Spring 2011

2

3

6

Letter from the

Editor

Dear Readers,

Welcome to my senior project! In the next 42 pages you will read

fashion tips, learn how to make your own necklace, recreate looks from

the runways, and meet some inspiring individuals. This will be the only

issue of this magazine, but feel free to leave me comments and sugges-

tions. One of the main reasons I put this together was so I could learn

how to be an editor and a better writer.

I hope you will check out my blog, Jenny’s Open Closet, for more

fashion fun!

Sincerely,

7

This Month’s

Contributor

Name: Alana Finnie

Article: Five Fab Accessories

Every Lady Should Have

(pg. 13-14) From age six, Alana has been ob-

sessed with the world of fashion.

Whether she was “borrowing” her

mother's crazily neon pink lipstick

(hey, she knew how to work it!), or

stomping around in her grandma's

bright red pumps, it was clear that

fashion would be in her future. Re-

ceiving her first “big girl purse” on her

seventh birthday really sealed the deal.

Now, Alana has loads of fashion

experience under her belt and is ready

and willing to tell anyone who's listen-

ing what they should be doing style-

wise. She's a fashion writer with some

sass, and has been in the field of fash-

ion and beauty for over eight years.

Alana is also the owner and writer of

her own style blog, Sassy Fashionista

www.sassy-fashionista.com , which

started in 2007. And as for the neon

lipstick? She still busts it out from

time to time.

C.O. Bigelow's Mentha Lip

Tint in Magenta Mint. I buy them in bulk

and keep a tube everywhere possible. It's

the best lip product I've found; it hydrates

your lips and adds just a touch of color.

What is the one piece o

f

makeup that you can’t

live without?

From Paris to Milan,

there was a fresh, uplifted mood on the

Spring 2011 runways that brought new light to

trends that have been lingering in the background.

White Minimalistic "I was looking for something optimistic," explained Alexander

Wang of his all-white ensembles at the beginning of his show. Like

many designers this season, he wanted something clean and new—

quite opposite from the typical black he has included in his past collec-

tions. Seen as the season for new beginnings, spring is only fitting for

Wang to shift his color palette. Fellow minimalist, Stella McCartney,

also incorporated white in her simplistic suites and jackets as did Reed

Kakroff with his chiffon dresses and strong blazers. This color choice

really accentuates the tailoring and utilitarian styles that designers were

trying to get across this season while echoing the hopeful optimism

that the new season may bring.

Seen at: Dolce & Gabbana, Peter Pilloto, Acne, Reed Kakroff, Mi-

chael Kors, Thakoon, Alexander Wang, Rag and Bone, BCBG Max Azaria,

Altuzarra, Richard Chai, Preen, Stella McCartney, and Banana Republic.

On the Runways

Banana Republic

Alexander Wang

Boy Meets Girl Mixing masculine with feminine has been around

since Coco Chanel’s viral menswear for women and Kathe-

rine Hepburn’s iconic trousers, but it’s a trend that just keeps

coming back...not that it’s ever been gone. The spring run-

ways had a seemingly popular theme of rough edge blending

with dainty fabrics.

Seen at: Blumarine, Michael Kors, Reed Krakoff, Narciso

Rodriguez, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Lyn Devon, Raf Simmons, Balen-

ciaga, Stella McCartney, and Preen.

3.1 Phillip Lim

Balenciaga

10

11

Colorful Brights Whether it was neon eye shadow at Oscar de la Renta or

shocking patterns at Prabal Gurung, bright colors are just the thing de-

signers needed to make spring a little livelier. This trend looks great in

addition to white minimalism by wearing a colorful skirt and a white

tee. If just a little bit of color is all you want, go the make-up route with

a green eyeliner or pink eyeshadow. Want something that will last a few

days? Pick up a bottle of nail polish in the brightest color you can find! Seen at: Calvin Klein, Blumarine, Peter Som, Prabal Gu-

rung, Michael Kors, Lanvin, Rag & Bone, Versace, Lyn Devon, Ra-

chel Roy, Proenza Schouler, Jason Wu, J. Crew, Chris Benz, and

Prada.

The Psychedelic 70s Last season, the decade of choice was the 50s veering tight corset tops, circle

skirts, kitten heel pumps adorned with taut bow embellishments, and ladylike acces-

sories. But this spring, the mood’s about to change! Get ready for the rebirth of mus-

tard yellow and platforms, because the 70s have arrived!

The runway at Tory Burch seemed to be inspired by the 70s beach

scene with crisp polos, big hoop earrings, and bellowing peasant tops. At

Emilio Pucci, the theme seemed to go in the music scene direction with

plunging v-neck shirts, lace-up details, cross pendants, patterned head-

scarves, and earth toned tie-dye. Exploring yet another relm of this dec-

ade, Marc Jacobs’ designs could’ve been straight out of movies like Taxi

Driver and Saturday Night Fever with platform sandals, bell-bottom

jumpsuits, and huge straw hats.

