How to Be Cool for the Summer with Urban Outfitters
What do we love most about summer? The days get longer, and brighter, and hotter, in more ways than one. Summer provides us the chance to live more than we have in finicky months of winter and early spring. It’s also the perfect time for mixing and matching various textures like sensual satin, or practical linen. Pairing a delicately ribbed top with a satin midi skirt sends the message that you’re into all things comfy and cute. Don’t forget that there are patterned shirts just begging to come out of hibernation and enjoy the fun and sun that has become synonymous with this time of year. During the long months of summer, we often inadvertently reach for clothing items that allow us to just breathe. Here’s where that linen comes in, and cutesy sandals too. just breathe 40% off with code how very on trend of you The graphic tee love doesn’t have to stop with a crop-top though, a band tee paired with nautical pinstripe pants is summer dream come true. And, if you’d really like to channel the relaxed aesthetic of summer, there’s (probably) nothing more iconic–or sensible, than a worn-in pair of overalls. Feeling a little weary about rocking the overall trend? Fear not, try pairing them with a pastel relaxed fit shirt, it doesn’t get more effortless than that. So there’s a lot to adore about the soft exhale of the summer season. Humid kisses from crushes, and golden hour lit laughter with friends. But perhaps what we cherish most can’t be explained, only felt. Maybe each year what we really fall in love with, is the promise of possibility that summer brings. Possibilities in our closets, in our relationships, and in our lives. really
How Fab’rik is Redefining the “Gal on the Go”
Today, a girl boss can be a single mother who works hard for her kids. A girl boss can also be a college student who doesn’t know where they want to end up, but is constantly challenging herself to figure that out. The women we should look up to today aren’t a cookie cutter version of whom we may constantly see on social media, but a diverse group who use their energy and drive to set the way for their successors. Because at the end of the day, that is what being empowered is. It is your ability to envision a future for yourself, and overcome any obstacle in order to make it into a reality. It is the ability to know your values, and never let temporary satisfaction taint them. Our first model walks in, knowing what she wants. She wears a monochromatic outfit pairing a white blazer with jeans. She wears a purple lace top, to give the look a bit of playfulness. She included a matching snake skin belt that adds a bit of fun to the otherwise put together outfit. www.newmusicaward.com The second model twirls around the supermarket in a ballerina-esque dress. She styles the dress with a white blouse underneath which embodies her youth and style. She finds herself strolling through the aisles with a basket in her hands, and enjoying an iced coffee while finding time to relax in between her busy day. The last model exudes “fierce” from head to toe. She wears a red one shoulder top paired with black shorts and a cheetah kimono that drapes around her. Her heels make her look elegant, while her space buns show off her creative personality. She is poised, yet holds herself with power. Free Fabric,
Richmond’s 11th Annual Fashion Week Brings more Inclusivity to the Runway
Story By Aliviah Jones Photos By Stanley Tran When people think of Fashion Week they often think of big cities like New York and Milan but Richmond has a very unique way of showing that exquisite style can be found right here in Virginia’s capital. The 11th annual Day to Night fashion show presented the top designers and models in Richmond and surrounding areas, hosted by NBC 12’s morning news anchors Candice Smith and Anthony Antoine. The collections being shown represented a wide variety of people that the fashion industry tends to not shed light on. The Day to Night runway show took place at Stony Point Fashion Park which sponsors #RVAFW. Each collection was unique in it’s own way but there was a common theme that we don’t often get to see on other runways, Inclusivity. There were so many women and men in different age groups, heights and not to mention the diversity of race. In this day and age, inclusivity in fashion has become a hot topic being that in the past the fashion industry only catered to the size 0 demographic but some brands have come to realize that the average size for a woman in the United States is a size 18 and designers need to put that into consideration. The collections being show definitely proved you can look fabulous whether you are a size 2 or a size 16 or if you are 6”0 or 5”5. Many of the collections shown drew a lot of their inspiration from African-inspired prints with bright colors and designs. The show started with House of Klyde’s ready to wear collection that presented ready to wear day dresses as well as mens wear. There were a lot pieces that had earth-tone colors and bold contrast colors along with silk dresses. The collection by Klyde Wright also had a lot of classic pieces like the LBD, side-cinched tunic, and flared pants. The ToFREEYOURStyle collection by Charisa George proved that you can incorporate bold African prints into everyday wear all the while being sophisticated. The collection incorporated the use of color block with electric blue and yellow garment pieces and black and yellow and red and black.There were a lot of two-piece cropped sets as well that are perfect for a summer night on the town. The Abena Aforo collection also used the boldest colors I think the eye could ever see. Some of the pieces also had a very retro- 1970s vibe with wide-leg jumpsuits, colorful pantsuits. There was also maxi dresses with beautiful prints and frills. This collection is truly for the women who want to make a sophisticated statement when walking into a room. The Wala Afour collection which translates to “All we need is life” in the Ghanaian language by Bernie Adjei proved that there is a place in fashion for everyone. The collection had a lot of garments that were so rich in color, texture and patterns. Many