STITCH September 2015

Back to Campus 2015 NO. 27

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CONTENTS

3 • MASTHEAD

4 • CONTRIBUTORS 5 • LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 6 • PLEASURES Check out a few of our favorite things, from leather boots to a new scent.

7 • SHOOT: SHADOWS This season’s daintiest accessories make a statement.

13 • PEER ADMIRERS PAs are the first people you meet on campus, but beyond the Purple Pride and heinous t-shirts, who are they, really? STITCH handpicks a few to find out.

26 • LAST WORD College may seem like a time of sartorial conformity, but one writer claims it can actually be the best time to strut (your style) like you mean it.

16

SHOOT: SNAPSHOTS FROM CHICAGO Get a tour of Chicago with your PAs from Wrigley to the Wabash; Adams to Andersonville.

22

FEATURE: SWEET HOME CHICAGO STITCH explores the histories and hot spots of some of our favorite (and most fashionable) Chicago neighborhoods.

FLICKR: CJSMITHPHOTOGRAPHY

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G

now us! to k t e

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Erica Witte

of day ? t s r i m F ol ja scho

MANAGING EDITOR Luke Zhang

“Run

by C , Run, R un atey Sha ” w

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & RECRUITMENT CHAIR Sarah Spellings SENIOR EDITOR Lizzey Johnson DESIGN EDITOR Florence Fu ”

thing Any o D an H3 “I C by 30

DESIGN TEAM Heiwon Shin, Susan Chen, Manon Blackman, Jason Yuan, Marlene Lenthang

” ood n a im G “Sw nk Oce ra F y b

PRINT EDITOR Mackenzie Broderick ONLINE EDITOR Rachel Lefferts PRINT PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Zack Laurence ONLINE PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Alix Kramer

y s” b nd e mpu “Ca Week pire Vam

“Wh

by H y Not” ilar y Duff

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOSHOOTS Beatrice Hagney ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PHOTOSHOOTS Jason Yuan MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Emily Kappes

e” Mor me pears m i S “G tney ri MULTIMEDIA TEAM

by B Tara Sennott, Cecilia Marshall, Lily Allen, Sarah Burton, Zack Laurence, Ariana Brockington, Victoria Zapater, Allison Mark, Clare Fisher, Jenna Lee

STYLING TEAM Lilly Scheerer, Isabel Seidel, Madeline Kaufman, Rocio Mendez-Rozo, Tori Latham, Caroline Bell, Evelyn Ma STAFF WRITERS Therese Kaltenecker, Ellen Lawrence, Issi Carter, Kelsey Packer, Rose McBride, Sue Liu, Isabel Seidel, George Wen, Shira Zilberstein, Christian Welch DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & ADVERTISING Lauren Meyers

“Gi

by O rl Almig ne D hty” irec tion

MARKETING TEAM Ariel Matluck, Alexandra Mennell, Casey Doherty, Lauren Goldstein, Samantha Bell, Emily Chin, Jing Wang

y” ct Da “Perfe oku H by

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Carolina Diaz SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM Jordan Susskind, Catherine Kang, Lindsey Spohler DIRECTOR OF EVENTS Amber Cline DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS Steffanee Wang

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CONTRIBUTORS: STAFF SPOTLIGHTS

CHRISTIAN WELCH EDITORIAL TEAM

Sophomore • Chemical Engineering

Most embarrasing moment of freshman year: I didn’t realize tailgates were off-campus and not at the actual football field.

Favorite high-school film: “Easy A” Favorite dining hall meal: Pork schnitzel in Sargent.

JORDAN SUSSKIND SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM Junior • Industrial Engineering

Most embarrasing moment of freshman year:: I got a nosebleed during a chemistry exam...then I sneezed.

Favorite high-school film: “Mean Girls” Favorite dining hall meal: Omelette station (if I’m up that early).

EMILY KAPPES MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Sophomore • Journalism & Art History

Most embarrasing moment of freshman year: Accidentally walking into the wrong dorm room, which was full of people I didn’t know.

