Something Old, Someone’s New

By Emily Raduzycki

Clothing from mainstream retailers is becoming rather dull and repetitive, wouldn’t you agree?  Sure, we can still find pieces in our favorite hot spots but it's rare that we hear someone say “wow” anymore when out shopping.  Where to turn?  Vintage. 

The Urban brands have led the way in vintage retailing, often upping the price to match the one-of-a-kind nature (see photo).  Their vintage pieces are less focused on a particular brand or designer name but the retro style.  The dresses are primarily sourced from SOR Select, the label of Some Old Rubies, which reworks and sources vintage pieces.  Each of the pieces is an original and available in a limited size.  

I prefer, however, the classic pursuit in second-hand shops.  Philadelphia has many options to fit the college budget.  Philly AIDS Thrift or PAT, has three floors of merchandise ranging from items to furnish your apartment, to books and old magazines, to clothing.  Thrift shops such as PAT also serve as a non-profit, donating their proceeds to the AIDS Fund with volunteers as the employees.

 

My best advice when it comes to buying previously owned clothing is to go to places in or near an affluent community.  You will be more likely to come across a more valuable treasure in great condition because the donors or consigners tend to circulate their wardrobes more often.  My purchases are from a mixture of Philadelphia, New Jersey and London stores and include a Christian Dior blazer purchased for $10, a Robert Rodriguez top for $30, and many purchases under $5.  

If you’re visiting London any time soon, check out my ratings on the list of second-hand shops that I visited.  

Get Inspired by Madness: "Van Gogh Up Close" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

By Barbara Hionides

He was addicted to absinthe, ate lead and paint, vigorously mumbled to himself, cut off his ear in the name of a broken heart, and most importantly created timeless masterpieces. Van Gogh. He was a genius of his time, even if no one saw it until years later. He created art works that were soon to be highly respected in the art world, bringing a new light to perspective, psychological fears, and depiction of light in art. They say that true creativity is born from madness, and in this case it is evident.

The Dutch post-impressionist painter had created over 2,100 works in his short 37 years of life, before he committed suicide. He started painting and drawing from an early age, highly involved in building his skill set as an artist. He soon found himself working for art dealers, later wanting to become a pastor, and finally deciding to stick to art when in 1886 he moved to Paris. When studying the impressionist style, one can note small colorful brushstrokes, a great emphasis on expressing light, depiction of realistic subject matter in an unconventional abstract way, and the movement of objects expressed through color and brush strokes. Van Gogh did just that. His style changed once he had discovered this new method of expression through painting. He emphasized colors, light and objects’ angles to create an accurate depiction of how he, having a mental illness, saw his subject matter emotionally and psychologically.

Fortunately for Van Gogh Up Close, a traveling exhibition of his most notable, unusual paintings done at the time of his mental turmoil’s peak, we can view these works in Philadelphia. The exhibition opened on February 1^st and will end on May 6^th at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Be sure to visit Van Gogh’s legendary works such as “Rain,” which is a depiction of his window while staying at the Clinique of San Paul after several mental breakdowns. Other works such as “Almond Blossom,” “Garden in Auvers” and many more show the true genius use of color, shadows and lines Van Gogh created through this works. The emotional and psychological impact his paintings unleash, reveal how art can truly inspire and allow for us to see the world through the artists's eyes. 

"Rain", France, 1889.

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2012/02/03/arts/design/20120203-VANGOGH-9.html

http://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions/743.html

Color, Color, and more Color!

By Anastasia Athineos

Being bold and bright doesn’t have to be just for celebrities. Anyone can rock a variety of fun colored denim to add a new flare to their wardrobe for a fresh and new look this season. Colored denim is a great way to show off your personality in a fashionable yet casual way. Celebrities have been giving this trend mainstream attention with their color blocking style by dressing up or down their outfits. What’s great about this trend is that it isn’t gender specific. Celebrities such as Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and even Justin Bieber have all been spotted sporting the current trend.

This trend is one that takes some getting used to because not every color is going to look good on everyone’s skin tone.  In order to make this style look best you are better off pairing your colored denim with a simple neutral toned top or jacket. I find that wearing white, black, or gray tee shirts are the safest and most visually pleasing routes to take. By wearing a simple neutral tone, the color from the denim is able to pop and stand out without the outfit looking too loud. Colored denim cries out for fun accessories and shoes. The style of the accessories and shoes can take the simple denim outfit from trendy and flirty to laid back and carefree in a matter of minutes.

So experiment and let your mood and personality shine through your wardrobe! If you are feeling happy, wear something bright. And if you’re feeling a little blue, well cobalt looks great on everyone! No matter your mood, one thing is for certain - you can always feel confident stomping down the sidewalk in your bold, look-at-me pants and effortless style.