THE HOME GROWN ISSUE | DECEMBER 2017
DIGITAL VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 4
DIGITAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Maggie O’Connor
IN THIS ISSUE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Shannon Maiers FEATURES EDITOR Amber Mitchell FASHION EDITORS PRINT Liv Verlande Alana Valko DIGITAL Audrey Klomparens Blake Pittman DESIGN EDITORS PRINT Katie Beukema Xinyi Liu DIGITAL Aliya Falk PHOTO EDITORS PRINT Becca Rudman Benji Bear DIGITAL Mackenzie King
02. masthead
VIDEO EDITOR Paige Wilson
07. from the desk of the editor-in-chief
DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR Elena Odulak
08. wearable art
PUBLISHER Lauren Ayers ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR Sabrina Zayek
16. the coffee trend that’s here to stay
MARKETING DIRECTOR Carly Dineen-Griffin
20. biv
26. locating the michigan difference 28. i wear the plants in this house 38. local philanthropy: 2 detroit based jewelers to put on your list
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Ellen Toal DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Christi Suzuki FINANCE COORDINATOR Connie Zhang EVENTS COORDINATOR Allison Powell OUTREACH COORDINATOR Kristin Swad SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Serena Pergola
Our mission is to inform, inspire and engage deeply with the University of Michiga provide a marketable media platform for students to push the boundaries of what
Index | Volume 4 Issue 4
40. student spotlight 46: cafĂŠ captivation 52. merrymaking in the mitten 54: street style
68. jessica’s skin and body apothecary 72. rococo: northville boutique brings fresh fashion to michigan 74. where the patterns are
an campus community at the intersection of student and professional life within the fashion industry. SHEI Digital is intended to t has traditionally been possible within print without compromising the level of quality associated with the SHEI brand.
FASHION Jennifer Gryka Rachel Schwab Adam VanOsdol Sean Tran Rosalie Li Olivia Gregg Juan Marquez Spencer Solit Paris Morris Jacob Simmons Alexandra Plosch Liv Velarde
DIGITAL
december contributors
Jenny Ruan Sophia Jaskoski Courtney Orbeine Harry Champion Catherine Marchenko Alexa Deford Jessica Peterkins Olivia Keener Elizabeth Haley Meredith Sherbin Kamryn Abraskin Alana Valko
FEATURES Alex Rakestraw Jamie Schneider Sophie ReVeal Kenzie King Bridgette Conniff
Matisen Douglas Amber Mitchell Merin McDivitt Theresa Manfredini
PHOTO Derrick Lui Lingene Yang Shannon Maiers Anurima Kumar Dana Dean Olivia Gardella Katie Corbette Eliz Akgun Beth Jackson Benji Bear
Kenzie King Robina Rranza Sam Plouff Julia Dean Francesca Romano Tina Yu Olivia Keener Becca Rudman Grace Coudal
VIDEO Rosalie Li Xinyi Liu Lauren Day Bethany Lehman
Claire Plump Catherine Marchenko Andy Regos Warren Lee
DESIGN Aliya Falk Paige Wilson Sara Groenke Manda Villarreal MODELS Yara Gayar Hafsa Tout Joey Carpenter Molly Brooks Hattie Edward Nunoo Ben Leigh Eric Ngan Dimitri Jakimovski
Julia Margalit Carla Borkmann Elizabeth Marics
Chun Yu Sarah Agnone Rachel Slakter Isabel Horowitz Maddie Stover Rosalie Li Abbey Johnson Gracie Gebhard Brianna Wells
WAKE UP TO THE SMARTEST PLACE TO STAY Treat yourself to a weekend away at Graduate Ann Arbor. We’re just across the street from campus at Huron and State. Enjoy our cozy club feel, a nod to the arts and a hip library vibe. Call us at 734-769-2200 to book your room today.
