Thread February 2019 by Thread Magazine

thread FEBRUARY 2019

C R E AT I V E CONTROL WE GAVE OUR MAKEUP ARTISTS TOTAL FREEDOM FOR THIS SHOOT

SEEING SPOTS LEOPARD PRINT DOMINATED RUNWAYS THIS SPRING

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Table of Contents

SPRING 2019

42 Great Lengths

FRONT OF BOOK

04 Haute Online 08 Top 5 12 Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Letter 13 Masthead

SEAMS

18 Runway Realway 22 Celeb Style 28 Back to the Roots 32 Listen Up 36 Clean and Conscious 48 Seeing Spots 54 Piece of You

74 Get CrossFit

DIY

60 Picture This 64 Artful Organization 70 Floral Spritz 78 Lavender Delights 82 Strawberry Spirits 2 | THREAD

WHO, WHAT, WEAR

94 Athens Amplified

88 Athens Junk 98 Blowing Smoke

152 6 Looks

MIDDLE OF BOOK

102 Full Control 112 Retouched Reality 126 Living Coral 140 Rundown Runway

182 The Fur Debate

CAMPUS CASUAL

160 Horoscopes 162 Quiz: Which Grammy Song Are You? 164 Closet Clearout

BACK OF THE CLOSET 170 176 188 194 200 206

Bloody Truth Blackfishing Come As You Are The Art of Pretending Second Chances Rant/Rave: Bike Shorts

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HAUTE ONLINE Looking for some new blogs to add to your radar? Whether scrolling for outfit inspo or needing a quick recipe, we’ve got you covered.

SHAQUILLE KEITH Born in Southeast London, poet and vlogger Shaquille Keith creates visual art on his minimalist website, shaquillekeith.com. From paint-splattered art pieces to journal-like poetry books, Keith does it all, but he is most known for his YouTube presence. He’s a part of PAQ, a group that creates videos about current fashion trends, styles, and methods of getting highfashion looks for a fraction of the price. Art and style seem to go hand-in-hand for Keith, as he marries the two in his art as and other content. And for him, it’s all about creating something he cares about. In an interview with Notion, a website for conversations about music, culture, and fashion, he said everything he creates is based on feeling, and “whether it’s an animation or a painting, there’s definitely a reason I decided to create each piece I make.” Everything is intentional 4 | THREAD

CLICK TO VIEW THE WEBSITE!

for Keith, exhibited through his carefully crafted photographs and his personal style. He’s created a brand for himself that spreads the need to create based on passion, and passion alone.

– EMILY BARBUS

haute online

SHE DOES HIM FASHION She Does Him Fashion is a popular Tumblr page where creator Allison Graham challenges the status quos of gendered clothing. She does not conform to oversaturated imagery of influencer’s feminine clothing, tan lines, and exuberant vacation pictures. Allison is reinventing how we see the world of gendered clothing and men’s fashion in particular. The growing conversation of gender roles is more relevant in our current climate, and Allison intends to break all preconceived notions. Allison uses fashion to her advantage; it’s not just a phase or a look, she lives and breathes breaking out of the norm. Fashion is a place to experiment. Allison’s aesthetic is easy emulate in day-to-day wear. She’s not afraid to experiment with androgyny and bright patterns, textures, and accessories. Followers come back to her blog time and time again for her positivity, killer ourfits, and casual photos. – MEG MCDULIN WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 5

ADDICTED TO DATES Healthy eating has never been more attractive than it is today. It’s inevitable to encounter the rapidlyprocessed, chemicalpacked, and refined foods placed on our tables. Eliminating meat from the daily diet reduces the amounts of unethical hormones and steroids we intake. Cutting dairy restores our digestive system, and clean eating detoxes our skin, all of which make us look and feel better. While fruits, veggies, and grains can sustain a daily diet, there is no doubt the desire for dessert comes into play. As difficult as it is to find vegan alternatives, Christina, the writer of Addicted to Dates Vegan Recipes, has provided answers to a seemingly unsolvable dilemma. She describes that her choice to go vegan was a challenge that “quickly evolved into a life-changing experience.” Her devoted writing pieces on recipes and recommendations for the vegan lifestyle can be found on her lovely website, www. addictedtodates.com. – GRACE ROY 6 | THREAD

haute online

LILY LINES The first U.S. newspaper by women and for women, The Lily, is making a revival, according to their website. Six women, including two OU alumnae, comprise the team behind The Lily with an objective to curate news in conversations that need more attention, but society doesn’t deem “in the norm.” They pair expert reporting with an aesthetically-pleasing design and photography to hand craft every news story. These stories touch on topics like menstruation, voices of sexual trauma, abortion. They’re “hot” topics, but also pressing issues that need to be discussed openly in our society and on a platform that breeds conversation. This outlet was originally born in 1849, and sought out stories of societal prevalence like women’s rights and the abolition of slavery, with contributors like Susan B Anthony. This offshoot of The Washington Post dares to deliver coverage that makes readers necessarily uncomfortable. Indulge in breakthrough reporting with incredible artwork that is bound is have you returning each week to check the work from the ladies of The Lily. – COLLEEN HOWARD WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 7

5 TOP

Find out the top five things that our exec board is inspired by right now.

THE GOOD QUOTE “Don’t compare

your behind-the-scenes to other people’s highlight reel.” In other words, quit comparing the moments that people share on their social media to what you experience every day, because social media isn’t real life. It showcases great vacations or relationships, but doesn’t say the whole story. So, ditch the influencers and models and start following pages that care for you and your self confidence. The Good Quote is one of those pages I stumbled upon in a search for inspiration. As per their page, The Good Quote “creates awareness around mental health, self-development, and self-care, through literature and discussion.” The Good Quote wants to remind you that your life is precious, that you are unique and worth fighting for. That you’ll find love one day and make it out of any rough time.

– JACKIE OSBORNE

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GETFITWJESSICA Over the last

year, I’ve been on a fitness journey and have successfully lost almost 60 pounds through diet and exercise. That doesn’t mean it hasn’t been a struggle though. There are days when I don’t feel like going to the gym, or I feel like having a cheat day, but my favorite Instagram health and fitness inspiration has been there to challenge me. Just search getfitwjessica on Instagram and you will be flooded with motivational pictures, quotes, and Insta stories. But the most impressive part? At 23 years old, Jessica has lost over 170 pounds through diet and exercise while battling stage four Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Even through her chemotherapy treatments, I still see daily gym updates, and if that doesn’t inspire us all to get after it everyday, I don’t know what does.

top 5

TIFF PIKO As a college

student, I often wonder how to make time to do anything for myself. So, when I stumbled on Tiff Piko, I was amazed by everything she has accomplished. Tiff is a 21-year-old studying fashion at Parsons School of Design in New York City. While being a student, she started her own fashion company that takes materials out of landfills, repurposes them into clothes, and sells them online. Aside from being a young entrepreneur, she recently announced she would be running as a Democratic candidate for mayor of Lancaster, Ohio, a city that has been dominated by Republicans for many years. Also, in an effort to connect with and meet all the citizens of Lancaster (yes, that is a goal of hers), she produces her own podcast, which focuses on important people in the city. This short summary can’t even begin to do this woman justice, but she has been a huge inspiration to me, and I hope others feel the same about her. – LEAH NUTTER

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THE 1975 The 1975 is a band that holds a special place in my heart. After

seeing them live when they toured with their album I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware, I was instantly a die-hard fan. They put on a wonderful show and sound just as good as their recordings as they do in-person. Now, with the release of their newest album, A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships, there is plenty of indie rock goodness I can jam to. They touch on things from social issues, mental health, and drug addiction to more light-hearted topics like falling in love with others and yourself. I already have my ticket to their May 14 show in Columbus, so if you are already a fan or if you end up at the show, keep an eye out for me and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to say hi! 10 | THREAD

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MATTHEW JONES

top 5

CRIME SHOWS Since youth, I

had an obsession with crime shows. I think it stems from my summers spent at my grandmother’s cottage. We didn’t have cable, but if we were lucky enough we could stay up and watch 48 hours, and I would binge Law and Order SVU, even though I’d get the occasional nightmare. I loved watching detectives work to bring people justice. My SVU obsession still holds true. My recent binges are The Ted Bundy Tapes and The Assassination of Gianni Versace. First, Ted Bundy was charged with murdering 30+ women. Second, Andrew Cunanan infamously murdered Gianni Versace and many other young men. In each case, the FBI was always one step behind. Bundy was able to escape twice from the authorities, and Cunanan, while on the FBI’s most wanted list, lived in Miami for over a month, before killing Versace. Most importantly, highlighted in both shows are the victims. While binge-worthy, it is important to remember that the documentaries reflect real life. Too often, killers are portrayed as charming, and their victims are forgotten. Each documentary gave victims a voice; something taken from them too early. – COURTNEY ADAMS

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Editor’s Note Happy belated New Year, Threadies! I hope your 2019 has been eventful thus far. It’s hard to believe that Fashion Weeks are already upon us. But, as you know, we’re living for all of the new clothes and designs we’ve seen so far.In this issue, we take a look back on some of our favorite Spring collections (Runway Realway, P. 18) and some of our favorite trends we’ve noticed both on the street and on the runway (“Seeing Spots,” p. 48). Personally, I can’t wait to emulate some of our looks featured in this issue. Although we’re all excited to refresh our wardrobe for the warmer weather, it’s also important to remember just how much waste the fashion industry produces every day. We are so grateful to have paired with Los Angeles-based company Rewilder to shed some light on how small businesses are working to reduce their footprint to make sustainable, long-lasting products (“Second Chances,” p. 200). We also chatted with the co-owner of Athens Junk, a vintage clothing boutique located right here in Athens (“Athens Junk,” p. 88). In the spirit of reducing fashion’s environmental impact, we’ve got a DIY section full of ideas that hopefully inspire you to help reduce waste, too.

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Skip the line at Sephora and make your own rose water toner for half the price (“Floral Spritz, p. 70). Or, choose to make some extra cash by selling your clothes online (“Closet Clearout,” p. 164). As always, I can’t thank our staff enough for all of the hard work and time they’ve put into this issue. It’s so amazing to see the dedication each and every member puts into making Thread the best it can be. We couldn’t do it without everyone!

Much Love,

thread EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Katie Pittman

MANAGING EDITOR Rylie Brown

PHOTO EDITOR Leanna Siupinys

DESIGN DIRECTOR Samantha Güt

PHOTO CHIEF Matt Jones

PUBLIC RELATIONS CHIEF Blake Borer-Miller

SEAMS EDITOR Hannah Pridemore

BUSINESS MANAGER Leah Nutter

WHO, WHAT, WEAR EDITOR Nick Battaglia

FEATURES EDITOR Colleen Howard

DIY EDITOR Courtney Adams

FASHION DIRECTOR Maggie Boyle

CAMPUS CASUAL EDITOR Marie Chailosky

WEB EDITOR Grace Ziemke

COPY CHIEF Jackie Osborne

VIDEO CHIEF Baylee Gorham

WRITERS Courtney Adams, Emily Barbus, Taylor Dahl, Shaina Dubinskiy, Hannah Ellinger, Bailey Fink, Madeline Fink, Colleen Howard, Meg McDulin, Hannah Pridemore, Grace Roy, Chloe Ruffennach COPY EDITORS Sara Dowler, Helen Hortonr DESIGNERS Alexis Cradlebaugh, Anna Johnston, Mackenzie Kress, Sophie Reed, Jared Robb, Riley Runnells, Alexandria Vella VIDEOGRAPHERS Baylee Gorham, Cynthia Martindale STYLISTS Taylor Dahl, Helen Horton, Sara Januszewski, Erin Lesko, Meg McDulin, Lindsay O’Nesti, Amanda Toolis, Troy Waliszewski

MAKEUP ARTISTS Chloe Challacombe, Grace Roy PUBLIC RELATIONS TEAM Johnathen Sweeney PHOTOGRAPHERS Emily Barbus, Lauren Britt, Ansel Croft, Kyle Duermit, Natalie Dupre, Allison Haas, Kate McCarthy, Riley Perone, Leanna Siupinys, Andrew Thompson, Mackenzie Wagne MODELS Sarah Anderson, Blake Borer-Miller, Elijah Bridges, Michael Cobb,Taylor Ceneviva, Kalyn Figliulo, Anudari Gansukh, Keevon Harris, Alexa Hope, Molly Kletzky, Carly Licht, Ethan Lowe, Anthony Marrone, Meg McDulin, Jazz Merz, Colin Mulford, Sophia Munoz,Lexi Richmond, Em Simone, Marissa Sturkey, Brooke Tokar, Troy Waliszewski, Hannah Woodside, Charley York

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Behind the Scenes of

THREADâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PHOTOSHOOTS

Each X Other, 18

Bode, 20

SPRING

2019 VIDEOS

Jameela Jamil, 24

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Living Coral, 126

thread Visit us at our meetings Wednesdays at 9 p.m., Schoonover 450

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C A R EER A N D L E A D ER S H I P D E V ELO PM EN T C EN T ER

THE CAREER CLOSET OPEN 5 DAYS A WEEK | 5TH FLOOR OF BAKER

Put your best self forward at a career fair or in an interview by shopping the CLDC’s library of professional clothing HO U R S MONDAY 12- 3 • T UESDAY 12- 5 • W EDNESDAY 12- 3 • THURSDAY 12- 5 • FRIDAY 12- 3

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SEAMS From the runway to the streets, and everywhere in between, here are this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most sought-after trends.

