TIFFANY CHAN Editor in Chief Managing Editor DENISE CHAVEZ Art Director DANIELLE FENSON Creative Director MAX LA Business Director ODIS MORENO Writing Director SARAH MUSSELMAN Head Photographer HAKEEM ADEWUMI Head Model & HMUA SOPHIA CASTANO Head of Public Relations MADISON DONHAM Head Event Coordinator DEBBY GARCIA Head Copy Editor KATHERINE KYKTA Head of Accounting & Finance JUNE LOH Head of Advertising & Marketing PRIYUNKA MAHESHWARI Head Stylist LILY ROCHA Fall+Winter Staff 2014 Rachelle Allen Marilyn Arteaga Devin Custalow Danielle Donhauser Carolyn Ellis Shirin Farahani Edmund Fung Kathryn Garza Eleanor Grisebaum Lexi Hill Lauren Hodges Katherine Horak Claire Kwak Karrina Lopez
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Amanda Meriwether Tré Miles Zara Mirza Maggie Molhoek Paul Ortiz Tony Redmer Sandy Sanchez Melinda Taylor Caitlin Topham Juan Villareal Ellie Wendland Payge Wilkinson Hannah Wilmeth Rithika Yogeshwarun
Table of
Contents I. University Fashion Group II. Letter from the Editor III. Keep Austin Local: Raven + Lily IV. Don’t You Forget About Street V. Fast Forward: Alexandra Dieck VI. Staff Picks: Best of New York Fashion Week VII . Mad for Mod VIII. Industry’s Cutest Couple: Music + Fashion IX. Feel Good Fashion: Slumlove Sweater Co. X. Fashion’s Most Influential Bloggers XI. City Chic Editorial XII. A Golden Affair XIII. Olivia Palermo: You Can Call Her Queen P XIV. Eight Essential Pieces Every Guy Needs XV. The Fall Classics
This year, the University Fashion Group (UFG) has taken a new direction for creating a network of students interested in the fashion industry at the University of Texas. Open to all majors, the organization works with Textile and Apparel students and also students who may not necessarily design clothes, but who show a strong curiosity and interest for the fashion industry. At meetings, members are introduced to fashion professionals from around the Austin community who work in different sectors of the industry including design, retail, PR, and journalism. As president of UFG I try to balance the speakers by including the entire spectrum of the industry. And most importantly, my goal is to invite inspirational and creative people who can share their experiences and paths as they relate to fashion while creating a welcoming atmosphere for students on campus. Though our main event, the annual UT fashion show, falls in the Spring semester, we like to keep our members busy by providing countless opportunities for them to experience fashion in Austin. One of our largest committees, the dresser committee, has already worked many shows backstage including Tribeza Style Week and the Co-op Fashion Show. Twenty-one of our members also had the opportunity to travel to New York City for Spring Fashion Week where they dressed for Tess Giberson, Trina Turk, and Lela Rose shows. We send our most active members based on our point system, which rewards members for attending activities such as socials and fashion shows, to New York in the fall and the spring. Ultimately, we want to prepare our members for these fashion shows and for their futures, be it they decide to move to New York City. So far, our speakers have included Sarah Ellison Lewis of Bootleg Austin, Sergio Guadarrama of Celestino Couture and Alex de Mola, owner of Cotone Boutique. These three speakers have shared the story of their journeys in fashion and how they have created a name for themselves in Austin. These speakers were geared toward students interested in styling, design, and retail. Speakers at meetings serve as a key component to creating the inviting atmosphere of UFG and are also the source of inspiration for many members. As part of the initiative to move the organization towards a new direction, one of the future meetings will feature a panel of speakers who range in profession and who will engage in conversation and share their experiences with one another. This meeting stands as a crucial event that provides members with the opportunity to see the multiple career paths in fashion that one can take upon graduation. With the fall semester coming to a close, the senior fashion show quickly approaches. The spring fashion show, Fusion, will showcase the designs of graduating seniors. This show serves as our largest event as it exposes our members to every aspect of fashion show production from model coordination, art direction, and front of house experience. The show encompasses every aspect of the fashion industry, which we hope to educate our members about. I am really content with the direction that UFG is moving in and I hope to leave a legacy that fosters growth and knowledge for our members. - Ronit Joselevitz, University Fashion Group President 4 
Letter from the Editor W
elcome to the Fall+Winter 2014 issue of Spark Magazine! We are thrilled to be up-and-running again and to share this first issue back with you. The past few weeks, we’ve been busy visiting local boutiques, chatting with members of the fashion industry, and exploring this gorgeous city that we are fortunate to call home. What we’ve put together for you in this issue is just a small sampling of what’s to come! Fashion is a word that conjures up numerous associations, positive and negative. It is a word that carries quite a bit of weight. In a recent discussion about how freedom of speech isn’t simply about protecting the use of words but also the expression of ideas, I was reminded of how garments are not just articles of clothing but also a means for communicating beliefs and identity. What we choose to wear, design, buy, sell, and essentially interact with sends a message to the world. To complicate it further, what others perceive and the original intent may not always align. Fashion is a constant dialogue; often overlooked, it is one of which we need to be aware. Be conscious of what perceptions are being formed and contemplate why. Be aware of what limitations society may be imposing and what are the consequences. Fashion isn’t only about pretty fabrics, nice bodies, and fun shows; it is about provoking thought, pushing against boundaries, and enabling individuals to freely express themselves. An adventure: walking into the unknown, taking an unexpected journey, experiencing something out of the ordinary. The Fall+Winter 2014 issue has definitely been one for us all. To each staff member who contributed to the production of this issue, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you. It has been a whirlwind, and I more than appreciate your commitment. The way you all handled the challenges of such a tight schedule and your willingness to tackle the surprises that arose during this first run are truly impressive. While it may have been a rollercoaster of euphoric excitement and slight panic of the stomach-dropping variety, I hope that in Spark you have each found a genuine community that is as passionate about fashion as you. We’ve learned quite a bit on this journey, and I look forward to our future adventures together. Settle down with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or apple cider, and enjoy the Fall+Winter 2014 issue! Cheers,
P.S. Don’t hesitate to write to us at sparkmagazinetx@gmail.com! Perhaps you’ll be featured in the “Letters to the Editor” section of the upcoming Spring+Summer 2015 issue! Photo Credit: Maneki Photo manekiphoto.com
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Keep Austin Local: Raven + Lily Dress - Raven + Lily Necklace - Raven + Lily
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aven + Lily is an Austin-based boutique with a focus on female empowerment and captivating design. The store creates powerful partnerships with women living in poverty by allowing them the opportunity to produce products and earn a decent wage. Now, women in various parts of the world have not only developed a sense of dignity and worth, but have also earned money which enables them to access the things necessary for basic survival.
