This week, President John A. Fry gave us a glimpse into his beige canvas Monocle tote bag that holds his essentials for his daily routine. He chooses to use a tote bag because it is both durable and simple to clean. “It’s just easier. I like the fact that it has zippers and pockets; most canvas bags don’t. Having those little things is great, because I tend to throw all my stuff in and just zip it up so I don’t lose it,” Fry said.

In his trusty tote he carries:

• A picture of his three children, taken at their beach house in Long Island.
• A travel note and seashell from his wife, little reminders of summers spent at the beach with his family.
• Miscellaneous office supplies litter the bottom of the bag, including pens, binder clips, a box of colored pencils from his wife — he uses them to doodle — and a notepad in case he needs to write anything down.
• A reusable water bottle from Harrow, which Fry finds very convenient.
• In an easy to reach side zip pocket, Fry carries the keys to his car and office. He carries a keychain made by his son, with the number five etched in it, a number that represents how many people are in his family. The keychain was made last summer, in his son’s woodworking shop in the basement.
• He also stores his charcoal Urban Outfitters fingerless gloves in that pocket. He likes them because he can text and type with them.
• Since he travels a lot, he keeps Neutrogena men’s face lotion in his bag. “It is nice to have a little face lotion when the weather is changing or I’m is sitting in the airport and my face is dry,” Fry said.
• Most of his tote contains reading material, which Fry finds a must-have for anyone traveling a lot. “I’m always sitting on planes or trains or in an airport or waiting for the next squash match, so I always have a ton of reading,” Fry said. He tries to read six newspapers a day, including Philadelphia, New York, national and international news. He is currently slightly behind and although he is not always successful, he tries his best. When he misses three or four days of reading, he carries extra newspapers in a shopping bag.
• His favorite publication, Monocle, an international travel “politics style” kind of magazine. “I was in an airport and I picked it up. [From then on,] I just kind of got addicted,” he said. After he subscribed to it, he was sent this tote bag that he uses daily.
• Other reading materials that he carries include the two most recent Foreign Affairs, The Economist, Wallpaper Magazine and Vanity Fair.
• The current book that he is reading, “Shop Class as Soul Craft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work” by Matthew B. Crawford. He said that so far “it’s a great book about the nature of work in America.”
• A teal folder that holds all of his prep material for the day, as well as a daily schedule. On this particular day, Fry had 13 appointments and a dinner.
• His iPhone, with an anchor phone case gifted by his wife, and headphones. The size of his phone is easier on his eyes, which is vital since he does a lot of work on it.

Photo by Jennifer Lam

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Forget the whistle of below-freezing winds, the sound of teeth chattering and premature holiday songs, I know that winter is coming when I start hearing crackles of static coming from my head. From my hair, to my sweaters, all the way down to my warm pink fuzzy socks, static is virtually inescapable. All I dream of is a day where I can take off my infinity scarf without having my hair rise up and swallow my head. After trying lotion, water spray bottles, hydrating conditioners, I have narrowed down a list of easy methods that actually work to diminish static. Follow these simple fixes to finally rid yourself of this winter annoyance.

1. Just as dryer sheets work to take static out of your laundry, you can use them to take the electric charge out of your hair. Rub a dryer sheet lightly through your mane to rid yourself of static. You can also rub your comb or brush with the dryer sheet before brushing hair. As an added bonus, you’ll smell nice!
2. Instead of using more and more dryer sheets, try drying your laundry with aluminum foil balls. Create balls of foil about the size of your fist and include three to five in your next dryer load. The foil balls can be used over and over again, and work perfectly to discharge your clothes. (Tip: wrap several layers of foil around tennis balls to make your clothes fluffier and dry faster.)
3. A quick way to make sure your clothes do not cling to each other is to use a wire hanger. Take the hanger and glide the longer side over your clothes before you head out the door. This works for all types of garments, but is especially useful for dresses and skirts that stick to stockings.
4. Start using hair oil or leave-in conditioner on damp hair after your shower. This will create more moisture in your hair and keep it healthy at the same time. Make sure to only concentrate on the ends, as to not weigh down the hair too much with extra product.
5. Switch from hairspray to mousse or hair clay for the same hold, but without the static. Because hairspray contains alcohol, too much can actually dry your hair rather than tame those flyaways. Instead, opt for mousse or hair clay to lock in your style and moisture.