PIECE OF YOU P. 54 WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 17

Runway Realway BY SHAINA DUBINSKIY PHOTOS BY LAUREN BRITT

Founded in 2012, the Parisian artisanal company Each x Other was created by Jenny Mannerheim and Ilan Delouis as a collaborative platform to fuse the creations and ideas of various European artists. The brand seeks to break societal expectations of fashion by mixing sleek, feminine silhouettes with crisp, masculine motifs that are inspired by the designers’ own experiences with European fashion. “Coco Chanel made trousers popular during the war, and jeans exploded on the runway in the ‘90s, so this idea of borrowing from the boys is definitely not new,” the designers explained in an interview for Nordstrom. “I think women like the idea that we share, we have a common wardrobe, a common identity. But then a woman can be feminine and a man can be masculine or a bit of both.” Inspired by the designers’ ideal of blending art and fashion, the Spring 2019 collection combines streamlined aesthetic items like the minimal blazers and and tailored trousers with feminine pieces like off-the-shoulder bodysuits, crisp shirt dresses, and 18 | THREAD

a rhinestone-covered catsuit. The collection aimed to look back at the ’70s for its high exposure of printed shapes and crisp cut garments, with pieces like the metallic navy striped pantsuit. This season, the designers also worked with experts in the crystal industry to incorporate lithotherapy, the practice of using the energy of crystals as a healing technique, by implementing semiprecious stones, such as howlite and malachite, into the garments in place of buttons. Each x Other’s Spring 2019 collection is the lovechild of art and fashion, blending the works of various European artists to create a line that is the perfect blend of sculpted tailoring and draped silhouette, which is a bright and flowy way to ring in the spring season.

Each x Other

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Bode 20 | THREAD

seams

BY HANNAH PRIDEMORE PHOTOS BY KATE MCCARTHY

Emily Adams Bode, founder of the menswear runway brand Bode, not only has a taste for vintage style, but also an affinity for vintage fabrics. Bode, launched in 2016, is credited with giving old textiles, like vintage shirts and pants to table cloths and towels, a new life in her collections. Adams Bode was born in Atlanta and relocated to New York City. The Spring 2019 collection is full of bright colors, and breezy fabrics. Classic checkered suits stood alongside yellow button-down shirts juxtaposed with plaid pants. Airy linens with simple patterns or symmetrical prints served as a neutral backdrop for bright printed pants and leather sandals. The whole line had a called for warmer and sunnier weather. Models made their way down the runway in loose fits, baggy silhouettes, and natural, untamed hair. The line was masculine with subtle hints of femininity, like sheer shirts and floral embroidery, that gave it a soft edge. Adams Bode made the Forbes 30 Under 30 for Art & Style in 2019, which is just the beginning of her accomplishments. She was also a runner-up for the Vogue/ CFDA Fashion Fund award, which was established in 2003

to help new American designers continue to find success in the fashion industry. Her designs and styles are influenced by artist Aaron Aujla, the co-owner of the New Yorkbased design studio, Green River Project. His own style can be described as Anglo-Canadian with Indian influences. Adams Bode told Vogue that her lines are “still largely focused on vintage textiles,” so it looks like her collections won’t be changing anytime soon. The collection includes rugby shorts and shirts, souvenir T-shirts, and pants made from repurposed from made by government-subsidized mills in India. Even though the pieces are a bit more masculine and definitely suited for warmer weather, Adams Bode managed to craft a versatile line of basics and statement pieces that can be styled year-round.

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Harry Syles 22 | THREAD

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CELEB STYLE Harry Styles has dropped his boy band persona and come into his own style, both with his music and his clothing. BY CHLOE RUFFENACH PHOTOS BY ALLISON HAAS

Harry Styles has been actively mixing up his style since his One Direction years. After spending time finding his voice through fashion, he now presents himself unapologetically in an array of colors and patterns. He’s notable for blurring lines between what is acceptable in men’s fashion. He is one of few to actively champion more feminine styles and has been known to wear women’s clothing on stage and on the red carpet. Styles hasn’t always been at the forefront of trendsetting, however. He began his career being styled to match his fellow bandmates in One Direction. But, as the band grew in popularity, the boys broke away from their clean-cut coordination and evolved into aesthetics of their own. Unfortunately for Styles, this resulted in several years of fashion limbo. But, just like the music he produced, his style evolved. Around 2015, he was suddenly wearing patterned suits, buttondowns, and jackets. It wasn’t until his 2018 solo tour that his influential personal

style was recognized by fans and critics. Whether it was a sheer sparkly shirt, a flowy purple blouse, or a floral-patterned suit, Styles kept his audience entertained with his clothing and his music. He spoke about love and equality to a crowd at a New York show, and waved rainbow Pride flags and Black Lives Matter flags on stage, choosing to further practice what he preaches: progression, acceptance, and love. And, as a co-chairman of the Met Gala and an ambassador for Gucci, he can now tackle these issues from the inside of the fashion industry, too.

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Jameela Jamil 24 | THREAD

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Jameela Jamil, one of the stars of NBC’s The Good Place, promotes body positivity and acceptance by calling out fat-shamers and working with brands who supprt women. BY MADELINE FINK PHOTOS BY NATALIE DUPRE

Jameela Jamil is an up-andcoming actress from England who got her big break on the NBC hit show The Good Place. Jamil plays a pretentious, stuckup socialite named Tahani who only cares about name dropping the celebrities she knows and being the best looking in the room. While Jameela and Tahani share their external beauty, they could not be more different. Jamil has quite a feminine style, often wearing bright colors and form-fitting gowns. She is much more than just the average, traditionally beautiful actress. She is also an activist for body positivity and women embracing their inner and outer beauty. She has slammed companies like Avon for fat-shaming, and she even has an Instagram account titled @i_weigh to show women that we are so much more than flesh and bones. Jameela wants women to know they have stories that deserve to be heard. Additionally, Jamil recently just became one of the new faces of Aerie, American Eagle’s athleisure and lingerie

brand. Aerie recently stopped retouching their photos and has cast models of all body types and shapes. While Jamil is a celebrity and could be dressed by any number of designers, or get made up by any makeup artist, she chose to buy a dress and do her own makeup for the Golden Globes in 2019. Although Jamil loves dressing up, she would much rather have someone pick apart her brain than ask her “Who are you wearing?”For Jamil, it’s much more important to promote body positivity than just designer brands.

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GRACE ROY Major:

What’s your favorite part about blogging?

What inspires you?

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How would you describe your blog?

What’s your favorite hobby?

blogger of the month

Winter Lookbook Has your makeup routine become uninspired this season? Check out Grace’s winter makeup lookbook for some serious eye looks that will help you get through the rest of the snow and cold. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for a night out or a day full of studying, Grace has a look for you.

Cabin Fever If you’re suffering from cabin fever or seasonal depression, check out some of the ways that Grace copes with a long winter season. Sometimes all it takes is a a hang out session with your best friends or a craft night to get your creativity flowing again.

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BACK

BY HANNAH PRIDEMO PHOTOS BY KATE MC

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TO THE

OOTS

ORE CCARTHY

he history of black and African hair has gone through many phases, but one staple style has always been braids. From cornrows, box braids, micro braids, tree braids, to twists of every kind, they have always been everpresent in black culture. African tribes like the Fulani and the Wodaabe of the Sahel Region and West Africa are known for parting their hair into multiple braids while leaving a section of hair at the crown of the head unbraided. Hair and its styling hold importance to them because it shows status, age, and family ties. Another important commonality between these two tribes is their use of hair beads, which are once again becoming a trend in Western culture. Used both decoratively and symbolically, beads have long since been a hair accessory in black culture. When slaves were taken to America, their heads were shaved, resulting in a rise in short styles and simple braids. During and after the Great Migration, black women were faced with the societal pressure to perm, straighten, and relax their hair. Beads went unseen until the late â&#x20AC;&#x2122;60s to early â&#x20AC;&#x2122;70s as a resurgence of black pride swept across the community. Natural styles, afros, and braids made a big comeback, and beads were once again a common hair accessory. Losing popularity during the WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 29

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’80s, beads returned in the ’90s and early 2000s as many kids and teens adopted the style. Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, creative Magnus Juliano has once again popularized hair beads with his oversized Louis Vuitton braids. Juliano’s 3D beads can be paired with a matching jumpsuit to complete the look that also contributes to the current trend of bold branding. His brand and ideas have gained traction as he’s been interviewed by Vogue, Paper Magazine, BET, and many more. His work can be found on his website, magnusjuliano. com, and his Instagram, @ magnusjuliano. Hair beads can be found at most stores that sell black hair products and can be styled in multiple ways. Wooden beads come in many shapes, but colors are limited. Plastic beads, on the other hand, come in multiple colors, sizes, and styles and are known to

make a bit less noise than their wooden counterparts. The most common way to style them is by beading the end of braids. It is not uncommon, though, for beads to be braided throughout the hair—a good example being Solange in her music video “Don’t Touch My Hair.” A longtime staple and current trend, hair beads are just one of many ways to accessorize braids and twists that also pay homage to black history.

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LISTEN U BY TOBI ADESOKAN PHOTOS BY ELLIOT MAGENHEIM

This new age of wearable technology has proven to be exciting because what better way to start living in the future than wearing it and listening to it? Apple’s Airpods are one popular example of this. Apple has been able to somehow convince us that a human’s final and truest form is the Apple Ranger—a person decked out in Apple tech from head to toe. They have mastered the art of slapping simplicity, convenience, and trend into one product. So, it is no surprise that Airpods have created such a buzz. Once the Airpods trend began, Apple users were more than eager to jump on. For some, it was a gauge for coolness: pop those bad boys in and nothing else matters— it is irrelevant whether or not music is pulsating through them. For others, it was the realization that headphone wires were one thing hindering them from a less stressful life. Airpods also looked like they were helping some people climb up a rung or two on the social ladder. Generational wealth? 32 | THREAD 32| THREAD

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Doesn’t matter. Bank balances? Irrelevant. When Airpods first launched, owning a pair meant forward thinking and a certain futuristic look. However, it seems as though people are now more concerned about staying on-trend rather than taking advantage of the Airpods’ actual functionality. Social media played no small role in preaching the gospel of Airpods. Far and wide, those who didn’t know were shown the light. With memes, GIFs, and general funny tweets, they were hard to miss. There were even memes that implied that God himself had Airpods, so how could you not? Everyone else apparently already owns a pair. Some memes even mocked people who still had wires attached to their headphones. The “class divide” sparked friendly competition on who could look the most fly: regular headphone users or the “elite” Airpods owners. Consequently, there were also memes that mocked Airpods. Pictures of people wearing them to the most outrageous places like clubs and churches swarmed the internet. The beauty of Airpods is in their versatility. They can be worn casually, professionally, or simply used as a cute addition to an Instagram flat lay. As long as they’re worn correctly, anyone can rock them with any kind of fit and benefit from their wire-free construction. 34 | THREAD

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CLEAN AND CONSCIOUS BY HANNAH ELLINGER PHOTOS BY ANSEL CROFT

Everyone prefers using products with easy-topronounce ingredients. This is why many people are choosing to switch to natural and clean beauty products. Consumers are becoming more informed about what ingredients are in products they use each day on their body, face, and hair. For this reason, the beauty industry is pushing the most successful brands to switch to natural and clean alternatives for their products. Many of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular brands include ingredients that can be harmful to consumers. Toxic chemicals like parabens, BHA, sodium lauryl sulfate, and other hard-to-pronounce additives are the main ingredients in many shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, perfumes, and popular makeup products.

