MAY 2O15
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SIDEWALK MAGAZINE
SIDEWALK.COM
SIDEWALK JERRICA ARCHUL Editor in Chief
Creative Director ANGELA KUSZAJ Art and Design Director GINO BENJAMIN Fashion Director LEYLA TARY Operations Director CALETHA CRAWFORD
Fashion Editor JERRICA ARCHUL Beauty and Food Editor ANGELA KUSZAJ Features and Copy Editor LEYLA TARY Web Designer and On-line Editor GINO BENJAMIN
Managing Editor LEYLA TARY Coordinating Editor CALETHA CRAWFORD
Contributing Editors: JOSE ALVAREZ, ELEONORA HALON, VICTORIA SAN JUAN-VISTRO, CASEY BAUMAN
ELIZABETH S. MARCUSE President and Publisher
25 SIDEWALK MAY 2015
SIDEWALK.COM
Sidewalk - Features
Hit the road
Whether you’re moving abroad to study, work, or just experience something out of the norm, we’ve gathered as much information about the best places for you to move to. Leyla Tary
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Moving away from what you’re used to isn’t for everyone, but some of us are itching to get away from the everyday repetitive normality and experience something new. If you’re one of those people, and you want some new surroundings and adventure in your life, you might just be trying to decide one thing: where? We spoke to a bunch of different move to the country and just speak people who abandoned their it, so if you’re up for the challenge hometowns and decided to find a of learning a new language on top new culture to adjust to in order to of adjusting to a new culture, then get the lowdown on the best ways somewhere where they don’t speak to plan these things. English – or whatever your first The first thing you’ll need to decide language is - is calling your name. before moving anywhere is whether Patrick, 21, moved from or not you will want it to be a London to Berlin to study graphic country that also speaks your first design. He says “I’d been to Berlin language. Moving somewhere before on vacation, but obviously where you can’t even speak the visiting somewhere for a brief language is always going to be weekend is very different to living difficult to adjust to, but some of there, working there or studying you might think yourselves capable there. At first I treated it like it was of learning the lingo of a new another vacation and a chance to culture. Whether you know the just get drunk every night, but after native tongue of the country you’ll a few weeks I had to at least try to be moving to or not, they say the be sensible and get on with my best way to learn a language is to work!” Berlin is known for being one of the most creative cities in Europe, since the atmosphere that was left after the wall came down in 1992 allowed for an independent and creative micro society. subject was the same as if I had been learning it at This meant that Patrick, pursuing a career in graphic design, was able to fully make the most of the resources available in the city. “Graphic design, and all art really, is universal, so moving to a city where I knew no one and only had minimal knowledge of the language didn’t matter much, because the
home.” If your main worry is moving somewhere you won’t be fluent in the language, Patrick offers some advice; “German is quite easy to pick up once you’ve been there for a while. A lot of the words sound similar to English, and you end up
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learning the basics much faster than you expect to. Plus, being a huge diverse city helps because it means people often understand some English as well, so it was never really too difficult. Once you start to learn a language and adapt to a new culture and way of
“The language barrier didn’t really seem that important to me once I realized how good for my career this would be”
speaking, you pick it up faster than you think. It’s just the initial start and shock of it that you need to get over, because once you’ve dealt with that you find yourself speaking to people with ease and realizing you’ve been subliminally learning the language the whole time.”
Patrick studied for a year in Berlin and is glad he didn’t choose a country where English was the first language. “I knew it would be a challenge to move somewhere new and get used to a different schooling system, and then on top of that to learn a new language. I knew it was only for a year though, so I just kept telling myself that I would never have another opportunity to live in one of the greatest cities in the world, especially for art, so the language barrier didn’t really seem that important to me once I realized how good for my career this would be.”
Josh, 24, moved from New York to London to work in fashion merchandising for online retailer asos.com. Both London and New York are two of the world’s leading fashion cities and Josh felt progression in his chosen career path could only be achieved if he lived in either of these places. Going from studying in New York to working in London was more of a
culture shock than you might imagine. “Just because you’re moving to another big city where they speak English doesn’t mean you automatically adjust. It takes a lot of getting used to! There’s still a slight language barrier with certain words and phrases, and it still took time to really settle in to the London lifestyle.”
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As a fashion and culture magazine we wanted to learn more about the excitement of moving to London to be a merchandiser. “Growing up in New York I was always inspired by fashion and saw it as the only thing I wanted to do, so when I graduated college I started thinking about where else in the world could I work in fashion, so I could gain as much experience and exposure as possible. Paris, Milan, LA…there are so many places you can move to, but I went for the option I was most excited by, as I had never been to London but had heard so many great things about it, especially since it’s a big English speaking country, just like New York. I suppose I did go with the easier option by opting for a country where I already knew the language, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still hard to adjust at times. As New York and London are quite similar with their trends and fashion styles, I found settling into the work place quite a smooth transition.” Working in fashion is a great way to meet a variety of people, no matter where you go someone will be interested in fashion and trends and product development, so there are always opportunities across the globe for a position in the fashion industry. If you’re hoping to move abroad to study, you might not always have the opportunity to work during your stay. Jack, 23, moved from England to New York for one year and was unable to obtain a working VISA. “Not being able to work was quite frustrating because it meant I had to save up all of my money beforehand, and couldn’t find a way to financially support myself while I was out in New York.” This means a lot of planning and thought has to go into
the trip, as you will need proof that you can support yourself for the entirety of your trip and evidence of funds. Of course, not everyone wants to find work while they’re studying in a new country, and unpaid internships are allowed, it just means you’ll have to be more aware of how much money you’re spending on beer and burgers without the guarantee you can’t work to get the money back. Jack tells us, “Having an unpaid internship is the best way for you to meet people in your chosen field. Not all internships are going to be glamorous and eventful, but it’s really the only way to make yourself completely available to any future potential employees. Although, some places might just want you making coffee or running around for them, there are the odd few where you might actually learn something!” It’s not just about work, work, and work though, sometimes we need play, play, and play. Find out the legal drinking age of where you’ll be moving to and get yourself out partying and conversing with some of the most interesting people you’ll ever meet. You need to find a balance between study/work time and partying time, and once you find that balance and you begin to fully experience the lifestyle of the place you have moved to, you can come home and be that guy who tells all his friends endless stories about “that one time when I was living abroad…” Having experiences in different countries is bound to help boost your career no matter what pathway you’re choosing to follow. Your resume will seem much more experienced when you add in skills like speaking another language, as
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well as having experiences with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures across the world. You’ll be more appealing to the company you’re applying to, because they’ll appreciate the fact you know the basics of another language and use this to their advantage; they’ll see you can communicate well with people from
diverse cultures and societies. The amount of access we have to the rest of the world is limitless, so really there are no boundaries to what we can do now. There are endless opportunities to move abroad to study, to work or just to experience a new culture, so we encourage you, our readers, to jump if the chance arises!
Where should you move to? We’ve compiled a little (vague) list of recommendations on where you should live depending on what you’re interested in. (You don’t have to follow this, you can live anywhere you want, really.)
