The Renaissance Issue 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents Front Of Book Behind the Cover Masthead Who We Are Letter From The Editor Historically Inspired Back to The Classics Staff Spotlight
Main Campus The Feeling of Not Doing Enough For Our Planet Navigating Sexual Harassment In The Digital Age Cover Shoot
The Mine Staple Pieces For Winter 2024 Eco-Friendly Fall The Importance of Mending The Mortifying Ordeal of Self Care Buy A Vibrator… Trust Me Staffer Shoot: Angie Zela Embracing the Inherent Queerness of Female Friendships Return of Stadium Tours Brings Fandoms Back Together Is Seeing A New Movie Better In Theaters?
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BEHIND THE
Cover
Inspired by the rich architecture and history of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, models Jeremiah Brown, Nia Amate, and Cierra Loftin posed for the cover shoot. Photos were taken by Lead Photographer Alana Palmer who wanted to bridge the gap between Renaissance paintings and modern art by drawing focus towards architecture and contrasting dark and light. Alana wanted to show that, despite how much art has changed, inspiration still comes from works of the past. Resurgence signifies the revival of something once dormant, embodying a force that ignites transformation. Change crafts new paths, redefines norms, and fosters evolution. Together, they craft a narrative of renewal, breathing life into new possibilities.
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Editor-in-Chief Samantha Roehl Managing Editor Nathaly Suquinagua Senior Editor Giovanna Cicalese
Editorial Features Editor Rosamelia Sanchez Lara Fashion Editor Esther Manso Love Editor Bella Wilson Health Editor Julianne Kotch Culture Editor Iona Clark Digital Editor Laila Samphilipo Copy Editor Monica Constable
Visuals Design Director Anabel Keagy Assistant Designer Tracy Weng Lead Photographer Alana Palmer Assistant Photographer Lillian Prieto
Social Media Social Media Director Clare Sykes Assistant Social Media Rachel Williams A special thanks to our staff writers and editorial, digital, and visuals contributors 3
Who We Are Just as diamonds are refined by intense pressure and extracurricular challenges, REFINE magazine will challenge Temple women to think outside of the box. REFINE offers a fresh perspective on campus life: the fashion statements, culture, music trends, health habits, and love lives that Temple women possess, all in one beautifully packaged product. Our goal is to provide great service to our readers, so that they can navigate through the trenches of college with confidence and grace. REFINE mimics the voice of the reader’s BFF: We love you, but we have no qualms about giving it to you straight.
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR But the word “renaissance” also means rebirth or revival. A new beginning, a second chance. There is something poetic about this issue being our tenth — we are not starting over, but we are building upon what came before. I am so grateful to the women who started REFINE and the women who have kept it running, year after year and issue after issue. It truly is wonderful.
Hello again,
In this issue we talk about the concerts that took this year by storm, sustainable fashion, and the queerness of female friendship. I hesitate to say that any issue is my favorite — but this might be mine.
It is my great honor to introduce you to the Renaissance Issue. In addition to being All of my love, my seventh issue with the magazine, it also marks REFINE’s tenth ever issue. This is an achievement that I am delighted to share with the rest of our wonderful editorial board, without whom the magazine would never come together. The most literal definition of Renaissance is the time period after the Middle Ages in Europe, around the 1400s to 1500s. This was a time of great social change, science, and art. 5
By Samantha Roehl
HISTORICALLY INSPIRED Want some Renaissance influence but don’t require historical accuracy? Here is a curated list of some of my favorite historically-inspired stuff: 1. Jewelry
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Bardcore is a musical microgenre in which artists cover popular songs in the style of medieval music. Think trading out guitars and pianos for lutes and harps. Popular bardcore artists on YouTube include Hildegard von Blingin’(910k subscribers), Beedle the Bardcore (425k subscribers), and Stantough (372k subscribers). I find the concept alone hilarious — though it doesn’t hurt that the covers are pretty good.
So… I know I said we’re not going for historical accuracy, but I do have to cut in here and mention that corsets did not exist during the Renaissance. Instead, people would have worn stays or “pairs of bodies,” which were more cone-shaped compared to the hourglass shape of corsets. With that said, I love the corset trend and, ahistorical or not, they add a lovely touch to any outfit.
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2. Bardcore
3. Corsets
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The Renaissance, for the rich, was a time of excess. A gold chain or string of pearls around a throat, jewel-encrusted pendants, golden bands on every finger. (Renaissance ladies would have loved today’s ring stacking!) If you had money, you weren’t exactly subtle about flaunting it. It reminds me of the current maximalism trend, even if today we’re more often wearing costume jewelry.
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letter BACKfrom TO THE CLASSICS the editor
A guide to your favorite adaptations and retellings of classic literature.
