IG Live Battles and Keeping the Culture Alive
Battles showing the strength of an artist’s catalogue and the friendly battles to see who will win the night. This pandemic didn’t stop our culture from coming together and providing joy and entertainment in the middle of a crisis.Artist from T-Pain vs Lil Jon to Babyface vs Teddy Riley, have created a space of mental escape even for just a moment.
During a time when the world has shut down, social media has been the connection holding the culture together. With Instagram at the forefront, celebrities have banned together to have friendly battles to not only keep us entertained but educated. Instagram live battles between those such Swizz Beatz vs. Timbaland, T-Pain vs. Lil Jon, Babyface vs. Teddy Riley, and many more are putting their catalogs to the test in friendly battles to bring joy and entertainment during a time where there is very little.
These battles are not only connecting friends but are also connecting generations. Younger generations are learning new music from back in the day and the older generation is learning social media and newer aged music. So the biggest gain here is generational bonding. IG live battles are keeping the culture enriched and sane while we are all on lockdown.
Everyone is having friendly competition on which artist will win and who should go next. These battles are keeping our spirits alive and will forever be a part of history. The culture couldn’t thank these artists enough and I don’t know about you guys but I am looking forward to some friendly competitions between some female artists.
Report: Maya Howard
Pretty Little Things Launched #StayHomeWithPLT
Pretty Little Things, a UK based fashion retailer has launched its “#StayHomeWithPLT” campaign in an effort to encourage its customers to stay inside and to look great while doing so.
We are all adjusting to the self quarantines put in place all around the world, trying to find ways to stay active and lively while spending our time indoors. A brand known globally for its affordable and fashionable clothes has taken the extra step to help us all adapt to this new normal. Pretty Little Things, a UK based fashion retailer has launched its “#StayHomeWithPLT” campaign in an effort to encourage its customers to stay inside and to look great while doing so.
The hashtag on Instagram features various “at home” looks, promoting its Stay Home collection on their web site. This collection showcases their comfy lounge and activewear, as well as beauty goodies to pamper your days away. The retailer is also giving tips and tricks to make the most out of this time at home. Working with their brand ambassadors PLT has curated an array of at-home workouts, recipes, and self-care routines we could all do while we all do our part to combat this virus.
The brand has utilized its social media platform to stay connected and to inspire their “dolls” with content. This includes lives on their Instagram story, videos for IGTV, and its “Behind Closed Doors” podcast. Hosted by Nat O’Leary this podcast tackles issues like how relentless social media could be, how to build a brand, as well as getting the juicy scoop on their celeb guests such as Karreuche Tran and lots more. Brand ambassadors have taken to their own Instagrams as well to show their favorite at-home outfits featuring PLT, such as Teyana Taylor and Rose Bertram All this and much more can be found on their Instagram and online shop to remind us that we are all in this together.
Photo Creds: Prettylittlethings.com
Report: Lauren Tucker
Nintendo’s Latest Installment of Animal Crossing: New Horizons Capitalizes Need
Now more than ever, people are relying on video games to pass the time and escape reality. The digital age provides a safe space that rests at the intersection of society and technology, creating a much needed safe space for those who find themselves in isolation. Nintendo’s latest installment of Animal Crossing: New Horizons capitalizes on this need.
With COVID-19 forcing social distancing orders to bleed into summer, those stuck at home have begun itching for something to do. Many have busied themselves with testing new recipes, dusting off the books on their shelves, and booting up those old home workout videos in an attempt to fill the passing hours. If there is one company that has benefited off of the people’s boredom, it is Nintendo. The multi-billion dollar video game company’s popular gaming system, the Nintendo Switch, has found itself as a commonplace commodity among American households.
For well over three weeks, the Switch has been consistently sold out in major retail stores. Originally priced at $299.99, new Switch consoles are now being sold on sites like Ebay for well over $500. On March 20, Nintendo released its newest installment of the Animal Crossing franchise for the Switch. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a game where players become a resident on a small island alongside bipedal animal friends. They work to beautify and customize the island, creating the remote getaway destination of their dreams. Mixing cute aesthetics, endless furniture and clothing choices, and online features that allow players to connect with friends, the game has experienced a similar boom of popularity to the console it was released for. Originally selling for $60, a physical copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons now sells for $94.99 on Amazon. Animal Crossing has created a safe haven for players among COVID-19 worries; each individual pixelated
island is its own world where people can meet up with friends and family without the fear of infection. In the weeks following the game’s release, people have held events such as weddings and graduation ceremonies in lieu of their cancelled real life counterparts. Couples have dressed their little villagers up and visited each other’s islands on mock dates. People are using the game in an attempt to maintain any form of fulfilling social interaction during this time of social isolation. What does this mean for the future? How will games affect the normalcy of a post-Coronavirus world? Despite the comfort Nintendo is currently providing many households, they have also created new questions with uncertain answers about how society will continue to intersect with increasingly normalized virtual realities.