Seen at: Blumarine, Emilio Pucci, Jason Wu, Marc Jacobs, Chris Benz,

Tory Burch, Gregory Parkinson, Derek Lam, Rodarte, Altuzarra, Marc by Marc

Jacobs, and Elie Tahari.

Emilio Pucci Marc Jacobs

Versace

Prabal Gurung

13

DIY Necklace

Follow these steps

to make your own

necklace creation!

You will need:

-pearl beads

-needle-nose pliers

-approx. 6’2” of ribbon

-scissors

-two varieties of chains

-wire

-clasp

15

1. Attach the ends of both chains to-

gether and tie one end of the ribbon

through one of the chains.

2. Twist all three strands

around each other.

3. Repeat step one for the opposite

ends of the chains and ribbon.

4.Twist entire strand so it be-

comes two. Break the center of

the loose strands and link to the

ends at the top.

5. You should now have four chains

and two ribbons on each side.

6. Attach the clasp

to the ends.

7. Tie a piece of wire to the chains

anywhere on the necklace and begin

beading the pearls on it.

8. Once you have beaded to

your desired length, twist the

pearl strand alone one side of

the necklace and tie it to the

chains at the end.

9. Make another strand of pearls

along the opposite side of the neck-

lace.

10. When tying off each strand

of pearls thread the end of the

wire back through the strand so

it will not come loose.

19

Perhaps you are on accessory overload, or maybe you’re

having trouble nailing down the basics. Whatever the dilemma may be, Alana is here

to simplify things and show us the five fabulous accessories that every woman

should own. Visit her blog, Sassy Fashionista, for more beauty and fashion insight –

think of it as your style blog with sass!

With so many trends floating around, it’s easy to find yourself purchasing

heaps of accessories that you don’t need, and will never end up wearing — like that

neon pink sequined tote that looked oh so fab in the store. But trends come and go.

No one wants to be stuck with a pile of accessories that are “so last season” and end

up having nothing to wear without looking très passé . There are a few basics that all

ladies should have—and the best part is, they never go out of style.

Five Fab Accessories Every Lady Should Own! By Alana Finnie

Pearls:

They go with every single outfit

you could possibly dream up, and have

the power to make any outfit look

classy.

A pair of diamond

(or faux diamond) studs:

These can dress up any out-

fit and just so happen to look

great on everyone. I even go as

far as having “emergency” studs

in my office and handbag at all

times in case I have a style crisis.

(continued, pg. 20)

20

A big bright scarf:

Scarves can add a pop of

color instantly. You can wear

them around your neck, or tie

them onto your handbag to for a

unique touch (which I’m a huge

fan of doing). Try to find one that

is lightweight so you can wear it

year-round.

A structured bag:

In a medium size, a sturdy

bag will be your best friend. Ba-

sic black will do, but I personally

go for colors like plum, bronze or

teal. Though the colors may

sound a bit scary, you’ll be sur-

prised at how much use you can

get out of a plum-hued bag, and

how many outfits it can actually

compliment.

Big sunglasses:

Not only do they help block

out the sun, they help you beat the

aging game. One of the top rea-

sons for wrinkles around the eye

is from squinting. So wearing

sunglasses can definitely help

with that. Plus they just look su-

per chic. Think Audrey Hepburn

in Breakfast at Tiffany’s when

picking out a pair.

Once you have these basics, you’ll be ready for anything that

comes your way!

Oh My Frock!

24

A new, trendy store out of Hong Kong, Oh My Frock is hitting the

internet with luxurious knits, leather dresses, shiny pants, and lots of

chain jewelry. Here are a few pieces of their ready-to-wear collection

that you won’t want to miss.

By Jenny Ortakales

oversized snood $20 // belt featuring six curtain style embellishment $8 // knitted mini skirt-oval shaped pat-

tern $18 // brown tailored blazer $38 // three round shape pendant necklace $10 // shiny tight pants $48 // or-

gan shape bracelet $9 // dolman style knitted cardigan $42 // one piece leather dress $54 // black tight pants

featuring button details $26 // slim cut leopard print top $15 // gold necklace featuring a star shaped pendant

$6 // one piece leather and lace dress $42 // mixed silver and pearl bracelet $8 // long loose knitted coat $59

For more information

about their clothes...

Contact:

Ms. Chiu Tang

Email:

info@ohmyfrock.com

Phone:

(852) 3652 7614

Fax:

(852) 3583 4834

29

Hair How To: Ballerina Bun Beauty on the runways this season proved that there can be endless

variations of the same hairstyle. The ballerina bun is a classic style that has

become popular among designers in the past years, making this season no

exception. This versatile do’ was seen at Oscar de la Renta, Versace, Jil

Sander, Diane von Furstenberg, Nina Ricci, and Chloé. Follow these simple

steps for your own runway style...and don’t be afraid to add your own flair!