Favorite high-school film: “The Bling Ring” Favorite dining hall meal: Banana and Nutella on toast with a cup of tea.

HEIWON SHIN DESIGN TEAM

Junior • Journalism & Art Theory & Practice

Most embarrasing moment of freshman year: The classic “I don’t remember you, but you remember me” encounters.

Favorite high-school film: “Rebel Without a Cause” Favorite dining hall meal: French toast at Plex.

EVELYN MA

JASON YUAN

STYLING TEAM

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PHOTOSHOOTS

Sophomore • Communication Studies

Most embarrasing moment of freshman year: The falsies on my left eye were blown away by the wind in Chicago. I didn’t realize and then went on a date.

Favorite high-school film: “American Graffiti” Favorite dining hall meal: Late night breakfast during finals.

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Sophomore • Theater

Most embarrasing moment of freshman year: Every single audition.

No regrets. 11/10 would recommend.

Favorite high-school film: “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” Favorite dining hall meal: Kung Fu Tea. It’s not actually in the dining hall, but you should go there for every meal.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

D

espite what you may think after endless Wildcat Welcome meet-and-greets, your name, hometown and major do not define you. Though it’s Breakfast Club-y and corny to say, college is a time to “find yourself.” Meaning, you can revamp the high-school version of yourself, dream of ditching your childhood home for a fabulous life in New York City, and reconsider your major and career goals. (I’ve done all of the above.) The person you introduced during the first weeks of school is bound to be shaped by the incredible experiences you’ll have over the next four years here.

Just like every other newcomer at Northwestern, STITCH too has developed over the years. As we approach our 10th birthday in 2016, we celebrate the explosion of creativity and maturity of our content throughout the years. But, we haven’t claimed the title of Northwestern’s premier fashion and culture magazine by playing it safe. In order to surpass our own goals and expectations, we’ve updated our website and ventured outside our typical topics with issues focusing on controversial subjects such as intimacy and feminism.

In a similar way, it’s inexplicably important for all students to get off campus and escape the “Northwestern bubble.” During my freshman year, I was on a class field trip to the Art Institute of Chicago when I overheard a senior saying, “This is my second time going into Chicago!” Unbelievable. We’re a 30-minute free (!) bus ride away from one of the greatest cities in the country. Explore, eat and shop your way through it. If you’re new to the city, we can help you navigate the best neighborhoods (see page 22).

Don’t worry if you’re not feeling confident enough to take on the Windy City alone quite yet. A routine, a solid group of friends, and a mastery of public transportation takes a while.

In the meantime, your trusty Peer Advisor is an excellent resource and friend to confide in and bond with. With their dashing good looks and sparkling personalities, you may even find them modeling in the pages of STITCH (see page 16).

Wherever the next four years take you, don’t be afraid of change. Even though Northwestern students like to pretend they’ve had their life planned out since March through the Arch, I know plenty of upperclassman who still haven’t landed on a major. So with that, I wish all you stylish STITCH readers (especially you new STITCH readers!) the best of luck as we kick off another year in Evanston. Let us make a collective wish for sunny weather so we can delay Canada Goose season until at least October.

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PLEASURES: STITCH’S PICKS 1

2

5

3 4

1. Perfume, Tocca “Cleopatra”, $68, tocca.com 2. Album, Punch Brothers “The Phosphorescent Blues” LP, $39.98, target.com 3. Boots, Stuart Weitzman, ‘Mixitup” Boot, $625, shop.nordstrom.com 4. Hair Spray, Captain Blankenship, Ray of Light Sea Salt Sun Spray, $26, captainblankenship.com 5. Magazine, Vogue Paris “Collections Edition Fall/Winter 2015,” $30, Barnes & Noble 6 • STITCHFASHION.COM • BACK TO CAMPUS 2015

shadow

THIS SEASON’S DAINTIEST ACCESSORIES MAKE A STATEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER: Zack Laurence MAKEUP: Sarah Spellings, Lilly Scheerer, Maddy Kaufman HAIR: Beatrice Hagney SET ASSISTANTS: Isabel Seidel, Melissa Cagan, Amber Cline MODELS: Clare Ling and Adina Nadler