Report: Nicolette Schneiderman
Say Hello To A New Form Of Live-streaming Thanks to Erykah Badu
Whether it involved reconnecting with old peers, performing, or even doing song writing battles, one artist who stood out the most was Erykah Badu.
Many artists have shifted to live-streaming platforms due to the pandemic. As all thing’s entertainment have been cancelled, many have tried finding a coping method and ways to shed light to their fans in this difficult time. Whether it involved reconnecting with old peers, performing, or even doing song writing battles, one artist who stood out the most was Erykah Badu. This pandemic did not stop singer-songwriter, actress and record producer, Erykah Badu as she is back and is more creative than ever! Erykah managed to pull off a stellar live stream music video with two other musicians. She is the first artist to charge a rate between $1-$3 to watch her perform live!
Not only did she have previous live-streams in her bedroom but most recently, she performed Apocalypse 3.1. While maintaining to focus on social distancing, she managed to have everyone on screen and separated in a colorful bubble. Her vision for this project was to show her audience an exaggerated appearance of how social distancing looks and how all three performers would have to perform live without any mistakes. Being in separate bubbles make things a bit harder as many factors may play by being separated the way they were (picture below). Many fans raved about her creativity, style and uniqueness. Artists such as Cee Loo Green, Keyshia Cole and Diddy have also shown their support for Erykah’s Quarantine Concert Series. Most recently, Erykah conducted a press conference via Zoom to speak on how her Quarantine Series began and how she was able to overcome some obstacles she faced. To learn more about her series and watch Erykah’s press conference, visit: https://baduworldmarket.com/pages/stream.
Credits: Instagram @erykahbadu
Report: Jessica Tamay
Everlane: A Story About Unionization During a Pandemic
What happens when unionization occurs during a pandemic?
In a fashion revolution where ethics and sustainability have become a trend, consumers must be wary of which brands falsely claim these terms. But that wasn’t the case for Everlane—the clothing brand that proudly promises on their website “Radical Transparency” by working only with ethical factories. How did it manage, then, to get into a scandal of unethical labor practices?
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many clothing brands have had to make hard decisions, many of which involve the laying off of workers. But with Everlane this involved firing, on March 27th, a sector of part-time customer service employees that had just recently unionized. This has confounded the reason for these employees’ firings, with many media outlets attacking the brand for its false commitment to ethical fashion. I have witnessed the scandal’s impact on the brand’s image by reading the comments on an Everlane sponsored video that attacked the Youtube creator for collaborating with a brand that has used the pandemic to union-bust.
Claims that Everlane had engaged in mitigation of unionization efforts before the pandemic are true. As Fashionista reports, the brand sent an email in December in response to the forming of the Everlane Union. The email denoted unions as negative entities that reduce transparency. Therefore, it comes to no surprise that these CX employees attribute their layoffs to their March petition for recognition of the union, and not to the pandemic. Everlane has publicly denied this.
Business in times when demand for clothing is low is undoubtedly hard, and Everlane has felt immense losses because of this pandemic. But it is incredibly worrisome that the pandemic could also be taken advantage of by firing people to ultimately prevent unionization. The details from both sides remain murky. I just hope that a company that fights for fair working conditions does not contradict itself where the rest of its employees are concerned.
Photo credits: Everlane Union GoFundMe and Everlane
Report: Jonara Jiménez
How To Stay Sane During Quarantine
Very few of us have experienced a pandemic before. There is no rule book to teach us how to cope, how to take care of our parents from afar, or how to prevent any meltdowns or anxiety attacks.
Very few of us have experienced a pandemic before. There is no rule book to teach us how to cope, how to take care of our parents from afar, or how to prevent any meltdowns or anxiety attacks. But since were staying home, it is important to practice taking care of ourselves and our mental health. The following tips discuss how you can continue being productive and stay sane during isolation.
#1- Get Outside. Social distancing does not mean to force yourself to stay inside at all times. It’s important to get some fresh air to clear your mind. Take small breaks throughout work to “reset” your brain and try meditating. A good app for this is called the Meditation app. It evaluates your mental and emotional state and provides exercises to practice mindfulness.
#2-Keep a routine. Act as if school or work is still in session. Take a shower, get fully dressed in the morning and set wake up and sleep times. This is important because it makes us feel as if there is some normalcy in the world. Use the Streaks app to track and manage your daily habits, including the little things, like eating breakfast!