By Giovanna Cicalese Classic literature has a certain mystique to it. It’s academic and elusive but also damn near impossible to read. I wish I was a classic literature lover, to be that cool girl with the Jane Austen collection under my arms, but it’s just too hard. Reading should be fun and it doesn’t have to be a chore. For years, Hollywood has done a beautiful little thing called repackaging your dream classic novel into accessible movies filled with all good one-liners you never got the meaning of. Starting with the Bard himself, I would love to be a person who understands Shakespeare. All the quips and drama that have inspired artists for centuries are unfortunately often lost on me. While reading copies of No Fear Shakespeare for my lit courses has been helpful, what I think I’m lacking is a modern context for these plays – but lucky for me the film industry is full of Shakespeare retellings. My personal favorite is Hollywood’s classic retelling of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, a story about a man so passionately in love with a beautiful woman that he would even get her socially repulsive sister a date to swoon over. Sound familiar? Taming of the Shrew has been adapted into “10 Things I Hate About You,” an iconic 1999 film full of teen shenanigans and romance. I think setting this story in a high school makes a perfect setting since over the top drama is just part of the teenage experience. Shakespeare has a long history of Hollywood retellings, with countless iterations of Romeo
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and Juliet such as “West Side Story,” “Warm Bodies,” and even “Bring It On: In It To Win It.”. However, he is not the only classic author to have his work given a Hollywood makeover. Jane Austen is another favorite among the movie making crowd, with her works being rediscovered by teen audiences every couple years. Her 1815 classic, Emma, was turned into cult classic 1995 film “Clueless.” Pride and Prejudice turned into “Bridget Jones’s Diary” as well as iconic adaptations in 2005 and 1995’s “Pride and Prejudice.” Lady Susan became “Love and Friendship,” Northanger Abbey and Mansfield Park both have movies of the same name. Every Austen film is a great opportunity to dive head first into her catalog. Shakespeare and Austen aren’t the only novelists with Hollywood credits. Here’s a nonexhaustive list of a few movies to help you along in your reading. “She’s All That” and “Pretty Woman” are both based on George-Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion. Nathaniel Hawthrone’s The Scarlet Letter was adapted into the teen classic “The Easy A.” There are so many movies based on classic novels that are being reinvented every day in the film industry. If the movie is more accessible to you as a viewer there is no shame in that. They’re cult classics for a reason!
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STAFF
Spotlight
Fashion Editor Esther Manso chatted with outgoing Digital Editor Laila Samphilipo, who has been running REFINE’s blog since the Indulgence Issue. The two talked about REFINE’s website, advice for incoming students, and what comes next for Laila. 8
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: LAILA SAMPHILIPO By Esther Manso
EM: How did you become interested in working for a magazine, and what led you to your current position? LS: I’m a writer, and growing up I’d always taken every opportunity I could to do so. I would draft little books in elementary school, and, in high school, I worked my way up to Editor-in-Chief of my school’s newspaper. My freshman year at Temple was lonely thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it encouraged me to seek out opportunities to connect with other students. I discovered REFINE on Instagram and became a consistent reader of both the magazine and blog. I loved REFINE’s unwavering confidence and its ability to be a platform where all are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences from silly trends (like when I wrote a whole article about Emily Mariko’s salmon bowl!) to hard-hitting journalism (like Amna’s Palestinian music piece). REFINE was my first opportunity to write for a blog or magazine, which really excited me. I applied during the summer going into my sophomore year and joined REFINE’s team as a features writer. During my first semester writing, I discovered I really enjoyed REFINE’s blog in particular. At the end of the semester, the Digital Editor position opened, I applied, and have been in the position since!
EM: Can you share a typical day or week in your role, outlining key tasks and priorities? LS:I’m going to be cliché here and say what you’re all expecting: no two days look the same. It’s corny, but true! Generally, though, I spend a lot of time editing and giving constructive feedback to staff writers about their writing, communicating with our copy and senior editors to keep articles moving along, developing pitch wells, updating tracking sheets, and uploading content to REFINE’s blog. Since fall, Editor-in-Chief Samantha Roehl and I have been creating monthly pitch wells which we then email to all REFINE’s staff writers at the beginning of each month. This has been so helpful for everyone — it relieves stress from the staff writers, who are now provided with article ideas, and it helps myself and the editors keep track of content. I also created a tracking sheet this past semester, which I frequently update to make sure all content is accounted for and moving along in the approval process. In any given week, I’m probably texting with a few staff writers about their blogs, whether we’re brainstorming together or going over edits I’ve made. I’m likely communicating with the copy and senior editors too, to make sure projects are moving along, and updating my tracking sheet for accuracy and producing ideas for the pitch wells. I’d say time management is key in this role. It’s not necessarily hard work, but it’s a lot of little things that accumulate.
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EM: Can you highlight a project or accomplishment that you are particularly proud of in your time at the magazine?
EM: What are your plans after graduation and hat are you looking forward to the most?