NEW YORK Music Art Fashion Finance
LONDON Literatur e Finance Politics Fashion
HONG KONG Tourism Fashion Business Medicine
MUMBAI Medicine Economics Science Business
SYDNEY Marine Biology Natural Sciences Social Sciences Business
PARIS Art Languages Fashion Architecture
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CAREERS IN TECH WITHOUT THE TUITION? For the young man who is not feeling the college route, don’t worry we have other options! Something we all use and is constantly updating is technology. There is no better example than a smart phone. Believe it or not, one can find a career in this, whether you have a graphic design background, coding background, software, or just have creative app ideas. This is a relatively new field as far as app developing goes. This field also does not require a degree and though it is risky, it can be very fruitful. Even for the reader who does want to stay on the traditional route with a four year degree, this is something that can be looked into while still attending or after college. To better understand this new field, we were able to pick the brain of Zachary Obasiolu.
“[I]f you love living on the edge and like working hard then this is the world you belong in” Zach is a 20 year old college dropout amongst many other things. Catching up with Zach I have him introduce himself. Zach: “My name is Zachary Obasiolu and I am an app developer. I also handle marketing strategies for other startups, mostly web apps”. With no educational background in coding and developing apps and websites, I asked him why he dropped out of school. Zach: “I was at Umass Dartmouth and I had my first startup called Pixy that I founded with my friend in Paris. It was a photo sharing site for professional photographers, a site similar to Tumblr, but it was also a website builder so instead of having a blog you had a fully functional website. We started to get traction in Europe in 2013 when I was in my first semester of my sophomore year so we both moved to New York.” Having known Zach throughout high school and having worked with him before, dropping out came as a huge surprise. Not only was he book smart, but the son of strict parents who are both doctors, and a brother of sister who graduated top of my class. Curious, I asked him why he did not just stay in school and do what he is doing now.
RELATED CAREERS WITHOUT A COLLEGE DEGREE Online Advertising Manager Income average: 87K
Web Developer Income average: 76K
Electrical Technician Income Average: 56K
Front-End Web Developer Income Average: 107K
Zach: “It’s about focus. Focusing on creating a good product must be your only goal. Anything else is a distraction and you’re wasting time and money. However, everyone else is different and there are numerous people who were able to do both”. Still a little unsure on how he is able to live and maintain, I first wanted to know exactly how he got into developing apps. Zach: “That’s funny because I actually hated working with mobile apps at first because we are in a bubble and it is a very saturated market. But I was hired by an angel investor while I was working with Pixy, so I left Pixy and focused on his project and now here I am making apps”. What do you recommend to other young guys wishing to follow in your footsteps? Zach: “Never give up, realize it always gets harder, and you’re going to waste thousands of dollars. So know what you are getting yourself into but if you love living on the edge and like working hard then this is the world you belong in”. What are the challenges? Zach: “There are many but the main ones are being organized, not slacking, finding enough time to sleep and have a life, keeping up with friends, spending outrageous amounts of money.” In developing apps, I wonder how much and how long profits and sustainability could actually last. I wondered how many if any full time jobs could exist or will exist. To drop out of school and develop apps seemed unpromising so I asked him if he sees longevity in his career in tech. Zach: “That’s a question that most people in startups usually avoid because of the simple fact that most startups don’t make it. Whether $700,000 has been put into the start up or $50,000 there is a high chance the startup can fail. So in tech I want to be in the game as long as I can but who knows”. Do you work freelance or under a company? Zach: “Both and I also have a few apps that I own myself” Do you receive a paycheck? Zach: “Yes and no. you will make a lot of money sometimes and then sometimes you won’t. But when you make money, it’s a lot. Some “pay days” can be enough to live for like a year if you’re smart about what you are doing”. Zach works with his cousin David who shares the same last name. Together they develop apps amongst other ventures, while also having part time jobs. I was able to catch up with David as well. Tell us who you are and what kind of work you do with Zach?
David: “My name is David Obasiolu; I am an app developer, software coder, and graphic designer. With Zach, I work on the marketing and development of various apps. We work together on apps like FootMap, GameMap, GroupUp, and I worked on Pixy and other web based platforms. So mainly right now Zach and I working on FootMap and GameMap. We both have a lot of creative control and bounce ideas back and forth to each other. He does most of the marketing in terms of ideas and content, and I work with a lot of third parties to put those ideas into motion”. Do you have a degree? David: “I was in school to become a doctor but I dropped out. It was just not what I wanted to do; I could not fake it to please my parents anymore”. How did you find yourself developing apps? David: “Zach used to always bounce ideas to me, ask me for my two cents and stuff. And gradually I would come to him with ideas too. Our partnership grew organically from there. Around the same time he left school I also did too. From there I started taking it more seriously and going on endeavors on my own and with other people. I definitely give credit to Zach; he got my interest in it going and always tried to get me into it”. Do you see longevity in making apps? David: “No, and that is the great thing about it. I work full time, for my father’s heating company, so that is where I get my money. All the money, which is good enough for me, that I make from apps and other stuff, is discretionary. Do you find it hard to stay on it, to stay motivated when you don’t absolutely need to be successful in this because the money is not a necessity? David: “Yes and no. I get uninspired like anyone else, but I do legitimately enjoy it. Zach also keeps me on track and I have an obligation with him as a partner that I have to hold up on my end”. What do you recommend to young guys wishing to follow in your footsteps? David: “Honestly I would say to have a backup plan, and not go all in. Especially since this is so new, and no one knows where it is going, it is a huge gamble. Even in Zach’s position, what he is doing right now you know, I don’t agree with it. I think this is more of a side gig, at least for now. But aside from that, you need to be able to take rejection. You will get turned down by a lot of people, a lot of ideas you love will be shot down. You have to be able to take criticism you know. Twenty people may shoot down your idea but what if Mark Zuckerberg gave up on Facebook, he got shut down just like anyone else. But he knew his vision and he stuck with it. That’s a big part of it; I’d tell anyone interested in something like this to watch the Social Network”. David who does this on the side sees this as something not yet set in stone. Zach is on the forefront of this new terrain mapping it as he goes, with no guaranteed future in sight. Though he has no educational credentials in this field which might land him a job a related
field, Zach has other work in his portfolio. Along with Pixy Zach created a blog, clothing line, video channel, and marketplace under the umbrella named Waffles After Class. Started in high school it grew from a video series to a blog that hosted young artist, then began selling their own merchandise. After gaining more traction users would pay to have their clothing or other media/products hosted on the site for a small fee. He also worked on a video which was the opener for the high school talent show. Projects like these went on until he started getting involved in apps. A reader with multiple viewpoints on those in this new field but trekking through it differently can make a more educated decision whether this would be something of interest to them. To check out some of Zach’s previous and current work visit wafflesafterclass.com, FootMapapp.com or FootMap in the app store and GroupUp in the app store.