1. Start out

with damp

brushed hair.

2. Pull hair

into a tight

ponytail.

3. Tightly

twist the

ponytail

upward.

4. Wrap the

ponytail in a

bun around

its base.

5. Tuck ends underneath

the bun and secure with

bobby pins. Finish off

with hairspray.

J: Where did you go to college and

what did you major in?

T: I graduated from The Ohio State University with

a degree in Business (Marketing). I took a few fash-

ion merchandising courses and convinced the Dean

to let me make it my minor, even though there was

no such thing officially.

J: At what point in your life did you know you

wanted to pursue a career in fashion?

T: When I realized it was an option! It didn't seem

like a realistic possibility until around my 3rd year

of college, and sometimes it's still fairly elusive.

J: What was the biggest challenge getting to where

you are now?

T: I'd have to say the biggest challenge has been me.

I was raised to believe the best way to succeed was

to get a steady job with a big corporation and work

there for 35 years until I could retire. The idea of

striking out on my own in an industry as fickle as

fashion? Nah! Getting over that mindset has been

the most difficult obstacle.

J: Have people ever criticized your dreams or tell

you that you would never achieve them?

How did you overcome them?

T: No one ever criticized directly, but most people

will toss around statistics about how few people ac-

tually enjoy their work and hint at having

"unrealistic" goals. People usually say things like

that based on their own fears, and it's easier to get

over those statements when you understand where

they come from.

What it takes to be an

editor...

I was fortunate enough to interview

Tamia Stinson who has been managing her

online magazine, Style Sample, for two

years. She told me about her job without

holding back and gave me some good advice

along the way.

By Jenny Ortakales

J: What would you do differently if you could go

back to the beginning of your career?

T: I'm still at the beginning, so ask me in 5 years!

J: What is something that most people don’t realize

is a big part of your job?

T: There's a LOT of organization involved in pub-

lishing a magazine: Finding and keeping track of

contributors, subjects, and advertisers means you

have to know who's supposed to be doing what,

when it's due, if you've received it, where it

goes...there's a lot of info to keep straight!

J: What is the best aspect of what you do?

T: I absolutely love finding and forming relation-

ships with people around the world--people I have

things in common with!

J: Are there any ways that you feel people underesti-

mate you?

T: I sometimes wonder if people realize how stub-

born I am...

J: What are the main steps of publishing an online

magazine?

T: 1. Determining and creating content. Editing,

design & layout 3. Publishing and distribution.

J: How much time do you devote to your job every

day?

T: Between 8-12 hours.

J: What encourages you to persist in achieving your

goals when times are tough?

T: You have to enjoy what you do! When nothing is

going the way I think it should, it's easy to get dis-

couraged. That's when the passion takes over and

keeps me going.

34

35

J: What do you respect most in someone looking to

be hired?

T: Someone with good ideas and the initiative to

execute them.

J: Which do you believe is more important in the

fashion industry, education or experience? Why?

T: Experience, for sure. There's only so much you

can learn in a classroom, and the fashion industry

is pretty hands-on--actually getting things done

will get you further than just knowing how to do

things.

J: What is the most important factor when putting

together a spread for a magazine?

T: I wish I knew! I think it's finding a balance be-

tween visual appeal (images) and information

(text).

J: Do you think fashion is about conformity or in-

dividuality? Why?

T: A little of both. Most people like to be seen as

individuals, but don't necessarily want to be out-

siders.

J: What is a typical day like as an editor?

T: I spend a LOT of time at the computer! I try to

stick to a routine, which includes responding to

emails and phone calls, surfing and searching the

web to find contributors, generating ideas for up-

coming articles and issues, doing research, writing,

and gleaning inspiration from various sources.

J: Of all the people you have worked with, has

there been one that particularly stood out to you

because of his/her work ethic?

T: There have been several people who stood out

by approaching me with a good idea, executing it

perfectly, and delivering on or before deadline.

Anyone who makes my job easier gets two auto-

matic thumbs up!

J: What is the best way to get what you want?

T: Pretend like you don't need it.

J: How many magazines and newspapers do you

read throughout the week?

T: Not as many as I'd like--I don't have time! I

usually read 6-8 magazines each month and read

news online.

J: What are the qualities one must have to be a

magazine editor?

T: I think it helps to be organized and creative.

Not sure if there are any absolutely necessary

qualities.

J: Would you ever stretch the truth to get a more

riveting article?

T: No! When you're putting things in print, you

need to be as truthful as possible.

J: If you could describe your job with one word,

what would it be?

T: Fulfilling.

Above: The editor showing her way of

lazy layering. Below: Tamia’s website for

her magazine, Style Sample Magazine.

