No 06
online monthly issue
01 14 masthead
no’s of november
table of
contents
02 16
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falling for plaid
06
best holiday films
08
how to: double denim
12
5 ways to bear the winter blues
how to look cute, comfy, + avoid looking frumfy in the cold
18
capsule wardrobes
20
unique holiday gift wrap
21
products I will always repurchase
DIRECTORS Kyrstin Myhers Lexi Persons
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Paige Disch
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Josie Chesmore Valeria Cid-Mesa Annie Fitzpatrick Samantha Fitzpatrick Lauren Hansen Carlee Horn Elley Housenga Peyton Kauffman Alyssa Kraemer Carly Lundquist Meg Romaniak Alyssa Turzenski Natasha Wibowo
STORY WRITING DIRECTORS Zenobia Afeworki Kaitlyn Johnson Bryce Jones Abby Patterson Madison Pincombe
STORY WRITERS Hailey Allen Megan Dale Kajsa Hallberg Madison Hudson Christin Koch Grace Lundquist Halee Olson Lexi Stumpf Anna Tafolla Magazine design by Lauren Hansen
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FALLING FOR PLAID by anna tafolla
Temperatures continue to lower and the nights seem to be coming sooner. November is the month where all we want to do is stay inside, drink hot cocoa and avoid all responsibilities. As the end of the year approaches, our culture somehow managed to pull some of our previous trends with us to the end of the calendar. The nineties grunge is one of those trends and it is exactly what you need in your closet. One easy way to express the grunge look in your last few months is to wear plaid: a pattern that can be on many articles of clothing. Incorporating plaid into your outfits is one easy way to be trendy and comfortable.
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From debuting on television in the seventies to being hung in every department store today, the plaid pattern has reached almost every corner in the world. No matter if you thrift it or purchase from a high end store, the pattern can be your way of bringing grunge back to the streets. The long sleeve shirt is the most common form the pattern is made in and allows some of your flirtiest tank tops or your oldest t-shirts to continue to be worn. Plaid can also be layered with vests and thicker jackets for cooler days, or it can be buttoned up and paired with boots for a sunnier afternoon. Plaid is essential to your wardrobe because you can dress your outfit up or down.
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Plaid can also be found in garments other than in long-sleeved shirts. Whether bundling up your upper body to walk across campus or attending the last football games, the scarf is an essential accessory. The scarf alone can make you stand out, but expressing yourself with a plaid scarf can give your style a bigger twist. Plaid helps blend your darker fall jackets and jeans together because of the dark lines commonly found in the pattern. The pop of color on the upper half of your body is a great way to make a first impression at a coffee date or bonfire! Plaid can also be printed on snow boots, which gives a unique look as you walk through the slushy streets. Almost any article of clothing such as pants and boots can have the pattern printed on them. You can accomplish the grunge trend by incorporating plaid into any of your garments.
The year is ending and you want to make sure to make the last impressions of your style. Plaid is a classic and is an easy way to dress up or dress down for whatever you are up to this month. Throwing plaid on can give you the grunge look to whatever level you aspire to reach. Adding the pattern in scarves, hats and rainboots is a unique way to take on the chilly streets.
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holiday
by halee olson
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) You can catch this on Freeform (what seems like every five minutes) during the holiday season, but for good reason. It’s a classic! The Polar Express (2004) This film is stunning and has the best soundtrack ever.
’Tis almost the season to be jolly, and there is nothing jollier than cozying up on the couch and watching your favorite seasonal films. Grab some hot chocolate and stream these 8 movies to get into the holiday spirit! The Year Without A Santa Claus (1974) Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like some old-school claymation! This one features what I consider to be the best tune out of all the holiday films: The Snow Miser/Heat Miser Song. Now that’s a bop. Home Alone (1990) 27 years later and this film is still entertaining as ever. It might be a little cheesy, but what family holiday movie isn’t? Love Actually (2003) This might not be a traditional ‘holiday film’, but it is equally as heart-warming as the next. Sometimes we all need to be reminded that love is actually all around.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) Once again, this might not be the most traditional National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation holiday film, but it deserves to be mentioned. (1989) This is probably your dad’s favorite holiday film. Harry Potter receives his first ever Christmas presents, the Great Hall is decked to the 9’s for the holiday season and there is nothing prettiElf (2003) er that a snowy Hogwarts scene. Don’t even pretend that this isn’t one of your favorites. It may be overplayed and we’ve all most likely heard the jokes a million times, but it definitely deserves a spot on this list.
