Shopping on a Budget
June 24, 2019
As Hannah Rapp, a Tucson local, glides from one hanger to the next, up and down each aisle, her determination does not dwindle. If anything, Rapp said the hunt is her favorite part of second-hand shopping.
“I always have a list of things I'm looking for cool denim and red dresses, but I usually go shopping with a hope that something inspires me,” said Rapp.
After examining a silk number, Rapp quickly puts it back on the shelf and shuffles to the other side of the store to grab the hot pink jacket that captured her attention. This bright jacket may deter others from adding it to their closet, Rapp said it is clothing like this jacket that has inspired her.
Rapp is a seasoned thrifter, she considers second-hand shops to be a place that is filled with endless possibilities. Buffalo Exchange Sales Associate Keely Condie, a Sales Associate at Buffalo Exchange has similar beliefs to Rapp.
“Everything is more original when you get it at a thrift shop,” Condie said. “You have a different flare with your outfits since nobody else is going to be wearing that.”
From a young age, Rapp said she has always loved fashion and was encouraged to be different by her parents. It was her clothes that helped her feel confident while doing so. The freedom within second-hand shops and that is sewn into the treasures Rapp finds during her hunt is the factor that continuously brings her back.
Condie said she sees customers continuously coming back due to the unique items they find at Buffalo Exchange. “If you go to a thrift shop and get a cool pair of shoes, then you know they’re at least somewhat original,” Condie said.
Though people have always valued high-end products, they are now able to find these same products but at a lower cost due to second-hand shopping. Second-hand shopping has changed the retail industry and as a result, has become a $17 billion dollar industry according to NARTS: The Association of Resale Professionals.
With Goodwill, NARTS: The Association of Resale Professionals stated the company has been able to generate $5.37 billion in retail sales. Goodwill is more than just a thrift store Goodwill Sales Associate Robin Fritts said.
“The money goes into supporting the community; everybody is welcomed,” Fritts said. Specifically, at the store Fritts works at, Goodwill on 1stAvenue in Tucson, she said there is a center in the back that provides locals with the necessary resources to help community members with their job search.
With second-hand shopping, Fritts said shoppers are able to buy cool styles but for a cheaper price. “We do have name brands here,” Fritts said. “A lot of the name brands most of the customers would pay $50, $60, or $100 dollars for, but you can get them here for $4.99.”
Rapp explains how she always wanted to fit in when she was younger. This is why she started to shop where everyone else was shopping but when she got to high school, “I had a new attitude and wanted to take greater risks,” Rapp said.
With this newfound attitude, Rapp’s mother, Carolyn Rapp, took her to Buffalo Exchange. Although this was a new experience for Hannah, this was nothing out of the ordinary for Carolyn. Prior to taking her daughter to Buffalo Exchange, Carolyn said her own mother enjoyed antiquing which was how she was introduced to second-hand shopping. Also, it became a necessity for Carolyn while she was a poor college student.
While 1 out of 5 Americans shop second hand as a money-saving tactic, according to Ecogoodz, many second-hand shop in order to be environmentally friendly. “Well, it probably helps the environment a little bit because you’re not getting new stuff all the time,” Condie said.
Besides the environmental benefits, many are in it for the thrill of thrift shopping. The thrill comes from the joy of treasure hunting for vintage and designer clothing, Carolyn said. For Hannah, she said she loves finding items that no one will have, while her mother said she loves finding items that can be repurposed in creative ways.
“Buffalo Exchange has taught me that it's cool to be different and to support local businesses,” Rapp exclaimed. “Buffalo Exchange started in Tucson and is forever something that feels like home.”
As another day of hunting comes to an end, Rapp leaves the store with excitement and outfit ideas tailored to styling her newest edition, a hot pink coat.
(Photographed above is Laura Tanzer)
After the success of the green movement within the food industry, the movement is now impacting the way fashion businesses are operating and the way consumers are shopping. With the increase in consumer consciousness, people are voting ‘green’ more than ever before according to IntelligentHQ.
In regards to the food industry, the reawakening of consumer awareness has led to a 600 percent increase in plant-based diets within the last three years in the United States according to Food Revolution Network. This ever-growing lifestyle can all be credited to education.