36

Finding Clothes That Fit

Your Body’s Shape

It’s unrealistic to think that every woman will look good in the latest trends. What is important is finding out

what suits your body’s shape the best and evolving your style from there. Once you know which clothes work for

you and which ones you should leave on the racks, you can experiment with new trends that you want to try. The

key to personal style is being comfortable and confident in your own skin, not hiding behind what went down the

runways this season just because the media tells you to wear it. Keep in mind that fashion is constantly changing,

so it’s best to acquire a collection of clothes that will last you a while and then going on to the trendy clothes that

you’ll only keep for a few months.

In the next few pages, you can read about the styles of clothing that fit your unique shape and bathing suit sug-

gestions that will help you to feel confident enough to brave this bikini season. Remember that all bodies are dif-

ferent, so some tips may not work for you—but these will give you a good starting point to create a style of your

own. What you wear should make you feel beautiful, not just look beautiful. Dressing well involves a balance of

self-assuredness and wanting improvement. You should highlight the parts of yourself that you like the most, but

also accept the parts you may be uncomfortable with. Anyone can wear stylish clothes, but it takes a lady to own

her style and love the way she looks in them.

If you are…

Pear-Shaped

37

The widest parts of your body are your hips and butt and most of

your weight is below your waist. The main things you want to avoid

when dressing are cutting your figure in half at the waist and highlighting

skinny ankles. Both of these can exaggerate the size of your hips op-

posed to creating a sleek, sexy figure. You also want to concentrate on

taking the focus off of your hips to balance out your figure.

DO wear…

tops with hemlines

that reach past your

hipbones

empire waists

V-necks

scoop-necks

boatnecks

A-line dresses,

skirts, and coats

jackets with broad

shoulders

single-breasted coats

knee-length skirts

low-rise bottoms

boot-cut pants and

jeans

flowy fabrics

wide-set straps

DON’T wear…

shirts that hit above

the waist

waist-length puffer

coats

skin tight, super-full,

or really long skirts

cuffed or tapered

pants

belts

Your Swimsuit:

Your main concern with swimwear is covering up on bottom and showing

off on top. A bikini bottom with a higher cut to lengthen your legs and plenty of coverage on your butt is

perfect for you to downplay your hips. A common misconception for your

figure is wearing boy-short style bottoms...don't! These only make you look bigger!

The strapless bandeau top is great

for you to keep the focus on top and play up your bust. Going with less on top will offset the amount you cover

below.

Alicia Keys slims her

pear-shaped figure by

wearing one color

from head to toe.

An a-line skirt will make

your hips look slim.

Choose shorter jackets with wide

shoulders to balance out your hips.

Shirts with patterns,

ruffles, and color will

draw attention upwards.

Wide-set straps will

broaden your shoulders to

keep you in proportion.

Empire-waist

dresses in flowy

fabrics will smooth

your silhouette.

Play up your top half with

scarves or layered necklaces.

Jeans with bigger pockets

look great on your butt!

38

If you are…

Hourglass-Shaped

You have been blessed with a body type that most women envy—the widest

parts of your body being your bust, hips, and butt. Your balanced figure makes it

easy for you to find flattering clothes because there is so much that looks great on

you. Your main goals when dressing are to accentuate your curves and draw atten-

tion to your waist, but making sure not to appear bigger than you are.

Scarlett Johansson and Eva

Mendes embrace their hour-

glass shapes by wearing

dresses cinched at the waist.

DO wear…

belts that cinch your

waist to highlight

your middle

form-fitting tops

long skirts

flared/wide-leg jeans

mid-rise to low-rise

pants

V-necks

scoop-necks

wrap dresses

shirts that sit at your

waist

halter tops

small patterns

jackets that are

nipped at the waist

DON’T wear…

large prints

baggy pants

ruffled blouses

short skirts

A long skirt with a slit in

the front will make you

look taller and thinner.

Halter tops show

off your shapely

shoulders! Jeans made with

stretch denim will

hug your curves,

while flares and

wide-leg jeans

will balance out

your hips.

Wear smaller patterns for

a slimmer look.

V-neck sweaters

will lengthen your

upper body.

Your Swimsuit:

Because your body looks great in almost anything, you have a lot of

options for swimwear. A halter bikini is a good choice because it shows off your curves and comes in

endless varieties. Be careful if you have a larger

chest. Look for tops with wide bands on the bottom for more support and coverage.

Don’t go the mix-n-match route

with a different color and pattern bottom and top. Wearing matching pieces will keep your body looking

proportional.

Belts are the perfect

touch for accentuat-

ing your waist.

39

If you are…

Boy-Shaped

You have a straight shape that is virtually the same width from

top to bottom with a small bust and narrow waist. Women who have

this body type can either be very tall and skinny with long legs, or av-

erage height with well-defined muscles. The main concept you need

to focus on is creating curves. Emphasizing your bust and waist are

great ways of doing this.