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Today’s Fashion at Affordable Prices
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HOW-TO: by kajsa hallberg Double denim. It’s the trend that is always up for debate about whether or not it’s in or out. Recently, it’s come to the forefront of fashion once again, especially in street fashion. Even models like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner can be spotted sporting the trend. If you feel inclined to join the latest round of double denim, here are some ways to sport the trend without ending up like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake at the 2001 AMA’s.
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Distressed denim is your friend. The best street style examples of double denim usually incorporate one or both items being distressed to some degree. The wear-and-tear look gives something extra to the look and allows some more contrast between the pieces. Rihanna, the queen of pulling off the riskiest trends, even chose a distressed denim skirt when wearing the look. The lesson? Don’t shy away from a few rips and tears when combining denim pieces.
Color matters. Wearing double denim is easiest when your two denim pieces are not the same color or wash. A blue jacket with black or white jeans is arguably the safest way to wear the trend. If you’re not sure if that jacket or vest in your closet will work with your normal jeans, pair the item with black jeans if it’s a light wash and vice versa. For those that are more confident in their denim-pairing abilities, mix and match washes. A light jacket with dark jeans hardly goes wrong, especially with other colors worked in. You can also branch away from jackets as well for the upper portion and pair a light shirt with darker denim. While matching two of the same shades together is usually a no-go, looking at fashion influencers like Gigi Hadid and Diane Kruger show that all it takes is an accent color and confidence. For her 73 Questions with Vogue video, Gigi paired her jacket and jeans with a bright red shirt and matching red shoes. Diane’s outfit from an outing in May of 2016 featured white shoes, a top with a lot of white, and severe fading on her jeans. Color is super important when attempting this tricky style.
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Don’t be afraid to also dress up your denim. Statement and staple items are key. The right shoes, shirt and/or accessories take focus off the fact that you’re wearing two denim pieces and turns the denim into a compliment piece. Leopard print is a popular staple for many stylists, as are colors that are different from the normal blue denim. Staple items can also be worn over the denim as well. Tom Ford once showed up to his own fashion show wearing double denim that he paired with a dark blazer. Embrace the staple items in your closet when wearing double denim. They’ll help elevate your style and give your outfit a focal point. Double denim is risky, but also super trendy when done right. Hopefully these tips help you with your styling! The one final trick to pulling it off: confidence. Be comfortable with your outfit and own it!
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Balance it out. The biggest mistake made with double denim is wearing pieces that don’t fit or the whole look is baggy. Remember the age-old rule about proper fit being the best look? That still applies today. Garments that properly fit your body are what most trendsetters recommend when attempting double denim. Baggy jeans and a loose top risk adding sloppiness to your look which can’t be saved with other tricks. Fit also corresponds to balance. You definitely do not want your look to be too heavy. Pair looser pieces with more fitted pieces to avoid the feeling of heaviness or sloppiness. It’s all about balance.
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WAYS TO BEAR THE WINTER BLUES by grace lundquist
Dreading this upcoming winter? Worried the colder air and darker nights might ignite unwanted negative feelings? If so, you’re not alone. Mayo Clinic reports that there is more than 3 million cases of ‘winter blues’, or seasonal affective disorder, per year. I’ve included some helpful tips that might reduce this seasonal sadness.
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Light it Up Get a light box! Found at places such as Target, Walmart and on Amazon, these light boxes expose us to bright light and have shown to be effective in treating this form of depression. This form of light therapy helps regulate the body clock and helps wake the body up in the morning.
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Work it Out Unfortunately, working out has many positive effects on the human body. One of them being that it allows your body to naturally release endorphins –hormones that make you feel happier. I also like to think of this as an excuse to buy some cute new workout gear.
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Brave the Cold Take at least 5 minutes out of your day to get a breath of fresh air (not difficult if you’re living on a college campus). Combine this with working out by going for a quick jog outside, and you have yourself a two for one.
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Discover a New Passion Don’t ignore your need for fun just because the weather is changing! Pick up knitting, learn a new language, get out the cookbook or even take up skiing lessons. Who knows, you might end up being really good at a new-found hobby, which will also ease your winter restlessness.
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Treat Yourself with a Trip It doesn’t have to be a lavish vacation. Just a weekend getaway can do the trick and make you feel like yourself again. Pick a new city you’ve never been, plan a shopping weekend with you friends, or if you’re feeling really adventurous, take a roadtrip down South and embrace the warmer weather. Having something to look forward to can help lift your spirit on dreary days and might make the long months feel quicker.
