S H O P A L L N E W A P PA R E L AT O U R O N L I N E S TO R E !
IN THIS ISSUE 12
FEATURED
TOM FOOLERY LA: Innovation in Action L.A. Designer Shannon Ashford is revolutionizing the jumpsuit with a unique drop-seat seam. Read our interview about her latest collection!
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Diary of a Survivor: My Diagnosis is Beautiful!
The Kindness Factor: 20 Ways to Show Compassion to Your Fellow Man & Woman
by BAILEY CLARK One women’s struggle with alopecia areata becomes a lesson in resilience and self-love.
on the C O V E R
by NICOLE LUCHACO
T H E E D I TO R I N R E D J U M P S U I T
Photography By Anastasia Sierra
18 LĂŠ Neon
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This effervescent style trend is commanding attention. How you can successfully incorporate fluorescents into your wardrobe.
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by SKYE MECHELLE
The Comeback: Sweater Vests
The Loafer Look
This beauty brand's ethos is sourcing herbs locally and organically, producing powerfully healing, plant-based skin care products. We talked with founder Leyna Alred to find out more about what makes URB APOTHECARY resonate with shoppers.
The classic vest is on runways this season and experiencing a resurgence in an eclectic mix of casual-meetsbusiness attire.
by AMBER AARON
URB APOTHECARY: Meet the Founder
30 XXL Bags
BEAUTY
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Skin Rituals
5 Essentials
Consider these quality, ecoconscious items when creating your new skin regimen this season!
These top 5 picks may help you pare down to the beauty bare-essentials. Perfect for spring cleaning and the minimalist in mind!
EDITOR'S NOTE t’s been a challenging and devastating time as the COVID-19 coronavirus swept across the world and shifted the daily lives of millions... A time of rediscovering the heart of what matters, as families sequestered together in place. I will always be impacted by a saying I heard quite often growing up, “It’s not about me.” In times like these, stories of American citizens helping each other was a sign of hope and good faith; such as good samaritans creating and distributing masks to those in need and society rendering a heartfelt “thank you” to essential health workers. Stories of “paying it forward” came to the forefront and inspired us to explore an article on kindness and the ways in which we can re-engage with our friends, local merchants, and neighbors as we reemerge into society.
why I was so thrilled to meet Shannon Ashford, Designer and Founder of Tom Foolery L.A., last year at a local fashion show in San Francisco. As a former L.A. native, I was struck by the practicality, yet simple elegance of her designs and even more thrilled by the eco-conscious and ethically-responsible way in which her clothing was produced. As a designer, she is the quintessential innovator and the kind of small business-owner that is wholly collaborative. Her brand created a simple solution to an everyday apparel problem, while simultaneously cleaning up waste. We love the jobs that are being created through her brand and support of local artisans in Kenya.
Charity and compassion are distinguishing qualities of the ÉLOQUENT WOMAN. The eloquent woman loves fashion, but she is also a role-model in humanitarian concerns. We love to feature women’s apparel brands that are also giving back in big and small ways. That’s
Even as I write this note, there continue to be issues raging to the forefront. My hope is that no matter the shakings, we will take the time to slow down and listen to each other; I hope this will be the new mantra of our time.
Yours Truly,
R E Y N A N I C H O L L E E , Founder / Editor-in-Chief
Left to right: Tom Foolery Founder and Designer Shannon Ashford with Editor-in-Chief Reyna Nichol Lee
C O N T R I B U TO R S S KY E M E C H E L L E Skye Mechelle is a regular contributor with ÉLOQUENT WOMAN MAGAZINE and holds a deep passion for writing on sustainable beauty and fashion. Skye is also an author and spends time researching the impacts of trauma on the body. Her altruistic nature, fervor for social justice, and unique eye for style, signifies her dynamic voice in the writing and blogging world.
AMBER AARON Amber Aaron is an Oakland native, L.A. based wardrobe stylist and freelance journalist. Upon earning her Masters in Luxury Goods & Services from the International University of Monaco, Amber re-located to Los Angeles to begin her fashion career in style consultancy. Amber's credentials and global industry experience have given her an edge on the business of fashion. She has been a regular style writer and contributor for ÉLOQUENT WOMAN MAGAZINE for the past several years.
