A Return to Christian Girl Autumn

As a college-aged student in 2022, you are probably aware of what a Hot Girl Summer is. As a refresher, the term was born out of a song by Megan Thee Stallion and turned into a rallying cry for women’s confidence. Since the 2019 hit, there have been variations on the term, including Sad Girl Autumn, Short King Spring, and Feral Girl Summer. But, one of the most popular spinoffs is Christian Girl Autumn.

The original viral photo

The term arose out of a meme posted in 2019 that poked fun at a fall-obsessed, white woman aesthetic. This includes big sweaters, blanket scarves, booties, a tan fedora, and of course, everything pumpkin flavored. The meme in particular referenced a photo of influencer Caitlin Covington and her friend, both exhibiting such an aesthetic. Immediately, the tweet got hundreds of likes and shares. But there were also a lot of speculations about their political views.

People made endless fun of the girls in regard to their whiteness. While this meme surfaced before the racial reckoning that accompanied the George Floyd protests, the country had still been in the midst of heightened political tensions during Donald Trump’s presidency. As a result, many of the replies affiliated Covington with the personality type of Trump’s base: the white woman who preaches “love thy neighbor” yet engages in anti-Black, anti-immigrant, anti-LGBT rhetoric and hate. You know, the Karen.

But Caitlin Covington is not a Karen. In fact, she proudly supports the LGBT community and has donated $500 to the original meme poster’s transition surgery. Covington mentioned that when she first saw the meme, she laughed at it and found it hilarious. She took it in stride, responding to Twitter users that she was not a Republican but that she is indeed a proud lover of fall. Covington’s friend in the photo, Emily Gemma, told Buzzfeed, “I’m white and Christian but none of the tweets were accurate. We don’t ever want to speak to the manager!” referencing the tweet above.

Now, Covington is adored by fans everywhere for her kind disposition and refreshing personality. She represents that you can be a “basic white girl” while also being pro-human rights and social justice. Covington acknowledged that she is “literally as basic as people think” but that she is also an accepting and loving person. One Twitter user commented that she brings “a nice change in tune because so many of these white women are silent on these issues or straight up demonic.”

Given that Covington offers a breath of fresh air, it is no surprise that every year her followers wait eagerly for her fall photos in Vermont among the vibrant leaves. Her most popular photo from this season reached over 45,000 likes on Instagram. The comments rave about Covington being “the mother of fall” and that “all the leaves in America just turned orange” from her stunning photos.

However, there is a strange duality about Christian Girl Autumn. As much as she is adored online, no one aspires to be Covington. At the end of the day, being a basic girl is still looked down upon, especially in this post-pandemic society. After two years of witnessing each other at our worst over Zoom, people have become comfortable with expressing their messiness and disorder and even emphasizing it. The messier you are, the cooler you are. Fashion trends have been a good indicator of this inclination, with oversized garments and clashing colors and patterns taking the stage recently.

So, in 2022, there is no desire to fit Covington’s aesthetic of being perfectly put-together, something that harkens back to the pre-pandemic days. But maybe that’s exactly why people love her: we long for a time when the world seemed a little less on the brink of human destruction. We long for the simplicity of fall, the comfort of just existing on this beautiful planet and appreciating the small things in life. Her photos stir a happiness and warmth within me that is hard to come by these days. While we are constantly stressed about the state of the world, it’s important that we find time for ourselves. Covington even admitted, “I think at the root of it [her obsession with fall], it might have something to do with my anxiety. I have a lot of anxiety and fall is just all about, like, finding comfort in the small things, you know? Like making a cup of coffee and enjoying it or wrapping up in a snugly sweater next to a fireplace.” Caitlin Covington and Christian Girl Autumn reminds us to appreciate the beauty of the leaves, to revel in the taste of a warm drink, and to cozy up with ourselves when times are hard. Cheers to a great Christian Girl Autumn!

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2021 Fall Fashion Basics

Have you forgotten how to dress properly after sitting inside for two years wearing sweats? Are you nervous about other people stepping up their style for in-person school? Well, don’t fret. I’ve got your top 7 fall basics that will keep you looking on-trend this quarter.  

1.     Flared pant or jean:

Can we stop pretending to like skinny jeans? Let’s embrace the variety of pant and jean designs, starting with the flare. Kick a little spice into your look by pairing these with a simple t-shirt or sweater.

2.     Sweater vest:

These have been in and out over the years, but rumor has it they are making a bigger comeback than ever before! Get yourself a basic one as an essential to pair with any layers or by itself. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, go for some pattern and bright colors!

3.     Knitted dress:

This is definitely a 2021 fashion trend you want to be on. Imagine power walking around in a fashionable blanket that actually makes you look good and feel good. This is what knitted dresses will bring you. Tempting, right?

4.     Turtleneck:

An oldie but a goodie. You can’t go wrong with a classic turtleneck, especially on a particularly cold Chicago day. This is a necessary staple to have in your closet.

5.     Collared shirt:

I feel like the only reason this is a fall essential is because fall is synonymous with school, and what could be more academic than a preppy collared shirt? Now you can sit in the reg and look smart but also look fashionable! Win-win.

6. Blazer:

More prep school vibes, sorry, but I can’t resist. Wearing this doesn’t only make you feel smarter - it makes you feel powerful. Boss vibes FTW for fall 2021.

