FALL 2017
a
v e r y
S P EC I A L T H A NK S Vital Proteins Blue Owl Coffee Maddie Pew and the Lyders Family Strange Matter Coffee Club Rush Redbull Pita Pit Chipotle Insomnia Cookies European Wax Center Lotsa Pizza Pizza House Grand Traverse Pie Company Tasty Twist ColourPop Urban Outfitters We couldn’t have done it without you!
VIM Magazine
3
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Hannah Bullion and Julia Le ASSISTANT TO THE EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Kara Dempsey ART DIRECTOR Madeline Guzzo MANAGING EDITOR Kaitlin Kisel CREATIVE DIRECTOR Keire Estelle ASSISTANT CREATIVE DIRECTOR Hanna Darnell WOMEN’S FASHION DIRECTOR Katie McCoy ASSISTANT WOMEN’S FASHION DIRECTOR Meghan Provenzano MEN’S FASHION DIRECTOR Claire Burns LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR Ashley Fernandez ASSISTANT LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR Zoey Berghoff HEALTH & BEAUTY DIRECTOR Brooke Segal ASSISTANT HEALTH & BEAUTY DIRECTOR Jessica Hanna CREATIVE BEAUTY DIRECTORS Grace Richvalsky & Hannah Kutchinski EVENTS DIRECTORS Morgan Schwanky & Jade Hoang VISUAL MEDIA DIRECTORS Abby Burbary & Gabby Burbary MARKETING DIRECTOR Breanna Ratering ASSISTANT MARKETING DIRECTOR Annie Davis PR DIRECTOR Madison Blain SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Allison Fargo ASSISTANT SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Taylor Sterenberg ADVERTISING DIRECTORS Whitney Thalheimer & Katherine Andrusz EDITING DIRECTOR Leah Boelkins COPYEDITOR Emma Moller PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Riley James ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Isabel Inchaustegui WEB DIRECTOR Michala White FINANCE DIRECTORS Amy Cao & Madison Marzonie ASSISTANT FINANCE DIRECTOR Hannah Huehn CASTING DIRECTORS Natalie Zunker & Grace Beck ASSISTANT CASTING DIRECTOR Shannon Parr WEB DEVELOPER & DESIGNER Anderson Day ART TEAM Maria Becharas, Shelby Burnett, Madison O’Connor, Kent Kubani, Carolyn Ridella EDITING TEAM Suzanna Smentowski, Emma Bollinger, Jordan Sickon, Allison Bertram CREATIVE TEAM Elise Bolton, Amanda Schlau, Jennifer Meyer WOMEN’S FASHION TEAM Gina Navaroli, Grace Rogers, Halee Michel, Courtney Downey, Tori Robinson, Kaliyah Jetton, Evana Caruso, Brooke Mullin, Caroline Caramagno, Meghan Kuhr WOMEN’S STYLISTS Jaclyn Rosenberg, Alixzandra Jyawook, Camille Thomas, Gabby Fallis, Alexa Casimir, Leah Liu MEN’S FASHION TEAM Wolfgang Ruth, Molly Harmon, Elana Aavik, Christian Ostrowski
4
VIM Magazine
MEN’S STYLISTS Thomas Messenger, Derrick Dawson, Mackenzie McDonell EVENTS TEAM Nathan Frantz, Samantha Lanzetta, Olivia Schaefer, Katie Telder, Gillian Searer, Monique Viau, Leah Hashisaka CREATIVE BEAUTY TEAM Sakina Abedi, Sydney Oprita, Dianne Avila, Melissa Nichols HEALTH & BEAUTY TEAM Alisha Ungkuldee, Maddie Pew , Alexa Wright, Leeann Holbrook, Olivia Russell, Samia Rafeh, Alana Esshaki, Danielle Chesney LIFESTYLE TEAM Kendyl Keyes, Sylvia Jarrus, Holly Ryan, Emily Bankes, Rachel Yu, Katie Kalass, Monique Ross, Claudia Caceres, Charlotte Beers SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM Katie Fiorella, Lauren Zollo, Maggie Fiolek, Kayla Hanson, Mira Heaney, Mady Emerson, Taylor Stack, Mackenzie Stoy, Madeline Strintz, Maddie Hoffman MARKETING TEAM Maddy Rodriguez, Elizabeth Walsh, Emma Gessert, Stephanie Nguyen, Julia Sattler, Nerys Gravell, Erin Evans, Courtney Monge, Brianna Elizalde, Megan Reimel, Maura Bayagich, Leesie Paglino, Kendall Harris, Brittany Thomas PR TEAM Mia Elzy, Caitlin McCallum, Piper Cook, Holly Kitts, Claire McIntyre, Sammi Williams, Veronica Sanchez CASTING TEAM Abigail Rothe, Emma Heikkinen, Elena Chevante ADVERTISING TEAM Ashley Sipla, Caroline Olmeda, Emma Baer, Eve DeMeester, Fallyn Richmond, Minhyo Kang, Nikki Kay, Patrick McNallen, Leah Wedgle, Leah Hashisaka PRINT PHOTOGRAPHERS Jeff Park, Natalie Zunker, Maryam Razzaq, Emmery Macsay, Nicole Ma, Molly Eddington, Kaitlin Grant, Morgan Ackerman, Emily Liebau, Gemma Darr PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANTS Cindy Tisnohadi, Jake Pawloski, Marissa Dawson, Emily Vermeesch, Jenna DiClemente, Toraki Maehata, Charles Benoit, Zoya Shevchenko, Amulya Jain, Julianna Lindquist VISUAL MEDIA TEAM Alex Rakowski, Julia Schwartz, Lauren Wallenfels, Maddie Stoy, Maddy Eagle, Madeline Stamm, Mattie Milne, Meghan Sperry, Rachel Sperry BLOG TEAM Devan Pennington, Shelby Hull, Emily Pille, Teagan Tullio, Anna Heystek, Heather Haely, Madison Ruffin FINANCE TEAM Alyssa Mills FOUNDERS Kerry Chereskin, Lauren Christopherson, Julie Christopherson
FALL
IN THIS ISSUE
7 DITCH THE DENIM Give your legs a breather with the new anti-denim trend. 10 EAR CANDY 11 IT’S A CONVERSATION PIECE Activism is in and so is turning your fashion statement into a political statement. 14 THE NEW CONSTRUCT
15 STUDIO 54 Channel these ‘70s inspired looks for your next Rick’s outing. 18 COLOR BLOCKED 25 BAGS & BLING 27 FUTURISTIC Channel your inner Marty McFly with the latest menswear trend. 30 MEN’S SKINCARE 32 PRINTS Inspired and approved by the King of Florals, Harry Styles himself. 35 MONOCHROME Cool jewel tones all year round. 40 BLURRING THE LINES 48 GET THE LOOK: MINIMALISTIC BEAUTY Replicate the makeup look that is a signature for French It Girls. 50 SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND Our take on Rihanna’s latest beauty line. 51 SUPER-FUEL YOUR BODY 54 BUT FIRST, COLLAGEN 56 RECLAIMING OUR SEXUALITY The sex education you didn’t get in high school. 58 MODERN RENAISSANCE 65 SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT 68 #VIMSPIRATION Find out what’s currently inspiring our directors. 70 CAREER 72 GO GREEN INSIDE YOUR CLOSET 74 HOUSE PLANTS These plants will save your GPA, clear your acne and look good on Instagram. VIM Magazine
5
LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
Long before we ever joined VIM, we admired the publication and its mission to provide a platform for like-minded individuals to collaborate. In witnessing the growth and impact of VIM over the course of our college careers, we knew we had big shoes to fill for the Fall 2017 issue. As the new Editors-in-Chief, we were tasked with continuing the influence of VIM in ways that hadn’t been done before. We wanted to differentiate this issue from past ones while keeping the VIM voice and soul. For our latest issue, we had a vision of curating inclusive and groundbreaking content as a catalyst to openly discuss the ways in which our society is evolving. Who says we can’t speak about feminism in the same breath as deciding what the latest beauty trends are? Possessing an interest in fashion and an expanding world view are two things we
6
VIM Magazine
know are not mutually exclusive and we wanted to illustrate this idea in the pages of our magazine, on our digital platforms and within our diverse community. This issue is a reflection of the thoughts and feelings we’ve seen expressed on campus and is inspired by our summer spent on the streets of New York City. We hope this issue of VIM encourages you to think outside of the box, in a way that you might not have before. We want to celebrate the beauty, spirit and accomplishments of all MSU students and do so in a way that empowers us all. Our incredible team of directors and staffers have truly gone above and beyond to reach this ambitious goal and we cannot thank them enough. Like many of us, VIM is a work in progress and has plenty of room to grow. Because of this, we hope this issue will lay the
groundwork for future VIM members to build on in creating unprecedented content. In the end, VIM is a collaboration between MSU’s fiercest students, those who want to share their passions, spread awareness and showcase something beautiful. Thank you to our readers for continually inspiring us and enabling us to do what we love. We hope you love this issue as much as we loved creating it.
