Quad Style: Wendy Xiao

Hi, my name is Wendy Xiao and I’m a first year with intentions to major in History and Visual Arts; this is how I start all my cover letters! I’m also currently involved in MODA. I enjoy visiting art galleries and I make lots of art myself. I love Kermit and the colour pink, and, lastly, I can also use Microsoft Excel and do basic math because I took a quarter of STAT 200.

What are you wearing for this shoot?

For this shoot, I am wearing mostly Chinese and South Korean brands that I found online, as well as some Uniqlo. For footwear, I’m in my Nike Tartans and Wotherspoons, and I am also accompanied by my pink Kermit portable charger. I did try to go hard on different fabrics for these looks so one is heavy on the corduroy, and the other is a quadruple plaid look (there was supposed to be 5 plaid items but I left my socks at home).

How would you describe your personal style?

I’ve noticed that my style shifts with the climate that I currently reside in. Currently, I’ve been wearing a lot of pinks, purples and neon colours, because I’m resisting against the dull winter weather and seasonal depression. Whereas over fall quarter, I found myself wearing lots of yellows and browns. Overall, my styling preference leans towards streetwear and I’d like to achieve the title of “a tasteful hypebeast art hoe who dresses well.” One look I really want to have is wearing colourful full piece suits, kinda like RuPaul or Cate Blanchett’s character in Ocean’s 8.

“I’d like to achieve the title of ‘a tasteful hypebeast art hoe who dresses well.’”

Where do you find style inspiration?

I follow a lot of Instagram streetwear accounts that pull together the coolest outfits, and seeing how they play with accessories, colours and shapes often give me fun ideas to try. I also get inspiration from Korean celebrities and those “what people are wearing to Fashion Week” photos.

Where do you like to shop?

I’m still discovering Chicago’s local fashion scene but I’ve definitely been getting into vintage and thrift shopping, which isn’t something that was available where I lived. I recently picked up some great stuff! There are a few streets in downtown Chengdu/Singapore where I go every time, and hit up all my favourite stores. One of my favourites is definitely Dover Street Market, I always take my time to walk around there every few weeks or so. I am such a big fan of their collaborations with brands and designers, creating these gorgeous art spaces that truly blend the boundaries between art, high fashion and streetwear. Some of my favourites include the Gucci and Nike collabs, as well as those ASSC Vans, and this Carhartt x DSM jacket I discovered. It’s really a religious experience walking around DSM and trying things on, 12/10 would recommend.

I mainly do my shopping online because I’m still a bit of a brand hoe and I like my New Year's/Black Friday discounts and you can really cop some expensive things for a very good price. I did get scammed on Grailed once trying to buy a Fenty sweater so idk what to tell ya. I also enter raffles for sneakers but I’ve never won any...

Do you have any fashion regrets?

Yikes, let's just say that it took me a while to get where I am and I would say that pre-2016 Wendy was a big fashion don’t. Before getting into fashion I dressed like every boy you knew in 9th grade. I found a photo of me wearing a grey Zara beanie, H&M zip-up hoodie, Adidas shorts and navy converse. Yes, I wore grey, navy, and black in the same outfit.

What’s your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

Initially, I got into fashion because I had friends who were very invested in streetwear and sneakers. I lived in Singapore and the streetwear culture there was growing, meaning that there were more and more opportunities to explore looks. Slowly, I’ve become obsessed with the challenge of dressing myself in ways that would be compositionally balanced, colour coordinated, and aesthetically pleasing. It’s quite a pretentious thing to say but I also just love it so much. My love for fashion also increased as there has been an increase of overlaps between high fashion, the arts and streetwear; three things that I absolutely adore!

“... fashion is an artistic outlet for me to mould and shape my identity... ”

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion has definitely helped me a lot in finding the confidence in being comfortable with who I am. I struggled a lot with my gender identity back in high school and having the freedom to experiment with my visual presentation. As an art form, I am a fan of how [fashion can] exist above the boundaries of gender. I like that fashion is an artistic outlet for me to mould and shape my identity, but it is also an art form that is explored by designers around the world.

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All images courtesy of Dasha Askenova. View more of her work on her Instagram.

You can also check out Wendy’s artwork on her website.

Quad Style: Veronica Myers

Meet Veronica Myers, a third year double majoring in Sociology and Art History and minoring in Human Rights. She’s one of the captains for the Women’s Varsity Lacrosse Team and an intern at the Smart Museum!

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The top, jeans, belt, and shoes are all thrifted. The only part of this outfit that I actually bought retail are the socks, because Uniqlo was having a sale.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is definitely heavily influenced by the 70s and 80s, not because I intentionally try to make it so, but because thrift stores are chock full of shoulder pads and tailored pants and bold prints, and I also steal a lot of clothing from my mom and dad’s closets. Someone once told me that I dress like a kindergarten teacher... I’m not really sure what that means, but I guess that’s also something to consider.

Where do you find style inspiration? 

This might sound cliché, but my friends!! Especially in college, where we’re all just trying to figure things out and push boundaries, I feel like we’re more willing to take risks and try new things, which leads to a lot of really fascinating looks. 

Where do you like to shop?

Village Discount is my holy grail and definitely where I shop the most, but back home in downtown Ventura there’s a line of thrift stores that my friends and I will hit up every time we’re home for break. If I’m shopping retail, my go-to stores are usually Uniqlo, Zara, Gap, or Target. Also, a good deal of my clothing comes from pieces my parents have held onto but don’t wear anymore (the best being a grey crop top that my dad used to wear during his football playing UCLA college days!).

Do you have any fashion regrets? 

I used to try way too hard in high school and took everything I wore very seriously. I was so focused on a highly curated look that at one point I carried around an artist satchel/briefcase as my school backpack for like, two years? I don’t really regret being so willing to dive into something, but I do regret committing to the satchel itself because I could only fit one notebook and a pencil pouch in it, so I ended up having to carry all of my textbooks in my arms.

The trench coat is my mom’s from when she was a young adult, the top and pants are both thrifted, and the shoes I’m pretty sure are from DSW.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

My relationship to fashion has changed dramatically over time, and it continues to evolve. I think growing up, we (especially young women) are taught that we need to fit into clothes, or modify ourselves to fit within a certain style, and for a really long time I tried to do that.