#3- Pick up a new skill. With all the extra time on our hands, we can use this time to do something we’ve always wanted to do, such as learn a new language or workout. You can even pick up a new book and set a goal for yourself. For language learning, try the free application called Duolingo. There are 35 languages to choose from and endless possibilities!
#4-Phone a friend- FaceTime your grandparents, or use the Nextdoor app to connect with the neighbors living around you. You can also set up a Zoom call with your friends, which has fun features such as customizing your background or reacting with emojis while someone is talking. Whichever form of contact you choose, it’s important to reach out to the people you love and check in on them. You never know whose day you could be making!
Report: Woo Jong Kim
Celebrate Stephen Sondheim’s 90th Birthday with a Virtual Concert
Actor and Broadway star, @rauleesparza is putting on a virtual concert this Sunday April 26th. “Take Me To The World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration,” is being put on to celebrate legendary composer Stephen Sondheim’s birthday.
On March 22nd sensational Broadway composer, Stephen Sondaheim, celebrated his 90th birthday. Sondaheim is known for many exceptional musicals over a wide range of genres, including: Into The Woods, West Side Story, A Little Night Music, and Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Broadway star Raul Esparza is hosting a virtual concert, “Take Me To The World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration” on Sunday April 26th. This date also marks the 50th anniversary of the opening night of Sondheim’s musical, “Company.” This event boasts many Broadway powerhouses including: Meryl Streep, Audra McDonald, Pattie LuPone and Micheal Cerveris among many others. They will be performing many inspirational and iconic songs from a catalog of Sondaheim's work.
Raul Esparza explained the reasoning behind this once in a lifetime event, “The world is a hard place, and we are searching for something great...Stephen Sondheim is greatness personified.” Esparza also added that in light of all that is happening with COVID 19, “We may be far from Broadway right now, but Broadway is never far from us.”
This is a free live streamed event that can be found on Broadway’s website and their Youtube page at 8pm eastern time this Sunday April 26. Although this event is free, it also doubles as a fundraiser for Artists Striving to End Poverty (ASTEP). ASTEP partners artists with youth in need throughout the country to help them break out of the cycle of poverty. Tune in Sunday evening to experience a truly amazing concert and to support youth in poverty.
Report: Rebecca Vanderkooi
M.A.C x Selena Quintanilla La Reina Collection
M.A.C Cosmetics has released a new Selena Quintanilla inspired collection. Her token red lips and studded bra inspired the sequel to the M.A.C x Selena La Reina collection.
M.A.C Cosmetics has released a new Selena Quintanilla inspired collection. Selena Quintanilla, an iconic singer who suffered a tragic death 25 years ago, is well known for more than just her voice and dance moves. Her token red lips and studded bra inspired the sequel to the M.A.C x Selena La Reina collection.
Queen of Cumbia, a rich red lipstick featured in the line is exactly what is needed for those trying to recreate Selena’s look. Other lipsticks include, Inolvidable, Selena Vive, and La Reina, which are more neutral tones. Selena is also known for her incredible glow which inspires the gold Extra Dimension Skinfinish.
What would a M.A.C Collection be without a eyeshadow palette. This palette is named after the iconic line in the Selena movie that Jennifer Lopez who plays the singer says, “Me Siento ...Muy Excited.” This eight color pallete is a mix of pinks, reds, and sparkly neutrals. The collection also carries three lip glosses that are holographic and sparkly, one being named “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” one of the singers hit songs.
The sparkly studded bra is one of Selena’s main stamps and this collection includes a shiny black makeup bag that emulates the silhouette of the singer’s studded bra.
This collection is made to have a bright, fun, and memorable face just like Selena Quintanilla. Check out MAC Cosmetics website to shop from the M.A.C x Selena Quintanilla La Reina Collection. (Photo sources: Official M.A.C Cosmetics Website)
Report: Alycia Williams
The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel movie review
“Dear Twinkie, when your finances, relationships, and inner peace were attacked you cried, prayed and survived! Thank you for reminding us how to endure hardness as a good soldier”
The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel biopic premiered on April 11 on Lifetime. The Clark Sisters are an esteemed gospel recording group that have influenced both r&b and gospel music today. The biopic captures five sisters, Jackie, Denise, Elbernita (Twinkie), Dorinda, and Karen, from Detroit, Michigan, and their rise to fame. Growing up in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), the Clark Sisters lived a very strict religious life that their mother, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, made sure they would never depart from. To no surprise, the movie was highly anticipated by both the gospel and the “secular” world, as it was executive produced by Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott, and Queen Latifah.