PHOTOS: MOLLY EDDINGTON STYLE: GABBY FALLIS BEAUTY: SYDNEY OPRITA AND SAKINA ABEDI
8
VIM Magazine
WOMEN’S FASHION
TAKE A
TEMPORARY
DENIM DETOUR INTO
LOOSE FITTING PANTS.
BY GINA NAVAROLI
A pair of denim jeans is a classic article of clothing. However, jeans can be uncomfortable (we all know the greatest feeling is changing into something more casual at the end of the day) and it can be difficult to find a pair that fits perfectly. Give your legs a breather—it is time for a denim intermission. By 2017, we’ve seen all variations of denim from washes, rises, hems, rips, patterns, embroidery and even leggings that look like denim. Trends have been recycled and it seems like we’ve seen it all. So instead of talking about denim, let’s talk about the newest trends in pants that are anything but. One anti-denim option is cigarette trousers. They’re relaxed, but slim fitting, hemmed just above the ankle and they can be an easy transition from casual to posh. The tapered pants can be dressed down with loafers or sneakers for a retro look or dressed up with heels. On the runway, cigarette trousers were presented through color-blocking and color-contrasting in Oscar de la Renta’s Fall/Winter 2017 collection. What was once a medieval man’s breeches is the modern-day woman's culottes. Culottes are loose, cropped pants that are hemmed to mid-calf. These pants have full legs, designed to hang like a skirt. Highrise culottes will flatter the waist by cinching. This style was active in Fendi’s Fall/Winter 2017 col-
lection as the brand displayed oversized culottes balanced with heavy tops. Palazzo pants are loose, widelegged pants that are hemmed to the ground. Their high waists accentuate figures and elongate the legs. Opening Ceremony’s Fall/Winter 2017 collection futuristically presented these dramatic pants in glistening, metallic fabrics paired with a belt for shape. Corduroy pants are revitalizing from the ‘70s. The warm, durable fabric is prime for fall and winter. Prada’s Fall/Winter 2017 collection paired corduroy pants with musty, burnt-colored garments. The vertically-lined fabric is comfortable and practical. Besides the traditional tan, corduroy is made in all colors, giving more styling options. Velvet pants are continuing their recent comeback from the ‘90s. Velvet is thick and dense, ideal for the colder months. Jeremy Scott included flared velvet pants in his Fall/Winter 2017 collection, displayed in vibrant colors. Pair these pants with different textures and fancy shoes to live out the rich, luxurious fabric. While these anti-denim options are already a bold choice, don’t be afraid to take a risk by wearing them in loud colors or pairing them with an even bolder purse or pair of shoes. Sporting something other than denim may be out of your comfort zone, but is guaranteed to make a statement. VIM Magazine
9
WOMEN’S FASHION
ear candy
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO UP YOUR FASHION-ANTE THIS FALL, BIGGER IS INDEED BETTER. WHY NOT EXPLORE STATEMENT PIECES? STATEMENT EARRINGS CAN BE THE STAR OF YOUR OVERSIZED SHIRT AND JEANS, OR THE BACKDROP TO A PATTERNED DRESS AND HEELS. FORGET THE SIMPLE STUD!
Tassel Earrings: Perfect to pair with subdued separates or off the shoulder sweaters. Plus, there are a variety of designs to choose from. These pieces can come in all colors and add a perfect pop of color to any wardrobe. Ball Drop/Pom Earrings: What once looked like something you’d find in your mom’s jewelry box has been revamped. This style makes a flawless transition from workplace to happy hour. Metallic/Sculptural: Who said statement earrings have to be flashy? The All-Seeing Eye, Circlets, Orbits and geometrics all create a longer looking neck and are incredibly versatile. Hoop Earrings: Hoops are classic and right for all events. Trying different shapes makes them fun and eccentric; hoops go great with a business casual look or a colorful romper. WORDS: KAYLIAH JETTON PHOTOS: NICOLE MA STYLE: LEAH LIU BEAUTY: MELISSA NICHOLS AND DIANNE AVILA
10
VIM Magazine
PHOTOS: MOLLY EDDINGTON STYLE: CAMILLE THOMAS BEAUTY: MELISSA NICHOLS AND SAKINA ABEDI
It’s a Conversation Piece BY GRACE ROGERS & TORI ROBINSON
Activism is in and so is turning your fashion statement into a political statement. But is your outfit adding to the corruption? We’re all about girl power and standing up for women’s rights, but the company behind your favorite feminist t-shirt may not be. It’s 2017, and yes, we’re still talking about the “F” word—feminism. Why? Because there are still people who believe that feminism is either a thing of the past
or just a term coined by a group of man-hating females. But feminism is relevant and has an impact on everyone. Modern feminism isn’t what some may believe to be radical activism focused on screwing the man. It’s about empowerment and ending oppression. It’s fighting against the social norms that society has become accustomed to. It’s about shattering the glass ceiling and providing an envi-
ronment in which everyone can thrive. In order for feminism to succeed, we need to tackle the issue from every angle. Supporting feminism means you believe women should have the same rights socially, economically and politically as men. Gender inequality has yet to become a thing of the past and we are responsible for shedding light on this inequality for those who don’t see or acknowledge VIM Magazine
11
issues that women face. The modern strategy employed to bring attention to the feminist movement is different from strategies of the past. The use of social media, celebrity activism and brand campaigns have brought a tremendous amount of exposure to the movement. The ignominy of sexuality is still a prevalent issue in society. The incident of the feminist leader Emma Watson being bashed for a little boob-action in her February 2017 cover issue of Vanity Fair exemplifies that women cannot be sexually confident while simultaneously being respected, as if flaunting your body is a contradiction to the feminist agenda. Society can no longer prolong the stigma that defines how women choose to express themselves. Unfortunately, these social injustices have become capitalism’s favorite marketing strategy—turning the march for gender rights into bigbusiness payday. Major brands don’t necessarily care about the movement their products are promoting. They care about the money filling their pockets because you care about the movement. Simply put, they’re feeding off the hunger for change that we desperately want, but by purchasing their products, we’re feeding the system. Purchasing that cute girl power shirt from a store like Forever 21 or H&M may seem like you’re showing support, but in reality, companies like this may still be paying females 79 cents to the male dollar. Let’s also keep in mind that the garment industry is known for outsourcing its product development to non-industrialized countries where a majority of the employees are female. These companies offer low wages to garment workers and provide them with dangerous work environments. Feminism stands against oppression, but the
WOMEN’S FASHION purchase of these shirts continue to oppress less privileged women internationally. We are all about girls supporting girls and looking good while doing it, but money going to brands that don’t actually practice what they preach is just fueling the system that feminist activism protests in the first place. In most cases, you need to directly donate your money to the foundation of your choice to en-
sure it is going towards the right cause. But we get it—being able to wear your support is fun. So, we’ve done the research for you and found the best feminist tees that donate proceeds to different causes and advance the movement. One brand that is devoted to women’s empowerment is Otherwild. The brand has honored to give 25% of shirt sales proceeds to Planned Parenthood through
their “The Future is Female” slogan tees. Otherwild believes in female liberation and opposes the traditional patriarchal ideology. Before your next pro-feminism purchase ask yourself, “am I supporting corporate greed or women’s rights?” Looking deeper into the brands and companies you’re purchasing from can help you be aware of what you’re really supporting.