Boutique hotel rooms
Allen Rumsey Supper Club
graduateannarbor.com • 615 E. Huron St. • Ann Arbor, MI
Meeting & event spaces
THE HOME GROWN ISSUE Taking Time; Indulging in Ann Arbor
written by Maggie O’Connor photographed by Julia Dean layout by Aliya Falk
Letter from the Editor | Volume 4 Issue 4
I
love wi n t e r i n Ann Arb o r. T h e snow b la n ke t s t rees, stores a rou n d Main S t re e t a n d Sta te S treet a re g a r nished wi th h o l i d ay l i g h ts, a n d stud en ts par t ake in va r i o u s r i t u a l s o f ug l y h o l i d ay sw eat er s an d p e p p e r m i n t schn a p p s. It’s all a g o rg eo u s s p e c ta cl e. Am i d s t t h e f un a n d ch a o s o f th e end of th e s emest er, I often fi n d my sel f t aking f o r g r an t ed t he v i bran t cu l tu re which s u r ro u n d s u s . We are excepti o n a l l y lucky to l ive i n a p l ace tha t i s so ri ch i n local b o u ti q u e s , re s ta u ra nts, coffee sho ps, and s t u d e n t a r t w o rk . R ather th a n a llowing o u r sel ves to b e swa l l owed by th e madness o f f i n a l s s ea son , we sho u l d set a si de t ime to e x p l o re a n d ex peri en ce thi s cu l ture. Th i s i s su e i s mea nt to ma ke the t ask o f in d u l g i n g in ou r to wn ea sy for our re ad er s. Fo r t he mo n th of D ecember, we wan t e d to c re a te so mewh a t of a guide to An n Ar b o r. Where a re th e best places f o r h o l i d ay sh opp i ng ? Wha t a re the best s t u d e n t - ma d e cl o thi ng l i nes? What are th e b est c o f fe e sh o p s, resta u ra nt s, and at tr a c t i o n s o n ca mp u s? We a l s o wa n ted to ta ke th e t ime to h i g h l i g h t you , ou r rea d ers and p e e r s. T h ro u gh o u t th i s semester, our p h o to g r a p h e r s h ave h i t the stre et s of
Ann Ar bor to document t he day-to -d ay out f it s of t hose whom t hey e n c o u n te r. E ach and ever y week, we are ins p ire d by t he creat ivit y and passion t hat w alks th e st reet of t his campus and town. We s h are some of our f avorit e st reet st yle m o m e n ts t hus f ar in St reet St yle [pg. 54 ] . Whet her you are cr amming f or f in als , o r riding out your last few days in An n Arb o r, I urge you to savor t he oppor t un itie s yo u have in your own backyard. Ke e p yo u r eyes open. Look up f rom you r p h o n e . N ot ice all t hat ’s happening aro u n d yo u . Don’t let your self f orget t hat you r tim e in t his wonder f ul place is f ixed. I kn o w th at you’re over whelmed and mayb e a little drained, but t ake t he t ime to ap p re c iate your f r iends, your sur roundings , an d yo u r experiences. I promise you wo n’ t re g re t it .
DIRECTORS Jacob Simmons Alexandra Plosch MODELS Sarah Agnone Rachel Slakter STYLISTS Meredith Sherbin Kamryn Abraskin
VIDEOGRAPHERS Bethany Lehman Claire Plump PHOTOGRAPHERS Mackenzie King Robina Rranza LAYOUT Aliya Falk
WEARABLE ART https://blueandbella.squarespace.com/ http://slaktrac.tumblr.com/
Acid wash jeans - Ragstock
Sweater - Free People Red-framed glasses - Urban Outfitters
the coffee trend that’s here to stay
R
oasting Plant Coffee recently opened its newest location right in the heart of busy State Street, and it has since become the perfect balance of quick and quality coffee that Ann Arbor needs. It has all the elements people love from an artisanal coffee joint-wood floors, cozy brick walls, and the smell of freshly grinding beans-- but with a modern twist. With flash chillers that create the perfect, no dilution cup of iced coffee in ten seconds as well as the technology to supercharge 30% more beans into the same volume of coffee, the company has seamlessly combined the innovative technology into a performance for customer experience. One can hardly ignore the web of tubes in the ceiling and the sleek roasting machinery that gives the space a Willy Wonka factory feel. This combination of speciality coffee with a modern twist is part of the third wave of coffee production. “The first wave of coffee was the traditional diner,” Co-founder Tom Hartocollis explains. “The second wave was Starbucks bringing speciality, Italian-like coffee to America and to the world, such as the latte and other things in coffee that we take for granted now. And the third wave is this more esoteric, specialty beans, brewby-the-cup experience. We are in this third wave category, but we take it to another level, because we roast in every cafe.” Roasting in-house not only sets Roasting Plant Coffee apart from its competitors-artisanal, Mom and Pop coffee shops, and
cheaper, global coffee leaders like Starbucks-but it also is a step in the right direction for coffee industry trends overall. Hartocollis says that coffee, like wine, needs to rest and breathe for 12-24 hours in order for one to taste the full flavor profile. After a couple of days, however, it becomes stale and flat. That’s why freshness at Roasting Plant is the number one reason why the brand roasts in-house. “We’re the only chain of coffee stores-- we have 8 now-- that roasts in every single cafe because roasted coffee has a shelf life of 7-10 days before it oxidizes and loses its flavor and aroma,” Hartocollis explains. “So fresh roasted is really the key to taking the best beans and making the best cup possible.” Roasting in-house also leads to better sustainability practices within the industry, as Hartocollis explains. Because the establishment ships directly from coffee farm to store (and only ships exactly what it needs for those 7-10 days the beans are still fresh), there is no need for centralized warehouses or trucking facilities that use a lot of packaging in order to subdivide and distribute the coffee beans. “The environmental footprint is much less by roasting in store, and we always have a fresh product, so we have no waste,” Hartocollis says. “We only roast what we need in the store to be able to use it for seven days. That’s our goal.” While the technology allows for better savings from an environmental standpoint