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of november by lexi stumpf
As the weather is getting more and more chilly, it is vital to not only dress for the weather, but to stay trendy while doing it. Fashions change from season to season, so some of the things you wore last fall might need to be retired and revamped for this fall. Here are some of last fall’s trends that you might consider swapping out.
Fall No Ugg boots In order to still maintain a super warm and comfy look, instead of pulling out the Ugg’s, try Sperry’s quilted winter boots. These will still keep you comfy and warm while adding a more updated and trendy element to your outfit. These gems come in several different colors and look great paired with leggings or jeans. Try wearing fun, fuzzy socks peeking out of the top to add a pop of color to your outfit.
Fall No Infinity scarves Blanket scarves are all the rage this season. They come in varying colors, prints and patterns. The most popular print being a tan plaid. This scarf will serve all the same purposes of the infinity scarf, but with a more sophisticated and chic twist. As an added bonus, they are super warm and comfortable to wrap yourself up in on chilly fall days. 14
Fall No Combat Boots
Fall No Boot cut jeans
It’s time to kiss your combat boots goodbye and say hello to booties. Fall is the perfect time to wear booties. Since booties are ankle-length, they can go with many outfits. They can be worn with either a lightweight sweater or something as heavy as your winter coat, depending on how cold it is that day. Booties are guaranteed to add sophistication to any outfit.
Jeans are a simple piece, yet they can make a huge difference in an outfit. With jeans, there are so many fun options that could easily turn any outfit from drab to fab. Bell bottoms, ripped skinnies, printed, colored, asymmetrical hem- the possibilities are endless! The best part about jeans is that you can take your boring old boot cut pair and have a fun DIY night to transform them into something unique and trendy.
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how to be cute, comfy, and avoid looking frumpy in the cold by christin koch
One of the biggest questions that tends to come with the winter months is, “How can I look fashionable, but still stay warm and avoid appearing frumpy?” It’s hard to find classic, warm pieces in the cold seasons that don’t completely overpower your body and make you appear shapeless. Do not fear, there are plenty of tips and tricks to avoid looking shabby and showcase your amazing figure even when the chilly temps and snow roll in. First, try to find a coat or vest that cinches or has a belted waist. This accentuates your curves and avoids looking straight as a board. Granted, the most important part of a coat is to keep you warm, so your first priority should be to find a coat that will satisfy this need, but keep an eye out for a coat that embraces the idea of accentuating the hips and waist. 16
Something I have found useful is wearing clothes that fit. TRUST ME, I know how tempting it is to throw on your 3X sweater and some leggings and just call it good (and if this is what you enjoy wearing, then go for it! Don’t let me hold you back), but when you do opt for this option, you run the risk of losing your shape and tend to appear bigger than you actually are. When you’re picking out outfits for the winter months, it is helpful to focus on accen tuating your assets. Show off what your momma gave you! You can do this by identifying where you are heavier and choosing items that draw attention elsewhere. If you are heavy in the hips and thighs, you’ll want to accentuate your neck, or collarbone by choosing warm items with distinctive necklines such as a cowl neck. If you are heavier in the hips, try to avoid items such as boat neck tops or cropped sweaters because these can tend to create a “square” look. If you are heavy on top and have thin legs, one of the best tips is to wear a dark sweater with a patterned bottom. Hopefully you can find these tips useful and find ways to incorporate these styles into your everyday wear. Overall, the most important thing to remember when dressing for winter: stay warm and wear what you feel most confident in!
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capsule wardrobes by hailey allen
There has been a lot of discussion surrounding capsule wardrobes and their functionality. The term “capsule wardrobe” may sound familiar, but what exactly is it? This article explores what it is, why it’s useful and how to build one successfully.
What It Is
The term "capsule wardrobe" was originally coined by London boutique owner, Susie Faux, in the 1970’s. The idea was to have about a dozen staple items to wear interchangeably year-round. This concept really took off in 1985, when designer Donna Karan released her "Seven Easy Pieces" collection. Over the years, the definition of what makes up a capsule wardrobe has been blurred. Some like to stick to just a dozen or so pieces all year, while others say 30 items is the perfect amount. Some even say to update all items every 3 months in order to keep up with the seasons. Ultimately, what exactly classifies as a capsule wardrobe is up to the wearer, but the general idea is to keep the amount of items to a minimum.