7.     Lace:

I know, this seems advanced, but I promise you can do it. If you still feel like your clothing needs a step up after collecting all of these pieces, add some lace. Anywhere, any type. If you can pull this off (which you will), you will be the master of 2021 fall fashion. And who wouldn’t want that title?

Don’t forget to layer!

The number one rule to fall fashion is layering. Even if you don’t have any of these items in your closet, if you layer whatever you do have in a creative way, you’ll be on your way to New York Fashion Week in no time. But for now, stick to strutting the Quad, I guess.

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Poetrybounding: How Should You Dress Based on Margaret Cole’s The Falling Leaves Poem?

Poetry has an aesthetic power that can transcend many boundaries. The influence of imagery in the appreciation of a poem gives the audience a more pronounced and impactful emotional understanding of its contents. Illustrations and paintings can go ways to mastering the visual appeal of poetry, breaking the boundaries of words. In the same vein, fashion has the potential to be an interpretative medium for the internalization and personal emotional expression of this literary form. Different colors, garment shapes, and accessories are cards that can be combined in various ways to form the image and main message behind a particular idea, which in this case, derives from a poem. This article will explore the visual appeal of Margaret Postgate Cole’s The Falling Leaves.

While specific interpretations linger on the parallel between leaves and soldiers, the poem presents a connection between fall and winter that serves a more aesthetic purpose and permeates the melancholy of its contents. The Falling Leaves is singularly powerful when nature becomes an extension of the poetic persona, representing their feelings as if both the outside and the inside influenced one another. The conversation between how visceral feelings influence the perception of an outer scape and then how the presentation of such environment feedbacks into the initial emotional state is also very prominent in fashion. The poem is as follows:

“Today, as I rode by,
I saw the brown leaves dropping from their tree
In a still afternoon,
When no wind whirled them whistling to the sky,
But thickly, silently,
They fell, like snowflakes wiping out the noon;
And wandered slowly thence
For thinking of a gallant multitude
Which now all withering lay,
Slain by no wind of age or pestilence,
But in their beauty strewed
Like snowflakes falling on the Flemish clay.”

— https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/57330/the-falling-leaves

The poem’s central message relates to the tragedy of WWI. Its epigraph mentions November 1915 as its setting, connecting the idea of autumn’s falling leaves with the soldiers’ death as the “gallant multitude.” But the way Cole inserts this essential detail is so subtle, coming from an outside perspective, a detached yet heartfelt position, that it lingers in the background as a clue to the poem’s real context and a manifestation of its melancholic undertones. Still, it does not provide The Falling Leaves its ultimate aesthetic prowess, as poetry can be read separately from its original setting. Cole’s descriptions about nature define its visual appeal as the autumn colors give away to the snow of coming winter. She peppers her writing with strong descriptive words to give weight to the idea of fall as a transitional period of farewells and endings, which concludes in the transformation of leaves into snowflakes, a force that is all-encompassing as it covers the floor and transforms it into a uniform white mass. Nature is inevitable, so the poetic persona can only feel and mourn its effects. 

Colors bring forth conceptual propositions that can represent both a physical state and an emotional connotation, illustrating those forces of nature. Autumn has a whole palette of warm colors related to it, ranging from red to yellow to orange, but orange seems to be the best option because it is an intermediary color, it contrasts nicely with the cold blues of winter, and because clay usually is orange-tinted. Burnt orange is an even better shade since it more accurately depicts the leaves’ decaying quality, their brown light. Due to its connection with the act of falling and the Flemish soil, both a burnt orange pair of shoes and layered silk wide-leg pants fit well with the article’s proposition, with silk displaying the leave’s fragile nature. Winter, in turn, is mostly made of whites, greys, and blues and, as pointed out before, features snow that covers the fallen bodies. The best option to depict snow’s thick, “wiping out” lyrical representation is a white wool cardigan styled with a white beanie. That would then form a white upper-half to contrast with the orange bottom-half, depicting a stationary motion with white falling over the orange; snowflakes covering up the leaves.

Image (Via)

Image (Via)

However, even though the war motif is not as central to the poem, it still has a significance that propels the need for its depiction in the outfit. From what I have already built, the model is still missing a shirt. It is in a t-shirt that the “Galant multitude” can be featured in the overall look. I found a blue-grey garment from the Kansas City National WWI Museum and Memorial, which follows the winter color pallet, but any t-shirt depicting soldiers could fit the proposal. And to finally establish the connection between soldier and leaf, a silver leaf-patterned bracelet finalizes the look as it is the ultimate blend between winter and fall: the silver of snow wraps the petal, located in the arm, a position that is near and horizontal to the t-shirt. 

Image (Via)

Image (Via)

In sum, the look I designed based on The Falling Leaves encompasses bold dark colors that dialogue with bright whites and greys, a conversation in motion that is very reminiscent of a transitional November period between Autumn and Winter, but that also address the metaphor of war. However, poetry aside, the outfit can lose its white parts and remain blue and orange to be worn in a summer environment, where the white doesn’t overshadow the opposition between the contrasting colors. In the end, a poem can be, and many times should be interpreted differently by each reader, so my guide is only a glimpse into the realm that connects both fashion and poetry.

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Fall Is for Foreign TV

For most of us, TV has become a welcome escape from the realities of pandemic life. Netflix subscriptions soared in the last 6 months. At the height of lockdown, the average American household was watching over 66 hours of content per week.

But what happens when TV itself becomes another pandemic casualty?

