Mirage Magazine Issue 03

Issue 3 | Fall 2018

CBD:

everything you should know

Is it a phase? Learn how to add grunge to your everyday style step into the world of local drag queen

Sasha Shook

’t miss!

Daontribute to

Lady Gaga’s influence to the pop industry

OBLIVION forget what you thought you knew

Editor-in-Chief Kristen Uppercue

Assistant Editor Sydney Morgan

Creative Director Katherine Camara

Graphic Designer Mary Alvarez

Creators

On the cover: Haley Hizer Photographed by Katherine Camara Mirage Magazine is a lifestyle publication created by members of the student organization Ed On Campus at West Virginia University.

Jordan Bigelow Taylor Frame Allison Fladd Olivia Gianettino Madison Greer Annika Godwin Lily Hicks

Kasey Lettrich Alexa Marks Melinda Miesner Baker McNamara Adam Payne Lexi Persad Joseph Zecevic

Models

Phillip Carman Olivia Gianettino Lexi Horseman Molly Hull Kasey Lettrich Olive Loy Alexa Marks

Melinda Miesner Jewel O’Connor Tatiana Parsons Haley Hizer Sasha Shook Kaylee Uppercue Joseph Zecevic

Pick up your own copy of Mirage Magazine at MagCloud and follow us @wvu_ed!

WELCOME TO

OBLIVION IN THIS ISSUE 07

Dive into the world of CBD: A look into the benefits and uses of the drug

person behind 09 The Sasha Shook

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It’s all in the cards: A look at tarot card reading

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It’s not a phase: Bringing grunge-wear into your everyday style

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Heading off court: Incorporating athletic wear into your winter wardrobe

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Kristen Uppercue

Editor-in-Chief

Coffee order: Vanilla latte Sign: Taurus @krisupp

Sydney Morgan

Assistant Editor Coffee order: Iced vanilla coffee with almond milk Sign: Libra @sydddmorgan

the girls

BEHIND MIRAG

GE

Katherine Camara

Creative Director Coffee order: Hot chocolate Sign: Taurus @katherinecamara

Mary Alvarez

Graphic Designer Coffee order: Iced latte Sign: Leo @alvarezmaryash

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Examining everything Ed On Campus has been through the last few years, I wanted to pick a theme that puts our past hardships to rest. From almost losing the organization, high school-like drama that tore the members apart, poor leadership and our work being ignored, all led to our organization not being taken seriously. For my first issue as editor-in-chief of Mirage Magazine, I wanted to create a publication that was edgy and unlike anything we or publications at other universities have ever created before.

Oblivion literally means to bring to an end. Every time I hear the word, I picture lava flowing over land, melting away the surface and forming new rock. I wanted this publication to be that lava setting a new precedent of what Mirage can and will continue to be in the future.

We pulled inspiration for this issue from current trends, as well as trends from the 90s, so if you’re interested in athleisure (pg. 59), looking for a modern form of medication (pg. 7) or even want to learn about tarot cards (pg. 31), then keep reading.

Welcome to Mirage,

our winter PLAYLIST the songs we’re currently jamming

you should see me in a crown- Billie Eilish Too Loud - Icon For Hire Afraid - The Neighbourhood Come As You Are - Nirvana Love It If We Made It - The 1975 Ghost- Magdalena Bay iloveyou- BETWEEN FRIENDS Safari Song- Greta Van Fleet

The art of self-love: Kickstarting your journey written by Annika Godwin graphics by Mary Alvarez

1. List every positive attribute about yourself in a daily journal.

This may seem difficult, but be specific about all of your good qualities. When you’re having a bad day, you can reflect on all the positive things about yourself.

3. Do things that make you happy.

Whether that be a sport or watching your favorite movie, doing your makeup just for fun or doodling in your notebook, you deserve to spend your time doing things that bring joy to your life instead of focusing on other people’s ideas of fun.

2. Celebrate the wins in your life.

No matter how big or small the accomplishment may be, it is important to be proud of yourself.

Give yourself a reward when you accomplish a task you have been putting off for a while.

4. Flaunt what you’ve got.

Some days you will feel better about yourself than others.

So on your best days, put on your favorite outfit and take some selfies.

No matter if you post them on Instagram, it can be fun to take a picture to highlight both your beauty and happiness that day.

5. Challenge yourself.

Everyone has insecurities, but it is important to break down those walls as often as possible. Go out of your comfort zone and do something you would not normally do. Don’t wear makeup for a day, then try it for a week or maybe even a month.

Wear that outfit you have been scared to show off in public. Do at least one thing a day, no matter how small, to step out of your comfort zone and build your confidence.

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onfrontation. It can be scary for everyone. The more I talk about this, the more I realize I am definitely not alone in this. No matter how much advice I get, it’s still something I struggle with almost daily. I am the literal definition of a pushover, and I will do anything to make people happy, even if I don’t necessarily consider them my friend. My biggest problem is always saying, “it’s okay!”

The biggest quality I look for in people is humor. I love to laugh, and it makes me happy to make others laugh. However, sometimes it can get taken too far, and someone can get hurt. I know we’ve all been there—you’re enjoying a good roast session with your friends and they say something that hits a little too close to home. The look on your face says it all. You’re hurt, but your friends roll their eyes and say they’re only joking. So what do you do? Even though it sucked, you say, “it’s okay!”

Sometimes, what they said was totally not okay, but to me, their feelings and thoughts are more important than my own. I don’t want them feeling bad about themselves all day, and I don’t want them thinking I’m mad at them or that our friendship is toast. Does that mean it’s fair for me to not speak up? The thought of someone being upset with me or not liking me fills me with such anxiety that I am more than willing to bury my own thoughts than saying out loud what I am feeling.

It sounds a little sensitive, but I realized that if this is how I am now, how will this turn out in the future?

People will walk all over you all the time if you let them. Being a journalist, this can be extremely hard. The industry is brutal, and people will do whatever it takes to rise to the top. The goal is to be successful, but does that make it okay to tear people down on your way? And if I don’t start saying, “that’s not okay” now, when will I? I’ll let people pile their own to-do lists on my plate before I have the courage to say, “I can’t do that.”

No matter how big or small. “Can you do the entire project by yourself?” Sure! “Can you pay for all of us?” No problem!

Therefore, my biggest goal for this year is to speak up and take charge once in awhile. I want to be able to say “that’s not okay” and “no way” and not feel like I just hurt everyone involved.

This past semester in school, I barely had a moment to myself. Balancing classes, a job, writing for a school newspaper, being active in a sorority and being a student ambassador all took up my life, and I had no good reason to bring others’ obligations into the mix. I hope that with the new year, I can change this.

So, future me, I hope that you’ve grown a bit of a spine.

by Madison Greer 2

RELIEF

THROUGH MUSIC How some songs can alleviate the stresses of SAD written by Olivia Gianettino graphics by Mary Alvarez and Kristen Uppercue

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he cold weather and grey skies of winter creep up out of nowhere, and its symptoms are harsh; in an instant, roads freeze over and soft lips chap against the dry air.

Far less talked about but just as common, another tell-tale sign of the changing season is the worsening of depression. Thankfully, there are healthy, easy ways to deal with it, and music can be a big part of the process.

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Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a recurring pattern among those who experience an uptick of depressive symptoms throughout the winter months. Often times, winter makes it difficult to get out of the house and causes longer periods of isolation, which can heighten the chances of poor mental health.

“A lot of people that I have worked with talked about feeling less motivated, or having less sunlight during the day, which means less time for activities,” said Dr. Narayan Gold, a licensed psychologist working at the Carruth Center.

In his experience, Gold has noticed a common “ramp up” in visits at the student clinic during this time of year.

The causes of SAD, whether it’s a lack of Vitamin D or less human interaction, are not exact, but there are coping strategies developed to help individuals get through his or her bouts of illness.

Connections are typically made between the lack of activity and a disassociation from personal interests when diagnosing SAD. An annual cycle occurs when motivation is lost due to the temptation of staying inside and all hobbies getting pushed to the side. The lack of expression makes for an unhappy, stagnant environment, and it becomes nearly impossible to escape.

Similar to any other mental illness, the self-motivated sentiment to just “get better” is not always an option.

Music is a form of expression that takes no effort to access and can help make that escape without having to move at all.

“One of the things that I try and help folks to connect with in therapy is something to help them feel better—and for a lot of people—that is music,” Gold said. “Artistic expressions like music can help in assisting folks to connect to what is important to them or find meaning.”

The passion and drive for human interests is directly correlated with mental health.

After losing that passion, listening to music that is easy to connect with can create a spark that rekindles the flame.