LS: After graduation, I’m looking forward to pursuing a career LS: REFINE’s blog feels like my baby at this point (OK, maybe in public relations. During my time at Temple, I worked for the Fox School of Business, where I drafted articles and other written a baby I co-parent!). It’s incredibly rewarding to see the work materials for circulation on their website, social media, and of such hardworking writers appear on the blog after weeks of newsletters. It definitely reinforced in me my passion for higher editing and fine-tuning to perfection. education, and I’m looking forward to meshing this passion, and From a writing perspective, I think I’m most proud of my article, my love for writing, in future roles. When Your Mental Break Turns Into A Mental Breakdown, EM: Lastly, what advice would you give to an which was included in the Spring 2022 Indulgence issue. I was completely captivated by the pitch alone, and it turned out to be such an intriguing and wonderful article to write. My own mental health wasn’t great at the time either, so it was really helpful on a personal level to learn about healthy alternatives to doom scrolling.
EM: Other than REFINE, what are other things that are you excited for in the new year? Or what current hobbies have you been getting into ?
incoming freshman or temple students in general? LS: I would encourage incoming freshmen and students to get involved. College is truly the opportunity to fully explore your interests — whether by taking fun electives or joining clubs. Some of my favorite memories during my time at Temple have been tied back to student organizations I was involved with, or with friends I’ve met through my involvement.
LS: Looking into the new year, I’m really excited to graduate a semester early from Temple and begin my public relations career! Also, BookTok has inspired me to begin reading some more. I even took a creative writing course this past semester to try to push myself to buy more books for the new year.
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Main Campus 11
The Feeling Of Not Doing Enough For Our Planet By Nathaly Suquinagua
Growing up, I wasn’t aware of the climate crisis. In my family, we were more aware of how much the energy bill would be at the end of the month. My dad was very hardworking and contributed to almost all the bills. He was more concerned about my sister and I overusing energy because it ultimately added up to a hefty bill at the end of the month. My dad kept in mind simple things like turning off the lights, washing in bulk, and other actions that are often overlooked. Around the 6th grade, I started learning about the reality of what climate change was and how important it is to protect our only planet. I became involved by joining the recycling club at school, where we learned how to reuse items we initially thought were trash. The movie, “WALL- E,’’ gave me an unimaginable viewpoint and was able to draw an eye-opening parallel between consumerism and climate change. This movie shaped how I saw our planet and inspired me to take action to avoid our planet becoming uninhabitable in real life. I started seeing many social media posts about climate change and they got me worried that I wasn’t doing enough. Sometimes, it felt as if I was the only one who cared for the planet and no one was taking it as seriously as I was. Trying to be climate-conscious just never stuck in my household and, truth be told, it is hard to live a sustainable life. I mostly felt guilty that I wasn’t doing enough for our planet. While doing some research, I learned what I was feeling was a term called eco-guilt. Eco-guilt is the feeling of not doing
enough to help the environment and reduce the environmental threat. But, it’s not enough to just feel guilty. So I started trying to make a change. The book, The Uninhabitable Earth, by David Wallace-Wells explains the potential impact of climate change and the devastating consequences for the Earth. I started changing small things and, even though it’s a small action, I know it can make a big impact on our planet. I started bringing my own straw everywhere so I would avoid using plastic straws. I started buying reusable water bottles that I would bring everywhere to avoid buying plastic water bottles. I even started purchasing sustainable brands. I started purchasing brands that are eco-friendly and made a promise to help out the planet any way I could. Youth to the People is a sustainable skincare brand that really stood out to me because I connected with their mission statement as well as their commitment to sustainability. I started using their products in 2020 and fell in love with the brand. Their products are made with glass bottles and jars to help reduce plastic waste. According to their website, their To The Planet Fund will have donated one million dollars to nonprofit organizations in the climate space by 2024. Using brands such as Youth to the People is a great start to reducing the harm that climate change can have on our planet. Although I can definitely do more on my part, my goal is to slowly start using sustainable brands in my everyday use. Using these products makes me feel good and turns my eco-guilt into eco-action.
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NAVIGATING SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE DIGITAL AGE By Chelsea Lubbe The digital age is something many of us actively participate in. It has impacted our way of communicating and interacting with each other through the ability to have close and intimate conversations without being physically together. Our digital personas often bleed into our real-life identities because of how immersive social media can become. While the ability to connect with other people is at our fingertips, this convenience has its downsides. One of which is the increased popularity of online sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is prevalent in our society. According to the Pew Research Center, 33 percent of women under the age of 35 say they have been sexually harassed online. While sexual harassment has always been an issue, social media has opened the doors to a new way in which individuals can experience it. Because of the large number of people participating in this cyberspace world, online sexual harassment can be harder to maneuver than in person sexual harassment. RAINN, America’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, defines online harassment as any type of communication and use of information to cause another person distress or harm.