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Top: American Apparel Choker: Topshop BACK TO CAMPUS 2015 • STITCHFASHION.COM • 9

Top: Brandy Melville Necklace: J.Crew

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Earrings: Bauble bar Necklace: 522 Envy BACK TO CAMPUS 2015 • STITCHFASHION.COM • 11

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P A

peer admirers

By Rachel Lefferts

TRANSITION, EDUCATION, TRADITION, EXCITEMENT: these are just a few of the words that come to mind when thinking about Wildcat Welcome. Although this ten-day whirlwind is all of these things and more, it is, above all else, one of introductions. Whether you’ve been donning purple since the day you were born or you’ve never stepped foot on campus before, you will meet countless new people and learn several new things about this place you will call home for the next four years. And while you’ll probably introduce yourself to more people than you can remember, you’ll likely wish you had met just a few more of the two thousand plus new students and Peer Advisers.

Luckily, STITCH has you covered. We caught up with a few Peer Advisers whose distinct sets of interests, backgrounds and talents stand as a true testament to the diversity of not just the Wildcat Welcome family and the Class of 2019, but of the entire Northwestern student body.

And yet, as disparate as their pursuits may seem, these PAs share one thing in common: their passion for Northwestern and dedication to its community.

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blake bakkila

Year: Senior Major: Journalism Hometown: Newport Beach, CA

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Despite being miles away from her Southern California roots, this Newport Beach native could not be more proud to call Northwestern her second home. Blake Bakkila shares her school pride with prospective students and families as a campus tour guide, and is excited to do just that with her first PA group. Having transferred to NU as a sophomore, Bakkila has a true appreciation for the school and the unique sense of family it provides.

“I’ve felt this heightened sense of nostalgia talking to all of these first-year students about what to expect, and I love to see their enthusiasm, especially as I’m closing my own chapter here,” Bakkila said.

When she’s not walking backwards around campus, Bakkila pursues research as an intern for the Medill Justice Project and holds a leadership position with her sorority. Whether she’s seeking out the best brunch spots or blogging for FoodSeum, a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to the education, celebration and inspiration of food, Bakkila loves venturing off campus to explore the Chicago food scene.

As for her personal style? She likes to think of it as a happy medium between Kate Middleton and Mindy Lahiri (from the Mindy Project, one of her favorite shows), but admits that her friends say she’s very preppy. “My goto look is a casual dress with a jean jacket and booties or sandals, depending on the weather,” Bakkila said.

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gordon schlict

}

Year: Sophomore Major: Economics and Political Science Hometown: Cologne, Germany

After moving to the Chicago area from his hometown of Cologne, Germany, just a few years ago, sophomore Gordon Schlicht knows firsthand what it’s like to acclimate to living in a new country, and is thrilled to be a Peer Adviser for International Student Orientation (ISO) and Wildcat Welcome.

Schlicht’s first-year experience had such a positive impact that he felt compelled to give back to his community by passing onto the freshman what he gained last year. “Wildcat Welcome is an awesome illustration of the strength and pride of our community at Northwestern, so I hope my group takes this time and beyond as a way to find their place on campus,” Schlicht said.

As a member of Northwestern Model United Nations,

Schlicht pursues his passion for global politics, aspiring to one day be a diplomat. He also stays in touch with his international background by serving on the executive board of the International Student Association, which acts as his home away from home. As if these pursuits didn’t keep him busy enough, Schlicht is also the secretary of his fraternity and an active member of the NU Investment Management Group.

Based on his put-together and preppy look, it’s clear that Schlict’s professional goals trickle down to his style. “The way I present myself to others is important, and I’m very impacted by the people around me,” Schlicht said. Spot him on campus in his signature pastel button-downs, wingtip oxfords and boat shoes (with a vest on cooler days, of course).