NASTY WOMAN TEE BY BULLETIN THE FUTURE IS FEMALE TEE BY OTHERWILD
VIM Magazine
13
THE NEW CONSTRUCT BY HALEE MICHEL
A missed button, oversized sleeves and lackluster tuck job may sound like eyesores on a tailored look, but think again. This year, the biggest trend that anxiously awaits hanger space in your closet revolves around sliced, spliced and twisted fabric. Deconstructed pieces slinked their way into the trend watch last year, but after their dominance on and off the runways at New York Fashion Week Fall 2017, they have made their mark on both commercial and high-end retail spaces. Alexander Wang, Tibi and Victoria Beckham are only some of the names behind simple skews and downright funky styles. This trend can be tricky. Not everyone is used to navigating the world of wonky hemlines and oversized sleeves. Some outfits can look forced, but with the right pairings and color palettes, the off-kilter style can be chic and fashion-forward. Deconstructed pieces to boy-
14
VIM Magazine
friend jeans are the tailored button down to the pencil skirt; it just works. Quirky tailoring and twisting fabric is the perfect way to delve into deconstruction. The unexpected combination is effortless and revamps the laidback jean look. Looking for the comfiest way to take a chic step forward? Look no further. Deconstructing makes a statement. Streamlining the look with skinny jeans allows for a more daring piece to take center stage. Added volume, length or unconventional hemlines create a modern take on previously classic silhouettes. Wide leg jeans balance out volume from other pieces that showcase the deconstructed trend. Elongated or bell sleeves also play into the retro vibes of bell-bottoms and other jean styles with more extreme silhouettes. The widespread obsession with anything off the shoulder has evolved into redefining neck-
lines altogether. From a feminine perspective, the sleeveless trend in deconstructed pieces is the answer. Bare shoulders and décolletage take the trend to a subtler place when paired with asymmetry. This style is also a way to ease into the trend since the focus is on the hemline instead of volume and proportions. The trend essentially revolves around reimagining simple staple pieces with quirky and unexpected tailoring and hemlines. It is not only the perfect way to refresh a wardrobe but also a way to bring new life to the classics and go-to’s that everyone has in their closet. Fashion provides people a vehicle to experiment and a place for self-expression—deconstructed pieces are no exception.
PHOTOS: JEFF PARK STYLE: ALEXA CASIMIR BEAUTY: SYDNEY OPRITA AND HANNAH KUTCHINSKI
54
Studio Step inside one of the world’s most famous celebrity nightclubs from the late 1970s. BY COURTNEY DOWNEY
The disco-crazed club, located in the heart of New York City, was constantly filled with Hollywood’s hottest stars, artists and socialites from all over the world. Known for it’s unique dance floor and exclusive guestlist, the venue became the icon of the nightclub era. After nearly three years of nonstop booze, drugs and partying, the hotspot went out with a bang in 1980.
PHOTOS: KAITLIN GRANT STYLE: ALIXZANDRA JYAWOOK BEAUTY: HANNAH KUTCHINSKI, SAKINA ABEDI AND SYDNEY OPRITA
16
VIM Magazine
PHOTOS: RILEY JAMES STYLE: HANNA DARNELL AND KEIRE ESTELLE BEAUTY: HANNAH KUTCHINSKI AND GRACE RICHVALSKY
CLASH OF THE COMPLEMENTARIES Forget everything you’ve ever been told about clashing colors.
OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE SPECTRUM These are the ROYGBIV color combos you never saw coming.
Bags & Bling Bags & Bling Bags & Bling BY CLAIRE BURNS
PHOTOS: MARYAM RAZZAQ STYLE: THOMAS MESSENGER
“It’s odd how good a woman’s purse looks on me, a man.” You heard it first from Joey Tribbiani, and now we’re here to confirm it. Buying bags based on the trends of the season was once a female pastime, but guys, now it’s your turn. You don’t need to stuff your pockets with over-packed wallets anymore and now you can replace that broken North Face backpack you’ve had since high school. Men’s designers are reinventing bags from the basic, tactical backpack, to A$AP Rocky’s personal favorite, the Bum Bag which is more commonly known as a fanny pack. If you’re still trembling at the thought of wearing a fanny pack, then start small. A backpack is a subtle way to change your bag game by incorporating reds and mustard yellows from this season in a low-key way. However, the men’s accessory revolution isn’t limited to bags. Men are breaking the mold and creating new rules for wearing jewelry. In today’s style paradigm, more and more style icons, such as Jaden Smith and Pharrell Williams, are blinging out from head to toe. Ditch the typical gold chain and make a statement with a pendant or a thicker chain. An attention-grabbing necklace goes a long way in adding something extra to your outfit. If you’re not into necklaces, don’t worry we’ve got you covered, literally. Try stacking bracelets on your wrists and adorn one hand with rings to accessorize in a different way. VIM Magazine
25
the future is
FASHION We’ve all seen the movies that predict our future selves dressed in all white driving around in flying cars. Everything is uniform and full of technology. The clean, sterile aesthetic of this may be appealing in some ways, but where is the individuality? BY CLAIRE BURNS
PHOTOS: JEFF PARK STYLE: DERRICK DAWSON BEAUTY: DIANNE AVILA
Fashion is redefining our future, but not in the way we predicted. The concept of a uniform society is completely opposite of where fashion is leading us. Fashion is celebrating individuality and diversity. Men’s fashion, now more than ever, is having a societal im-
28
VIM Magazine
pact. Men are openly expressing themselves with fashion as their outlet, a concept most commonly associated with women’s fashion. Men are not only challenging the status quo, but men’s fashion is pushing the boundaries of what we’ve long considered to be
“proper” men’s attire. Whether it’s blurring gender lines, embracing maximalism or simply reimagining shapes and color palettes, guys are radically redefining modern men’s fashion.