The biopic features live singing by the actresses, which made the story more genuine. As a fan of gospel music, there were moments when singing along seemed contagious. The music allowed the movie to progress fluidly and created the feeling that the viewer was right alongside the Clark Sisters on their journey. Since there were so many relatable aspects, it felt natural to root on their success, especially knowing that there were so many things trying to hold them back. This movie is a testimonial that everyone goes through struggles, no matter your background. From the beginning of the movie, it was undeniable that gender roles played a significant role in their world, specifically in Dr. Mattie Moss Clark’s life. There was a clear expectation of women; they were intended to take the back seat. Despite her musical success, Dr. Clark’s husband did not accept her desire to minister through music, to the point where she had to hide her gold records underneath her daughters’ beds. Since the Clark Sisters’ lives were so intertwined with their mother’s, the need for acceptance became an issue that they inherited.
The Clark Sisters performing at the Grammys was a monumental moment that validated their success and symbolized the evolution of gospel music. At the height of their career, it was evident that each sister felt that they had to please their mother. Despite that, the movie captures the importance of having a strong will and faith to overcome all the obstacles that present themselves. “Dear Twinkie, when your finances, relationships, and inner peace were attacked you cried, prayed and survived! Thank you for reminding us how to endure hardness as a good soldier”, says Christina Bell, who played Twinkie in the biopic. Amazing acting and singing were showcased, while promoting familial unity, motivation, and love. The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel biopic is a phenomenal story of resilience that everyone can relate to and take something from.
Report: Brionna Thompson
The History behind Vogue Portugal and the Brand
Despite there being a lot of controversy with this idea of exploiting a pandemic, there is still an agreement a lot of people can come to which is what Vogue Portugal does take their covers to the next level.
Vogue Magazine launched its first issue on December 17th, 1892 for 10 cents each. Originally being an upscale and luxury lifestyle journal capturing the lives of the elite in New York City, Condé Nast purchased Vogue. Completely transforming it into a women’s fashion, lifestyle and beauty magazine, it has grown into a monthly publication read by millions around the world. Establishing its first international magazine in 1916, Vogue has continued to spread its impact to the fashion industry by creating over 20 more international magazines including Vogue Portugal.
Prior to its initial launching in October 2002, Vogue Portugal began its licensing a year before under Cofina Media — a Portugese Media conglomerate. There was a preview issue presented to Condé Nast during the process of its creation. When being published as a magazine, Condé Nast assists in the modeling of the first issues due to publishing houses distribution of the titles as a licensee. Paula Mateus overtook the role as Editor-in-Chief for 15 years, along with her committed team at the magazine. This is not only an accomplishment, but an impressive and talented skill as being the head of one of the most popular fashion magazines in the world, isn’t so easy. After doing so, Condé Nast moved Vogue Portugal from its publications under Cofina Media to LightHouse Publishing which was already under the issuing of GQ Portugal for a year and a half. As a result of this change, there was a brand new establishment of a team which included Editor-in-Chief. José Santana and Sofia Lucas, two very close artistic and talented friends for over 20 years, both worked under Cofina Media. Lucas was the Art Director for the magazines being produced, and Santana began as a designer. Remaining alongside each other in the industry, Santana was given the position as the Art Director for Vogue Portugal and GQ Portugal, which was very well deserved. Having such a special friendship allowed them to combine their own strengths and expertise into launching the creation of LightHouse Publishing together. Having years of knowledge, being so experienced in the field of publishing, and already having previously worked with Condé Nast, they were more than the perfect fit for taking on the role.
It should be noted that Mateus, Santana, Lucas, and their team have brought personality, life, and creativity over the years to every page flipped through in Vogue Portugal. Despite Vogue being known as one of the top fashion magazines in the world, this brings the idea to people that their magazine should not reflect the current issues in the world today. The cover of the April 2020 magazine for Vogue Portugal captured by Branislav Simoncik, is of a man and a woman, Bibiana Baltovicova and Adam Bardy, kissing through their surgical masks. While this reached a topic of controversy among some, a fashion magazine is not just a report on the latest trends and runway reviews. There are other issues facing the world, people, and the economy. Vogue Portugal released a “Planet Earth is the Trend” cover in September 2019 to highlight sustainability and bring awareness. In April 2020, there was also the “Freedom On Hold. COVID-19, fear will not stop us.” Haters will always misjudge and have their opinions towards people, brands, or companies that derail the idea of being conventional and sticking to a specific stereotype. Going beyond the traditional cover everyone normally expects, Vogue Portugal brings the importance to trends and news not just on the runway, but off of it as well.