I think that’s why I love thrifted clothes so much, because you have no idea and no control over what kind of sizes/shapes/forms/fits you’re going to find. Suddenly, rather than trying to fit into clothing, it becomes a process of tailoring the clothing to you; a belt here, a shirt tuck there, cuffing an ankle, etc. In that way fashion has become such a personalized and individualized experience for me, and it’s become so much more fun and so much more freeing to discover the ways in which I can fashion clothing to this body of mine. 

Why is fashion important to you?

I never put too much time or effort or thought into what I’m wearing, and I think that’s why it’s so important to me. My personal style reminds me not to take life too seriously, and to just have fun with it. If I want to wear a floor length velvet gown, or bright red overalls, or high waisted jeans for the fifth day in a row, why not?

With so many other things going on, sourcing joy from what you wear seems so insignificant, but it can be so gratifying. Maybe ten years from now I’ll look back at what I’m wearing today and think, “wow what was I thinking,” but it doesn’t really matter because I’m thoroughly enjoying being me in this moment, and that to me is everything.

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All images courtesy of Angela Liu.

Quad Style: Juliet Lee

Meet Juliet Lee, a third year Sociology major. On campus, she's involved with the Student Alumni Committee, UIBG and KSO. She also a member of Theta and AKPsi.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style varies really from day to day, ranging from comfy tees and sweaters to nice dress shirts. Honestly, if I had to describe it, I'd probably say feminine meets street. I love lace, off-the-shoulder tops, and wedges. But I usually like to pair them with edgier pieces, whether it be a leather skirt or bigger accessories like hanging earrings or chokers.

Where do you find style inspiration? 

Much of my inspiration comes from Korean fashion, both from street style and Korean pop. I think I may be partial because much of the fashion is what I like to buy and wear though. If I had to choose specific people though to get inspiration from, I'd say all the members of Black Pink. I also like browsing through the Instagram of Jenn Im (though I don't think I could ever pull off her outfits). Otherwise, if I see someone wearing a cute outfit, I'll take inspiration from that. My fashion is pretty fluid, so I'm not picky about where I gain my inspiration from.

Where do you like to shop?

My current go-to shops are Zara, Madewell, and Aritzia. For basics, I love on-sale Abercrombie (sorry Ashley!). For the past several years, I've gone to Korea once a year, so usually I do a lot of shopping there. I love walking into random boutiques in Myeongdong, Garosugil, and Hongdae, but some of the bigger stores I like there are A Land, Los Angeles Project (LAP), and Style Nanda.

Do you have any fashion regrets? 

Haha I have so many from across the years. Our previous EIC, Ashley Xu, always comments on my choice of Abercrombie, so I'd probably have to say wearing t-shirts and sweaters with big, obnoxious logos.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

My relationship to fashion emerged in the end of high school. Before coming to UChicago, I was at an all-girl's school for nine years, where we had a uniform: khaki skirt and white shirt. I had never really explored fashion during this time, so after graduating, I definitely started to rethink what fashion meant to me. I became more interested in how fashion can affect self-presentation, providing another way for me to understand different aspects of myself. I love how different contexts call for different aspects of myself, which I explore through fashion. To me, fashion is not just clothes. I love choosing which accessories, handbags, and shoes to wear, because they add the extra detail that can really put together an outfit.

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion is important to me because you have the autonomy to present yourself in a particular way that you want. Ever-changing with time and space, fashion is dynamic, and because of this characteristic, there's so much potential there to unpack yourself through this medium. 

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All images courtesy of Natalia Rodriguez. View her online photography portfolio here.

Quad Style: Connor Fieweger

Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

Yuh, I’m Connor, a 3rd year physics major. I like to write, serve beverages, and act/sing/dance, so most of my RSOs revolve or have revolved around that.

I'm wearing a white button shirt from Uniqlo, a cardigan from Forever 21, joggers from I forget where, not-meme Timberlands with panda socks (hehe), and the black coat was inherited. This outfit I think actually works much better with pants that have a belt, but I guess I was feeling excitable that day. 

How would you describe your personal style?

50% contemporary street/loungewear, 25% Catholic school dress code, 25% miscellaneous.

“...my relationship to fashion has definitely changed over time. I feel like I’d be hard pressed to say that it is ever not changing, really.”

Where do you find style inspiration? 

I think a lot of my style comes out of just what I feel most comfortable in, and that includes everything from aesthetics to the outfit being functional. I’ll consider an outfit from a lot of different angles such as appearance or layering for weather or whether or not I have pockets to see if I really like it. Also sometimes A$AP Rocky.

The red shirt I took from my dad that I think he got from an actual event and he hasn’t said anything (yet) and the blue jean joggers are from Uniqlo.

Where do you like to shop?

Uniqlo, Topman, JCrew, Banana Republic, Ragstock, and also Forever 21 has a lot of stuff worth searching through their clearance section for.

Do you have any fashion regrets? 

Nah. I had a really bad haircut in like 4th grade, but that was more SuperCuts’ fault than mine.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

At the moment I think my relationship to fashion is right where I want it to be in that I have been actively considering fashion in my day-to-day life for long enough that I’ve established a core wardrobe that suits me.

With respect to how I’ve gotten to where I’m at: yes, my relationship to fashion has definitely changed over time. I feel like I’d be hard pressed to say that it is ever not changing, really. That said, I’ve definitely come a long way from high school where the dress code was such that I basically just wore a sweater over a polo most every day. 

Why is fashion important to you?

I wear clothes every day so I can’t help but feel like it should be important. 

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All images courtesy of Amelia Frank.

Quad Style: Sabrina Iddir

My name is Sabrina Iddir, I'm a second-year Statistics major on a pre-med track. I'm involved with ArtShould and MEDLIFE, I play violin in the University Symphony, and I work in a genomics lab on campus. I thoroughly enjoy art of all forms, with one of my biggest hobbies being oil painting mixed media portraits.

For this outfit, I'm wearing a mockneck from TJmaxx, a denim skirt from Forever 21, and a denim jacket from Goodwill. 

How would you describe your personal style?

I would call my personal style something along the lines of neutral minimalism, given that my outfits tend to include blacks, whites, and neutral colors, usually involving some sort of denim and/or boot (during any season). Walking into a store, I find myself most attracted to the basics -- I think I (unapologetically) own more staple white t-shirts than the average college student.

The off-the-shoulder top in this outfit is also from Forever21.

Where do you find style inspiration?

For style inspiration, I usually will come across some neatly-edited photo on Instagram or Pinterest that draws me in. Pop culture also plays a role in my style - I religiously watch the Kardashians (sorry), so I tend to catch on to their more mundane trends. I also adore the styles of Lauren Elizabeth and Orion Carloto, who I think most accurately depict the image I like to go for.

