Self-Care & Mental Health: Covid Edition
By: Sara AdeliThe COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us in too many ways. For a majority of us, it has placed a serious strain on our mental health. It’s nearly nine months in, and I am still trying to find a way to adapt to the new reality of online classes and social distancing. It can be difficult though, especially when your new best friend is Mr. Couch. The hardest part for me has been mustering up the willpower to do all the little things that don’t seem so important. I’ve quickly realized, however, that the little things can make all the difference. Here are a few changes I’ve made to take care of my mental self during quarantine: Embrace Your Style I’m doing online classes and don’t have a job, so I basically never leave my apartment. I am so guilty of flopping out of bed only to stay in my pajamas for the rest of the day. The problem is that it becomes hard for me to actually get anything done. I end up lounging around the apartment and do nothing productive. Changing into a fresh set of clothes when I first wake up encourages my mind to shift gears. Even more than this, fashion is an integral part of my identity. I am at my happiest when I wear gold hoops and pearl clips in my hair. Don’t get me wrong, I value my comfort, but wearing a coffee-stained, oversized t-shirt every day doesn’t exactly foster self-love and confidence. I try to find a balance between comfort and style, so most days I opt for lounge sets and sporty looks. I often really do miss going all out with my outfits. So, I take any excuse to wear my high neck sweater dress and riding boots, even if it is just to Aldi. It makes me feel great, and that is all that matters! Take Advantage of Scenery Winter is fast approaching, and that means no more outdoor activities. During times like these, that can be a devastating realization. My advice? Take advantage of the outdoors while you can. Add some variety into your daily routine by doing homework in Monroe Park with your friends, or attending a zoom class outside a coffee shop. Corona days can feel extremely mundane and redundant, so some crisp air and fresh ambiance can do wonders in lifting your mood. It can also give you the excuse you need to stunt that outfit you’ve been longing to wear. Don’t Get Lazy with Self-Maintenance Remember when I said I flop out of bed? Yeah, this includes skipping skincare. When it comes to bedtime, I use my lack of makeup as justification for not washing my face, again! Every morning my skin would shriek in protest with acne and itchy dry patches. I’ve recently reminded myself that I need to stop getting lazy with my self-maintenance. When I take care of my physical self, I am also taking care of my mental self. Who can really be happy when their skin feels uncomfortably tight and itchy? Not me. The same goes for other things that may be important to you. I make sure to pluck my brows regularly to keep them from becoming unruly, as well as paint my nails every week or so. I really can’t tell you what it is, but there is something about a freshly painted set of nails that tricks me into thinking I have my life together. Clean Space, Clean Mind Having a clean space has always been rewarding, and this is true now more than ever given that most of us are always home. If you are constantly surrounded by mess and clutter, that energy will begin to invade your mind and taint your mood. Trust me. My roommate and I have resurrected our cleaning schedule from last year to help us keep the apartment tidy. We love lighting the fall-scented candle on our coffee table when everything looks so organized. It makes us feel serene and inspires us to be proactive with our other tasks, as well. New Beginnings Life can feel pretty dull these days. If you’ve found that you have too much time on your hands, consider beginning a new venture. For me, this meant searching for a job that can occupy my time and satisfy my social needs. It can also mean finally starting that YouTube channel you’ve always thought about, or reading all those books you were always too busy to read. Never again will we have this much spare time in our entire lives, so we might as well use it to explore things that we love. The essence of all these tips underlie a singular idea: create a realistic routine that will make you happy and stick to it. I really struggle with self-accountability, so whenever I’m tempted to lay on the couch instead of doing work at the park, or skip my skincare for the second day in a row, I remind myself of how great I’ll feel once I get it done. I am learning to prioritize the needs of my future self over what I want in the moment, and that has made all the difference. That being said, please don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you are seriously struggling with your mental health. I hope that these tips bring about small, impactful changes that encourage your happiest and healthiest selves, as they did for me. Stay safe everyone!