Features
The Intern Diaries H o w t o n o t o n l y s u r v i v e , b u t t h r i v e
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Many people, myself being one of them, believe got 99 problems and being an intern is that since some salaries do not even cover one; A thought that frequently comes to emerging costs, like living expenses and mind, when I think of internships. As an transportation, unpaid internships turn into a intern, you are given tasks that can be dull at times like pricy experience that lay an even heavier financial the traditional coffee runs, but you also get the burden on students. The cost of living weather opportunity to be trained by those at the top and receive you are in a city or suburb is high, especially when the experience you need to pursue future ventures. You you’re an unpaid intern and college student who could be learning the tricks of the trait and doing hands doesn’t have time to have a paying job on the side. on work, attaining invaluable insight into the working Hopefully, some real life employers and my own world in the process, but, in the end, you are still a poor knowledge of the interning world can give you intern with little to no money to show for your effort, some tricks into how to survive the days in a life of hence the problems. an intern. First being, do you’re research! To Every college student is concerned about his or her elaborate further, don’t just pick a company that academic future, especially nowadays in times of the sounds cool, in most cases the cooler the economic crisis. College students are desperate for internship sounds the more bullshit work you’re experience that might distinguish them later from other going to end up with, so don’t waste you’re time job applicants and improve their chances of getting th- or money, or should I say your parents money. eir desired jobs. An internship Second, reach out to as many is basically when a student in people you can, weather its college goes to a company or through friends, co-workers, business and works while they online sites, school websites are still enrolled in school and or LinkedIn, because it all still getting academic credit. helps. I’m sure your four The main purpose of the years of college have taught internship is for the student to you how to write a cover gain valuable on the job work letter and resume (at least I experience, that they hope so) so put those skills to otherwise wouldn’t be able to The Devil Wears Prada work. Once you’ve found and locked in learn in the classroom. But there are also an internship, its time to actually start. other things that a student can obtain from internships. You know what that means right, yup, new kid on Internships help a student decide whether or not this the block…. again. After a few years of college line of work is correct for them. Since the student works you’re finally out of that new kid adjusting phase, in an occupation in which they are highly interested in with a job you’re familiar with or friends you’ve it really helps them get a bigger picture of the outside come to known as family, but now starting an world. Fashion and business schools are the highestinternship get ready to once again be back at the ranking industries for internships and also some of the bottom, which is not an easy place to be, but its hardest to obtain. When it comes to internships, one of okay because we all have to do it. It forces you to the main issues raised today is the right of a company to come out of that “routine” of just gliding through not pay an intern, I call this “overworked and your life, it, it teaches you how to engage with new underpaid” I’m sorry I mean “not paid”….. at all. There people and make connections that you otherwise are many opinions differing on the question of the might have shied away from. benefits of such unpaid internships.
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Now there are going to be two types of internships you need to watch out for; the real overworked and underpaid internship, which I mentioned before and the straight-up pointless internship, for lack of a better term. Both are equally bad for their own reasons. Safe to say finding the right internship is like finding the right apartment, partner, or job and it really does take a lot of hard work. If you happen to be one of the few lucky ones that find their dream experience on their first try, good for you, you probably deserve it, but if you’re not so lucky like the rest of us, you still have to be able to survive and do the best work you can, because at the end of the day everyone you meet is a connection. Getting back to internship number one, “overworked and underpaid”, which I created in honor of a friends current internship position where 8 am to 10 pm is not only acceptable, but the norm. It is understood as an intern you’re probably the first to come in and the last to leave (so mentally prepare now) but 14 hours is a little to unreasonable to me. Although she is learning a great deal, how does she tell her boss who is not exactly easygoing and nice, at all, that she is a student and has a life and cant work from morning to night? I still haven’t found the right answer for that one, but if you have secured an internship you do seem to enjoy, it’s always best to talk to your supervisor, in a professional manner, of course. It is best to remind them of your current school requirements and also suggest a schedule that’s mutually beneficial to both you. If they give
you your daily tasks in the morning hours, this gives you time to plan out your day and keep a schedule, which will help you get your work done quicker but still efficiently. Also, working through lunch as an intern or employee is nothing short of normal and as unappealing as it sounds, you can accomplish your work quicker and leave earlier, if possible. You don’t want to be overworked and overwhelmed with tasks you can’t handle or never leaned how to handle so I’m here to tell you IT IS OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP. Supervisors need your work to be efficient and if there not helping you its just because they don’t know you need it. Everyone is busy with his or her own tasks no one has time to babysit or ask if you’re okay. You don’t want to be in a position where you feel you want to cry everyday (although I’ve definitely been there).
Okay, time for internship number two, which I like to call “pointless” and it could possibly be even worse then the last for one simple reason, it’s a waste of your time. Yes, don’t get me wrong its nice to stroll in or leave when you please; go about your one or two tasks for the day and then are done, but at the end of the day you gained zero actual experience. We need to remember, the fancy company on you resume doesn’t make you any smarter unless you’ve learned and accomplished something there. Of course we all have our lazy days where were tired, hung-over or whatever the case may be, and just want a relaxing day at work, but, then you have to realize, pointless days where your presence doesn’t matter means you could be sitting in your bed doing the same thing, because at the end of the day your still not getting paid. If your not getting a monetary compensation you sure as hell better be learning whole lot, if you ask me. But does my opinion really matter, probably not, so I sat down to meet with Mrs. Diver, internship coordinator at Albany College for the past 12 years. Basically, her job is to be that guardian, to guide each student into achieving early experience into career paths they want to follow for the rest of their lives. “I think it’s important as a student to realize all the aspects of internships since you are the ones completing them” said Mrs. Diver. After making small talk for a bit, she [Ms. Diver] mentioned something that really stood out to me, “ Most internships I’ve come across either through word from my students or online are a scam, they call it an internship but all they really need is free labor. That’s why I’m here. I’m here to provide students with the helpful tools they need to weed out all the bad and find the internship that’s going to essentially change their lives.” Utilizing your teachers, advisors and coordinators is so important because they know more then you. “ We are able to give you helpful insight into not only acquiring but surviving your experiences and solving any problems you might be having because not only have we all been here before and completed internships ourselves, but we are able to take the information we have learned from helping thousands of students and put it toward making your internship better”.
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Internships are all about making connections in the industry you want to be in, but often time’s employers forget that. Internships are also about being able to gain vital work experience and often times this substitutes for monetary compensation, however coffee runs and “busy” work are, more often then not, what you get stuck with. Once you’re in that rut, it’s hard to come out and show your supervisors you are more then a messenger. Next I spoke with Ms. Usher, who is a recently hired employee at J.P Morgan and Chase. After listening to her for about 20 minutes or so I was beginning to see the overwhelming level of work she had to take on at such an early start in her career. Along with being in charge of her own daily tasks she is also responsible for … “ the seeking and hiring of new and competent interns, all their necessary paperwork, teaching them the ropes of the company, giving them their tasks, making sure there doing what needs to be done, checking over the interns work and fixing all errors, making sure there needs are met in terms of a good learning experience at this internship, making sure any paperwork from there school is filled out, helping them make connections and the list goes on….” It’s really important to remember when you’re at your internships, that your supervisors have their own bosses and work they need to finish as well. Most want you to learn and make the best out of your time there but babysitting cannot be another task put on their plate. It’s YOUR responsibility to make their lives easier and by doing that they will have the time to help you in return. “We are not being mean by not sitting and chatting with you, so don’t feel intimidated if everyone at the office is going about their day and not talking to you”. “Make your own connections, go the extra mile to help out, ask if you can help out with a project if your work is done, be friendly with other interns (there just like you and odds are they can help you snag a future internship)”. So, go out and find that internship that’s going to make you somebody but remember it’s work hard and don’t think you’re better then anybody because you’re not. If things get overwhelming just speak up, because at the end of the day we’ve all been there, you’re not alone and it will get better. (OH, and reminder, if you’re planning on playing hooky from your internship, please don’t post your whereabouts on social media, trust on this one.) Internships are all about making connections in the industry and you don’t want to make bad ones.