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BHA is a chemical found in exfoliants, perfumes, and many makeup products. BHA is known for causing skin irritation ranging from minor to extremely severe. It can also cause skin depigmentation and, in some studies, was shown to create an imbalance in hormone levels. Although this may seem like a minor side effect, other chemicals like diethanolamine (DEA) and sodium lauryl sulfate have more sizable effects. Sodium lauryl sulfate is an ingredient commonly found in shampoo and conditioner, face wash, and toothpaste. It is used to “create bubbles” for a lathering effect. Sodium lauryl sulfate is also used in car wash soaps and industrial floor cleaners. It has been shown to cause canker sores and eye damage, and it’s a major contributor to acne around the mouth and chin. In some studies, sodium lauryl sulfate was even thought to have been a contributor to cancerous sores found on the skin. Going “clean” doesn’t just mean using natural and organic ingredients in your products, it also means becoming more sustainable and creating a smaller carbon footprint on earth. For some companies, this means not testing on animals or 38 | THREAD

creating recyclable and reusable packaging for their products. Becoming a clean company or brand can happen in many different ways, but it does not happen overnight. However, some brands are taking small steps to make their products clean and sustainable. High-end makeup brands like Too Faced, Kat Von D, and Urban Decay haven’t completely made the switch to all natural products, but they are clean brands in the sense that they don’t test on animals. Some more easily accessible makeup brands that don’t test on animals include NYX Cosmetics, Wet N Wild,

Milani, and e.l.f Cosmetics. Bite Beauty and PĂźr Cosmetics are two high-end brands that commit to using natural and organic ingredients in their products. Less expensive brands that use clean ingredients are Burtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bees, EcoTools, and Love Beauty and Planet. Lush Cosmetics has the best of both worlds: They create organic and clean products like shampoo bars, paraben-free lotions, and bath bombs. Lush includes clean ingredients in their products and does not test on animals. Consumers are making the choice to seek out brands

that use natural ingredients. With the surge of using clean and environmentally-friendly products becoming popular, there are more accessible brands to choose from when searching for products. Despite the growing number of brands including natural ingredients in their products, these items are typically more expensive compared to similar products. However, the more that consumers demand, the more available these types of products become. No matter how small, one change can make a large impact on the environment (and your skin). WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 39

COCONUT OIL & YLANG YLANG CONIDTIONER silicone-free, paraben-free, safe for colored hair, dye-free www.lovebeautyandplanet.com | $15.42

ASTROLOGY BY BITE AMUSE BOUCHE LIPSTICK VIRGO has lip-quenching nutrients, vitamins, no parabens, no sulfates, no phthalates www.bitebeauty.com | $26

BURT’S BEES CONCEALER 8 hour moistuization, conceals dark spots, no parabens, no phthalates, doesn’t cake or settle into fine lines www.burtsbees.com | $12.99

4-IN-1 PRESSED MINERAL MAKEUP FOUNDATION WITH SKINCARE INGREDIENTS gluten-free, provides nourishing hydration, lightens dark spots and uneven skin tones, vegan www.purcosmetics.com | $29.50

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G R E AT

LENGTHS BY GRACE ROY | PHOTOS BY KATE MCCARTHY

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he average makeup user spends about $15,000 on makeup products, tools, and skincare in a lifetime, and about a fifth of that is spent on eyelash products. Many makeup fanatics thrive for long, luscious eyelashes. What is it about longer, darker, and fuller lashes that drives us to spend so much money? Primarily, the eyelashes enhance the size and color of the face’s extremely important social tool: the eyes. Mascara, as common asit is, doesn’t always get the job done. To get that perfect, upturned, and full look, a person might have to use a lash curler, lash primer, and mascara. All of that adds up and takes time, especially when purchasing name-brand or higher quality products. There may be alternatives to save time and money, though. Lash extensions, tinting, and lifting/perming are all alternatives to achieving the desired glamorous look. Lash extensions last several weeks, they’re more lengthening than what mascara can attempt to achieve, and they can appear more natural. Lash lifting gives a natural curl to those with straighter lashes, and it’s still possible to wear mascara with a tint and a perm. With lifts and tints, there is much

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“WHAT IS IT ABOUT ... DARKER, AND FULLER LASHES THAT DRIVES US TO SPEND SO MUCH MONEY?” less maintenance. Retention for a lift and tint can last up to three months. Extensions may only last about three weeks due to potential and unavoidable fallout. The pros to lash extensions, perms, and tints are that you get a fuller, longer, and darker-looking lash without having to worry about the hassle of daily application. Despite looking extremely appealing, lash treatments like these involve lots of different chemicals. Crystal Giler, a senior at Ohio University, has been applying lash extensions for many people on campus. She mentioned that the glue is relatively harmless but “some clients will get an allergic reaction [to the glue], but that’s how the body responds to the chemicals initially.” It’s recommended that a person

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should let their lash professional know if they suffer from sensitive skin and a more sensitive glue may be used. Because the treatments can be pricey (ranging from $40 to $90), itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to be aware of the issues they may pose. Lash extensions are harder to maintain than a perm or a tint. The amount of caution it takes to avoid getting cleansers and water on them,

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trying not to sleep on them, and cleaning them can be a lot of hassle. On the flipside, extensions are customizable by shape, length and color. As with perming and tinting, lots of chemicals are being used around the eyes. These types of chemicals are not recommended for long term use by the FDA, but few people have experienced major negative effects

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from lash treatments. Since the tinting and perming of the ancient Egyptians to the first false lashes and extensions in the early nineteen-hundreds, the makeup industry is ever evolving. Remember that staying informed and making educated decisions in the beauty realm is important. No matter what is used to enhance lashes, with endless options itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

definitely possible to achieve any type of look. Whatever the final decision is, make sure to be prepared for the process, the price, and the maintenance. For a place to get lashes done on-campus, Giler can be found on Instagram with a variety of looks at @eyelashextensions.crystal.

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BY ANNA RAUSCH PHOTOS BY MAGGIE BOYLE

ove that floral dress to the back of the closet and reach for this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s must-have print: leopard. With leopard print stepping off of the runway and making its way into closets everywhere, this popular, eye-catching trend is impossible to ignore. The signature, spotted print of fierce felines has historically been used to signify power, independence, and confidence, dating back to the times of Egyptian pharaohs and Greek gods. Centuries later, drawing inspiration from these historic figuresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fascination with the print, Christian Dior is credited for the rebirth of leopard print on the runway in his debut womenswear WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 49

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Look” in February of 1947. In more recent decades, leopard print had its fair share of ups and downs. Originating with Vanity Fair’s collection of leopard print lingerie in the 1960s, it gained the reputation of a promiscuous and gaudy choice of dress for women. This negative stereotype of the print continued through decades of ‘80s rock stars and ‘90s punk teenagers, thus coining the print as grunge. The infamous print has turned a new leaf and is now this season’s staple in all walks of fashion. The print has adopted a new sophisticated image, thanks to high fashion designers such as Gucci, Prada, and Dolce and Gabbana flooding their fall and winter collections with it. It has spread from top designers and models such as Victoria Beckham, who showed off a leopard trench coat on the runway, to celebrities like Beyonce, who donned a leopard leotard at a performance. Aside from the top faces in the fashion industry being obsessed with the print, leopard can be essential for everyday wear.

Whether someone is looking to channel their inner Cheetah Girl or just wants to partake in the newest trend, leopard can be styled to enhance anyone’s closet. For a casual yet stylish spin on the trend, pair a relaxed solid tee with the recently Instagram famous Réalisation Par “Naomi midi skirt,” and a pair of sneakers. The plain tee and sneakers are great basic pieces to showcase the ever so feminine silk leopard print skirt. Variations of leopard outerwear pieces are another popular way to showcase the print. Faux fur leopard jackets such as TopShop’s “Zoey jacket” can turn a simple denim and tee combination into an entirely new outfit. For those who appreciate the print, but aren’t sure if the trend is right for them, leopard accessories are the go-to. Fast fashion brands such as H&M, Forever 21, and Zara are the perfect way to try out the popular print with leopard accessories such as silk scarfs, hats, and belts, without having to break out those credit cards. A simple Zara leopard silk scarf tied around a shoulder bag

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adds a subtle, yet posh, touch to a bland outfit. To sport the trend in another understated way, pair a neutral based outfit with a printed pair of shoes. A pair of Sam Edelman’s printed “Vinnie mules” add a sophisticated flair to an outfit, while a pair of leopard printed Zara booties can add a little spunk to an outfit. While the majority of trends, like low-rise jeans and Juicy Couture tube tops, tend to come and go (probably for the best), this iconic print is here to stay. From being worn by Egyptian royalty to ‘90s grunge enthusiasts to 2019 runway models, leopard has stuck around, and we are absolutely wild about it.

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PIECE OF

you BY TAYLOR DAHL PHOTOS BY KYLE DUERMIT

When someone takes a quick glimpse in the mirror, or someone else takes a quick look at them, what is the first thing their outfit says? For a lot of people, a graphic T-shirt might show an interest in a particular band or movie, or a designer bag might show off fashion prowess. However, when people look closer, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings might say a lot more about someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personality than flashy clothing. The key is in the details. The concept of personalized jewelry originated in the 1960s, when people started getting different names and dates engraved on intricate accessories. But, some historians believe that jewelry in ancient times had

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“AS A SOCIETY, WE’VE ALWAYS CRAVED A PERSONAL CONNECTION TO THE THINGS WE WEAR.” definitive purposes, and the wearers believed it may have given them powers. Toward the end of World War II, people’s taste in jewelry became more artistic and less simplistic. As a society, we’ve always craved a personal connection to the things we wear. Think about how children dig through endless displays of different keychains or water bottles at tacky beach shops just to find their names. For decades, family heirlooms, gifts, and special souvenirs from vacations or significant times in people’s lives have been worn or displayed simply because they mean something to the owner. If someone were to ask their mothers, grandmothers, fathers, grandfathers, or other relatives if they have a piece of jewelry that is really important to them, odds are they probably do. When layering jewelry became popular in the last few years, designers saw the opportunity to create high-quality pieces customized to the consumer’s liking. This is why personalized jewelry has really taken off. Not only are popular chains and chokers from brands like The 56 | THREAD

M Jewelers, Adina’s Jewels, or Shami Official trendy, but their customization abilities make them pieces that are worth investing in. These specific shops are worn by countless bloggers and influencers, but also celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Dua Lipa. These trending online shops specialize in religious-esque jewelry, name or initial-plated chokers and necklaces, and pieces that can have anything from an engraving of a year or date to a zodiac sign or symbol. These small, high-quality, and meaningful accessories are a great alternative to getting a tattoo. They can be worn everyday and carry significance, but ultimately they aren’t permanently attached to the body—perfect for those of us who fear that kind of commitment. Etsy has hundreds of independent online boutiques that specialize in custom jewelry and accessories. You can find any kind of item on the site. Indifferent to jewelry being 14 karat gold? Support a local artist by shopping online at places like Etsy or a local vintage store. After all, it’s more about what the jewelry means to you than how flashy it is.

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DIY

Crafting the most intricate of knick-knacks, working out the mind, body, and soul, and making the most delicious of treats.

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Picture This BY ANDREA ROBINSON | PHOTOS BY ANDREW GUIDARELLI

When looking at a photograph, memories from a can flood the brain. Instant-film photographs capture these candid moments. Unlike Instagram, these photos aren’t edited to perfection, they aren’t always in focus, and the lighting isn’t always right, but they are real illustrations of the moment. Instant-film seizes a split second and posts itself to a physical copy of the memory. Though Instax photos are small, collectively, they can tell a story. So, why not put your story in a frame?

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diy: craft it

YOU WILL NEED ◊ Fujifilm Instax camera ◊ Shadow box frame (or similar) ◊ Dual-sided foam ◊ Approximately 24 Instax mounting squares photos or two packs of ◊ Ruler Instax film ◊ Scissors ◊ Large cardstock paper ◊ Pencil

INSTRUCTIONS 1

Take photos of what makes you happy or the moments you want to hang on your wall.

Arrange the photos on the cardstock, measuring with ruler for accurate placement. Cut cardstock to fit frame if needed.

Place a dual-sided foam mounting square in place of each photo.

Stick each photo on its accommodating foam square.

After all the photos are on the cardstock, take the cardstock and put it in the frame.

Now that you’ve completed the Instax frame, you can hang it up, sit back, and admire all the moments you have captured. Yes, it was that simple and easy! Photos are the best at telling stories. Cherish your life and the people you love. Always take photos and treasure all the little moments that make up your story.

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ARTFUL ORGANIZATION BY EMILY BARBUS | PHOTOS BY TAYLOR DAHL

Keeping organized is a huge part of success in college, but what is the best way? Bullet journaling has been around for years, but the way people are using them has morphed over the years. Bullet journals can be anything: agendas, planners, diaries, sketchbooks, notebooks, mood trackers, and so much more. Want to get started on yours? It may look like a big task, turning a plain notebook into something to be used every day, but with certain steps, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be easy to use a bullet journal on a daily basis.

