In the heart of downtown Springfield lies a wonderful little store filled with unrivaled clothing designs, funky art, and two adorable cats. Carl’s Bad Designs is a shop operated by Carlea Badolian that opened in spring 2024. This store highlights the importance of sustainability through its upcycled vintage pieces, local art, and thrifted clothing. The store is a hub of creativity, with every corner beckoning exploration.
Read MoreMusic and musicians have been shaping pop culture and fashion for decades. Fall is a uniquely-aestheticized season, conjured by a variety of fashion styles that were highly popularized by musicians. Particularly, Fleetwood Mac's boho-chic looks and the heavy, classic looks popularized by Alice in Chains have overpowered fall fashion and fueled the specific aesthetic that tends to rule the season. Pieces such as sweaters, bell bottoms, plaid, and boots work so well in the autumn weather.
Read MoreYour everyday go-to handbag is most likely your best friend. It’s a bag where you carry all your essentials, from your wallet to a piece of gum you’re saving for later. It’s your going out bag as well, like to the mall or to the club. Even with every outfit you put together, you always make it work with your handbag — a handbag can basically be your ride-or-die. It’s like love at first sight when you first see your handbag at either a thrift store, a boutique, or a high end store like Coach.
Read MoreThe past decade has seen many revivals of retro accessories from scrunchies to statement belts, but none as timeless and classic as the bolo tie. Once reserved for Western wear and cowboy culture, bolo ties are making their way back into the accessory scene as a unique touch to any outfit. Whether you are getting ready for a night out on the town or a formal event, bolo ties are sure to lasso their way into your heart and your closet!
Read MoreSuns out, thighs out. This summer brought back the once 90s-owned trend of low inseam bottoms. Particularly, “Aftersun” and “Normal People” star Paul Mescal had a hand in this resurgence coming to play. After continual paparazzi photos were released of the Irish actor wearing low inseam short shorts, the conversation around men wearing shorter bottoms has since populated the internet.
Read MoreKnown for their famous casual and everyday wear, Calvin Klein is one of the most recognized fashion brands, expressing style through minimalist pieces. The brand is notable for its underwear marketing campaigns, which recently starred Jeremy Allen White from FX’s “The Bear” on Hulu.
Read MoreBrands like Adidas, Nike, Converse, and New Balance all have one major aspect in common: at one point over the last 40 years, they have dominated the shoe industry in some way that made them the most talked about company. They have all created shoes that are not only timeless, but fashionable.
Read MoreAnimal print is back and instead of seeing it on “Jersey Shore,” we are seeing it on the runway. Known as the ‘it’ print for 2024, leopard print is popping up everywhere from runways to brands like Adidas with their recent release of the leopard-printed Sambas. Prints like these add an expensive flare to outfits and a pop of fun to any neutral base.
Read More"Saltburn," directed by Emerald Fennell, quickly gained popularity since its release in November of 2023. The film's stylistic choices as well as plot, characters, costumes, plot twists and many more have been a big rave since its premiere.
Read MoreHop in! Let us take a drive through time and style. Rev up your engines and buckle up, we are embarking on a style road trip like no other! Today, we are cruising through the heartlands of America to uncover the stories behind some of the nation’s most timeless pieces. So, grab your shades and your favorite playlist because this journey promises to be both educational and stylish.
In the eerie glow of the silver screen where nightmares come to life lies a hidden realm where fashion meets fear. Since the first female-centered hits of the 70s, “Black Christmas” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” horror movies have not only captivated audiences with their bone-chilling tales, but also serve as unexpected trendsetters in the world of fashion. The 1970s also saw the rise of one of the most popular tropes in the horror genre: the final girl.
With the release of albums like Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” and Lana Del Rey’s “Lasso” on the horizon, Gen Z is excited about country music more than ever before. Friends of mine who I never would have imagined donning a Stetson hat are now excitedly chittering about their plans for “cowgirl spring.” Whether they realize it or not, this enthusiasm for cowboy culture is a reclamation of sorts, with young minorities embracing styles that, for decades, have been hallmarks of conservative culture.
Read MoreThe Midwest has accumulated many aesthetics over the past decades — midwest emo, modernism, rurality, prairie style, etc. However, the most conspicuous style that has stayed prevalent in the past century is Midwest Gothic. This aesthetic is closely related to Southern Gothic, and the two often intertwine. As of late, the concepts of region-based aesthetics have become boosted through music, literature, film, and fashion. Most notably, Ethel Cain has reinvented the culture surrounding Midwestern Gothic.
Read MoreIn 2013, a couple of childhood friends, Josh “J” Lloyd-Watson and Tom “T” McFarland, based in Shepherd’s Bush, London, formed a band. They call themselves Jungle, an English soul and funk musical duo that would go on to remain more or less anonymous. Instead of prioritizing their identity as musicians, the main focus of their art is the music videos. In more recent years, one of the tracks from their newest album, "Volcano,” titled “Back on 74,” went viral on TikTok. Not only was the song trending, the dance associated with it was too
Read MoreGrowing up, I always noticed when people I knew had to get glasses, they typically preferred contacts instead. This made it seem like it was embarrassing to wear glasses. One of the main tropes in the media during the mid-2000s was the girl-who-needed-to-take-off-her-glasses-to-realize-that-she-was-always-beautiful, which did not help this thought. This enforced the narrative that glasses made girls “ugly”, which is Interesting how this standard did not apply to men.
Read MoreIn the history of fashion, pin-up girls have influenced a large cultural movement that still exists today. In a time where women’s rights were minimal, the pin-up girl look emerged. This look became empowering for women, allowing them to express their sexuality and confidence on their own terms. This aesthetic embodies a unique blend of glamor, confidence and femininity that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Read MoreNo pattern evokes summer nostalgia quite like gingham. Whether you spend your time lounging on checkered blankets, playing in the park or indulging in all the best picnic foods, sunny afternoons are sure to cultivate carefree memories. Beyond its association with leisurely outdoor gatherings, gingham has a rich history that spans continents and centuries.
Read MoreOver the course of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” season 12, Crystal Methyd demanded the affection and attention of the audience with antics such as the reveal of an Arabic “One Direction” tattoo. She not only had the signature wit of a drag queen: she had the style too. This ultimately earned her a spot in the finale.
Read MoreAmidst the many downsides of social media, there is one advantage to the fast paced nature of the internet: an expedited look-book of the next fashion trends seen overseas. Those in the fashion realm are all about taking inspiration from various parts of the world. One city’s dress code in particular has caught my eye recently, and that is Copenhagen, Denmark.
Read MoreThere are few things in this world that are more refreshing than putting away your space-eating sweaters and giant, unflattering yet warm, pants at the end of winter. Clearing space to bring out the bright colors and fun shapes of summer clothing can be an incredibly cathartic experience.
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