These shoes are from DSW.

Where do you like to shop?

The sale section is a home to me. I cannot walk past a Zara without going in, with my other go-to places being Urban Outfitters, H&M, and Topshop. Thrifting is also a gem worth exploring, and a good portion of my clothing has come from thrift stores like Goodwill.

Do you have any fashion regrets?

I regret wearing shoes that I knew were too cheap for my own good - last quarter I had to walk about 8 blocks barefoot because my shoes broke after teaching with ArtShould at an elementary school. Other regrets may include anything I wore before my junior year of high school. For clarity purposes, socks and Birkenstocks are most definitely not a regret of mine.

“Being a student comes with plenty of obligations and stresses, but if I enjoy what I’m wearing that day the stress feels diminished. ”

What is your relationship with fashion? Has it changed over time?

I think fashion is an important part of me, and I find that if I don't feel 100% confident in what I step out wearing, my mood will instantly drop. That being said, I don't tend to wear elaborate outfits often, so a majority of the time I'll feel most comfortable in a t-shirt and jeans. I used to not care about fashion as much as I do now, which I think developed as I started to find my personal style during high school.

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion is important to me because it allows me to outwardly express how I'm feeling at the moment. It also gives me one less thing to worry about. Being a student comes with plenty of obligations and stresses, but if I enjoy what I'm wearing that day the stress feels diminished. Sometimes a mock-neck or a matte lip is enough to keep me from losing it over a midterm.

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All images courtesy of Yamini Nambimadom. Check out her portfolio on Instagram

Quad Style: Cecilia Sheppard

Meet Cecilia Sheppard, a first year in the College planning on majoring in Visual Arts and Art History. She's hoping to start up her fashion blog, Cecilia Roses, again next quarter. She loves being the Assistant Style Editor for the MODA Mag, does yoga and sings for University Chorus in her free time.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is always evolving. Of course I use all of the same pieces in my wardrobe, but I mix and match to create ensembles that allows me to take on a variety of looks as if styling myself for a film where I take on a very romantic and altogether feminine look, very collegiate, colorful, or edgy, done up or relaxed. I have a lot of fun getting dressed!

I’m wearing my favorite piece, a red Junya Wantanabe coat with attached ruff scarf, my go-to Zara culots and heeled zip-up boots.

Where do you find style inspiration? 

I find my biggest style inspiration from movies, artworks, plays, and literature. I watch all of the runways, but I don’t like trends. I love treating my wardrobe as a sort of trove of timeless things. By looking to the arts where a certain character or mood is presented, I dream up the looks that would fit into that setting and then style what I own to take on that mood that I fell in love with on the screen or in the pages of a book.

Where do you like to shop?

I love Ikram, Chicago. It’s more of a museum of the most fantastic well known designers and ones just being discovered by owner Ikram Goldman herself. I don’t go shopping that often. I tend to buy the pieces as I come across them, never buying in bulk. I love pieces that catch my eye because of their craftsmanship, how they feel and how they catch the eye across the room. Those are the qualities I want to have noticed when I wear them.

Do you have any fashion regrets? 

I wore almost exclusively a Ralph Lauren aesthetic up until high school, and so I wasn’t as experimental as I could have been. Yet, I’m not sure I regret that. I still wear a lot of those pieces. Even leggings that have gotten too small I’ve deconstructed and changed to wear as new shirts. I don’t get rid of many pieces from my closet, I have too much of a love affair with them. I don’t regret, I alter.

“I don’t get rid of many pieces from my closet, I have too much of a love affair with them. I don’t regret, I alter.”

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

My dream is to work in fashion. I’ve wanted to be the editor for “the best fashion magazine” for a long time. Right now that’s Vogue, but who knows, maybe I’ll start my own or I’ll branch off and create my own label. I love fashion, especially the editorial magazine side, because its an industry where art meets people. I want to make the world more beautiful and to realize fashion’s best purpose: to empower.

For my other look, I’m wearing a Topshop Boutique dress, Gucci shoes and rings, and Nina Ricci coat.

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion is important to me because it has allowed me to be creative every morning getting dressed and feel confident anywhere I go. It’s also made me appreciate all sorts of people. What looks they take on make me curious about who they are, where they’ve been, and where they’re going. Fashion just happens to be a great conversation starter for meeting people and finding the answers to all of the above. I simply love that.

“[Fashion has] made me appreciate all sorts of people. What looks they take on make me curious about who they are, where they’ve been, and where they’re going.”

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All images courtesy of Charlotte Wang.

Quad Style: Jessica Lu

Hi! My name is Jessica Lu. I'm a fourth-year Econ major at UChicago and am part of campusCATALYST, AOII, and Women in Business. My hobbies include taking millenial-targeted fitness classes, talking about how I studied abroad in Paris, and hanging out in Pret.

How would you describe your personal style?

The immediate reaction I want from people is, “Oh, I don’t think I’ve seen that before.” – hopefully in a good way, of course – whether that’s accomplished by asymmetric necklines, mixing of textures, complex layering, interesting prints or irregular shapes.  While there are many mainstream brands that I buy, I like to buy pieces that don’t necessarily scream that brand (which can be hard to do with places like Brandy Melville). I also prefer to wear a variety of different outfits rather than recycle through staples; I think it’s worth the convenience trade-off to shop at consignment or thrift stores to make this goal affordable.

What is your go-to outfit?

In the cold: My dad’s Oscar de la Renta cardigan, a slightly cropped top, leggings, heel boots from a boutique in Paris

In the warm: A sundress from the Melrose Trading Post, black and white heel Tory Burch sandals, Urban Outfitters sunglasses

"Later in life, I think the goal is to be the Rachel Zane (Meghan Markle) of my office and the Rachel Green (Jennifer Anniston) of my Friends." 

Who is your biggest style inspiration?

My sister Jenny (a sophomore at Georgetown) – who also happens to run a fashion blog and serves as an inspiration to tens of thousands of other people

Where do you like to shop?

Realistically, most often: Boutiques in Venice, Santa Monica, West Hollywood; Urban Outfitters; Zara; ASOs… my sister’s closet

Ideally, instead of my in imaginary budget: Are You Am I, Planet Blue, LF, All Saints

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

Fashion always states something about the wearer’s identity whether intentionally or not. Over the years, I’ve always wanted to be in control of that statement even as the message changes. Right now, through my hectic college life, I try to use my clothing as a façade to express that my life is put-together (rather than perhaps being the only element of my life that is). Later in life, I think the goal is to be the Rachel Zane (Meghan Markle) of my office and the Rachel Green (Jennifer Anniston) of my Friends.