as well as an economic standpoint, the best part about the Roasting Plant technology, according to Hartocollis, is that it produces a better customer experience. While Michigan students study in the expansive, two-floored space, they can hear the whirring of the roasted beans as they fly through tubes in the air and straight to the grinder. After first witnessing it themselves, the co-founders decided to make the tubes clear to foster a more interactive, fun experience for coffee buyers. “It happened to be a lot of fun to watch,” says Hartocollis. “That wasn’t the plan at all.” Like food and wine, people have started to care where their coffee comes from. Customers have realized that coffee tastes different from different origins, and Roasting Plant allows them to create a customized cup that blends up to four beans of their choosing. Hartocollis thinks that in the future people will start to talk about coffee like they talk about wine. Questions like, “Do you want something that’s really bold and big like a Cabernet, or something that’s a little lighter like a Pinot, or fruity like a Shiraz?” will not only apply to wine lists but coffee menus as well. According to Tom, “Coffee’s the same [as wine], and as people begin understanding that, they gravitate towards a Jamaican Blue Mountain or a Sumatra that has a lot of flavor.” Since the trend of caring where one’s coffee comes from is up and coming, it makes sense that smaller, artisanal coffee shops are on the rise. But what makes
Roasting Plant different is that it combines this artisanal experience with a relatively low price point, an optimal choice for someone that cares about quality coffee but is trying to save cash. According to Hartocollis, there’s a new trend of making this artisanal coffee experience more approachable, and Roasting Plant solves this problem by only charging a dollar or two extra for these very esoteric coffee beans. Through giving more people access to quality coffee, Roasting Plant is inherently educating the public in a seamless process about where their favorite coffee comes from. Customers are then able to determine what type of coffee suits them personally. “What we find is that in New York, for example, or Detroit, 80% of our customers ask for a specific bean when they come in,” Hartocollis explains. “They don’t say ‘I want a cup of coffee,’ they’ll say ‘I want a Guatemala, I want an Ethiopian, I want a Jamaican.’ So people really tune in fast to it.” The future of the coffee industry is gravitating towards this third-wave, roasting in-house freshness. Innovative spaces like Roasting Plant have capitalized on the opportunity to teach customers about what it means to truly customize a cup of coffee. The experience is like no other, as the entire process of creating the perfect cup of coffee happens in the store itself. Like Hartocollis says, “You can see it, you can smell it, you can hear it, then you can taste it, and it’s all happening right here in front of your eyes.”
written by Jamie Schneider photographed by Katie Corbette layout by Manda Villarreal
DIRECTORS Jennifer Gryka Adam VanOsol STYLISTS Sean Tran Rosalie Li MODELS Yara Gayar Hafsa Tout VIDEOGRAPHERS Rosalie Li PHOTOGRAPHERS Anurima Kumar Derrick Lui Lingene Yang LAYOUT Sara Groenke SPECIAL THANKS Bivouac
Ripped Denim Shirt - Joe’s Jeans Cream Sweater - Free People
Purple Sweater - Free People
Denim Shirt - Rag & Bone Jeans - J Brand
Jeans - Frame Purse - Rebecca Minkoff
findingIthe michigan difference A
nytime someone visits you at Michigan, it’s essential to show them the best parts of the campus and life at school here. The first step is a well-rounded and informative campus tour. The key here really is to make sure it is quick. Don’t spend too much time listing off forgettable facts and instead focus on emphasizing the best and most iconic aspects of the Michigan campus. Go to the diag, avoid stepping on the M and move on. Personally I think UMMA, Michigan’s art museum is an essential stop, but what’s important here is to point out your favorite buildings on campus to give your visitor a feel for what the school has to offer. The next step to showing someone around campus is taking full advantage of the many wonderful restaurants in Ann Arbor. Before starting your campus tour, it would be ideal to grab a couple of coffees and a fun pastry. My choice for this is Lab on Liberty as their drinks are delicious and the welcoming atmosphere makes me feel as if I could spends hours there. Ann Arbor has some of the best restaurants in the state and is known for the variety of choices. Although there are plenty of good dining halls on campus, it’s important to show your visitor some
of the most iconic eateries in Ann Arbor like Frita Batidos down West Washington Street. At Fritas, you can build your own burger, topped with perfectly seasoned fries. Other great options for lunch or dinner include Tomukun, Jerusalem Garden, and Totoro, where I highly recommend their shrimp shumai. For a late night snack, Pizza House is a campus favorite, but nothing quite compares to the iconic Fleetwood Diner for those who love breakfast foods. All of the restaurants in Ann Arbor are pretty remarkable and will be sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor. It’s also important to show any visitor a sample of what nightlife on campus has to offer. Whether or not you choose to participate in Greek Life, there are always a variety of places to go and things to do. Apart from shows or performances around campus there are many other ways at Michigan to meet people, such as visiting local bars or attending co-op functions. The energy of Michigan students on the weekends will provide just the right ambiance for the entire evening. To really give your visitor the quintessential Michigan feel, many would argue that they have to attend a game at the Big House. Michigan’s
stadium is the second largest in the world and when the student section is full and lively, the camaraderie felt among the students in the crowd is unbeatable. Whether or not Michigan wins or if your visitor even cares for football, for many, seeing the Big House is an Ann Arbor must. If your visitor is interested in getting a taste of Greek Life and hearing the Wonderwall remix multiple times, fraternity tailgates are the place to go. Expert tip: ask the DJs to play Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and wait for a huge crowd of amped college students to attempt to sing an unreachable note. To wrap up the weekend on campus in the fall, make sure to stop by The Arb. The Arb hosts some of the most beautiful trees as Michigan welcomes vibrant changes in leaves each fall. Grab a Zingermans sandwich and walk through the woods to show your visitor the more natural side of campus. Ending your weekend here will show your friend that even with everything going on on campus it is still easy to find some peace and quiet.