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FIND INSPIRATION The first thing you need is supplies. Pens or pencils and a notebook work just fine. Leuchtturm, Moleskine and Rhodia all make great bulleted notebooks of all sizes. The internet has endless material for inspiration. Find what you like best, especially techniques that are within your artistic capabilities. I have taken inspiration from Boho Berry and AmandaRachLee on Youtube. I also use pins from Pinterest for more artistic inspiration.

MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU The best way to make a bullet journal work is to make sure you’re making a journal that suits what you need. During school, I use my journal as a planner, daily journal, notepad for meetings, and a stress reliever. Since the pages are blank, anything is possible. The most popular spreads, which are two or more pages that go together, are daily agendas, monthly overviews, or other kinds of schedules. So it’s up to you what you want to include, and it’s up to you how far youwant to go when it comes to structure, color, drawings, and difficulty.

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KEEP IT UP! It’s really fun to create pages and spreads for the first few days, but the most important thing is to continue to update the journal. If the ideas you had initially become too complicated and time-consuming, take a few steps back and find an easier way of keeping up with it. It’s important to make the journal what you need it to be. It’s supposed to be a way for you to stay organized in life, in thought, and in emotion. As the creator said, bullet journaling is “the art of intentional living.” If you make the intentional effort to keep up with it, you’ll find an amazing way to maintain order in your life and get creative. 68 | THREAD

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FLORAL SPRITZ BY GRACE ROY | PHOTOS BY HANNAH RUHOFF

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No matter what season it is, face care is always in. Maintaining a healthy and stable routine can really benefit the skin’s youthfulness and assist in protection against breakouts and irritation. Rose is one of those universal skin-type products: it’s an anti-inflammatory, it balances the pH of the skin, it fights dullness and soothes irritation. No matter what skin type you have (oily, mixture/combination, dry) rose products can really improve the quality of your

natural beauty! We are all about rose masks, rose moisturizers, rose oils and rose toner. Toners are specifically used after facial cleansing and before using a moisturizer. They help remove excess oil, dirt, makeup, balance the skin’s pH, and close up pores before moisturizing. The best beauty products are the ones that you know work, are worth your money, and aren’t packed full of chemicals. This is all about do-it-yourself skincare: rosewater toner edition. WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 71

INGREDIENTS: • Rose water • Witch hazel

• Reusable bottle • Measuring cup

STEPS: 1. Collect your ingredients. Witch hazel and rose water can be found at most pharmacies and some supermarkets. Pharmacies will also have empty bottles which will store the final product. 2. If making homemade rose water seems more appealing than storebought rose water, start by using organic roses. Remove the petals and rinse. Next place about two cups of petals and two to three cups of water in a pot and simmer for about 30 minutes. Let the mixture cool. Strain roses from the water (petals can be thrown away at this point). 3. Using a funnel or measuring cup pour 1/4 cup of rose water and 1/4 cup witch hazel into a bottle. 4. Freeze any excess rose water for future use. You could even use it to nourish your scalp or add it to tea for a floral twist. 5. Apply the toner to the face before moisturizing skin in the morning and in the evening before bed for the most noticeable results. 72 | THREAD

Skincare has never been more appealing than it is when making a homemade product. Rose water, with all of its benefits, smells great and feels absolutely amazing on the skin. If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tried a toner or are looking for a cheaper alternative, this is it! It only takes a few minutes and it will totally change the game in your skincare routine.

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BY ERIN MCGINTY PHOTOS BY MACK WAGNER

CrossFit™ is a workout regime that focuses on high intensity training with various movements and activities from various sports like swimming, gymnastics, running, and Olympic weight lifting to name a few. Some common misconceptions about CrossFit™ are that in order to participate, one has to be of a certain fitness level, have awareness of movements and terms, and dedicate hours in the gym with

heavy weights and difficult workouts. However, what is great about the sport is that it can be modified depending on the environment or physical ability that an individual possesses. So, grab your workout shoes and a buddy, and try the workout below. If you enjoy it, be sure to check out the OU Fitness Club that meets every Saturday at 9 a.m. at Ping for more workouts.

THE WARM UP You want to make sure that your muscles are warmed up before physical activity. Try running, jogging, walking, or even jumping jacks for 2-3 minutes before working out. Mix in different active stretches and get creative! This will allow for an increase blood flow and oxygen to your muscles. Remember, exercises and stretching don’t have to be

complicated in order to be effective. The workout consists of completing, for time, air squats, jump rope, and push-ups in sets of 10-20-3040. For the first round, complete 10 air squats, 10 jump ropes, and 10 push-ups. Each round after will increase by ten; therefore, the second round will consist 20 reps, the third 30 reps, etc. WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 75

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STEP BY STEP SQUATS: Start with feet about hip-width apart with toes pointed slightly outward. Bend your knees and descend as though you are sitting in a chair; be mindful to keep your head and chest up, looking forward.

JUMP ROPE: Relax shoulders, keep arms tucked into your sides, and keep head up as you jump through the rope. **If you do not have a jump rope, substitute jumping jacks for the same amount of reps. **Challenge yourself: If single jumps are too easy, try double-unders with the same rep scheme (2 jumps for every one swing of the rope).

PUSH-UPS: REGULAR: Get into a plank position, ensuring your shoulders are over your wrists. Keep arms to your sides and legs together as you lower your body to the floor, keeping core tight. Push back up to the original plank to finish one rep. MODIFIED: Start on all fours with shoulders over your wrists. Keep arms to your sides and knees together as you lower your body to the floor, keeping core tight. Push back up to the starting position to finish one rep. Check out the Functional Fitness room located on the first floor of the Ping Recreation Center, where many free barbells, weights, and other equipment like the squat racks and workout rigs, which allow for variation in CrossFitâ&#x201E;˘ workouts of the day (WODs). WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 77

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AVENDER delights BY GRACE ZIEMKE PHOTOS BY ANDREW THOMPSON

What better way to embrace the warmer weather than with these lemon lavender scones? Tried and tasted, this breakfast delicacy is the ultimate way to celebrate the start of spring. The zing from the lemon and flowery essence of the lavender will keep your mood bright and light all season long. Try pairing it with a piping hot cup of tea for the ultimate Englishstyle breakfast.

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INGREDIENTS 1 lemon 1/2 cup almond milk, plus 1-2 tsp. 2 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour 1/2 cup organic cane sugar 1 tbsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1 tbsp food-grade lavender flavoring

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350Â°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Zest a small lemon and set aside. Cut the lemon in half and juice both sides. Set aside 1 teaspoon of juice for the glaze. Combine the rest of the juice with almond milk and set aside for 5-10 minutes. The almond milk will curdle, creating a dairy-free buttermilk.

1/2 cup coconut oil, solid

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, lavender, and lavender buds.

GLAZE

Add the coconut oil and combine it into the dry mixture. This can be done with a pastry cutter, a fork, or your fingers. Combine until the flour mixture is evenly crumbly.

In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, 1-2 teaspoons of almond milk, and the reserved lemon juice. Whisk until smooth.

Add lemon zest, curdled almond milk, and egg. Fold ingredients together until dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface, then sprinkle with enough flour to keep it from sticking. Roll out into a disc about 1 1/2 inches thick. Cut into eight triangular scones. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Drizzle the glaze over cooled scones and let harden. WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 81

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trawberry SPirits BY ANNE HERR | PHOTOS BY LEANNA SIUPINYS

The weather in Athens may be fluctuating wildly, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safe to say that spring is on its way. Along with the spring air comes the need for spring flavors, and nothing screams spring more than strawberries. The fresh season for strawberries hits its peak in mid-March and continues into late May. Spring is a great time to stock up on fresh fruits, and while there are many ways to preserve them for later months, none is more fun than using them to make infused alcohol.

Strawberry and basil make for a sweet and aromatic pair that work well in moscow mules, pies, and ice creams. Infusing vodka with fruit may seem daunting at first, but even though it is an involved process, its main ingredient is time. It takes a few days and a watchful eye, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a richly flavored product ready for mixed drinks, baking, or adding to your favorite dessert. All you need is a pint of strawberries, 4-5 basil leaves, a bottle of vodka, and a large, clean canning jar.

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DIRECTIONS 1

Cut the strawberries into medium-sized pieces and place in the jar. Between each handful of strawberries add a basil leaf, either whole or sliced in half. Continue until the strawberries reach about a half inch from the rim of the jar.

Pour in the vodka, leaving a small space by the rim to leave room for the fermentation process. Not leaving the space in the jar could cause it to burst due to the pressure of the gases that build up, so be extra cautious of this step!

Check on your mixture for the next few days. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Burpâ&#x20AC;? the jar by cracking the lid, then, closing it back up, making sure the lid is on as tight as possible. Shake the jar twice a day until the mix smells strongly of strawberry and the fruit has lost its color.

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Strain the mixture into another jar through a colander, cheesecloth, or sieve to remove the fruit and basil leaves. Store away from light and avoid areas with extreme temperature shifts.

Your strawberry vodka will last for a year if kept in ideal conditions, but it may not last that long with the number of uses you can find for it! Try it in a martini, mixed with fresh lemonade, or on its own and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re destined to be the hit of any party you bring this concoction to.

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WHO, WHAT, WEAR A glance into some of Athensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; most captivating people, places, and events.

ATHENS AMPLIFIED P. 94

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ATHENS JUNK BY COLLEEN HOWARD PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ATHENS JUNK

In the close-knit town of Athens, Ohio, the importance of culture and sustainability are just a couple of threads that weave the community together. And at the intersection of these values, a subculture of “thrifters” is born from the bricks. One company is working to bring that subculture, the culturally-infused fashion they desire, at the price they can afford, and with the added perk of sustainability serving as the cherry on top. This locally-owned business is Athens Junk. Although, copartners, Kate Renner and Tim Peacock, ensure that they’re name is not synonymous with their products. And they’re not an average antique mall booth, either. As Co-Owner Renner says, Athens Junk was originally Peacock’s brain child to sell anything he saw as collectable, which has transformed into a rapidly growing success. They’re original booth has 88 | THREAD

doubled in size with the hopes of expanding the business’s brand further in the future. Renner says that an interactive expansion would include styling individual customers and lending a voice to the community on more serious topics like, disordered eating, discrimination, and body positivity through local outreach. So, in addition to safer practices for the planet, social issues are something that Athens Junk’s co-partners hope to one day contribute to the community’s conversation on a larger platform. When it comes to Athens Junk, as Renner says, “I’m trying to build a community and get to know the customer.” And for her, that goes beyond the collectable. So, what exactly do they sell? From unisex clothing, popular 90s gear, and funk records to their “weirdo” record section, which even includes an obscure Muppets record. As Renner says with the revival of 90s fashion,

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“everyone looks like they’re from TLC” and so there’s been an increase in competition for those trending items. Finding these secondhand gems is hard, busy work, according to Renner, but she loves it and doesn’t see herself ever getting sick of the thrill of thrifting. Some of her recent curated picks can be found at Athens Junk, and Athens Underground in Uptown Athens, as well. Although, Athens Junk is working to revive the art of thrifting, it certainly isn’t a new concept. In the late 19th century during America’s largest wave of 90 | THREAD

immigration, as cities expanded, and populations increased so did the amount of waste that accrued as a result, according to a 2018 Time article on the history of thrifting. Therefore, the art of secondhand fashion was born. Throughout history, the stigma of secondhand clothing and accessories never faded entirely but in this day and age has regained some ground with younger audiences who seek out the vintage look backed by authenticity. The resurgence of thrifting has greatly impacted society. Thrifting clothes is no longer seen as a necessity but as

an alternative way of shopping for high-end items at low costs. This revival of thrifters is, arguably attributed to the rise of the Nasty Gal brand in 2012, developed by self-made millionaire, Sophia Amoruso. She began searching through thrift stores for high-end garments and reselling them for profit. The truth is that thrifting is a significant money maker for businesses with the added perk of environmentally-friendly practices of upcycling. Because why shouldn’t fashion be adventurous, inexpensive, and sustainable? “While there are some brands that I think are becoming way

more conscious of their footprint and have started using materials that are recyclable… my thoughts with sustainability all rely on not buying new,” Renner says. “Giving life to old things that were either going to be thrown away or just left in a basement.” Renner continued, it’s about. “giving breath to the old.” Plus, what retailers are selling for $50, she’s willing to sell for $15. While, they aren’t the only shop in town catering to the needs of the “thrifter,” they are definitely one to watch. They’re stylish, upcycled clothing paired with the down-to-earth philosophy WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 91

of the owners are the perfect match when it comes to meeting the needs of their customers. All of which are typically, local shoppers, and reinforce the importance of giving back to the community. Renner encourages people, specifically models, to get involved with Athens Junk because any way she can involve the community further is rewarding for their brand. It’s easy to fall into the constraints of fast fashion,

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because the bargain is there. But the truth is, that the harmful practices of the fast fashion industry attribute to so much of the waste on this planet. So, keeping it local with a company like Athens Junk, not only serves the community but reduces the impact on our planet. “And why would you shop online and [cis] from somebody you don’t know, why don’t you come to Athens Junk and buy the same product… sourced locally,” Renner says.