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Photo by Jennifer Lam

Take one look around, and there is no denying that the ’90s are back! From the ever-popular crop top, jelly shoes and halter, a selective few of the decade old fads are making a big return to the fashion world. Based on a quick glimpse of my Etsy shopping cart, there is one clear ’90s trend ruling my world right now: choker necklaces. And while we used to live in a beautiful world where throwing a quarter into one of those prize vending machines could spit out a black (or neon rainbow) tattoo choker, life just isn’t as simple as the ’90s anymore.

After hours of research and finagling with black elastic, I surrendered to the fact that it would take me at least another week before I could conquer the tattoo choker. Save yourself the time, and use these three lazy-girl ways to start rocking the choker again today!

Materials: Old black cord necklaces, charms and beads, ribbon, ribbon clamps, jewelry clasps, old wristlet, scissors

The first and by far quickest method to making your own choker necklace is to dismantle an old wristlet. Surprisingly, the measurements used to comfortably hold the wristlet are almost the perfect measurements for the neck. The most important tip for this method is to make sure your new choker fits comfortably on the neck. Carefully cut and separate the strap from the wristlet itself. Be sure to keep the clasp on. Adorn your new choker with a charm to personalize it, or wear it with the clasp in the front and rock both the choker and hardware trend for the fall.

This second method is if you have a little more time and some old black cord necklaces to spare. Take your black cord necklace and string your desired beads on. To quickly shorten the necklace without too much hassle, simply tie a few knots. I personally tied the knots close to the beads in order to secure them as well as add to the grunge aesthetic.

This last method is more time-consuming, but just as easy. Create a plain solid color ribbon choker to match with every outfit. I interchanged different brooches and pins to match each of my outfits easily. First, measure and cut your ribbon or lace into a 13-inch strip (adjust measurements as needed). Place on any charms or beads at this time. To ensure that the ribbon does not fray, use ribbon clamps at the ends of the strip and connect to your clasp. Now go out and show off your ’90s pride by rocking your brand new choker!

Photo by Jennifer Lam

When it comes to personalizing electronic gadgets, the clear phone case is my best friend. Not only because it is relatively inexpensive, but also because it is extremely versatile when it comes to easy and painless do-it-yourself projects. In this tutorial, we will be creating a pressed flower phone case. Just because the weather is chillier does not mean I can quite give up floral designs yet! If you are not a fan of flowers for the fall, feel free to use other materials as a substitute. Other ideas for personalizing your phone case are: using photographs, washi tape, glitter nail polish, or even fabric in a bold design.

Materials: clear phone case, clear adhesive (such as glue or nail polish), small paintbrush, pressed flowers

Directions:

Pressing your own flowers is easy, but takes a little bit of time. Simply place your petals and leaves flat within a heavy book or magazine. The drying process typically takes a minimum of five days, depending on the size and type of your petals. After allowing the petals to dry, carefully arrange them on a flat surface until you have your desired design. Take a quick picture of the design for future reference, as you will be moving the petals around to adhere them to the case. Slowly use clear craft glue and the paintbrush to adhere the petals to the inside of the case. Use thin layers of glue, as some petals will become translucent if too much glue is applied. If you don’t have glue, you can also use clear nail polish for this step. Allow the case to dry overnight, and enjoy your new floral phone case!

Photo by Jennifer Lam

Living in the city for two years has taught me many things. One of the harder lessons I had to learn was that when it comes to my wardrobe, closet space is not the most abundant. My clothes live pretty sandwiched within the miniature built-in closet I have. And clothes hung closely together leads to one thing: clothes slipping off hangers and becoming a tangled mess. One solution is to purchase a whole new set of velvet hangers. Another is to read on and find out how to create easy, personalized hangers.