written by Sophie ReVeal layout by Julia Margalit
MODELS Maddie Stover Gracie Gebhard Brianna Wells STYLIST Erin Wakeland PHOTOGRAPHER Erin Wakeland LAYOUT Aliya Falk
I Wear The Plants In This House
KK: Tell me a little bit about yourself! EW: I grew up in Okemos, Michigan but lived in the peripheral smaller, farm town. I’ve lived in the same house situated behind a farm field and woods with my parents, brother and sister, dog, garden, and compost pile. A true sanctuary! I’m 19, a pisces, and a sophomore dual-degree student in Art & Design and Environmental Science/ Anthropology. KK: What inspired you to start embroidery and clothes making? EW: I’ve always been a very D.I.Y. gal. The art I enjoy is very tactile— embroidery, sewing, stop-motion animation, painting, and I play the harp— there’s something about the intimacy of hand-crafts that I really love. I started embroidering in high school when I had ideas for phrases and fruit tees to make for my brave friends that would sport them. By that time, I had switched to shopping solely at thrift stores and vintage stores for environmental and sociopolitical reasons, and didn’t want to compromise my values for the tees I wanted to make. I started cutting up recycled fabrics from family members, thrifted materials, and taught myself how to sew and embroider from youtube and library books. When I was a kid I remember wanting to be a fashion designer, sneaking TeenVogue into my mom’s grocery cart until I got a subscription on a pre-teen birthday-- subversive! As I grew up and learned about the world’s social, political and economic spheres, I soon resented the exclusivity of the fashion industry, its tolls on the environment, knack for cultural appropriation, and capitalistic framework that feeds on women’s insecurities and labor exploitation for capital gain (usually benefitting the owner of the conglomerate and “trickling down” like a leaky faucet). It has only been more recently that I have wanted to reclaim fashion and clothing design. I think the most radical form of protest can come from within the system; increasing the amount of ethical fashion brands and reducing fast fashion in the clothing industry will benefit the wellbeing of people and hopefully drive out the later once ethical choices become more accessible.
KK: Where do you see your work going? What are your future plans? EW: I Wear The Plants In This House is very close to becoming fully zero waste, and I hope to zero in on one hundred percent in the near future. As goes for my art direction, I have been working on my machine sewing skills and will incorporate more garments fully designed by me. In addition, I love custom orders and hope to collaborate with customers to create special pieces of wearable art. I also really enjoy photographing my pieces and hope to do more narrative, intentional shoots with the clothing and models who happen to be my sweet, supportive, and beautiful friends. KK: Who or what inspires your work? EW: I’m a big fan of the design aesthetics of brands Shrimps, Mara Hoffman, and Rachel Comey, mixed with the aesthetics of a pack-rat grandma that loves Canal street jewelry. I also drool over Gustav Klimt and Viennese modernism.
written by Kenzie King
EW: I am always excited to meet people who want to collaborate in the making of garments, photography, modeling, and other skills. Say hi and email me at erinray@umich.edu! We can get coffee and share dreams.
LOCAL PHILANTHROPY:
2 DETROIT-BASED JEWELERS TO PUT ON YOUR LIST
I
t is a truth universally acknowledged that shopping locally is, simply put, something special. It’s always a nice sentiment to wear jewelry made by your sister’s friend’s cousin, or hang up a piece of décor you purchased from a cute, independent boutique down the street. Even better, doing so helps support independent artists and their efforts to make the world a little more beautiful, and often, these artists make an effort to give back to the earth or the community that raised them. Here are two local, Detroit-based jewelry brands with innovative designs and methods as well as philanthropic goals that are here to help you get your holiday shopping done in the most aesthetically pleasing and ethical way possible.
REBEL NELL As one of the most innovative jewelry brands on the Detroit market, Rebel Nell creates beautiful, colorful, and slightly abstract jewelry. Their supplies? Paint chips from old graffitied walls in Detroit. As the graffiti paint begins to peel away from their walls, Rebel Nell’s artists collect the pieces and turn them into something one-of-akind. In three collections—Dequindre Cut, The Alley Project, and The Rock—Rebel Nell is able to breathe new life into timeless works of graffiti art. While the jewelry products themselves are enough to be excited about, Rebel Nell’s philanthropic mission make it all the more enticing. According to their Website, rebelnell.com, their mission “is to employ disadvantaged women in Detroit, to educate them on financial management, life wellness, and business, and to empower them to successfully transition to an independent life” through direct work with local shelters. In fact, this was their sole purpose in starting the brand, and it has since taken off in the local market. Their goals are largely accomplished through their nonprofit called T.E.A., or Teaching. Empowering. Achieving., which helps women at Rebel Nell overcome employment barriers through business education and personal wellness. In this way, the women at Rebel Nell are able to maintain a “day to day support system” for one another. The best part is that every purchase from Rebel Nell goes directly to their programs, as they are self-sustaining and proud of it! Where to buy: 16 Hands, Ann Arbor Arts Center, City Bird, Detroit Artists Market, Detroit Institute of the Arts, Thistle and Bess, University of Michigan Museum of Art, and rebelnell.com