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion is important to me because as someone who otherwise has no artistic talent it’s a convenient way to express myself. Plus it’s always fun to see what other people are wearing!

Outfit A: Dress is from a boutique on Main St. in Santa Monica, bralette is from Urban Outfitters, shoes are from ASOs.

Outfit B: Shirt is from Brandy Melville,  jeans are originally from GAP but were bought at a thrift store in Los Angeles.

Images courtesy of Sima Shah.

Join Us for the Latest MODA Magazine Launch!

This mag launch, MODA is serving more than looks. Join us to celebrate the release of the latest issue of MODA Magazine and enjoy a 'taste of MODA'— featuring four flavors of 'nice cream' from Frönen + other assorted treats!

South Lounge is located in Reynolds Club across the hall from Hallowed Grounds.

Quad Style: Zoe Makoul

Meet Zoe, a fourth year studying Political Science and Environmental and Urban Studies. Currently, she the Executive Director of the University Ballet of Chicago, a Peer Advisor at the Center for Leadership and Involvement, and part of the Phoenix Sustainability Initiative and APO.

What are you wearing for this shoot?

In these pictures, I’m wearing a few of my favorite pieces. I have on a crop-top black sweater from H&M with these sporty stripes on the collar and sleeves, which I am totally in love with. Over it, I have a really lovely chiffon button-down. I don’t remember where it’s from, but I’m super into the lace collar and the diamond cutout in the back. I don’t remember where my pleated skirt is from either, but it’s also navy blue chiffon. My shoes are just Adidas sneakers. I’m also wearing my grandmother’s watch.

How would you describe your personal style?

My style is eclectic, but overall it’s soft and feminine with an edge. Each day I dress for how I feel, so I’m sometimes in athleisure, sometimes in all-natural cotton and Birkenstocks, sometimes in lots of lace and frills. I would say that the most consistent factor in my style is a retro element. I love adding a touch of something interesting, which I usually do with lace details, ‘60s patterns, or A-line cuts. I just got bangs, which I wear down maybe half the time, depending on my outfit. I also wear lots of layers, and I love combining textures in unexpected ways.

Where do you find style inspiration?

I like creating outfits based on one or two pieces that I’m really feeling. Whenever I find something new or rediscover something old in my closet, I get excited about planning what to wear with it. Because a lot of my family lives in Israel, whenever I visit I always try to look for interesting pieces that I might not necessarily find locally. Those are the clothes I’ll center an outfit around. I also get a lot of style inspiration from the bolder statements celebrities are making now, which gives me more freedom to experiment and take risks.

Where do you like to shop?

For me, the trick is shopping in unexpected places. I love thrift stores, and I also get a lot of hand-me-downs from my mom and my little sister, which is always fun because my mom has a very natural loose style and my sister is very into current trends and street-style. I also like to save money and find unique clothes by shopping in the kids section at places like H&M or Zara.

Do you have any fashion regrets? 

In high school, I definitely went through a phase where I felt uncomfortable with my body and hid it with lots of loose layers. I wouldn’t say that I regret having dressed like that, but it was definitely a look. My relationship to fashion has changed as I’ve grown up a little. I still like to wear layers and lots of sweaters, but I’ve learned that less is more. I try to shop for my size (hello kids section!) instead of wearing lots of baggy clothes.

What is your relationship to fashion and has it changed over time? Why is fashion important to you?

Now, I see fashion as expression and as an art, but even more importantly, I can honor how I feel by making meaningful choices about what goes onto my body. What I wear can totally change my day.

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All images courtesy of Jaire Byers. View his photography portfolio here.

On Wednesdays We Get Drunk: An Ardent Defense of Bar Night

Unless you're out of touch with UChicago or otherwise live under a rock, you've no doubt seen that recent Maroon article. You know, that one. The one that bashes Bar Night for not being "intellectual" enough for UChicago, while overall just presenting as a self-congratulatory and elitist rant rife with pompous language and not-so-thinly veiled racism. I'm not here to tear the article apart — there's been plenty of that on Facebook — but I am going to take the time to defend Bar Night in all of its sticky, drunken glory.

Last night, out of pure spite, I went to Bar Night for the first time in literally years. I'll concede that I didn't really have a ton of fun: my friend Kardelen and I stuck around for about 45 minutes before we went home to make mac 'n cheese. But I digress. The reason I didn't have fun isn't because Bar Night sucks, it's because I was a jaded fourth year surrounded by happy and fun-loving first years. Hell, when I was a first year I lived for Bar Night. I was there almost every week because it was great. And what I saw last night was exactly the same great time as first year me saw consistently every week. It was the ultimate realisation of "it's not you, it's me." 

Bar Night Before and After: first year Emilia enjoying a Dat Donut (left), vs. fourth year Emilia captured in a candid (right). Strangely enough I'm wearing the same coat in both.

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Bar Night, after all, is just a frat party. But on a deeper level it's more than that. It's a UChicago tradition. A small weekly commitment to creating fun where fun goes to die. And sure we don't sit around sipping fine wine and discussing Plato, but if you go there you'll know there's no shortage of people drunkenly debating the Republic or the allegory of the cave like the socially awkward nerds we all are. 

“It’s not our insecurities that are toxic, but the way we are convinced we should deal with them.”

But that's not even the point. Why is there this insistence that we need to be intellectual all the time? Are we as a collective so insecure about our own intelligence that we need to take the time to critique others for not liking the same things we do? I want to say of course not, but it happens time and time again, especially here at UChicago. And for what? I wish I could say I don’t know, but I’ve acted this way myself. Most of the time I did it was because I was lonely and full of self loathing. I wanted people to agree with me and tell me how smart I was. I can’t speak for the author of the article, but I was so desperate for some unknown entity’s approval that I was willing to shame others for something as trivial as their taste in music or fashion sense. It’s not our insecurities that are toxic, but the way we are convinced we should deal with them.

So what can we do? In all honesty, not much. What’s important is that we love ourselves for who we are. Who cares if you love Weezy, Yeezy, Beethoven, Bach, or even One Direction? Whether Socrates is your favorite philosopher or whether you thought his works are dry and boring? What you like doesn’t determine your worth as an intellectual or even as a person. Going to frat parties doesn't determine that either.