Ninety6 Michigan State student Ashton Keys redefined his future when he founded his clothing line, Nintey6. Select jackets from this shoot are from Nintey6. He pulled inspira-
We focused on revamping the “white uniform” look with modern trends of the fall. It’s easy to complete — just pair metallic and accents with simple textured shirts or military inspired boots. Off-white is a MUST for this fall; wearing white after labor day is not just accepted but encouraged.
tion from the year of 1996 to conceptualize these artistic jackets. Fashion often pulls from the past to re-shape future styles.
CRASH COURSE: MEN’S SKINCARE
1
BY: BROOKE SEGAL
Know Your Skin
If you tend to break out in a rash after trying a new skincare product or a hard workout, it is likely that you have sensitive skin. For sensitive skin, try to go with products that are as natural as possible. Those with sensitive skin may be more irritated by products with certain chemicals. If you have oily or dry skin, look for products that are labeled for oily or dry skin.
2
Grooming Preparation Shaving can affect the skin if it is not cared for properly. Try to switch up your razor blade every couple of weeks to prevent any bacteria from building on the blade. During a shave, you expose a new layer of skin and open the pores. What you put on your skin after a shave absorbs immediately. Stick with an all-natural aftershave. Many aftershaves may contain chemicals that you do not want absorbed into your skin. As a rule of thumb, shave gels are perfect for men with any sensitive irritations or dry skin and shaving creams are perfect for men with oily skin. Normal skin types can use either they prefer.
3
Cleanse Cleansing your skin may seem obvious, but it is often overlooked. Finding the right cleanser can be tricky with so many options on the market. Focus on your skin type and choose a product from there. Foam cleansers are great for getting all the dirt from the night or day from your
30
VIM Magazine
pores, which leaves your skin feeling fresh and clean. Cleansing the skin is vital for men and their grooming habits and cleaning any excess dirt is important. For optimal cleanliness, splash or apply a washcloth with hot water to your face to expose your pores before applying your cleanser. Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash - $58 Fresh Soy Cleanser - $38 Neutrogena Deep Clean - $6.19
4
Exfoliate Exfoliating removes the dead skin cells that lay on the surface of your skin. It’s specifically important for men as it unclogs blocked hair follicles which preps the skin for a smoother shave. Pick your favorite exfoliator and apply in a gentle circular motion every other day. Exfoliating everyday may be too harsh for the skin, so start off a couple times a week. Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub - $26 Clinique Face Scrub - $21 NIVEA Deep Cleaning Face Scrub - $4.99
Origins Zero Oil Pore Purifying Toner - $23 Clinique Oil Control - $14.50 The Body Shop Tea
6
Tree Toner - $18
Moisturize Don’t forget to moisturize your skin after applying toner. Toner may leave the skin feeling a bit dull, so revamp your skin afterwards. Our skin can become dehydrated very easily, making fine lines more visible. The lines don’t correlate with aging, so don’t worry, but thin, lined skin can be the first sign of dehydration. Stick to moisturizer with SPF during the day to prevent sun damage to the skin. Use a nonSPF moisturizer for a nighttime routine. Jack Black Moisturizer $30 Kiehl’s Facial Fuel - $42
7
Eye Cream
5
The five steps above can be applied morning and night. We recommend applying eye cream at night as it is essential to start using at a young age. Eye creams may be thick and need time to soak into the skin, which means they’re perfect to use before going to sleep. A benefit of eye creams is their ability to aid in and reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes. The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and needs all the love it can get. Lightly dab eye cream with a finger under your eyes to prevent any damage. Boscia Super-Cool De-Puffing Eye Balm - $26 Clinique All About Eyes - $32.50
are the key to deep clean face.
PHOTOS: ISABEL INCHAUSTEGUI BEAUTY: SAKINA ABEDI
Tone Toner can be found in two forms: a lotion or a wash. Pick which form you prefer. Toning provides the ultimate clean to your pores, while minimizing their appearance. It also reduces any trace of bacteria left from your razor during grooming. Apply the liquid to a cotton ball or washcloth to your skin. You may find excess dirt as a result. Toners
MEN’S FASHION
too damn cool to be
ignored.
PHOTOS: EMILY LIEBAU STYLE: THOMAS MESSENGER
.
MEN’S FASHION BY WOLFGANG RUTH
Let’s talk about prints, patterns and the petrifying idea that it’s actually OK for men to try new things when it comes to fashion. Style icons like Harry Styles and Anwar Hadid prove to us that guys can wear shirts covered in flowers and pants striped down to the ankle. The revival of a classic, yet distinct fad of unbuttoned shirts, floral déjà vu and a ‘70s flare of red and sky blue is what we’re talkin’ about. Suits today have even confirmed that prints are so in. From leopard-print shirts and black pants to rose-covered tees and rolled up jeans—the innovation of this concept is endless, adapted and just too damn cool to be ignored. Incorporating this trend into your everyday life isn’t as hard as you think. Pulling it off, however, could be a different story. But don’t worry, boys; we got you. Starting by adding a light or dark-colored button-down with a floral consistency and a pair of pin-striped pants or groovy, patched-up jeans is definitely doing the most with this look. Embodying simple accessories, such as a chain or tinted, yellow shades complete the look, giving you rock ‘n’ roll realness mixed with modern class.
FLORALS FOR MEN? ACTUALLY GROUNDBREAKING.
MONOCHROME in the sky with diamonds
the rules of
MONOCHROME BY MOLLY HARMON
Making a statement with your closet doesn’t always require the loudest fabric in the room. Believe it or not, wearing a single color head-to-toe can be bold. Yes, you heard right, monochrome. Celebrities like Kanye West have mastered wearing a single color head-to-toe and looking sleeker than anyone else on the red carpet. Brands such as John Elliott and Dior have also encompassed the trend on the runways. Even though the alphas of the fashion world know how to work monochrome, this luxe look shouldn’t be exclusive to Fashion Week and Hollywood’s elite. Now that chilly months are upon us, let’s bring that look to campus. Monochrome brings an easy twist to a typical fall or winter look. Not just any monochrome either, rich colored and jewel toned monochrome. This is the season of sapphire, ruby red and emerald—basically, anything that you might think could belong in a treasure chest. This doesn’t take much effort to pull off, and it gets rid of the monotony that comes with typical PHOTOS: EMMERY MACSAY STYLE: MACKENZIE MCDONELL AND JACKIE ROSENBURG BEAUTY: MELISSA NICHOLS AND DIANNE AVILA
36
VIM Magazine
student style when the thermostat drops. Another perk: you only have to scope for one color during an online shopping binge. However, don’t be fooled and think that any ensemble where the shirt happens to match the pants is immune to some faux pas. Mixing different textures and structures of fabrics is also an easy way to give a monochromatic outfit some edge. Try pairing those olive green pants with a funky camouflage jacket. If not textures, take advantage of accessories. Match that mustard Champion hoodie you’ve been dying to wear with a mustard-colored beanie. To balance the look, wear a pair of neutral sneakers or patterned socks in a different color to give the eyes a breather. Regardless of how far you take this monochrome madness, the point is that you push yourself out of your comfort zone and have fun doing it.