DO wear…

ruffled shirts

pleated, trumpet, A-

line, pouf, or pegged

skirts

skinny or slightly

flared jeans

low-waist or high-

waist pants

halter tops

cap-sleeves

belted coats

shapely puffers

bias-cut dresses

belts

horizontal striped

tees

DON’T wear…

baggy or full pants

mid-waist bottoms

boxy minis

tight shirts

v-necks

strapless dresses and

tops

plain camisoles and

tanks

snug, knit dresses

sheath dresses

anything oversized

Model, Sasha Pivovarova

wears a voluminous skirt

to create curves on her

otherwise thin frame.

A short, feminine skirt

with a flared hem is the

ideal piece of clothing

for you.

Make the most of your outfits by

layering. It’s a great method to

create curves in colder weather.

Bombers are just the jacket

you need to create a waist.

Look for bias-cut dresses with

fuller sleeves and necklines that

accentuate your bust.

Ruffled shirts will build

curves on top.

Skinny jeans were

made for your figure!

Your Swimsuit: You have a lot of options when it comes to bathing suits! This is not only

because most styles look great on you, but also because there are so many that will add curves to your athletic body. Mix and

match colors and patterns for contrast to highlight your waist and bust. If you’re feeling bold, a monokini is super sexy!

For small chests, go with ruffles, halters, girly details, florals, padded, or

even lingerie-inspired tops.

To create the illusion of bigger hips, try low-slung bottoms with high-cut legs and side ties. Boy-cut bottoms can also

have the same rounding effect.

40

If you are…

Triangle-Shaped

You have broad shoulders and a larger-than-average bust.

Primarily, you want to move the focus away from your bust

and look more evenly proportionate. Steer clear of clothing that

emphasizes your top half and opt for simpler pieces that will

compliment what you're wearing below your waist.

DO wear…

V-necks

scoop-necks

tapered shirts

belted coats

knee-length puffers

A-line skirts

knee-length skirts

subtle flare jeans

low-waisted pants

sheath dresses

menswear styles

stiff fabric shirts

DON’T wear…

form fitting fabrics

on top

big patterns, ruffles,

or details on shirts

dresses that are full

on both top and both

and are belted

skinny jeans

any pants that are

extremely full

mid-thigh or narrow

skirts

blouson style tops

empire waists

waist-length puffers

flimsy fabric tops

Charlize Theron balances

out her triangle shape

with a pretty sheath dress.

Your Swimsuit: For you, support is key. So getting a halter is best. There are plenty of options

that will keep you in place such as bikinis with underwire or wide bands under the bust. String bikinis are definitely too little

for your figure! Keep your bottoms in proportion with

the coverage up top. Don’t go to skimpy here either! If you want something less revealing, a high-leg one-piece is one

alternative.

Get your top in a solid color and your bottoms in a pattern to keep the top from looking too eye-catching.

Sheath dresses look

great on you!

Menswear styles look great

on an ultra-feminine figure

like yours.

The best skirts for you

are pleated, A-line,

and knee-lengths.

Wearing a dark color on top

and a lighter color on bottom

will balance you out.

Patterned bottoms will

draw the attention away

from your bust.

Shirts in thick fabrics (like

woven cotton) are better

than flimsy ones (like silk)

because they help to con-

trol your bust.

Tunic-style or

off-the-shoulder

tops will soften

your shape.

41

If you are…

Petite

You have a proportionate body, but it’s smaller and

shorter than average. You want to gain height by looking

sleek and thin. Avoid wearing baggy layers or a lot of loose

clothing—these will only overwhelm your figure, making

you look even smaller than you really are.

DO wear…

A-line skirts

pencil skirts

hemlines a little

above the knee

hip-length shirts

open-toe shoes

low-rise jeans

fitted tops

V-necks

empire dresses

belted wrap tops

fitted blazers

scoop-necks

sheath dresses

DON’T wear…

ankle-strap heels

oversized tops

long or full skirts

cuffed pants

trapeze dresses

Rachel Bilson elongates

her small frame by wearing

a V-neck, skinny jeans, and

a slimming jacket.

Wear floaty shirtdresses

for a cute, casual option.

Belted coats won’t

consume you .

You look best in

fitted tops that come

just past your waist.

Open-toe shoes are

great for elongating.

Pointy-toe pumps are an-

other pair of shoes that will

elongate your body.

Knee-length pencil skirts

make your legs look longer.

An embellished

bustline draws the

eyes upward.

Your Swimsuit:

When looking for a bathing suit for your small body, you want to consider styles that

will accentuate your bust and lengthen your torso. Halters are elongating and plunge one-pieces are a sexy option for smaller busts.

Monokinis are also good for creating curves , while distracting from your height.