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Music also has the power of changing moods and attitudes, so if there is a goal feeling in mind, there is a song that can assist in reaching it. There are inspirational lyrics that help motivate, and there are sad lyrics that can bring out tears that have been repressed for far too long. For many, that release of emotions is extremely necessary.

“I think that people want to often experience their emotional, internal life externally, and I think music can be one of the ways that happens,” said Gold.

Sad music can be another way to get in touch with those lost feelings and passions. This idea of listening to sad music has been challenged, though.

Some lyrics dive deeper than an average case of the blues. Music can get dark; nihilistic lyrics that question the purpose of life can be too difficult to swallow.

“I think that people want to often experience their emotional, internal life externally, and I think music can be one of the ways that happens.”

“People listen to sad music when their feeling sad as a way of letting that emotion out,” Gold said. “It can be cathartic.”

Gold explained how listening to songs about “existential problems and questions” is a large risk. Especially if depressive symptoms bring on thoughts of suicide or self-harm, certain lyrics can be triggering.

“Songs that talk about very existential problems or existential questions can be a little risky, especially if someone is vulnerable to suicide or self harm,” Gold said. “I think that it’s often more beneficial to people than it is detrimental. People will find a way to do bad things if that’s the case, I don’t think music is necessarily the trigger for that.”

As the winter months approach, it is important to prepare. Boots and scarves can be bought; passion cannot. Hold onto what fuels the internal fire keeping you happy, and create a playlist for the harsh upcoming weather. It may be just as important as the coat on your back.

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Dive into the world of CBD: A look into the benefits and uses of the drug written by Olivia Gianettino and Jordan Bigelow

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BD products have gained immense popularity in the past year. Stores specializing in these products are rapidly popping up around the country, and reasonably so. People are flocking toward the alternative medicine, but with preconceived ideas of what marijuana is and does, it can be hard to understand what makes the plant so beneficial.

So, what is CBD? CBD is short for cannabidiol and is derived from the marijuana plant, but contrary to popular misconceptions, it does not create a high. Marijuana contains many active chemical compounds, the two most relevant being CBD and THC. While THC acts as the psychoactive element of the plant that gets folks high, CBD solely contains medicinal properties and reacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body.

“It’s an internal system that’s found in all mammals, and it’s comprised of CB1 and CB2 receptors,” said Chris Yeager, the owner of the West Virginia-based CBD shop Appalachian Cannabis. “When you start to consume CBD and/or cannabis-based products, it stimulates that endocannabinoid system in our body and it promotes natural homeostasis, so things like blood temperature, blood sugar and blood pressure.”

The CBD is separated from the other compounds in the plant and is used to aid people in numerous ways.

According to Yeager, the CBD receptors are found in many different areas of the body and therefore allow access to a vast range of bodily functions. Because of this, there are endless ways to utilize CBD. It can be absorbed through the lungs to quickly stop panic attacks and can be applied topically to relieve chronic pain. Some of the most basic products are oil tinctures, CBD ranging in different concentrations to be orally ingested.

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of products to ingest in less mundane ways, like gummies, chocolates and even CBD-infused Italian ice syrups.

“It’s crazy because we’ve taken this plant, and where we grow it and process it, it really gives us the ability to create what we want,” Yeager said.

In some ways, the push for CBD use is part of a much bigger picture.

Yeager explained that his clients often struggle with chronic pain and a dependency to opiates, an issue that is specifically relevant in West Virginia.

“They’re coming in and they’re actually replacing opiates,” said Yeager. “I’ve lost two family members to opiates, and we just felt like we needed to explore a natural alternative that there was no fear of anyone losing their life.”

Many manufacturers are making CBD so easily accessible and user-friendly in hopes of combating issues like these. Yeager is hoping he can give people their lives back.

“Our biggest hope is to just get people away from those deadly pharmaceuticals,” Yeager said. “If you really dig into the core of why we’re doing what we’re doing, that’s the reason.”

A look into one company offering CBD products: Bombash and Earley.

Bombash and Earley is a family-owned and operated all-natural skincare and essential oil company.

Established in 2015, their company, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, started as a husband and wife team selling their handmade, vegan soaps out of the back of a pickup truck at farmers markets. Finally after opening a store in a small boutique, they began creating small batch products on location which creates a familiar scent that travels throughout the building.

Bombash and Earley’s newest products are from their CBD line. These cannabinoid topical products are potent, plant-based cannabidiol formulae made from the finest organically grown industrial hemp. Using a total plant complex, or full-spectrum, CBD yields greater results especially when the product has few other ingredients. Bombash and Earley focuses on keeping minimal ingredient and maximum effectiveness.

the temples for headaches or on joints for joint pain) The portability of this product is the best for keeping in your purse or even your pocket during the day. ($20) The CBD Eye Cream “Hi Eyes” is the perfect treatment for puffy, tired and/or dark under eyes. It’s like coffee for your eyes and it has a slight smell of lavender and sweet orange. ($45)

Mirage writer reviews CBD products for the first time.

Conveniently, upon receiving these CBD items, it was the week before midterms. With countless sleepless nights and raging migraines, the CBD rollerball was the perfect remedy. I actually keep it in my bag that I take to work, class and just about everywhere I go. It’s perfect for work too, because working long shifts during the holidays kills my back, and the rollerball is a quick fix to help with the pain. I also think it’s the best deal for the amount of product and how convenient it is to use.

The “Hi Eyes” eye cream is the perfect treatment for the dark bags under my eyes. Being so busy with school and work, I get some bad bags and I can turn to this cream to help. I apply it at night before I go to bed to prevent the bags but also treat any existing ones.

The CBD Face Cream is perfect for all-over external use and smells strongly of lavender and spearmint. ($40)

I use the face cream probably the least because I just love the rollerball so much but it’s really good for headaches as well. I use this one for neck pain and it helps. The application is easy and the formula is so creamy. It’s also nice to use on my neck just when I’m trying to relax. The aromatherapy alone is very therapeutic, so that’s my favorite use for this product.

The CBD Roller Ball is great for all topical treatments and for centralizing the affected area (perfect for around 8

BECOMING

SASHA SHOOK: The person behind the name

written and photographed by Kristen Uppercue

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he culture of drag is more popular and respected than ever before. As media companies share videos of drag makeup tutorials and beauty gurus create drag looks in honor of well-known queens, it seems like everyone is inspired and interested in the drag community. Almost 1 million people watched the latest season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, the reality television competition for drag queens, and during its season finale, 800,000 viewers tuned in. This has been the show’s most popular season yet.

However, this infatuation with drag queens in our society is very recent. Before this, the queens had to duck in and out of bars and underground clubs to escape oppression. While these queens have been part of our culture for centuries, there are still a lot of misconceptions today. These misconceptions are especially true in small towns like Wheeling, West Virginia, where drag queen Sasha Shook grew up.

Shook, who is beginning to break into the New York City drag community, says it is easier to be with the public in New York than in West Virginia because the people are more accepting. Shook’s mother has still not accepted that she is a drag queen and she refuses to tell her father for fear of risking their relationship as a whole.

“West Virginia isn’t exposed to this kind of artistic freedom,” Shook said. “I think it’s honestly just a matter of exposure. Being in New York City, you can see anything. A lot of people in West Virginia still tend to be very conservative. When I would walk down High Street just as a boy, people would yell ‘faggot’ at me. I would just wave and say ‘thank you for noticing.’”

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When it comes to misconceptions, a lot of people can be scared or very intimidated by drag queens and I want people to know they shouldn’t be. We love talking to you and we are regular people, too.

”

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In January 2017, Shook was inspired by a friend in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who had recently begun performing in drag. She had always loved playing with makeup and began watching RuPaul’s Drag Race, all of which inspired the creation of ‘Sasha Shook.’ The name Sasha Shook comes from Beyoncé’s album, ‘I am… Sasha Fierce’ and the term ‘shook.’ She also typically uses the cherry emoji as the symbolism for the two O’s in her name.

Shook made it to the second round of the audition process for Season 11 of RuPaul’s Drag Race with hopes of being on the show in her future career.

Shook is inspired by Roxxxy Andrews and considers her muses to be Aquaria, Naomi Smalls, Violet Chachki, Miss Fame, Amanda Lepore, Rify Royalty and Shequida Hall. Since moving to New York City, she has had the opportunity to perform on some of the biggest drag stages in and alongside legends like Shequida Hall and the Haus of Aja. Shook has been looked at differently for being a drag queen from West Virginia, but thanks to social media, a lot of people do recognize her, which has made her 15

time in the city easier.