Why It’s Useful
There are a few purposes of a capsule wardrobe. The first and foremost is to save money. After the initial creation, a person utilizing a capsule wardrobe will only have to buy about one or two new items each year to update and replenish the basic clothes stock. This can save people a lot of money, considering they aren’t going shopping every month to buy new, trendy clothes that may not go with what they already own. Another reason people adopt the capsule wardrobe is to save closet space. Apartments, dorms, townhouses and many other living situations may have closets too small for a person’s needs. A capsule wardrobe is meant to be smaller. Since they range from 12-30 clothing items, they can fit in pretty much any closet; they even work perfectly in suitcases for people who travel for extended periods of time. 18
Capsule wardrobes are all about basics. This means utilizing a variety of neutral colors that will match with anything, and minimizing the amount of patterns or statement pieces. Quality is better than quantity. Not buying a large quantity of items can save the money towards purchasing more expensive, durable items. It’s also important to consider what kind of daily lifestyle these clothes must fit into. A CEO wouldn’t buy t-shirts and jeans when his job requires dress pants and button-up shirts. This is a basic guide that can be tailored to fit individual lifestyles and needs. Start by considering laundry habits and how often clothes are going to get washed. Since pants can usually be washed less often, three pairs is a good
base; one pair of denim jeans, one pair of chinos and one pair of dress pants. These can easily be combined with any number of shirts and jackets to create endless new outfits. Choosing between 8 to 10 shirts in a mixture of styles offers a good variety. Pick a few solid colored t-shirts, henleys, polos and button-ups. Patterns are generally a no-go in capsule wardrobes because they could potentially clash with other items and not be as wearable, but a few simple patterns may be okay depending on personal tastes and lifestyle. The number of jackets can vary with different climates and careers. Again, a CEO would own more blazers or suit jackets than a stay-at-home dad. As a basic
rule of thumb, have at least one nice blazer and one casual jacket in denim or leather and a winter coat for colder climates. Keep shoes simple with just one pair of sneakers in a neutral color and one pair of dress shoes or boots in brown or black. Accessories like ties, pocket squares, socks, hats and sunglasses are usually not counted in capsule wardrobes. Owning any number of these items only increases the diversity and variety of each outfit. As we’ve seen, capsule wardrobes are minimal, stylish and functional and can be personalized to anyone’s clothing needs. Starting one is as simple as getting rid of old clothes that no longer get worn, and stocking up on stylish basics.
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unique holiday gift wrap by megan dale
While loud and bright holiday wrapping paper can be very festive, sometimes it’s fun to class it up a bit. This may seem like a challenge when most wrapping paper is full of busy colors and patterns, but a simple solution can be found in any craft store. Brown craft paper is a beautiful alternative to classic wrapping paper. You may have to search for it, but mostly any craft store should carry it. Though it is thicker and slightly harder to wrap, the work is worth it when you see the finished results. The brown craft paper is a little dull on its own, so you’ll need to add some holiday colors to make it festive and pretty. This is where you get to be creative! There are so many different ways to decorate your presents that wouldn’t be possible with patterned paper. Some ideas for this decor include twine, doilies, chalk stickers for labels, festive scrapbook paper and other materials that can be tied into bows. Another really cute way to decorate these packages is with festive stamps. This project isn’t that pricey either, which is great! You can find bargains at places like Hobby Lobby where sales are frequent. It especially helps if you don’t necessarily shop in the holiday section – there are green and red decorations to be found in all departments of the store that are much more affordable. The possibilities are endless when you can use your own creativity while wrapping your holiday gifts. Personally, I loved doing mine this way when I tried it, and will never go back to regular paper. Happy wrapping!
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by madison hudson
There are a few staples in every woman’s makeup bag. Perhaps it’s a certain brand of foundation or one particular shade of lipstick you haven’t been able to part with since 2010. Whatever it is, we all have a few and I’ve found some that are worth buying over and over. When it comes to foundation, you want something that will stay on all day long and will last through sweat, tears and whatever else life throws at you. IT Cosmetics “Confidence in a Compact” does just that. It has more of a mousse texture rather than a defined liquid or powder and slides on easily. This creamy foundation also contains SPF 50 which unlike most products, does not make your face oily. The product costs $38.00 but it is worth every penny for a smooth complexion. Most mascaras make your lashes either long or full, rarely both. Better Than Sex mascara by Too Faced does exactly that. The uniquely shaped bristles and brush help cover every lash and make them pop. Better Than Sex costs $23.00 a tube but worth it once you see your lashes pop. After a long day you want a reliable face wipe that will take away the day’s sweat, grime, and oils. Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes do just that. I prefer the pink grapefruit scent, but they have three others to choose from. With one towelette, you clean everything off your face and it feels good as new. They can be found at Target or Wal-Mart only costing a clean face roughly $5.00. When it comes to your beauty routine, you want to find the best product suited for you. These are some of many products that you will always put in your cart again.
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