“Education is the answer,” Laura Tanzer, owner of Laura Tanzer Designs, said. “But it has to be tied very closely to self-interest and benefit or the buyer will not care.”
As for businesses, according to IntelligentHQ, sustainability and ethical practice have grown to become core values within consumers and corporate policy during this age of change.
The environmental concern is the key factor that determines how and what consumers in the 21st century will buy. Environmental concern is the main reason why two-thirds of consumers avoid specific brands or items according to a study from 2015 in IntelligentHQ.
Though living a sustainable life is a trend that seems mainstream in today’s society, it has been a topic of concern for centuries. Humans have, since the Neolithic Agricultural Revolution, been a consumer rather than a replenisher of environmental resources according to Environmental Science. The philosophers who expressed concern about resource and overpopulation sustainability were not taken seriously at the time according to the Environmental Science report.
Now as a present-day concern, the public has become increasingly more aware of climate change. The push for exposure of information and education has thus, lead to an increase in activist and sustainability professionals emerging.
Today, those with sustainability degrees are now able to expand into any career field according to a report by the University of Wisconsin Sustainable Management. Businesses are aiming to boost their image by adding qualities that promote sustainability in order to appease their customers.
Though the fashion industry is glamours on the outside, it is considered to be the second dirtiest industry on the planet, right behind oil said Stella McCartney in Vogue. Stella McCartney is the first haute couture company to not use traditional textiles that were once considered to be luxurious, such as leather and fur according to Vogue. Since the company's launch in 2001, there has been an increased amount of large and small businesses who are also producing sustainable products.
Laura Tanzer, Award Winning Designer of Laura Tanzer Designs, earned her degree from Parsons School of Design and Fashion Institute of Technology. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in international marketing, as well as an MBA in international finance from NYU’s Stern School of Business.
Though she understood fashion from both a design and business point of view, she felt something was missing. So, she went back to school to earn her Ph.D. at the University of Arizona’s School of Renewable Natural Resources.
After studying and teaching about fashion and sustainable practice, it was time to create a sustainable business and walk the talk Tanzer said. Laura Tanzer Design is a clothing line that is small but yet, a specialized business she said. When asked about consumer behavior from a business owners point of view, she said, “I do know that people shop for clothing for many reasons, most of them emotional.”
The emotional aspect of purchasing eco-friendly products includes, “psychological benefits as well as physical benefits,” said Deanna Kulbeth, Cooper Center for Environmental Learning Project Manager.
Physically, buying environmentally friendly products, though they cost more, tend to last longer, making the purchase a worthwhile investment Kulbeth said. By people focusing on buying products that are worth our money, Kulbeth said this leads to psychological peace and a tendency to spend less essentially.
With the personal psychological peace consumers feel, the awareness of one’s impact on the environment is another factor that comes into play. “People have become more conscious about the clothing and products they are buying because we want quality, and we sense that things are not what they once were,” Kulbeth explains.
Lifestyle, as well as being socially conscious are driving factors for the way Lauren Legaspi, a vegan consumer, lives her life. Legaspi said being vegan impacts the way and where she shops.
“I tend to only shop with companies and brands that are ethically sustainable and using items that don’t create much waste or hurt animals,” Legaspi said.
Before purchasing items from companies, Legaspi said she will look into how they create their items, where they retrieve their items, and how they are handled from the warehouse to her mailbox and or the store. Also, she is drawn to businesses that give back to the community or charities Legaspi said.
Legaspi says the Internet and social media have allowed for her to be exposed to information that hinders her decision for her purchases. Since becoming vegan, and becoming a more socially conscious consumer, Legaspi said she feels better about each purchase.
“I feel that even though I am just one person, I am able to make a change and help others make one as well, or just leave them an impression to think about what they are personally buying and create thoughts in their head about how they can be a better consumer,” Legaspi said.
Claudia Johnson a reporter for Arizona Sonora News, a service from the School of Journalism with the University of Arizona. Contact her at cmjohnson13@email.arizona.edu
The Freedom of Clothing
June 23, 2019
(Published on Fashion 360 Magazine)
As previously discussed, clothing holds many meanings as well as power. The confidence that is gained through outfits directly impacts someone’s mood for the rest of the day. Our closets are a glimpse into who we are; it’s a visual representation of our personality.