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ATHENS AMPLIFIED BY BAILEY FINK PHOTOS BY MEAGAN DEANNE

Open mic nights around Athens are the perfect place to not only support local businesses, but to support the students who perform. An open stage and a free microphone offer a space for musicians and performers to be creative without fear of criticism or the need for perfection. Athens has multiple locations that host open mic nights, each with its own unique atmosphere. Donkey Coffee and Espresso, West End Cider House, Casa Nueva, Smiling Skull Saloon, and The Front Room Coffeehouse 94 | THREAD 94| THREAD

all offer an open stage for performers to explore. Trevor Tisdale, a senior at Ohio University, is a regular at both Casa and Donkey’s open mic nights. Tisdale attests to the fact that the atmosphere is different at each location. He often changes his sets for performances Wednesday night at Casa to Thursday night at Donkey. “At Donkey, it’s a lot more fingerpicking stuff that I will attempt to do,” Tisdale says. “You can show everybody your skill because everybody is really sitting there and watching and

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listening. [At Casa] I do a lot of Grateful Dead covers … early rock n’ roll, like psychedelic rock, and stuff like that.” While most of the open mic nights are laid back and mellow, open mic at Casa can be more upbeat and eccentric. Seth Foerstner, a senior and frequenter of Casa’s open mic night, recalls nights where he and his friends got on stage and had the whole bar dancing. Foerstner describes nights with a big audience as more “like a regular music show.” “It can be that kind of vibe, or it can be like sitting around quietly watching an open mic vibe. That’s kind of one of the reasons why I like it,” Foerstner says. Open mic is known for being a low-pressure environment for performers to showcase their talents. Tisdale describes the audience’s reception as “either neutral or very positive.” “Probably the worst price you have to pay as an open mic performer is indifference,” Foerstner says. “But overall it’s good [reception] I think.”

Casa has become one of the more popular open mic nights around Athens because it offers a variety of acts. The night consists of soloists, rappers, bands, poetry, and more, creating a mix of different genres for everyone to enjoy. One open mic alum, Knox Morris, went on to audition for American Idol and signed a record deal with Zodlounge Music in Nashville, according to The Post. Lately, open mic nights have been quiet compared to those in years past. Performers, like Foerstner, would like to let everyone know that it is never too late to start going to support local open mic nights. “Maybe it’s just me being a bitter senior, but I just hope that people still realize that Wednesdays at Casa is a really important night in Athens,” Foerstner says.

“OPEN MIC OFFERS A SPACE FOR PERFORMERS TO BE CREATIVE WITHOUT FEAR OF CRITICISM.”

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Open mic nights are held at the Cider House on Mondays at 7 p.m., Casa on Wednesdays at 9 p.m., Donkey on Thursdays at 8 p.m., and Front Room on Fridays at 8 p.m.

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BLOWING SMOKE BY ALAYNA HUTCHINSON PHOTOS BY NATALIE DUPRE & PROVIDED

Whether walking through College Green on a Tuesday or down Court Street on a Friday night, you’re likely to see at least a Juul or two. It seems Juuls have become the latest obsession among Ohio University students in the past year. According to Corey Boggs, an employee at Athen’s Silver Serpent Exotic, an Athens vape shop, they sell over 500 Juul pods a week—specifically mint, one of the most popular flavors. The rise of this e-cigarette resembling a flash drive began in late 2017 and has continued to become widespread in the United States, with over $1 billion in sales in 2018. The official Juul website claims the device was developed as a “satisfying alternative” to cigarettes for adult smokers.

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If by “adult smokers” they specifically meant college students, then they’ve hit it out of the park. In the past two years, the Juul has permeated college culture, becoming just as associated with university social life as greek letters and beer bongs. And what do college kids love more than Juuling? Posting about it. Social media has played a huge part in this fad. Popular college Twitter and Instagram accounts like @5thyear are saturated with Juul-related posts submitted by college students all over the country, from a woman smoking it through her nostril, to a man with the Juul logo tattooed on his lower abdomen. It’s almost starting to appear as a movement, with hashtags like “#juulnation”

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trending across social media. There are other versions of e-cigarettes and vapes like Blu eCigs, so what is it about the Juul that has caught on with young people in places like Ohio University? Most students seem to agree: It’s trendy and convenient. The sleek, modern appearance makes Juuls attractive to young adults and also makes it subtle to use. College kids can discreetly take a hit of a Juul between classes or easily pass it around during a night out with friends. There are also a large variety of flavor pods, from mint to crème brulee. Then there’s the addictive

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aspect. With 59 milligrams of nicotine, it’s hard to kick the habit once started. Many students say they tried it because their friends were doing it. “I think it starts as a social thing, and then people get addicted,” said Alyssa Gormley, a freshman studying strategic communication. Marketing can also be credited for Juul’s overwhelming success among college kids. Colorful Juul ads are spread across social media featuring young people in trendy outfits dancing and holding, smoking, and sharing the device. Aside from social media, Juul also

promoted their product by sponsoring events geared toward the demographic, like music festivals. It’s no surprise that this trend has caught on so heavily with Bobcats being that Ohio University has a thriving social scene, much of which involves party and festival culture. With the growing popularity has come quite a bit of controversy. The company has received significant backlash from the public health community, which is concerned that Juuls are causing a nicotine addiction in non-smoking teens and

young adults. Even the FDA has intervened, banning the sale of certain pod flavors that appeal to a younger crowd, like the highly-coveted mango pods. Juul has even made an effort to take down posts of young people using their products. Will these crack downs lead to the end of the Juul era at Ohio University and campuses nationwide? If so, it doesn’t appear to be anytime soon. With Fest Season around the corner, you’ll be sure to see Juuls in the hands of partygoers just like you’ll be sure to hear “Mo Bamba.”

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FULLM contr We gave our makeup artists total freedom for this photoshoot. The results? Color-packed, daring looks that are impossible to ignore. PHOTOS BY LEANNA SIUPINYS | MAKE UP BY CHLOE CHALLACOMBE & GRACE ROY

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RETOUCHED REALITY As spring air begins to traipse through Athens, we melt into the warmer weather like the clearing snow. PHOTOS BY RILEY PERONE | ILLUSTRATIONS BY JARED ROBB

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LIVING CORAL Celebrate Pantoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2019 Color of the Year, Living Coral, as the vibrant shade teases us with hints of warmer days to come. PHOTOS BY EMILY BARBUS

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Rundown Runway Sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better to be overdressed. Just make sure to keep the mud off your clothes. PHOTOS BY MATTHEW JONES

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ix l sDRESSIN

YOUR DRE

Tired of the same-old, same-old work ou room to show your personal style, even if

PHOTOS BY KA

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looks

NG FOR EAM JOB

utfit? We curated six looks that give you you have an office dress code to follow.

AILEE RICHEY

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CAMPUS CASUAL

Light-hearted reads for the quiz-taking, listicle reading, horoscope believinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; spirit in all of us.

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SPRING

HOROSCOPES BY MARIE CHAILOSKY

PISCES FEB 20 - MAR 20 You are coming off of a rocky January, Pisces, and I’m here to tell you that February might not be any different, sorry! You’re encouraged to break the mold and stand your ground against adversity. If you have a group project to work on this month, assert your ideas and don’t let anyone take advantage of you. You got this, Pisces!

ARIES MAR 21 - APR 20 Your ruling planet, Mars, is feeling bold this month, Aries. As it rears up, you might find yourself in some arguments, but be patient, it’ll all stable out towards the beginning of March. However, there are exciting things happening to your career prospects and schooling, so don’t try to lose your temper too much. Just focus on what really matters this month!

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ILLUSTRATIONS EMMA QUINN

Can you feel that, Threadie? That slightly warmer breeze and bright sky are telling us that winter is finally in our rearview mirror. No more polar vortexes and “walking like a penguin” because spring is on the way in! What does that mean for you as you navigate new relationships and a new semester of classes? Well, I’ll read the stars for you and leave the rest of the spring preparations up to you!

THIS MONTH’S SIGN

AQUARIUS

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! JAN 21 - FEB19 You’re a year older and... wiser? Who knows! There’s a new moon in Aquarius this month which means you might feel an intense urge to reinvent yourself. Clothes, hair...work ethic? It’s all up for improvement! Don’t fight the urge, go with it and become the best Aquarius you can be. New moon, who dis?

TAURUS APR 21 - MAY 21 You are at your wits end with an ongoing tension that has been going on for far too long. This month, though, I urge you to take a deep breath and try to just let it go. You will be better off when you shed your past and move on with your future. With the new moon in Aquarius, you’ll be reaping rewards in your career and school, so February will be a month of new beginnings and great payoff!

GEMINI MAY 22 - JUN 21 Oh, Gemini, you are feeling experimental this month! Venus and Uranus are collaborating well in your sign so your creativity and confidence will be growing with each day of the month. Traveling, a new relationship, and a new project are all in your future. I’m so excited for you! Try your hand at networking.

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CANCER JUN 22 - JUL 22 Money, money, money. That’s gonna be the focus of this month for you, Cancer. You better learn how to budget or else you might find yourself in some hot water. However, your communication and relationship building skills are going to be at an all time high. Go to a party where you don’t know many people and try your hand at making some new friends, I think you’ll surprise yourself!

LEO JUL 23 - AUG 22 You have got a busy month ahead of you, Leo. Project deadlines are coming up, and you suddenly have found your social calendar revving up too. Find the power to say “no” sometimes and take a night for yourself: you’re gonna need it. Watch out for short tempers, though! Mars and Uranus are squaring up with each other in your house, so maybe practicing deep breathing will do you well!

VIRGO AUG 23 - SEP 23 Keep repeating this to yourself this month: change is a good thing. Make it your mantra. As much as you love your healthy habits and routine, you actually are going to enjoy shaking things up as the new moon emerges. Try and push yourself out of your comfort zone as much as possible because you’re going to land on your feet no matter what.

LIBRA SEP 24 - OCT 23 You are entering a very creative month, Libra. You are going to be so proud of your art and passions. It’s also going to be a very flirty time for you because Venus, your ruling planet, is connecting with Uranus! How exciting. Plan something fun and adventurous with a significant other, and don’t get shy about sharing your feelings...it’ll all pay off!

SCORPIO OCT 24 - NOV 22 Communicating your feelings might be hard for you this month, Scorpio. Especially when it comes to your home life, you might need to plan what you want to say ahead of time to avoid misunderstanding. However, you’re going to do well financially. Whether you pick up that tricky budgeting skill, or you get good news about a summer gig, you’re going to be just fine.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 21 Woah, Sagittarius, your patience levels are slim to none this month. You are ready to just cut ties and move on with whatever is holding you back. And honestly, that might not be the worst move. Try to think more logically than you are now (imagine what your most rational friend will tell you.) Either way, you’re turning a new corner this month with the new moon.

CAPRICORN

You might feel all out of sorts this month, Capricorn, but try to DEC 22 - JAN 20 stay grounded with your roots. Capricorns are all about building – relationships, empires, etc. – and you are in the mood to knock everything down and start over. Don’t. As the sun connects with Uranus in your sign, try to keep yourself level-headed because things can only go up from here.