So, let's return to Bar Night. It is an iconic and fundamental part of UChicago culture. (The question of Greek life as a whole at UChicago is far more nuanced, and honestly I don't think it's relevant to discuss it here.) By all means, you don't have to like it — even I came to the conclusion that I don't enjoy it as much as I used to — but you must admit that it's an important part of many of our college experience. That can't be ignored. To brush it aside in an act of self-promotion of arbitrary value is just wrong.

I only have one more point to make, and it's at the expense of me being a hypocrite. To the OP of the Maroon article: Gasolina is an absolute banger and you are wrong. I hope you know that they played it twice while I was there last night, and it was amazing.

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Feature image via.

Youtubers to Watch: Caitlin Shoemaker

Welcome to our series: Youtubers to Watch. In this section we will introduce you to our favorite Youtube channels. We hope these channels will be a fun addition to your study breaks and summer internet scrolling!

While moving off campus means fun, friends, more freedom, and a cozier living space, it also adds many more responsibilities to your life. If you are an amateur chef looking for healthy, budget friendly and versatile recipes, Caitlin's cooking and lifestyle channel will become your go-to-source of inspiration!

As a medical student herself, Caitlin also doesn't have much time and resources to cook. However I love her suggestions and recipes–which always end up in both delicious and aesthetically beautiful meals. Ranging from nutritious oatmeal variations to creative salads, chilis and many more samples from international cuisines, her videos promise to give you many ideas to stick to a healthy diet and impress your friends. Her clear explanations make it super easy to follow her steps and allow you to customize her recipes according to your own personal preferences.

Even if you are not vegan, you might want to try her vegan recipes, which look and taste amazing. My favorites include Cheesy Vegan Breakfast Pizza made with Homemade Smoky Tempeh Bacon, Savory Mango & Chipotle Quinoa Buddha Bowl, Sweet Potato, Red Lentil, and Peanut Stew.

Bon appetit!

All images via

Quad Style: Santi Ruiz

Meet Santi Ruiz, a third year Political Science major and Human Rights minor. On campus he's active in URock Climbing Club, plays soccer on the club team, and writes occasionally for The Maroon and The Gate. Off campus, he likes to coach soccer for South Side Fire FC (catch him yelling at little kids on the Midway!).

How would you describe your personal style?

In the fall and winter I definitely skew more towards a collegiate, professor-y look, but most of my warm weather stuff is vaguely preppy. Since I'm coaching or playing soccer most days I also like finding ways of dressing up the athletic stuff I wear. I'm a big sweater guy.

I'm wearing desert boots I thrifted, black jeans from Pacsun, a The War On Drugs t-shirt I grabbed from their concert last month, a jean jacket I thrifted, and a leather jacket from my dad.

Where do you find style inspiration? 

I don't know if there's any one place I look to, although recently I'm following a lot of soccer players and how they dress off the pitch.

Where do you like to shop?

I don't do a ton of shopping, but the Urban Outfitters outlet and Uniqlo are definitely my go-tos.  The St. Pius Parish Store is an underrated gold-mine of a thrift store, and the Village Discount is great too. Encore is also a great Hyde Park thrift store that could use more UChicago love!

Do you have any fashion regrets? 

I was way too preppy for way too long. Also, I wore these yellow boots pretty much every day my first winter here. They're insanely ugly.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

I got interested in fashion in high school, I think mostly as a reaction to having to wear a uniform. I grew up just outside DC, which fashion-wise is an extremely conservative city, so it wasn't really until I got to college that I saw how much one can do with fashion.

Why is fashion important to you?

For me, fashion is this neat exercise in playing with expectations. Because there aren't really any stakes, you get to try all kinds of stuff and experiment with how people see you.

Here I'm wearing sneakers from Boohooman (cheap but really versatile), Adidas joggers, and an original 1985 Maccabi Games zip-up I thrifted in Philadelphia.

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All images courtesy of Kiran Misra. Check out her photography portfolio here.

Quad Style: Talha Yousaf

Meet Talha, a fourth year majoring in Economics from Lahore, Pakistan. He’s involved with the Admissions Office, Eckhart Consulting, and Greek Life. When he isn’t busy skipping class, Talha enjoys watching soccer, pretending to weightlift, and tagging his friends in cat memes.

Jeans by Zara, polo and overcoat by Ralph Lauren, and scarf by Paul Smith

How would you describe your personal style?

I generally dress versatile. I like accessorizing an otherwise casual outfit by pairing it with a nice watch or shoes. It’s dressed down to the point where I can go to class or grab a bite with a friend, but also allows for occasions that are less casual.

What is your go-to outfit?

A good pair of jeans or chinos with a polo in the summers, paired with an overcoat and scarf when it’s colder.

Jeans by Levi’s, Kenneth Cole Reaction penny loafers, Tommy v-neck

Who is your biggest style inspiration?

I don’t think there’s any particular person that’s influenced my style. I just like taking mental notes whenever I see someone, whether it be a friend, someone on the streets or a celebrity wearing something that speaks to me.

 

"I think the way you dress says a lot about you and how you want to be perceived by the world."

Where do you like to shop?

J. Crew, Zara, Ralph Lauren, among others. Most of the time I’m scavenging for deals from these brands online, but sometimes certain outlets also offer good deals. If I see something I like in a store, I always make it a point to see if I can buy it for a better price elsewhere.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

It’s definitely changed over the years. In the past, I’d go for simple outfits. A lot of my outfit choices are similar in that regard, but I usually pair it with something I consider a style statement, like a scarf in the winter and a sports jacket with a pocket square for something more formal.

Why is fashion important to you?

I think the way you dress says a lot about you and how you want to be perceived by the world. A large part of why I dress the way I dress is to let my clothes speak for me, especially to people I don’t yet know. I’ve been described as a chill, easy-going guy with some unique personality traits, which I think is reflected in my choice of outfits.

All pictures courtesy of Sima Shah.

Quad Style: Christy Cheng

Meet Christy Cheng, a rising second year from Brooklyn, New York, with no clue what she's majoring in yet!

I'm wearing a shirt and pants from Zara, a thrifted belt, and a leather jacket from Forever21. 

My boots are from Aldo! 

How would you describe your personal style?

Offbeat business casual. One of my favorite things is pairing items you would normally find in a professional environment, like trousers, with different textures and prints to break them away from their structured character.

Where do you find style inspiration? 