As cases continue to surge across the country, fall lineups lag beneath the weight of months without on-set production. Cable networks and streaming giants are united in their struggles to churn out new content. But the demands of our peak TV world stop for nothing and no one, not even a pandemic. 

The solution to Covid’s production wipeout? A surge in TV imports. American broadcasters and streaming platforms have picked up an arsenal of foreign TV shows to fill the void left by our time in lockdown. Here are a few of the most noteworthy foreign arrivals to hit our screens this fall. 

Sidse Knudsen (left) stars as Birgitte Nyborg. Image via

Borgen 

Think The West Wing meets House of Cards. Except it’s all in Danish. This Scandinavian drama follows Birgitte Nyborg (Sidse Knudsen) and her foray into the Danish political arena, chronicling her rise from relative obscurity to her position as Denmark’s first female prime minister. 

Borgen offers unique insight into the strengths and shortcomings of centrism. Nyborg, an outspoken moderate, embodies her party’s centrist ideals. While navigating shadowy political underworlds and an increasingly tumultuous home life, she attempts to rein in a country caught between warring extremes. Armed with speechwriter, media consultant, and general “spin doctor” Kasper Juul (Game of Thrones star Pilou Asbæk), Nyborg clings fervently to her authority and her idealism, while political enemies on all sides attempt to strip her of both.     

From an American perspective, Borgen affords all the gritty pleasures of a D.C. knife fight, and none of the heartburn from watching our own political systems implode. What’s not to enjoy?

Borgen first debuted in 2010 to critical acclaim abroad. On September 1st, it was released for streaming on Netflix, where a fourth season revival is expected in 2022. 

Hamza Haq stars as Bashir Hamed. Image via

Transplant 

In the forgotten world of cable programming, no fall series has made more of a stir than Transplant. The understated hit first premiered on Canadian networks in March, and is now raking in views during its primetime rerun on NBC.

Creating a medical drama that avoids the pitfalls and cliches of its expansive genre is no easy feat. Transplant shines because it tells a story its predecessors have shied away from- one that centers the experiences of an immigrant and person of color.  

Actor Hamza Haq stars as Bashir  “Bash” Hamed, a trauma doctor and Syrian refugee who stumbles upon the chance to rebuild his medical career in Toronto. In something of a Cinderella story, Bash finds himself with a prestigious new residency after saving the life of a local hospital’s Chief of Medicine. The familiar struggles of residency take on a new dimension when layered with Bash’s struggles to provide for his younger sister, his ongoing battle with PTSD, and the weighty questions of legal status that haunt his community. Beneath a barrage of innovative medical procedures lies a gripping story of resilience. Transplant sets a gold standard for hospital dramas in the years to come. 

Catch new episodes of NBC’s Transplant at 10 pm EST on Tuesday nights.  

Marco D'Amore stars as Ciro. Image via

Gomorrah

Roberto Saviano’s Gomorrah is a Narcos or Sopranos stripped bare of all but the violent framework. This crime drama pulls no punches. The series initially premiered in Italy in 2014, where a cult following developed around its bleak depictions of mobster violence. Within the first five minutes of episode one, we’ve already seen combatants Ciro (Marco D’Amore) and Attilio (Antonio Milo) nearly burn a rival mobster and his aging grandmother alive.      

There is, of course, a plot churning beneath all the bloodshed. Based on Saviano’s book of the same name, the show submerges viewers in the shadowy dealings of the Savastano clan, a fictional Neapolitan crime family. Like its genre predecessors, Gomorrah champions the age-old story of the anti-hero. As the show progresses, it becomes nearly impossible to identify a character with a moral compass that’s still intact.

As viewers, we can’t help but appreciate the deft displays of criminal genius holding together the Savastano enterprise. Scattered amidst the grime of city streets are stills of red and gold finery that would make anyone jealous. But in this world, riches are fleeting. Glamour is temporary. There’s a sharp honesty to the way the show presents mob violence. And Saviano never fails to remind us of the consequences of such arbitrary brutality. For a tense 45 minutes, we must imagine what it’s like to live with eyes in the back of our heads. 

Gomorrah was released for streaming on HBO this October. Seasons 1 & 2 are currently available, with seasons 3 & 4 forthcoming.

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Top Tips for Fall Layers

So, it’s getting cooler here in Chicago, and you’re probably ready to bring out the sweaters and boots. However, if you’re like me, there are probably some items you aren’t ready to push to the back of the closet just yet, or if you’re also like me, you’ll leave the house wearing one thing and then realize it got colder or warmer than what you were expecting and are now freezing walking back home or sweating in Target. What if I were to tell you that there are ways around these things? Yes, this article is about layering, but I’m writing about it because it really is helpful and I’ll even include some tips and tricks that I’ve tried in my own nineteen years of life.

The Sweater-Dress Combo:

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One of my personal favorite ways to continue wearing some of my dresses in the cooler days of fall is to layer a sweater over them. And I don’t just mean wearing a button-down cardigan. I really enjoy wearing pullover sweaters over my dresses, and sometimes I fold them over to crop them and give the outfit a little extra flair. A crewneck or mock-neck sweater, especially if it’s a more relaxed-fit, looks really cute over a slip dress with some boots, whereas a cropped (or folded over to give the illusion of being cropped) fitted sweater looks really cute over a skater dress with some flats and tights (this is a look I’ve been loving recently).