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This can often be sexually harassing in nature when it includes explicit messages, non-consensual sharing of sexual images, and sexist and discriminatory comments. Any type of unsolicited behavior that could make an individual feel intimidated, humiliated, or make them feel exploited can be considered sexual harassment. Through the years, online sexual harassment has grown and changed with the internet. “It can change every day. It was a lot different before Twitter and Instagram - it was Myspace and it was blogs,” said Ray Epstein, a junior double majoring in english and communication social influence, president of Student Activists Against Sexual Assault, SASSA, at Temple University. “It’s so hard to define, it’s silent, but it can be viral, and it’s anonymous but it can be everything that it’s not.” Social media plays a role in the lives of many individuals, with people choosing to share a version of themselves with their social media network. But the feeling of anonymity on the internet does not mean there aren’t real people behind them. That is why it is important to take online sexual harassment as seriously as its offline counterpart. “When sexual harassment happens in the real world the lines crossed become clear, but online there’s an influx of people and dehumanizing words can be spread,” said Chelsea Sarmiento, a sophomore anthropology major.
It is manipulative for some social media users to attack and exploit others using websites or apps that should be used as an outlet for self-expression, leisure, and means of connection. “I think it’s unfair that people abuse unsupervised spaces like the internet as their platform for harassment,” said Alyson Lokey, a sophomore advertising major. “It can almost become impossible to avoid someone online.” Online abuse is real abuse. Because the internet is a crucial part of our everyday lives, simply avoiding it to not be harassed is unrealistic. Suggesting this to a victim of online sexual harassment could invalidate them and the damage online sexual harassment can have on someone. Some people have taken notice of online sexual harassment’s potential to cause harm and work to create technology to fight it. One of these technologies is Castillo, an online encrypted tool that can be used to log any sexually violating content, such as direct messages. This website helps match victims of the same perpetrator so they can make informed decisions about reporting their experience. They also provide free and confidential legal counsel if two or more survivors from the same college report the same person. “Callisto can absolutely reduce sexual assault and sexual harassment,” said Epstein. “You can use it as a tool for anything that is sexually violating.” Living in modern times requires understanding how both the digital and physical world affects us. Unfortunately, sexual harassment is all too common in both spaces. But there are people and organizations, such as RAINN, SASSA, and Castillo, working to create better and safer spaces both offline and on.
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Cover Shoot
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Models: Jeremiah Brown, Nia Amate, and Cierra Loftin Lead Photographer: Alana Palmer
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The Mine
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STAPLE PIECES FOR WINTER 2024 It’s time to revamp your closet! Be on the lookout for these staple pieces that everyone should have this winter.
By Amna Faheem Fashion is ever-evolving. It means something different for everyone and is a way to express yourself to the outside world. Fashion is often a creative outlet for people, allowing them to give strangers on the street a glimpse into their world. When done right, it matches the outside to the inner self. Styles and trends go in and out of rotation like clockwork, most lasting only a little while, unable to make a lasting impression on consumers. With each passing season, what’s popular fades out, and something new comes into the limelight. With this fall’s appearance, people have begun layering up and experimenting with different color schemes and patterns, mismatching fabrics, and indulging in uncommon ensembles. Many people have removed themselves from mainstream outfits, and taken to the streets in unique wardrobes. Although there are no overarching rules when it comes to dressing yourself, especially in a time of individualism and honing in on your true self, there are still staples that will elevate anyone’s closet.
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1. Outerwear
Trench coats have been making an annual appearance after becoming popular in the 1900s. The simple yet sleek look of a trench coat can elevate any outfit. Coming in a wide array of fabrics, from leather to wool, there is a coat that speaks to everyone. Another outer layer sweeping the fashion world is the fur and leather jacket. Influencers, celebrities, and consumers alike are styling the warm coat, often with knee- or thigh-high boots, which are also making a comeback. With neutral colors and a fuzzy interior, the jacket is adaptable with a plethora of outfits and ways to style it.
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Another trend has been circling social media as of late. People have been pairing big tops with small bottoms and vice versa in an attempt to explore the contrasting styles, showing off their different sides and tastes in fashion. The trend poses the question, are you a big top and small bottom person, or do you favor big top and small bottoms? In order to truly execute and participate in the baggy bottom small top movement, the proper tools are necessary: baggy denim pants and a baby tee. Really, a pair of oversized bottoms and a small top is all you need. You can mix-and-match the denim with sweats or a long skirt and the baby tee with a cami or crop top. The opposite is also simple to carry out and can be completed with a mini skirt and an oversized sweater, perfect for the cold weather to come. Whether you prefer a big top and small bottoms, or small top and big bottoms, this trend is easy to achieve and can be done to cater to any taste.
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With the cold coming on, knit sweaters are all the rage now more than ever, with the flexibility to be paired however one wishes. Neutral colors with big cargo pants, a coordinating sweater and maxi-skirt, or a loud statement sweater with jeans are all acceptable this season. Even with the priority of staying warm, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your fashion, but rather accentuate it.