VIM Magazine
39
blurring
the lines
PHOTOS: RILEY JAMES STYLE: HANNA DARNELL AND KEIRE ESTELLE BEAUTY: SYDNEY OPRITA
THE NEW NORMAL Genderless fashion is about redefining genderspecific clothing and obscuring the line that divides femininity from masculinity.
GET THE LOOK: Minimalistic Beauty WORDS: OLIVIA RUSSELL PHOTOS: NICOLE MA BEAUTY: SYDNEY OPRITA
When it comes to makeup, there are thousands of different looks you can achieve, from sunset eyes to an ombre lip. Now more than ever, makeup is considered to be an art rather than just a daily chore. However, if your skills limit you to mascara and a cat-eye, don’t worry, the natural makeup trend is just as impressive as a full-faced look. The key to amplifying natural makeup is to choose one facial feature and make it the
48
VIM Magazine
focus. This could be a smudgy eye look à la Caroline de Maigret or a red lip, a staple for social media influencer Jeanne Damas. Inspired by past and present French It Girls, their effortlessly cool looks and their less-is-more attitude about all things beauty, we’re sharing three easy steps that will have you channeling a modern day Brigitte Bardot.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
3 STEPS TO GET THE LOOK Base When doing a natural makeup look, the base is just that, a base that evens out your skintone without it looking too heavy or overdone. Choose a BB cream or a light coverage foundation and apply to only imperfections rather than your whole face. Eyes It may seem obvious to use mascara and call it good, but with a simple eye look, enhance those features using brown and beige eyeshadows to bring depth to the eyes and elevate the look to a new level. Top off the eyes by loading up on mascara to create a doe-eyed effect. Lip You don’t have to limit yourself to the base and eyes. To tie the look together, apply a soft matte red lipstick for a look that’s both commanding and subtle (think of Jeanne Damas and her effortless pout). Blot the lips with a piece of tissue and blend out the edges of the lipstick to prevent harsh lines. While whimsical eyeshadow colors with dramatic contouring and highlighting can be fun and bold, this natural, minimalistic makeup look is classic and can be worn anywhere and anytime.
VIM Magazine
49
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Shine Bright Like a Diamond BY ALISHA UNGKULDEE
The best kind of mood is one in which you’re glowing inside and out. Rihanna’s recently released Fenty Beauty line aims to help you feel that way with its inclusive shades for all skin tones. The line’s Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter has taken the makeup industry by storm with its cream-powder, hybrid formula that builds easily to give you a gentle glow or a mesmerizing illumination. Seriously—we need to put on some sunglasses for this! The shades range from a true gold (Trophy Wife) to light pinks (Girl Next Door/Chic Phreak) to copper (Ginger Binge/Moscow Mule), and they were designed to complement the lightest to the darkest skin tones. A fun makeup trend this fall are all about metallic accents that
50
VIM Magazine
make your features pop. Fenty’s highlighters are perfect for you to use on your cheekbones, eyelids, collarbone and wherever else you want to have that metallic glow. Gold and pink shades are especially great for a monotone look. Mix it up with a multi-toned look: gold on the lids and pink on the lips. Rihanna’s personal favorite shade of the Killawatt highlighter is Trophy Wife, and we are here for it. It’ll make you look and feel like a million bucks. If you’re feeling like having that rosey, cheeky glow, Girl Next Door/Chic Phreak and Ginger Binge/Moscow Mule give you two
complementary shades in each compact that you can use interchangeably on your eyelids and cheekbones. In this world of increasing empowerment and appreciation of diversity, Rihanna has brought the message to the makeup industry. Everyone deserves to feel beautiful and confident. Now go on, and shine bright like a diamond! Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter: Trophy Wife: $34 Girl Next Door/Chic Phreak: $34 Ginger Binge/Moscow Mule: $34 PHOTOS: MARYAM RAZZAQ BEAUTY: MELISSA NICHOLS AND SAKINA ABEDI
super-fuel your body It’s 2017, and it’s safe to say that food has become more than just something we eat. With this newfound love for food come tons of newly discovered superfoods that bring endless benefits to your body. Whether you’re looking to reduce inflammation or prevent a harmful disease, there’s a superfood that you will want to incorporate into your lifestyle. WORDS: ALANA ESSHAKI PHOTOS: GEMMA DARR
INCORPORATING MATCHA INTO YOUR DIET INGREDIENTS: 1 cup almond milk 1 teaspoon matcha 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon honey 1 scoop Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
DIRECTIONS: 1. Warm almond milk in small pot over the stove 2. Once almond milk is nearly boiling, add in matcha, cinnamon, collagen and honey 3. Whisk the ingredients well until fully dissolved or blend mixture in a blender to get a foam like consistency at the top of your latte 4. Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy!
NO TIME TO DIY? Our friends at Strange Matter Coffee in Lansing whisk up a killer matcha green tea latte.
52
VIM Magazine
HEALTH & BEAUTY
TURMERIC
Turmeric is known for its bright yellow color and has recently taken over the spotlight of the wellness world. It contains curcumin, a substance that is known for its high amount of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. So say goodbye to redness, joint pain and fatigue after incorporating this magical superfood into your diet. Simply sprinkle half a teaspoon over your eggs for a quick breakfast, or mix it in with some warm almond milk for a morning latte. Remember to add a dash of black pepper to activate the curcumin; this will enhance your dish and expose you to all of the benefits of turmeric.
COCOA
It’s hard to deny that any excuse to eat chocolate is a good one. Knowing that dark chocolate has so many health benefits makes it feel like it’s practically a vegetable (okay, maybe that’s a stretch). Dark chocolate made up of 7085% cocoa is known to reduce potential damage from the sun while improving blood flow to the skin. It also increases skin hydration and skin density. Combine this with its high amount of antioxidants and you have the perfect snack to pack for a day at the pool. Whether you prefer to break off pieces from a bar, or melt it to drizzle on some strawberries, you are sure to find endless ways to enjoy this yummy treat.
MATCHA
Anyone with a coffee addiction will be able to incorporate this green powder superfood as a caffeine alternative. Matcha green tea is full of antioxidants that are capable of protection against cancer while also regulating blood sugar and increasing metabolism. On top of these benefits, a substance in it called l-theanine allows for a steady rate of caffeine without the coffee crash.
CHIA SEEDS Chia seeds can be found perfectly sprinkled on top of any trendy acai bowl. Who knew a seed so tiny could hold so many important health benefits? Chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial to your body since it cannot make these fatty acids on its own. Omega-3 fatty acids don’t only fight off depression and anxiety, but also autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and type 1 diabetes. Sprinkle these tiny seeds onto any salad, and you won’t even notice they’re there. If you have more of a sweet tooth, mix a tablespoon of chia seeds with some almond milk and cinnamon overnight and you’ll wake up to delicious chia seed pudding - a healthier version of your favorite childhood treat!
VIM Magazine
53
BUT FIRST, COLLAGEN Is it ever too early to start worrying about anti-aging methods?
Our answer is no.