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rocio mendez-rozo

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Year: Junior Major: English and Latino/Latina Studies Hometown: Chicago, IL

Though the Class of 2019 may get to know her in that signature PA t-shirt and backpack, Rocio Mendez-Rozo will soon trade in her Wildcat Welcome attire for ice skates. An English and Latino/Latina Studies double-major, she serves as the vice president of Northwestern’s Figure Skating Team and as the co-president of Mariachi Northwestern, a group dedicated to spreading the Mexican folk music sounds of mariachi across campus.

Off the ice, she embraces her boho chic style.

Whether she’s wearing a maxi skirt and a simple t-shirt or a chunky cardigan and boots, she loves to accessorize with bold statement pieces— patterned scarves, gold jewelry and bold lips are her favorites.

Mendez-Rozo cannot wait to be a Peer Adviser for a second year in a row and hopes to foster the same fun, tight-knit community that made last year so memorable. “One of the most important things we can offer as returning students is to talk about the multiple voices and narratives on this campus and to stress why it’s important to engage these voices to create cohesion and community,” she said.

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kori alston

Year: Sophomore Major: Theatre Hometown: Great Barrington, MA

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Kori Alston may only be a sophomore, but he’s already taken the theatre scene by storm. Not only is he the director of special events for the theatre group Vertigo Productions, but he’ll also be assistant directing a student product and a main-stage production this year. This coming January, his play “The Alexander Litany” will be performed as a part of the Vertigo Reading Series.

Although playwriting, acting and directing provide Alston with the ultimate creative outlet, he also makes a statement through his style, which he describes as “afropunk.” He prefers to deviate from conventional commercial clothing, instead seeking unique pieces at thrift stores.

Whether he’s wearing overalls and skirts in unconventional ways or donning bright colors and patterns, he has fun creating bold, attention-grabbing looks.

“Life’s too short to not enjoy getting dressed in the morning,” Alston said.

After his experience with Wildcat Welcome last year, Alston knew he wanted to get involved in a more intimate way. “I’m the oldest of seven kids, so being the trailblazer—the person who’s stumbled through it and can help others through it—comes naturally to me,” he said.

“I’ve been involved with mentor programs throughout my life, and it’s something I’m really passionate about.”

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WICKER PARK Kori Alston Shirt: Rude Pants: Silence + Noise

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WABASH

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MILlENNIUM PARK Rocio Mendez-­Rozo ­ Jacket: Isabel Marant Outfit: Gigi Bottega

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boys town Gordon Schlicht Blazer: H&M Top: Individualized Shirts Shoes: Cole Haan

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wrigleyville

Blake Bakkila ­ Outfit: Gigi Bottega Gordon Schlicht Shirt: You Are Everything

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sweet home

CHICAGO STITCH EXPLORES THE HISTORIES AND HOT SPOTS OF SOME OF OUR FAVORITE CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOODS.

By Isabel Seidel and Christian Welch

Wrigleyville the 7th inning stretch, Clark Street offers Even before the doors of the L slide a handful of hosts for the post game chowopen—bursting with bodies donning royal down, if the concession crackerjacks leaves blue and red paraphernalia—Chicagoans your stomach still rumbling. Don’t strike know tahey’ll regain legroom once the car out before the baseball season ends in late reaches the Addison stop. It’s game day at September. If you have a chance to catch a Wrigleyville. game at Wrigley Field, it’s sure to be a hit.

This neighborhood has charisma like no other, drawing in Cubs fanatics long What to Wear: There truly is no better outfit before the first pitch. Game days are most fun when you rally your own Northwestern for Wrigleyville than one branded with a big C. All Cubs attire is accepted, from #squad to root with you. NU has had a lasting relationship with the diamond at the the simplest blue and red garments, to the center of Wrigleyville—a diamond that has most eccentric fan garb (just no bedazzling, endured for over 100 years in an ephemeral please). Have no official gear? Mix sporty with chic by pairing a classic pinstriped and urban landscape that surrounds the baseball jersey or a vintage cotton tee with stadium.

