Last Minute Valentine’s Day Outfits For Any Occasion
Last Minute Valentine’s Day Outfits For Any Occasion By: Caitlin Thompson Love is in the air this Valentine’s! Whether you are staying in or going out this Valentine’s day, it’s the perfect excuse to dress up. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we have curated cupid-approved last-minute Valentine’s day looks. Kate is making a statement in her lipstick kissed white blouse. She paired the blouse with fuchsia pants and light pink pumps. Sticking with minimal makeup and a pink lipstick completes this adorable look. This Valentine’s Madelyn wants to be bold. She is styled in an oversized white shirt with an equally oversized red leather jacket. To keep a romantic feel she added white lace tights and red heels. We all love to hear drama that isn’t our own and Dyanna is definitely receiving interesting info this Galentine’s. In her pursuit to be in the know Dyanna is styled in a mouth graphic tee and a cardigan with the collar and cuffs in a fluffy fur. The bright red pumps with ruffle socks and black mini skirt tie the look together. Keeping it classy Kate is styled in a minimalistic black dress with pink piping at the top. Paired with pink pumps and big pearl bracelet. Choosing the cutesy route, Madelyn is styled in an adorable pink bear sweater with ribbon bows along the sleeves. Paired with a white skirt, lace tights, and leg warmers gives her an angelic feeling. Spending Valentine’s at home by yourself can be so freeing. Indulge yourself in all of your favorite things like chocolate or even Sex in the City. Having a fun night in with friends is always a good option for Valentine’s. Wear your cutest and softest pajamas and maybe even have a heart pillow fight. Photographer: Carolina Gomez Stylist: Sydney Robinson Models: Madelyn Carter, Dyanna Gamarro, & Kate Gaudio Editor in Chief: Caitlin Thompson Creative Director: Carolina Gomez Fashion Director: Madden Cook
Indie Sleaze: The Comeback of Messy Rage
Indie Sleaze: The comeback of Messy Rage By: Stephania Jugo Garcia December 9, 2022 After the over saturation of Y2K’s comeback, the more muted sister version of “Indie Sleaze” makes a return from music to couture. The TikTok-named era spanned from 2006 to 2014 in the midst of the 2008 Housing Crisis, similar to the incurring recession today. Indie sleaze revolves around an escapism from reality, while rebelling against societal norms in a grungier way. This era pulls from the 70s and 80s carefree, rockstar look with more of a fitted shape. Oversized fur and leather jackets are a staple to make this look effortless, compared to the blazers and longer fitted coats at the time. It draws more attention to the movement of the person while contrasting the tighter layer beneath the jacket. While tights have been a staple for their practicality and classiness, indie sleaze takes another approach. Tights start to have a “worn in” look to them with rips and holes. Patterned and colored tights have come back in a bigger wave this time around, as seen with Valentino and Mugler’s most recent runway shows. Knee-high tights have also been another adaptation of this trend that can be seen this winter. Shorter skirts and shorts also contrast both the bulkier jackets and figure-hugging tights, seen on the infamous MiuMiu micro-bottoms. Skinny jeans, specifically low-rise, were all the rage as well. While skinny jeans might not be in the foreground, low-rise has made a comeback with the help of Y2K trends. Makeup looks and hairstyles have come and gone, but it’s essential to what makes this era what it is. The smudged eyeliner paired with silver shadow and “unstyled” hair give a more relaxed, carefree look. This “not trying” appearance is what the whole era is about, going against the stricter, basic beauty standards. The return of “Indie Sleaze” can be attributed to the fashion cycle circling back, and society mirroring that time before it. Bands, such as the 1975 and the Arctic Monkeys, who created a path for the “Indie” music heard the first time around have released new albums just in time to set the new anthems. Devon Lee Carlson and Suki Waterhouse are just two fashion influencers that have brought the “rockstar girlfriend” or “rock girl” look to the forefront, which gives a nod to the original style icons, Anita Pallenburg and Alexa Chung. Social movements have only expanded to a larger sense of rebellion, like the fight to protect gay marriage during the early 2000s shifting to transgender rights currently. It’s not only fashion recycling and revamping, but society as a whole; the comeback of “Indie Sleaze” is only one example. Photographer: Carolina Gomez Stylist: Sydney Robinson Models: Sophia Arabia, Catherine Nguyễn, Annabel Chilton, & Karley Kozlowski Editor in Chief: Caitlin Thompson Creative Director: Carolina Gomez Fashion Director: Madden Cook
Transitional Fall Must-Have’s