“The drag scene is so much more competitive here in New York, but I have also been learning a lot,” Shook said. “The support here is incredible. I have some great new sisters in my life.”

Shook’s favorite part of being a drag queen is that she is constantly progressing. From the makeup, wigs, pads and costumes to performances and seeing herself improve, being a drag queen has made Shook who she is today. She is more confident in drag than out of it because she has complete control over how she looks.

“I’m not afraid of much anymore because of how brave and determined you have to be,” she said. “Being a drag queen gives me confidence.”

The biggest thing Shook wants people to know about drag queens is that under the stunning makeup and huge wigs, they are people too. Drag is also a lot of work. It takes Shook about two hours to get completely ready. Many people underestimate how much time and money it takes to keep up with the latest trends and

create new looks.

“I want people to know that we are people too,” Shook said. “Behind the makeup, wigs, pads, costumes, etc., we are still people with feelings trying to make it in the world.”

For those interested in becoming a drag queen, Shook says you need to make sure you are ready for it.

“You have to be 100 percent into it,” she said. “Getting started takes a lot of hard work, criticism and money. Being a drag queen is by no means cheap, so make sure it really is what you want.”

While drag queens are starting to break into everyday society, the fight for acceptance is not over. There are still a lot of misconceptions and hatred spewed towards drag queens, but by supporting your local queens, going to their shows and standing up against the hatred, one day drag queens will be able to sashay down the street without worrying about how people around them will respond.

“When it comes to misconceptions, a lot of people can be scared or very intimidated by drag queens and I want people to know they shouldn’t be,” she said. “We love talking to you and we are regular people, too.”

You can find Shook on Facebook and follow her on Instagram (@ sashaashookk). If interested in learning more about the history of drag performers, check out PopSugar’s “Sashay Through the History of Drag Queen Culture,” read “Drag Diaries “ by Jonathan David or watch “Paris Is Burning.”

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TREND ALERT Winter trends tend to feature dark outfits, leaving many people looking to add a pop of color. Try using a bold blue mascara and pink highlight to brighten up your monotone winter looks.

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y b a b w o l G Finding the perfect highlight written by Alexa Marks photographed by Katherine Camara

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ighlighting has been a major trend throughout the past couple of years, with almost every makeup brand, from drugstore to high-end, creating their own take on the product. Makeup lovers seemed to be on the hunt for the most blinding and beautiful highlighters on the market. Now, brands are expanding their products to go further than just your cheekbones. The makeup items below are all types of glitter and glow products that range all the way from body glow to face masks.

1. Jeffree Star Cosmetics Liquid Frost ($25) 2. Fenty Beauty Fairy Bomb ($42) 3. Fenty Beauty Body Lava ($59) 4. GlamGlow Gravity Mud Firming Treatment Glitter Mask ($59) 5. Stila Glitter and Glow Highlighter ($30) 6. Anastasia Beverly HIlls Dream Glow Kit ($45) 7. BECCA x Chrissy Teigen Glow Body Oil ($42) 8. Makeup Revolution Liquid Highlighter ($9) 9. BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector ($41) 10. Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb ($38)

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A life of acne: Finding solutions to clear up acne-ridden skin written by Taylor Frame graphics by Mary Alvarez

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e have all grown up flipping through magazines and scrolling through social media, feeling overwhelmed from the images of supermodels and “instagram models.” Most people would look at these models’ perfect bodies and be filled with envy, but for me, I always grew up focusing on a different aspect—their complexions.

Ever since I was 12-years-old, I have battled acne and not just your one little bump you get a month acne.

I’m talking about the glowing red mounds covering my cheeks, chin and forehead at all times. I felt that for every one pimple that cleared, five others grew. All of my life, my other friends would complain about their once-a-month bump on their face, while I searched endlessly for answers to mine. For years, I had tried every over-the-counter face wash, mask, oils and pimple creams, but I could not find a cure. I was so tired of feeling like I could never leave my house without makeup because Lord forbid, someone sees my real skin.

During my sophomore year of high school, my mom took me to the dermatologist, who did not want to prescribe anything too harsh for my skin or body, so she put me on the acne basics: birth control and Epiduo. Epiduo is a topical cream for spots that is intended to dry out the pimple. For some people this works wonders but for me, it seemed to burn my skin and leave dry patches behind. While the birth control helped clear my face, it was not strong enough. Next my dermatologist introduced me to the greatest blessing to my skin, Accutane.

Accutane is a strong prescription retinoid pill for acne, and it does have some severe side effects. The

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medicine has been traced to causing birth defects.

While Accutane has shown a significant drop in birth defects caused once off the pill, those who are on the pill are strongly encouraged to avoid pregnancy.

Other side effects of Accutane include extreme drying of the skin, nosebleeds, drowsiness, back pain and depression. Not everyone has to experience all of these side effects in any way, but you must take this all into serious consideration when deciding if Accutane is for you.

I took a 40-milligram capsule twice a day, every day for six months. My personal experience with the medicine was fairly mild with the only side effects experienced were severe dryness and nose bleeds. Where I would typically get pimples on my face, flakes of dry skin were left behind and my lips were consistently drier than the Sahara Desert. All of these symptoms occurred most severely for the first two months, however because the last three months occurred during the summertime, I had to worry about the sun. We all need sunscreen in order to maintain healthy, clear skin, but when you are on Accutane it becomes 10 times more important. Due to the fact your face is incredibly dry and sensitive, too much exposure to the sun can cause immense pain.

A sunburn with dry skin leads to worse peeling and burning, so high SPF is your absolute best friend.

As dramatic as it sounds, Accutane changed my life.

I finally felt like I didn’t need to trap my skin behind makeup to go outside. It left my skin clear with little to no scarring, but it’s inevitable to still get a break out here and there. Over the years of being off Accutane, I have become curious to the best ways to keep healthy and clear skin and have found some helpful, simple lifestyle tips and solutions.

Skin Care Routine

Keeping a simple, consistent skin care routine is an important aspect for maintaining clear skin.

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser every morning and night before applying an SPF moisturizer.

“Keep it gentle with some cleansers such as Cetaphil and Cera Ve” said Jill Boyce, a physician practicing in a dermatologist department. “Wear (SPF) daily, preferably SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every hour and a half to two hours, especially if outdoors. Also avoid the peak hours of sunlight between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., especially if you are not wearing sunscreen. If you’re outside, wear protective clothing such as sunglasses, hats and tops with sleeves. If you are looking for anything further than cleansers and moisturizers, consult with a dermatologist individually because everyone’s skin behaves differently, and it is important to find what works for you that may not work for others.”

Lifestyle

A clean diet is key to clear skin. It is vital to pay attention to what your body is taking in. Because sugar is horrible for your skin, I cut soda out of my diet two years ago. Drinking water is crucial because it has no sugars or fats and hydrates you, leaving healthy, clear pores. In addition to what you’re putting in your body, it’s important to also pay attention to what touches your skin. Every night, you lay your head down on what can actually be your skin’s worst enemy—your pillow. Cotton pillowcases trap the grease secreting from your skin and hair all night long. To avoid this, invest in a silk pillowcase because the silk does not absorb these oils and grease, leaving your face clear after a night’s rest.

Also, no matter how tired you may be, remove all of your makeup every night. Another crucial step to

keeping healthy skin is to avoid smoking.

“One of the most important habits to avoid is smoking,” Boyce said. “It’s not only bad for your insides, but causes imperfections of the skin.”

Makeup Tips and Products

When your face is broken out, the first thing we want to do is cover it with makeup. Makeup is known to clog your pores, so it is often best to go bare-faced. If you’re going to wear makeup, there are ways to be smart about it.

Most people start their makeup routine with foundation.

When looking for a foundation it is best to look for something lightweight and one that contains SPF. My personal favorite every day foundation is the “Your Skin, But Better” CC cream from It Cosmetics. This CC cream is incredibly lightweight and contains ingredients, including snail-secretion filtrate, that over time evens out your skin tone. It also has a 50+ SPF coverage.

When applying your foundation during a breakout, do not over apply it to the pimple. When you put loads of foundation on the pimple, it actually piles on, making the pimple far more noticeable.

One of my favorite makeup products is highlighter. It has become incredibly popular to heavily highlight our cheeks and noses. My biggest tip in this department is if you have dry skin, watch out for liquid highlighters.

Becca’s Opal highlighter is my all-time favorite, but the liquid form of it left dry patches on the tops of my cheek bones once I was on Accutane. It’s also important to avoid covering your pimples in it, as the reflective pimple will draw more attention than usual.