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4. Pants
One last staple piece that can be found in numerous closets is cargo pants. Whether they’re sweats, denim, windbreakers, or cotton material, these bottoms are durable and can be matched with almost anything. The trick is not to overwhelm the outfit with too much, so keeping things simple and sleek is the best way to go. You can style it up with accessories and fashionable boots, or down with a simple crew neck and some sneakers. Regardless, the style is for everyone, and can be made unique to fit your own sense of style! Fashion is not a one-size-fits-all. It’s expressive. It’s individual. You can make it however you want it to be. Finding your style is the most important thing to being comfortable in yourself. Most importantly, it’s an art form, a creative outlet from you to the world. Finding pieces that speak to you can be fun, and discovering what fits best with you is a wonderful feeling.
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ECO-FRIENDLY FALL By Iona Clark
We all think of thrifting as the way to go in terms of sustainable fashion, but there are many more ways to reduce your ecological footprint while also keeping your style fresh. If sorting through racks of clothes at a thrift store for hours isn’t your thing, sustainability is possible at your local mall or online shops. Levi’s, Patagonia, Reformation, and Pact are the most sustainable brands in 2023, according to Forbes. Consider these brands when trying to stay sustainable while also avoiding the overwhelming feeling that often comes with sorting through hundreds of clothing articles at a thrift store. While thrifting may be the best one-way stop to reducing your ecological footprint, shopping for ecologically friendly mainstream brands is also a good route to take. Opting for Levi’s jeans instead of a less sustainable brand can minimize resources and energy used to create the denim. There is also the option to opt for sustainable clothing materials in general, like organic hemp,recycled linen, or organic linen. These materials leave the smallest “dent” on the planet and do not use extremely large amounts of resources to produce.
When shopping at a clothing store, check the tag on the inside of the piece. It shows you the percentage of materials used and is a good guide for shopping sustainably. Organic hemp, linen, and cotton are all materials that are generally considered sustainable. You can also check brands’ sustainability ratings with the app “Good On You.” Another fun way to shop while also being ecologically-conscious is to do a clothing swap with friends. Gather a group, bring some clothes you don’t wear often, and trade them! This is a great way to swap out pieces in your wardrobe while also limiting the amount of resources used on creating a new article of clothing. You’ll end up with fresh new outfits while also knowing your old favorite pieces are in good hands. Clothing swaps promote sustainability and can encourage others to engage in sustainable shopping practices. One last option for sustainable shopping is layering instead of buying something new. Buying a brand-new winter coat from the mall uses a lot of resources and materials to create. Instead, start with an old long sleeve t-shirt as a base, add on a thick comfy hoodie, and finally put an old jacket on over top. This way, the jacket does not have to be brand new or extra warm, and old clothing is put to use. This greatly reduces ecological footprint, and layering is cute too!
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THE IMPORTANCE OF MENDING By Samantha Roehl
You’d have to be living under a rock to not know that fast fashion has its downfalls. According to earth.org, the average American consumer throws away 81.5 pounds of clothes per year — and many items are worn only seven to ten times before being thrown out. With this context, making your clothes last is a radical act. Think of how many times you’ve decided an item of clothing is unwearable because it has a small tear or a lost button. We need to reframe our understanding of the clothes we own. Once we buy them, we are responsible for making them last and, when we don’t want them anymore, passing them on to a new home. (On a more selfish note, I like my clothes and want to be able to keep wearing them!) So here are the three mending abilities that I think everyone should have:
Basic Hand Sewing
It is amazing how many things are fixable with just a needle and thread. Replacing buttons, sewing up a ripped seam, and reattaching a strap are just a few ways of many to make your clothes last. In the past semester alone, I’ve reattached tote bag straps and sewn up a tear in my favorite leggings.
Patches
Tears in fabric can destabilize the structure of a favorite piece of clothing. Tears are also, admittedly, harder to fix when they aren’t on the seam. However, patches can be an easy fix! Iron-on patches are available at most craft stores and will help increase the lifespan of your clothes — and, depending on your taste, add a fun design or pop of color!
the fabric with thread. It’s okay if your hem doesn’t look perfect — as long as it improves the wearability of the garment for you, that’s all that matters. One of the best things about hemming your clothes is that it can be undone, as long as you don’t cut off the excess material. This means that if you ever do decide to pass along your clothes — or get a much-coveted late in life growth spurt — you’ll be able to let down the hem and get the length back! The fun thing about mending is that, once you know the basics, you can start playing around with it. Embroider over a stain! Add fun buttons to update your clothes! Take in a skirt that’s a little too big! Mending is a historical practice, which means there are innumerable resources out there already. It is likely that any second-hand bookshop with a craft section has books on hand sewing and mending. YouTube, too, has everything you might want to know. Having a mini sewing kit in my apartment has been a lifesaver for both me and my roommate. Dresses have been fixed mere minutes before parties, pants have been shortened, buttons have been replaced. I’m not going to pretend that I’m perfect. I still buy clothes that end up unworn, still damage pieces in ways I don’t know how to fix. But mending reminds you to value the things you own and to think of the labor it took to make them in the first place. And the sense of pride I feel the next time I wear them is more than worth it.