Materials: cloth or yarn, a hanger, scissors and glue

The cloth can be bought from a fabric store and cut into long inch-wide strips or you can upcycle old T-shirts by cutting long strips and tying them together securely. The great part about this do-it-yourself is that there is no need to measure a specific length. Keep tying the cloth strips together and cut after you have completed wrapping the hanger. Another option is to use yarn. You could even use different colors to match the decor of your room!

Directions:

To begin, tie the cloth strip to the hanger with a knot. Apply a thin layer of glue and begin wrapping the cloth around the hanger, applying more glue as you go. I recommend beginning at the bottom of the hanger and ending at the hook. You can overlap the cloth as you please for a thicker or thinner hanger. After you have wrapped the entire hanger, tie a knot or bow around the base of the hook. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours before using. Take this time to finish an entire set of hangers. Now enjoy your new stylish and mess-free wardrobe!

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With Labor Day just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan the perfect outfit for whatever you might be doing that day. Whether it is a picnic, beach day or a barbeque, make sure you dress to impress.

Do:

-Wear white clothing or accessories. After all, it is technically the last time it’s acceptable to wear this color. Rules are rules!

-Prepare yourself for a sad farewell to summer with a bright floral or patterned print.

-Throw on your favorite pair of sunnies. Ultraviolet ray-filtering sunglasses with polarized lenses are my favorite right now.

-Always be ready for a fun outdoor game or activity with comfortable sandals.

-Now that the summer is ending, make sure to check the weather forecast in order to plan your outfit accordingly. A good tip is to always pack some layers in case the weather is colder than expected. Try a light wash denim jacket!

Don’t:

-We all love wearing our wedges, but depending on what you have planned, there may be lots of running around. Ditch the heels and keep it casual by wearing a pair of sandals or simple white Converse shoes.

-A small purse or crossbody may be ideal for many events, but not on Labor Day. You may need to bring food, towels or other needs with you, depending how you plan to spend your day off! Try a large tote bag to hold all your necessities.

-Don’t pack any unnecessary or heavy jewelry. It will be uncomfortable to wear in the hot sun. Instead, try a wide brimmed hat to keep the sun out of your eyes.

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Walking down Chestnut Street this past Saturday, I was greeted by friendly shouts.

“One dollar! Everything outside! Dollar sale for charity!”

Judging by the crowd that had formed outside of Philadelphia’s Buffalo Exchange, I knew I had arrived at the thrift store’s annual Earth Day fundraiser, Keep the World Blooming. The secondhand store is known for carrying a variety of trendy and eccentric pieces at an affordable price. Shoppers buzzed around several clothing racks and bins containing discounted treasures. I stopped to talk to store manager Mike Shaffer, who was welcoming passersby to the sale.

Shaffer mentioned that the Earth Day events are the largest charity events held by Buffalo Exchange each year. “The event began at 10 a.m., but the lines started forming much earlier!” he said, noting the popularity of the affair.

According to Shaffer, all proceeds from Keep the World Blooming across 49 stores went toward a non-profit organization selected by the brand. Past donations have gone toward a variety of campaigns by The Humane Society of the United States, including Don’t Trash Wildlife, Be Cruelty-Free and Save Ocean Animals. This year, Buffalo Exchange partnered with the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum to help raise awareness for pollination conservation. The event, Keep the World Blooming, was named to emphasize the need for pollination hotspots to help restore pollination. The non-profit organization will put the proceeds toward locating these hotspots within the Sonoran Desert in Arizona.

Although this is the main fundraising event each year, Buffalo Exchange gives back to the community regularly. Along the window, brightly colored flyers advertised its Coats for Cubs program. The flyer asked for donations of real fur to be used to help in animal rehabilitation as bedding. It also has a Tokens for Bags program that donates five cents to local non-profit organizations for every plastic bag a customer forgoes when making a purchase. The current organizations, according to Buffalo Exchange’s website, are Reach Out and Read, Delaware River City Corporation, and Bella-Reed Pit Bull Rescue.