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Which Grammy Nominated Song Are You? BY SARAH TODAK | ILLUSTRATIONS BY ASHLEY MOREMAN

With the 61st annual Grammy Awards in the rearview mirror, everyone canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop talking about what these celebrities were wearing. In the spirit of music and fashion, which song do you think matches your personal style? Take this quiz to find out what Grammy nominated song you are most like! 1. You are invited to a Grammys viewing party, what are you wearing? a. brightly patterned crop top and matching flowy pants b. neutral turtleneck and a highwaisted jean skirt c. silk rose-gold dress with tan knee-high boots d. red strapless pantsuit with black heels 2. You would never leave the house without which accessory? a. Your favorite patterned headband b. One of your trustee fanny packs c. An extravagant choker d. Your favorite pair of hoop earrings 3. You win a $1,000 dollar shopping spree, where are you going? a. Pretty Little Thing b. Zara c. Forever 21 d. H&M

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4. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a new pair of shoes to prepare for the spring season, what are you buying? a. Colorful sandals b. Combat boots c. Gladiator heels d. White chunky sneakers 5. What jacket are you wearing on the chilly days? a. Cropped puff jacket b. Plaid trench coat c. Faux-fur coat d. Leather jacket 6. You are finishing up your makeup before a night out, what lipstick are you wearing? a. Matte, bright pink b. A pinky-nude c. Glossy mauve d. Bold red 7. What bag is your go-to for everyday? a. Bright, color-block tote b. Navy messenger bag c. Chanel cross-body d. Black suede backpack purse

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Mostly A’s I Like It - Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin Your fashion sense is just as fun and lively as Cardi B! You never shy away from bright colors or patterns, making a statement every time you enter a room. You prefer loose and breezy fits to tight ones and you probably wear one too many bracelets. You are currently waiting for Spring break so you can show off your beach threads and perfected dance movies. You’re the life of the party just like “I Like It!”

Mostly B’s In My Blood - Shawn Mendes Your fashion sense is more neutral, like Shawn Mendes. However, you are the most fashionable of all your friends. You prefer nudes and greys to bright colors, but each clothing piece is a statement itself. Some might describe you as hipster but you’re just extremely fond of contemporary styles. You would never step out not looking polished, but you also don’t have to try that hard with your minimalistic approach. You have the best music taste and can create meaningful poetry similar to “In My Blood!”

Mostly C’s God is a Woman - Ariana Grande Your fashion sense is just as boujee and glamorous as Ariana Grande! The taller and shinier you look, the better! You try to get your hands on discounted high-end brands but still rock your $35 thigh-high boots with no problem. Attention is always on you when you enter a room, and you welcome it. You prefer to be overdressed rather than underdressed and never step out without looking perfect head to toe. Much like “God is a Woman,” your friends see you as goddess.

Mostly D’s All the Stars - Kendrick Lamar & SZA Your fashion sense is classy and on trend! Just like Kendrick and Sza, you know how to dress perfectly with ease. Accessories of gold and silver are a must! You wear bold colors or lots of black, there’s no in between. You’d never be seen without the cleanest ‘fit: even your streetwear is more put together than everyone else. Like the song “All the Stars,” your outfit shines brighter than the night sky and you know it with confidence! WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 163

closet CLEAROUT BY KATIE PITTMAN | PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

As college students, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all strapped for cash. It can be hard to cut corners, and often, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult to juggle multiple jobs on top of schoolwork, extracurriculars, and at least a somewhat-social life. Extra money never hurts, especially when you can use an app to help you earn it. When it comes to getting rid of clothes or accessories that are no longer used, marketplace apps and clothing swaps can help you earn a buck or trade for something new and make some extra space in your cramped closet.

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POSHMARK Started as a marketplace for people looking to get rid of clothing, handbags, and shoes, Poshmark allows you to market and share items you’re looking to sell. Pieces vary from neverworn items to vintage handbags, allowing for a huge variety of buyers and sellers. The app’s interface is easy to use, and it allows you to upload pictures of the item you’re selling, along with a short description of it. After selecting the brand, size, and color, simply hit the “list” button to put your item on the market. Another plus? Poshmark supplies sellers with pre-paid shipping labels, meaning no hassle at the post office. DEPOP For those more interested in selling clothing and decor items, Depop may be more practical. Like Poshmark, Depop allows sellers to share photos and short descriptions of items. Unlike Poshmark though, you can direct message sellers with any questions you may have about an item or shipping. On this app, you can also pick what kind of shipping method you want to use (like a pre-paid label or going to the post office to pay instead). Depop is also an international marketplace, meaning you can buy and sell items all over the world, ultimately giving you more people to sell your items to.

TIPS FOR SELLING ONLINE

Take multiple, clear pictures.

1 2 3 4

Find good lighting. Dark photos don’t show what you’re selling.

For clothing, try to model items.

Give specific info about the items you’re selling. Does it have any damage? Small stains? Be honest.

Be willing to negotiate. It’s hard to set your own prices, and not everyone is going to agree with you.

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INSTAGRAM It may seem obvious, but you can also share your closet on Instagram! Whether you choose to use stories or make a new account, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sure to find friends or others who are interested in your clothes and accessories. Instagram is an easy and familiar way to start selling items, but it does require a little more planning if you have to ship items. THREAD CLOTHING SWAPS If you are looking to get some new digs and make some space in your closet, clothing swaps are an amazing option. Not only does it give you the opportunity to declutter your wardrobe, but you can also add a fun piece or two for next to nothing. We host clothing swaps on an almost monthly basis, allowing for our Threadies to get rid of unwanted clothing and accessories and pick up something new! DONATION For items that are too worn out to sell, consider donating them. Of course, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to donate items that are unusable, but some items (like shoes or decor items) are harder to sell online. Throwing these items away is a huge waste, both in terms of it going in the landfill and losing a second chance at life. Donating to secondhand shops or stores like Goodwill give others the opportunity to use your items, keeping them out of the landfill. 166 | THREAD

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BACK OF THE CLOSET An in-depth look at todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most buzz-worthy topics.

SECOND CHANCES P. 200

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Bloody Truth Half of America’s population uses menstrual products every month, but there is hardly any research done about what goes into them. The little we know about menstrual products doesn’t paint a pretty picture, for women—or the environment. BY PURVA INDULKAR | PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

Once upon a time, the technology of feminine hygiene products was harmful; women used vaginal cones filled with picric acid. This acid is so explosive it was an ingredient in artillery shells during World War I. Another questionable ingredient in period products used to be sodium borate, something found in laundry detergents. The subject of menstruation has been taboo. In the book, Capitalizing on the Curse: The Business of Menstruation, author Elizabeth Arveda Kissling explains, “one must keep menstruation concealed, to present one’s carefully constructed front 170 | THREAD

of femininity from becoming damaged by the taint of menstrual pollution.” This led to a need among half of the world’s population to use products that dealt with a health issue they experienced monthly. The stigma gave birth to an industry that took advantage of social taboos surrounding menstruation to increase profits. Recently, people have become more mindful of things they consume, especially food. There have been active, cautious efforts to learn how food is produced, what chemicals go into the manufacturing process, and

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how they can affect our bodies. The chemicals in food can be harmful, but the human body is filled with enzymes, like ones in saliva and the stomach that help break down and flush out harmful ingredients. But when something harmful touches our tissues, it is absorbed into the bloodstream. These chemicals can accumulate over time, since enzymes are not equipped enough to break them down. That means there is harmful, chemical juice swirling around our delicate organs—with no way to remove it. Most American people who menstruate use tampons on a monthly basis. Throughout a lifetime, this costs about $1,774, according to Huffington Post. Many people also use other products during their periods li sanitary pads. While these products are being used at such a high quantity, they are also labeled as “medical devices” by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means manufacturers are under no obligation to

disclose what ingredients are added to menstrual products. Based on the little research out there, somewhere inside these products might be synthetic fibers and ingredients derived from petrochemicals. Another common component of these is dioxins, something that the World Health Organization describes as “highly toxic” and a “known human carcinogen.” Conventional sanitary pads might contain about four bags worth of plastic according to Huffington Post. Chemicals involved in plasticizing, like BPA and BPS, disrupt the —LOLA development of embryos. They can also contribute to heart disease and cancer. Paper tampon applicators have a smooth finish because of phthalates on its exterior, which can dysregulate gene expression. DEHP, a kind of phthalate, may even lead to organ damage. Using products made with synthetics and plastics in the vaginal area can also trap heat and dampness, this means the space between a person’s legs is the

“WOMEN SHOULDN’T HAVE TO COMPROMISE WHEN IT COMES TO THE PRODUCTS AND INFORMATION THEY NEED FOR THEIR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH.”

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perfect breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. Crude oil plastics are only one of the many harmful ingredients present in most sanitary products. While it is necessary to question what ingredients go into menstrual products, it’s also important to learn how those ingredients are manufactured. In the United States, close to $2 billion is spent on pesticides to spray on cotton, which inevitably ends up in menstrual products. Ninety-four percent of the cotton grown in the United States is geneticallyengineered, so most conventional tampons are packed with genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). The vaginal wall is easily penetrable, giving pesticide residue and GMO proteins entry into the bloodstream. Tampons

claiming to neutralize the natural odor of the body, or worse, fragrant varieties, are the biggest culprits. They’re laced with artificial colors, polyester, adhesives, polyethylene (PET), polypropylene, and polypropylene glycol (PEG). All these complicated names point to the same health problems— cancer and infertility. Advertisers often brag about the “white, clean, fresh” look of products on the packaging. To achieve this, products are often bleached with chlorine that can create toxic dioxin that gets collected in fatty tissues. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dioxins are such a serious threat to public health, no level of exposure is considered “safe.” This might be because multiple reports have WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 173

shown that even traces of dioxins can be linked to abnormal tissue growth, especially in the abdomen, thus affecting reproductive organs, causing abnormal cell growth in the entire body, suppressing the immune system, and disrupting the hormonal and endocrine systems. Another infamous risk is toxic shock syndrome. The FDA staunchly maintains that there are no health risks linked to dioxins in tampons because “the available scientific evidence” does not support these claims. But, this belief is rooted in the lack of research. It’s tough to predict how common toxic shock and other healthrelated risks stem from tampons because menstrual products have received little to no attention from the scientific community. “We have these societal stigmas about menstruation that stifle discussion and investigation,” says Christina Bobel, president of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research, in a 2019 interview with TIME. A decade ago, Carolyn Maloney, a House Representative, introduced legislation concerning menstrual products. It would require researching the potential health risks with a focus on links to cervical, ovarian, and breast cancer. The legislation didn’t pass. That’s alarming considering that harmful hygiene products are not just a health issue, but also an environmental issue. Pads, 174 | THREAD

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tampons, and their packaging aren’t exactly recyclable. Estimations say that every year, 45 billion products related to periods are thrown in the garbage. Since some people dispose of tampons by flushing them, they also end up in sewer systems and waterways. In 2015, the Ocean Conservancy collected 27,938 tampons and applicators from beaches—in a single day. Putting them in the trash also doesn’t help. A study found that since plastic applicators are made of low-density polyethylene, they take more than a century to biodegrade. Scientists from Harvard University have estimated that a year’s worth of period products leaves a massive carbon footprint, close to 5.3 kilograms CO2 equivalents. While having an eco-friendly period is not something large conglomerates have made a priority, many smaller businesses are manufacturing hygiene products that cause minimal damage to the environment. Menstrual cups (once you get past the “yucky” feeling) are made with reusable silicone using sustainable procedures. It’s possible to make a cup last for two to four years. Not only is this option better for the environment and our health, it’s also significantly more affordable. Biodegradable miniature bags are also available to help dispose of tampons, so they don’t end up in waterways or spend an eternity in

landfills. There are several options available, so people can make more thoughtful decisions about consumption that affects their bodies and the environment. For instance, tampons by the brand Lola are 100 percent organic and the cardboard used in the packaging is recyclable. This company, founded by two women, understands the needs of their customers. According to their press kit, “Women shouldn’t have to compromise when it comes to the products and information they need for their reproductive health.” Over the last few years, there have been sustained efforts by various grassroots organizations to bring about more transparency regarding menstruation. Environmentalist groups, who hate the impact of period products on landfills, are filing petitions. Consumer-rights advocates are attempting to bring attention to possible health risks that come with using conventional menstrual products. Feminists concerned with health and human rights are promoting body literacy to encourage open conversation about menstruation. Now all that’s left to do is pass legislation urging Congress to pass stricter laws concerning menstrual products. But looking at the history of how menstrual reform has been ignored in the United States, that might take a while. WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 175

BLACKFISH BY BAILEY FINK | PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

In November 2018, Teen Vogue published a story about white social media influencers accused of using makeup or tanning methods to appear as a person of color by wearing their hair in traditionally black hairstyles or getting body enhancements to acquire features commonly associated with black women. This social media problem is known as “blackfishing.” The term “blackfishing” began when Twitter user Deja, @yeahboutella, tweeted a screenshot of a message she received about Instagram influencer Emma Hallberg. According to Teen Vogue, the message explained that Hallberg, who Deja believed to be black, was actually a white woman from Sweden. Afterward, Hallberg posted an Instagram story defending herself that says, “I’ve been accused of doing frequent spray tans, taking melatonin [sic], getting hair perms and lip injections and many more. When I haven’t done anything of the above.” Following Deja’s tweet, freelancer Wanna Thompson, @wannasworld, started a Twitter thread that quickly went viral, asking other users to post photos of “white girls cosplaying as black women on Instagram.” In the thread, users responded with thousands of comments featuring 176 | THREAD

HING

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The social media phenomenon known as “blackfishing” occurs when white women change their features with makeup to “cosplay” women of color.

