Birks ‘n’ Socks 3Products for the Soul

BIRK ‘N’ SOCKS

BY MAGGIE VALENTINE PHOTOS BY SOPHIE NEILSEN

Since its founding in 1774 as a shoe cobbling company in Germany, the Birkenstock sandal has been a staple shoe in people’s closets for many years. This boho shoe brand, mostly known for its two-strap “Arizona” style introduced in the 1970s, can be styled with any outfit For those wanting to expand their shoe game into the Birkenstock brand, the Arizona style is the shoe for beginners as they are the most popular and more inexpensive, costing $110 instead of a few higher priced Birkenstocks, which cost around $149 to $200. The shoes prove they are worth the cost as Birkenstocks last consumers multiple seasons and, as a result, can be used as a yearround closet staple. The sandal style is an obvious choice for spring and summer and pairs well with jean shorts, skirts, or a colorful sundress. Birkenstocks are an easy shoe to dress up and down. The Birkenstock EVA style is a twist on the Arizona style and is great for the summertime. The shoe is plastic but only costs $45, which is ideal for slipping them on and off at the beach. More recently, the brand has been gaining popularity through its Boston style. Priced at $155, this sandal is a closed-toe, slipper-like style that many like to wear in the fall and winter to pair with baggy jeans, yoga pants, or leggings, and a cute sweater or oversized sweatshirt. Bostons come in many different materials, but a fall favorite is the suede leather, as it presents itself as a more wornin look. For a cozier look, some styles, although for a bit steeper price, are fur-lined. These shoes can be used as a slipper both indoors and outdoors. Others tend to opt for what is to be considered a fashionably notorious look of socks and sandals; Birkenstock embraces this look by advertising models wearing the combination, and the company even sells a few styles of socks. The art of styling socks with sandals is useful to bring the summer look of the Arizonas into the fall. The downside of Birkenstocks is the tough soles that take time to break in. A few styles on the website have soft-sole options. Even though the first couple weeks are a bit rough, Birkenstocks are worth it in the end for their long-lasting, leather look.

Products for the Soul

BY OLIVIA ROHLING PHOTOS SOPHIA PARRILLO

What even are hemp products anyway? Well, to start, knowing what hemp is is important. Hemp is a term used to describe cannabis with 0.3% or less tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC. Some hemp products might not even have any THC in them, with the main ingredient being cannabidiol, or CBD. CBD is a chemical that has been proven to help symptoms of certain medical conditions like epilepsy and post-traumatic stress disorder. With the THC content in hemp being so low or maybe even nonexistent, it is very unlikely to cause a person to get high, making it legal under federal law in the U.S. to sell it alone and in products. There is a whole line of hemp products called “Hempz,” whose slogan is “The Secret is in the Seed.” This company sells pretty much any hemp product you can think of, including lotions, soaps, cleansers, lip balms, and more. Hempz products are vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free, THC-free, and cruelty-free. Well, what do these products do? One of the more popular hemp products is hemp seed oil, which can help reduce the symptoms of skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema when put on the skin. Hemp lotions work like any other lotion but with the beneficial properties of CBD, like pain relief and inflammation reduction. As opposed to an ordinary lotion, hemp lotion naturally has fatty acids that have been shown to improve skin conditions like eczema and acne. Skin needs fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acid to stay hydrated, and hemp moisturizers contain both of these. There are anti-aging properties contained in CBD oil as well. Chapped lips? Hemp lip balm. Dry under eyes? Hemp serum. Want hemp in your hair? Try hemp shampoo and conditioner. Going out in the sun? Use some hemp sunscreen. Hemp seed oil actually has an SPF of six because it is a plant capable of having its own UV protection. There really is no limit to what you can put hemp in and what it can be used for. Hemp products very likely will not get you high as they primarily utilize CBD’s beneficial properties, not the properties of THC’s which cause people to get high.

Hemp products are great for adding a little more benefit and a little more earthiness into your pamper and self-care routine.