of the pieces by Adjei had a lot of marble-esque patterns contrasted with teal blue, mustard yellow, and electric blue. The collection made you feel like you had just been transported back to the motherland. The Stitch by Chanel collection by Chanel Green was truly a 1970s time capsule. There were a lot of garments with bold colors like coral, and a very beautiful purple one shoulder dress. There was a lot of colorful jumpsuits and who can’t go wrong with a nice jumpsuit for the summer right? There was also some belted pant and top pieces that can really take you from work to drinks with the girls. The High Maintenance collection used a lot of Asian-inspired prints with a bold red and blue jacquard pattern. There were also very rich silk garments from two-piece pants, fuzzy tops and mini silk skirts. This collection sent a message about people often feeling marginalized within the fashion industry. Designer Michaela Bradley was inspired to start High Maintenance because she never felt properly recognized as a woman of color in fashion. These collections showed that fashion is and always will be for everyone no matter of what race, class or gender one may be. A lot of these collections also made it a point to not limit yourself and be bold with what you wear.
The Grace to our Frankie: Jane Fonda
It’s never too late – never too late to start over, never too late to be happy.-Jane Fonda Story by: Aayesha PoudelPhotography by: Anna Debald As we grow older, we often question if we are still able to accomplish the goals that we want to do, or if we should just stick with our current path because it may be too late to change your life. And this stems from the problem of thinking we all have a conventional path that we must follow. Jane Fonda uses her career to prove that we have a long life to live, and can do as much as we want to do with it. Because, it is never too late to do what makes you happier. Along with being an Academy Award winning actress, Jane Fonda is an inspiration for modern women because of her devotion to political activism. She showed her support in the Civil Rights Movement and showed her opposition for the Vietnam War. She was also an activist for causes such as Native American rights and women’s rights. Even recently, Fonda has protested issues such as the creation of the Dakota Access Pipeline in the Standing Rock. When it comes to the Dakota Access Pipeline, Fonda said, “It has been 45 years since the Occupation of Alcatraz. At Standing Rock we are witnessing the flowering of the seeds that were planted there and, again, it is the youth who seem to be leading the way.” Fonda has always used her fame as an actress to make light on real-world issues that are really important to her. And this is something that she continues to do because she knows that it is never too late to fight for what you believe in. To channel her elegantly chic style, we first created an outfit that mixed the 60s polka dot in a modern twist. We paired a red polka dot peplum skirt with a black halter top. Then, added in a metallic bag with white heels. For the second look, we went for a chic dress, pairing a rose pink baby doll dress with a purple bandana that matched the funky purple heels. It was a mix of innocence with the heels adding a pop of excitement. For the last look, we went for a more casual outfit. In this look, we paired a pink top with pearl details with a pair of straight leg jeans and purple heels. This look symbolizes Fonda laid-back and relatable personality traits. She doesn’t ever come off too stiff or unapproachable, but instead someone you can treat like a friend. Fonda has spent her career as an actress, an influencer and an activist. She has stood out in the public eye because of her devotion to causes that are important to her, and for being an inspiration for all women. She teaches us to fight for what we believe in, and to never use age as an excuse. Stylist: Anna DebaldModel: Celeste Chaves
KIDS AT PLAY – Rotate
Story by: Marta Locklear Photos by: Stanley Tran Like every 90’s sitcom, Kids at Play is about a group of friends who are practically a family. Each episode tells a different story about their lives; they get in trouble, skip school, dress cool, and tackle life and the curveballs pitched at them together. The cast is always dressed in vintage and new street fashion, all purchased from the local Richmond store ROTATE. The owners hand pick the items they buy from customers to maintain the store’s personal style and theme. The kids loves ROTATE because of its hip and chill aesthetic, and it’s one of the their go-to stops after school; they drink freezes and chat on the couch. Let’s meet the Crew! Meet Olly. Full name Olivia but the gang calls her Olly, it fits her tomboy style and chill personality better. Olly is the fashion inspiration for any gal who isn’t all about ruffles, dresses, and frills. Her favorite items in her closet are wide leg jeans and her Docs. She is known for adding a stand out accessory to a simple outfit to make it pop. Meet Preston. Because he’s so creative and adventurous, Preston’s style is the edgiest out of the friend group. He likes to keep it classic and with black skinny jeans, matte black high tops, and a cool graphic tee. He likes to play with accessories and statement pieces like vests to stand out. Meet Z. Every sitcom needs the cool guy with the cool name right? Z’s style matches just that. In this episode, Z rocks Georgetown track pants, an oversized hockey jersey, and Cool Grey 11s. As the star varsity basketball player at school Z keeps his style comfy and athletic, like a ball will be thrown his way any second, because it just might. Meet Joshua. When he’s not rocking varsity track pants a graphic tee, the DMP 11s, and a making buckets on the court, He plays a big role in keeping the gang tight after silly debates and fights breakout. They go to school, hang at ROTATE, shoot basketball, and skate all in one outfit. It’s the perfect combination of fashionable and practical. Creative Direction: Jacynth Serrano Rodriguez Stylists: Daniella Osuna, Jerrell Funtila Models: Aaron Lai, Adriana DeRosa, James Bryce Settles, Tariq
Chunky Sneakers: Friend or Foe this Season?
Your go-to style guide for rocking the trend that just won’t quit. Story by: Maia Stanley Photos by: Aliviah Jones Model: Rickaya Sykes Styled by: Estelle Avbuere Spring is officially here and that means new trends are arising and old trends are resurfacing. One of these trends includes chunky sneakers, also known as “dad” or “ugly” sneakers. They started off as a trend in later summer and early fall of last year, but died down a bit during the winter. Luckily, they resurfaced towards the end of winter and are still going strong. First debuted in Balenciaga’s Fall/Winter 2017 menswear collection, they have now transitioned their way into womenswear, especially street wear, and in some high fashion runways for designers who are known to think outside the box. Versatility is the reason these shoes have become so popular. They can be dressed up or dressed down, are suitable for several different occasions and they come in a variety of styles and colors so they are never boring. The first is a casual one that can be worn to class or when going out during the day with friends. Styled with an oversized men’s shirt, fanny pack, and cropped jeans that make it appear more put together, but still easy to get up and throw on in the morning. Another trend that is currently resurfacing is the sporty casual wear. This has appeared with the incorporation of bicycle shorts in streetwear, but this look features a body-con dress that pairs well with the athletic style of chunky sneakers. This last look features a romantic knee length dress with a slit over the thigh. The chunky sneakers dresses the garment down and makes it more appropriate for daywear and casual outings. Chunky sneakers are a versatile trend that isn’t going anywhere, it’s the perfect way to step up your spring wardrobe and add a bit of fun and flare to your outfits.
Halcyon: Lost in Time
Photography By: Dom KhunStory By: Aayesha Poudel There has always been something soft and romantic traveling on train. From the tale of strangers meeting at a station or while traveling, and falling in love to saying goodbye to a significant other as they embark on a railway journey. In some form or another, we are all romantics. We set the scene in the midst of a love story with two souls who find themselves secluded from the rest of the world. In this wide open train station, they are alone but together. They create beauty in their movement, their shadows and their gaze. They surround themselves in art, from their scenery to the clothes they wear. Halcyon, a vintage consignment boutique located in Richmond, allows us to idulge ourselves in the old Hollywood fantasy and bring it into our modern wardrobe. First, we have the beautiful Celeste who gives us young Faye Dunaway vibes, wearing a victorian ruffle blouse paired with a suede mid-length skirt, kitten heels, knit gloves and a hat. She evokes elegance and power with her deep stares and glances. What would this love story be without a gentleman like Nicky? He is the Clyde to her Bonnie, the Warren to her Faye. In each scene he doesn’t just wear his clothes in style, but uses them to provoke drama. For instance, he styles his fedora to hide his eyes which creates a bit of intrigue. He pairs a white button up with brown trousers, boots and a leather jacket. Before they part ways, the two of them share an intimate dance using every part of the station as their stage. We feel their connection through the looks they give each other, making us fall even deeper in love with them. As we leave the two trapped in a timeless love story, we are reminded of how even in the digital age of technology, we can create romantic beauty anywhere, and find historical significance in the clothes that we wear. Stylists and Models: Celeste Chaves and Nicky Reardon Photo Assistant: Stanley Tran