A twisted or keyhole bandeau top will create cleavage and draw the attention up. Ruffle details on top also help to make you

look fuller. Regular string bikinis can be misleading and typically, they only empha-

size how small you are. Many bottoms work for you, but the best

are ones that make your legs look longer like ones with high-cut legs or side rings.

The widest part of your body is your

waist, so taking the focus away from it is

key. Emphasizing your thin ribcage, on the

other hand, will balance out your figure.

Avoid wearing fitted tops and opt for more

flowing fabrics that will skim over your

belly. However, you don’t want anything too

baggy.

If you are…

Apple-Shaped

42

DO wear…

tops with hemlines

that reach past your

hipbones

wide-leg pants

layers

fluid chiffon blouses

knee-length skirts or

longer

empire waists

wrap-around tops

cinched or belted

waist

jackets that fall be-

low waist to mid-

thigh

a-line skirts

boot-cut and flare

jeans with light

washes

DON’T wear…

shirts that hit above

the waist

skinny jeans

fitted tops

jackets that fall at

your hips

big patterns on top

tight pants

baggy tops

skirts with excessive

flounces and gathers

America Ferrera distracts

from her stomach by wearing

a belt around her ribcage.

Empire waists are

flattering for both

your midsection

and bust.

Dare to go shorter with your skirts, but

not too short. The best length for you is

about 1-5 inches above your knees.

Low-rise, wide-leg

jeans will balance

and elongate your

figure, while styles

with flap pockets

and fading will

give add hour-

glass curves.

Tops with a solid color below the

bust and a pattern above will divert

the attention from your middle.

Jackets should fall

below your waist.

Patterned skirts are a fun way to dis-

tract from your waist and fabrics like

silk and chiffon look great on you.

Your Swimsuit: You don’t need to sacrifice sexiness to find a bathing suit that works for

you. There are plenty of styles that offer coverage and support and still come in cute colors and patterns. Solids

and small patterns look best on you. Ruched one-pieces are great if you want to be covered but still want some-

thing that will show off your curves. Tiered tankinis are a great option

because they cover up your middle, without looking plain. Halters will give

you the support you need up top and high-cut legs will show off your legs.

If you are…

Curvy

You’re a full-figured woman and you need clothes

that you can be comfortable and confident in. You don’t

want to wear clothes that are too tight or too baggy that

will overwhelm you. Light fabrics and tailored pieces will

make you look sophisticated. Experiment with what looks

good on you and emphasize your favorite part of your

body.

DO wear…

wide sleeves

bootcut and flare

jeans

empire waists

3/4 sleeves

belted tops

tunics

shirtdresses

sheath dresses

patterns

off-the-shoulder tops

cropped blazers

wrap dresses

DON’T wear…

baggy clothes

only black

tee-shirts

trapeze dresses

mini skirts

skinny jeans

pencil skirts

Nikki Blonsky

looks sophisti-

cated in a look

that isn’t too

tight or baggy.

Your Swimsuit: The most important part of a bathing suit for you is the support. It should be

snug around your widest areas and cover enough skin to prevent spillage. You also don’t want to overwhelm your

figure with a plain, shapeless bathing suit. Styles that have a skirted bottom, belt, or patterned top and solid bottom

define your waist. Halter tops are great for support and

skirtinis offer enough coverage but come in lots of cute varieties. Empire-

waist swim-dresses are also great when you need coverage but still want some-thing cute and feminine.

43

Cropped blazers will

lengthen your torso.

Bootcut and flare jeans look

great on you in dark washes.

Shirtdresses are sophisticated

yet casual, making them a quick

go-to for unsuspected errands.

Flowy tunics are a

great way to style

up your favorite

pair of jeans.

Belted sheath dresses elongate

and balance your figure.

Wedges will give you the

illusion of longer legs.

Whether you’re off to the beach for spring break, or need to look

sophisticated for an internship, here are some pieces you won’t want to miss!

44

studded denim shorts - $78 - 25park.com // knee-high socks - $55 - modcloth.com // sunglasses - $25 - topman.com // gathered

leatherette ankle boots - $32 - canada.forever21.com // Michael Kors metallic knitted sweater - $100 - net-a-porter.com //

Marcela tie-front bikini - $84 - theoutnet.com // lily ruffle-bodice chiffon dress - $42 - myshape.com // belt - $84 - nationaljean-

company.com // black rivet funnel neck trench - $69 - wilsonsleather.com // wispy blooms scarf - $54 - anthropologie.com //

coral bow front tee - $60 - topshop.com // multi-bead bracelet - $12 - delias.com // Michael Kors hamilton north/south tote -

$298 - zappos.com // Janna Conner cubist white topaz and diamond earrings $1,254 - maxandchloe.com // soft cable knit beret -