Hemming
A great tragedy of life is that sometimes an otherwise perfect pair of pants is too long. That’s where hemming comes in. Hemming is relatively easy, if time consuming when done by hand. The most important part is making sure your hem is even when you fold up and pin the extra material. Then you can just tack down
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THE MORTIFYING ORDEAL OF SELF CARE By Samantha Roehl
We romanticize the idea of selfcare as candles and baths. But sometimes, the real self-care we need is less sexy. In the past couple of years, the concept of self-care has exploded in popularity. And in principle, I love the idea of self-care. It is important to treat yourself gently, to allow yourself to recover from stressors, to curate your space and let yourself relax. The problem is the romanticization of selfcare to the detriment of actually taking care of yourself. If social media is to be believed, self-care is picturesque. It’s taking a bath in low light, candles flickering on the edge of the tub. It’s a Pinterest-perfect counter of curated skin creams and moisturizers. It’s drinking a cup of tea that’s mostly milk while wearing face masks. It is, essentially, a spa night. But sometimes the self-care we really need is less sexy. It’s dragging yourself out of the house to get groceries when your fridge is empty, washing the dirty laundry you’ve let pile up, clearing out your unanswered emails, texting back the friends you’ve ghosted, eating a vegetable. We need a paradigm shift. There is nothing wrong with romanticizing your life — it’s one of my favorite things to do. But self-care cannot simply act as a bandaid over a bullet wound. Self-care includes less glamorous things like eating balanced meals and exercising and drinking enough water.
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Yes, a hot bath is wonderful and absolutely deserved every now and then. And if it’s literally the only thing you have energy to do, go for it. But if your life is falling apart and food in the fridge is molding and all your clothes are dirty, pampering yourself isn’t selfcare. It’s avoidance. The tragic truth of adulthood is that sometimes you do have to prioritize boring or gross or inconvenient things over the things that you want to do. That doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself gently or that you can’t reward yourself for a job well done. But if you’re digging yourself out of a hole, sometimes you have to climb most of the way out before you see the light. Sometimes the climb sucks. But you have to do it. You have to get yourself together, brush yourself off, try again tomorrow.
That is not to say that all romanticized selfcare is bad. If lighting a candle improves your day, do it. Use the shampoo that smells good. Wear your favorite perfume instead of saving it for a special occasion. Put on your coziest outfit. Washing your face or taking a hot shower are important things that can feel luxurious while doing them. But sometimes you have to prioritize responsibilities over painting your nails, and that’s okay. In the long run, only you can decide what’s best for you. Life is scary and messy and loud and, if you need a jade roller and a latte to make it better, that’s fine. Really, it comes down to this — please remember to take care of yourself. Even if it isn’t fun or pretty. Because someone has to. And, for better or for worse, that someone is you.
BUY A VIBRATOR... TRUST ME. By Giovanna Cicalese
Let me start with a story. It takes place in ninth-grade Spanish class, when I was sandwiched in between two boys talking about their masturbation habits when we were supposed to be discussing past participles. There truly is nothing like men feeling as though you need to hear every detail of their sex lives, even if it’s only with their hands.
As they were talking, they turned to me and the other girl in the group and asked us if we masturbate. I bit the bullet and said that I masturbate, no details, just a yes; the other girl vehemently denied it, looking disgusted at the thought of herself masturbating. So naturally, I was the odd one out — big shock that a woman admitting to being in control of her own pleasure is deemed weird. This interaction stayed with me for years, and I wondered why men were so openly allowed to discuss masturbating and their sexual pleasure at large, but women had to hide theirs. There’s a long history of sweeping women’s sexual pleasure under the rug as exemplified by the saying “lay back and think of England.” This idea was that if you had to have sex you weren’t enjoying, you should think about your country, as if it was your duty. Personally, I would rather not have sex I didn’t want and also not think of England. And I’ll bet you would too.
We are taught to feel shame about embracing our sexuality. While I still masturbated during the time when I was thinking about all this, refusing to deny myself opportunities for self-discovery and sexual pleasure, I do think there was a greater shame about it. It wasn’t until 2019 that I bought myself my first vibrator – pink, printed with cartoon unicorns – during a Black Friday sale at Spencer’s. This was also around the time that “Sex Education” came out, a show focused on teen sexuality and sexual discovery. One of the characters, Aimee Gibbs, is a girl who hasn’t masturbated because she feels like it’s disgusting for women to do so. She gets some sage sex advice on how to fight the shame of self-pleasure from her school’s sex therapist, tries masturbating, and the rest is history. In the most recent fourth season, Gibbs experiments with different sex toys to find exactly what she likes, and I think that personal growth is beautiful.