written by Matisen Douglas layout by Carla Borkmann
FATE & COINCIDENCE Created and “made for the modern bohemian” by twenty-two year old Julie Rudziensky, Fate and Coincidence Jewelry features geometric shapes, brushed gold, and rich jewel-tones. Her jewelry embodies a free-spirit, but is often juxtaposed with the structured look of hexagons or triangles, creating an opposition that’s more than pleasing to the eye. At the moment, Julie’s Etsy shop features several earrings with brightly colored tassels, countered by the calming, smooth brushed-gold color of the brass she uses, and while many of the pieces are chunky and large, there are also streamlined designs for the people who enjoy a more minimalist look. Much of her work is created with richly-colored paint as well, so there are plenty of one-of-a-kind pieces. Honestly, it’s difficult to look through her collection and not find something to like! While also being incredibly trendy, her “t e r r a” collection donates 50% of its proceeds to the Rainforest Alliance, which is a non-governmental organization that helps shape land-use and business practices in an endeavor to preserve the earth’s biodiversity. As a signature product, check out her “classic cuffs”—they’re colorful yet elegant, unique yet not over-the-top. The elegant, bright brass bands are painted by hand by Julie herself and they’re a simple way to spice up any outfit, making them amazing gifts for the most colorful people in your life! Additionally, Julie has started selling her beautiful weavings as wall hangings at Freespace Decor in Ferndale, Michigan, so if you or someone you know is in the market from some whimsical wall décor, look no further than Fate and Coincidence. Where to buy: Fate and Coincidence Etsy shop, University of Michigan Museum of Art, her Madewell pop-up shop.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT BEN LEIGH
Senior at the University of Michigan’s Penny Stamps School of Art & Design, Ben Leigh is the founder of EITHER/OR, a clothing line which repurposes vintage pieces
BL: EITHER/OR has come to serve two functions in my life. The first being my creative outlet outside of art school. I am constantly creating work outside of school assignments and classes. It is important to find a place for them. E/O is the way my seemingly disparate ideas can come to fruition. The second is my attempt to come to terms with the excess of the fashion industry. All of the brand’s clothes are repurposed vintage pieces. The brand has become a way for me to both create and critique fashion.
Instagram: @jawnguyyy Website: www.eitheror.us
AM: What is your major? BL: I am an Art & Design major in Stamps.
hill battle but ultimately nothing worth doing is going to be easy.
AM: Year? BL: Senior.
AM: What are a few things you’ve learned throughout the process? BL: Collaboration is essential in making the best possible work. When I started the brand I wanted to do everything myself. That mentality quickly led way to stress and frustration. There is so much work that goes in to bringing a collection to life and there is no need to do it alone. Working with other artists and designers whose work you admire will enhance the product and make the process incredibly enjoyable.
AM: Where are you from originally? BL: Montclair, New Jersey. AM: When did you come up with the idea and how did you bring it to life? BL: I started printing and tie-dying clothes in middle school. It wasn’t until high school that I thought about starting a brand. I remember listening to Elliot Smith’s album “Either/Or” and being blown away. That’s where I got the idea for the name. I was able to bring the brand to life when my dad bought me a screen printing press. This allowed me to print t-shirts quickly and accurately. One weekend my friends and I printed dozens of shirts to give away. I figured if people were wearing the brand other people would want the clothes too. It worked. AM: What has the experience been like so far? BL: The experience is like life: peaks and valleys. Taking an idea that’s in your head and bringing it to life is an intoxicating experience. There is no better feeling than being able to hold (or wear) something you’ve made. That being said, the fashion industry is troubling. There is so much decadence associated with fashion. That is why I make every piece from a preexisting garment. Unfortunately most people are apprehensive to buying “used-clothing” because in America most people want “new.” At times it can feel like an up
AM: What are some places you look for for inspiration? BL: Music is my main source of inspiration – I am constantly listening to music. Everything I have ever made can be traced back to my Spotify playlists. Really great music holds all the answers. There are distinct color palettes and forms that are embedded in music. I’ve always strived to make work that looks how a particular album or song sounds. In a world where things are constantly changing, music manages to stand still in time. I try to tap in to that sense of place that music holds. I also watch a lot of movies. AM: What are some of the goals you have for the future? BL: I’d love to start a design agency and bring other people’s creative ambitions to life. I also would love to produce an album – something heavy metal or pop punk. We’ll see.