Transitional Fall Must-Have’s By: Bria Roberts November 2, 2022 Fall has always been a favorite season for many reasons, one being the endless possibilities of new and innovative Fall fashion fits it has to offer. Autumn sets the tone for stylistic trends in the new school year and incorporates clothing pieces from each season. So how do you create the perfect transitional fall fashion outfit? Here are some tips! When choosing what to wear at this time of year, keep in mind that the shifting autumnal weather and mood allow for the most versatility and exploration in styling. Fall is all about comfort, bring some of your favorite comforting Summer items like a breezy skirt or a playful tank. Everyone has these fashion basics in their wardrobe that can easily be buildable for those cooler Fall days. Swapping your colorful platform sandals for comfy furry boots or darker-toned platform shoes are easy ways to start incorporating fall trends into your wardrobe, as well as incorporating textured pieces into your outfits, like faux leather and fuzzy accents. Another tip is when in doubt, layer it out. Some of our favorite layering pieces this season are chunky, knit cardigans and cozy leg warmers. Accessories are also another essential part of any outfit. Opting for more elegant and classic jewelry, like pearls and gold accents can completely change the vibe of any outfit. When all else fails, denim and earth tones are the go-to transitional fall wardrobe essentials. These stylistic factors never go out of style and are easy communicators of incoming colder weather and comfy vibes. Fall fashion is all about experimentation. Make sure that whatever you wear is an extension of your personal style that makes you feel confident and ready to take on the day. Editor in Chief: Caitlin Thompson Creative Director: Carolina Gomez Fashion Director: Madden Cook Photographer: Mary Rushforth Stylist: Sydney Robinson Models: Jada King, Madelyn Carter, & Maddie Martin Follow us on Instagram!
Thrifting Your Halloween Costume With Buffalo Exchange
Thrifting Halloween Costumes With Buffalo Exchange By: Caitlin Thompson October 24, 2022 Whether you want to be a spooky witch, werewolf, or even a Spice Girl this Halloween, Buffalo Exchange has got you covered! Buffalo Exchange is a local buy, sell, and trade thrift store located in the Cary Court Shopping area in Carytown. Thrifting your costume is a great way to shop sustainably this Halloween season. In collaboration with Buffalo Exchange we created a 2022 thrifted halloween lookbook. If you are in need of last minute costume ideas we have got you covered! All of these costumes came from our own closet or thrifted from Buffalo Exchange. Be as heavenly as Madelyn in this fairytale angel costume. Just look for a white flowy dress and white wings! Connect with your inner 1920’s flapper girl. Erin is styled in this amazing black flapper, lace gloves, and a headband. Madeline channeled all of her spooky energy into being a witch. To be this spooky find a black dress and a big witch hat. Grr! Marr is scaring everyone in this werewolf costume. Furry leg warmers really pull the costume together. If you’re a sports fan Jada’s New York Knicks costume would be a great way to show support for your favorite team. Erin is channeling our favorite spice girl, Ginger Spice, wearing her iconic Union jack dress. Barbie stands no chance next to Madelyn’s beautiful doll costume! Having a big skirt and rigid movements is the key. Marr is on their way to save the day! Make any all-back outfit into a bat woman costume with a bat on your chest. Arrrgghhh! Jada is stunning in this adorable pirate costume. Bringing a fun prop along can really tie any look together. In the mystical world of Harry Potter Erin would be the best Gryffindor student. Stick to the color palette that matches your Harry Potter house. Madeleine is ready to get her groove on in this spunky 80s costume. Bright colors and tight clothes are the keys to nailing any 80s look. Be more sustainable this halloween season and shop second-hand with Buffalo Exchange! Stylist: Sydney Robinson Photographer: Julie Dinh Models: Madelyn Carter, Madeline Martin, Erin Wardlaw, Jada King, & Marr Hovastak Creative Director: Carolina Gomez Fashion Director: Madden Cook Buffalo Exchange Follow us on Instagram!
Sustainability Spotlight: Kotn – For Lasting Ways of Life
Kotn has comfort and practical use in mind when creating all of their designs. They want to create clothes that let customers buy less and enjoy more. Kotn has a variety of products including womenswear, menswear, accessories, and home styles; all of which can transform any wardrobe and home into a sustainable, minimalist one. Kotn’s promise of sustainably made and sourced clothing does not mean they compromise on quality. Kotn sources their cotton from Portugal and Egypt from family-run farms to get the best quality fibres. Kotn also works directly with the family-run farms to ensure the workers are receiving above fair pay and constant safe working conditions. When looking for sustainably made stylish and quality clothing look no further than Kotn.
Top 5 Looks From the 94th Oscars Academy Awards
Jada Pinkett Smith: Jada Pinkett Smith showed up and showed out in this gorgeous emerald green haute couture gown by Jean Paul Gaultier and stunning Jimmy Choo pumps. This particular dress was made by Belgian designer Glenn Martens for the Jean Paul Gaultier Spring/Summer 2022 collection. The look features a ruched zip-up bodice, fitted to Smith perfectly, leading into a deep sea of green ruffles that engulfed the skirt. The vibrant green platforms compliment the gown perfectly, along with the simple jewelry and makeup to add touches of femininity to the bold energy of the dress. This gown definitely left a powerful statement, complimenting her Oscar award-winning husband’s charcoal black suit. Lily James: Channeling the bombshell energy from her role as Pamela Anderson, the Pam & Tommy actress Lily James graced the Oscars red carpet in this seductive yet elegant pink Atelier Versace dress from their Autumn/Winter 2021 couture collection. The cotton candy-colored dress was adorned with embroidery and lace and featured a high-thigh slit that led into a frothy fairytale skirt. James is known to draw style inspiration from her roles; this look is no exception as she utilizes the oozing glamor and sexiness of the Versace brand to pay homage to the alluring Pamela Anderson. Demi Singleton: Demi Singleton arrived at her first Oscars in this youthful yet classic lavender gown from Miu Miu. The King Richards actress, who is only fifteen years old, wanted this look to symbolize a new beginning for her as an actress. The strapless, elegant dress is simple and age-appropriate in its silhouette, while also fun and fashionable with its jewel appliques and soothing color. Through this look and her role as the iconic Serena Williams in King Richard, Singleton wanted to inspire all little girls who look like her to follow their dreams. Kodi Smit-McPhee: Aiming for a look that was formal, beautiful, and daring, The Power of the Dog actor Kodi Smit-McPhee sported a monochromatic baby blue Bottega Veneta suit with matching blue booties at the 2022 academy award show. Smit-McPhee wanted to reference the Oscar-nominated movie he was in by telling a story through his outfit. He opted to steer away from the stagnant black and white suit to solidify his spot as one of the up-and-coming menswear style icons. This intricate look was amplified with the addition of the luxurious Cartier diamond watch he sported on his wrist. Renate Reinsve: Renate Reinsve, the breakout star from the critically acclaimed film The Worst Person in the World, walked the 2022 Oscars red carpet in this unique and daring Louis Vuitton Spring 2022 black and nude dress. The classic gown utilized various design elements to portray a very modern and edgy vibe, definitely casting Reinsve as someone to look out for in the fashion world. This effortless look was complete with the addition of a Louis Vuitton necklace and a bold red lip. Written by: Bria Roberts
BLK in Fashion
By: Adriana Brown This past year has brought along many trials and tribulations for us all. As we have been faced with foreign challenges, we have learned to preserve with a newly found ferocity. For VCU fashion merchandising students Nana Opoku-Manu and Taniya Evans, this perseverance came in the form of forming a student organization: Blk in Fashion. When these two students had time to reflect on their careers at VCU as well as their lives during COVID-19, they both realized that they were lacking something integral: a sense of community and belonging. As the Black Lives Matter movement has taught us, it is vital that everyone has a safe space to grow and thrive. For Opoku-Manu and Evans, this space did not exist for them within the fashion program at VCU. So what did they do? They made space. When asked why she founded Blk in Fashion with co-founder Evans, Opoku-Manu said, “the Black Lives Matter movement was happening, and it was really eye-opening to what the world was doing and what everyone was doing,”. Both founders explained that after being a part of the fashion programs for three or so years, neither of them felt a sense of community or belonging within it. Evans expanded on her feeling of being underrepresented by saying, “we come out with these experiences of not feeling valued or feeling unprepared to go into the industry because a Black person’s experience in the fashion industry is not the same as someone who isn’t Black— in terms of looking for jobs, going up in the industry, negotiating a salary,”. While the pandemic has sequestered all of us to our homes and computer screens, Blk in Fashion has taken this limitation and ran with it. In their eight months of existence, the organization has hosted several events via zoom. These events have given fashion students the opportunity to hear the testimonies of people within the fashion industry who they can relate to, some being VCU alumni. The purpose of these talks are to “educate and empower” students, as well as the wider VCU community, on subjects related to diversity in the fashion industry. Blk in Fashion is looking forward to a bright future of inclusivity and representation within the fashion industry. For this organization, it’s all about having the difficult conversations that have otherwise been silenced. It’s about inspiring other students, especially those who are new to the program, to create space for themselves where there otherwise is none. “To younger students,” the two founders said, “don’t feel discouraged if you’re not seeing people like you. We are here now”.