Sweater Over a Button-Down

Another one of my favorite looks is a sweater layered over a polo or button-down shirt. It’s a look that’s simple, warm, and stylish. I especially like it for days when it’s freezing in the morning but then warms up later, since you can just remove the sweater and wear the shirt on its own and still be warm and look put-together. Another thing I like about this look is that you’re free to play with different color combos and prints- I love wearing a plain sweater and then layering a polka-dotted shirt under, since it adds a little something extra to the outfit. I also especially like this look for travel, since it’s very easy to just mix and match different shirts and sweaters if you’re only bringing a carry-on and being mindful of space.

Tights Under a Dress or Skirt

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For the sweater-dress combo mentioned above, you can add some tights under to prevent your legs from getting cold, whether you’re wearing flats or boots. Tights are also a good way to bring your skirts into the fall and winter months. Since it’s not super cold right now in Chicago, regular tights are fine, but when it gets really cold, tons of places sell fleece-lined tights, and they’re such a game-changer, and I say this as someone who is from Miami and always cold. Another good thing about tights is that you can stay on the simple side or you can choose different colors or prints to really spice up your look.

Outer Layer

Jackets, coats, and other outer layer items are also a really good way of layering. Not only are there some great options out there, but you can also choose how thick or warm you want this outer layer to be. Another good thing about outer layer items is that you can just throw it on over an outfit without much thought, but it’s something that can really elevate your outfit and also pull it together.

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It's Boot Season!

Now that it’s officially sweater season, it’s time to turn in our beloved sneakers and sandals for some nice boots. While windchill, cold rain, and speed-walking from place to place are nothing to look forward to, picking out a staple pair of boots for the season definitely makes up for it—at least partially.

For When the Weather Can Still be Considered Cute

Everlane The Glove Boot ReKnit

Madewell The Carina Boot

Jeffrey Campbell Landyn Boots

Everlane The Boss Boot

AllSaints Carolina Boot

For When your Feet Need a Little Extra Warmth

Dr. Martens Fur-Lined 2976 Leonore Wyoming Chelsea Boots

Madewell The Clair Lace-Up Boot

Ross & Snow Kenneth Boot

For When the Elements are Really Not on Your Side

Sorel Tivoli IV Boots

Alice and Whittles Minimalist Black + White Ankle Rain Boot

Jeffrey Campbell Storm Rainboots

Blundstone's Thermal Boots

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MAB Presents Megan Thee Stallion: 2019 Fall Show Review

Megan Thee Stallion, born Megan Pete, is an up and coming rapper out of the Houston scene. Inspired by her late mother Holly who was also a Houston-based rapper, Meg first went viral after a video of her verse in a Houston cypher went viral. After Megan pioneered and brought to prominence the term “Hot Girl Summer” that, at once, took over the Twitter-sphere and became the modus vivendi for summer 2019, her rise to fame was meteoric.

Image via Elliot Duprey

Megan may be known for her beauty, height, and stature (earned her the childhood nickname Stallion), but her smarts are not to underestimated. Megan’s mother urged her to wait until age 21 to start pursuing a career in rap, so she could prioritize her educational pursuits. In addition to performing and recording music full-time, Megan is studying health administration at Texas Southern University. Who better to start off this fall’s hot girl semester (quarter, whatever) than the Hot Girl herself?

From the moment I stepped into Reynolds Club two hours early for the doors’ opening, it was evident that the energy was high. In fact, I’d never seen Reynolds Club look so good. The crowd soon grew into a massive army of the University’s most well-dressed people of color, clad in leather, heels, fringe, and their most Meg-appropriate gear and ready to storm Mandel Hall. And storm, they did.

Image via Elliot Duprey

DJ Laila gave an excellent set that had the crowd rapping to Rihanna and Nicki and practicing their moves in anticipation of the main act. After much sweating and negotiating to get a better spot in the pit, at long last, it was time for the Hottie.

Known for being fashionably late and sometimes, even, a no-show (as she was at the XXL Freshman Class show I attended in NYC this summer), Meg finally stepped onto stage half an hour after her call time. However, all was forgiven the moment I caught sight of her high-heeled patent boots: Thee Stallion is a sight to see.

With only an EP and a freshly released mixtape out, the crowd was familiar with many of her songs, as she stuck to her usual repertoire. Starting with Realer, before calling us “a smart crowd,” and transitioning into Cocky AF, Meg soon realized that we could, indeed, hang like the rest of the ‘em, and challenged members of the crowd to test their knee strength and keep up with her infamous dance routine. To the tune of “Simon Says”, UChicago’s finest put their skills to the test as Meg inspected technique and the crowd spurred them on.

“You better hold your tongue, ‘less you gon’ lick on my clit.”

Meg’s lyrics, while they may be repetitive or raunchy, are purposefully so and catchy: following in the thematic steps of Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj, Meg does what she does and does it well. As she performed her platinum hit and most popular song to date “Big Ole’ Freak”, the songs began to blend into each other in a sea of melodious flow, bombastic stage antics, and much sing-along from the crowd.

Image via Elliot Duprey

It’s hard to pin down what exactly makes Meg such a powerhouse, but as the show wound down and lucky barricaders tried to get a coveted personal video from Meg on their phone (I was one of the successful), it was evident that her power as an artist was not only mesmerizing, but far-reaching. She brought together non-fans and fans alike, faculty and students of all backgrounds, newly recruited hotties and veterans of the Hot Girl regime and undoubtedly gave them a show to remember.