Queen of Disco: Donna Summer
Written By: Caitlin ThompsonPhotographed by: Adriana Brown When we look back on the ‘70s most of us think about disco balls, fun outfits, and great music. LaDonna Adrian Gaines, more known by her stage name Donna Summer is considered by many as the “Queen of Disco”. Donna Summer has had a very successful music career, she got big in the late 1970s. In her entire career, she has had a total of 42 singles on US Billboards Hot 100, 14 of which made it to the top ten. She is also a renowned actor, acting in the traveling cast of Hair. Overall, Donner Summer has a powerful presence. Donna Summer has always had a strong fashion presence in her time of fame. Her style was ever-changing, she never stuck to one style for too long. She could wear a flowy simple outfit one day then the next, have a floor-length sequined dress. She never strayed away from trying new looks, many of her fashion risks became bookmarks in major fashion styles of the ‘70s. As her career continued on past the ‘70s she continued to take fashion risks. Many of her styles are praised and continue to be iconic. In the first outfit, the model is wearing a long-sleeve white shirt with light blue ripped jeans with darker blue denim covering where the rips are. The outfit is accessorized by the white flower in her hair and a variety of necklaces. This showcases Donner Summer’s simpler fashion style. The white shirt is reminiscent of Summer’s earlier fashion with its simple shape but a bit of flair with its design. With this outfit, the model is showing Summer’s unique and fun side. The model is wearing a nude color top with a short-haired fur coat and this outfit is accessorized with a beautiful white flower crown and a few simple necklaces. Donna Summer has shown us it is okay to explore our own idea of fashion. Summer’s fierceness and fearlessness to try new styles have influenced many of the fashion styles we see from her time. I cannot say it better than Donna herself, “I don’t really try to predict what can and will happen with things. Sometimes you think something’s gonna be a huge success, and it isn’t. And sometimes you pay no attention to something whatsoever.” Modeled by Rickaya Sykes
The One Who Can Do It All, Stevie Nicks
Photography by: Adriana BrownWritten by: Caitlin ThompsonModel: Annie Miller The ‘70s was a time of free spirits, good music, and political change. Stevie Nicks was a revolutionary presence in many aspects. She was a renowned singer in Fleetwood Mac while also pursuing a successful soloist career, writing her first song at 15 to winning three Grammys. She is also the only woman to have been inducted to the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame, which she has been inducted into twice now. Nicks has also ventured out into a few acting roles including “American Horror Story”. Her music and presence is still felt today. Back in the early ’70s when Stevie was becoming a household name, her fashion was distinctive and unique to her. She was known for her flowy clothes with organic patterns and a hint of spunk in them. Even as the years changed, Nicks never strayed from her own unique style. She was never afraid of adding ruffles or fringe to any outfit. Many of her styles are bookmarked as the pinnacle point of ‘70s fashion. In the first outfit, the model is wearing a white cropped long sleeve top with light denim jeans. The outfit is accessorized by a light brown belt, yellow moon earrings, and two necklaces. Her outfit encases Stevie Nicks’s fashion style in many aspects. The moon earrings are a subtle tribute to Nicks’ iconic yellow moon necklace which she still wears today. The fluidity of the top is reminiscent of Nicks’s love for flowy clothes. In this outfit, the model is showcasing the darker side of Nicks fashion sense with a long dark patterned skirt and a black strappy tank top. This outfit was also paired with a white cardigan. She accessorized by adding a black short-brimmed hat, two necklaces, and yellow moon earrings. From Stevie Nicks music to her fashion there is a lot we can learn from her. Nicks always had a free flow and uniqueness to her that inspired many. She has shown us being yourself is something important and can be shared through music or fashion. In the wise words of Stevie Nicks herself, “I hope you find a love. Your own designs of love.”