JENNIFER LE Jennifer Le is a publicist and lifestyle writer in Orange County, California. She enjoys covering fashion, healthy eating, and small businesses. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a bachelor’s degree in English.
N I C O L E LU C H AC O Nicole Luchaco is a freelance writer, stylist and professional conversationalist. Hailing from coastal Alaska, Nicole has a unique perspective on society. She can often be found designing, volunteering overseas, or listening to someone's life story.
When it comes to creating a beauty ritual, the goal is to organize a step-by-step regimen to nurture the entire body using holistic and versatile products. This routine-based approach to skin care is reshaping the ways in which industry leaders support conscious consumerism and eco-friendly manufacturing. We know our beauty enthusiasts are looking for more organic ingredients! Here’s our list of top products to care for your body and the earth you live on!
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BLK + GRN RAW H O N E Y C L E A N S E R For face care, I recommend selecting a gentle cleanser, like the ultra healing Raw Honey Cleanser by Marla Rene with orange, geranium, and Jojoba Oil.
CACAO M O U S S E M A S K With a nod toward the more indulgent, adding in a weekly Cacao Mousse Face Mask from Urb Apothecary is never a bad idea. This particular mask is rich in magnesium, calcium, and natural antioxidant powers of horse chestnut, cucumber peel, and licorice extracts.
$39 | blkgrn.com
CO L L AG E N I N F U S E D LIP MASK
$40 | urbapothecary.com
The Collagen Infused Lip Mask by KNC Beauty, is a great choice to rejuvenate your lips after days in the summer sun. While trendy, it is also practical enough to tuck into your carry-on, so you can perk up your pout no matter where you are in the world! $25 -40 | kncbeauty.com
B E A U TY E D I T B Y ACA R R E
T E W Í N’X W C RA N B E R RY RO S E S E R U M Skwálwen (pronounced skwallwin) Botanicals luxurious antioxidant-rich TEWÍN’XW (pronounced too-ay-nooh) Cranberry Rose Serum blends rosehip, cranberry seed, raspberry seed, and Coenzyme Q into a lush light-weight face oil perfect for daily use. $50 | skwalwen.com
Another feather-light, headto-toe oil, ideal-for-all-skintypes, is the Beauty Edit by AcARRE. Known for their ethos of beauty minimalism, their lauded Beauty Edit oil can be used on the face, scalp, or body. $39 | acarre.co
bonus: Perfect for Dry Hands! R E PA I R S A LV E With all the extra scrubbing lately, Urb Apothecary's Repair Salve is the perfect remedy for everyday dry, cracked hands. It's organic, natural ingredients are also key for treating eczema, burns, rashes, and even insect bites. $22 | urbapothecary.com
P H OTO B Y K R I S TY S PA ROW | G E T TY I M AG E S
Kenneth Ize: Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Paris, France on February 24, 2020
BY JENNIFER LE
A versatile piece is a must-have for the workplace. When you think of a vest, you’re probably thinking of the “ugly sweater” that your grandparents broke out on holidays. Now, however, the vest has been revamped into a timeless staple that can last through all four seasons. When it comes to choosing a vest for work, finding one that’s the perfect combination of business chic and athleisure is essential. Puffer vests will give you a sleek look while still appearing casual and put-together. Depending on where you live, the key is picking one that’s not too thick or too thin. A thin waterproof sweater vest will be easy to take on and off throughout the work day. Before investing in a vest, check out these tips for choosing the right one! ÉL O Q U E NT 10
P E R M A F RO S T V E S T | $89 prana.com
What makes vests versatile is that they come in different textures, which make them ideal for different environments. A tweed sweater vest will help you achieve a sophisticated look while a fleece vest is perfect for lounging around the house. There’s one for every occasion.
K N I T C R E P E V E S T | $67.97 coldwatercreek.com
WO M E N'S MerinoLO F T E L L I P S E V E S T | $90 icebreaker.com
T W E E D V E S T | $89 zara.com
Opt for a longline vest to pair with your office outfits. A long vest combines the look of a sweater vest with that of a cardigan. It’s elegant and can be worn multiple ways such as with a long sleeved blouse or a sleeveless dress. PRO TIP: add a belt to accentuate the waist for a slimming look.
You don’t have to worry about your vests only being suitable for the wintertime because they’re designed as a versatile piece that allows you to layer and casually throw on for an effortless look.