Image via Elliot Duprey

Recently named in Time’s 100 Next list of influential new artists, advocates, leaders, phenoms, and innovators, it is clear that Meg Thee Stallion is carrying on the legacy of the many female rappers that came before her, while blazing a path of her own.

Image via Elliot Duprey

Check out more footage from the concert on Meg’s Instagram.

This Season's Best Trench Coats

With the leaves turning all the beautiful colors of the rainbow, it is officially fall. And now that it is officially fall, that means it is also officially layering season. Whether you’re looking to give off some classic Audrey Hepburn vibes or you’re going for something ~edgier~ here is a roundup of this season’s best trench coats:

Tommy x Zendaya Houndstooth Check Trenchcoat $395 https://usa.tommy.com/en/women/jackets-outerwear-women/zendaya-houndstooth-check-trench-coat-ww26125

Asos Design Black Croc Trench $135 https://www.asos.com/us/asos-design/asos-design-croc-dad-coat-in-black/prd/12584054?clr=black&colourWayId=16519594&SearchQuery=&cid=11898

Uniqlo x Ines de la Fressange $79.90 https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/women-trench-coat-ines-de-la-fressange-422496COL32SMA005000.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiN3c8e-u5QIVFqSzCh2QrgXREAQYASABEgKHqfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Zara Blue Trench Coat $129 https://www.zara.com/us/en/belted-trench-coat-with-buttons-p04369242.html

The Reformation Holland Trench $268 https://www.thereformation.com/products/holland-trench?color=Camel&glCountry=US&glCurrency=USD&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIz9rzlu-u5QIVkICfCh2tGg8qEAQYAyABEgJSMvD_BwE

H&M Trench $79.90 https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0771368003.html

ALLSAINTS Avita Trench $450 https://www.us.allsaints.com/women/coats-and-jackets/allsaints-avita-trench/?colour=5504&category=772

For Your Autumn Wardrobe, Try The Leaf Palette

As the last hints of summer disappear, swept away by the cooling Chicago winds, we start to bring out our jackets and scarves from the back of our wardrobes. Day by day as we attend our duties, walking around we notice the leaves slowly undergo their seasonal metamorphosis, leaving behind the vivid greens of warmer days to give way to a watercolour of rich reds, oranges and browns. Sweaters, shawls, skirts, turtlenecks… what better way to embrace the new season than by inspiring our outfits on this newly arrived palette, before pouring ourselves into Winter’s reliable black.

Burgundy

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Inspired by wine from the French Burgundy region, this dark red embraces autumn in full by projecting the ambition that a new season brings, aligning with the start of a new academic year.

Camel

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A timeless season staple, camel allows us to make the most of pieces from previous years. It also gives us an opportunity to experiment with more vintage looks, leaning towards a looser and more relaxed fit for both pants and sweaters.

Olive Green

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The perfect bridge between summer and autumn. Olive green holds onto the last hints of the lush leafy trees engulfing the quad from May to September, transitioning into the new season by serving as more timid, darker counterpart. Pair this with beige, Burgundy or grey for for a harmonious palette.

Gray

Gray best contributes to our autumn leaf palette by serving as the perfect backdrop to experiment on. It provides the perfect comfort zone, helping to balance out the bolder reds and oranges of the season.

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Seven Boozy Drink Recipes to Warm Your Soul

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I hope you have successfully fended off the cold that the steep drop in temperature brought upon many of us.

I hope you have watched A Star is Born.

I hope you are faring well in your first HUM/SOSC papers, Econ PSETs, and midterms.

On top of it all, I hope you are finding the time to hang out with friends.

If any of the above sounds remotely foreign, read on and make one (or all) of the boozy drinks to warm your soul and body when it gets colder outside!

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Cider, Next Level

Apple Cider Mimosa

Put a spin on your basic mimosa for brunch by substituting orange juice with cider. Who said you can’t compare apples to oranges? You sure can when they are mixed with some bubbly.

Read the original recipe post by Becky Hardin on the Cookie Rookie here.

1. [Optional] Dip your glass (champagne preferably, but who’s judging?) into a bowl of cider first and then coat the rim with glittering sprinkles;

2. Fill the glass with cider to ½ or ¾ full;

3. Pour in the champagne.

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Spiked Cider

Pump up your cider game in 10 minutes. This spiked apple cider cocktail asks for simple ingredients, little time and is perfect for a party, study break or any other group drinking occasions.

Read the full post by Aaron Mccargo Jr. on Food Network here.

1. Pour cider, rum, and schnapps in the ratio of 1:2:2 into a large pitcher;

2. Toss diced apples in lemon juice and thread them onto skewers

3. Fill individual glasses with ice and pour in the mix; decorate with skewers!

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Salty Maple Buttered Rum

Into rum but feeling more adventurous than a classic buttery rum?

Using hot cider in place of hot water might be a good place to start. Read the original post on Serious Eats here.

1. Rim the mug/glass with lemon and coat in salt;

2. In a bowl, combine 1 tbsp of softened butter, 2 tbsps of maple syrup and ½ vanilla bean pod (slit open and scrape out the seeds);

3. Simmer 4 oz of rum and 8 oz of cider over medium-high heat;

4. Pour the liquid into prepared containers and top with the butter mix.

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Wine, fortified

2-step Sangaree:

For the classy wine lovers, the port wine from Portugal is a great choice for the season. It’s nutty, flavorful and sweet. Reminisce about the sangria in summer with this Sangaree recipe!