On a recent visit to Raven + Lily, I immediately noticed the intricate details of the designs, so the Community Relations Coordinator, Ashley Yarborough, showed me around and explained the garment’s origin and the amount of work that went into each piece. Whether it was beautifully hand-embroidered or dyed, there was hours of incredi-ble artistry involved. Raven + Lily was founded by Kirsten Dickerson as a result of humanitarian work she performed around the world. When Kirsten was not working as a stylist for her hus-band in the film industry, she was volunteering in exotic parts of the world. It was there she realized there were women with incredible design skills, but no access to a market to sell their goods. Struck by the natural talent of the women and their overwhelming need to provide for themselves and their families, Kirsten decided to start Raven + Lily to give these marginalized women an outlet to become self-sustaining. Since the beginning, Raven + Lily has worked to seek out women across the globe who already possessed a skill set that could be honed with design help from Raven + Lily. Recently, Ashley returned from a trip to Guatemala where her team met a women who was particularly skilled in weaving, but the team also finds talent by working with the Artisan Resource Center in New York. Today, Raven + Lily helps employ women from Ethiopia, India, Cambodia, Kenya, and the United States. Ashley also focuses on partnerships closer to home. As Community Relations Coordinator, she identifies like-minded companies, both inside and outside of Texas, for Raven + Lily to collaborate with. For example, one exciting local partnership is with Lo-cal Arms, a foundation that helps refugee women find living-wage employment. On top of that, she is in charge of events held at the store that raise community awareness for the brand and the mission. Empowering women is a cause very dear to the hearts of everyone involved with Raven + Lily. It was clear from talking with Ashley that the talented women they work with are the best part of her job. She has seen women go from hopeless and penniless to happy and safe. Things have gotten so successful that these women are able to provide for themselves and their families, have cell phones, and some even have their hair profes-sionally done. Raven + Lily is far more than a local boutique with beautiful bohemian garments. It is a company that helps women around the world reach their full potential by hiring them to make pieces using the skills they already possess. The personal work and incred-ible detail these women put into the clothing makes each item a treasure filled with stories of success and happiness from unlikely origins. - Ellie Wendland Photographer: Edmund Fung Stylist: Kathryn Garza Model: Lexi Hill HMUA: Melinda Taylor 8 
Dress: Raven + Lily Necklace: Raven + Lily
Patterned Jacket- Raven + Lily
Dress - Raven + Lily Necklace - Raven + Lily
Striped Top - Raven + Lily Black Skirt - Raven + Lily Handbag - Raven + Lily Necklace - Raven + Lily Bracelet - Raven + Lily
Don’t You Forget About Street
Black Dress: Blue Elephant Boutique
Left: Shorts - Blue Elephant Hat - Blue Elephant Right: Shorts - Blue Elephant Black Top - Blue Elephant Cream Cardigan - Blue Elephant
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s I step foot onto the UT campus, I am enveloped by an overwhelming number of people. With one hundred bodies pushing past me in different directions, the individual identity blurs into a whole. It is easy to view each person as one and the same: just another student. However, upon closer inspection, one will notice a defining characteristic that each of these students unknowingly possess…their own individual street style. I asked students to tell me the first three words that come to mind when I said “street style” and their answers revealed a limited point of view. The vast majority of students said “meticulous,” “trendy,” “casual,” and “Instagram-worthy” all while maintaining the idea that the look should be “effortless.” When I asked the students if they considered themselves to be active participants in street style an overwhelming number of them said no, because “sweatpants aren’t fashionable,” “I don’t have the time,” and “I’m basic.” Street style is not just the beautiful men and women you see on social media platforms with the perfectly quaff hair and makeup. It isn’t just the paparazzi picture of a celebrity out to lunch or the off-duty model rocking boyfriend jeans either. Sure, all of these encompass the phenomena. But, these are not the standards one has to abide by to be an active participant in street style. Whether you realize it or not, the moment you walk out the door in the morning, whether it be in leggings
and a sweatshirt or skinny jeans, a silk camisole, and sunnies, you are making a statement about yourself and influencing the style of those around you. Looking around the University of Texas campus one can see a variety of styles of dress, from the oversized tees and New Balance sneakers, to looks with thickrimmed glasses and paint stained denim. Street style changes from place to place, and person to person. One look at a person’s outfit can gain an overwhelming amount of information. Colors, logos, silhouettes, and the observance or the disregarding of trends can all provide people with insight into who someone is as a person and their state of mind. The way one dresses is a form of non-verbal communication. Although the perceptions may be inaccurate, as John Hughe’s The Breakfast Club so aptly pointed out, these judgments are constantly being made by those around us. Fashion, and more specifically, street style, starts with the individual. No matter what someone’s style is, or how much importance they place on fashion in general street style exists for everyone.