HEALTH & BEAUTY THE EARLIER YOU INCORPORATE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE, THE BETTER. A SLIGHT ADDITION OF COLLAGEN INTO YOUR DIET CAN CHANGE YOUR SKIN, HAIR, NAILS AND OVERALL HEALTH. MANY ASSOCIATE THE WORD COLLAGEN TO FANCY AND EXPENSIVE FACE CREAMS OR THE NATURAL PROTEIN OUR BODY PRODUCES. COLLAGEN IS TAKING OVER THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS WORLD, FOR A VERY GOOD REASON. NATURAL COLLAGEN PRODUCTION STARTS TO DECREASE DURING OUR 20S AND OUR NEED FOR IT GROWS AS WE GET OLDER. AS THE PRODUCTION SLOWS, WE NEED TO RE-INCORPORATE COLLAGEN INTO OUR BODY. BY SAMIA RAFEH So, what is collagen and why do we need it? Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It is composed of amino acids and is one of the major building rocks of the bones, skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. As the collagen production slows, skin becomes fragile, hair loses its color, joints aren’t as flexible and bones may lose density. The good news is that we can easily introduce collagen to our diet. Collagen has been proven to help reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks, improve elasticity of skin, increase hair growth and can even help us lose weight. In your youth, you may not feel the need to make your skin glow without a highlighter, but you will be incredibly grateful in the long run. Collagen has been used in injections as fillers to
smooth the under-eye hollows and aging lines on the face. We, however, recommend adding the superpower powder into your daily routine. Is it as easy as it sounds? YES! Collagen can be in the form of capsules, which can be taken every morning, like most multivitamins. But there are other options for all of us trendy-powder enthusiasts: edible collagen. Vital Proteins is one of our favorite brands because they offer a wide variety of organic grassfed products in powder form. The powder can easily be added into your diet while boosting your health and glow. Our favorite is the Vital Proteins Collagen Whey Protein. The whey protein comes unflavored which is perfect for adding into your morning coffee or oatmeal. It also comes flavored with natural ingredients including dark choco-
late, coconut water, banana, cinnamon and vanilla. These products provide the protein needed to build and maintain muscles when combined with exercise, while providing all the benefits of collagen. Those with digestive problems turn to Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin. The beef gelatin is a gluten-free and paleo-friendly, bovine-hide gelatin powder that can be mixed with both hot and cold liquids. The magical, cure-all powder is flavorless and odorless, so drinks or food will taste the same while you get your collagen boost. Collagen Peptides provide the vitamin boost we need to support healthy hair, skin and nails. Here are some everyday recipes that can be modified to incorporate collagen: green smoothies, chia seed pudding, lattes, spirulina, energy bites, chocolate chip cookies.
PHOTOS: GEMMA DARR BEAUTY: SYDNEY OPRITA VIM Magazine
55
Reclaiming
Our
Sexuality
PHOTOS: KAITLIN GRANT
HEALTH & BEAUTY Growing up, we hardly talked about sexuality in the house. My parents never gave my younger sister and I the birds and the bees talk and my father, being a semi-traditional, Chaldean man, repeatedly told us that we couldn’t date until we were married. I’m almost 21 years old now and my dad still tells me that I’m not allowed to hang out with guys. My mom insists that he’s only joking, but I can’t help but think, would a father say that to his son? Why the hell aren’t women taught or, even expected, to enjoy sex the same way men do? There is undoubtedly a double-standard when it comes to talking about sexuality—a double-standard that typically favors cisgendered men and heteronormative relationships, a double-standard that perpetuates gender roles we’ve worked so hard to break down. The society we live in does not often allow women and/or people of the LGBTQIA+ community to speak about sexuality openly without fear of social backlash. Being sex positive doesn’t always mean you’re having tons of sex; it means that individuals should have the power to embrace their sexuality however they please. Everyone deserves to have the freedom of being a sexual being without the pressure and backlash of a so-often sexist society that favors men. Whether you’re straight or part of the LGBTQIA+ community, whether you love having sex, are a virgin or simply are not interested in sexual relationships, it is OK to embrace your sexuality and your identity. Why is there such a stigma around expressions of sexuality in our personal lives when it’s broadcasted so heavily in the media? Why is it that so few people bat an eye at sex scenes in television and movies, but a young woman openly discussing her sexual experiences can be seen as inappropriate or can somehow justify others calling her ‘easy’ or ‘promiscuous’?
Nobody should have to feel that way. There is absolutely no reason for anybody to be ashamed of their sexuality or wanting to have sex. Ladies (and anyone else who has ever been told otherwise), we are allowed to want to have sex just as much as we are allowed to not want to have sex. We are allowed to sleep with as many or as few people as we please. The more stigmatized sex is, the harder it is to learn about it and fully educate ourselves and others. At the core, education is the key to embracing your sexuality. As many people live on their own for the first time in their young adult life, college has been stereotypically known to be some of the more experimental and active years in a person’s sex life, but ironically, some of the most misinformed. Now that we are experiencing sex-
Why the hell aren’t women taught or, even expected, to enjoy sex the same way men do? ual freedom, we are bound to make mistakes especially if we lacked proper sex education. But how can we stay safe when all we were ever taught was to use condoms and take birth control to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy? Of course, this is if our schools taught anything besides abstinence in the first place. What they didn’t teach us is how to ask our partners if they’ve been tested for STIs. They didn’t teach us that blue balls don’t exist, that it’s OK to say “stop” in the middle of intercourse, and that more often than not, your first time having sex isn’t going to be amazing—and contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to be with someone you love, but rath-
er someone you trust. They didn’t teach us about the emotional implications as well, that some people may be able to have casual sex and some cannot—and both are just fine. 1 in 2 people will contract an STI by the age of 25. Getting tested regularly is still not as common as it should be and asking a new partner about their status, and trusting their answer, can be confusing and embarrassing for some. With this newfound freedom comes a responsibility that many of our educational backgrounds did not prepare us for. The bottom line is that without the space to welcome dialogue about safe sex, the stigma of embracing our sexuality will remain. Most sex education is outdated and doesn’t address the gray area that sex will be different for everyone. Sex is a tricky thing to navigate and in order to receive proper resources and gain knowledge about the subject, we need to seek it out ourselves. With all this in mind, Olin Health Center on campus offers free and anonymous HIV testing as well as confidential STI screenings. They also provide other sexual wellness services such as free condoms, contraceptives and healthy relationship advice and counseling. Apart from Olin Health Center, Planned Parenthood in Lansing (or at any of their other 18 health centers in Michigan) offers many services including HIV testing, men’s health care, LGBTQIA+ services, women’s health care, pregnancy tests and more. Nothing will become easier to talk about so long as the stigma around sexuality exists. Breaking the stigma and talking about the taboo is the only way people will learn the valuable information that they need and in order to break that stigma and be comfortable with our sexuality, we need to talk about it collectively.
VIM Magazine
57
Modern Renaissance Deep hues, bold shimmers and a touch of Da Vinci paint a European dream in this modern renaissance revival.