$22 - warehouse.co.uk // bangle set - hm.com // chiffon hanky bottom skirt with rose details - $22 - rue21.com // Mulberry Tillie

textured leather bag - $1,175 - net-a-porter.com // bow pumps - $795 - aloharag.com //

Must-haves for Spring

45

sunglasses - $25 - topman.com // tropical silk scarf - $78 - theoutnet.com // flower elastic belt - $55 - bananarepublic.gap.com //

rose hand knit open crop cable jumper - $100 - topshop.com // Billabong victoria bathingsuit - $78 - tillys.com // Balenciaga city

silk handbag - $1,397 - cultstatus.com.au // moto camel snake print hotpants - $60 - topshop.com // striped schoolboy blazer - $50

- ae.com // colloquies on chic romper - $53 - modcloth.com // joanna zebra-print silk kaftan - $202 - theoutnet.com // foxglove

pink suede double flower thong sandals - $80 - topshop.com // stone print ruffle tunic - $51 - dorothyperkins.com // inna flats in

fuchsia - $59 - simplysoles.com // stripe scarf - $20 - delias.com // abstract-print skirt - $35 - delias.com // shimmering rose hair

clip - $4.80 - canada.forever21.com //

46

To the Hills of Dharamsala

My cousin Maddie tells about her

upcoming trip to volunteer in India.

“Most of the time, we don't realize all the luxuries we have in our daily lives and

I think the most important one is an education,” says 16 year old Madeleine Allen when

asked why she is going to India in the spring. “An education enables a child, when they grow

up, to be able to provide for themselves and their families and avoid starvation and homeless-

ness, but many children throughout the world don't get a quality education because their

schools don't have access to adequate supplies. In the government schools in Dharamsala, In-

dia, many children attend schools that don't have enough books or pencils to go around and

often, no teacher. The daycare centers are another story as children arrive in the morning and

need to be fed and bathed because they can't get the proper care at home due to poverty

stricken families. The daycares as well as the schools are understaffed and in need of volun-

teers and that is why I am going to Dharamsala!”

On March 13th, Maddie will be arriving in Delhi with Integrated Social Programs In

Indian Child Education, or ISPIICE. She will volunteer with them for a month in the city of

Dharamsala which is in Northern India in the foothills of the Himalayas. ISPICE brings vol-

unteers from all over the world to teach English, as well as other basic subjects, in the ele-

mentary schools and to volunteer in the daycare centers. ISPIICE also has a great women’s

empowerment group that helps local Dharamsala women learn English and computer skills to

improve their social status and increase their chances of employ-

ment. In addition to the aid they give to women, schools, and day-

cares, ISPIICE does a lot to help local families and volunteers

teach extracurricular activities to the children. Maddie found out

about this organization from a website that evaluates volunteer pro-

grams to ensure that they are reliable and safe. After looking fur-

ther into ISPIICE on their website and talking to them through

email and phone, she thought the program was a good fit for her.

Then, she and her family did further research before she made the

decision to volunteer with the organization.

Since then, she has been learning as much as she can about India. Maddie explains,

“Although I have spent hours reading about the history and cultures of India, I am aware that I

have so much more to learn and I am looking forward to that! India has such a deep, rich his-

tory, going back to the ancient times so there is so much to learn. What intrigues me the most

about the country is how its history of society has been carried over to the modern day. I

thought it was interesting to hear about the way they take care of their families and stick to-

gether and how children take care of their parents when they get old and I think that is some-

thing that Indian families can be very proud of! India is a very interesting country because it is

very up-and-coming, but also has very strong traditions. I could go on and on for hours, talking

about everything I think is interesting about the Indian culture, but one thing that stood out to

me while looking at pictures of rural India, was how the pictures showed dirt roads and build-

ings that looked old and ready to crumble, but if you look closely, you can see signs for inter-

net cafes and people on cell phones!”

Once she had planned her trip, Maddie began learning Hindi. “I started learning it from

online sources that were very helpful and now I have almost every Hindi learning application

on my iPod! I've also had the help of my trusty pen-pal, Gayatri, who's patience and caring na-

ture has really helped me improve my Hindi conversation. The thing that makes learning Hindi

different from learning languages like French and Spanish is the transliteration. To read and

write in Hindi you use Devanagari script which is so much different than writing the letters

that we are used to, and I think that is the most difficult aspect of learning Hindi. There are so

many characters used in Devanagari script and it gets very confusing! The thing I like most

about learning Hindi is the excitement that comes with being able to use it! I think I will be

able to get by but I am still very slow and I think trying to comprehend what someone is saying

if they talk very quickly in Hindi will be difficult for me but I am hoping to improve before

mydeparture as well as during my stay.”