written by Amber Mitchell photographed by Shannon Maiers layout by Aliya Falk
café captivatio
on
DIRECTOR Alexa DeFord STYLISTS Elizabath Haley Jessica Peterkins MODEL Isabel Horowitz VIDEOGRAPHER Warren Lee PHOTOGRAPHER Tina Yu LAYOUT Aliya Falk
Merrymaking i
A
t ages 6 and 13, I moved with my family across the country — well, across the Midwest at least. Moving to a new town, state, and school was hard enough, and to make matters worse, both moves took place in the gloomy winter months, when gray skies make any new home seem unfriendly and glum. First, we pulled up tentative roots in flat, humid Kansas, where I spent preschool days munching dandelions whole and running from the surly snapping turtles that lurked in our backyard pond, and moved to Minnesota. The shift from this grassy outdoor haven to icy Minnesotan winter was no cake walk. As we celebrated our first Christmas Day in our new house, we lit a cozy fire, but our fireplace billowed smoke into
the house, not out of the chimney. The blazing red fire truck and helmeted firefighters that rushed to our house that Christmas must have made quite an impression on our new neighbors. The move to Ann Arbor was less eventful, but more difficult in its own way. Six-year-olds, in all their ignorance and optimism, adapt more quickly to a new environment than bookish teens do. Michigan’s gray winters made the town look drab and depressing. When someone would ask me how I liked my new home, I would answer, in typical teenage fashion, “I don’t.” And yet, little by little, this town has become a place I love, a place I missed terribly when I studied abroad, and a place I’ll be heartbroken to leave after I graduate this spring. It is populated with eight years worth of memories, good and bad. Eight gray and white winters. And, somehow, it’s these very winters — their celebrations, traditions, slush and ice — that have inched Ann Arbor nearer and nearer to my heart. I’d like to share a few of these Ann Arbor holiday traditions with you, from gift shopping to movie screenings. Whether you’re missing far-away family this December, or wistfully remembering old celebrations, winter can be the hardest time for students to keep spirits high. These seasonal festivities can make Ann Arbor feel less like a school, a temporary address, and more like a home. December is one of the most stressful months for students, with exams, rough weather, and expensive travel in the cards for many. But it’s also one of the best times to enjoy all the winter fun Ann Arbor has to offer. Construction in the Law Quad, one of our most beloved campus landmarks, seems like it’s taking forever, but the university announced that construction should be finished by... you guessed it, December! The single best way to celebrate the holiday season
in the Mitten (i.e. the end of finals week) is with a snowball fight in the Law Quad. For stylish students who’d prefer not to sully their camel coat with snow, the Law Quad provides the perfect backdrop for a wintry photo shoot — don your most fashionforward winter cape, scarf, or hat and enjoy the picture-perfect backdrop and lighting. As for holiday shopping, Ann Arbor’s got you covered with plenty of local shops featuring oneof-a-kind gifts for friends and family. I avoid the mall on Black Friday, heading downtown instead for great deals and a better conscience, many of these deals even extend all December long. The festive atmosphere that reigns from Black Friday to New Year’s — winter scenes painted on shop windows, cheery bells rung by Salvation Army volunteers in Santa hats, and a special mailbox for “Letters to Santa” on Main Street — is one of the first memories I have of Ann Arbor, and the first hint I had of its lively local character during the holidays. As you explore Nichol’s Arcade, Main Street, and Kerrytown, it’s easy to find gifts for every taste. There are always stunning vases, pots, and plants for garden-lovers at University Flower Shop or Downtown Home and Garden, not to mention one-of-a-kind holiday wreaths. Wine aficionados will swoon over a high-quality, yet budget friendly bottle from Everyday Wines in Kerrytown. Style mavens always appreciate an accessory or gift card from Dear Golden Vintage, whose quality and attention to detail elevates vintage to a new level. At all these shops, there’s a warm spirit and sense of community year round — maybe even more so when temperatures drop, the skies darken, and a little extra cheer is needed. Shoppers who want even more holiday fun with their gift search can venture into the cold during Midnight Madness, the hugely popular shopping event on December 1. Downtown shops, from
beloved bookstores to candy shops, stay open late and offer special discounts, encouraging townies to support local businesses. The deals are accompanied by outdoor entertainment and performances, and after you stroll down Main Street, stop by Kerrytown for Kindlefest on the same night. An outdoor holiday market modeled on Germany’s traditional Christmas festivities, Kindlefest has live music, warm food and drinks, local artisans, and more great deals at local stores. With these two festivals on the same night, you could finish your holiday shopping in one fell swoop, and have a way better time than you would at the mall. After gift shopping is over, you can relax and enjoy the rest of the holiday season in peace (well, except for those pesky finals). Go ice-skating at Yost Ice Arena one weekend, gliding along the same ice where the university hockey team has won countless games. Sip an impossibly rich hot chocolate, spiced with coconut, cardamom, and top-notch cocoa of course, at Zingerman’s. Catch holiday classic movies like “White Christmas,” “Elf,” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the Michigan Theater. Carpool east with friends to explore Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village, an enormous celebration with carolers, ice-skating, holiday feasts, twinkle lights, and just about every other (awesome) holiday cliche you can think of. Oh, and Model Ts and horse-drawn carriages. Ann Arbor has so many winter festivities — the hardest part is choosing between them. Start a tradition or two this holiday season, ones that you can continue with friends for the rest of your time in Ann Arbor. Soon, your winter memories here will look more like mine, and the town will become a place that you, too, will miss when you’re gone. Yes, even in the gray, slushy, wonderful winter.
written by Merin McDivitt layout by Elizabeth Marics
STRE ST
DIRECTORS Olivia Gregg Juan Marquez STYLISTS Spencer Solit Paris Morris VIDEOGRAPHERS Xinyi Liu Lauren Day PHOTOGRAPHERS Dana Dean Olivia Gardella Eliz Akgun PHOTOGRAPHY EDITING Benji Bear LAYOUT Aliya Falk
EET TYLE http://www.sheimagazine.com/street-style/
E
very look to SHEI the bes get to k media. setting student through As a w already These f do - brin to the m to SHEI those w Style ph is abou how rew excited “I’ve bee
y week a team of SHEI photographers roam Ann Arbor king for people to photograph for the newest addition I online: Street Style. Street Style showcases some of st looks worn around campus and allows the viewer to know the subject, shop their look and see their social Oftentimes a shoot will begin with the photographers out down State Street or through the Diag to find ts who seem to have cultivated a strong sense of self h their style. weekly contribution to the website, Street Style has featured over 60 students in just the past six weeks. features are a key aspect of what Street Style aims to ng in more readers who otherwise lack a connection magazine. Although the publicity Street Style brings I is important, perhaps most important is its effect on who are featured. When asked about the project, Street hotographer Benji Bear said, “At its most basic part, it ut making people feel good.” Benji went on to explain warding it is for the photographers when people get when asked to have their photo taken one girl said en waiting my entire life for this.”