Whether you’re the die-hard who is last dark denim. A baseball cap is a must—and no matter which team your hat reads, wear to leave the grandstands, or the baseball newbie who makes a dash for the gates at it proud!

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Millennium Park Every Northwestern student within the hug, forget about how many other people past few years has seen Millennium Park in have touched that stainless steel structure in a very unique light: flooded with more than over the past nine years. Even the most re1,000 purple unisex cotton tees. Millennifined individuals succumb to the unoriginal um Park, for the past few years, was known yet unavoidable Bean selfie—the ultimate as the kickoff locale to Wildcat Welcome. evidence of a downtown day well-spent.

Although new students won’t be making the Millennium Park is a mecca of architectural grand exodus to the tourist attraction this eye candy with everything it has to offer. year, every incoming freshman should make There truly is a sight for every set of eyes at the trip to partake in some iconic sightseethis expansive and iconic park, and it’s just ing and iPhone photography. a hop, skip and an L ride away.

The winter is still an exciting time to visit this urban playground. Once you’ve What to Wear: A full day of sightseeing and exhausted the ice-skating rink outside Nor- selfie-taking calls for practical footwear, but ris on campus, let the rink at Millennium don’t settle for comfort without style. Make Park carry you away, and if you’re lucky, the your ensemble your own with a romper tallest individuals might see their reflection and a moto jacket that’s rough in all the in the iconic Cloud Gate, aka the Bean (no right places. Top off the look with chunky one calls it Cloud Gate, nor will they ever). sunnies and a layer of Sun Bum SPF 30 to Put your hand on it, give it a spread eagle derail the day’s harsh rays.

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Lincoln Park Between checking out bands at Lincoln Hall, catching shows at the Apollo theater and spending afternoons at the zoo, Lincoln Park is worth a visit. With a plethora of concert venues, theaters and stand-up comedy, there is always somewhere to be and something to do in Lincoln Park. There is also the beautiful and expansive park, for which the neighborhood is named, that is perfect for taking a walk along the lake or having a picnic.

Lincoln Park was originally a Polish neighborhood back in the late 1800s’ known as one of five “polish patches” in the city of Chicago, but during the mid-20th century it became a settlement for Puerto Rican immigrants in the city. This mix of cultural influences gives rise to the unique warmth and comfort found in this part of the city.

While much of the neighborhood is aged, that doesn’t make it cheap! Forbes even recognized an area of Lincoln Park as being the most expensive block in Chicago. Some of the homes there sell for over 10 million dollars. The area draws in everyone from families to artists of all mediums, making it one of Chicago’s most populated areas.

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On my afternoon in Lincoln Park, I took a walk along the lake and stopped by the Lincoln Park Zoo. I also stopped by a wonderful farmers market on the south side of Lincoln Park. It’s one of the biggest and most vibrant farmers markets in Chicago, so I recommend going even if it’s just for the experience and some free samples. A few street over is home to the only Urban Outfitters Surplus store in Chicago, and it is heaven on earth! Imagine taking everything from an UO sale rack and filling an entire store with it! I would consider it one of the hidden gems of Chicago, personally.

So whether you’re heading out for a day of shopping or just looking to get away from campus for an afternoon, Lincoln Park is a wonderful place to be.

What to Wear: Lincoln Park calls for a much more casual outfit with a hipster or bohemian vibe. Wear a maxi skirt with a fitted top and strappy sandals. Throw on a chunky knit cardigan for when it gets chilly. Avoid flashy jewelry—a dainty necklace and maybe a midi ring or two will complete the look to give you the perfect effortless ensemble.

West Loop Rewind a few years back—the West Loop was once a run-down part of the city with a high crime rate that wasn’t very inviting. Flash forward—today the West Loop has a unique vibe that reflects its rough past and its trendy future.

During the 1800s, the West Loop Area was home to both the fabulously wealthy and the dirt-poor. As the 1800s came to a close, the wealthy felt the area was losing its charm and getting a bad reputation, which drove out most of the upper-class residents. The area transformed into a warehouse and manufacturing district for the first half of the 20th century, but started regaining its appeal to residents after the construction of University of Illinois’ Chicago campus in the area.