PHOTOS: ISABEL INCHAUSTEGUI BEAUTY: HANNAH KUTCHINSKI, GRACE RICHVALSKY, SYDNEY OPRITA AND SAKINA ABEDI
SPARTAN SPOTLIGHT
ASHTON KEYS
PHOTOS: NATALIE ZUNKER WORDS: KATIE KALASS BEAUTY: MELISSA NICHOLS, SAKINA ABEDI AND SYDNEY OPRITA
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE ARCHITECTURE SENIOR ASHTON KEYS STARTED HIS FASHION CAREER AT CASS TECH HIGH SCHOOL IN DETROIT AT ONLY 16 YEARS OLD. TODAY, KEYS MAKES HIS FASHION DEBUT IN PARIS FASHION WEEK AS THE OWNER AND FOUNDER OF HIS OWN BRAND: THE NINETY6. Let’s start with the basics; where did your fashion career begin? My first experience with fashion was during my sophomore year of high school. I started off with just screen print on t-shirts, using different logos and designs I had created. Graphic design was something that I taught myself, and learning how to design and create graphics is where I really developed a love for fashion. It was amazing to see something that I had designed on the computer come to life in a real product. When the opportunity arose, I created my first runway show at my high school. The show was made to raise money for the International Baccalaureate program. The show was on the news, which was my first time getting attention and professional exposure for my ideas. People began to know me for fashion, and I began to make money from selling clothes and designs.
When did you begin the Ninety6? I started the Ninety6 my freshman year of college. This is when I really got back into what I was passionate about. I spent the entire summer creating the brand and made a plan to launch.
How did you launch your brand? I spent the summer researching information on things I could do to succeed in fashion like look books, websites and trends. After taking and editing photos for my look book, I spent the whole summer sending them to editors of magazines. I researched strategic ways to phrase my piece because I knew that magazines always have a ton of people reach out to them for advertising for their brands. My strategy was to frame it off something they would make money from. I wrote my pitch as an article following the trends of my brand, something that was rel-
evant to their readers. This made sense for the magazine to write about and aligned with their values and purpose for publication. This strategy worked for me, and I had seven articles written on my first collection for the Ninety6.
Were you selling these products online? Yes, but I also started pop up stores. My first experience was the weekend of Black Friday for my Fall/Winter 2016 collection in Detroit. Next, I had one as part of the Fashion Week that I hosted here at The Runway in Lansing. Lastly, I did a pop up store at Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi that I opened over the summer for an extended period of time. I created an exclusive ‘90s collection in this store inspired by vintage, nylon sport windbreakers that I showcased at a fashion show hosted at the Lansing Capital Airport.
LIFESTYLE
What do you think was your “big break?” Probably my fall and winter collection from 2016 where I released my “3M” jackets. This futuristic line actually came from an idea I came up with when I was taking an astronomy class at MSU. I knew it needed to be unique, so that’s why I used a lot of different materials that stood out to me. This line got rave reviews and exposure from other people. This is how I was invited to do the Walk Fashion Show at Art Basel in Miami. Following Miami, I began a fashion [week] at MSU. This was the first student-produced fashion week on campus, and I planned the entire thing by myself. This event gained exposure from the Lansing State Journal, local news stations and the radio.
Can you talk about something we’re dying to hear about; Paris Fashion Week? I was invited to Paris from Walk Fashion Miami. I was in an emerging designer showcase and had my own runway show. On show day we had to show up about six hours early to set up, go through model fitting and practice walks with music and attire. After the show we [had] a press run where I did a couple interviews, took some photos and talked with some manufacturers.
What inspires your style for the Ninety6? My brand is made from my experiences. My inspiration for the collection in Paris was really from my hometown, Detroit. A lot of the pieces that I created were inspired by the fashions that were popular when I was growing up. I'm a huge fan of vintage Guess and Tommy [Hilfiger]. Specifically, because of their emphasis on huge embroidery on their jackets,
so I decided to use a lot of embroidery on my pieces.
What resources at MSU have helped you be successful in this competitive industry? I joined MSU Hatch, which is the startup incubator for student entrepreneurs. They taught me more about running a business, making revenue and actually introduced me to The Runway which is a fashion incubator in Lansing. The Runway introduced me to people focused entirely on fashion, and I was able to meet with other designers in the industry. They talked to me about things such as materials, manufacturing and samples.
Who would you say is your favorite fashion icon? Kanye West. He was the person that made fashion cool and made me feel comfortable enough to go into fashion when there was always a stigma about it. VIM Magazine
67
vimspiration vimspiration vimspiration vimspiration CURATED BY CLAUDIA CACERES
Abigail & Gabrielle Burbary Visual Media Directors Our hope is that whenever a viewer watches a VIM Magazine video, they are able to feel a burst of creativity, potentially learn something new or simply be entertained.
Leah Boelkins Editing Director When I edit I’m usually inspired most by articles that tackle more serious subjects in fashion and beauty. The article in this issue about fashion sustainability and the environmental and ethical side of fashion is a perfect example of this.
68
VIM Magazine
Madison Blain Public Relations Director VIM’s inspirational image is captivating. VIM is an outlet that is up to creative interpretation, which is why it is such an indescribable brand of its own.
LIFESTYLE
Kara Dempsey Assistant to the Editors-In-Chief
Kaitlin Kisel Managing Editor
The visuals in VIM are half of the message we are trying to portray to our audience, so we want to make them speak on their own. The most unifying idea throughout all of the content is breaking boundaries.
When deciding what content will be published in the magazine we always think about what will inspire our readers. We want VIM’s audience to feel empowered by all that makes them unique.
Michala White Digital Director I fell in love with NYLON Magazine’s online content when I realized I would click to read almost every article. This inspired me to want the VIM Magazine blog full of stories that people will click on and read. The perfect blog is one that draws in the commonness of others but is also unique in its own way.
VIM Magazine
69
•
of the field that you’re most passionate about. Also set up an appointment with your advisor. Get to know him or her to get advice on classes, internships, careers and more. Your advisor is a valuable resource for you throughout your college career.
Sophomore Year •
•
After you have freshman year under your belt, you’ll likely have a routine set for your sophomore year. Now that you’re more comfortable, it’s time to start building your network that will serve as a platform for the rest of your undergraduate career and beyond. A good place to start is by building your resume. Delete outdated and irrelevant activities from high school and fill it with your college accomplishments. Sophomore year is a good time to take on a leadership role in an organization that you’ve participated in and feel dedicated to. Taking on a larger role is a good resume builder that will show leadership qualities. It will also impress employers and teach you valuable lessons about time management and working with a team. Leadership roles also help expand your network of your peers who are likeminded and have similar goals for their futures.
Junior Year •
•
•
Junior year is the time to kick things up a notch and begin the search for internships if you haven’t already. Reach out to your academic advisor, professors and peers who have already been through the internship process. Michigan State offers many career and internship resources that can help you find job offers in the future. When searching for an internship, don’t set too many restrictions or boundaries on taking an opportunity. Don’t be afraid to accept an internship in a different state, for example. Companies often provide housing or a stipend to cover your living expenses for the duration of your internship. Junior year is also an important time to begin building your professional brand through social media networks or a personal website. Social media platforms and personal websites act as a portfolio to showcase your work to employers in an online space, which is so important in today’s technology driven society. This personal branding will give employers a unique look at who you are as a person, as a professional, as a student and as a creator.
Senior Year •
After what seems like no time at all, you’ll be a senior in college. These four years fly by quicker than most of us would like to admit. Between balancing classes and extracurriculars, start searching for full-time jobs for post-graduation. Some other options to consider are applying to graduate school to get a higher degree or planning a trip to take some time to travel after graduation. Aside from planning for your life after graduation, savor your time as a college senior and remember to do the most with what you’ve learned and achieved those past four years.