HATTIE
SAMUEL HALTENHOF
DJ: I like 80s style a lot... I watch Stranger Things all the time, and I really like how Steve dresses. Go to: a vintage sweater. I literally wear these white Chucks every single day, and I roll my pants up a little bit.
DIMITRI JAKIMOVSKI Shoes - Converse Jeans - Forever 21
CHUN YU Caramel coat - Madewell Shoes - Zara Pants - Topshop
JOEY CARPENTER
ERIC NGAN Black Jacket - Moncler X Off-White Hoodie - Heron Preston Shoes - Nike Vapormax
EN: I don’t know, I feel like I get inspiration from just like different cities, different cultures, recently it’s been a little bit of Tokyo, but I try to bring like some style essence from back home in LA and Asian culture and led back with more pop culture. I really get a lot of inspiration from A$AP Rocky and like, especially when I was in Europe, finding a little bit of bougieness. But combining street-wear and upscale fashion is really what I’ve been digging recently. I think fashion is extremely important, I mean, I think my whole life motto is to ask why not, and I think fashion is a great way to do that. I think throughout my life I’ve learned there’s no point in being normal, and I think fashion combines both of those things really nicely and makes it easy for me to look good and feel good.
EDWARD NUNOO
MOLLY BROOKS
&
Jessica’s Skin
Body Apothecary A Home-Grown Holiday Experience
A
s the Holiday Season approaches, I sat down with Jessica Goniea, owner and lead esthetician of Jessica’s Skin and Body Apothecary located on a quaint corner in Kerrytown, to discuss skin care, her own line of essential oils and scrubs, as well as great gift ideas for friends and family! What first inspired you to become an esthetician? My passion in esthetics actually stemmed from my interest in aromatherapy. I was in Flagstaff, Arizona for a year and was introduced to the world of essential oils and herbs by a professor. I really was interested in how certain oils, herbs, and essences paired together and I began creating combinations of oils solely for perfumery. I, then, became interested in how certain oils mix together for more clinical purposes such as hydration and repair. From there, my interest in the field of esthetics really sparked and I became excited to work with different individuals to address specific skin concerns using certain products. Furthermore, what motivated you to open Jessica’s Skin & Body Apothecary? I worked in the esthetics field for 7 years under someone from a different business and then I decided to start on my own to provide a higher
level of professionalism to my employees. I was inspired to create a platform for estheticians to grow in their own careers and an opportunity for estheticians to provide customers with a completely new experience. From there, I gathered supplies, started a website, stocked products, and found a location. I had a location at A2 yoga for five years and have now been in Kerrytown for five years! Being both an owner and esthetician myself, I can ensure that we really meet all of our clients’ needs. How would you describe your business’s culture? What do you think your clients and customers like about it? Our spa’s environment is really focused on relaxation, health, and wellness. We use and sell very clean, non-toxic, and earth friendly products— which not all spas do. All of the products we carry are different than those sold on the market: they contain active ingredients and high-quality formulations and contain no synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, natural preservatives, or parabens. Customers who come into our location immediately get a sense of what we have to offer upon smelling our store’s aroma. It’s a really homey and relaxing feel.
What aspect of your business are you most proud? I really enjoy being able to support the growth of a handful of women estheticians’ own personal careers. Most other estheticians have to use products [on their clients] that their owners, who may not always be estheticians, tell them to use. They’re doing the best with what those products can provide. If there’s a new product that Eminence, a skin care brand that we carry, releases, we all test it out ourselves and have a say in what we think about it. It’s a more collaborative work environment amongst us all, so we feel like we’re each growing professionally. We know our client’s skin and we know the products that we’re working with. We’re able to make that bridge and find the products that meet their own skin care needs and concerns. This is a much different approach than just going to the drugstore and asking someone who isn’t an esthetician and who doesn’t know their skin or the products. In the market, there’s a vast array of skin care products to choose from and it can be overwhelming and confusing. We have a large array of products, however, we narrow them down for our clients based on their own different purposes. I think everyone needs an esthetician just to consult with and have a relationship about their skin care with.