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side-by-side images of women accused of blackfishing. “I feel like white girls benefit from stealing looks and styles from black women all the time,” Thompson said to Teen Vogue. “I just noticed that they like to dip their foot into the pond without fully getting themselves wet, and it’s like just enough to hang on to some sort of racial ambiguity without fully dealing with the consequences of blackness.” 178 | THREAD

Twitter users defended Hallberg’s actions and the other women pictured in the thread. User @nMxHyGDxJhiYtRQ said, “Yeah catfishing ain’t the best thing in the world and taking the tanning to an extreme also ain’t great but in all honesty I don’t see the big deal in all this like god forbid some of these girls don’t want to be as pale as casper the f**king ghost. Let them live, there I said it.”

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Other users explained the problem further in their responses. @fadumishh, said, “She never ONCE denied it! The problem is that a white, Swedish girl is profiting while appropriating black features, and that’s problematic in its sense, because people love black culture but not black ppl.” The thread included pictures of influencers and celebrities including Ariana Grande, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, and YouTuber Mika Francis, all of whom are accused of blackfishing. “These women are actually making money off of doing [it] so, that’s really problematic because… it’s taking away funds from, you know, actual women of color,” says Dr. Stephanie Tikkanen, a communication studies professor at Ohio University. Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner have been accused of cultural appropriation after Kardashian wore Fulani braids, a traditional African hairstyle, to the MTV Movie Awards. Jenner has been accused of getting lip injections to make her lips appear fuller, a common trait associated with black women. According to BBC, many critics believe “the Kardashian effect,” the normalization of surgically enhancing one’s body, has created a rise in young women seeking cosmetic treatment. Dr. Akil Houston, an African American studies professor at Ohio University, says, “It’s sort of

this idea that we can play in the reality of ‘the other,’ but then we can always retreat back to who we are. So I just think this is a digital version of that phenomenon.” As her fame has grown, especially with the release of her “7 Rings” music video, Ariana Grande received accusations of blackfishing and appropriating hip-hop culture on Twitter. Photos from her previous red carpet appearances, where Grande appears paler, resurfaced for comparison. Additionally, Soulja Boy and Princess Nokia released videos claiming Grande stole their hip-hop flow in her latest single, “7 Rings.” She is also being accused of profiting off of 2 Chainz’s pink trap house iconography. When controversies like blackfishing occur, social media creates a forum for public shaming. Users are able to call out controversial moments and make an example of celebrities or influencers on a large platform. “While I don’t necessarily endorse public shaming of any one individual,” Tikkanen says, “it is also a way to raise awareness that this is an issue.” While Houston said that we are living in the “era of catfishing and its cousin,” blackfishing is not a new controversy, despite the creation of the name in 2018. Cultural appropriation got an early start in the 1800s during minstrel shows, a performance WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 179

where white men would dress in blackface for reenactments of racial stereotypes. White performers would cover their faces in shoe polish to mimic and mock enslaved Africans on southern plantations. According to Eric Lott in an interview in The New Yorker, there are commonly two archetypes when blackface is used: Zip Coon and Jim Crow. Zip Coon was used to make fun of free blacks, portrayed as arrogant and dandified, while Jim Crow was used to make fun of enslaved blacks, always portrayed as lazy, ignorant, and mischievous. Lott says when former President Barack Obama is made fun of, people sometimes use the Zip Coon character to portray him. Blackface continued into the 20th century with stars like Judy Garland, Shirley Temple, and Mickey Rooney donning blackface for performances. Today, some celebrities have still been caught in blackface for movies and Halloween costumes. In October 2018, journalist Megyn Kelly made a comment questioning whether wearing blackface as a Halloween costume was actually racist while on air of her television show. After the comment, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Megyn Kelly Todayâ&#x20AC;? was taken off NBC, and Kelly was given about $30 million as part of an exit deal, according to The New York Times. Most recently, a photo from 180 | THREAD

a medical school yearbook surfaced featuring Democratic Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam showing two men: one in blackface and the other in the white robes of the Ku Klux Klan. Northam refuses to comment on which is him. Since the photo went viral, Democrats and Republicans alike have called for Northam to resign as governor. However, Northam believes he can ride out the scandal and has said he will not step down, according to CNN. Now, with blackfishing on the rise, some Twitter users are labeling it as contemporary blackface. Whether or not

it is a woman’s intention to appropriate black culture, white women identifying as a person of color is something our society has seen before. In 2017, German model Martina Big began receiving tanning injections to make her skin appear darker and now says she identifies as black. In February 2019, Big told The Sun she spent time in Kenya and was baptized by a Kenyan pastor as “Malaika Kubwa,” which is Swahili for Big Angel. Big and her husband Michael Eurwen, who also receives tanning injections, want to move to Kenya where they hope to have children, who Big

claims will be biologically black. Big is not the first white woman to identify as black. Rachel Dolezal was the local NAACP president in Washington state before her parents outed her as white in 2015. However, Dolezal said she identified as black and didn’t feel that she was being deceptive when she spoke to Vanity Fair in 2015. As the problematic trend of blackfishing continues to grow, and with the birth of “transracial” claims, it is not clear if or when these controversies will end. One thing is clear, however; as social media progresses, so does the platform for controversies to arise. WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 181

The Fur Debate BY COURTNEY ADAMS | PHOTOS BY LAUREN BRITT

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ur is arguably one of the biggest societal debates in fashion, and it’s not a new issue. Like all trends, fur floats in and out of fashion’s limelight with conflict alongside. Whether it’s paint or unkind words, both are thrown at pro-fur fanatics, on and off the runway. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is a passionate anti-fur organization and known for their vocal stances against the harmful use of animal’s fur. PETA has over 6.5 million members working towards ending the fur trade. On the flip side, according to Frank Zilberkweit, the director of the British Fur Trade Association and a 5th generation fur trader, there are over one million people hard at work to ensure the highest standard within the fur trade. So, while passion exudes on either side of the argument, it is ultimately up to individuals to choose a side, but nobody said it would be an easy decision. There is a rich, long-lasting history that goes along with the fur trade that is easily forgotten. Fur, animal hides, and other skins were used all over the world for centuries. “Somewhere along the human evolution, there has been a very large misuse of fur as a material, in the same way as with many other natural materials from our world. A lot of lobbying against fur is in the process of destroying a heritage of one of the

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the oldest craftsmanship in the world.” says Thomasine Barnekow, a couture glovemaker in Paris. Barnekow works with many different textiles and materials to make her designs, fur included. She knows that there is a rich history in using fur but thinks there are precautions that need to be made. “Fur is a very precious material… it is one of the oldest materials in human history, one of the oldest craftsmanship’s to be able to work with and transform it into a precious wearable product,” Barnekow says. While the history of fur is

deeply rooted, in today’s fashion there are many faux-fur alternatives with the latest technology replacing real fur, commonly found in the fast-fashion industries. These are great options for those who want the conflict-free fur look. Kalyn Figliulo, a retail merchandising and fashion product development major, since a young age was anti-fur because of the cruelty behind the production and for her, “I choose not to wear real fur because there are so many faux fur options.” But what is the environmental impact of these new textiles? Faux fur is not sustainable or biodegradable, and contributes to the waste of fast-fashion industries. It’s argued that real fur is more sustainable than the faux alternative. Zilberkweit argues that the fur trade has been one of the most sustainable categories in the fashion world. “Our industry is about raising animals in a natural way, kind way, high standard of welfare, and is a renewable resource. You can take a fur coat and reuse it for twenty, thirty, forty years,” Zilberkweit says. Saga Furs, a Finland company, working hard to make sure fur farming is being as sustainable and responsible as possible. Founded in 1938, they are now one of the biggest influencers when it comes to fur trade. Saga Furs has high standards when it comes to their fur, requiring each supplier must pass their certification and auditing programs. WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 185

They have and will revoke licenspersists, brands are starting to es, which inhibits the producers stray away from real fur use due from selling through Saga Furs. to commercial risks. Gucci, one “If I would use fur, I would make of the biggest fashion labels , has sure that I use a certified farmed most recently decided to stop quality,” Barnekow says in regard using real fur in designs for the to her couture gloves. In addisimple reason “that it’s not modtion to safer ern.” They fur practices, were not the SAGA also imfirst brand to plicated new ban fur: Ralph ways to reduce Lauren, Calvin waste. These Klein, Armani, techniques inand Tommy clude intarsia, Hilfiger are putting old just a few of scraps of fur the big brands together to that have make a new pledged to be garment and fur free as well. air gallon hole There are citpunching, ies and counstretching the tries all over fur to be lightthe world that er and use less have banned —HOMASINE BARNEKOW, the fur sales material. A COUTURE GLOVEMAKER IN PARIS and producLooking toward the fution, but Anna ture of fashion, new technological Wintour, one the biggest names advances from startups, BIOFUR in fashion, has yet to condemn and ZOA are hoping to replace the use of fur. the use of real fur by making faux So, whether you root for one fur and collagen-based leather side of the debate or another; in a lab. But the important thing the most important thing is to reto remember about the influx of spect the choices of others. And faux fur options, while they may at the end of the day, choosing not use real animal fur it does not whether or not to use fur is your mean better for the environment. choice, however one that should But as the societal pushback not be taken lightly.

“CHOOSING TO WORK WITH FUR, I BELIEVE IN TAKING TIME TO MAKE A PRECIOUS DESIGN THAT CAN LAST A LIFETIME.”

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COME AS YOU ARE Learn about eating disorders that plague millions of Americans and gain insight into what they are, why they exist, and how society can combat the compulsion of eating disorders. STORY BY COLLEEN HOWARD | PHOTOS BY PROVIDED ILLUSTRATIONS BY RILEE LOCKHART

ccording to The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), studies show that an average of 20 million women and 10 million men in America will struggle with an eating disorder during their lifetime. This is difficult to ignore. Samantha Mishne, a therapist who specializes in eating disorders at The Center for Behavioral Therapy, in her 11 years of experience both studying eating disorders and treating patients, asserts that the compulsion of eating disorders serves a function for those who have it. It’s never a simple answer of quitting. Mishne also discusses the dangers of buying into the myths of these disorders, specifically the myth

that eating disorders affect a narrow population. The common notion that eating disorders primarily affect heterosexual, white females lacks factual evidence. A study from NEDA shows, “black teenagers are 50% more likely than white teenagers to exhibit bulimic behavior.” The NEDA website further explains that since eating disorders can be triggered from environmental stressors, anorexia excluded, women of color are more vulnerable due to deeply-rooted societal issues, like racism. Eating disorder awareness begins with the knowledge that these disorders transcend race, ethnicity, gender, and sex. The most common forms of eating disorders are anorexia WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 189

nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Anorexia is a biological disorder in which a person’s brain learns to ignore hunger cues, and therefore a person doesn’t eat enough, which is most commonly exhibited through extreme weight loss. A person suffering from bulimia will eat regularly or overindulge and purge to maintain or lose weight. However, binge-eating disorder occurs when people uncontrollably eat for emotionally-charged reasons and instantly feel guilt or pressure for their actions. Each eating disorder is dangerous on its own, but when accompanied 190 | THREAD

with over exercising or other unhealthy dieting habits, like taking laxatives, they can result in serious health concerns. However, these aren’t the only eating disorders the NEDA says exist. There are many other forms that plague people, but don’t get nearly as much coverage. These disorders involve over exercising, obsessively healthy eating habits, eating toxic items known as Pica, and other measures to curb appetite. Arguably, anorexia is the eating disorder that receives the most attention, but lacks the most understanding. Studies out of the University of Colorado

trend that people with anorexia inherently have brains that will override hunger cues as mentioned above. The study, first presented at a NEDA conference in 2015, found that brains were conditioned to have a reversal effect of how consumption reacts with the brain. Recovering from this brain conditioning proves that the effects of eating disorders aren’t merely skin deep. It is very much a mental illness as much as a physical disorder. The fact that anorexia is a biologically-based disorder is something that isn’t widely known, and so similar facts and findings like this are crucial to

society’s basic understanding of eating disorders. Diana Denza, NEDA communications associate, says in a newsletter regarding the study that “a healthy body weight does not mean recovery—a healthy brain does.” And while bulimia and binge-eating disorder are often emotionally based or traumainduced, they are mechanisms for a person to feel safe in a world where they may not be. Eating disorders burden those afflicted to suffer in silence, and the disorder’s societal stigma further reinforces the rhetoric that treatment is taboo. However, according to Mishne, experts WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 191

have seen a 98 percent success rate in Family-Based Treatment (FBT) for adolescents. Mishne explains FBT as an intervention that empowers family members to refeed their child, eventually getting their weight restored with the support of a therapist. Mishne claims that the key is early intervention. As eating disorders are often onset in younger adolescents, being detected prematurely helps to manage the disorder, and if not biologically based, hopefully rid the patient of the mental ailment. So, how can society begin to combat the leading cause of death in mental illnesses? “First is educating ourselves. And the second part is not falling into the society methods that thin is ideal,” Mishne says. In America’s current climate, society’s portrayal of the “perfect” body is so embedded in everyday iconography that many young people grow up with the notion that if they don’t fit into “the norm,” then they aren’t beautiful. And so ensues the beginnings of unhealthy physical and mental torture that so many combat throughout their lives. Changing society’s narrative isn’t a simple feat, but companies like Dove and Aerie are working toward “real beauty” campaigns in the name of body positivity. According to NEDA, building self-esteem