Read the full post on Serious Eats here.

1. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 60ml of Madeira (Blandy's 10 Year Malmsey or H. M. Borges Old Reserve Malmsey 10 Year, for instance), 15ml simple syrup, and 15ml fresh lemon juice;

2. Shake for 12 seconds, pour over a strainer into a chilled coupe glass (if you feel swanky), and finish by sprinkling freshly grated or ground nutmeg on top.

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Hot Chocolate, spiked

Minty Tequila Hot Chocolate

The peppermint wakes you up and the chocolate cures the hangover. And it’s super easy to make!

If you have a half-emptied bottle of Tequila left over from the party last night, you probably want to try this tequila minty hot chocolate. Read the original recipe here.

1. Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder, 1 tbsp of sugar and  a pinch of salt to a decently sized pan;

2. Over medium-high heat, stir in 3 cups of milk, 4 oz of milk chocolate chips, 4 oz of bittersweet chocolate chips; gently whisk everything into a smooth mixture;

3. Add 4 oz of tequila and 2 oz of Peppermint Schnapps; resist the temptation to drink out of the saucepan, divide into individual servings;

4. [optional] Top each serving with whipped cream and mint leaves

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Eggnog, the holiday season previewed

Peppermint Schnapps + Eggnog

Common sense dictates balancing the sweet and rich flavors of eggnog with high-proof spirits such as rum, bourbon, or whiskey. Corinne Caputo from Bustle has tested them all, including some unconventional options. And the winner is…... Peppermint Schnapps!

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Not your Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spice Latte

Drunken Pumpkin

This recipe calls for a little more work than just mixing everything together, but it’s worth the effort. Plus, are you really serving straight up vodka shots to your guests in the holiday season?

Read the original recipe in full by Kris and Wesley on How to Feed a Loon here.

Step 1: Infuse vodka

1. In a lidded container, mix 1-cup pumpkin puree, 2-tsp pumpkin spice, and 750ml of vodka;

2. Shake vigorously, store in the fridge, and shake vigorously once a day for about 3 days (tasting is key);

3. Get the infused vodka with a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth; discard the solids.

Step 2: For brown sugar simple syrup

1. Combine 1-cup water and 2-cup brown sugar in a pan;

2. Over medium heat, stir and mix for 3-5 minutes;

3. Let it cool and store in the fridge

Step 3: Assemble

1. Add 1oz infused vodka, 1oz dark rum, ½ oz coffee liqueur, 2tbsp simple syrup in a mixing glass filled with ice;

2. Strain and pour the liquid into individual glasses (optional ice);

3. Top with half and half and serve!

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Drink responsibly, stay warm and healthy!

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Five Perfect, Fall-Approved Meals

Autumn brings with it many promises: the falling of leaves, the start of classes, and for those of us in Chicago, a season that often stops too short as the warm days of summer seem to transition rapidly into the chilled nights of winter. However, the prospect of fall brings the promise of good cuisine, as we return to the comfort of apples, pumpkins, and heartwarming comfort foods perfect for nights by the fireplace. Check out our favorite autumn bites below, guaranteed to take your mind off the coming winter and click on the images for the original recipes!

Vanilla Bean-Whipped Sweet Potatoes

A classic fall favorite with a twist, these vanilla whipped sweet potatoes make for great snack and a fantastic side dish. Fantastic for large groups of people!

Potato-Leek Soup with Toasted Nuts and Seeds

A product of both culinary and artistic beauty, this intricate dish contrasts sunflowers seeds and almonds with creamy broth subtly infused with rosemary and bay.

Beet-and-Apple Salad

An uncommon but delectable combination of apples and beets, this salad thrives with horseradish, cider vinegar, and a touch of Dijon. Feel free to experiment!

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Delicate in process and meticulous in construction, the searing of fish is an intimidating ordeal to all but those supremely confident in their culinary capabilities. Infused with honey, garlic, and soy sauce, this sauce-embedded salmon must be tempered until golden, and then garnished with lemon and parsley.

Ben&Jerry’s Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream

Can’t cook? Won’t cook? Don’t know how to make food? No worries. This ice cream is fantastic. Eat it straight out the carton.

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2018 Fall Concert Roundup

Take a break from p-sets and essay writing and swing by one of Chicago’s many concert venues this quarter for some incredible live music. From emerging acts to some of the biggest names in music, there’s something for everyone this season.

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OCTOBER

Maggie Rogers; image via.

10.24 - Ed Sheeren - Miller Pavilion

10.24 - Kali Uchis - Riviera Theatre

10.25 - Mitski - Vic Theatre

10.25 - 10.26 - Nine Inch Nails - Aragon Ballroom

10.26 - 10.28 - Phish - Allstate Arena

10.26 - 2.16 - Elton John - multiple venues

10.27 - Zedd - Wisconsin Center

10.27 - GooGoo Dolls - The Chicago Theatre

BROCKHAMPTON; image via.

10.28 - BROCKHAMPTON - Aragon Ballroom

10.29 - Billie Eilish - Metro

10.30 - Of Montreal - Thalia Hall

10.30 - Maggie Rogers - Riviera Theatre

10.30 - Porches - Bottom Lounge

10.31 - Lily Allen - Vic Theatre

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NOVEMBER

11.1 - LANY - Riviera Theatre

11.1 - Juanes - House of Blues Chicago

11.2 - Alesso - Aragon Ballroom

11.6 - Josh Groban - United Center

11.7 - Tennis - Thalia Hall

Cardi B; image via.