- Eleanor Grisebaum Photographer: Hakeem Adewumi Stylist: Payge Wilkinson Models: Shirin Farahani Sophia Castano HMUA: Rithika Yogeshwarun
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Left: Shorts - Blue Elephant Hat - Blue Elephant Right: Shorts - Blue Elephant Black Top - Blue Elephant Cream Cardigan - Blue Elephant
fast forward:
alexandra dieck I
t’s pretty safe to say that Textiles and Apparel alumna Alexandra Dieck is living many a fashion lover’s dream. After graduating just a few short months ago with a degree in Apparel Design and a Business Foundations certificate, this born-and-raised Austinite headed to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a fashion designer- oh, and started a pretty successful personal style blog along the way. As a blogger, Dieck has been featured on Glamour Magazine’s website, Nordstrom’s “The Thread” blog, Daily Candy and PopSugar. And her digitally printed silk scarves sold out instantly after arriving at UT favorite C. Jane boutique. Both her blog and her line of scarves are known as Lexicon of Style, and both have the potential to be absolutely huge. We caught up with Alexandra to talk fashion, career advice, favorite shopping spots, and of course, what’s next for this super-stylish alum.
Although she’s only been out of school for a few months- she graduated from UT in the summer of 2014- Dieck is already living in Manhattan and working on building her own fashion brand, Lexicon of Style. She cites Dr. Jane Craig’s Computer Aided Design course and the UT in NYC mentorship program for TXA students as major forces behind her decision to move to New York and start her line with the hyper-real jewelry-inspired silk scarves that have become her trademark. As for her blog, Dieck says that she originally planned to use her blog as a means of “networking and selling [her scarves]”, as well as a way to exercise her passion for styling. But upon arriving in New York, she realized that a personal style blog could play a huge role in building a brand, and eventually, a company. Dieck’s Lexicon of Style scarves are high-voltage statement pieces with digitally created prints based on pieces from her expansive jewelry collections. She officially launched her line in April 2014 after participating in the UT NYC program and receiving a flood of compliments on her own scarf, which she had designed after taking Dr. Craig’s course. She cites UT’s Personal and Family Finance course as another “huge help” in starting her business and also recommends taking Business Foundations courses in order to learn the basics of finance and growing a business. Dieck’s blog is equally colorful- she credits her Austin upbringing for that- and is full of snapshots of her funky outfits and new life in NYC. 20
She mixes high and low, trendy and classic, colorful and monochromatic, all to create an honest (yet pretty glam) peek into the life of an aspiring designer. Dieck names a pair of leather skinny pants, a cobalt blue handbag, and a black leather miniskirt as her very favorite items- aside from her Lexicon of Style scarves, of course! Although she’s a huge fan of mixing designer fashion with more affordable pieces, Dieck recommends investing in “a pair of black-waxed denim or leather pants, a brightly colored handbag, and a midi skirt…. Each one of [these] pieces will make any look super high fashion and trendy”. Dieck also has some advice for those of us trying to dress creatively on a student’s budget. As a young woman just starting out in a city as expensive as New York, she can’t afford to buy “the most expensive, trendy pieces” either (alumni- they’re just like us!). Instead, Dieck suggests “look[ing] at your closet in a different way and try[ing] to get the most out of the pieces you already have”. For example, Dieck has a fab gold cocktail dress that she bought for a dressy event. Now, she layers t-shirts over the dress and pairs it with tall boots in order to create a more casual night-out look. She also offered us some words of wisdom for aspiring bloggers. First, keep content consistent and interesting with regular posts that reflect yourself and your aesthetic. Second, make it personal- “writing a little short story behind certain items that you have invested in and explaining why you bought [a particular item] makes readers trust in you more”. Third, “maintain relationships with other bloggers and appreciate their work and style”- the blogging world can get competitive, but Dieck is taking it all in stride by staying true to herself and her style.
Let’s talk shopping. With her unique Austin-meets-NYC style and fashion experience in both cities, Dieck has the scoop on some of the most unique shopping spots around. Although she loves the luxury department stores of NYC and the Domain here in Austin, her favorite stores are small independent boutiques that carry “unique pieces you can’t find in your big department stores”. In Austin, her favorites are Etcetera, Etc., C. Jane, By George, and Maya Star. In New York, she cites Otte, INA, Blue and Cream, and Big Drop NYC. And as far as favorite designers go, right now she’s digging Balmain, MSGM, Cameo, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang. Since Dieck has spent most of her life in Austin, she’s still influenced by the unique, colorful style of this city and hopes to return here after establishing her business in New York. She hopes to expand her Lexicon of Style line from scarves to ready to wear (if her portfolio of designs created at UT is any indication, you’ll definitely want to snag a piece or two when she does) within the next few years. And once Dieck’s brand has taken offshe foresees her clothing being sold in department stores across the country- she hopes to move back to Austin (with frequent trips to New York, of course). As for her blog, Dieck wants Lexicon of Style to be a “major online fashion inspiration resource for women”. She looks to Chiara Feraggni and Rachel Zoe for inspiration, as these women have used styling or blogging to launch their design careers. But with her colorful personality, business know-how, and clear eye for design, I’m certain that Dieck is on a path that is all her own- and she’s moving forward. - Lauren Hodges
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Staff Picks:
The Best of New York Fashion Week F
or nearly 73 years, New York Fashion Week has been stunning buyers, press, and fashion fans alike. The semi-annual event originated in 1943 under the planning of Eleanor Lambert as a way to take attention off of French fashion during World War II. Then, under the name “Press Week,” New York fashion week successfully caused an increase in American fashion designs within publications such as Vogue. Since, New York fashion week has evolved into a 7-9 day event where buyers, press, celebrities, and the general fashion fandom alike all gather to view upcoming season’s collection. For fashion fans New York Fashion Week has been known to produce feelings of anticipation similar to Christmas morning. Some would say it’s the most wonderful time of the year, and most would agree that the fashion seen during New York Fashion Week sets the forecast for future fashion seasons. Its bold, its elegant, its inspiring, but most of all it embodies what fashion is and what fashion is becoming and that alone makes it one of the biggest fashion events of the year. This year, New York Fashion week featured big names such as Michael Kors, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. Alongside of these big names were also many emerging designers. Some of the more talked about emerging artists included August Getty, Hanley Mellon, and Amir Taghi. Then of course, there were the seasoned fashion week veterans who came to impress per usual. Some of the highly noted collections included names like Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, and Vera Wang. The runways were