A lot of my inspiration comes from fashion Instagrammers and Youtubers or just by browsing through online shops. But most of the time, my outfit translates to whatever I’m feeling that morning. This could mean anything from mom jeans and sneakers when I want a relaxing day or a slip dress and a bunch of necklaces when I wake up feeling more spirited.

Where do you like to shop?

Thrifting always leads me to find really cool, different pieces I wouldn’t normally come across. Aside from that, I also enjoy ASOS, Zara, and MANGO -- all these stores have both pieces with classic, timeless silhouettes but also bold prominence that you can focus an outfit around.

Do you have any fashion regrets? What’s your biggest fashion faux pas? 

In general, my biggest regret has always been not branching out enough. Whether this translates to mainly wearing black or middle school Aeropostale and Hollister attire, I now always try to push myself to wear something I’m uncertain about and find a way to mold it to fit my style

I scored these dangly earrings from Forever21. 

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time? Why is fashion important to you?

For me, fashion is confidence. There’s something about straying from the norm and cultivating your own style that goes beyond any other form of expression; it’s so intimately connected with your person and you can define yourself without saying a single word. Whenever I wake up feeling sluggish and dread going to class, I’ll throw on an outfit I feel confident in and automatically feel more motivated to start my day. It’s also just a way to experiment with no consequences—there’s no right or wrong when deciding whatever constitutes your identity.

All images courtesy of Angela Fung. Check out more of her photography here.

‘Stocks and Socks: Hot or Not?

Birkenstock shoes have finally reemerged from their cold-weather hibernation, to the delight of some and the disgust of others. In recent years, Birkenstocks shoes have become increasingly popular among teens. They come in varying shapes, sizes, and designs, as well as different comfort levels (I personally prefer the soft footbed ones best).

As Birks, also mockingly-called “Jesus sandals”, begin to resurface in tandem with rising temperatures, people have begun talking about them again. The latest debate is an old one, but still a fun topic nevertheless. Some may have a strong opinion about the sandals themselves, but many more hold stronger opinions about the combination of ’stocks and socks. It goes like this: in the days when it’s warm enough for birks but too cold for toes, you must compromise. The solution is simple: slip on a pair of socks before you slip on your Birks.

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Many East Coast residents dig the ‘stocks and socks combination, but others think the pairing is both foolish and unfashionable. Some consider it to be a severe fashion faux-pas, but hey, comfort and warmth are sometimes more important, aren’t they? This debate has been going on for years now, but on campus and this summer, I’ve been seeing more and more Birks emerging. Besides, I've always been a proponent of wearing what you want, and not listening to the haters.

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Quad Style: Leah Yamini

Meet Leah Yamini, a rising third year Sociology major. Leah is currently involved with Leaders of Color and house council. Her hobbies include reading (especially fanfiction), listening to music "until her ears bleed," and going to the movies. She also writes poetry. 

I’m wearing a sweater from Old Navy, jeans from Forever 21, boots from a brand I can’t remember and a Calvin Klein peacoat.

How would you describe your personal style?

I would describe my personal style as simple and mindful of comfort. I enjoy the texture of clothes even more than the actual look at times. Soothing, warm and sturdy fabrics are my go to, but I also look for vibrant colors in some way, shape or form. If a piece of clothing is too constricting or uncomfortable, I bypass it.

Where do you find style inspiration? 

I find style inspiration from the people I come across in everyday life. I’m really appreciative of people who look good, so I take note of whatever look they’re wearing. Sometimes it’s not my style, but other times I’m inspired to try something new. I also draw inspiration from the Internet, from advertisements, blogs or videos.

Where do you like to shop?

I honestly like to shop anywhere (that isn’t too expensive). Name brand stores, thrift shops, local vendors, if it catches my eye and doesn’t break my bank, then I’ll buy it. I don’t shop often, but when I do I’m picky. So many factors go into choosing an item of clothing. I keep in mind the potential longevity of a piece of clothing, again going back to the fundamental material aspect of fashion that I appreciate a lot.

Do you have any fashion regrets? What’s your biggest fashion faux pas? 

I don’t really have many fashion regrets. I didn’t really care much about fashion until recently, and even now I’m still learning and cultivating my sense of style. Probably the biggest fashion faux pas to me is wearing something you’re not comfortable in. When you feel good, you look good.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

Fashion for me is a way to express how I’m feeling, even if it doesn’t come across in my interactions during the day. If I’m wearing dark colors, I’m probably feeling moody. Bright colors, I’m feeling confident. It’s very cliche to be honest, but it's legitimate! I use to be pretty apathetic towards fashion, but through learning about others’ and their relationships to it, as well as enjoying the wonderful outfits creativity can put together, I’m appreciating it more and more in regards to myself now.

Why is fashion important to you?

The conscious effort to express myself through fashion gives me an opportunity for personal time in this busy world. The time spent on not only looking presentable for others, but pleasing your own eye with your style choices creates a sense of unity with one’s self. The outside and the inside of me can connect just a little bit more through fashion.

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All images courtesy of Kaiwen Luan. Check out his photography portfolio here and here. 

Quad Style: Ashvini Kartik-Narayan

The first time I met Ashvini, she performed a spoken-word poem about wearing the color red. I was speechless. Knowing Ashvini means being ready for a lot of moments like that - being left speechless at the way she perceives meaning in totally ordinary things: wearing the color red, a trip to JC Penney to buy shorts, getting a haircut, needing new shoes. That's why I was so happy when she agreed to talk with me about using fashion as a way to be brave, and as an instrument for body-positivity. 

A girl in white/ Decided that wasn't right/ Now she wears red/ And chops hair off her head.

1. One of my favorite things about you is how inimitably you own who you are, and that's exemplified in how you champion body positivity with your poetry and fashion. How do you curate your wardrobe to maintain body positivity? What's your advice for people who are striving to do so?

Find pieces that resonate with you. This is your body and you choose what makes you feel amazing. I try to focus on how I feel more than how I look. I'll say to myself, "I love these pants because they are cool, and I don't care how they make my legs look." Believing in what you wear is so important. Let that power guide you if it's hard to find it in yourself. 

I try to wear things that scare me, because the more you do it the less scary it becomes. I try not to hide behind baggy sweaters, but I do not always succeed. My wardrobe is full of baggy sweaters, and I rarely buy things with short sleeves. That's a reflection of my personal insecurities, so I want to clarify that I'm not perfect when it comes to following my own advice.