In addition to being such a dominating force in the fashion industry, Vogue Portugal’s charm is more than what people see on the cover. Behind every photo is a team that works to curate an emotion and reflect a form of art. Anybody can take a picture, format a layout, upload it, and call it their magazine, but Vogue Portugal views their work with heart, pride, and motivation to never settle for mediocre ideas. Compared to other international Vogue magazines, each and everyone one of them have their own style that reflect their identity and character. Soon after the line up, set up of photoshoots, and pages are laid out and settled within 3 weeks, the printing process begins. Once sent to the printer, copies and prints are then dispersed to the distributor and subscribers. This is the moment that all subscribers to the magazine have been waiting for the most. Once distributors receive this, they are brought to be displayed in newsstands. Although all Vogue magazines have continued to stay true to their original physical forms, they all have digital versions to their editions, which began several years ago for Vogue Portugal.
Photo Credit: Vogue Portugal
Report: Pamela Valdez
Continuing to remain diverse, influential, and relevant, it is important to listen to readers, critics, haters, and fans. Vogue Portugal delivers content in response to always evolving themselves and leaving behind the idea that they must focus on physical fashion such as clothes, shoes, and accessories, but instead to incorporate that and issues around the world into a form of art to surpass the expectation of readers. Being a monthly magazine means that the team is not only putting full energy and ambition towards their work, but making sure that every cover, word, and page leaves them just as proud as the last month.
Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty Foundation Will Launch With 48 Shades
Selena’s beauty brand will offer 48 different shades of foundation and concealer.
Back in February 2020, Selena Gomez announced her beauty brand, Rare Beauty. In an interview for Interview Magazine, Gomez spilled the details on what fans can expect from the beauty brand.
Gomez told Amy Schumer that that in its initial launch, the beauty brand will offer 48 different shades of foundation and concealer. She promises it will be “very clean and easy”. She wanted to launch a makeup with so many shades, because she wanted people to feel safe.
She said, “I wanted to start a conversation about how can you make yourself feel great," she continued. "It’s not necessarily about needing these things to make yourself feel beautiful. People of my generation have all this pressure to look a certain way, and I wanted to make a line that took away a bit of that pressure.”
Gomez wants to make sure that their campaigns casts “real people” to promote Rare Beauty products. In a statement, the brand said, “Rare Beauty celebrates individualism and highlights what makes each of us unique. Rare Beauty aims to find beauty in what society considers 'imperfect' and build a community that shapes conversations around beauty, self-acceptance, and mental health."
Report: Amanda Lou
What Kind Of Detox Do We Really Need?
Brain Detox. Peace of Mind. Inner Harmony. Healthy Thoughts. Happy Mind.
We live in a toxic world. It seems that humanity has managed to destroy everything that once was valuable: tuna now has more mercury than protein, vegetables are full of pesticides, and you can kill a horse with the air in metropolis. It is believed that all these troubles come from a person’s selfish desire to live in comfort.
For the first time in history, new types of toxicity have arisen. Voila, three modern inventions that poison our lives:
1. Gadgets. Digital dependency is a neurotic need for new information and gadgets. It is promised to be entered in the register of the International Classification of Diseases. First of all, doctors are concerned that smartphones and other members of electronic family have a bad effect on the psyche. Anxiety about having to be in touch 24/7, depressing states that life on Instagram is not like reality are just the most obvious problems that we have while abusing digital world.
2. Information Age. The regime in which billions of people now exist is called information satiety. Like any satiety, it is fraught with health. Too much information causes cognitive overload and strains the nervous system. Anxiety and mental disorders are other symptoms of universal informatization.
3. Confined personal space. According to estimates by the UN Population Fund, by 2024, 8 billion people will simultaneously live on the planet, most of them in capitals and large cities. Unfortunately, living surrounded by millions is not as fun as it might seem. Crowding is associated with a high risk of nervous and mental illness, an increased risk of infection, and problems such as physical inactivity and sleep disorders due to noise and light.
Report: Olha Dzharyha
A Modernized Past
The terms throwback Thursday and flashback Friday are coming to life.
It seems safe to say this is an interesting time for millennials, particularly in fashion. The terms throwback Thursday and flashback Friday are coming to life. The past times of the ’80s and ’90s when bright neon colors and fanny packs were in have now made an impeccable comeback.
Today in society it’s all about women empowerment and body positivity, about time! Now, what’s one thing every woman needs when she revamps her life or makes a big life change? A killer wardrobe.