My journey of sexual exploration follows a similar story. I bought my first vibrator in an attempt to find out more of what I personally like, and it was such a game changer. There shouldn’t be any stigma surrounding sexual pleasure. If using a sex toy is what it takes to send you over the edge (metaphorically or literally), then go for it. The aspect of consent, support, and freedom from shame is important in understanding sex and yourself. There is nothing shameful about needing a toy to cum or getting yourself off. I’ve personally become more comfortable using sex toys in partnered sex; my girlfriend was really integral to making me feel less ashamed about using a vibrator to cum. If you are self-stimulating during partnered sex, having a supportive partner makes all the difference. Support creates a safe environment for exploration and pleasure, and good sex doesn’t happen in unsafe environments. So, in short, fuck thinking about England, and start thinking about yourself instead. Learn what you like, explore yourself and the wide array of toys, tips, and tricks out there to get you where you need to go. Life’s short, buy yourself a vibrator. Trust me.
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Staffer Shoot: Angie Zela
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Embracing The Inherent Queerness Of Female Friendships By Maddie Mosely
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Growing up, I was part of a friend group that wasn’t particularly affectionate. At that time, my best friend and I rarely hugged, and whenever we did, it always felt uncomfortable. Looking back, I realize that I may have been trying to remain unaffectionate to hide the fact that I wasn’t sure about my own sexuality. Long before I came to understand and accept my own queerness as a woman, I found my deepest connections among friends rather than romantic partners. It wasn’t until I moved into college and became friends with some of the most amazing women I’ve ever met that I truly began to explore the inherent queerness of female friendships. Immediately, we clicked, and while I’m not saying that I was attracted to them romantically, I think the affection they showed me played a significant role in helping me come to terms with my sexuality. I wasn’t used to anything outside of the binary norms of heterosexuality. While society teaches girls to show love in a very touchy-feely way, it’s also common to feel ashamed for being too affectionate with your friends, because of the fear of being called “gay” — as if it’s a bad thing. My new group of friends shattered these expectations. We show physical affection and emotional intimacy freely, end phone calls with “love you,” and constantly serve as each other’s “hypewoman.” To me, female friendships are not just queer by virtue of being very touchy-feely. It’s about opening up on a deeper level and embracing a profound sense of vulnerability and connection that transcends traditional norms. Things like this are simply us expressing our love and friendship in a way that feels right for us. In these friendships, we challenge the notion that emotional intimacy should be confined to romantic
partnerships, and instead, we proudly celebrate the emotional bonds we share. The beauty of these relationships lies in our ability to be our authentic selves without fear of judgment or societal constraints. It’s about knowing that we can express our fears, dreams, and insecurities without reservation, finding solace in the knowledge that we are seen, heard, and accepted for who we truly are. Over time, I’ve grown more comfortable with my own sexuality and being affectionate with my female friendships. It’s liberating to realize that the inherent queerness of these relationships is not something to be ashamed of. In fact, it is something to be celebrated. Female friendships are a testament to our resilience, our strength, and our unwavering support for each other. It’s about affirming that love is boundless, transcending the boundaries of sexual orientation or societal expectations. These friendships empower us to be true to ourselves and to foster connections that are built on trust, compassion, and shared experiences. Embracing the inherent queerness of female friendships has been a transformative experience for me. It has allowed me to fully express myself, both as a woman and as a queer individual. It has also shown me that love comes in many forms, and it’s not limited to romantic relationships. It can be found in the laughter shared with friends, the late-night conversations, and the tight hugs that let you know you are cherished. So, I shouldn’t have to feel ashamed about queer undertones in female friendships. Instead, I choose to celebrate them and the love and support they bring into my life. They have played a significant role in helping me accept and embrace my own queerness, and for that, I am forever grateful.
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RETURN OF STADIUM TOURS BRINGS FANDOMS BACK TOGETHER By Maddie Mosely
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The summer of 2023 will be remembered as a time of musical resurgence, as the world welcomed back the electrifying experience of stadium concert tours after the pandemic-induced hiatus. Among the standout moments were Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” and Beyoncé’s “Renaissance Tour,” which both brought together thousands of fans and left indelible marks on social and economic landscapes.
“The fan culture with the Beyhives was insane,” said Razo. “As a woman of color, I have never felt so safe anywhere else, you could feel the positive energy everywhere. No one was judging you, and I felt so comfortable in my own skin for the first time in ages.” Ava Mosby, a sophomore audio and live entertainment major, emphasized the positive impact stadium tours have on the economic welfare of the host cities.
Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” was a nostalgic journey through the different phases of her illustrious career. With an estimated 200,000 ticket-holders attending her three sold-out shows in Philadelphia (Philadelphia Inquirer), Swift showcased not only her musical evolution but also a strong connection with her fans. However, beyond the costumes that paid tribute to her various eras like rhinestone corsets and sparkly gold dresses, the heart of this experience lay in the sense of community it fostered. Geralynn Razo, a sophomore history major, attended night three of the Philadelphia “Eras Tour” as well as the “Renaissance Tour”. “The culture behind Swifties at The Eras Tour was a more nostalgic vibe, from trading friendship bracelets and just not being scared of going up to people,” said Razo. “I think as we get older, we are scared to approach people, but here, it was acceptable to just go up to people and trade friendship bracelets and take pictures with strangers wearing the same outfit as you.” Beyoncé, the reigning queen of the music industry, mesmerized a crowd of 67,000 at the Lincoln Financial Field during her “Renaissance Tour,” reported by Philadelphia Magazine. While fashion played a part in the spectacle, with fans wearing rhinestone cowboy hats, bedazzled stilettos, and bold makeup, the core of the narrative resides in the unity and connection nurtured by stadium tours of this nature.
“Major stadium shows like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, increase and positively benefit the economic welfare of the current city they are in,” said Mosby. “There is an increase in transportation, jobs are provided to locals in preparation for the show, restaurants and hotels see a boom in demand and overall the economy of the city blossoms.” Reviving the excitement of live music, the comeback of stadium tours, exemplified by the “Eras” and “Renaissance” tours, offers a distinctive and cherished experience that goes above the ordinary. “Gen Z places a high value on live music,” said Jada Bromberg, a sophomore majoring in audio and live entertainment. “And stadium tours have transformed how we perceive live performances, making them truly unique and special.” The “Eras” and “Renaissance” tours have extended their impact beyond music, showcasing the profound influence of live shows and the tight-knit communities they foster. This resurgence of the live music scene acts as a driving force, not just culturally but also within the industry and among fans, rekindling the timeless magic of live music.
Photos courtesy of Geralynn Razo
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Is Seeing New seeing aAnew Movie Theatres movie In in theatres Better? better? By ByRachel RachelWilliams Williams With 24/7 access to streaming services, is seeing new movies in theaters still worth it?
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After a few years of streaming services dominating the entertainment landscape, the post-pandemic world is entering a movie theater renaissance. In 2023, movie theaters are reclaiming their place as the ultimate destination for cinematic and concert experiences. 2023 has been the year for experiencing entertainment in an impactful way. From the Barbenhiemer crossover to people celebrating the Taylor Swift and Beyoncé concert movies to Five Nights At Freddy’s making a comeback, there’s a new understanding of cinema culture. Taylor Swift and Beyoncé took the world by storm with the Eras and Renaissance Tours. Getting tickets for both of the tours was tough. There were Ticketmaster issues and expensive ticket prices, which resulted in many fans not able to go to the muchawaited tours. Later in the year, both Swift and Beyoncé announced that their tours have been turned into films so all of their fans can have a way to experience the magic. Jake Leonard, a junior journalism student, is a huge Taylor Swift fan and loves that fans have a new way to experience her music. “With these tour films fans can go to the movies and get a new experience of going to the show and feel included,” said Leonard. “If they just watched the movies at home it wouldn’t have been an event. And for movies like this you want it to be an event.” The big screens and surround sound create a captivating atmosphere that immerses us into the world of the film. When you watch a movie at home you miss out on not only the 4k viewing experience but the bonds and conversations shared by others in the theater.
Rachel Scierka, a freshman film student, loves seeing movies on the big screen and is happy that they are making a comeback. “I think we should keep the dress up culture when we go to the movies, it’s so much fun going and dressing up it’s like seeing a Broadway show at the theater,” said Scierka. Going to the movie theater reminds us of our childhood and how life used to be before the shutdown. It provides a feeling of nostalgia. Movie theaters also used to be the place for first dates or a meeting point before teens had their licenses. The in-person experience was looked at as a safe community space. Gail Thompson, a freshman film student, believes that going to the movie theater can bring people together for a shared experience. “I think we’re all so excited to do stuff again. Like yes, let’s go to the movies, we haven’t been able to do that for awhile,” said Thompson. “It’s something that my friends and I can enjoy together as a group.” It’s important to note that the movie theater experience can also be expensive and not accessible to everyone. In 2022, Indie Wire reported that ticket prices have increased by at least 20 percent since 2019 making the average cost around $11. But recently people have paid up to $20 to see the
new “Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” movie in their local theater. Leonard prefers to watch movies at the movie theater but says that with rising ticket prices it just isn’t sustainable. “If it’s a movie I really want to see and want the full cinematic experience, I’ll go to the theaters,” said Leonard. “I feel like the general experience of going to the movies is better than sitting on your couch at home. I just wish it wasn’t as expensive.” There’s no doubt that seeing movies in theaters can be expensive. We are at a crossroads — either movie theater culture is here to stay or it is a temporary fix to our nostalgia for a pre-pandemic world. Still, the movie theater experience is unique. There’s nothing like the smell of popcorn or having a cold ICEE in your hand as you join a community of people who have a similar interest as you. While going to the movies is expensive, it is also a place to thoroughly appreciate how some filmmakers intended for their art to be consumed. Whether you’re laughing, crying, or on the edge of your seat, going to the movies is a way to escape reality and indulge in the magic of storytelling.
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