The most important part of any wardrobe is comfort and confidence, but sometimes the way that you achieve comfort and confidence is by going outside of your comfort zone and believing yourself to be worth the things you love.

2. Does what you wear translate directly to how you feel, or do your feelings dictate what you choose to wear?
It's a bit of both. I've battled with body positivity my whole life, so my feelings dictate what I wear in more ways than one. At the same time, if I'm wearing something that I love - my mom's denim jacket, a pin my friend made me with Florence Foster Jenkins' face on it, my glittery shoes - I always feel better. That's the sentimentality of fashion: it can take you to a place in the past, or any place at all where you feel safe and bold.

3. Tell me the story of your glittery shoes:
Oh, this is exciting. I used to only ever get brown or white shoes because I was so afraid of them not matching everything in my closet (because, remember, everything in my closet was mostly brown or white). The "wildest" colored shoes that I ever bought were maroon. So, I was inspired to look for a funky pair of sneakers when my friend got a pair of Converse with the Campbell's tomato soup logo on them. 

I came across these glittery, patched, multi-colored shoes that I just couldn't stop thinking about. I read a review of them from a 50-year-old woman who said that she had two pairs because she loved them so much. For the first time, I stopped wondering what I would wear them with, or whether they would match, or anything, and I just ordered them. When I got the email that the package had arrived, literally screamed. I ran outside to get them so quickly that the people in the room assumed I had seen a spider.

The shoes are ridiculous; you either love them or you hate them. But I love them. They sparkle, and they fill me with joy, and they defy the box I used to be in.

4. If you could inherit one person's closet, whose would it be?
Bay Garnett, for sure. Her closet seems so sentimental to me. She can tie every piece to a place and a time and a feeling, something that's beautiful and exciting and crazy. It's so inconsistent and unapologetic, like she's not afraid of anything.

5. You've mentioned that you strive to incite small rebellions with your fashion choices. Who, or what, are you rebelling against?
I'm rebelling against who I used to be. I used to wear the same white cardigan almost every day. I wore a lot of t-shirts. I was a lot less daring, and I certainly never would have gotten my glittery shoes. A lot of how I dressed was governed by my perceptions of what I should be wearing, how I felt about my body, and what type of person I thought I was.

So everything I wear is a rebellion against that - I'm trying to look as little like my past self as possible. Tavi Gevinson said she cut her hair because she would rather become a new person than remain the ghost of a past one. That's something I think about a lot with my approach to fashion, and life in general.

6. How do you view hairstyles as playing into a fashion statement?
I believe in the transformative power of a haircut. For most of my life, I associated long hair with beauty and assumed it just took a certain type of cool, awesome person to pull off short hair (that person was not me). Once I finally made the chop, I felt so much less constricted by who I thought I was. And all I did was cut seven inches. I'm growing out my hair again now just so I can have the thrill of shaving it all off later.

For me, my hairstyle has made fashion less about being beautiful and more about exercising freedom. Changing your hair can allow you to become a new person; it's a way of starting over. When you change your hair, you create contrast, and that drives fashion because you've suddenly landed in an interesting place where you've never been before.

7. Who has inspired you the most to be more colorful and rebellious with what you wear?
My mom. I still remember being in middle school and going to JC Penney to buy shorts, and seeing that the Bermudas I usually wore had gone out of style, leaving shorter shorts in their place. I was so afraid of wearing anything even slightly revealing, but it was my mom who said that if I didn't push my boundaries here, I wasn't getting any shorts.

I don't believe that the only way to work towards body positivity is to wear less (and neither does my mom), but because of my mom, I try to push through the insecurity and discomfort of wearing something that scares me. In my freshman year, she banned me from buying anything white or beige and always tried to get me to wear more color and funkier jewelry. She's always said that I'll only be young once, and that now is the time to like, fuck it. 

Quad Style: Frances Chen

Meet Frances Chen, a fourth year Economics and Psychology major from San Diego. Frances tells us she's "dabbled in a handful of clubs but the most important RSO in my college career has been MODA. I started with MODA Magazine my first year as a staff stylist and spent the past year as Co-Editor in Chief. I’m a fan of baking, art museums, and a lot of cliché California things like acai bowls and the beach."

A canvas dress from Uniqlo’s Uniqlo U line. I liked that the neckline and the pocket made it look a little 60’s retro. The boots are Ted Baker. Every year or two I buy a new pair with a slightly higher heel but otherwise exactly the same. They’re just easy to wear since I’m lazy.

How would you describe your personal style?

In theory, I aim for minimalist ceramics artisan or boutique owner living by the beach in Southern California meets late 60s French bohème-chic actress meets Emma Stone. In reality, my style is determined by whatever I throw on my body and face before running out the door--I’m insanely lazy and always running late. I don’t even think I’m all that stylish 80% of the time. That’s why I’m a fan of dresses, because they’re comfortable and make a complete statement in one garment.

Where do you find style inspiration?

I watch a lot of Youtube videos, read a lot of fashion blogs and follow a lot of designers. I’m pretty sure that learning from sites like Lookbook.nu and Into the Gloss during the formative years of my life left a permanent mark on my style. I’m also obsessed with architecture and interior design (I’m pretty sure I’ll have a mid-life crisis and become an interior designer). I find the way architects and interior designers create such a strong aesthetic in a space inspiring and relevant to personal style. Same thing for artists and musicians: everything fits together. 

Where do you like to shop?

ASOS, Zara, Aritzia, And Other Stories, my mom’s closet. For special stuff, there are some Australian brands that have really unique designs.

My yellow dress is from Monki. I always imagined I would wear it to a cool art gallery opening or something like that but I seemed to have forgotten I am not artsy or hip enough to ever be invited to a gallery opening. The earrings I made.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

When I came to college and got involved with MODA, it pushed me a lot to think about style and fashion beyond just myself. Since I was young, I loved seeing the images in Vogue and stuff like that, but participating in the creation of magazine shoots widened my perspective a lot. I put a lot more emphasis on using fashion and images to celebrate a plurality of styles and different types of people. I like that fashion can be a platform for serious conversations that engage a lot of diverse people, but also just a fun thing that I can do purely for myself.

Making my own jewelry has pushed that confidence in my point of view even further, since most of the other fashion related stuff I do is centered on curating, which is creative, but in a different way. My interest in making jewelry started when I was in middle school, when I would make bracelets out of empty Capri-suns! I enjoy being in control of every part of the design process and making stuff with my own hands, even though the end result can be really terrible quality and break all the time. It’s my own little creative outlet and a great exercise in wabi-sabi.