By Ashley Fernandez | Lifestyle | VIM Magazine
Resumé
Spartans: Steps for Success for the Next Four Years
Objective
Starting your college career is a huge chapter of your life that can be overwhelming, but can also be the beginning to some of the best years of your life. One of the biggest changes after high school and into college is that you are on your own. You have no one there reminding you to keep your priorities in line or telling you what to do and when to do it – you are responsible for keeping yourself on track, building your network and best utilizing these four years at Michigan State University.
Experience Freshman Year •
Freshman year is about immersing yourself in the college environment. There’s nothing wrong with coming into college undecided, but it’s often best to declare your major by the end of your freshman year. To aid your decision making process, get involved on campus and take a variety of classes that interest you. By taking a wide array of classes, you’ll become more aware
GO GREEN INSIDE YOUR CLOSET BY ZOEY BERGHOFF
Fashion trends are changing so fast we can barely keep up with them. You discover that bomber jackets are in, suddenly every major retailer stocks their stores with the fad. You wake up the next day, the bomber jackets are gone and the stores have already moved onto the next on-the-rise trend. We’re all guilty of jumping on the bandwagon of fast fashion trends that have us stuffing our closets with inexpensive pieces to wear in our next Instagram post. But do we ever consider how these retailers are keeping up with the lightening speed trends? Where are all the thousands of retail pieces coming from? And what’s really behind that “Made in China” label on your t-shirt? Out of Sight, Out of Mind Fashion Producing the trendiest, cheapest and most accessible retail items in the fastest and most effective way doesn’t come without paying an ugly price. The fashion industry is at fault for being the sec-
72
VIM Magazine
ond most polluting industry in the world, followed by the inhumane working conditions, unsustainable wages and the hush-hush factory conditions that major retailers turn a blind eye towards. The major retailers producing these fashion-forward pieces are earning billions of dollars by selling heaps of clothing with a low markup price. The outof-sight, out-of-mind idea of “fast fashion” seems like the best-case scenario for both consumers who get the most for their money and companies who are making the most money. Western consumers are buying cheap clothes more than ever before and that’s why we need to know what’s behind the “Made in China” labels on our clothes. Everlane - The Radical Transparency Brand Everlane is an online clothing retailer creating a name for themselves in the world of sustainable fashion. Everlane partners with ethical factories around the world and sources materials sustainably. The
company is transparent with their customers by sharing everything about their products down to the materials and the cost it took to make a given product. Everlane runs their brand with a mission of radical transparency and shares the true costs behind all products from materials to labor to transportation while offering the products without the traditional retail markup. These ethical practices make putting on one of their t-shirts easier for consumers because they know what their money really went toward and how the product was made. Unlike major “fast fashion” retailers, Everlane doesn’t solely revolve around trends; their pieces are meant to be worn for years to come. The company even has a specific line within their brand revolving around human rights. This “100% Human” line, a collection of human equality apparel, has been worn internationally in support of the LGBTQ community. The collection is a reminder to their consumers and
LIFESTYLE
PHOTOS: GEMMA DARR BEAUTY: MELISSA NICHOLS
the fashion industry that regardless of how we identify ourselves, what our sexuality is or who we love, we are all 100% Human. Doing Our Share Not everyone is able to renovate their entire closet with updated, sustainably made, eco-friendly pieces. Fortunately, investing in green fashion brands isn’t the only way to keep your closet green.
We’re taking the saying “sharing is caring” very literally in terms of being aware of your consumer footprint. The world of thrift shopping has opened consumers’ eyes at the endless opportunity of recycling consumer-friendly-priced clothing without the ugly truth of “fast fashion”. The increase in popularity of thrifting is a way to slow excessive production of fast fashion products. Thrift shopping is a way to do your
share and invest in timeless pieces without completely contributing to the fast fashion industry. Being aware of where your clothes come from is one of the most important factors when it comes to being an ethical consumer. Just think—how much would you be willing to pay knowing your clothes are being produced responsibly? Let’s keep our outfits ethical.
VIM Magazine
73
LIFESTYLE
it’s easy bein’ green BY MONIQUE ROSS
Dorms and small apartments can seem cold and bare at times, so if you’re looking to add a little zen to your living space, these little, green guys are the way to go. Adding plants to a room comes along with many benefits, including the ability to de-stress your home (something we are sure everyone is in need of) and better air purification. Plants also add a decorative flair; no one can deny that the restful ambiance of plants acts as a great dec-
Succulents Succulents love light and only require watering once a week. There are hundreds of forms of succulents, but they all require the same kind of care. The aloe vera plant is a very popular succulent that has a number of healing properties in the gel it produces, like a soothing moisturizer for sunburns.
orating tool. Though we might have the urge to purchase any charming plant we fall in love with, it can be difficult to keep up with them, especially with our busy college schedules—that’s where we come in. We want to give you the opportunity to be a plant owner without worrying about killing your plants. Here are some of the best trending indoor plants that require the easiest care:
Norfolk Island Pine Tree This plant resembles a miniature Christmas tree and requires water occasionally when the top of the soil feels dry. Browning at the bottom of the branches is normal, so don’t worry. It’s also a great decorating tool for around the holidays.
Spider Plant One of the most common house plants, spider plants, are decorative and easy to grow. They seem to thrive even when neglected, so they only require watering occasionally. However, if you own a cat, be aware that these plants can be mild hallucinogens if it chews on the plant.
PHOTOS: MORGAN ACKERMAN
74
VIM Magazine
Snake Plant A snake plant adds a contemporary look to your decor with its upright, strap-like leaves. They don’t need much sunlight or water to survive, so they’re an easy choice for any corner of a room. It’s also very common to put these plants in an elevated pot or a large pot on the ground.
Golden Pothos Try adding this plant to a room as a hanging plant, as the leaves will grow down in cascading vines; they look especially nice with a macrame hanger. Golden pothos grow easily in cool temperatures with low levels of sunlight. This plant even prefers to dry out in between waterings, so it’s forgiving if you occasionally forget to water it.
76
VIM Magazine
LET’S GET DIGITAL ‘Gram your photo with #VimFall17 to be featured @vimmagazine_msu
@madelineguzzo
FOLLOW US @vimmagazine_msu @vimmagazine_msu @vimmagazine_msu @vimmagazinemsu @vimmagazinemsu @vimmagazinemsu @vimmagazine_msu @vimmagazine_msu @vimmagazine_msu
@shelby_hull
@vimmagazine_msu
@samiarafeh VIM Magazine
77
dtnmgt.com @CedarvillageMSU
Saving $$$ never goes out
of style
FEATURED AMENITIES: Fitness Studio Access to Free Tanning Walking Distance On-Site Laundry FREE Gourmet Coffee Covered Parking Available Community WiFi Social/Study Lounge Private Balconies Available Social Events Remodeled Kitchen/Bath Furniture Options Available
$0 Security Deposit When You Present This Coupon At One Of Our Communities:
.. . .
Cedar Village Albert Americana Cedar Street Eden Roc Haslett Arms River Park Waters Edge Woodmere
J O I N
V I M
M A G A Z I N E
Michigan State University’s student-run fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazine. Accepting new members spring 2018. For information on how to join, visit VIMMAGAZINEMSU.COM