Que “The Sweetest Thing” Cameron Diaz and Christina Applegate wardrobe movie montage. Today it’s all about style and comfort. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and hubby Kanye West with their trendy and expensive clothing brands Skims and Yeezy make it look so effortless.
The times of struggling to find the right button-down shirt with the best slacks are over. It’s all about bright slightly oversized blazers or puffy jackets with a crop top and a great pair of biker shorts or jeans. 2020 is basically a fashion time capsule.
Then we have our favorite social media influencers advertising that makes it look good enough to order right then until we see the price at checkout. Fortunately, major retail brands such as Forever21 and Fashion Nova are giving us a hand with that. This time around we have a more modern twist to the trend. Nude hues and bodysuits have taken over.
We can actually get a version of all the cute outfits from our favorite 80s and 90s movies now and all the accessories you can think of. It’s bringing back a simpler time to the now. So here’s the complete wardrobe list, a blazer, cropped cardigan, crop top, bodysuit, ripped jeans, biker shorts, tight, thick leggings, joggers, oversized nostalgia graphic T-shirt, jean jacket, and a cropped windbreaker. Pair it all with tiny sunglasses and tiny purses a pair of sneakers or clear heels and off you go, fashion goddess.
The best part of this fashion rewind is that this time body positivity is highly encouraged for women so these clothes are designed to hug your curves and make you feel sexy and powerful.
Report: Josephine Coiscou
Kin Euphorics Offers A Nightlife Beverage with Self-Care In Mind
Jen Batchelor, founder of Kin, the world's first euphoric, non-alcoholic beverage, has managed to glamorize teetotalism in a way that has people changing the way they view nightlife. This product is not an enticement for sobriety, but rather a self-care approach to socializing.
With the bars and restaurants temporarily closed, people have been lining up outside their local liquor store to be sure they are fully stocked for the unforeseeable future. Live stream cocktail making classes and Zoom happy hours with friends has become the new social norm thanks to Covid-19. Humans are social beings, and this quarantine has proven to be a challenge for many of us. A virtual cheers behind a computer screen just isn’t the same. And a cocktail simply tastes better when your favorite bartender shakes it up.
So whether we like it or not we are forced to take a step away from the bars, and if you’re hoping to take this time to adopt new and healthy habits, you might be at war with yourself over what time is “acceptable” to start drinking. Brunch cocktail? Afternoon happy hour? Sometime after 5pm? It might not matter so much if you felt good about WHAT you were drinking.
Jen Batchelor, founder of Kin, the world's first euphoric, non-alcoholic beverage, has managed to glamorize teetotalism in a way that has people changing the way they view nightlife. This product is not an enticement for sobriety, but rather a self-care approach to socializing. Kin has combined nootropics, which enhance cognitive function and adaptogens, herbs used to reduce stress into a classy, aesthetically pleasing bottle.
Several cities across the US including Los Angeles, Chicago and New York have begun stocking their shelves with Kin Euphorics. And so far, at least a dozen bars in NYC have added Kin to their cocktail menus. If this trend continues to spread we might be looking at more “rememorable” nights and clearer mornings. Kin Euphorics retails at $39 a bottle and includes free shipping. Add this tasteful bottle to your home bar and join your Zoom happy hours with peace of mind.
Photo Credits: Kin Euphorics Site
Report: Emily Casey
KITH and Sailor Moon Team Up For New Collaboration
Over two decades later, Sailor Moon’s legacy is still felt throughout pop culture, a milestone that is commemorated by the clothing brand KITH.
Sailor Moon was one of the flagship anime in the 1990s that introduced an entire generation to the distinct art style and boundless creativity of Japanese animation. Over two decades later, Sailor Moon’s legacy is still felt throughout pop culture, a milestone that is commemorated by the clothing brand KITH.
KITH has officially collaborated with the Sailor Moon franchise itself in celebration of the television show’s 25th anniversary. The label’s latest products are hoodies and t-shirts depicting the eponymous superhero with the KITH logo. As a series that resonated most with young girls, Sailor Moon proved that femininity and strength are mutually inclusive, a sentiment best symbolized by the pink cropped hoodie with an image of the Sailor Scouts wearing KITH clothing emblazoned upon it.
Conversely, Sailor Moon’s character design, consisting of her colorful dress and signature blonde pigtails, is prime for graphic streetwear, creating a look that is casual and youthful, yet feminine. KITH’s new merchandise will undoubtably reignite older consumers’ nostalgia for their beloved childhood cartoon, all while subtly invoking the younger generation’s curiosity about the anime, eventually leading to another era of young girls becoming invested in the iconic heroine. Overall, KITH exemplifies the modern art of mainstreaming what was once a niche interest through the innovation of fashion trends.