Top 5 [Embarrassing] Internship Experiences: We've all had internship moments that have left us wishing we could hang out under our desk.
“It was a normal day at my internship, at the time I was working at a magazine when I tried to go above and beyond my responsibilities and it turned out to be quite awkward. I was editing showroom pictures for one of my editors when I came across some private pictures. I ended up seeing much more of my editor then I had hoped& when he bugged me if I was done with the pictures yet I had to explain that his VERY private pictures had made it onto my computer screen. Safe to say I was mortified & I was the joke of the office for a month.” “I just finished working a 15 hour day and ended up physically passing out right in front of my boss because I didn’t have time to eat lunch” -Megan, 21 “I was caught playing hooky from work after a night of partying and instead of my boss firing me off the bat he chose to embarrass me by sharing my private pictures with the office just to prove a point” -Mike ,20 “I quit an internship a bit unprofessionally because I really didn't’t like it, but when I went on an Interview I was told a previous employer and personal friend of my interviewer told her I was not only unprofessional but rude. Safe to say I didn't’t get the position.” -Matt , 23 “I was so excited to start my first day at this great business firm. It was a position I wanted all throughout college, but when I got there I was greeted by the girl I had previously hookup with but [never remembered to call back]. I quickly realized she was my Boss. Ouch” -John, 22
Log onto www.sidewalkmag/interndiaries.com for more intern stories or to submit your own; We provide internship opportunities and our top rated internship websites for all industries.
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www.sidewalkmag/interndiaries.com
The Intern Diaries Our top 10 favorite internship websites to fit any industry.
NEVER UNDERESTIME THE POWER OF GOOGLE AND LINKEDIN
BUSINESS
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Log onto www.sidewalkmag.com/interninquires to learn more about our internship programs and opportunities or and to apply now
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By Angela Kuszaj
I am, as I am; whether hideous, or handsome, depends upon who is made judge. Herman Melville
Sunscreen? Although lobster rolls are coming into season, let’s try to make sure you don’t turn into one. Not only do you save yourself from embarrassment, but you keep your skin looking nice and healthy. There is nothing worse than getting an awkward sunglass tan or the lax bro sock tan. We all love our mid calves, but leave them at home next time you decide to go to the beach. Just make sure you lather up so they get rid of any white residue just so it doesn’t end up looking like something else….
Alba Botanica ($6, cvs.com) Sun Bum ($15, ultabeauty.com) Coppertone ($10, cvs.com) L’oreal Advanced ($8.79, drugstore)
typically makes it a non-starter for most guys.
Eye Cream?
So you finally came to
realize that the reason you have not been getting that internship you wanted maybe had to do with the fact that you looked like crap. Now that you’re in your 20s you have to look somewhat decent for not only yourself and possible significant others, but that other thing hmmm what’s it called, oh yea work? Because most of you men for the most part never really cared about your beauty regime, using an eye cream now is the perfect time to start. The delicate skin around your eyes is like an honest friend: it simply will not lie. It will show every unwanted sign of aging – dark circles, crow’s feet, sagging. And it's where evidence of poor lifestyle habits quickly make themselves known (need we list them?). There's no shortage of men's eye care products to help, Sircuit Skin White Out ($69, amazon.com) but navigating the profusion Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer ($20, kiehls.com) RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream ($15.48, amazon.com
Chapstick? So you’re going on a date tonight, huh? You lean in for a kiss with girl you’ve had a crush on since kindergartden, your lips touch slowly, and suddenly you feel like your lips are like the Sahara desert. As a season changes, your choices should change as well. Look for ingredients such as aloe and spf in the summer. Whereas in the winter cocoa butter and almond oil are essentials for every guy.
Moisturizer?
Burt’s Bees ($3.29, cvs)
You know that lotion that sits on your bedside table? It has far more usage than what you already use it for. Yea your hands are soft, but let’s work on that face. Keeping up with facial grooming leaves your skin rough and dry – cue the moisturizer. Whether you’re using your girlfriends, moms, or sisters it’s time to get your own. So what exactly do you need to look for in a moisturizer? Well for one: the obvious reason, which is to make your skin feel like a baby’s bottom as well as help even out any discoloration you may have on your skin. If you’re sensitive, then you’re in luck because basically every moisturizer out there is paraben, alcohol and radical free. Moisturizers are essential for those who want to have natural looking skin that is Aveeno ($7, amazon) healthy and ready to bare itself to the world.
Amclactin ($16.99, amazon) Cerave ($12.63, cvs)
k
Sidewalk
TRENDS 2015 The 4 Key Hairstyles For 2015 The “Man Bun”
Moroccan Oil Hydrating Styling Cream $36.80
A cream that will give that natural subtle look with hydration that will help combat frizz. (www.moroccanoil.com)
In last few years, we’ve seen a major resurgence in men’s traditional barbering styles. Looks ranging from multi-textured styles, shoulder-length hair, and man buns are all on trend. The key to the success of these styles is precision, purpose and de�inition. Choosing the right hair style is easier than ever with more men’s hair trends constantly emerging on the market you are bound to �ind something that will work just for you. So �ind your next style inspiration with these amazing hairstyles suitable for any man.
The “Perfectly Tousled”
Lock Stock & Barrel By Pucka Grooming Creme $13.99
A cream that gives massive volume and pliable texture yet has a natural �inish with a medium hold. Lasts all day and washes out easily with water. (overstock.com)
The “Wave”
American Crew Fiber $10.95
The “Classic Combover” TiGi Bed Head HARD.HEAD $20
A wax that provides, a For a stronger hold with strong hold and a touchable, natural look. subtle shine, try �inishing this look with this cream .For extra (americancrew.com) hold, rub a tiny amount of wax onto your �ingertips and work through ends. (ulta.com)
THE TRANSITIONS GUIDE Put the beat-up college sneakers down and pick up the shoes you’ll get noticed for [ for all the right reasons, of course] From the office to the bar, these are the 7 shoes you’ll need this spring to make a seamless transition not only from school to work mode but from winter to spring
SKATER BOY?
The Hangover Recipe Eggs Benedict With Hollandaise Sauce
So, its 5 am and you’re slouching in front of your toilet gagging every last thing your body has consumed in the last 24 hours. You soon realize that maybe going out last night and ordering rounds of Bourbon for your peers and boss maybe wasn’t your greatest idea. Not only is your back account in jeopardy but you are too. So now you’re thinking of the solution to the hangover you are about to have in approximately two hours? This ultimate hangover recipe will not only cure your hangover within an hour, but will get you back out there drinking again in a time frame of seven hours. So let’s get started. I’m ready whenever you are.
INGREDIENTS Hollandaise Sauce 4 egg yolks 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick) Pinch cayenne Pinch salt
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Eggs Benedict 4 slices Canadian bacon 2 English muffins split 2 teaspoons white vinegar 6 eggs Salt and pepper, to taste Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
“According to gastronomic lore, Eggs Benedict began at Delmonico's, a Manhattan restaurant, where frequent patrons the Benedicts complained that the brunch menu options were boring --- and Eggs Benedict was born. A bed of toasted English muffin halves topped with Canadian bacon, poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce is the classic recipe.”
To prepare Eggs Benedict Fill a 10-inch nonstick skillet half full of water. Add white vinegar to the cooking water. This will make the egg white cook faster so it does not spread. Bring to a slow boil. Gently crack 1 of the eggs into the water. Repeat with remaining eggs. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3 1/2 minutes until the egg white is set and yolk remains soft. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon, if you do not own one a simple spoon will do. Place to eggs on a plate allowing them to drain. To serve Lay a slice of Canadian bacon on top of each muffin half, followed by a poached egg. Spoon hollandaise sauce over the eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley.
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To prepare Hollandaise Sauce Add water to a saucepan. Simmer on medium heat and place a large stainless steel bowl inside the pan. Vigorously whisk together the egg yolks, butter, and lemon juice until blended. Whisking constantly, add boiling water to the egg-and-butter mixture until the sauce thickens, approximately eight minutes. Whisk in cayenne and salt. Cover and place in a warm spot until ready to use for the eggs benedict. If the sauce gets too thick, whisk in a few drops of warm water before serving. To prepare Bacon In a medium skillet, Brown the bacon for about 3 ½ minutes until it has a gentle simmer. Flip over the almost ready bacon for 2 minutes to get the other side to have a little crunch. To prepare English muffins Cut the sides of the English muffins off. Place the English muffin into the toaster, and wait until they pop themselves up.
“He dozed off, into a dreamless oblivion, for what seemed like seconds but was in fact hours, and awoke hungover, the inner surface of his skull pulsing like a single, giant nerve being chewed by some ruminant animal.” ― Alex Shakar, Luminarium
The Man Behind The Music If you haven’t heard of Pharrell yet, then we’re worried about you. Taking the world by storm for years with his intergalactic brain, Mr Williams is more than just the guy who knows how to write a chart topping hit single. By Leyla Tary
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Pharrell Williams – singer, songwriter, producer, rapper, fashion designer, businessman…basically a jack-ofall-trades. He hasn’t always been the man of the hour, soaking up the spotlight, though. At 42, Pharrell has been working in the industry for 23 years, since 1992, starting out behind the scenes as a producer and writing tracks for other people. Pharrell is one of the most inspiring success stories, proving to us that you don’t get everything you want from a young age, and that perseverance and persistence can get you to exactly where you want to be, no matter how long it takes. Starting out in high school as The Neptunes – an R&B style group - with friends Chad Hugo, Shay Haley and Mike Etheridge – Pharrell made a name for himself from an early age, being discovered by Teddy Riley to be signed to his record company. Pharrell was always an independent character, starting off by writing small verses for other musicians, and assisting on the production of other tracks. His first real breakthrough was to produce Kelis’ debut album Kaleidoscope, which wasn’t received as positively in the States as was hoped, however it did receive great recognition from a European fan-base.
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This was just the start. Pharrell went on to collaborate with artists and create some of the catchiest songs of recent years; I’m A Slave 4 U - Britney Spears and Hot In Herre – Nelly are a couple of the best known tracks. From here Pharrell started to become a household name, with N*E*R*D gaining worldwide recognition and the start of his Grammy achieving career beginning. In total in his 23 years in the industry, Pharrell has earned 11 Grammy awards, with two of those being received with The Neptunes. Now he’s known worldwide for his catchy beats and tendency to wear hats, Pharrell is a much-liked character in both the music and fashion industry, with respect and recognition being received from professionals in both areas. Known for being an intellectual, aloof character, Pharrell gives off an aura of extraordinary knowledge, making everyone around him really feel his presence. It’s not easy to be a man in the music industry, hoping to be taken seriously while also branching out into the fashion industry. Concentrating mainly on producing throughout most of his career, Pharrell is a sought after God of a music mogul, appreciated by all peers in the business; to have Pharrell produce your record almost gives it a golden touch, a certainty to succeed, acting as producer on some of the biggest albums of the last few years – Beyonce’s self titled album Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar’s huge hit Good Kid, M.A.A.D City and Ed Sheeran’s newest and biggest selling album yet, X. As a fashion magazine we have to focus on his successes in the fashion industry, of which there are many. It’s clear to see Pharrell has personal style. Often being described as ‘out of this world’ and ‘futuristic’, he is somewhat of an enigma of a being; a simple man that is yet somehow so hard to read. But we want to keep reading, we just want to know more. The way he presents himself and his demeanor say as much about him as his words. When around him, one gets the sense he’s on a higher level; he’s not quite earthly and is possibly in a separate dimension to the rest of us.
Billionaire Boys Club is a clothing line Pharrell
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co-owns with BAPE owner Nigo, founded in 2005 and sold online and through their boutique store on West Broadway in Manhattan, New York City. The line, usually paired with the collaborators other venture Ice Cream, is a premium streetwear brand, specializing in apparel, accessories and footwear. Worn frequently by Jay-Z himself, Billionaire Boys Club saw revenue lifts from $12 million to $25 million after Jay-Z had invested in the brand through a join venture with Iconix, a brand management group based in New York City. With BAPE being one of the world’s most successful streetwear brands, originating in Japan, to give it that extra edge, Pharrell’s collaboration with Nigo was a
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surefire way to gain success and recognition in the fashion industry. With T-Shirts averaging at around $60, and their most expensive product being their outwear, priced at around $300, Billionaire Boys Club is for an individual who aims for a premium feel with a streetsmart edge for his style. Pharrell is a style guru and an inspiration for young men everywhere, proving that you don’t have to do just what is expected of you, but you can be truly yourself, experimenting in many different styles until you find your true passion and muse. If Pharrell has taught us anything, it’s that being a little weird can go a long way.
Reviews
The Ace Hotel Lobby Bar
ACE HOTEL LOBBY BAR
For the young professionals of NYC
Run by April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman and located in the back lobby of the rock ‘n roll-themed Ace Hotel, the Lobby Bar is an inviting spot for hotel guests and the Flatiron after-work crowd. The space has a vibe different then most, with a retro cocktail den and scientist’s inspired library. Filled and decorated with antique medical books, the high ceilings and wood paneled walls create an old-fashion original feel to the bar and hotel. The set up of the room is inviting for both crowds with large
couches, which makes it an easy spot to hangout or couples with bar seating or lounge areas. The space although old fashioned, is actually mixed with this great sense modernity throughout with graffiti murals and a very “cool”, “hip” and refined style to it. While in the middle of Manhattan, and the middle of pretty much all the fus, this particular section of the upper 20’s is a bit quainter. It is not filled with tourists, and because its not on everyone’s radar, it is able to stick to a budget friendly price point,
making
it
perfect
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young
consumer to grab
a drink with some friends and indulge in some great conversation and even food. Anyone from freelancers to the established businessman fits in here and would enjoy themselves. The lobby bar is a great spot for every night of the week, with DJs, live jazz and culinary delights crafted by the Breslin restaurant, also located in the Ace Hotel. The cocktail list include many twists on classics, well as their own and original drinks such as “Rush of blood to the head” and “Voodoo Child”; bartenders not only know how to put
together a delicious drink but they are very nice and provide excellent service. The beer and wine list is short, but very well selected, as they mostly focus on their specialty cocktails. Overall, whether you are looking to relax in a nice atmosphere, grab an affordable drink, meet some new people, catch up on some work, or want to party, the Ace Hotel lobby bar provides all your wishes in one; and its flexible hours and roof top access are the icing on the cake. If nothing else, it is a beautiful sight to see.
Best Days: Thursday/Friday Best Hours: 7:30-11:00 Best Drink: The Pablo Honey (mi of tequila, spiced agave and lime) that goes down all to easily Best Food: Oven- baked three-cheese sandwich served with onion marmalade and mustard (#1 crowd favorite) Subway Lines: E, R, M, 6
We’ve all probably experienced the hopeless frustration also known as the NYC apartment search. Sky high rents, cramped spaces, terrible roommates. We challenge you take control of your living space, once and for all, at bargain rent to boot!
By Eleonora Halon
T
he sun's rays burst
madly through the large windows. There's no hiding under the covers. Morning has arrived. The warm sunlight lassos me out of bed. I head over to pull back my heavy curtains to further welcome the daytime. I take in the view below from eleven stories down. The cityscape of sleepy gray and brown buildings, still partially covered with melting snow and naked tree branches yearning for spring and summer meet my gaze. Back in the world of reality I take a brief half hour to get ready and a hop and a skip later I'm sitting inside the subway, whose tracks are located just around the corner from my apartment building. When I arrive back home very late that evening I encounter a new acquaintance waiting for me: tonight there happens to be a big, bold, beautiful full moon. It is so close outside of my window amongst the
*Names have been changed
twinkling lights of the nearby stores and apartments that I feel as though I could grab it. Welcome to my spacious Brookyn studio with the ultimate daytime and nighttime views. Gas and electric are included all for just $653 a month. Am I living in real estate heaven? Probably. And when I say spacious studio, I do mean spacious, immense, gargantuan...not the kind of studio that you're probably thinking of. Where you can barely fit your own elbows, let alone any of your personal belongings. Mine contains a kitchenette, bathroom, hallway (handy for storage), 4 closets, a living room and a decently sized alcove, making this feel more like a one bedroom apartment. If I didn’t have bad knees I could do cartwheels in here. What makes this a true studio by definition is that there's no real doorway separating the alcove from the living room; it's technically all one blended space. But how is this possible in a city
known for its housing horror stories? Poll any random stranger in the street and ask them how much they would expect to pay for a studio in New York City: you'll most likely get a range of $1,100 to $2,700+ per month, depending on location and modernity. With rents seemingly so unaffordable, it’s no wonder that many young twenty something’s are gritting their teeth and choosing to nest with their parents for longer periods of time than ever before. Take, Bassil Zahr, 28, for example. After coming back from college, he moved straight back in to his parents’ house in New Jersey to share a room with his older brother, Jalal, 32. Although both brothers were employed full-time, their first time moving out on their own was when they relocated to Dubai, just a year ago! If living with parents is too suffocating there’s always the dreaded roommate scenario. It seems like my friend, Daniel Zuchnik, 29, had
been through it all. "I've had bed bugs in two places that I lived. My first time I was living in an apartment in Bushwick. I would hang out in the living room and my roommate would come out of his bedroom wearing several layers of clothes, I just thought it was weird. He eventually moved out and I moved into his room. The second day I feel itching, and look at myself and have big welts all over my body," Danny recalls, as he starts to shift in his seat uncomfortably. "That idiot never told any of us that he had bed bugs and so when he left we had to deal with them," Danny continued. "It was horrible. To this day if I feel a tickle, I jump up to check what it is." Then there's the moody roommate, Jessica,* like Lauren Niditch, 29, had to deal with. Things started amicably enough: the two graduated from college together and decided to move in. Soon things took a turn for the worse. Jessica became reclusive. Lauren recants, "[one time] my friend was coming over and rang the bell. I accidentally fell asleep but my roommate heard it and didn't answer. Then she gave me the silent treatment the next day because the doorbell
woke her up." According to Lauren, Jessica's overall personality was that she kept to herself and never invited anyone over, so it really irked her when Lauren would entertain company at the apartment. Of course, worse than the introverted, taciturn personality types are the "loud, obnoxious roommates who party all the time and smoke way too much weed," Danny laments.
"I've had bed bugs in two places that I lived.� That's why he finally made the decision to move out on his own. And at $1,800 monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment on 1st Avenue and 64th Street, 63%more than I currently pay for my huge studio and 39% more than Lauren Niditch pays for her current one bedroom apartment (granted both are in Brooklyn), Daniel considers himself fortunate. "I lucked out on the rent," he insists. "Most of the places I saw
in the East Village were $2,000 to $2,100 for a one bedroom or alcove studio." Well when you put it that way, Danny, yup, that sounds like the deal of a lifetime. Except it's not. But thanks to affordable housing my current rent of $653 is incongruous. Here's a brief history lesson: in 1955 Senator MacNeil Mitchell and Assemblyman Alfred Lama signed into law "The Limited Profit Housing Companies Act." This law allowed for the development and growth what came to be a total of 269 housing complexes geared towards lower and middle income residents. Fifty nine years later I came to be one of the tenants that would benefit from this program. Many people hear “affordable housing� and they automatically assume the worst: gunshots in the neighborhood, squalor, poor housing conditions. Lindsay Park Housing Corporation, the co-op that I live in, maintains its properties: security guards in each building provide safety, maintenance crew landscape lawns in the spring and summer, they shovel and plow snow in the winter. Every year hallway floors are
stripped and waxed to deep clean winter grime, maintenance staff are readily available to fix everything from leaks to broken tiles. Exterminators visit apartments biweekly and every quarter garbage chutes are closed and dusted for roaches and vermin. Additional perks include a laundromat in the basement, three swimming pools, parking spaces, storage spaces, and a community room that allows tenants to gather once a month for building meetings. All apartments (except for studios) have terraces where tenants can relax and enjoy warm weather months. In the winter my radiators are on 24/7 and I've never had any issues with heat or lack of hot water. It's a comfortable, stable living.
“Am I living in real estate heaven? Probably.” Along with the perks there are some drawbacks, however. The waiting list to get into one of these apartments is long. Obtaining a government subsidized apartment requires both patience and serendipity.
Applicants typically apply during an enrollment period. Once the initial application is received, then through a random lottery process you are assigned a waiting list number. My number was 2,532, meaning that there were two thousand five hundred thirty two applicants ahead of me! I waited ten years before I received the "Congratulations! We reached your number" secondary application letter. Similarly, Sarah Amnawah, 36, who lives in a $680-one bedroom Mitchell-Lama co-op apartment on Avenue C and 7th Street in Manhattan, waited eight years. She explains, "I was really shocked and happy because I had almost given up. I had called them to ask where I was on the list a couple times the last couple years." And when that call finally comes that they reached you, you'd better be prepared to act quickly because there's thousands of other people willing to make the move if you don't. Sarah adds, "I got called in August and moved in October 1st." Luckily for Sarah the timing worked out. She was ready for an upgrade. "I wanted a bigger apartment. I just wanted more space. I wanted a more adult
apartment and I wanted to have kids one day." For me, the notice from Lindsay Park also came unexpectedly. Opposite of Sarah, I was already happily residing in a modestly priced one bedroom apartment in the same building as my parents. The situation worked out for me both in terms of privacy and convenience of home cooked meals being readily available. I was not looking to move at all, so when the notice from Lindsay Park arrived in the mail, I was ready to toss it in the trash. After some consideration however, I decided to follow through with the secondary application process, just for “shits and giggles” as they say. That all happened in mid-October 2014 and the next thing I knew, I was making rapid arrangements to sublet my old apartment and moving into Lindsay Park in December 2014. Not only is the decision to pack up your old life and start a new one a whirlwind ride, you also have to consider that there is a pretty strict qualification criteria. According to the Lindsay Park Corporation office, for a one person household you cannot earn less than $25,000 annually. But here’s the
catch: there is also a maximum of $60,000 annually. For a two person household, max earnings cap out at around $100,000. This doesn’t mean that you can never get a raise or a better job. Once you’ve obtained an apartment and you earn more than the maximum, simply expect to pay a surcharge. To further highlight that this is a strict selection process, you need to possess some savings and have a credit score in good standing to pass the screening process. As the word “coop” implies, this is a shared ownership. Expect to put money up front. At Lindsay Park a studio apartment costs anywhere between $5,600 and $6,900 to buy. But with the expense comes the security of never having to worry about signing a lease. Trust me, once you're in, you're never going to want to get out. So consider this when shopping for an apartment: where do you see yourself in the next ten years? If you can't imagine living anywhere else in the world other than New York City then take the plunge. Fill out that preliminary application paper. Time travels fast and before we all know it we'll be
ringing in 2025. What's the worst that could happen? The opportunity doesn't coincide with the right time to move in your life? But it's a small risk to take and when most people hear the ridiculously low rent they usually make it the right time to move.
YES, I Live in Brooklyn…Get Over It! With the M/J right across the street from my building I’m just 15 minutes away from the Lower East Side and 25 minutes away from Midtown. That’s close enough for me.
Evil Olive Pizza 198 Union Avenue, 11206 This cute little gourmet pizza shop is just a couple of blocks away from my building. It’s also on the way to the housing office so I stop in every time I drop off my rent. Added bonus: there’s a pool table and bar inside.
The Williamsburg Bridge is just two train stops away. A walk or bike ride is a great way to burn off those pizza calories.
@Lifestyle
The ultimate DIY, spring 2015 Cocktail guide... CHEERS!
INS & OUTS - Shopping
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SATURDAYS SURF NYC
Our Favorites!
Manhattan’s Surf and Coffee Shop
In 2009 New York City transplants Morgan Collett, Josh Rosen and Colin Tunstall opened Saturdays Surf NYC. Saturdays is an innovative store to suit a lifestyle occupied with surfing, living, and working in New York City. The shop carries beachwear, wetsuits and boards, but also reaches out to city dwellers that would prefer to keep their feet planted on land. The surf shop also has an espresso bar, with a custom coffee blend brewed by laid back, friendly baristas. In the back of the store there is a fully planted yard and wood deck giving people sanctuary from the streets, a place to enjoy your coffee, hang out with friends or have a quiet meeting. Saturdays puts a boutique taste on surf threads that even So Cal bro's can appreciate and brings an aspect of surf life to the big city. The company, which began as a modest T-shirt brand, has grown to become a refined menʼs ready-to-wear label sold in 18 countries. Theyʼve grown to have stores in the West Village and SoHo areas, as well as locations (and a devoted following) in Japan. Saturdays Surf NYC captures surf culture through their sunny designs and high quality craftsmanship, which has seen the brand move from a simple t-shirt range to full season capsule collections that showcase everything from Summer surf shorts to Winter inner city knitwear. The brand showcases simple surfwear, with hints of streetwear and workwear, making it suitable at the beach or in the city. Saturdays also has an impressive collaboration with Porter bags and Vans sneakers that are sold exclusively in store. Beyond the clothes, you can also purchase books, art and lifestyle accessories including their bi-annual ʻSaturdaysʼ magazine, which has had massive features from many musicians, artists, surfers and athletes. The flagship located on 31 CROSBY STREET is definitely worth the stop in!
Esquina Bali Shirt $108
Bowery Sweater $98
Goose Bomber Jacket $225
Ali shoes $175
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Features
What to Wear Now: Essential Trends for SpringSummer 2015 The seasonal trends you need to know about now to get you looking your best every day
Peace out, winter. Spring is finally here, and we plan to take full advantage of cotton suits, lighter jackets, and finally enjoy some of the great outdoors and even greater clothes. Here’s everything you need to know on how to dress for these upcoming glorious months. Dressing for work in the spring is fun, but as soon as that summer time heat rolls up, there is no chance of you making it to work still dry. Heavy suiting, layering and closed shoes are just plain brutal, but we know we have to do it unless casual Friday starts on Monday for you. How are we supposed to look good, dress appropriately, and still remain conscious? Many men turn off their fashion sense to stay cool in the summer and that’s a big mistake, but how do you stand out when every guy wears the same combo of Tshirts, shorts and flip-flops?
H
ere are some tricks to spring-summer dressing inside and outside the office, because style does matter. Fabric is so important, and although confusing and scary at times, it is something that will change the way you dress and feel. Look for lightweight fabrics and slimmer fitting designs. (Helpful hint) Ask sales associates for lightweight jackets and shirts, they know better then you do, and can point you in the right direction, which will not only save time but yield frustration and error. These products will be perfect for the office and keep you cool and dry throughout your workday while still looking appropriate and tailored. You can feel just as good in a linen button-down as you do in a T-shirt, and you will look 100 times better.
“Wearing your loafers sockless might look cool, but your sweat-soaked feet will feel anything but.”
Another product to consider, especially if you plan on opting out of the classic “dress shoe” for a day or two is, breathable no-show socks. The no-show liner socks will help to prevent this while allowing your foot to breathe. Now dressing outside of the office, although much more casual, should still be modern, cool, and age appropriate. With just a few tweaks to your wardrobe you can feel like a new and improved you. For example, take your favorite old T-shirts and update them. We will never stop wearing Tshirts and why should we; they are the perfect and most comfortable articles of clothing ever owned.
T-shirts are great for outside the office and there great for summer with their lightweight fabrics, however, your shirt should not be a conversation starter. Stupid or inappropriate quotes or words on your shirt should end up in the trash this summer. Tailored Tshirts is something not many think of, but a proper fitting shirt is not great on the eyes but can even make those biceps pop. (Helpful hint) The sleeve should start at the edge of your shoulder, like dress shirts. Shorts are a necessity when bearing the heat vortex of summer months, especially if you’re living in a city where escaping the sun is virtually impossible and pools don’t seem to exist. So when shopping for the perfect cargo short, try a sleeker cut, one that fits a bit closer to the body, and has a slim silhouette. (Helpful hint) You want the shorts to fall right above your knee) Longer shorts tend to look baggy, sloppy and make you look heavier. A big no-no in summer footwear is flip-flops. Your 20’s and 30’s are for coming into your own; your own sense of style, personality, work, everything so embrace the best of everything you can, and flip-flops are not part of the equation. Believe me, no woman likes a man in flip-flops, even if your feet are groomed. Stick to a
lightweight breathable loafer, airinfused sneaker or ankle-baring shoe. Your feet will still be able to breathe, which will you’re your body temperature cool and your fashion sense cooler. Accessories like baseball caps never really go out of fashion, but if youre looking for something a bit different this spring-summer, try a fedora. Before you judge, let me just say, its all about finding the right one. Next time you are in the store try on a few different styles to see which suits your head shape and style best. Finally, subtle accessories like necklaces and bracelets are a great addition to any outfit day or night and can be added along side your watch. One or two pieces are really on trend and wont overdue your outfit. Let this season be one of your best physically and emotionally. Experience new things, learn, try something new and enjoy. Next time you hit the stores, remember these tips for having a stylish, fun and cool summer. Remember, style is very personal and it’s great to take something trendy and make it your own. Take fashion risks: Men’s trending spring-summer colors include red, pink, khaki, blue violets, yellow greens, browns and whites. Great seasonal colognes include Balmain, Hermes Le Jardin De Monsieur Li, and
Givenchy Gentlemen Only Casual Chic. Trendy grooming products, which are so vital for springsummer, include Lab Series oil control face wash, Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo for greasy hair,
Murad skin perfecting lotion and DriClor Solution, which has been specifically formulated to tackle excessive sweating by blocking the sweat glands.
Log onto www.sidewalk/SSESSENTIALS.com to find a complete list of products we suggest for this Spring-Summer.
good credit. If your credit is not spectacular, you may want to show proof of on time payments.
Getting your first apartment is a big and exiting step in your life. What’s not exciting is how complicated it can be. Here some steps and tips to make sure you know what your doing and make the transition as smooth as possible. 1. Know what you’re looking for. What location? What price range? Do you want roomates? Do they have the funds and credit? How many bedrooms? How much square footage? And what kind of amenities? These are all things you need to ask yourself before you even begin searching. 2. Compile
necessary documents. This is an integral step that helps if you plan in advance. We have all experienced problems with paper work and delays, so it is best to have them ready early. Many landlords want to see pay stubs and proof of employment. They may also want to know other previous employment history. The general rule of thumb many property owners follow, is that you should be making 4 times the amount your rent, and they may require you to have a certain income. You also might be required to hand over your rental history, if you do not have any, you may be required to have a few people vouch for you character and dependability. 3. Keep up with your credit. The better your credit, the better you are paying your bills on time. Property owners love this. If you are cosigning, you want to make sure your cosigner has Sidewalk
4. Decide on a broker. A real estate broker helps you with everything in your search for an apartment, and usually charge around a 10% fee of a years rent. This is optional and is for you to decide, it is possible to go through the whole process without a broker. If you do chose this route, make sure you use a reputable broker.
5. Search. Different apartments have different requirements. It is important to keep this in mind while on your hunt. Start looking into different locations which greatly affect the price. Compose a list of possible canidates, and compare and contrast. Always visit as many locations as possible because pictures do not cut it. Ask many questions, and check for any damage, then check again. 6. Move in! Look over the lease to make sure you understand it, sign it and you’re good to go. Now you have to get all your belongings into youre new apartment!
Simple Apartment Decorations Now you’ve got your apartment, time to make it yours. For those with smaller apartments like studios, you may want to maximize your space, or give of a spacious feel with what you have. White walls and light colors are best for this. Also re-arrange tables, beds, and other things to your liking so there is walking room. Some go to add-ons for your apartment are floating shelves, mirrors, and rugs. These are affordable and hugely impact your apartment and allow a level of customization so you are sure to find something that suits you. Small things like a portable fire place from Amazon.com can really change the atmosphere of a room, and save money on the heating bill. Pro Tip: For those creatives and people who may just want to save some money, make your own art. If you can’t draw to save your life, have a friend make something for you that you can hang and it will probably mean a lot to them as well! Search online or your local crafts store for some removable wallpapers. Make sure they are removable or you can find yourself in a bit of trouble with your land lord. Something easier would be to hang a big piece of fabric on the wall; ones with interesting prints usually grab attention.
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Plan on having a friend spend the night? Or have that one wasted friend who can’t make it home? We have the perfect ottoman that adds a home element to the room, and also unfolds into to a bed for your drunken friend. Apartments are one of the best things for creative DIY projects. To add life to your apartment you can think about things like DIY blinds, stencils for your wall, lamps, and other things. Hang posters of your favorite sports teams or other memorabilia around your TV so you can have your own little man cave. Plants are great for bringing good energy into a room, also they look beautiful. Make sure to water them and give them plenty of light cause dead plants are no good for a decoration. Saving space is always a good idea even when you have plenty of room. There are plenty places like Ikea and Bobs Furniture to suit your needs. Furniture that folds away or doubles as a storage unit are amazing for any living space.
STARTED FROM THE GRAM’ NOW WE HERE Today Instagram is fluttered with want to be designers who see fashion as a way to capitalize on hype and cash in quick. Then there is the rare few who use social media as fuel to the fire that is their legitimate brand. Lease on Life Society is the best out of all these instagram born brands right now. Started by the humble father and son duo, Nigel Best and Everard Best, the progession since their FW 13 collection has been exponential. Here is a look from their latest collection to the left. Every piece is handmade from the outerwear to the Rick Owen’s inspired bottoms. It seems everyone of their six colletions was a step forward from the last based on the feedback on twitter and his Instagram.
These two pieces are from the collection before last. The collection featured denim pants, unique hoodies, and hats. It was this collection where he started to really separate himself from other young designers. He started implementing distinct touches on the fit, and exploring more into denim customization. Sidewalk
These three pieces are from a collaborative collection done with a fashion blogger by the name of Jacob J Keller. Jacob has a large following and this allowed Lease on Life Society to reach a whole new audience of people who were unaware of this brand. From there he has continued to inspire young men and women alike who are thinking of venturing into the fashion industry. With no design background or schooling in fashion, Everard who does most of the designing has been able to release six successful collections, all hand made in New York City. Expect to see new things from Lease on Life Society soon, to stay updated follow http://www.brvdo1.com/ (Tumblr), Murderbravado (Instagram & Twitter), and head over to http://leaseonlifesociety.com/shop.html to shop.
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Sidewalk 4 out of the 16 most influential music and fashion icons today:
5. Will I Am 6. Angelina Jolie
7. Drake 8. David Beckham 9. Cara Delevingne 10. Miley Cyrus
11. Bradley Cooper 12. Victoria Beckham 13. Rita Ora 14. Justin Bieber 15. Kendall Jenner 16. Kim Kardashian