Every stitch, our clothes are sewn with is a step towards a freedom that allows us to embrace and express ourselves however we please to. With each passing era, women have acquired more opportunities when it comes to clothing options. We are now allowed to have the ability to wear what makes us feel good, regardless if it may be considered more ‘scandalous.’ I have found that the freedom of clothing has led to women owning and embracing their sexuality. Embracing the fact that they should unapologetically be able to express themselves however they see fit just as men as able to.
Through events, such as the SlutWalk and the Women’s March, we have been able to reclaim the power of derogatory words that are often associated with specific clothing. These events also continuously open the door for women to publicly address, speak out and challenge the social binary of men and women when it comes to sex. Though we still have a long way to go, the more events that are hosted and social standards are being challenged, women are one step closer to being seen as equal.
For now, we will continue to confidently embrace and own our clothing choices.
(Published on Fashion 360 Magazine)
2019 is the year of facing the truth and making modifications as needed. One of the areas
that had always been exclusive until now, has been the swimsuit market. Personally, I distinctly
remember only seeing one type of woman being featured in swimsuit ads, on fashion magazines
and so forth. A tall, skinny, and usually white woman. Now, I see an eclectic group of women of
all heights, shapes, ethnicities and more. I will say this until my dying breath, representation
matters!
On this note of inclusion, within the past couple of years, there have been groundbreaking moments. Though Ashley Graham has had endless empowering moments, the moment that stands out to me the most was when Halima Aden modeled in Sports Illustrated. Aden was not only featured on Sports Illustrated but she was sporting, no pun intended a burkini.
What is a burkini you may ask? A modest two-piece swimsuit that has long sleeves, a hood, and a skirted bottom. It was a swimsuit designed by Cynthia Rowley, who custom-made it for Aden’s shoot. Soon after the shoot, this exclusive piece soon went into production since, by this point had been the only fashionable and available swimsuit for those who wear hijabs.
Though it is saddening that it’s 2019 and these moments are just happening now, on the flip side, they are happening and the door has been opened. Change is on the rise and it can only go up from here!
Overall, this Summer, the biggest trend for swimsuits style-wise includes the following: one-pieces, high-waisted, belted bottoms, and gathering. The love for one-pieces has allowed them to not only be more available but to also explore its range of styles. There is a suit for anyone who wants a more conservative look, while there is also a suit for the woman who wants a sexier piece. With high-waisted bottoms, this is a crowd favorite because it is a universally flattering cut for anyone! This look has recently been paired with a belt. The addition of a belt is new, and as far as anyone is concerned, a new look that again, helps to create a flattering shape too. Lastly, gathering; this small detail can have a huge impact, especially depending on where it can be found on the swimsuit.
Personally, this is my favorite hack for any clothing item. It helps to not only snitch but to make areas you may not love look more flattering!
As for the biggest trend for swimsuit colors and or patterns, it includes the following: neon, yellow, snake and cheetah print. Neon has been having a moment, especially now since I believe people are rediscovering the fact that it makes everyone look, tanner? This is my only theory as to why it has taken over. The same statement can be said about yellow, but it is also a classic Summer color. It can do no wrong! As for the animal prints, these prints add a level of spice that is both subtle and bold at the same time.
Styles come and go and get recycled constantly, cough, high-waisted bottoms, and get adjusted accordingly. The red velvet rope that once surrounded this exclusive club has been knocked over. No longer are people not able to see and feel confident that they can rock a piece. No longer are people feeling as though they can’t participate because they don’t have a suit for them.
Inclusion is bursting at the seams to make its way into this field and hopefully, next Summer’s swimsuit trend will have even more inclusive pieces. A gal can dream, right?
On this note of inclusion, within the past couple of years, there have been groundbreaking moments. Though Ashley Graham has had endless empowering moments, the moment that stands out to me the most was when Halima Aden modeled in Sports Illustrated. Aden was not only featured on Sports Illustrated but she was sporting, no pun intended a burkini.
What is a burkini you may ask? A modest two-piece swimsuit that has long sleeves, a hood, and a skirted bottom. It was a swimsuit designed by Cynthia Rowley, who custom-made it for Aden’s shoot. Soon after the shoot, this exclusive piece soon went into production since, by this point had been the only fashionable and available swimsuit for those who wear hijabs.