Jack White; image via.

11.8 - Vic Mensa - Saffron Rails

11.9 - Wild Nothing - Thalia Hall

11.9 - Gucci Mane - UIC Pavilion

11.9 - slenderbodies - Chop Shop

11.10 - Elle King - Vic Theatre

11.10 - Steve Aoki - Aragon Ballroom

11.14 - Rufus Du Sol - Aragon Ballroom

11.15 - Playboi Carti - Aragon Ballroom

11.16 - 11.17 - America - Arcada Theatre

11.17 - Iggy Azalea - Aragon Ballroom

LANY; image via.

11.19 - Jack White - Aragon Ballroom

11.20 - Rufus Wainwright - Vic Theatre

11.21 - Amine - House of Blues Chicago

11.23 - Louis The Child - Aragon Ballroom

11.23 - Snakehips - The Mid

11.24 - 12.8 - Cardi B - multiple venues

11.27 - Young the Giant - multiple venues

11.28 - Khruangbin - Vic Theatre

11.30 - Smashing Pumpkins - Aragon Ballroom

Young the Giant; image via.

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DECEMBER

12.1 - Walk the Moon - Aragon Ballroom

12.1 - 12.2 - Death Cab for Cutie - multiple venues

12.2 - 3OH!3 - Metro Smart Bar

12.3 - AlunaGeorge - Bottom Lounge

12.4 - H.E.R. - Riviera Theatre

12.6 - Travis Scott - United Center

Death Cab for Cutie; image via.

12.8 - Manchester Orchestra - Aragon Ballroom

12.8 - The Beach Boys - Lerner Theatre

12.10 - The Internet - House of Blues Chicago

12.11 - 12.12 - Pentatonix - Rosemont Theatre

12.12 - Roosevelt - Bottom Lounge

12.13 - John Legend - Civic Opera House

12.14 - 12.15 - Art Garfunkel - City Winery

H.E.R.; image via.

12.14 - Cloud Nothings - Thalia Hall

12.14 - Chromeo - The MID Chicago

12.15 - Post Animal - Metro Smart Bar

12.21 - All Time Low - House of Blues Chicago

12.22 - Kurt Vile - Riviera Theatre

12.22 - The Drifters - The Lerner Theatre

12.30 - 12.31 - Galantis - Aragon Ballroom

Galantis; image via.

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My Buys and Byes for Fall Quarter

Hello all! Welcome back to UChicago and welcome back to the billionth edition of “Yeju Talks about Makeup.” While I’d love to give you an update on my summer edit of my makeup binging, I’ll save you the hundreds dollars of regret and start the quarter off with something cheery. Here are the products I’ve been obsessed with recently that you should add to your collections and then I’ll give you a little “Do Not Buy” warning for some.

So, what am I loving this fall?

Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Cleanser

With a new formula and packaging, K-Beauty’s up and coming brand Glow Recipe’s Blueberry Bounce Cleaner has replaced all Boscia and Glam Glow products in my makeup lineup. The smooth, oil-removing, and gentle cleanser is perfect for night-time skincare rituals to get rid of makeup or any excess oils. Not to mention, it smells great and looks great on shelves.

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Laura Mercier Oil-Free Primer

One of my summer impulse-buys, this product finally got me into primer. Normally, I think primer is a gimmick; Benefit’s Porefessional and Tarte’s Poreless Primer were too much dimethicone for my liking. But this is a lightweight, gel-based, vitamin-infused primer that creates a natural and dewy complexion for foundation. On good skin days, I even opt out of foundation and wear the primer as an illuminating base.

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Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint

The Glosser pop-up in Chicago might have changed my make-up game forever. I’ve officially opted for no-makeup makeup with this skin tint. Foundation has always been a shaky game for me, but this actually makes my skin look like a better version of itself. Paired with the Laura Mercier primer, I feel like I’m not even wearing makeup at all, but get just enough coverage for an even look.

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And… here’s what we’re ditching this fall…

Sonia Kashuk Silicone Makeup Blender

I was really late to the silicone beauty blender trend, and I totally understand why the hype didn’t have me on the bandwagon immediately. After hearing that this blender was much more “hygenic” and saves more product than the normal sponges, I picked one up at Target. To my dismay, it’s literally the worst thing to happen to my makeup routine. The sponge doesn’t help blend at all. In fact, it pushes foundation all over your face without putting product in your pores. I also noticed that using this product made my makeup look cakey, leading to breakout prone skin. I’ll take a pass on that. Overall, it’s messy and doesn’t feel useful.

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Mario Badescu Facial Spray

I didn’t realize I’d ever want to ditch this product since it served as a great moisturizing spray, quick fix for dryness on off-days, and a primer if necessary. But since I switched to Boscia’s Rosewater Mist with Witch Hazel, I’ve been having better skin days and have seen my pores reduce in size. It’s not necessarily a bad product, but it’s just not the best anymore.

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Fashion Trends for Fall 2018

Now that fall is in full swing, polish off your wardrobe with some patterns, colors and coat styles that have been in trend for the past several seasons, but wear them in unexpected ways. This preview will help you curate an on-trend, eye-catching wardrobe that’s still comfortable, versatile and perfect for class.