Why is fashion important to you?

Fashion has helped me become confident with my own voice. I was a pretty reserved kid; I wasn’t shy but I always felt a little awkward expressing my thoughts, partially because I myself didn’t think my own perspective was worth much. But when I started getting into choosing my own outfits in high school (my school had a uniform so free dress days were a big deal), that helped me slowly become more comfortable with myself. Just walking around, living my life in an interesting outfit that I myself had thought about, chosen, and felt good in, built up my overall confidence in voicing my opinion and being proud of my point of view.

The collared jacket is from ASOS. I’ve had a long-term love for French worker’s jackets probably since 8th or 9th grade when I discovered Bill Cunningham and wanted a jacket like his. This past summer, I was at FYF Fest in LA and saw this girl wearing a collared jacket with her name embroidered on the back. I wanted to recreate that so I bought iron on patches from Michael’s and DIY-ed it before realizing I’d be too embarrassed most days to wear a jacket with my name on it. Jeans are also from ASOS.

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All images courtesy of Ruben Abbou

Tea-ology 101

Spring is finally here!  In the Windy City, seeing any bits of sun brightens our days after surviving the rainy, freezing, windy winter. With this joyful energy, spring is the perfect season to start feeling the lightness of summer. While treating yourselves with exciting plans around the city in the refreshing spring air, make sure to take care of your body a little better this quarter! Your skin and body have gone through a rough winter, and they are ready to be cleansed in order to mentally and physically get ready for summer! 

The easiest way to do this: Tea! Replacing your morning grande black coffee or your midnight double espresso shot from Ex Lib with tea would be a great way to start your easy detox program. Even if it contains some level of caffeine just like coffee, tea actually has so many more health benefits. Used for both flavor and healing purposes in the past, tea actually has the same level of power as coffee to wake you up in the morning or to help you pull up an all-nighter in Reg, while not damaging your body as bad as coffee does. Instead, drinking a cup of tea will put you in a more focused state of mind while relaxing you.

Here you can find different types of most commonly used types of tea and where you can find them on campus and in Chicago!

Black

Being one of the most caffeinated varieties of tea, black tea has a very strong awakening effect. It is said that drinking black tea might be linked to lower cholesterol levels. The most popular black tea blends are Early Grey (which has a rich aroma of bergamot oil), English Breakfast (works really well with milk) and Masala Chai (has a spicier flavor). You can find all these types in most of the coffee shops on campus such as Ex Lib, Hallowed, Cobb. If you want to go for a fancier black tea experience, you can stop by Pavilion or Palm Court Chicago at the Drake Hotel.

Black tea

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Palm Court at the Drake Hotel

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Masala Chai

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Pavilion at Langham Chicago

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Green

Green tea is an excellent source of antioxidants. Studies show that drinking green tea can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. China green tea and jasmine tea have a more subtle flavor while matcha green tea is a more bitter kind. Plein Air and Sawada Coffee are perfect locations to spend the day while enjoying your desired version of green tea.

Matcha Tea at Sawada Coffee

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Green tea

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White

Definitely my favourite kind of them all, white tea is the healthiest option. The light and fresh flavor makes you feel so clean and immediately lowers down your stress levels. My on-campus favourites are Almond Blossom tea from Ex lib, Hallowed or Harper and Peach Blossom Tea from Dollop. 

Almond Blossoms

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Peach flower tea

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Chamomile

Chamomile tea is made from the flowers of the chamomile plant so it is one of least-processed types of tea. You can find it in nearly every coffee shop on campus.

Lemon Ginger Tea

The lemon-ginger duo makes this type of the one of healthiest options. Drinking lemon ginger tea might be a great idea to enhance your immune system naturally. You can also find it in most of the coffee shops on campus.

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Quad Style: Lizzie Smith

Meet Lizzie Smith, a second year majoring in Art History! Lizzie has been in my Self class these past two quarters, and I'm astounded by her fashion each time she walks into class. I'm so honored and glad to have her be featured on today's Quad Style!

Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi, I'm Lizzie! I'm a second-year majoring in Art History. I currently work in Education Programming at Arts + Public Life and illustrate for South Side Weekly, a local newspaper dedicated to cultural and civic engagement.

What are you wearing?

Anthropologie pants, a thrifted sweater and blouse, an Opening Ceremony bandana, and my mother’s shoes from Donald J. Pliner. My bag is from Vacci, and my trench is from American Apparel. All of my jewelry except the green Korean knot necklace is thrifted.

How would you describe your personal style?

I think various people have said that you should dress interestingly, not beautifully, and I’ve found that to be a good guiding principle. If you strive for the first, the second also often follows. More specifically, small, subtle intricacies are important to me, as are found objects— I’ll often just wear string from craft supply stores or giftwrap ribbon as necklaces.

Where do you find style inspiration? 

Artists and musicians. There’s a theatricality inherent in fashion that they embrace! Right now, I love the rapper Princess Nokia’s layering of textures and colors and conversely these elegant, monochrome outfits sported by various other power women. The artist Maira Kalman’s mother only dressed in white, and her daughter actually recreated her wardrobe in the installation Sara Berman’s Closet. My mom is also an artist and only wears black, lots of polo shirts and big, gaucho pants. I definitely tease her about it, but there’s also something to be said about these artist or mother’s uniforms! They’re really meticulous and striking.

Where do you like to shop?

Goodwill. It's environmentally friendly, cheap, and it's nice to own clothing with a history. For nicer investment pieces, I like to save up for something from Need Supply Co. Their collection is consistently lovely!

Do you have any fashion regrets? What’s your biggest fashion faux pas? 

We all have regrets. Ultimately, you can’t develop a style without experimentation; it’s not necessarily about having the “right” pieces anyway, but making exciting pairings. Hits and misses allowed me to find combinations that I enjoyed and to develop my taste.

What is your relationship to fashion? Has it changed over time?

I remember reading something about Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe getting dressed together. He had to have all his gold skull necklaces, she her black robes. And sometimes she hated how long he took to get ready and how serious he was! I think that sums up how I feel. Sometimes fashion or dressing can be this long, luxurious ritual. Other times, it can just be aggravating!

Why is fashion important to you?

It’s an art form that everyone can partake in and repurpose! Fashion definitely has its issues of class and snobbery, but it can also be fairly democratizing. In that sense, it’s freeing in a way that I love.

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All images courtesy of Angela Fung