Eartha Kitt: The Woman Who Taught Us It’s Okay to be Evil
Photography: Adriana BrownStory: Adriana Brown “My recipe for life is not being afraid of myself, afraid of what I think or of my opinion.”– Eartha Kitt As we look back on fashion decades’ past, we tend to revel in the retro styles that our parents and grandparents wore. We love the yellowed pages of family photo albums and the vintage soda pop advertisements that depict glamorous people who are way too dressed-up for a diner scene. When vintage style comes up, the 1950’s and 1960’s are some of the most considered eras. The polka dots, tailored pencils skirts, the shin-length dresses: the women of these decades definitely set a standard of grace and beauty. But one woman decided that this prim and proper style just wasn’t exciting enough, and that was singer, songwriter, actress, author, and advocate Eartha Kitt. Relocating from rural South Carolina to New York as a teenager, Eartha discovered the world of entertainment in which she would thrive greatly. Her passion for performance was nurtured when she joined the Katherine Dunham Company, which gave immense opportunities to African-American entertainers. After this ambitious start, Eartha went on to succeed in the performing arts with her distinctive sultry voice, theatrical acting style, and bold manner of speaking. Aside from achievements such as being a Tony Award nominee and releasing hit songs such as “Santa Baby”, “C’est Si Bon”, and “I Wanna Be Evil”, Eartha accomplished the objective of captivating multiple generations. This breakout star who began her career in the 1940s is also well known to today’s generation as the voice behind Ezma, the eccentric villain from “The Emperor’s New Groove,” and the mystical Madame Zeroni from the 2003 movie “Holes”. With the first outfit, the model wears a pale yellow, cropped, three-quarters-length sleeved sweater with beaded details matched with a brown pencil skirt. Her accessories include a leopard-print beret, gold triangular earrings, cat-eye sunglasses, a mini pocketbook, and strappy heels. We see hints of Eartha’s personal fashion taste in the tight, yet tasteful, fit that accentuates the womanly figure. Small touches such as the sunglasses and low heels are especially reminiscent of the ‘50s and ’60s. For the second outfit, the model is showing off some softer lines that would be perfect for a vintage-inspired weekend look. On top, she is wearing a white vest with beaded accents. This is paired with an ankle-length floral-printed skirt with slits on both sides. We paired this outfit with a faux-fur jacket fit for chilly nights. For accessories, the model is adorned with the gold triangular earrings, a pearl necklace that peeks out from the neckline, a black belt with a gold buckle to accentuate her waist, and the black strappy heels. If we fashion enthusiasts have learned anything from the legendary Eartha Kitt, it’s that nothing is off-limits. Animal prints, sequins, and high slits: Eartha pushed the boundaries with countless looks in an era where women were expected to hide their curves as well as their individuality. This starlet was not only a fashion icon, but also an important voice in the advancement of minority groups in the entertainment industry. With her bold style and even bolder opinions, we remember Eartha as the woman who taught us that it’s okay to be blunt and expressive…maybe even a little evil.
Leaving Skincare Neglect in 2019: Our Beauty Resolutions
WRITTEN BY: SARA ADELIPHOTOGRAPHY BY: MARTA LOCKLEARThe time has come to carefully select our New Year resolutions for the year 2020. I know that there can be so much we all want to accomplish, and it can become all too easy to compile a list of 20+ goals we want to achieve by the end of the year but never actually stick with. More often than not, we are so motivated during the month of January to become the best version of ourselves, and we invest 110% of our energy towards our many goals. Then, the fire behind our ambition fizzles out by the time February rolls around, and we slowly revert to our old ways. New year, same us. Well, not this year! This year we will set smaller, realistic goals for ourselves. Goals that we are able to maintain throughout the entire year and implement for the rest of our lives. Instead of 20 huge goals, try 5 manageable goals. A great way to make the most of this is to dedicate each goal to a different category. For example, one goal can be related to beauty, another to health, another to your career. This year, we asked our members what their beauty goal for the new year is, and we got some amazing responses! “I want to start drinking more water and washing my face for at least one minute day and night! I also want to wear more natural make-up and feel more confident in my blemishes (very Parisian lifestyle haha).” – Marta L., junior “Cut down on caffeine and dehydrating beverages because on top of my skin being acne-prone, it’s also dehydrated so following this habit would help me with both those problems!” – Aayesha P., junior “I want to make it a bigger habit to wash my face after a night out of wearing a lot of makeup- I think that’s something important that I sometimes neglect!” –Sarah M., junior “Achieve a more natural glow by focusing highly on skincare.” –Sydney H., junior “I’m looking forward to trying out new skincare brands and incorporating new products into my daily routine.” -Tahia K., senior My personal beauty goal for the year is to consistently do 2-3 face masks every week to really (hopefully) take my skin to the next level. All of these goals are simple, manageable, and will surely show significant and positive change.