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The faces behind Poppy and Daisy: A look into Morgantown’s Korean skincare written and photographed by Madison Greer

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alking down High Street, you are bound to notice the dozens of shops lining the streets, their doors wide open and a cozy atmosphere emerging from each one. But what do these stores have in common with one another? They’re all family-owned, and they all have a unique story behind their window displays.

If you take a turn onto Fayette Street, a familyowned business by the name of Poppy and Daisy is sure to catch your eye. The store’s main focus is Korean skincare products that offer a wide-range of healthy and natural steps for your skin.

Walking in, you may be taken aback by the rows upon rows of shelves, all featuring a different line of Korean skincare.

Qun Bond, the owner of Poppy and Daisy, began her journey into Korean skincare when her children were in high school, battling acne like many teenagers do.

American skincare, which is known to contain alcohol, dries out the skin and messes with your face’s natural pH levels. After doing her own research on certain Korean skincare brands and products, they found that the results were stunning. “[Our mom] was intensely looking for something to fix my face,” said Sarah Bond, Qun Bond’s daughter. “We had this huge journey to try and figure out how to fix my skin and her skin.”

Poppy and Daisy displays some of the healthiest and

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up-to-date Korean skincare products out there, all promising to bring a solution to what you came there for. Some of their favorite go-to skincare products are from lines such as Etude House, MISSHA and Neogen.

“It’s all about finding the right product,” said Enze Bond, Qun Bond’s son. “When we see our customers again and again, and their skin clears up better, they’re happier and we’re happier.”

I came to Poppy and Daisy with my own history of skin problems. Although I’ve never really struggled with acne, I’ve always watched my friends buy new products recklessly with envy. My skin, which is extremely sensitive, would not be able to take a new product wholeheartedly without testing it first. When I watch beauty vloggers slather a product a company sent them, I get flashbacks of waking up after applying a new moisturizer in high school. My face was red, angry and blotchy.

Sarah Bond and Enze Bond, both agreed that snail mucin and honey were great hypoallergenic products that don’t mess with your skin’s natural pH level, that also help to tighten your skin and smooth away wrinkles.

Their goal is to create an atmosphere that is appealing to every customer that walks through their door. Since their audience is broad, they look into different products for all ages.

“We carry most of [MISSHA’s] anti-aging stuff because we wanted something for the older customers,” Sarah Bond said. “Each brand is specifically tailored to help a different skincare issue, but by carrying products that help a certain area, all customers feel comfortable browsing through endless bottles.”

Although the store’s mainsellers are skincare products, one of Sarah Bond’s favorite brands from South Korea is the makeup brand 3CE. “In Korea, they focus on brighter colors and more springish colors, so it’s really intense,” she said.

“Here, we focus more on mutes and kind of nude colors, which I like, too. We recently got into 3CE because of this trend. Their colors are more neutral and natural looking.”

“When we see our customers again and again, and their skin clears up better, they’re happier and we’re happier.”

Sarah Bond and Enze Bond both moved to West Virginia University after graduating high school, and their mother moved with them, hence the reasoning of the shop’s location in downtown Morgantown. The Bonds said that everyone on High Street is extremely friendly; the owner of Pita Pit refers customers to them constantly, and Coombs Flowers sent them bouquets their first week there, making their transition to Morgantown easier.

Both Sarah Bond and Enze Bond help their mother in every way possible to run the shop. Sarah Bond has even designed their business cards, signs and created the store’s name. They wanted to go with a natural vibe, hence the floral name of Poppy and Daisy.

The shop also promotes their fool-proof skincare routine, the 10 Step K-Beauty Routine, which features a full line-up of cleansers, exfoliants, toners and even sunscreen. They can go into more detail in person to help you decide what is best for you, but they also offer the full routine and their recommended products on their website.

Whether you need new skincare tips and products, or just want to feel the friendly vibe of a close-knit, familyowned store, Poppy and Daisy is for sure a sight to see among the hustle and bustle of Morgantown.

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Tune into Appalachia: A look at the region’s top artists written by Melinda Miesner and Chelsea Harper

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ppalachian culture can be compared to a collective experience, one that will influence you greatly and will offer you rewards in return. Growing up in Appalachia, the culture is instilled in you from birth. One can tell of the roots, styles and influences of the culture. With each of these artists it is clearly manifested in their individual talents.

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Megan Brown// The Pretty Pickle Megan Brown is a jewelry artist who uses the unique mediums of botanicals and butterfly wings to create something magical. Born in Fairmont, West Virginia, and raised in Mannington, West Virginia, Brown says she is constantly inspired by the “glorious and beautiful” state. She has two sons, ages 5 and 14. One of her favorite pieces is a necklace made from a flower her youngest son gave to her.

Along with jewelry, Brown creates many other custom pieces including resin wall art with inks and molds, paperweights and prisms for décor, and framed butterfly and botanical art.

“Don’t neglect the business side of art,” Brown said. “Set aside time to take good photos, market your art and network with other artists.”

This advice came in handy in 2008, when she was honored as a juried Tamarack artisan. She credits this privilege in being a key part in expanding her brand to more people and pushing her to work harder.

“Just like everything in life, there are peaks and valleys, highs and lows,” Brown said. “Use both of these seasons in your pursuit to better yourself and your art.”

Megan’s jewelry pieces can be purchased through her business, The Pretty Pickle. She also accepts custom requests.

Check out: https://www.theprettypickle.com Instagram: @theprettypickle

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Joseph Cevallos//The Company Stores Joseph Cevallos started his music career off by first learning to play the Irish penny whistle and eventually adding the trumpet and violin to his repertoire. He studied trumpet performance at the University of Alabama, where he played with a variety of groups including some from the symphony and an Irish band. Today, Cevallos is a member of the folk fusion band, The Company Stores, and switches up the sound in their music by alternating between his talent on the fiddle and trumpet. On the side he manages the Swiftwater Café in downtown Charleston, West Virginia, and teaches violin to children through the non-profit organization Partnership of African American Churches. When he looks into the future he hopes the band is performing and traveling more and to bigger venues. Inspiration comes to Cevallos through other music groups he listens to or plays with.

“Other musicians who do what I do in a surprising way, that’s where I get my inspiration,” Cevallos said. “It’s verification that there is always room for improvement.”

Cevallos had always wanted to play in a professional orchestra, specifically perform his own solo, and this past spring he got his chance when his band was invited to share the stage with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra during their “Pops Series.”

If you get a chance to listen to The Company Stores, it’s apparent in their lyrics that West Virginia holds a special place in each of the member’s hearts. Cevallos grew up in Charleston and it was here that he was introduced to the culture he reaches to for influence. He finds he’s been influenced “not in the style, but the heart and tradition of Appalachia.”

And if you’re planning on reaching for success in any art medium he’ll tell you, “the day that you stop getting better is the day that you start getting worse.” So, keep pushing yourself and embrace your failures.

Checkout: http://thecompanystores.com or find the band and Cevallos on Facebook.

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Jackie Circkirillo//Painter

After traveling from her birth place, a naval base in Yokosuka, Japan, Jackie Circkirillo grew up surrounded by Appalachian culture in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. She describes the town she grew up in as “quaint and beautiful,” filled with deep history and down-to-earth-people.

“I was a wild WV kid, always outside; and because of that, I feel quite a bit of disconnect between myself and the fast-paced world we live in,” Circkirillo said. “My paintings are really a testament to that. I paint to capture moments of thoughtfulness and to physically manifest my appreciation for simplicity.”

Circkirillo is currently a student at West Virginia University studying painting while minoring in art history. Her love of painting came after many years of drawing and her arrival at WVU. Inspiration for her work comes from her friends and dogs.

“I love the little things that bring so much love and beauty into my life,” she said.

In summer 2017 Circkirillo was commissioned to paint a mural in the WVU Student Health Center, noting this as one of her greatest achievements so far. In five years, Circkirillo aspires to have earned a master’s degree in fine arts and have her art exhibited in galleries. However, she loves the idea of being a college professor. Circkirillo wants to remind anyone pursuing a career or hobby in any art field to not get discouraged when developing your craft, even though it’s a long process with time to lose sight of goals and confidence. She reminds those aspiring artists of the quote, “Failure is not the opposite of success it is a part of it.”

Check out her Instagram: @jmcirckirillo_art

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Digital Nomad// Band Digital Nomads are a self-described “Appalachian Funk” band from Morgantown, West Virginia. The four-man group, consisting of Aristotle Jones, Drew Jones, Dave Haley and Xavier Williams, were formed in December 2016. They played their first show later that year in 2017. This was a new journey for each of them that helped each member discover themselves and their true style of music.

With each member growing up in West Virginia, Appalachian culture has influenced their individual music as well as Digital Nomads’ entire sound.

“How can you not be influenced by the culture around you?” Drew Jones said. ”There are plenty of soul music roots in Appalachia.”

Aristotle Jones had a different experience growing up in West Virginia.

“As a young, black child growing up in southern West Virginia in the 90s, I didn’t see many other faces in local

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and regional entertainment that reflected my own,” he said. “But when I went college in a small town in Kentucky named Berea College, I was exposed to much more diversity. There I met people from all over Appalachia and the world. I attended contra dances and square dances. That is where I learned how to play guitar.”

The Digital Nomads are not a traditional Appalachian band, but it is intrinsically Appalachian because of the experiences that shaped each member of this band.

“Living in Appalachia has definitely influenced my work and continues to do so,” Williams said. “I take a lot more of a personalized approach to my music. I take in influence from all kinds of genres, but the way I blend them is a unique method that could only have happened because of where I grew up.”

Check out: https://www.aristotlejones.com or find them on Facebook.

Instagram: @digitalnomadsmusic

Dylan Fox// Photographer

Twenty-six-year-old Dylan Fox got his first camera nine years ago.

For someone who has only owned a camera for about a third of their life, Fox’s work does a fabulous job of capturing the physical features of central Appalachia and the people residing here.

Photography started of as just a hobby for Fox, but he now runs a full-time photography business, describing himself as a intimate couple and wedding photographer.

He currently shoots at locations closer to home in Ranson, West Virginia, however he sees himself transitioning his business to a traveling business to shoot destination weddings.

“The rolling hills and the rivers definitely influence my work,” Fox said. “Location scouting is a huge portion of my business, and West Virginia has an abundance of hidden gems all over the place.”

Being born in Fairfax, Virginia, and growing up in Charles Town, West Virginia, gave Fox plenty of opportunities to see the great places central Appalachia has to offer. Other inspiration for his artistry comes from the Pacific North West, as he tries to bring that style home to his business.

Creating real content that produces the vision his clients were imagining is his main goal. To him, it’s not about the money or followers on Instagram, it’s about his clients’ happiness. “[Photography] takes time,” Fox said. “Just keep grinding, find your own style and own it.”

Check out: https://www.foxtog.com Instagram: @dylanfox

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Living a stress-free life through minimalism

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written by Kasey Lettrich

he concept of minimalism, or extreme spareness and simplicity, has grown more popular in our society throughout the last few years.

Minimalism is not simply a style of design, but a lifestyle because it is centered on cutting out the bulkiness in your life.

“I think of (minimalism) simply as design which provides mental clarity to the inhabitant of a space,” said Stephen Shutts, an interior designer in Morgantown, West Virginia. “Minimalism is a lifestyle, not just a design style. In order to live in minimalist spaces, you must be of the same mindset.”

Not only is minimalist decor physically appealing, it can also be mentally soothing. Surrounding yourself with a clean and minimal environment can do wonders on relieving stress. “I don’t do well with things being out of place, or with too much clutter, it gives me anxiety. I feel much more ‘zen’ when my environment is clean and organized—both literally and visually,” said Shutts.

Minimalism is a style of design that can be conveyed in many different components of your life. It is a well-kept, organized way of life that can be built with clean spaces, crisp lines and constant attention to storage and organization.

“To have a minimalistic space, it must carry through to your daily life, otherwise it’s easy for things to become cluttered,” said Cyd Mello, an interior designer at Weisshouse Furniture. “I remind myself not to consume beyond my needs and apply that to a room and to my grocery list.”

A clutter-free life is a minimalist life. Minimalism will not only keep your space clean and organized, but it will also free up your mind.

To maintain a “zen” life, Shutts edits regularly.

“I keep a few (catalogs and magazines) here and there, but I generally try to recycle or throw-out swiftly so as not to accumulate.”

There are many ways to maintain a minimalistic room as well as a minimalist life. According to Mello, less is more when it comes to minimalistic design.

“For example, having an ottoman that looks beautiful and can act as a seat or side table is the perfect edition to minimalist decor.” If you can find this same, practical ottoman with a storage element included, you’ve found the perfect minimalist decor.

“I keep my space minimalistic by furnishing with smart designs that have a dual purpose,” Mello said. “The things we have must be simplistic in form and silhouette while performing to their highest function.”

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Meet RAPID, the student organization interwining technology and media written by Christina Kamkutis

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n fall 2018, former students at the WVU Reed College of Media Nick Tabidize and Bree McCullough wanted to introduce a creative outlet for students across campus who vested an interest in virtual reality and technology, which sparked the creation of RAPID—Reality Augmentation Production Innovation Design.

“RAPID is a student organization at the WVU Reed College of Media that focuses on new, more interactive forms of storytelling in journalism, PR and advertising, like augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR),” said RAPID’s advisor, David Smith, a professor in the Reed College. “I worked with several students to create the organization.

They were interested in learning more about the promises of the technology and wanted to have a space to explore and experiment. I’m always interested in pushing the boundaries of storytelling and think these platforms and mediums are the future of communication. So, I want students at the Reed College to understand how to use them.”

Mark Schoenster, current vice president of RAPID, spent the summer at engineering camps in Morgantown teaching nonuniversity children about virtual and augmented reality and helping them understand how to incorporate the technology into their own field.

“They’re in the engineering field, so media doesn’t really matter to them, but they can still experience it,” Schoenster said. “When you have kids running around all day at an engineering camp and they don’t want to listen anymore, you can show them a headset and all of sudden their eyes get big and they’re focused on it.”

RAPID represents a piece of the future of technology as well as the current substance of media intertwined, which is why Schoenster and RAPID’s president Alex Balog stress its importance.

“I think that everybody can benefit from learning the subject more, learning about its production and learning about what kind of effects it can have,” said Balog.

The technology used at their meetings is becoming more

relevant as time prevails and will most likely become an aspect of people’s daily lives in countless career fields within the near future.

There is an “open possibility to do pretty much whatever you want,” said Balog on his favorite part about being involved in RAPID. “There’s not really a limit, it’s not something where we have a couple ideas to work off of and can only do a limited number of things. You have the possibility to do whatever you want and to roam free.”

VR and AR are used in your daily life more than you may realize, through social media filters and special headsets. It is important to start looking into this kind of technology now to have a head start in your own field—even if it does not seem relevant right now.

“It’s hard to describe what these experiences are like, other than to say they’re immersive,” Smith said. “When it’s created well, you feel completely immersed and transported.”

Shoenster and Balog agree that their biggest aspiration for RAPID is to first expand the organization’s wings and reach out to more of the student body. They wish to educate a larger portion of the student body about their mission and show as many people as possible the value RAPID can have on their journey going forward into a career in almost any field.

“It’s the future, as cliche as it is to say,” Schoenster said.

“This technology is going to become more and more relevant for Reed College students and for people in general.”

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IT’S ALL IN THE CARDS A look at tarot card reading written by Lexi Persad photographed by Kristen Uppercue

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The History Tarot originated in Italy in the late 14th century, when the deck was used by nobles to play a game known as Tarocchi, (eventually shortened to tarot). The cards spread throughout Europe and were thought to have secret wisdom as they became more popular. The deck became linked to Thoth, the god of the moon and magic, deeming the cards prophetic.

The elaborate designs on the cards were inspired by characters that took part in parades in Italy, such as the Fool and the Magician. These characters are part of the major arcana, which consist of 22 cards and represent major life events, such as a change in career or relationship. The minor arcana makes up 56 cards in the deck and symbolize day-to-day challenges, like emotional turmoil or issues in your daily routine.

Caitlin Sanders, an avid tarot card reader, finds the Tower card, part of the major arcana, most interesting.

“A lot of people think that it’s a negative card, but it’s really not,” Sanders said. “It just symbolizes change, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.”

The four suits: cups, pentacles, swords and wands, all represent a different aspect of the reader’s life. The cups symbolize the user’s emotions, while the pentacles symbolize their interactions with the physical world. The swords symbolize the challenges the user faces and the wands symbolize the actions the user has or should be taking. Out of the four suits, Sanders likes the cups the most.

“The cups can help you make sense of how you’re feeling,” Sanders said. “They’re the most feelings-oriented.”

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The Readings Nowadays, there have been countless recreations of the traditional tarot deck, which allow artists to create their own designs. Sanders, who began reading cards three years ago due to her interest in the spiritual aspects of the world, also enjoys the Dali Tarot Deck because of the artist’s interpretation. The cards are larger than the standard card and have a brighter color palette that makes the designs more eye-catching.

“He’s such a cool artist and to see the way he used his style to represent the meaning of the cards is really unique,” Sanders said.

Tarot card readings can be done in many ways. A reading can be all-encompassing or focus on a specific issue. The use of different spreads allows the reader to tailor the reading to their needs. Lexi Horseman, who has become familiar with doing readings on herself and friends, does different spreads depending on the situation.

“I normally do a four-card spread when I’m reading other people, but I mostly do readings on myself,” Horesman said. “I try to do a single-card reading daily.”

Single card readings are the simplest spreads, which can provide a definitive answer for yes or no questions. If done in the morning, it can give the reader an idea of what to expect throughout the day.

Overall, readings are meant to provide insight into the reader’s life, but they only provide a snapshot of the current situation. Introspection is a major aspect of interpreting the cards and can allow the reader to become more in touch with their feelings.

“I believe that [the cards] do have some sort of actual truth,” Sanders said. “But I think it’s also a really good tool for self-reflection and looking at your own situation and understanding how you want to approach your life.”

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Your Readings

Learning how to read tarot is easier than you may think—there are countless resources online and applications to help out first-time users. The cards do not have to directly spell out the circumstances of your current issue, so beginners shouldn’t stress about having “accurate” readings. Learning how to interpret the cards is key.

“You definitely need to believe in what you’re doing,” Horesman said. “Having confidence in your readings will help you.”

Don’t hesitate to pick up your first deck and form a connection with the centuriesold cards. Find the right spread for you, whether it’s a single card or a Celtic cross, and engage in some introspection. Overtime, readings will become more meaningful and it can help you in your daily life.

“Tarot readings mean a lot to me,” Horseman said. “I think it’s a big part of who I am right now. I feel like it’s able to add more insight into questions that we may have for the universe.”

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A look into the gendered divide of men’s fashion written by Baker McNamara

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hink back to men’s fashion 10 years ago.

The closest we would get as a society to men showing their feminine side was them wearing a pink shirt that read “real men wear pink” or “don’t laugh, it’s your girlfriend’s shirt.” While these catchphrases could be a subtle push for men who wear them to feel more secure with themselves, it could have also been a second push for men to begin embracing their feminine side when it comes to fashion.

The journey of femininity within men’s fashion begins in the 80s. Long hair and dark makeup ruled fashion within rock bands. Extreme short shorts and long hair was a norm for men, but now if a man were to walk the streets with any of these looks it would be considered abnormal. So, where is this drop off coming from? How did we, as a society, end up on this hyper-masculine fashion track?

In the 80s, men were not afraid to wear tighter pants, more patterns and colors or clothes that were more revealing—all of which is a rarity now. Self expression for men was more than just the clothing.

Men would experience with makeup (think about the band KISS). It was completely normalized for the whole band to wear makeup and no one batted an eye. But now if a straight male were to be doing so, most people would treat him like an alien.

However, times changed and the era of male selfexpression faded away as the 1990s and 2000s arrived.

“Within the past 20 years, we as a society have married the idea of gender,” said Daniel Brewster, a sociology instructor at West Virginia University.

This means that we have set concrete examples for what men and women should and should not be doing, and anything outside of these set boxes for the genders would be seen as a homosexual which was the fear for most.

“Masculinity looks one way and this includes at the most basic level a complete aversion to fashion,” Brewster said. So, if any man is seen caring about fashion they are automatically seen as less of a man.

Society has trained men to fear being more feminine with themselves and it has also trained us to shame men who show their feminine side for doing so.

Trying to look like you don’t try too hard is the standard now set for what men should achieve. This comes from society’s heteronormative idea where men should not just be straight but look straight, which has put an intense pressure on men to worry about how they are perceived. For the past 20 years, men have hidden behind a very basic sense of style because of how strongly they fear stepping outside their comfort zone.

The changes in men’s fashion over the past few decades comes from societal changes, according to Brewster. The needs and wants of men in their clothing changes throughout the times as different fads come about and change. But as looking to the future to see how men’s fashion will change, Brewster said he is “hopeful that we are headed to a more progressive time for men’s fashion.”

If you look around at what men are wearing, clothes for them are indeed becoming more slim fitting or shorter lengths in shorts. The perspective on masculinity in society is constantly changing, and maybe we are headed towards a more open future for men’s fashion, but as it seems “culture itself is about time and place.”

As clothes are ‘gendered’ to be male or female based on what we are used to seeing the sexes wear in history, there are designers, such as Charles Jeffrey and Alessandro Michele, that are battling those norms, sparking a new era for men’s fashion.

An era that focuses no longer on gender, but on creativity and fluidity.

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Lady Gaga flooded the pop scene and brought it back to life

written by Adam Payne graphics by Mary Alvarez

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he year is 2009. It is a year of Twilight on screens, Silly Bandz on arms and musically, airwaves with the same sound on repeat.

Tabloids were more concerned with Britney Spears or Lindsay Lohan’s missteps than they were with music.

The radio was pumping out hit after hit from artists, whose image and stage presence were all unimportant— as long as their beat was danceable, they sold. Artists like the Black Eyed Peas and Flo Rida were ushering in a new wave of music that didn’t require you to be a global phenomenon as the likes of Madonna and Michael Jackson had rooted before them.

In short, the pop star was dying. However, there was one glimmer of something new—when Lady Gaga appeared on the scene. No—not appeared, flooded, propelled and erupted into the world’s eyesight with back-toback debut hits “Just Dance” and “Poker Face,” two of the best-selling debut singles of all time. The world was watching. Everyone was wondering what move she would make next. Was there something more to this girl than hair bows and lightning bolts?

And in September 2009, new girl Gaga stood on the precipice of two choices: fade into irrelevancy with the rest of the radio hits or catapult herself into superstardom. I think you know which she chose.

The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards was going to be Gaga’s biggest performance to date. Not only would she be singing in front of 9 million viewers, but she would also be scrutinized by dozens of pop stars that had already made a name for themselves in the crowd. Any sane up-and-comer would take to the stage and deliver a clean performance: solid vocals and tight choreography.

However, Gaga is not sane. It’s in her name. Rather than doing what was expected, she seized the opportunity to elucidate everything she already knew she was, clutch the audience’s spotlight and teach the world a lesson on fame before she herself even was fully famous.

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She sung “Paparazzi” for the first time live with an irrefutable amount of tenacity and bravura. Opening with a melodramatic chorus of “Poker Face” and the thesis of her blooming career, “amidst all of these flashing light, I pray the fame won’t take my life.” There was a determination in her voice that screamed, you will listen to me.

Nearing the end of the performance, with pain in her voice and arms wide open, blood began gushing from Gaga’s costume. The audience gasped in unison, breathless, not understanding whether or not that blood could be real. As Gaga smeared the blood across her face and belted out the final string of notes, the audience exchanged their shock for ovation.

As Gaga hung, bloodied, staring glossy-eyed into the audience, she dropped the mic and solidified, not only herself as a superstar, but that there is a new standard for performance—and it looks like that. In her 2017 documentary, “Five Foot Two,” Gaga explained what made this and her so different.

“The methodology behind what I’ve done is that, when they wanted me to be sexy, or they wanted me to be pop, I always fuckin’ put some absurd spin on it that made me feel like I was still in control,” she said. “So you know what? If I’m gonna be sexy on the VMAs, and sing about the paparazzi, I’m going to do it while I’m bleeding to death and reminding you of what fame did to Marilyn Monroe.”

This performance nearly a decade ago sparked a new precedent for theatrics in the pop world.

Everyone now knew Gaga was the biggest competitor for the spotlight and her influence was clear. Artists, such as Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj, drastically began changing their looks to crazier and crazier fashion to try and keep up with Gaga’s knack for rewriting pop cultural norms. Every time other artists tried to one up her, Gaga did the opposite of what everyone expected. When everyone’s gowns got flashier, Gaga dressed like a man. When they all wore a headpiece, Gaga arrived inside an egg. When they all tried to show some skin, Gaga covered herself in meat. And most recently, when she stripped away the dramatics for newest album Joanne you best believe a dozen artists suddenly “went back to their roots.”

Gaga’s constant reinvention of her sound, her looks and herself have steamrolled her way to the top and served as the exemplar to the world of the blend between performance and image. Without anyone really noticing, the artists, the pop music, the outfits and the very definition of pop culture have all been reshaped with and by Gaga. When she unveiled herself to the world, she demanded to be on the top.

On the top Gaga is constantly reinventing herself.

At the 2009 VMA’s, Lady Gaga bled and died, and thus, pop music was brought back to life.

And, let’s remember that all of this was for her debut to the world.

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"IT'S NOT A PHASE"

Bringing grunge-wear into your everyday style

written and curated by Kristen Uppercue photographed by Kristen Uppercue and Katherine Camara 41

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usic has always had a direct influence on fashion trends throughout the years. The rise of punk and grunge bands in the 1990s, such as Nirvana, Soundgarden and Alice In Chains, created the grunge fashion trend that still exists today.

Grunge is authentic. It’s the opposite of the cookie-cutter, perfect society we strive to be part of. It can be anything you want it to be. From old thrifting clothes and meaningful pieces from family members to new tees and distressed jeans, anything can have a grunge edge. What is typically mistaken as dirty, distressed styles can express a mood and have been the theme of movements.

“When my grandfather passed away, my grandmother gave me the opportunity to go through some of his things,” said Olive Loy, a WVU student. “I found a few flannels and anytime I wear it, it feels like I’m getting a huge hug from him and it makes him feel not too far away.”

While most people in today’s society do not leave the house in full grunge gear, many incorporate grunge pieces into their everyday style. From western-inspired styles to bohemian, grunge pieces add an edgy flare to every look and pair perfectly with each style. Pair your favorite pieces with distressed tights, edgy boots and flannels for the winter season.

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The grunge music scene and all the history behind it has always meant so much to me. It’s nostalgic and reminds me of watching MTV in the 90s with my mom. It’s a very effortless, uncoordinated look but is still edgy – something I’ve always gravitated towards.

It’s fun honestly just to incorporate it into my own style; makes me feel me.

-Tatiana

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I think western-inspired clothing is just a step up from the 70s trend that’s been popular recently.

I have always been extra inspired by the 1970s and its fall hues, denim and chunky shoes. The cowboy style just gives that era an edge.

-Olivia

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What I’ve learned from festival wear is that it’s all in the things you pair with your outfit. Whether it be a smokey eye, a flannel or some studded boots, you make just about anything grunge.

-Olive 54

Let’s get thrifty: Thrift shopping and creating the perfect DIY jeans written by Melinda Miesner photographed by Katherine Camara

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here are many ways to find your style, whether it’s “in fashion” or not. Part of the formula to finding that style is knowing where to buy clothes that are affordable and fit into your current budget and lifestyle needs. You may need to ask yourself if thrifting is right for you. Be prepared for some failure and disappointment along the way, but don’t worry too hard–you can usually alter any mistakes into a better design. Before you start, you need to figure out what thrifting means to you. No, you don’t need to put your heart and soul into your new found hobby, but knowing how much effort you want to put into your creations is a good start.

The spots to shop will depend on how much you want to spend and what stores you have access to. Larger discount shops like Gabe’s and Ross Stores offer discount clothes in an atmosphere much like TJ Maxx and Marshalls.

However, your greatest finds may pop up in the cheapest destinations, such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill. Remember another person’s trash—with a few adjustments—may be your new treasure. Personally, I thrift at Goodwill and the Salvation Army because they aren’t overpricing hand-me-downs, which is done in some consignment shops because clothes are brought in for commission and not donated.

It can be intimidating walking into a store and seeing all the options. To cut down on the time you spend looking at clothes, focus on the quality of the material, brand names and imperfections. When looking for jeans, find items that are real denim. Looking at the tags before you pick up an item can tell you two things: the type of material and brand names.

Not that you need to buy every item you see with a popular brand name, but it does cut down on time when you’re trying to figure out what clothes will be worth trying on.

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A lot of people don’t like to try on clothes at discount stores. The dressing rooms may not be very convenient and if that’s the case, I recommend going thrifting while wearing leggings and a top that allows you to try on pieces over it. Wearing leggings makes it easy to slip on pants, skirts and shorts over them. Trying clothes on over this “thrifting uniform” cuts down on time in a dressing room and can even transform an aisle into your own dressing room.

You might find a great pair of jeans while thrifting, but the legs are a little too long or short, they are three sizes too big or small or maybe they have a weird stain on them. Just as long as you can identify that this stain isn’t too weird these are all problems you can fix.

There are many tools you can use to create your own pair of DIY jeans. Patches, tweezers, needle and thread, scissors and graters, (yes, even a cheese grater), are all some of the tools I have used to make my own unique pair of jeans. Patches can be used to cover up that old stain you found, add a pop of color or simply to show off a super cool patch you found during your thrifting adventure. You can use tweezers to pull out the hem of jeans to make them longer or just to add an extra flare to some basic jeans. Cut the hem with scissors to make them fit or create an asymmetrical hem, then use your tweezers to pull out the string. Needle and thread can be used to add color to the pocket hem or even make your own design. Making your own ripped jeans is one of the more time consuming transformations, but it’s worth it. Use a grater to distress the material and finish making the holes with tweezers and scissors. Don’t worry if you make a “mistake” because nobody else will see them as mistakes. When in doubt make sure the material of your jeans is of good quality, slap on a cute belt and you’re good to go.

Take your time with any DIY clothing project you start. Making a masterpiece you’re proud of and want to show off can take some time, but have fun with it. All of these DIY jean tips can be applied to other clothes you find, just remember to make it your own.

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Finding affordable alternatives to high-end fashion written by Joseph Zecevic photographed by Katherine Camara

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s you walk around campus this season, you will see countless different people going to and from class, all dressed in their own fashion. While you might want some of these pieces, it’s often times like these the beautiful clothes and shoes seem just out of reach because of how expensive they can be.

In today’s culture there is a push for more expensive and lavish fashion. In the fashion industry, more and more amazing clothes are produced almost daily, each serving looks that are stunning to both look at and to the consumer’s wallet.

Sadly, many people decide to just give up on trying to keep up with the latest trends rather than throw all their hard-earned money on one pair of shoes.

However, there’s another way to keep up with the latest trends rather than throwing away your paychecks. Many companies understand that the clothes they make are expensive and often release a cheaper version with a slightly different look. In other cases, many brands see what these higher-end companies make and release their own alternative for a much lower price.

There has been a rise of brands that have typically not been seen as high-end with little to no fashion conscious, emerging into today’s world with a proud new look. One of the easiest ways to find new and exciting fashions for cheap is to check with online storefronts of your favorite stores. More often than not they will be running a sale. Another thing that you should always keep an eye out for is end-of-season sales because this is where you can find some seriously cheap and quality fashion options.

And don’t forget to check the ads that pop up in your Instagram feed.

These ads tend to be filled with a lot of cheap clothing, but you might run across that one piece that will really blow you away. The key thing here though is to not buy from the overpriced, shady vendor and instead go hunting at alternatives like Forever 21 or H&M. These stores are filled to the brim with very affordable and stylish clothing that will last you a few seasons at the most. They have versions of pretty much everything that’s in for a given season that will satisfy the want for something more expensive.

Gabe’s can also be a gamble. If your chances are good, you can walk away with some serious bargains on great clothes. I once went not knowing I was going to spend any money that day and walked out with a pair of brand new Nike Air Max boots for $85, which are regularly $200. A good day to say the absolute least.

It’s important to have these clothes because they give you the confidence and determination to stand out in the world for less. It will feel good to not only look awesome but still have money to spend on other things you want.

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f f o g n i d a e h

R U CO Incorporating athletic wear to your winter wardrobe written and curated by Kasey Lettrich photographed by Katherine Camara and Kristen Uppercue graphics by Mary Alvarez 59

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thleisure is a blend of athletic and leisure clothing that is perfect for the chilly, winter season. It is suitable for both exercise and everyday wear. To me, athleisure is more than that; it can be dressed up or dressed down. An article of athletic clothing will add a touch of casualness to any dressed-up outfit; and a pair of heels or a nice sweater with an athletic outfit will create a unique look.

Athleisure is not simply leisure. It was founded in the 1970s but has continuously evolved to fit the modern era. Sneakers with jeans or a tight dress has become a staple among fashion icons. Athleisure will continue to evolve to fit the current era and, therefore, will never go out of style. Cute but comfortable is an important part of everyday fashion.

Winter is the perfect time to incorporate athleisure styles into your wardrobe. When it’s cold, it’s hard to look nice. However, athleisure allows you to look nice and still be comfortable. It allows you to wear sweatpants and still look dressed up. Athleisure is the staple of winter style and is a great addition to anyone’s wardrobe.

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#AerieREAL: One brand brings medical diversity into campaigns written by Allison Fladd and Lily Hicks photographed by Kristen Uppercue

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here’s a term that scientists use known as ‘symbolic annihilation,’ which is the idea that if you don’t see people like you in the media you consume, you feel unimportant. In other words, the media we consume doesn’t just keep us entertained and informed, it can negatively affect how we feel about ourselves and others. This is why representation in media, including advertising, matters.

Aerie is one brand that realized how important representation is and the company took advantage of its power in their AerieREAL campaign.

This campaign was created to be inclusive and incorporate girls that may not have been shown in media otherwise.

Aerie, a sub-brand of American Eagle Outfitters, specializes in products such as lingerie, everyday bras and underwear, activewear, sleep apparel, as well as items for college dorms and bedrooms.

You can buy Aerie in American Eagle stores, online and in a few standalone stores.

While the AerieReal campaign was launched in 2014, the brand recently published an advertisement within the campaign featuring women with different health conditions, illnesses, body types and racial backgrounds.

In a release, Aerie says that the women chosen to participate in the advertisements for this campaign were chosen because they 67

“represent the inclusive beauty that makes up the DNA of the brand, which is committed to empowering all customers to embrace and love their real selves.”

Aerie created this campaign to improve young girls’ perceptions about body image. The company uses no photoshop at all. Their campaign, showcasing models with health conditions, went viral within hours of launching.

referred to as an invisible illness, meaning that you wouldn’t be able to tell if someone had the disease just by looking at them.

“I have two machines attached to my body at all times,” Dunlap said.

“So, in times like the summer when I’m at the beach, or even when I’m wearing a short-sleeve shirt, it isn’t

“They were unapologetically disabled, completely unafraid to own who they are...at last I felt heard. I felt seen. I felt represented. I felt beautiful.”

There were many positive reactions.

Many women posted that they had never related so closely to a media campaign or company. This was especially true for women with the same health conditions as the models in the campaign.

Carmen Dunlap, a junior at Old Dominion University, was diagnosed with Type-1 Diabetes at four-yearsold. Type-1 Diabetes, or T1D, is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas produces little to no insulin. Insulin is needed to move blood sugar into cells throughout the human body and too much or too little can be very harmful to the human body and even result in death.

Dunlap wears an insulin pump and a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) that helps to administer and regulate her insulin. T1D is often

invisible at all.”

Eveyln Riddell, one of the models in the new campaign, wears the same devices in the advertisement. This was life-changing for Dunlap.

“The Aerie Real campaign means so much to me because I have never seen a model who looks like me in ads and in stores before,” Dunlap said. “One of the models for the campaign has T1D as well, and many of her pictures in the campaign show her wearing her insulin pump and CGM. It makes me really happy that young girls are going to be able to see themselves in her when they walk into Aerie or go on their website. If I could have been 12-years-old and seen a T1D model in a mainstream store like Aerie, I think it would have helped my self esteem so much.”

The T1D community is closeknit, according to Dunlap.

She has a large following on her Instagram account (@ type1carmenmarie) where she has developed strong relationships with others who have T1D. She’s even had the opportunity to talk with Riddell, who claims that this community really supported her role in the Aerie campaign.

“It feels amazing to be giving back, and to be representing Type Ones within the #AerieREAL movement,” Riddell said in “Real Talk with Evelyn Riddell”. “I’ve heard from countless individuals saying how this campaign is the first time they’ve seen themselves represented in the media. I have received messages from tweens, teens, adults and parents of young children. Many individuals have even sent me photos wearing their Continuous Glucose Monitors or insulin pumps visibly for the first time.

My hope is that one day soon it won’t be a single campaign representing the community, but Type One representation will be so normalized that we’ll see devices worn confidently, and blood sugar checks done proudly everywhere...until there’s a cure!”

The Aerie campaign has also helped to shed light on how often the mainstream media reinforces misunderstandings about diabetes. The two main types of diabetes are Type-1 and Type-2. Type-2 is what most people think of when they think of the disease. While the two main types have overlapping symptoms and treatments, they are not the same disease. For instance, T1D is not preventative while Type-2 can be prevented in most cases.

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“Diabetes is portrayed in the media as a joke, something you get if you eat too much,” Dunlap said.

“I almost never see a distinction between Type-1 and Type-2 in the media, either.”

Riddell agrees and says that because of the incomplete narrative, she has “received many rude or ignorant comments about [her] personal health.” This is another reason why representation is important to her and why it should be important to other consumers of media. Representation of T1D can help to “educate people and help breakdown harmful misconceptions.”

Kelly Douglas, a writer with cerebral palsy, had similar thoughts on the campaign. In “How the AerieREAL Campaign Showed Me I Am Beautiful as a Woman With a Disability” she said, “As a woman with mild cerebral palsy, I have rarely felt represented in the media. Although I am white, tall,

long-legged and slender, I spent the majority of my childhood and adolescence gazing longingly at magazine covers, dreaming of the day I would see my disability represented. The airbrushed photos of able-bodied women, devoid of surgical scars, inward-turning knees and curled toes gradually tore at my self-image as I internalized the message that society refuses to see disability as beautiful.”

She felt like she wasn’t enough but that changed after seeing the Aerie campaign. Douglas described the girls in the campaign as “radiant” and “confident.”

“They were unapologetically disabled, completely unafraid to own who they are...at last I felt heard,” Douglas said. “I felt seen. I felt represented. I felt beautiful.”

This is the exact reaction that Aerie hoped to achieve when they released their AerieREAL advertisements.

“We’re seeing girls at younger ages starting to be dissatisfied with their bodies, proactively trying to change them and feeling like they need to emulate something different than what their bodies can do,” said pediatrician Elissa Gittes in “The Importance of the ‘AerieREAL’ Campaign.”

Aerie’s campaign shows young girls that everyone is beautiful and it is okay to be comfortable in your own skin. The campaign takes the idea that everyone has to look like a stereotypical super model and turns it on its head, showing people that being yourself is attractive and you should never be ashamed of your size, background or health. Aerie understands that misconceptions of how a body is supposed to look is dangerous and can lead to low selfesteem, which can lead to eating disorders and depression. Aerie thought that the REAL campaign “could make a small difference in this audience groups’ perception of what is beautiful.”

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ED’S PICKS Our editorial team’s current favorite products

Satuday Skin Waterfall Glacier Water Cream $39, Sephora

“I have oily-combination skin and I can’t use a traditional moisturizer because it’s too heavy. This is the only one I’ve found that truly moisturizes while being alcohol and fragrance free. It’s perfect for sensitive skin.”

-Mary

OUAI Wave Spray $12, theouai.com “As someone who hates taking time to do their hair, this product is my go-to. After washing my hair, I just spritz this in and it creates natural, beachy waves, so I don’t have to worry about styling it.”

-Kristen Glossier Lash Slick $16, glossier.com

“One of the best mascaras I’ve ever used. It’s super light and just separates the lashes and gives definition without being too clumpy or bold.”

-Katherine 71

IGK Expensive & Mistress

$29 each, Sephora

“These two products are a life saver for me!

I love being blonde, but it’s definitely hard on my hair. Using both of these products bring life back to my hair!”

-Sydney

OUR FAVORITE TREND: nails “If you know me, I always have my nails done– it’s kind of my thing. I love having cool designs and details. I think it’s fun to have so much personality just on my nails! My favorite place is @DallasBeautyLounge in Pittsburgh, if you’re ever there, definitely go!”

-Sydney

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ART CONTEST

Every semester, Ed On Campus’ Mirage Magazine teams up with student organization Her Campus WVU to host an art contest. One winner is chosen to receive an assortment of products from local businesses, Her Campus and Ed On Campus.

Congratulations to this year’s winner!

“

The “Umbrellas of Cherbourg” was definitely my inspiration for this piece—it’s such a sad story and plot, but the costumes and film aesthetics are all so bright and colorful.

- Isabella Tori

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what is ed on campus?

Ed on Campus (we normally go by Ed) is coined the ‘magazine club’ and for a good reason. Every semester, we publish an issue of our lifestyle magazine, Mirage. Everything you need to know about Mirage can be found on our website. However, Ed is much more than a magazine, which is why we have two sets of leadership teams: an editorial team to handle all magazine-related tasks and a team of officers to handle the organization’s other activities, from volunteering and fundraising to traveling to New York City and handling our social media.

It’s no secret that Ed2010, our founding organization, canceled the Ed on Campus program, however this has pushed us even harder to be successful. In its prime, we were one of about 20 organizations nationwide – and the only to publish a magazine.

We are also the Reed College’s only organization that creates its own student-made publication from start to finish. For these reasons, we are determined to keep the organization alive.

CHECK US OUT ONLINE

issuu.com/mirage_magazine magcloud.com