Animal Print

Believe it or not, animal prints are in again. Aside from the usual cheetah print, designers have included white snow leopard designs and bold tiger stripes in their collections as well. This trend is not for the faint of heart, however. To avoid looking like a total animal, consider keeping the rest of your outfit pared down by combining with neutral tones like black and white and fabrics like denim and silk.

Ruching

Oh yeah, ruching has returned. This year, gathered fabric detailing is showing up everywhere from skirts to sleeves and can add fun texture and volume when done correctly. Keep an eye out for pieces that are tighter-fitting and monochrome rather than patterned to help define and elongate your frame–so you don't get lost in all that fabric!

Plaid

While this beloved check print is not exactly groundbreaking, there are plenty of fresh ways to showcase the look, whether head to toe in varying materials or asymmetrically across a dress. As a challenge this season, try mixing different colored plaid pieces together, a la Clueless.

Red

Red has definitely been this year's color and its versatility is what makes it such a fun shade to play with. Red is worn best as a statement piece–think along the lines of big jewels, a flashy pair of shoes or a perfectly tailored coat. A monochromatic red look is especially fiery and filled with potential.

80s Western

The 80s have been trickling into a lot of runway collections lately, and while we're not necessarily complaining, we think the combination of big sleeves and high waisted pant pairs especially well with the laidback ease of Western-inspired style. Look for 80s silhouettes and styles that come in neutral shades, incorporate a bit of fringe or utilize durable fabrics (such as wool, corduroy or denim) for a look steeped in nostalgia that isn't too over-the-top.

Color Blocking

Color blocking has been a huge trend all year round and shows no signs of stopping. Layer cozy knits and coats over thin sweaters, tees and pants in an array of colors to easily elevate any look. Playing with a handful of colors in the same range is often the most successful way to approach this trend.

All images above and feature image via Vogue.com

The Fall Music Must List

Here are some new tunes to fuel the grind until winter break!

Albums: 

The Thrill of it All by Sam Smith: Fans of Smith's pop ballad style will not be disappointed as he returns with another deeply personal album. Songs such as "HIM" and "Pray" delve into Smith's sexuality and offer motivation for facing the world. 

Red Pill Blues by Maroon 5: Gravitating away from the ploy of making plushy chart busting pop songs as they have done in recent albums, Red Pill Blues takes liberties in the interest of musicality. "Closure" begins as a fairly standard track but continues with an eight minute jazz interlude and "Denim Jacket" is a clear stand out song for fans of Adam Levine's falsetto and the signature Maroon 5 sound. 

reputation by Taylor Swift: While the release of this album had a rough start, the full album completes Swift's transition into pop. Collaboration with Ed Sheeran and Future in "End Game" comes together for a very different sound for Taylor who is finding her place in a good girl gone bad album. "Dancing With Our Hands Tied" is of the strongest songs on her album, complete with a pulsating base drop sprinkled with rhythmic interludes. 

Coco (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Various Artists: This album is actually comprised of three albums and presents an amazing marriage of both Spanish and English by including versions English and Spanish versions of every original song. Additionally, the film is scored by Michael Giacchino, composer of some Disney’s most recognizable scores including Up, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and Inside Out. Even if you do not understand Spanish, this album allows you to listen to the Spanish version, then go back and understand what it means by listening to the English version.

Quick Hit Singles:

Awolnation trades in their booming reliance on digital sound for a mellow acoustic single “Seven Sticks of Dynamite”

Vance Joy’s  “Like Gold” plays to his signature fingerpicking base accompanied by layers of other acoustic sounds.

Eminem “Walk on Water” (feat. Beyonce) demonstrates a beautiful collaboration demanding to be heard with respect to today's political climate. 

G-Eazy “The Beautiful & the Damned” feat Zoe Nash. G-Eazy returns to his signature demanding, angsty lyrics and style that gave rise to his 2015 album “When It’s Dark Out”

Your Go-To Fall Lip Colors

With pumpkin spice season in full force and all other excusable situations to wear open toe booties, fall is by far my favorite season of the year. The seasonal theme welcomes back some unique shades of lip color in my collection that I save exclusively for this weather.

Here are my four favorite go-to lip colors for the fall and my pairings for eye looks:

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YSL Tint-in Balm in Call me Rose

This may be my favorite formula for lip color. The application is so smooth, not overwhelmingly pigmented, and has a clean look. Call me Rose is a subtle pink that will highlight your natural lip color. It’ll be the perfect complement for a halo eye, or a classic winged eye look.

Buy it here

 

 

Tarte Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint in Low Key

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Tarte’s quick dry matte lip paints are great because it has full coverage application with no budge. I love the shade Low Key because it’s the perfect nude shade to contrast a darker eye look for a dramatic effect or a natural no-makeup look. If Low Key looks too light and risky for your tastes, go a shade down in Festival.

Buy it here

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Laura Mercier Velour Lovers in Voyeur (purple plum)

I never tried out Laura Mercier lip products until recently. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was as happy with its lip products as I was with its classic translucent setting powder. It is a light matte lipstick that wears for hours and doesn’t get messy throughout the day. If you set the lip with the setting powder, it lasts even longer. This is by far the darkest shade I’ve experimented with, but purple plum is a great dark shade to match a strong contour look for a night out.

Buy it here

MAC in Touch (peachy cinnamon)

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This shade will go perfectly with any autumn-tone makeup look. The warm tone has enough of a shiny finish to brighten darker eye looks. MAC’s lipsticks are pretty standard and I have no complaints about the formula. You really can’t go wrong with this one.

Buy it here

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