Though it is saddening that it’s 2019 and these moments are just happening now, on the flip side, they are happening and the door has been opened. Change is on the rise and it can only go up from here!
Overall, this Summer, the biggest trend for swimsuits style-wise includes the following: one-pieces, high-waisted, belted bottoms, and gathering. The love for one-pieces has allowed them to not only be more available but to also explore its range of styles. There is a suit for anyone who wants a more conservative look, while there is also a suit for the woman who wants a sexier piece. With high-waisted bottoms, this is a crowd favorite because it is a universally flattering cut for anyone! This look has recently been paired with a belt. The addition of a belt is new, and as far as anyone is concerned, a new look that again, helps to create a flattering shape too. Lastly, gathering; this small detail can have a huge impact, especially depending on where it can be found on the swimsuit.
Personally, this is my favorite hack for any clothing item. It helps to not only snitch but to make areas you may not love look more flattering!
As for the biggest trend for swimsuit colors and or patterns, it includes the following: neon, yellow, snake and cheetah print. Neon has been having a moment, especially now since I believe people are rediscovering the fact that it makes everyone look, tanner? This is my only theory as to why it has taken over. The same statement can be said about yellow, but it is also a classic Summer color. It can do no wrong! As for the animal prints, these prints add a level of spice that is both subtle and bold at the same time.
Styles come and go and get recycled constantly, cough, high-waisted bottoms, and get adjusted accordingly. The red velvet rope that once surrounded this exclusive club has been knocked over. No longer are people not able to see and feel confident that they can rock a piece. No longer are people feeling as though they can’t participate because they don’t have a suit for them.
Inclusion is bursting at the seams to make its way into this field and hopefully, next Summer’s swimsuit trend will have even more inclusive pieces. A gal can dream, right?
(Published on Fashion 360 Magazine)
When it comes to being bold and expressive, owner and designer Evetta Petty of Harlem Heaven’s Hat Boutique has a bit of experience when it comes to designing and creating. Growing up, Petty said she was sewing and making jewelry as a child, thus why she said she had always been a designer. Little did she know, this was only the beginning for her.
At ten-years-old, Petty had an earring business where she would sell to her aunt’s sorority sisters she said. Having a creative foundation from a young age, as well as her everlasting drive and creativity is how she landed herself at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Petty graduated from F.I.T. in 1983 with a degree in Textiles and Fashion Marketing. Post-graduation, Petty worked behind the scenes in various types of fashion companies from a mail-order catalog, to a high-end belt company she said.
“At the same time, I always made hats for myself as a hobby,” Petty said. “My hats got lots of attention and my aunt had a little boutique in the Bronx and had me make up a few to test and they sold immediately.”
From the immediate sales, the ball got rolling for Petty. She had partnered with her aunt and opened a shop in Soho in the late Petty said. “There, I met my first Celebrity client, Larry Blackmon of the group Cameo. I created several hats for their music videos. This led to many collaborations and costuming gigs,” Petty said.
Between the collaborations, costuming gigs, and endless sales, success did not stop here for Petty’s designs. The earliest publications she had been featured in are the New York Times, Essence, and Jet Petty said. Since then, her hats have also made appearances in Bazaar, Vogue, Glamour- the list goes on.
“Each time, I was contacted by the stylist. These features inspired me to be bolder with my designs. my favorite hat is my blue Victrola hat,” Petty said.
Fast-forwarding to today, the hat icon herself has a few tips for those of us who are new to this rodeo. “For this Summer, it's all about flowers on super wide brims and floral fascinators with a spotlight on shades of pink and coral,” Petty said. “Look out for my floral headpieces!”
Instagram story slide promotion for the collaboration between CFOM and Mom Bomb.
Instagram story video for our New York City travel segment. This video was used by both CFOM on Instagram to promote the article about where to grab a glass of champagne in the city.
Instagram story video for Influencer promotion. This video was used by both CFOM and the featured Influencer on Instagram. It was a part of our Feature Friday segment.
Introduction slide for the CFOM Instagram story video for Influencer promotion. This video was used by both CFOM and the featured Influencer on Instagram. It was a part of our Feature Friday segment.