Your Shop Local Holiday Gift Guide: Jewelry Edition
BY: AAYESHA POUDEL RICHMOND, Va– Black Friday: the unofficial holiday synonymous with hyper-consumerism. It is a big day for most retailers and has widened to include eCommerce in the form of “Media Monday.” For some of us unknowingly subscribed to retail email blasts and mail promotions, this holiday happens to start earlier each year. Fast fashion company, Shein, started their Black Friday deals as early as two weeks before the official date. But let’s focus on what this Holiday actually marks: the start of the busiest shopping season of the year. For many people, the holiday season is a time of exchanging meaningful and sentimental gifts with friends and families. Therefore, we loved Small Business Saturday. The underrated shopping day scheduled right in between Black Friday and Media Monday. At RCFU, we want to bring gifts that the most important people in our lives will not only cherish but also gifts that support our community through shopping locally. Richmond is a community strengthened through its climate for local business. While semi-annually retail business is celebrated through Richmond Fashion Week and ShopRVA, it is the constant support from local patrons that strengthens the roots of each store. By supporting local businesses, we help strengthen the local economy and even reduce climate change impacts. Consider both buying locally for friends and family along with ensuring that your holiday wishlist includes small business finds. Here are some of our favorite stores in Richmond This week, we’re going to share our go-to small businesses for our friends. Today, we bring you our favorite stores for the jewelry lover friend! For the Jewelry Lover Sun & Selene: Both handcrafted and holistically inspired, Sun and Selene is our Scott’s Addition destination for quality jewelry. Mod & Soul: Mod & Soul is the Richmond staple retailer for everything in fashion. They offer a well-curated selection of accessories, jewelry, and apparel. Brand Sara: Sara began her company to sell unique and handcrafted polymer clay earrings. Her online store through Instagram showcases a positively branded display of earrings that are both personal and individual.
MamerSass: Streetwear But Make It Sustainable
BY EBONIQUE LITTLE PHOTOGRAPHS BY DOM KHUN;STYLISTS: ANNIE MILLER, KAYLEE AHN AND NABIHA RAIS Based in Chincoteague, Virginia and expanding its reach to Richmond, vintage boutique MamerSass Reinvented Fashions provides the ultimate guide on repurposed streetwear. While daily Americans waste thirteen million pounds of textiles, MamerSass is shifting the fashion industry as owners Jamey Brittingham and Derek Garrett upcycle used fabrics to tell a new story. The fashion industry is the second most polluting industry, and by ditching the practices of fast fashion, MamerSass seeks to be a part of the solution. A solution that they make look easy, one might add. In our shoot, this season’s trend of animal print is pervasive. The utility shirt looks edgy as it is worn atop a zebra-striped top. The star of the outfit may be the fur bucket hat, though. One-third of the ‘80’s fashion starter kit (you know, the bucket hat with the chunky gold chain and coke bottle glasses) gets revamped with its cool black and white spots. Brightly-colored oversized jackets and accessories are paired with boldly-patterned tops, but maintain an effortless vibe with black bottoms and classic boots. The featured patchwork is emblematic of streetwear and its ode to past decades. Another subtle, yet unforgettable detail in our styling can be seen in the layered chains. In a sense, the chains tailor the long, open-button shirt and baggy pant by adding an eye-catching accent to the sporty, relaxed look. The outfit is further pulled together with black mid-calf boots that accentuate the cinched track pants. Clearly, the self-proclaimed “slow fashion retailer” is actually right on the mark with their fast-paced consumer. …And to think these old textiles could have ended up in a landfill… MODELS: AYUSH BAJGAIN, SONIA MALHI, NIMA JAWADIAN, NICKY REARDON, MINDY TRAN and JONATHAN PAVIA