I watched as shoppers continued to enjoy the ultimate sidewalk sale, grabbing all that they could hold and flocking toward new merchandise as it was being placed on the racks. Buffalo Exchange floor assistant and fellow Drexel sophomore Gabriella Duncan did some shopping herself as she greeted new customers. Taking advantage of the sale, she openly admitted that she placed quite a few items on hold for herself. Scoring a great sale while giving back to the community left all customers happy as they made their purchases. I am sure bargain shoppers everywhere are marking their calendars for the next annual Earth Day dollar sale; I know I will.

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Drexel faculty, staff and students joined together to take an active stand to end violence against women and girls Feb. 28 and March 1 with performances of V-Day’s award-winning play, “The Vagina Monologues.” Spoken directly to the audience in a series of monologues, “The Vagina Monologues” has become a celebration of women’s empowerment. The proceeds of the event were donated to Women Organized Against Rape, as well as V-Day’s Spotlight Campaign, One Billion Rising for Justice. WOAR is a nonprofit organization located in Philadelphia that works to eliminate all forms of sexual violence by providing free counseling for sexual violence victims, prevention education programs and treatment services. The event was sponsored by the Student Center for Inclusion and Culture.

V-Day’s award-winning play, “The Vagina Monologues,” was put on by Drexel faculty, staff and students Feb. 28 and March 1. The proceeds from the performance were donated to Women Organized Against Rape and One Billion Rising for Justice. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Lam.

Based off Tony Award-winning playwright Eve Ensler’s interviews with over 200 women of various backgrounds, each show can vary the monologues based on current events and interests. The play won the Obie Award, has been translated into over 48 different languages and has been performed in 140 different countries. Funny, tender and provocative, this particular version featured interviews from seventeen different women with topics ranging from sexual abuse to lack of sex education. In each of these interviews, the women answered questions such as “If your vagina was a person, what would it wear?” and “What would your vagina say if it could speak?” Using a variety of voices, from a 6-year-old victim of sexual abuse to a 72-year-old woman who never learned about “down there,” the production captivated the audience with an eye-opening tale of the strength and resilience of women around the world.

One such story was “My Vagina Was My Village,” a monologue performed by Drexel student Ellen Gingrich, a passionate testimony from a Bosnian survivor of rape. This piece captured the inner struggle of a survivor’s identity before and after the sexual assault. Lines such as “My vagina was green, water soft pink fields” contrasted with “Not since I dream there’s a dead animal sewn in down there with a thick black fishing line,” shockingly describing a brutality that most audience members could not even imagine. With powerful emotion also came refreshing breaths of humor, particularly in “My Angry Vagina”. Ranting about the frustration of tampons, cleansing products and duck lips, alumna Shumethia Seal had the audience laughing and affirming the underlying truth of her tirade.

After the show, audience members mingled with the performers for an informal question-and-answer session. Drexel Public Safety offered a free signup to their Rape Aggression Defense course, which consists of four classes and a certification of completion. In reaction to the show, one member of the audience said, “It’s amazing just to see the vehicle used to discuss the degree and depth of violence against women. To see how comfortable this is on a college campus is empowering.”

Glenn Booker, an associate teaching professor at Drexel, said, “So much of women’s sexuality is hidden today. This [play] is especially educational for the men that show up.” Booker performed in the moving monologue, “They Beat The Girl Out of My Boy … Or So They Tried,” which was originally performed by an all transgender cast.

A night of taboo topics and vulnerability, this event was one that the audience and performers are unlikely to forget. Raising controversial issues such as masturbation, homosexuality and sexual abuse, V-Day’s global activist movement continues to work towards an end to violence against women and a beginning to female empowerment.