47

Maddie will be staying in the ISPIICE volunteer house in close prox-

imity to the schools and daycares that she will be volunteering in. “It is also

walking distance from downtown Dharamsala which appears to be very

lively!” she exclaims. Dharamsala is the home of the Dalai Lama and many

Tibetan Monks, some of whom were refugees who escaped to India from

Tibet through the Himalayas. The temperature in that region in March-

April will most likely range from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees

Fahrenheit. Once she is there, she will be able to choose a volunteer place-

ment, such as elementary teaching, daycare work, or women’s empower-

ment. “I think that I will want to explore all of the different options before

making my decision. I could definitely see myself doing any of the volun-

teer jobs so it will be a tough decision, but I definitely want to teach an art

workshop for kids in my free time!” She is looking forward to meeting the Dharamsala lo-

cals. “They were the inspiration and motivation for the start of the ISPIICE organization so I

know that they are very special people and I can't wait to get to know them! I am also hoping

to get an inside look at poverty for the purpose of being a better advocate for struggling fami-

lies around the world.” Maddie will also have the opportunity to see the Taj Mahal in Agra,

go on an excursion to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, and hike in the Himalayas. She is ex-

cited to wear a salwar kameez every day. “In Dharamsala, local clothing is more accepted

and respected by society, so buying a few Indian outfits is a must! I am also hoping to have

the chance to attend an Indian wedding because they are known for being very colorful and

lively. Plus, it would be a good reason to wear a more formal, Indian Sari, which I want to do

because I think they are really beautiful! I have always liked spicy food and I have heard that

Indian food is far more spicy than food in the U.S so I am looking forward to testing my

threshold for spiciness! I'm also dying to try Thumbs Up

soda just for the experience!” She will also be writing a

lot about her experiences there. “I want to be able to re-

member all the places that I visit and everyone I meet and

writing is something that I love to do, so hopefully, I will

have enough free time to do that. I will probably take

some pictures too but you have to remember to be sensi-

tive to the situation. For instance, you wouldn’t want to

wander into a neighborhood and start snapping pictures of

people's misfortune like they were a museum display, but

I am looking forward to getting some good shots of the

sight-seeing destinations and mountains on the Himalayan

trek.”

There is still a lot that Maddie must do to prepare

for her trip. “This will be my first time leaving North America so I'm not sure yet what to ex-

pect from the long distance travel! So I will definitely need a passport, visa, travel insurance,

a sturdy suitcase, and a 534 page book on the history of India...I was also advised to bring

with me an insect repellant containing at least 40% DEET, a very high SPF sunscreen, and

hiking gear!” She also explains that getting vaccinated is very important. “Before I leave I

48

will need to get Typhoid, rabies, yellow fever, diphthe-

ria, and Japanese B Encephalitis. In addition to those,

starting a week before my departure and a month after

I come home, I will need to be taking a malaria medi-

cine every day. There is also a medicine I will take

while I am there to prevent “traveler's sickness”. Un-

fortunately, the medicine will cause sensitivity to the

sun, so I will need to be extra cautious in regards to

putting on sunscreen and not being exposed to the sun

for too long. The medicine, in some cases, can cause

vivid dreams and hallucinations, but I'm hoping I won't have too much trouble with that!

Luckily, insurance will cover the medicines with the exception of a couple and the total the

cost of them will be approximately $150. If my fundraising doesn't cover it, a few extra

weekend shifts at work will!” As far as funding her trip goes, she is hoping for donations.

“Many friends and family members have already said that they would like to donate, so I am

very grateful for that! I know that donations won't cover all of the costs so I am also grateful

for my new job and the paychecks that will surely aid my funding for the trip!”

Many people have misconceptions about India and only think about dangers of travel-

ing there. “India is a dangerous place, just like the rest of the world. Anything that could hap-

pen in India could happen in my hometown. A lot of people don't understand that there is risk

everywhere you go and going to a foreign country doesn’t necessarily increase that risk.

Some people believe that there is too much crime in India for it to be safe for me to travel to,

but statistically, the United States has a higher crime rate than India! I think that the media,

including the movie Slumdog Millionaire, as realistic as it may be, sparked a lot of confusion

in some people. Yes, human trafficking does exist and it is a very serious issue but not some-

thing that foreigners are at high risk of. Being a homeless child on the streets of the slums is

definitely a dangerous situation and a target for trafficking and other serious crimes, but it

should not be confused with the risks for a foreigner. The most common crimes that foreign-

ers fall victim to are petty crimes, like pick-pocketing.”

Maddie also mentions that, “the most important aspect, enabling me to go on this trip

is the invaluable support that I get from my family members! Without the support they have

given me I wouldn't be going. I am so grateful for the encouragement I get from them that

keeps me motivated throughout the hectic planning and preparing for the trip! I can't begin to

express how thankful I am for my parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and

everyone else who has supported my decision to volunteer in India!”

49

Any profits made from this magazine will be donated to Maddie’s trip. If you would

like to make a private donation, please email her at allen.madeleine@gmail.com.