Another video for Instagram story promotion for our interview and article about Designer Tyler Lambert. This video was used by both CFOM and Lambert on Instagram.
Another video for Instagram story promotion for our interview and article about Designer Tyler Lambert. This video was used by both CFOM and Lambert on Instagram.
Story was promotion for our interview and article about Designer Tyler Lambert. This video was used by both CFOM and Lambert on Instagram.
An example of an Instagram Feed Collage I created on Photoshop for Champagne Frame of Mind's Instagram.
(Published on Fashion 360 Magazine)
Being creative and having the grit to work towards building your own dream company is a gene one has or does not possess. For Beyond 8 Founder Brittney Escovedo, this is an attribute her grandmother and mother possessed and had passed down to her.
“My grandmother inspired me to be strong, to create opportunities for myself, to stay two steps ahead of the competition and to never give up,” Escovedo said. She then went on to explain how her grandmother was also an activist who spoke with immense pride and conviction when she used her voice to speak her truth.
“Her birthday was March 8th, she would have been 71 tomorrow,” Escovedo said. “International Women’s Day and Beyond 8’s '8' is from her bday. It represents that our capabilities are beyond infinite.”
When Escovedo was a young girl, she watched her mother run a company Escovedo said. Being able to witness her mother hard at work, this ultimately solidified the fact that she would be an entrepreneur when she was older.
Prior to the creation of Beyond 8, Escovedo said she had worked as a producer, never a publicist. She worked at several PR firms such as Seventh House PR and Factory PR where she was the in-house producer- producing all of their retainer clients’ events Escovedo said.
Her time being a producer allowed her to curate the necessary skills she could take with her when it came time to create her own company. “I was finding my footing in New York, developing my confidence in event production and cultivating my relationships in a new city,” Escovedo said.
Her time being a producer allowed her to curate the necessary skills she could take with her when it came time to create her own company. “I was finding my footing in New York, developing my confidence in event production and cultivating my relationships in a new city,” Escovedo said.
Besides gaining the necessary skills, she also gained important insight into what type of work environment she wanted to create that she had not experienced prior. She wanted to create a company that has a diverse and inclusive space where the staff feels appreciated and knows that their boss is rooting for them Escovedo said.
When there is a solid foundation laid down for staff, this then helps to translate to clients who are also able to feel that they are heard too.
“I hope my clients feel heard, that their vision came to life as they imagined, that the team was kind, creative, resourceful, paid attention to the small details that matter and did an overall kick-ass job,” Escovedo said.
Between Beyond 8’s authenticity and inclusion, this has allowed for endless success coming as the result. When asked about her favorite memory since starting her company, Escovedo said she had produced nearly every Pyer Moss show over the last five years but it was the show at Weeksville Heritage Center in September where she said she experienced a career-high.
“The history of the soil - the first freed slaves created their own community exactly where we stood, the concept of the show “Black Love,” the thought and consideration we put into every element of the show,” Escovedo said. “We hired black models, black PR agency, black stylist, black casting direction, black AV and lighting companies, black musical director and arranger, black choir, black musicians, black security guards, black wait staff, black staff, and the list goes on.”
Beyond 8 is more than a production company; it’s a group of people who work towards helping better their community. “We have the power to evoke change, to spend money in our community, to give opportunities to talented people in our community and it’s our responsibility to do that whenever we can- as often as possible,” Escovedo said.
(Published on Fashion 360 Magazine)
Dreaming big may be intimidating to some, but for The Riviere Agency Founder Lori Riviere, this dream had become a necessity for her Riviere said.
“I knew I could manage accounts and do everything a senior VP or agency director could do, but my resume showed my job for the last four years was as a litigation attorney,” Riviere said. “No one was going to hire me for anything more than an assistant, maybe an account coordinator. So, I knew I had to create the job I wanted.”
Prior to creating the agency, Riviere said she wanted to take a more practical path which is why she became a lawyer. Although she earned her law degree from the University of Miami, she spent several miserable years as a lawyer when she realized she wanted to do something more creative and decided to dream big Riviere said.
Being creative was not a foreign concept to Riviere. Her father owned a Flatiron storefront, a place where she spent her childhood playing in the basement. Though she didn’t want to go into the importing field of clothing, his business did spark her interest in fashion.