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and encouraging body-positive images early on can promote healthier actions that have lifelong effects. Although there’s no guarantee that society will change overnight, it’s a hopeful sentiment that change is on the horizon. Bringing awareness to the issue of eating disorders sheds light on safer, healthier ways to work through negative body imagery. Only when society is educated on the implications and effects of these disorders can we challenge the status quo and work toward a future that doesn’t placate unrealistic beauty expectations. National Eating Disorder Awareness Week is February 26 through March 3. This year’s theme, “Come As You Are.” is one of total inclusivity. Check out https://www. nationaleatingdisorders.org/getinvolved/nedawareness for more information.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, know that you are not alone. There are resources to help you in the fight and will allow you to remain anonymous if you wish. Call the NEDA helpline now: 1-800-931-2237

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“A HEALTHY BODY WEIGHT DOES NOT MEAN RECOVERY — A HEALTHY BRAIN DOES” —DIANA DENZA

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The Art of Pretending BY GRACE ZIEMKE | PHOTOS BY PROVIDED

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ave you ever walked into a situation where you thought to yourself, “I most certainly don’t belong here. There seems to be a mistake.” How many times do you find yourself in a new role, new environment, new opportunity, and tell yourself that you have absolutely no right to be there? And if you are supposed to be there, for whatever reason, it was pure luck. Introducing, imposter syndrome. As we begin preparing for life after college, or simply life in general, it’s important to acknowledge why we sometimes feel so inadequate, and how to combat it. Imposter syndrome is defined as having a conscious, internal belief that you are not as competent as others may perceive you to be. In other words, you feel as though at any moment, you are going to be recognized as a phony, and labeled as a one, too. Most of the situations where this feeling arises pertains to intellect, success, and being rewarded for an achievement. What one may not know, though, is that it doesn’t just stop there. Jillian Hutchinson, a senior studying psychology at University of Connecticut, shared her thoughts on feeling like an imposter. “It always came up if I was around people I didn’t feel very comfortable with, or felt very different from. I would always 196 | THREAD

… be freaking out thinking they were going to notice that I didn’t belong, or that I was too different from them.” This concept was developed in the 1970s by psychologists Suzanne Imes and Pauline Rose Clance. After working with hundreds of successful women, the psychologists noticed a pattern: regardless of their high honors, earned PhDs, and respected accomplishments, most women did not feel a sense of success. This research was completed in 1978, yet the phenomenon has not disappeared. Today, imposter syndrome can apply to everyone, not just women. People who feel like they have to set extremely high expectations for themselves, or be an expert in a field before applying for a job, or work harder than others to prove they aren’t frauds, have experienced imposter syndrome. This need to achieve is a huge factor in experiencing this phenomenon, and is awfully common, too. An article by the Behavioral Science Research Institute mentions that 70% of people experience Imposter Syndrome at least once in their life. Valerie Young, the author of The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women, has also found patterns of what factors play a role in these feelings, and it isn’t just gender. She says that racial and ethnic minorities,

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“BOUTS OF DISCOURAGEMENT AND DOUBT ARE NORMAL, AND WE MUST ACKNOWLEDGE THAT.”

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women in STEM fields, and international students at American universities all are capable of feelings of fraud. Basically, people experience imposter syndrome “whenever you belong to a group for whom there are stereotypes about competence.” People who feel as though they are an imposter tend to overwork themselves to make sure nobody discovers they are a “fraud.” Whether it’s staying up all night rehearsing a presentation or memorizing perfect answers to

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interview questions, people feel as though they can only attribute their success to luck. Internalizing these negative thoughts only leads to harming a person’s mental and physical health. Hanna Yowell, an associate copywriter at a global advertising agency, shares her struggles with dealing with imposter syndrome. “It is definitely more of a psychological thing for me more than anything. I wouldn’t say it affects me on a daily basis, but when it does, I think it can contribute to bouts of anxiety

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and depression. Imposter syndrome creates this sort of toxic circle that’s hard to break.” Yowell also shares, “I think an invaluable tool [to reducing these negative thoughts] is finding like-minded people in your professional circles.” Confronting these thoughts may seem uncomfortable at first, but it is the first step to combatting imposter syndrome. Some techniques include finding a strong support system to share your feelings, celebrating your accomplishments, no matter

how small, and turning unproductive thoughts into feelings of gratitude. Learning how to identify the thoughts of imposter syndrome, redirecting them into something that can help you grow, and sharing your experiences of doubt with trusted others can all make the feeling a little less scary. We must remember that, although we may feel worthless for a moment, it does not mean that is who we are.

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SECOND CHANCES Rewilder creates saves difficult-to-recycle materials from the landfill and creates gorgeous—and functional—bags.

BY KATIE PITTMAN PHOTOS BY HANNAH RUHOFF

“It’s a small shift in perspective that makes a huge difference,” Jenny Silbert, co-founder of Rewilder says. Silbert and Lisa Siedlecki founded the company in 2014. Silbert was teaching and working in architecture, and Siedlecki was a bag designer. The two best friends had always wanted to work together, and they found that making bags from industrial waste to be the perfect opportunity. One day, Silbert brought Siedlecki a filter cloth from a beer manufacturer and asked her what she thought of it. “She was immediately like, ‘This is what I’ve been looking for, let’s make bags, and let’s start right now.’” The two quit 200 | THREAD

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their corporate jobs and began Rewilder. The goal of the company is to create “zero-waste originals” from industrial waste that is landfill-bound. Upcycling, however, is an entirely zero-waste process. Rewilder uses four main materials in their products: airbags, climbing rope, filter cloth, and deadstock seatbelts. None of these materials are easily recyclable, but they are durable and made to last a lifetime—literally. “The design team and the sustainability team, they have to come up together. We’re never designing something that is just cool from new materials,” Silbert says. “In fact, it’s the total opposite.” In the landfill, materials used for their bags would take thousands of years to decompose. Filter cloths, made of polypropylene, can be recycled, but it’s expensive to do so. “It’s a nylon and a plastic woven really tightly together, so to recycle that fabric you have to separate the fibers, which is cost prohibitive,” she says. Plus, it uses tons of natural resources to separate these fibers. Beer filters and climbing ropes are used to create the brand’s tote bags, which was the first product they ever created. Filter cloths from the beer brewing are used for fewer than three weeks at a time. But, they take on the unique coloration

“THE NUMBER IS ACTUALLY IMPACTFUL. ONE BAG IS A BIG DEAL.” —JENNY SILBERT, CO-FOUNDER OF REWILDER

of the hops and barley used for brewing, meaning no two cloths are alike. Not only that, but the material is machine washable. Flattened climbing ropes are used for the tote bag straps. By law, climbing ropes can only be used for six months before they must be discarded. Rewilder takes used ropes from gyms and climbing centers, not only guaranteeing them materials for their products, but giving gyms a way to upcycle their ropes and make some income from their waste. The airbags Rewilder uses are created by NASA as parachutes for space flight capsules. They cannot be recycled, but they’re flexible and can be made into their backpacks or weekenders. The material is durable, waterproof, and lightweight, making it an amazing textile for bags that are sure to face everyday WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 203

wear and tear. The straps of the bags are created from deadstock seatbelts. Of course, being entirely zero-waste is extremely difficult. “We’re not perfect, but we’re pretty close to zero waste on all the stuff that we’re designing,” she says. It’s often cheaper and easier to buy and find new materials, but Silbert is committed to only using new when absolutely necessary. “The only stuff that we have to buy new right now is the hardware, that’s the zippers and snaps and closures on things... All of the hardware is made in America; all of the zippers are local in Los Angeles,” she says. “I literally go downtown and pick them up from the zipper factory. I’ll never buy new nylon for liners, I’ll never buy new binding. You can get all of that if you hunt for it; it’s sort of like detective work.” Using industrial materials means the bags are extremely durable, but Rewilder also offers repairs should a bag become damaged. Or, if people no longer want their bags, they can send them back to be repurposed as part of their 3X: Lifetime Program. The brand partners with Los Angeles organizations to give these repurposed bags to places like 204 | THREAD

women’s shelters in Downtown Los Angeles, making sure they’re filled with necessities like menstrual products, socks, and other items. “It’s humanitarian; it’s just a part of the process. With this company, we can’t just throw things away.” Sometimes, it’s hard to quantify just how much of an impact upcycling can make. But, Rewilder estimates that one upcycled backpack saves enough energy to fully charge a smartphone every night for 49 years, which is equivalent to the carbon dioxide output of about a 300-mile long road trip. She also says that the material for one backpack would last for at least 500 years in a landfill. “The number is actually impactful. One bag is a big deal.” Working to save these materials, and the environment, is hard work, but Silbert says it’s more than worth it. “One of the really delightful things that has come up as I’ve been doing this business is the feedback that I get from people is that when they make the choice to buy a Rewilder bag, then they start to make more sustainable choices in their life in general.” And, like she said, it’s these small changes in perspective and choice that lead to huge differences.

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RANT/RAVE BIKE SHORTS

RANT

BY CHLOE RUFFENACH

In 2018, biker shorts were a staple of many celebrities’ street style and with influencers like Kim Kardashian still sporting them, these shorts are likely to make a reappearance once the weather warms. It’s celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Hailey Baldwin that plagued 2018 with biker shorts. But while many adopted the look, some people were hesitant to blindly embrace them. Despite the celebrity endorsement, biker shorts seem to miss the mark when it comes to high fashion. Even when paired with other athleisure pieces, biker shorts still come off as odd, awkward, and to be frank, dull. Similar to leggings, they come in a variety of neutral, safe colors. They tend to be available in an array of blacks, grays, dark blues, and beiges. Also like leggings, this leaves a plethora of uninspiring colors to choose from. And due to their more casual appearance, there are few pieces of clothing left to reasonably pair them with. This even further limits the ways that the shorts can look presentable. Perhaps the most aggravating aspect about biker shorts is their inability to flatter everyone 206 | THREAD

who wears them. Some styles are more slimming than others, yet all seem to exaggerate curves, for better or for worse. Celebrities who wear these shorts often have a slim physique, making the added attention to their hips and thighs less exaggerated. So, their inability to be worn on all body types is an added negative attribute. Biker shorts are unappealing, lackluster, and only provide few styling options. They are not universally flattering, and often do nothing more for the wearer than provide comfort and ease. It is the perfect example of celebrities attempting to make something unattractive fashionable.

RAVE

BY EMILY CAMPBELL

Athleisure is arguably the best thing that has ever happened to fashion. You can’t beat being comfortable and effortless at the same time. Biker shorts are one of the latest additions to this clothing style, and I am living for it! Spoiler alert: biker shorts are ILLUSTRATIONS BY ASHLEY MOREMAN

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not just for biking. They have proved their spot in fashion, and this isn’t just a Kim Kardashian trend either. The trend dominated the runways from Prada to Fendi. Even Princess Diana sported biker shorts in the ’80s, like the true style icon we know. But, you do not have to be royalty or a supermodel to rock them. No helmet necessary. Biker shorts are incredibly versatile. The form-fitting, stretchy fabric with its high waistline looks great on all body types. These shorts can hype up workout gear, a casual outfit, or even a late-night look. And the best part is no one will know if you just got done with a killer workout or a power nap. Seems like a win-win. It’s not surprising the trend has made its way back from the ’80s; it’s easily styled with things you already have in your closet. A few favorites are cropped hoodies or oversized graphic tees with chunky sneakers. Intimidated by this trend? I suggest you take off your training wheels and hop on. WWW.OUTHREADMAG.COM | 207

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