style is all about. It’s about investing in pieces that will not only make you feel confident and powerful, but also transcend the ever-evolving trends of the runway. They’re the pieces you can fall back on; the building blocks of your wardrobe.” Location: “After recently spending the summer in New York, I’ve become rather nostalgic for the aura of city life. Embodying a certain liveliness and eccentricity, New York satiated my desire to be constantly surrounded by inspiring people, places and things. Since returning to Madison, State Street has been the place to fill the hole in my heart that New York left. To me, no other place in Madison is more culturally stimulating. Simply strolling up and down the streets with a Starbucks latte in hand is enough to take me back to the city, refresh my mind and inspire me.”
Name: Caroline Kreul Year in School: Junior Major(s): Journalism with focuses in Reporting and Strategic Communication, and a Certificate in Business Role in MODA: Social Editor & Copy Editor Personal Style: “Overall I would describe my style as both feminine and practical. I tend to gravitate towards simple, versatile pieces that I can wear in a multitude of settings and am a huge fan of light, pastel colors as well as earth tones.” Favorite, Classic Style Advice: “I once heard that if you don’t absolutely love something at the store, you won’t wear it at home. This simple piece of advice has saved me from countless poor purchases.” Classic Piece: “To me, a classic look is one that inspires confidence in the one wearing it and can be worn season after season without ever really losing its flare. I found this fantastic,
pressed-leather bag at a rummage sale in Elcho, WI when I was a freshman in high school, and have loved it ever since. Some people are really into collecting shoes or jewelry, but for me, it’s bags. In my mind, every woman needs at least one go-to, neutral bag and this one goes with the vast majority of outfits, big enough to hold everything I need and unique enough to give me that extra bit of confidence every time I wear it.” Location: “My roommates introduced me to this coffee house, Barrique’s, earlier in the year and it quickly became our go-to study spot. Some of my best memories are of us sipping chai tea lattes and gabbing about anything and everything to avoid doing homework.”