During the journey to create this agency, Riviere said she there have been struggles but the hardest challenge has been to remind herself there is a solution to every problem. Times of doubt are often met with fond memories of Riviere’s grandmother's wise words. “My grandmother without a doubt was my role model,” Riviere said.
“She passed away a few years ago, but I still hear her stories of how she built her mini-empire and how confident she was,” Riviere said. “I remind myself that confidence she had is running through my DNA, and somehow it gives me a bit of a boost when I need it.”
Her grandma had been a working mother and widow who managed to finish beauty school, start a salon and spa she said. That spa grew to become the largest in the area and was the reason why she was able to put her kids through college Riviere said.
“She was nothing less than incredible,” Riviere said.
Over the years, she said her favorite part has been being able to work with her agency co-director Nicole Doswell, as well as working with all the amazing creative clients on our roster. Without taking a leap of faith and gaining confidence over the years, Riviere and her company would not be as successful as it is.
“I think everyone has someone inspirational in their inner circle and we all should channel them when we need a boost,” Riviere said.
(Published on Fashion 360 Magazine)
The most common misconception about fashion is that the latest trends are new. Trends are never new, rather they are past trends that have been recycled and revamped. Currently, the ’90s have made a comeback.
Although this era was mostly known for its grudge, it is also known for the rise of girl power. Girl groups, such as the Spice Girls and Destiny’s Child, sang anthems revolving around women taking charge of their lives, supporting other women and owning their sexuality. In addition to singing about these various feminist topics, their clothing also insinuates these messages as well.
Women of the ’90s wore feminine clothing pieces that were accompanied by edgy accessories. As stated before, this trend still holds true to today. Here is a small list of the best and most common looks that have resurrected today:
- The Leather Moto Jacket
- Slip Dresses
- Choker Necklaces
- Scrunchies
- Mom Jeans
- Jean skirts
- Cropped Tops
- Tube Tops
- Jean Jackets
- Off the Shoulder Tops
The history that is woven into the fabric of these clothing items represents the power women were striving towards, and the strides women have made today. The draw towards ’90s clothes has to do with movements such as the #MeToo and Times Up movements. Women are speaking out and taking back their bodies. We as women are coming together to speak out about how we should not be shamed for the way we choose to dress. Showing a lot of skin, or no skin. Wearing tight clothing or loose clothing.
Women are speaking out and taking back their bodies. We as women are coming together to speak out about how we should not be shamed for the way we choose to dress. Showing a lot of skin, or no skin. Wearing tight clothes or loose clothes.
We are living in a new era where women are finally being heard. Although there are still hurdles to overcome, a woman who is wearing a strong outfit, who feels comfortable in how she feels in it is unstoppable. The ’90s clothing trend has provided the same type of power and confidence for women as they have done before.
Yep, That's Me
June 3, 2019
Hello...seems strange to start off with a hello since this is not my journal, nor is it a letter to a specific person. But alas, here we are.
Hello, Claudia here but you can call me Clo. All my friends call me Clo and writing via blog is somewhat intimate since it's basically an online journal, thus now making us all great friends. I've wanted to create my own blog for a while now but never knew exactly what type of content to create tbh. I have always wanted to be either a fashion writer or produce social media for a fashion magazine. This said I had a weird notion that if I were to create a blog, I was only allowed to write fashion-related articles. This thought truly kept me in a box and ironically, made me not want to create a blog. But since I've turned 22, I feel refreshed and have decided to take this blog on a new journey. Rather than forcing myself into a box, I will be producing posts that are relatable. I'm currently trying to navigate life post-graduation and I have not found people to follow who are still trying to figure it out too. Everyone seems to have their ish figured out?
For reference, I am Rachel Green but from the first couple seasons of Friends. I work locally but it's not my dream job, I am job hunting in hopes of becoming independent soon which is by no means fun. The biggest difference I would have to say is um well, I did not run out of my own wedding. Other than that, we are in similar life positions.
Anyways, I hope you find my journey, past and current experiences to be relatable and understand that you are okay. You are doing great and there is a whole slew of us who feel the same way.
Till next time, cheers!
Clo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons