Brick & Mortar Launches Fashionable (and Instagrammable) Coffee Hub

BY SYDNEY HECKMAN AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY DOM KHUN; STYLIST: DANIELLA OSUNA & CHRISTINA VEHA RICHMOND, VA– RCFU highlights the local company Brick & Mortar in their newest fashion collaboration. The company is centered around sustainable and philanthropic efforts. They describe themselves as ethical and homemade in addition to other things, “…functional design, sustainable style, and unique works…our vintage selection focuses on timeless, casual, and day-to-day essentials to wear season after season” as described by the owner, Mat.  Senior fashion director, Daniella Osuna, styled the shot sticking to the classic vintage look. She curated a neutral color palette and pulled earthy colors to incorporate the ethical approaches B&M takes daily into their business practices. In lieu of colder temperatures, she made sure to include layering to inspire us to layer up as well.  Dom Khun, the senior creative director, and photographer decided to use natural lighting and simplistic scenery to encompass the values of the company as well.  As of August 2019, Brick & Mortar launched an in-store coffee shop that features a specialty menu from around the globe and multi-roaster that keeps up with high demands.  The drinks featured in the photoshoot collaboration included the toasted s’mores latte and regular coffee. The space provides a gathering place for the community and spark up conversations about great denim, local causes, and the minimalistic aesthetics in the store. MODELS: VICTORIA SPIEGEL, OMNI HUBBARD, CIARA RASCONA

Who We Are on Halloween

Written by: Aayesha PoudelPhotography by: Adriana BrownModels: Josh Ricketts, Nima Jawadian, Matthew Schettini In our childhood, October 31st marked the night where we could be the ghosts and goblins that both frightened and excited us. It was the night where we were the beasts we were most afraid of, the creatures we were mesmerized by, and the characters that we hoped to be.   As we grew older and those fantasies started to slip away, it remained the night where we could let go of the stress and troubles and become someone or something else. Costumes have no boundaries, from juxtapositioning an innocent doll with a terror beast to a lumberjack who counteracted as a serial killer. It became a phenomenon where we didn’t have to be ourselves- as sometimes that can feel like the most terrifying costume of all. We celebrate the holiday that dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The people who celebrate this day believe that Samhain is the day that the barriers between the physical and spiritual world break down. This would allow for interactions between supernatural creatures and humans. Therefore, when we dress in costumes whether to prance around the neighborhood to receive treats or to enjoy a night as someone else, Halloween allows us to connect with more than just ourselves or our peers: it helps us connect with other worlds.

Your Scorpio Fashion Forecast is Here

The intensity of the Scorpio season is upon us. This placement is arguably one of the more powerful water signs. Scorpio sun natives crave deep conversations and connections and make passionate and loyal partners in love. They are heavily influenced by their emotions and this will always serve them in their professional and personal life going forward. read the full info here At times, the darker side of Scorpio’s emotion can turn into manipulation, so it is smart to stay on the good side of this native. This leads us perfectly into the spooky season of October, and the photoshoot of muted dark tones. The way the photographer used the technique of double exposure when editing the images and gives the photos a more intense look in tune with the aura of Scorpios.

A Look into Fashion Week in Richmond

Written by: Sara AdeliPhotography by: Lorallye Partlow While Richmond Fashion Week may not be as globally acclaimed as New York’s or Los Angeles’, it undeniably conveys a similar sense of vibrancy to celebrate local trends and designers. This is a city filled with history, culture, diversity, and— most importantly— some seriously delicious food. Above all, this city is adorned with an abundance of art, and fall fashion just happens to be this week’s prime masterpiece.  The Fall Designer Show took place at the Dominion Energy Center and was the final event of RVA’s Fall Fashion Week. The event was an opportunity to showcase some of Virginia’s top models and emerging designers, as well as a couple of the city’s very own influencers. Luqman Haskett and Caroline Kalentzos, both of whom are fashion bloggers, emceed alongside one another for the show.  Most of the featured collections were notable in their unique statements, while others were a bit more uninspired. The MK Vendetta collection was the most adventurous with textures. The garments featured lots of layered, sheer fabrics as well as sequins, studs, and lace. Additionally, it was one of the very few collections that included men’s wear. The brand Inceptual Sara was the star of smooth, glossy fabrics and certainly embraced the elegantly feminine woman. The Tough Cookie was introduced as a line designed for ‘women who cannot and will not be broken’. The garments featured lots of ruched and ruffle detailing, the juxtaposition of contrasting patterns, and two bold signature colors: bright, Ferrari red and electric blue. During the last run of the collection, the designer of the brand strut the runway with gray sweats and a band T-shirt. Her choice of accessory? A young boy and a girl in each of her arms. The designer’s self-presentation relayed a deeply genuine and personal sentiment towards the mission of her line, and it was a touchingly beautiful way to conclude the collection. Undoubtedly, the most memorable collection of the night belonged to Very Ashley. The brand seems to target the entrepreneurial businesswoman full of spunk and personality. Most pieces from the line incorporated traditional business wear with splashes of color or texture. While the apparel was versatile and fashion-forward, the component that made Very Ashley so striking was its inclusion of model diversity, both in shape and color. Co-host Luqman Huskett even commented, “Wow! This is the grown woman line right here.” All of the styled outfits were, without fail, complementary to the body and complexion of that particular model.  Through this, it is evident that Very Ashley is doing something that needs to be mirrored within the entire fashion industry. The brand is not merely promoting diversity on a surface level, but they are consciously mindful of designing apparel that truly enhances and celebrates the beauty of all women.

Falling into a New Season with Barnes & Noble

Fall is a time when the leaves are changing colors, the temperatures are dropping and clothes are getting warmer. Fall steers away from bright and vibrant patterns to more simple ones with neutral and subdued colors that look amazing on anyone.  At VCU, we pride ourselves on our diversity which carries into our students’ individual styles, ranging from sporty to casual to preppy looks. Stylist Tom Mai wanted to show how easy it is to represent VCU while keeping the fun fall fashion we all know. Barnes & Noble showcases how they have a range of VCU merchandise to fit anyone’s sense of style. Fall is a time where the layering of clothing is a must to stay warm. Having a quick pullover sweatshirt is essential to everyone’s fall fashion.  recommended site In this preppy look, there is a light-colored button-up with jeans paired with a warm VCU Rams sweatshirt. The simple layering of the sweatshirt took this summer outfit and made it into a fall one. As fall begins, it is also the beginning of VCU’s basketball season. Who said supporting your team couldn’t be fun and fashionable? The contrast between the white shirt and black shorts has a sense of familiarity while also making the VCU logo the main focus. The white top is loose and flowy to give more mobility to the outfit.  However, nothing is more representative of fall than a flannel. In this look, she paired a black VCU shirt with a brown flannel and jeans. This look is stylish while also still having a high level of comfort.  None of these styles have to exist on their own. Everyone has their own style that can complement one another to give everyone their own sense of identity. This fall find what creates your identity.

Autumn Is Here

Photographer: Adriana BrownWritten by: Marta LocklearModels: Simi Gold, Nabiha Rais, Mia Jones, Sydney Heckman, Mindy Tran, and Nima Jawadian There is something so beautiful about October. Like enjoying a walk around Hollywood Cemetery with your best friends, a picnic with hot apple cider and a guitar, and warm fall layers.  Have some fun dates planned with your friends and need some outfit inspiration? This group of friends knows how to dress to impress.  Here are some key elements to have ready to go in your fall wardrobe. A statement pair of boots that are easy to throw on with jeans and a sweater but elevate your outfit. A simple plaid skirt or plaid dress can go so far, especially paired with some tights and a white top to make it stand out. Warm tones like an orange dress is season but with it’s warm color tone pair it with a cardigan and you’re ready for date nights!

EVOLVE Fashion Show 2019: How EVOLVE has Become a Voice in Diminishing Beauty Standards

Photographer by: Adriana Brown Story Written by: Adriana Brown Beauty Has No Limits Foundation best place to buy The fashion show was wrapped up with the models walking the runway wearing their Beauty Has No Limits t-shirts while carrying signs with empowering adjectives written on them. Models owned characteristics such as resilient, sexy, and genuine. The show was followed by a shop the runway event where attendees could buy looks straight from the runway. Later on, at  Boulevard Burger and Brew the foundation announced that the fashion show has raised $7,000 for the Beauty Has No Limits Foundation.  Beauty Has No Limits We would like to thank EVOLVE for allowing our team to cover their show this year.  We would like to thank EVOLVE for allowing our team to cover their show this year.