Today, the vibrant culture and diverse history of the West Loop make this enticing neighborhood one of the fastest growing areas of Chicago.

I hit up the West Loop for the Randolph Street Market, a cute little outdoor vintage market, open in the spring. As my friends and I walked around, we passed by everything from abandoned buildings that smelled like rotten meat to a luxury car lot with some of the nicest cars I’ve seen in person. I hadn’t heard a lot of freshmen talk about the West Loop, but I would definitely recommend it. It has the same luxury as other areas but with a more colorful past. I found the West Loop a refreshing change of pace from the posh atmosphere of other Chicago neighborhoods.

What to Wear: I would suggest an edgychic look for the West Loop. Go all black: black skinny jeans, black booties and black leather jacket. In order to keep it trendy add a statement piece to the outfit like a necklace, bold bag or (my personal favorite) a floppy hat.

Life at NU becomes really overwhelming and it can be difficult to make time to get out into the city. But once I did, I realized how amazing the city of Chicago truly is and what a wide array of experiences it has to offer. Just getting off campus for a few hours and seeing something new is a brilliant way to take a break from the stress of classes.. For me, taking a little time out for myself and exploring the city made me fall in love with Chicago and Northwestern over and over again.

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W O RD LA ST

f

reedom to be

ashionable

H

ere’s a story: This year, my love for fashion and style collided with my passion for social and political activism. There was an urgency to connect to my heritage and identity. So I found pieces that resonated with who I was: mandarin collars, the qi pao, and beaded jewelry that my grandmother gave me when I made trips back to China and had never worn. Couple that up with my commitment to sustainable clothing consumption, and I was wearing clothes I’d pulled from the back of my closet with American Apparel crop tops, and some thrifted jacket.

Because here’s the thing. My eventual entrance into corporate America will bind me to a strict wardrobe of close toed heels, pencil skirts, crisp blouses and pant suits. Or, if I’m lucky enough to be working at Vogue, Prada close toed heels, Balenciaga pencil skirts and crisp blouses, and Armani pant suits. So, in an environment where I could wear whatever I wanted without, you know, getting fired, I saturated my closet with itty bitty tops, (figuratively) threw away my bras and wore socks with sandals (yes, I’m guilty.)

Congratulations, you’ve made it to college. Now here’s the million dollar question: what are you going to wear?

College is a magical place (and time, for that matter), a bubble outlined by Lincoln St. and Clark St. A rectangular utopia where a three­piece suit can be sitting next to sweatpants during a 9 a.m. econ class, walking sleeping 26 • STITCHFASHION.COM • BACK TO CAMPUS 2015

By Steffanee Wang

bags invade Sheridan Road during the dead of winter, and carrying a fishing pole is the finishing touch to a performance art piece. It’s the fantastic transition period between the dull responsibilities of adult life and the strict micromanagement of adolescence.

Your parents drop you off at the steps of your dorm building and tell you to grow: your mind, body, knowledge bank, common sense, responsibility, future. Inevitably, that includes how you’ll dress.

Don’t expect your style to stay the same all four years here. There will be days when you’ll wake up and have the urge to throw out 95% of your closet and online shop to create a new inventory of clothes dedicated to the “new you.” Don’t do that.

But do this: wear what you want, whatever you want, even if it makes the people around you uncomfortable. Center your comfort above anyone else’s. Because the college space is a magical space; real world doesn’t exist yet, and your parents aren’t here to yell at you. No one will punish you for dying your hair pink or wearing socks with those sandals (though I am obligated to advise against that). Experiment with bolder makeup or no make up at all. Shave your head, go natural, wear that pink tulle skirt you bought off Etsy.

Go to your grandmother’ house, and put on her old sweaters. Wear whatever you want, but with intention, pride and self­awareness.

So here’s to 4 years of reckless experimentation­­or not, if you don’t want to. There’s no better time than now.

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