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filled with beautifully crafted garments that took inspiration from both old and new ideas, and then crafted them into future style modes. Some of the biggest trends among New York Fashion Week included elongate silhouettes, sweet suede’s, and comeback trends. Overall, this year was filled with collections that pushed boundaries in all the right ways. Whether an experienced New York Fashion Week designer, or a newbie, every collection help set the tone for what trends will be on top in the upcoming spring and summer seasons. Fall’s New York Fashion Week proved to be vivid, distinctive, and high energy in all the ways that fashion should be. Trying to follow every single part of New York Fashion Week can be hard. There are so many events and shows that go on throughout the week that it can almost become a cluster. For a first time fashion week follower, it can be hard to know where to start with what shows to watch and what trends to take away. Luckily for those first timers, the staff here at Spark sat down and picked out some of the top shows from the event. For the seasoned fashion week enthusiast, we hope you can concur and bask in the glory that these wonderful collections exude. So without further ado, here is our staffs’ picks of top five collections from New York Fashion Week 2014. - Sarah Musselman
Donna Karan Spring/Summer 2015 Illustrator: Rachelle Allen
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Michael Costello Spring 2015 Illustrator: June Loh 24 
Kate Spade Spring 2015 Illustrator: Amanda Meriwether  25 
Robert Geller Spring/Summer 2015 Illustrator: Juan Villareal 26 
Vivienne Tam Spring/Summer 2015 Illustrator: Hannah Wilmeth  27 
Mad for Mod
Pink Dress: Frock on Vintage Necklace: Frock on Vintage
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ith fashion month wrapping up a few weeks ago, fashion enthusiast have begun preparing their closets for upcoming seasons. The runways were filled with what’s sure to be the upcoming season’s styles and modes. One idea that seemed to be an underlying theme for many shows at fashion weeks all across the world was inspiration from the past. This “Mod” trend was portrayed in a number of ways throughout collections. Taking inspiration from much of the sixties and some of the seventies, the trend showed the ways that new fashions can develop from the old. Designers such as Tommy Hilfiger and Kate Spade got some inspiration from the past and incorporated it into their own collections, and the final product was… pretty groovy. The late comedian Robin Williams once said that “If you remember the sixties, you weren’t really there.” This statement became a tagline for the controversial and yet groovy era. It’s no secret that the sixties were a time of change, experimenting, love, and psychedelic shenanigans. As a modern generation when we think about the sixties we think of amazing icons such as the Beatles, JFK, Audrey Hepburn, and Martin Luther King Jr. There’s so much culture packed into one single decade that it’s hard not to find at least a little bit of happiness in it. The music was great, the revolution were great, and some people who were they may say the drugs were great. Most importantly, the style was really great. Icon’s such as Jackie Kennedy, Bridget Bardot, and Twiggy were born out of 60’s fashion, and some would even go as far to say that style peaked in the sixties. That being said, it’s no surprise that mod fashion keeps showing up on runways and throughout designers’ collections. When looking at one’s own closet, there are so many ways to incorporate mod trends. Looking for articles with high necklines is one way to jump on board with the trend. One could also add an A-line shift dress
to their closet for a little extra mod touch (extra points if it has flared sleeves.) Pair the dress with some knee high socks and Mary Jane shoes and you’re ready to go. One could even complete the outfit with some Jackie Kennedy inspired accessories and throw in a pill box hat or a set of pearls. The key with this trend is to make it your own and bring it to life in the present. It becomes so easy to go all in on the trend and look outdated. So, be sure to pair a little bit of old with the new. Don’t go too retro with the psychedelic patterns, but rather find great mod pieces in more modern day bold prints. A safe bet on prints is to go with something striped or checkered, these are two very retro prints that have seemed to remain timeless. In addition, when it comes to mod, color blocking can be one’s best friends. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with it. Lastly, finish the outfit off with a bright colored and some round plastic rimmed sunglasses. Mod fashion trends embody a modesty that is somehow still sexy. They are clean-cut and classy and yet, they still make use of bright colors and bold patterns. It’s almost like when someone does mod just right, time slows down, and they walk off into the sunset while the most sensual Lana Del Rey songs play in the background. (Imagine it, it’s beautiful.) It goes without saying that mod trends are sweet like sugar venom, and they clearly aren’t going anywhere any time soon. There are so many ways that one can incorporate these trends into their everyday wear which ultimately keeps the wonderful and ever influential culture of the sixties alive. - Sarah Musselman Photographer: Madison Donham Stylist: Tré Miles Models: Payge Wilkinson HMUA: Sophia Castano
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White tee: Marc Jacobs (Blue Elephant Boutique) Cheetah print purse: Blue Elephant Boutique
Industry’s Cutest Couple: Music + Fashion
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veryone knows that couple. The two that are so perfect for each other that a doctor would have to be called in to separate the divine matching. It is the power couple: every high school, friend group, and child day-care has one. In pop culture, music and fashion are the power couple. Think Lady Gaga and the Franc Fernandez meat dress worn to the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. Think Michael Jackson and the red “Thriller” jacket designed by Deborah Landis, Jennifer Lopez and the plunging Versace dress, Madonna and the cone bra, or the Beatles and anything they ever wore. These pieces, worn by musicians, are so iconic they have their own Wikipedia pages. Power couple status? I think so. The real question is how did this profitable symbiotic relationship happen? Musicians have such influencing power, because they are continuously promoted by the media and in the public’s eye view. They gather a following of fans and because of that their music and their personality encompass a look that people want to embody. Musicians big and small, being media-magnets, are walking billboards perfectly suited for the hottest new trends. Fashion designers also have quite the following and influence nowadays, so when designers and music artists collaborate there is no more
tantalizing topic of conversation for avid followers of both industries. In fact, pop culture queen, aka Miley Cyrus, just collaborated with outlandish designer, Jeremy Scott. They worked together this past New York Fashion Week to form a duo that goes together better than wrecking balls and stuck out tongues, in order to create an accessories collection, called Dirty Hippy. The line is best explained as, everything from the floor of a teenage 90s girl, glued onto masks, bongs, vibrators, joints and more. Miley is not the only one testing her skills in other industries. The multitalented Pharrell Williams designed an eco-friendly line, RAW for the Oceans, for this past New York Fashion Week as well. He, while wearing his staple hat, walked out with models in über cool denim and statement tees, all made of fibers from recycled plastic bottles. He did this in an effort to remind buyers to be cognizant of the planet we live on. Artists like Miley and Pharell weren’t first to test their skills in the fashion industry though. They are joining the ranks of musician-designer alums, Kanye West, Justin Timberlake, and Gwen Stefani, to name a few, who have very successful and established lines. Fame and success seem to be the key elements in the workings between music and fashion, but the relationship consists of much more
than those seemingly untouchable concepts. One doesn’t have to go out and purchase a Giorgio Armani black slit dress, like Rihanna wore to the 2011 Grammys, to fully appreciate her as a music icon, nor do they even have to dress like her at all. Here in Austin, fashion and music are at our fingertips. One of the best places to witness this convergence firsthand is the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL). This year, there were a myriad of denim cutoffs, crop tops, flower patterned dresses, fringes, and even costumes on people dressed up to fully embrace the weekend and the music culture. Erin Price, an ACL alum, said she wouldn’t wear any of her outfits on a normal day-to-day basis, but she loved wearing her polk-a-dot romper and lacy cardigan. Clearly, music can be harnessed as inspiration for festival wear and furthermore bring out the creative side of people. Music and fashion pervade almost all aspects of pop culture and it is exciting to be able to become involved on a personal level in what seems like an exclusive “power couple” world. - Katherine Kykta Photographer: Edmund Fung Stylist: Karinna Lopez Models: Lily Rocha, Tiffany Chan HMUA: Debby Garcia
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Black dress: Blue Elephant Boutique Gray v-neck: Blue Elephant Boutique
Jeans: Blue Elephant Boutique
Denim jacket: Frock on Vintage Plaid Shirt: Blue Elephant Boutique Tee-shirt: Frock on Vintage Necklace: Blue Elephant Boutique Jeans: Blue Elephant Boutique
Left: Gray long dress: Blue Elephant Boutique Brown jacket: Frock on Vintage Rosary: Frock on Vintage Right: Black dress: Blue Elephant Boutique Faux fur coat: Frock on Vintage Necklace: Blue Elephant Boutique
Feel Good Fashion: Slumlove Sweater Co. “In an industry that is commonly dubbed “wasteful” and “elitist,” SlumloveSweater Company embraces philanthrop ic fashion to spread the message that not every purchase is selfish, and fashion-forward shoppers can give back to the global community. In 2013, Austinite Ava Darnell took the leap and launched an innovative brand of sweaters to prove that fashion can have a soul.”
Why did you decide to start Slumlove? I first visited the slum of Kibera, a division of Nairobi, Kenya, in 2008, though I have been visiting Africa since I was young. The degree of poverty there was definitely startling. It would've been easy to say that there was just too much to do, but Kibera is a place that is impossible to forget about. The people are strong and hopeful. They work hard and truly live as a community. I began to think about what kind of role I could play in building up this community. How do you involve the people of Kibera in your production cycle? From when the materials are bought to when the sweater arrives at your door, we oversee every step along the way. We buy all of our yarn from a factory in Nairobi, Kenya and the sweaters are then handmade in a partner, named Clare's, fair wage factory in Kibera. We maintain constant communication with our sweater-makers to ensure they are living well and being treated with respect. From Kenya the sweaters are shipped to our office in Austin where we sew on all the tags and prepare the sweaters to be shipped. When a customer purchases a sweater from our website, we mail it directly to them from our office. We do all of this because the only way we can guarantee ethically-made products is to have our hands in every step of the process. What impact has Slumlove had on Kibera? I began my work with Clare over a year ago, when she made several sweaters for me to sell. Now Clare has opened her own knitting factory and employs several other women. We have not only enabled her the means to provide for her family and see her dreams come true, but we have also been able to donate over 1,500 dollars in high school scholarships for students living in the slum. Do you have any additional goals for Slumlove’s second year? We want to introduce a couple of new products, and improve the products we already have. We’ve begun selling cardigans for men and women, as well as a striped sweater for men. We will also introduce a new knitted pencil skirt for women later this year. We want to continue developing stylish and quality products for our customers, giving them the opportunity to change lives through their purchases. What is the most inspiring part of your job? The most inspiring part of the job is the time I get to spend in Kenya. That's the whole reason I started Slumlove. When I'm in Austin, I get to work on photo shoots and attend events and connect with a lot of awesome people. But when I'm in Kibera, and it's hot and I'm sweating and there's flies buzzing around me—that's where I feel the most inspired. It's not always glamorous, but it's where I love to be. What first got you interested in ethical fashion? I began to do research on this concept of "fast fashion” and became deeply troubled by the state of the fashion industry. Before starting my own company, I never thought twice about where my clothes came from, but now, promoting ethical fashion has become a passion of mine. I'm currently working on a new project called The Honest Look, which will be a website that provides resources and inspiration for people who are looking to shop responsibly. Some of my favorite companies include Everlane, Nisolo Shoes, Splendid, The Reformation, and Buck Mason. What advice do you have for college kids who are being introduced to ethical fashion? The best ways to shop ethically are to buy from companies with responsible production practices or with products made in the USA. Companies will either have the origin of their products printed on the labels, or will have it on the "about" section of their website. It's fairly easy to find whether or not a company has ethical production practices, because if they are ethical, they won't try to hide it. Another way is to buy used. You won't be contributing to unethical labor practices and you'll be keeping clothes from being sent to landfills. You could even have a clothing swap with your friends! - Priyunka Maheshwari 39
Fashion’s Most Influential Bloggers The fashion industry and current trends are greatly influenced by figures called famous bloggers, who are unique social media figures on the forefront of fashion. Bloggers tailor looks from the runway into something new and fresh for their readers so they can be inspired to create their own personal style. Below are five well known bloggers whose unique and distinctive styles are drawing them attention in the industry. So get ready to be inspired! The Chriselle Factor http://thechrisellefactor.com/ Chriselle Lim started the blog The Chriselle Factor and is a well known YouTube star who gives tips and advice on how to coordinate pieces for an outfit. She teaches the basic rules of styling and guides girls through creating fashionable looks. Chriselle wants girls to be able to create personal looks that flatter them. For instance, there is a tutorial showing what garments and accessories compliment different body shapes. She also features collaborations with well known brands and writes about how to incorporate pieces by these brands into something girls can wear with confidence in everyday life. Chriselle strives to provide her readers useful fashion knowledge so stylish looks are achievable even with a hectic schedule. So far she seems to be living up to her motto working to make the world a prettier place by dressing each girl at a time.
Closet Freaks http://closetfreaksblog.com/ Fashion is not just for women. That is why Anthony Urbano of Closet Freaks blogs about outfits for stylish men! He provides the information and brands necessary for guys to create a classy outfit. Some even consider Anthony Urbano the male equivalent to Chriselle Lim of The Chriselle Factor, because he caters to guys who want to be stylish, but also don’t want to spend a fortune on their outfits. That is why he always makes sure to promote affordable brands that won’t burn a hole in your wallet.
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De Lune http://www.deluneblog.com/ Claire Geist is a student majoring in art history, which explains a lot about her blog featuring artistic yet casual looks. Her blog, De Lune, focuses on creating outfits that do not follow the mainstream fashion trends, but still allow readers to express themselves and inspire them to be unique fashionably. Claire inspires readers to take a risk on bold garments and crazy prints by providing them with examples of how to mix and match creatively. De Lune is the right blog for those who love to see beautiful, unique pieces and want to be inspired by a girl with an amazing sense of individuality.
Eat Sleep Wear http://www.eatsleepwear.com/ Kimberly Pesch is a graphic designer and cupcake enthusiast who runs the blog Eat Sleep Wear. Her posts are aimed to help her readers be stylish with ease and she does this by creating effortless outfits for a girl who is on the go all day. Her personal style favors modern, clean designs and most of her outfits are suitable for a stylish city girl. Kimberly Pesch has grown such a following because she explores fashion with a fearless attitude and blogs about a variety of different styles within her aesthetic. Her blog is the place to look for clean, fresh ideas!
Atlantic-Pacific
http://atlantic-pacific.blogspot.fr/ Blaire Eadie combines the edgy West Coast and sleek East Coast fashion beautifully, while brilliantly accessorizing with jewelry and handbags. Her blog Atlantic-Pacific is all about well put together and classy looks that could be worn for any occasion. She provides her readers with inspiration for accessorizing fashionably without looking overdressed. - Claire Kwak
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CITY CHIC The term “City Chic” entails a story about being able to be stylish while maintaining ones individuality in a place where one’s self could easily blend in. Being chic in the city means to take risks but to also be comfortable enough to walk around through the city streets. City chic means to take elements of the environment around you and to create an outfit that expresses both the character of yourself and the character of your city. In Austin fashion mingles with school spirit. From the floral, burnt orange sundresses to the cowboy boots and hats, the soul of the University can be seen all around. Not only does burnt orange run deep in the veins of Austin, the street styles also take hold of the city’s personality. A variety of colors and a plethora of styles provide Austin with the perfect blend between traditional and city. City Chic is the incorporation of personal style and local culture. Austin, Texas not only abides to this definition but is the personification of the word itself. -Rachelle Allen Photographer:Hakeem Adewumi Stylist: Lily Rocha Model: Caitlin Topham HMUA: Shirin Farahani
Skirt: Blue Elephant Purse: Blue Elephant 42
Skirt - Blue Elephant Purse - Blue Elephant
Plaid Top - Blue Elephant Black Skirt - Blue Elephant Handbag - Blue Elephant
Plaid Top - Blue Elephant Black Skirt - Blue Elephant Handbag - Blue Elephant
Plaid Top - Blue Elephant Black Skirt - Blue Elephant Handbag - Blue Elephant
Plaid Top - Blue Elephant Black Skirt - Blue Elephant Handbag - Blue Elephant
Plaid Top - Blue Elephant Black Skirt - Blue Elephant Handbag - Blue Elephant
A Golden Affair White Top - Solid Gold Black Leggings - Solid Gold Earrings - Solid Gold Rings - Solid Gold
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veryone has those last-minute events that leave them rummaging hopelessly through their closets for something to wear. In order to be prepared for emergency situations like this, it is important to have a go-to store one can walk into and confidently leave with a perfect outfit every time. For many in the East Austin area, that store is Solid Gold. With a relaxed, boho-chic vibe, Solid Gold is a boutique that provides timeless pieces meant to be worn again and again. Owner, Katie Friedman, described the clothing as pieces that work and remain in ones wardrobe forever, not a trend or a fad. The very name of the store derives from Friedman’s desire to sell classic, solid pieces. As an admirer of the simplicity and versatility of solids, Friedman created a boutique with an honest vision that she has maintained and evolved. With the industries ever-changing styles, Solid Gold has gone through some changes in the eight years it has been open. Friedman also explained that “Keeping your focus is really [difficult]. It’s hard to keep your purpose… without getting caught up in trends.” But despite the changes, Friedman still refuses to sell pieces made in sweatshops, and only buys clothing made with natural fibers. She also values the relationships she has developed with her customers as an integral part of her business. One of the many appeals of Solid Gold is the one-on-one interaction customers can have with Friedman. It is an experience that can’t be found at larger chain stores. “I get new customers all the time, but I definitely have customers who came in the first week we were open, and have come in once a month since. I’ve seen them grow up.
Black Dress: Solid Gold Earrings: Solid Gold 56
I’ve seen them go through break-ups, make-ups, heartbreaks, marriages, and babies. It’s so lovely to have that relationship with them. I love it. It’s my favorite part of the business,” Friedman elaborated. These long-term relationships are not only with customers, but also with the designers. “I tend to carry smaller lines, so I have the opportunity to work with designers directly, which is my favorite thing to do,” said Friedman. Her connections have allowed her to keep Solid Gold stocked with the pieces that have grown popular among her clientele. Solid Gold’s simple yet beautiful aesthetic, coupled with Friedman’s personal touch, has made the boutique the success it is. To many, owning and running a lucrative boutique seems like a dream job. Friedman’s advice to anyone with a similar dream is short and simple; just go for it. “[Don’t] get stuck on all the minutia of all the things that need to be done. If I tried to come up with every sort of contingency, I wouldn’t have done it,” she said. One may think that with the success the boutique is enjoying, it would only make sense for the operation to expand, but when asked about the future of her business, Friedman simply replied, “I want to be that neighborhood shop… that one shop you can always go to. That’s what I wanted, and I think that’s what I’ve accomplished.” - Zara Mirza Photographer: Hakeem Adewumi Stylist: Shirin Farahani Model: Eleanor Grisebaum HMUA: Hannah Wilmeth
White Top - Solid Gold Black Leggings - Solid Gold Earrings - Solid Gold Rings - Solid Gold 58
You Can Call Her Queen P
Hat: Blue Elephant Top : Archive Vintage
Scarf - Blue Elephant Sweater - Blue Elephant Leather Skirt - Blue Elephant Bracelet - Blue Elephant
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o the average person along the streets of New York, Olivia Palermo may look like a skinny little vixen with great hair. Let’s face it she embodies the je ne sais quoi of a well-dressed and beautiful New York socialite. But Palermo wasn’t always at the top of the social scene, in fact she really struggled in her rise to fame. Olivia Palermo entered into the limelight after appearing on The City, a spin-off of MTV’s hit show The Hills. Palermo was openly portrayed as the enemy in The City, which conjured up a lot of negative talk among fans of the show. She was then a victim of a fake letter that portrayed her a ‘psychotic’ and ‘desperate’ which made her career as a fashionista and socialite a seemingly impossible one. After the less than stellar beginning, Palermo moved up way up in ranks as a stylist, blogger, and model. Since the rocky start, Palermo has simply focused on her career as a means of rising above the hate. She ties her rise to style admiration to the fact that she always had a plan. Palermo really emphasizes the importance of keeping future hopes in mind when making decisions. She also highlights the significance of making decisions on one’s own. Palermo acknowledges that she has a great team, but in the end of the day she still values the power to make decisions on her own. She makes a conscious effort to base her look and her career solely off of herself. She takes into account her own interests, ideas, and how she hopes to be perceived when putting together looks and designs. The result ends up being a classy and timeless look that obtains much praise throughout media and fashion events alike. Since taking off, Palermo has dipped her feet in many different facets of the fashion and media industries. She works as an executive and creative director of her website OliviaPalermo.com. From her website she and her team write blogs that offer advice on things like fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. She also partners with different designers to operate her own online boutique with different luxury
fashion pieces that she personally selects herself. Outside of her own brand, she works as a model for Wilhelmina models alongside her hunky husband Johannes Huebl. She has also worked as a creative director in ad campaigns for New York accounting firm Mango and Hubel. On top of everything, she has additionally succeeded as a muse and collaborator to many different designers including big names like Tommy Hilfiger. It’s no doubt that Palermo is a determined, self-motivated woman. She herself notes that she can sometimes let her determination get a little intense, but in the end, she accredits that same determination to her success. It’s no doubt that Olivia Palermo is a celebrity to watch. Her style has been referred to as inventive and ahead of the game on more than one occasion. She embodies modesty and in doing that she portrays a classic image that exudes poise and grace. She truly took her rocky start in New York’s social scene and used it to drive her career into what it is shaping into today. As of recent times, Palermo has made her way to the front row of fashions most prestigious shows and has been featured on the cover of fashion publications such as Elle and Marie Claire. Over the summer, Palermo married her long time model boyfriend in a small private ceremony, and the two began decorating their stylish NYC home. Things are undoubtedly looking up for Palermo in the industry as she becomes a full blown style icon. Whether you love her or you hate her, there’s no denying the fact that Olivia Palermo’s exudes suaveness from her fresh cut long bob down to her flawlessly selected shoes. - Sarah Musselman Photographer: Madison Dunham Stylist: Eleanor Grisebaum Model: Ellie Wendland HMUA: Zara Mirza
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MENSWEAR: Eight Essentials Every Guy Needs
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would like to hereby declare the era of basketball shorts (or worse, cargoes) and t-shirts over. Although spicing up a look isn’t as easy for men as it is for women, it’s simple to build up a wardrobe of classic, flattering, professional, unique, and yes- comfortable menswear. It’s important to note that not all essentials are created equal- you have to pay close attention to fit and quality when selecting your staple pieces. There’s a reason why a J. Crew t-shirt costs more than one from Wal-Mart. And for the love of Tom Ford, please be open to trying on multiple sizes and styles of pants. That being said, the following is a guide to finding, buying, and wearing eight different and essential menswear pieces.
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The Button Down
You probably already have a dress shirt or seven, but that drab hand-me-down you wore to your cousin’s wedding last month could probably use some upgrading. A classic gentlemanly button-down can be worn under a suit or with those hot weather flat-fronts. It is the natural best friend of your snappy jacket and an absolute must for all kinds of occasions. The button-down is also a great piece for beginning to experiment with new patterns and colors. Who knows, maybe pink pinstripes or funky windowpane patterns are your thing? A great button-down should fit snugly around the shoulders and slim throughout the torso. When unbuttoned, the shirt’s sleeves should hit just past your wrists. There are hordes of great button-downs out there, so try on a few and figure out which sizes, styles, and colors are best. It’s a good idea to scoop up more than one, like a fairly conservative dress shirt for job interviews, a more relaxed, light-colored shirt to pair with shorts or khakis for casual occasions, a classic plaid shirt for a put-together cool weather look, and maybe even a shirt with a funky color or pattern, just because! Pretty much every menswear store or designer out there sells a myriad of gentlemanly button-downs, but a few of my favorites include Billy Reid, Rag & Bone, Banana Republic, Express, and Jack Spade.
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The Sweater
Men’s sweaters are the fashion gods’ gift to us all. The perfect sweater is soft, well made, roomy, comfortable. The wear-all winter sweater comes in every shape, color, style, and price point. You can choose a buttery cashmere v-neck or a soft fleece-lined half-zip pullover. Fit is absolutely key here. If your sweater is too tight you’ll look like you’re wearing clothes from middle school. If it’s too loose, it starts to resemble a ratty old sweatshirt. Quality is essential. It’s better to have one or two high-quality sweaters than an entire rainbow of cheap ones. You’ll thank yourself when you have a date, job interview, or other sweatshirt-inappropriate occasion on a rare frigid day! To track down that perfect sweater, try Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, Hugo Boss, Diesel, or Topman.
2The Skinny Khakis
Don’t let the idea of “skinny” pants bring back memories of your seventh grade emo phase- a great pair of straight-leg khakis is a far cry from the Hot Topic look. These pants are unbelievably versatile and they look just as great with the aforementioned perfect tee and a pair of sneakers as they do with a dress shirt and loafers. Finding the right fit can be challenging, so once you do find a great pair, it may be wise to stock up, perhaps buying the same pair in a couple of different colors. Do this because styles tend to change over the years, and the perfect pair may be gone by next season! A few good places to start your search for skinny khakis include Gap, Levi’s, Express, J. Crew, Paul Smith, and Topman.
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The Loafers
For any non-casual occasion, loafers are necessary. They are classic, comfortable, and downright cool. A slim brown or black, leather or suede loafer with a rounded toe and non-chunky sole is classic and will last through the seasons. For those who are adventurous there are definitely funkier loafers out there, with ornamentation like tassels or buckles. Although there are plenty of great men’s shoe brands out there, I would start your search for the perfect loafers with Cole Haan, Johnston and Murphy, and Steve Madden. If you’re willing to invest in a classic pair you’ll wear forever, you can’t go wrong with Ferragamo, Gucci, or Tod’s.
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5
The Snappy Jacket
While it’s definitely beneficial to have a decent suit tucked away in your closet, most dressy occasions can be easily conquered with a pair of slacks or khakis, a dress shirt, and a snappy jacket. The jacket is another item that you should invest a little more money in because a worn down, loose jacket definitely won’t score any points with a new girlfriend’s dad. Smaller specialty stores, like Capra & Cavelli, on Jefferson Street, are especially helpful in finding the perfect fit and making the minor alterations that most nice fitting jackets need. Although, for those on a budget, the neighborhood tailor can also spruce up a less expensive jacket. The perfect snappy jacket should hug your shoulders, nip in a little at the sides, and have narrow sleeves that allow about a quarter- to a half-inch of your shirt cuffs to show. The best colors to choose from are navy, black, and a light-colored jacket made of a thinner fabric for the warm weather. Options for cuts, details, and fabrics are pretty limitless these days. Zara, H&M and Express are great for trendier or lower-priced jackets, while Brooks Brothers, J. Crew and Ralph Lauren are sure to have classic shapes and great fits.
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The Flat Front Shorts
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Shorts don’t have to look sloppy! A spiffy pair of flat-fronts will keep you feeling and looking cool on the hottest summer days. Flat-front shorts are more modern and flattering than their pleated counterparts and look significantly more sophisticated than cargoes or athletic shorts. Navy and khaki are great colors to start with but, it’s easy to pull off a bright color or funky pattern. These shorts are also relatively cheap, so you won’t need to rely on one pair to get you through the season. For on-trend, budget-friendly flat-fronts, try H&M, Topman, Target, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Express.
The Perfect T-Shirt
T-shirts are great for just about every occasion. They can be worn on their own or as a layering piece underneath a sweater or button-down. I know what you’re thinking- “I already have a million t-shirts and yes, I know how to wear them. It’s really not that hard, head through one hole, arms through the other two…” But there’s a difference between your favorite UT t-shirt and the perfect t-shirt. The perfect t-shirt probably shouldn’t be purchased in a 4-pack. It is a well-made, well fitting, and simple enough to be the anchor of a wide variety of outfits. You can wear it with shorts in the summer and jeans and a cardigan in the winter. It’s crisp, clean, and flattering, and can come in just about every color, cut, and neckline. Topman, American Apparel, Alexander Simai, J. Crew, and Saturdays Surf NYC are just a few examples of brands that sell great t-shirts at reasonable prices.
8The Sneakers
Sneakers can be worn just about anywhere as long as you put a little thought into finding a great pair. It’s a good idea to hang on to the mud-stained ones recreational purposes, but a clean, versatile, and cool sneaker is much more appropriate for everyday wear. I would suggest starting by investing in a neutral-colored sneaker, whether it be gray, black, brown, navy, or camel. A good sneaker is definitely worth the investment, but a less expensive pair can also take you far. A few good starting points include tried-and-true suppliers such as Vans, Adidas, Superga, Converse, and Tretorn. - Lauren Hodges Photographer: Debby Garcia Stylist: Tré Miles Models: Cooper Bridges Tré Miles Tony Redmer HMUA: Sophia Castano
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The Fall Classics Photographer: Hakeem Adewumi Stylist: Devin Custalow Stylist: Melinda Taylor Stylist: Paul Ortiz Model: June Loh Model: Madison Donham Model: Katherine Horak HMUA: Sophia Castano
Leather Top - Blue Elephant Plaid Pants - Blue Elephant
Cream Cardigan - Blue Elephant Leather Top - Blue Elephant Plaid Pants - Blue Elephant
Plaid Jacket - Frock on Vintage Black Top - Frock on Vintage Leather Skirt - Frock on Vintage
Cream Sweater: The Garden Room Fur Vest: The Garden Room
Leather Jacket - Frock on Vintage Dress - Frock on Vintage
Plaid Jacket - Frock on Vintage Black Top - Frock on Vintage Leather Skirt - Frock on Vintage