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by Jennifer Lam

Haven Ogbaselase | Junior | Television Production & Media Management

Wearing: Urban Outfitter black dress and patterned tights, Charlotte Russe heather grey long sleeve shirt, Zara poncho coat, and Forever 21 flats

Q: What is your typical thought process when picking an outfit each morning?

A: My typical thought process when picking an outfit on a good day would be thinking what can transition well from classes to going out with friends or to an event at night. I commute and it isn’t ideal for me to travel back and forth. Also, feeling comfortable is a huge deciding factor and something I can’t sacrifice.

Q: If you could describe your personal style in five words, what would they be?

A: Layering and black work miracles.

Q: What is your current favorite piece in your closet? Why?

A: My favorite item in my closet is easily a pair of socks I got for my birthday last month. They’re covered with multiple Bart Simpsons mooning. I’m a sucker for anything The Simpsons related.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: I just recently finished reading “Y” by Marjorie Celona. It’s about a girl who was abandoned at the YMCA just hours after she was born, and the mother who left her. It’s a great story about the consequences that occur from our choices and what it really means to be a family. As for music, I have to listen to at least one song by JMSN every day or my day isn’t complete.

Jen Blazina | Associate professor in the Art & Art History Department at Drexel University and working artist

by Erin Chan

Wearing: Vintage Gucci shirt, vintage cashmere vest, J.Crew pants, FLY London shoes, necklace made by Erica Rosenberg, New York-based glass artist, Pamela Love earrings

Q: Describe your personal style.

A: I like to combine vintage with contemporary, and I wear minimal colors.

Q: Do you have any signature pieces in your closet?

A: Black cashmere sweaters, Levi’s 501 jeans, funky vintage shirts and a lot of boots!

Q: Where do you find style inspiration?

A: I have a bunch of designers that I really love. A lot of my style comes from the ‘40s to ‘60s. I also like a lot of designers from the punk-rock era and just whatever I like.

Q: How does working in the creative field influence your style?

A: Artists don’t wear all the same things, but I really love fashion and see it as an art form. I like to have artist work, like jewelry. Books and things I see on the Internet also influence me.

Q: How has your style evolved since your college days?

A: It hasn’t changed much! I still like to wear a lot of vintage clothing, but I think it’s just developed from more experience and being surrounded by artists and designers. It has also developed because of traveling; I like to collect clothing from other countries.

by Victoria Sibalich

Jeana Mobley | Junior | Custom-designed major and Design Studies

Wearing: Urban Outfitters vest and leather skirt, H&M sheer collared shirt, J.Crew necklace, and Jeffrey Campbell booties

Q: How would you describe your personal style?

A: I would say my style is artsy prep with an edge. My friend once told me that my style reminds her of Vampire Weekend, and I think that describes my style pretty perfectly.

Q: You said you are on co-op right now. Do you try to incorporate your personal style with your work attire? How so?

A: Before I started working, I bought a lot of new business casual pieces like blazers and trouser pants. I used to dress a lot grungier, but I got very inspired by J.Crew’s fall collection and now you rarely see me without a collared shirt on. My work attire is influenced by menswear, but I have an edgy taste that comes out in whatever I wear. I dress in a lot of tailored clothes with bold necklaces that I often make myself, and always wear bright lipstick to add color to my neutral wardrobe. My style got a lot preppier than before I was on co-op, but retained an edge that mixes really well with my artsy side.

Q: Is there anything you are looking forward to as winter term comes to a close?

A: I’m really going to miss co-oping and the [University City] Science Center, but I’m looking forward to it being warm out again! I can’t wait to drink coffee outside and read in the grass. I’m also looking forward to going back to class, especially the Westphal Studies course I’m taking on 3-D printing and laser cutting. I love making things and am excited to explore new design processes.

Q: Any plans for spring break?

A: None yet, but I may travel home to Pittsburgh. If I make it there, I’ll definitely go to my favorite museums, the Warhol and The Mattress Factory. Pittsburgh really has the best art museums, and I was very lucky to grow up visiting them. It obviously made an impact on my major! Working in one of them would be my dream job.

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