“
We use and sell very clean, non-toxic, and earth friendly products —which not all spas do. As the owner and esthetician of your business, what do you believe most typical customers are looking for in a spa? Most typical customers are usually looking for both a high-quality service as well as a relaxing treatment. I believe most customers of ours come into our place because they know we specialize in high-quality skin care products and that we create an exceptional relaxing and rejuvenating experience for them. Additionally, my estheticians and I are able to introduce our customers to our new products that they may have never used or even thought of. We’re really proud of the way in which we meet our customers’ needs by finding products they can use at home and helping them troubleshoot their individual skin care concerns. We really go beyond the spa experience and into their everyday life. I heard you have your own line of body oils and scrubs, when did you first start making them and what inspired you to do so? As I was describing earlier, my first interest in skin & body was how essential oils could be paired together to produce a really unique aroma. I would combine them and put them into carrier oils, enjoying blends for their eminence alone. From
there, I began formulating analgesic blends, skin soothing blends, and anti-inflammatory blends that could be used to benefit a variety of people.
under twenty dollars, we have lipsticks in a variety of different shades, one-ounce body oil samplers, as well as a really nice lip plumper called Lip Drink!
What product is your favorite in the line?
Is there anything existing customers or readers may not know about your business?
My favorite is the Nourishing Winter body oil. It has four different carrier oils that are all great for the skin with a variety of nutrients and vitamins included. There are also essential sandalwoods and vanilla as ingredients to make for a really nice blend. As the holidays are approaching, what products do you sell that you believe would make great gifts for friends or family? Our newest product that’s going to be an essential for this time of the year is our bar de crème. It’s a handmade lotion bar with beeswax that really helps heal chapped hands, and the best part is it’s under twenty dollars! We made this product because we understand how difficult it is to combat chapped hands. When applied, it creates a moisturizing and exclusive barrier that can last for hours. We also have gift cards for purchase so you can gift a dollar amount that can be used towards any of our services or products in store. As for other gifts
We offer aromatherapy consultations by appointment. We also offer a lot of support for clients with acne. Located in a college town, we understand that acne can afflict many students at this age. We approach it using organic, non-drying products, which is a very different from simply grabbing over-the-counter products. Additionally, all one hour organic facials include an extraction if the patient would like. We also have waxing and massage services as well as online booking through our website to make things easy for our customers.
written by Theresa Manfredini layout by Paige Wilson
Rococo:
northville bou fashi N
estled between quaint restaurants and coffee shops that sit in the heart of downtown Northville, Michigan, lies the vibrant, fashionable women’s boutique named Rococo. Upon entering the store, one notices a refreshing contrast from the antiquated Northville streets. Immediately, you are greeted with a hello from the employees, and you can hear the latest hits playing softly overhead. The white walls signify a modern style while racks upon racks of clothes, organized by color, surround the walls. If you have ever visited Northville, which boasts many old-fashioned houses and even an annual Victorian Festival, there is nothing quite like Rococo. The lack of clothing shops like Rococo in Northville is exactly what inspired owner Tricia Moeser to open her first shop 12 years ago. Since then, Moeser has even expanded her business to Birmingham, opening a second Rococo shop in 2010. After graduating from Michigan State University in 2005 with a degree in Communication Studies, Moeser knew her true passion was in fashion. “Northville had no clothing shops like Rococo at the time,” said Moeser. “After college I was faced with the difficult decision to move to New York to pursue a career in fashion there, or open my own store in Northville. Obviously, I ended up staying close to home and wow—I am happy I did.” Rococo’s prime locations in busy downtown areas offers a unique and quick way to get some of the latest fashion trends without heading to the mall or endlessly scrolling through pages and pages of clothes from online retailers. Although Rococo definitely keeps up with the latest fashion trends, Moeser makes it clear that her clientele are what she calls “true shoppers.” Furthermore,
utique brings ion to michigan her shoppers do not solely aim to shop for name brands, but rather, many of them shop a mix of high-end and low-end brands. “Rococo prides itself on working directly with small manufacturers,” said Moeser. “These brands are ready to sell directly to us and are not at all big name brands.” A few times a year, Moeser flies out to Los Angeles to hand-pick clothing for both of her stores. This hands-on approach gives Rococo a unique approach to fashion. Moeser is especially excited about the items that she has picked for the holiday season. “We are selling a ton of velvet and unique jackets right now,” said Moeser. “Everything from bombers to blazers. We also are selling a bunch of detailorientated sweaters with ruffles, rips, and several other different textures.” One quick scroll through Rococo’s Instagram page (@rococomi) gives you a sampling of the items currently in store. With 7,000 followers, Rococo’s Instagram features photos of local models all taken in-store and around Northville. Moeser is proud of their social media success, as it promotes existing clientele to come in and shop while also bringing in new customers. If you cannot make it into one of the Rococo stores yourself this holiday season, Rococo also has a website (rococomi.com) and offers a personalized shopping experience. Rococo will suggest personalized styles from you by texting rococomi@icloud.com . Whether shopping online from the comfort of your own home or experiencing the store in person, Rococo offers something for everyone’s style. written by Bridgette Conniff layout by Aliya Falk
WH
DIRECTORS Liv Velarde Alana Valko VIDEOGRAPHER Paige Wilson MODELS Rosalie Li Abbey Johnson PHOTOGRAPHERS Sam Plouff Becca Rudman PHOTOGRAPHY EDITING Mackenzie King LAYOUT Paige Wilson SPECIAL THANKS Graduate Hotel
ERE THE PATTERNS ARE
Playing Havoc, now available at
SHEI Fall 2017 our online store
LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE
SHEIMAGAZINE.COM INSTAGRAM: @shei_magazine FACEBOOK: @SHEImagazine