Report: Nia Hunt
Spend Quarantine Creating a Streamlined Closet You Feel Good About
Let's face it, we are stuck at home for the next however many weeks. We can twiddle our thumbs, make banana bread, and binge watch Tiger King and Little Fires Everywhere: done, done and done. But we could also be tackling our cluttered and outdated closet that we would organize and purge "if only we had the time"; and we may never be granted with this considerable amount of time again.
Let's face it, we are stuck at home for the next however many weeks. We can twiddle our thumbs, make banana bread, and binge watch Tiger King and Little Fires Everywhere: done, done and done. But we could also be tackling our cluttered and outdated closet that we would organize and purge "if only we had the time"; and we may never be granted with this considerable amount of time again.
Having a messy closet creates a messy mind. Taking the time to go through items you no longer need will only make it easier to find the items that you truly love. Why keep a piece of clothing you feel average wearing? Imagine having a closet featuring only items that make you feel confident and self-assured when you put them on. Creating a streamlined closet can also make your mornings less stressful, allowing you to use your energy on something other than deciding what to wear. Just look to Steve Jobs and what all he accomplished by simply eliminating the conflict of choosing an outfit.
One approach to condensing your closet could be to build a capsule wardrobe. This is a trending practice although the world’s idea of the capsule wardrobe has strayed far from its original design when fast fashion came walking down the runway in the early 2000’s. Susie Faux is known as the first to conjure up this simple idea in London in the 1970’s and a decade later was made popular in the United States by Donna Karan’s Seven Easy Pieces. If the capsule wardrobe is such a simple concept, why is it so challenging to put into practice? For starters, purging cherished items can be overwhelming. The simplicity of a minimalistic life remains only a concept for many when they are faced with the reality of what it actually entails; parting with some of our “old favorite’s”, “nostalgic pieces”, and of course our “I-might-wear-that-someday”’s.
So maybe you won’t have Susie Faux’s 12 piece closet, but taking advantage of this time to arrange your closet in a way that makes YOU feel good could be just as beneficial. Admit to yourself you will never again wear those ill-fitting jeans or that itchy sweater, or even that t-shirt that WAS your favorite back in 2016. You might soon realize that less is truly more. I know it can be difficult to part with clothes that hold so much sentimental value, but if you can unearth some inspiration during this time of quarantine, you may find yourself walking out of this mess, well, in less of one. I suggest bagging these items up and setting them aside and when the world opens up again consider donating these once loved items to someone who will love them once again.
Photo Credit: Vogue.com
Report: Emily Casey
The Meme vs The Dater
The days of old school love are gone or at least it flies under the radar. Today, dating is like quantum physics.
The days of old school love are gone or at least it flies under the radar. Today, dating is like quantum physics. Everyone has been heartbroken at one time or another if not repeatedly. With this, we develop coping mechanisms to avoid dealing with the trauma or to make light of it. Everyone plays a game whether they realize it or not, with lack of trust, fear of rejection, and commitment issues, among many other factors we use sex as a defense and a weapon.
We use sex to get someone to be around long term and that’s all it becomes and we mask our true emotions secretly waiting for the other person to want more. Instead of relationships, we end up with situationships or a list of people we go to for different needs.
Each experience is made into a joke and becomes a meme on the internet. Meme culture has taken a large toll on the dating game as many people don’t have anyone to talk to about their situations with suitors or potential lovers and turn to social media to air out their troubles. We do this hoping to gain clarity from others beginning deep discussions and debates.
With each situation and moment in society, we get a new meme, it becomes a phenomenon as its something that a large group of people can relate to and laugh about. Currently, we are in a time of the Coronavirus also known as COVID-19. Everyone is to keep their distance from one another as this deadly virus takes its toll on the world as we know it. With that, schools and offices have closed and everyone is now working from home. Some are home with loved ones, parents with children, couples are together, and singles are alone.
Every situation is unique. Right now, we have government and state officials telling the public if they aren’t essential workers to stay indoors. This has left a lot of single people feeling lonely as no one can travel or go out to see friends and family. Thus creating a new meme of one person trying to get another to come over despite the deadly pandemic and another meme that reads “everyone is home quarantined and they have their phone so if they wanted to talk they would.”
This time is challenging people who are interested in the dating world to take a new approach and be virtual with phone calls, texting or having virtual dates. This forces people to rely on personality rather than looks and other physical attributes. It also makes sex a minor factor. Dating has now become a virtual courtship for those who are serious enough about it. To give someone long term consideration without the ability to invite a potential suitor or lover for what the culture calls “Netflix and Chill”.
Report: Josephine Coiscou
On the Road to Healthy Hair With Pantene
Our hair doesn't have to suffer because beauty salons are closed-- Pantene provides a product for all of us no matter what your hair type is.
Taking care of your hair could be difficult on a regular day, but during the COVID-19 crisis it only makes it that much harder to have healthy hair. Not many hair brands provide products for all types of hair. Pantene has numeral collections specifically made for your kind of hair. Even during these hard times Pantene is coming out with a product that can help a lot of people.
Colored Hair - Pantene announced that they are released a new collection, Sunlit Blondie. This helps people replenish blonde, platinum, highlights, and pastel hair. With hair salons closed being able to brighten your colored hair in your house is a major plus.
Fine Hair- The Foam Collection has weightless shampoo, conditioner and more that keeps hair from going flat. Heavier conditioners usually leave fine hair looking lifeless and over moisturized. That’s why the Foam Collection is perfect for fine hair, it leaves it looking light and clean.
Think, Coily, Curly Hair- The Gold Series Collections is for natural, relaxed, or transitioning hair. The Gold Series is heavy on moisture for those of us with thick hair. Keeps hair moisturized and smooth.
Damaged Hair- The Intense Rescue Shots Collection was made for those whose hair may be dry and brittle. This collection is all made of deep conditioners to turn your dry hair into soft and shiny.
No Harsh Chemicals- For those who are looking for hair care products with no harsh chemicals like sulfate, parabens, dyes, and mineral oil, The new Nutrient Blends Collection is for you. There are products in this collection for all kinds of hair, from fine to coily.
During this crisis we have to work with what’s available, which isn't much with beauty salons and beauty supply stores being closed. Supermarkets and select drug stores carry Pantene products that work for all of us no matter what type of hair you have all at moderate prices. When quarantining is no longer necessary and everyone is outside your hair won’t look like it skipped a beat. Products are also available for purchase online at Pantene.
Report: Alycia Williams
Shop The Products
You Grow New York
With restrictions put into place, opportunity to go outside and get some fresh air, relax, or visit the local park are limited. But what if a simple plant inside your apartment can make you feel more at ease?
With New York being the epicenter of the Covid 19 Pandemic, people are left with nowhere to turn but the four walls of their tiny apartments. With restrictions put into place, opportunity to go outside and get some fresh air, relax, or visit the local park are limited. But what if a simple plant inside your apartment can make you feel more at ease? That is the mission of Maryah Greene, the founder of Greene Piece. Maryah, otherwise dubbed as the plant doctor, provides plant-based services to customers, including indoor plant styling and space design. She believes that by having plants in one’s living space, we can nurture it, attend to it, and love it, the way we sometimes forget to do for ourselves during this stressful time. Having a plant at home not only allows us to channel our emotions into the nurturing process but also allows us to shift our focus from the difficult current situation to further developing our green thumb. There are many benefits to having a plant at home, including lower stress levels and blood pressure. With mental health being a concern for many, why not invest some tender love and care into a plant?
Maryah's services cost between $125-175, but if you’re not ready to have your apartment furnished with plants and succulents, here are some tips for new plant parents:
Start small. There is no need to go out and buy hundreds of dollars of plants right away. Grab a $10 plant from your local nursery or street vendor and build your way up.
Don’t overcrowd your plant. Let it have some time to itself! Overwatering or extra enthusiasm may hinder its growth process and even cause it to die.
Be Patient. This might not bring instant gratification. It’s a slow growth process, but once the results appear, it’s a rewarding moment.
Report: Woo Jong Kim
Actress Diane Neal Donates Handmade Masks Amidst COVID 19 Outbreak
Social distancing and shelter in place orders throughout the country have caused change for everyone. Actress Diane Neal has made the most of her self isolation by giving back to the community in the form of making and donating over 700 brightly colored face masks.
Mid March is when the effects of the coronavirus pandemic started hitting many of us full force. We’ve all had plans cancelled and had to do things differently than we are used to. The same is true for actress Diane Neal who was sent home from filming internationally due to the spread of COVID 19. Diane has been making the most of her downtime in self isolation by giving back to the community.
She began sewing masks in many brightly colored patterns, so far she has sewn for over 70 hours and made well over 700 masks. Diane has donated her masks to numerous friends and organizations including the National Action Network. In addition, Diane has taken to social media sharing her mask pattern as well as videos explaining each step of the process. She explained that people can make masks with many things already lying around their homes, she even used an old duvet cover to make some of her masks. Be sure to check out her instagram to learn how to make your own masks, stay healthy and safe!
Report: Rebecca Vanderkooi
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.