LO N G L I N E V E S T | $195 nordstrom.com
A black vest is a staple for every closet. While flashy colors and prints may look fun in the moment, neutrals and pastels are evergreen colors that are easier to style with the items you already have. That’s why a black vest is a must-have for business-related functions.
ne word I would use to sum up Designer and L.A. native Shannon Ashford, is humble. Ashford is not only on the cutting edge of innovative design, but she also understands small business and she is taking it all in stride. We talked with her recently to learn even more about her brand TOM FOOLERY LA.
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What made you want to start a women’s ready-to-wear line? Starting a clothing company was a dream of mine when I was a kid, but I didn’t want to just make clothes, I wanted there to be a purpose. In college I came up with the idea for the drop seat jumpsuit and decided it was something new and different that really contributed something innovative to the world of clothing. Creating something that really solved problems motivated me to take the plunge and start a company. I had to find the originality first.
Why the name “Tom Foolery?” It started as one man’s joking suggestion back when I was in high school. I used to wake up early before school and make myself something to wear that day. A friend of my dad's heard about my habit one night at dinner and decided to tell me what the rest of my life would [be] like. He told me I was going to start a clothing company and I was going to call it Tom Foolery. I have no idea where the suggestion came from, but when I was filing as an LLC I remembered it. It just seemed to sum up the company and design perfectly.
It’s hard for some to launch out with their ideas into the marketplace. What helped you get your unique designs out there? Resilience has been a huge factor in starting my business. Being able to bounce back after setbacks (and with starting a business you are guaranteed MANY setbacks) I think is what makes an entrepreneur great. I’ve had many breakdowns during this journey and every time I give myself exactly 15 minutes. To run, to box, to breathe, to longboard, to shower, to take a few shots, whatever I am feeling that day; I get 15 minutes to feel sorry for myself and after that I get right back to work. Also, I read in a book that purpose is greater than passion. I believe this is what keeps me going. I am passionate about making clothes and inspiring new styles, but my purpose is improving lives. Our work in Kenya is where I find my purpose and that alone keeps me getting out of bed every morning at 5:00am.
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Tom Foolery is liberating women in the most unique way, can you explain the concept behind your jumpsuits and what makes them unique? Yes! After years of bonding with women in restrooms over the perils of relieving yourself in a jumpsuit, I decided we needed a better alternative. The drop seat design was very much inspired by Thai fishermen pants with open side seams and a wrap belt. I spent a few months sailing around Southeast Asia and a friend of mine got a pair of these pants. As she showed me how to hold up the front panel to your waist, pull the back panel through your legs, and tie the belt around. I realized, "This is it! We just slap a top on this and end behind-thestall nudity forever!"Â
How is Tom Foolery creating jobs in developing countries with your production process? Tell us more about your partnership with Elimu! Partnering with Elimu was [sic] fulfillment of a lifelong dream to work with makers in Kenya and the result of thousands of prayers answered. Elimu began as a resource center for students in Malindi. They offered scholarships for tuition, textbooks, and tutoring. Now there are over 300 students who have access to an education, resources for studying, a computer lab, teachers, and coding certification courses. Elimu also has a program I am particularly fond of called Heri Sewing College. All students at Heri are young females learning the skill of sewing to gain their independence. It is common practice to marry off daughters for a dowry at a young age, some even being subjected to female genital mutilation.
We use comfortable jersey made from 50% recycled plastic bottles collected in Haiti and 50% cotton. The final product feels like pajamas. We also incorporate vibrant cotton prints purchased in Malindi, Kenya in honor of Elimu sewing students (our non-profit partner in Kenya). Our upcoming jumpsuit collection will be made from responsibly-sourced eucalyptus tencel and colored with natural vegetables dyes. I can't wait for production to start up again in LA!
Is it true that your jumpsuits can be custom made to fit any size? It is true. Although it is no longer listed on our website (it's now an insider secret) we can make custom jumpsuits! Because every woman is blessed with different curves and a jumpsuit is a particularly challenging piece to standardize, we have got you covered. Customers can send an email to shannon@tomfoolery.la with their measurements and their selected style and for no extra charge have a tailor-made drop seat jumpsuit.Â
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Through the skill of sewing, these girls are able to start their own businesses, choose their spouses, provide for their families, and buy property. Last summer we were able to employ a small group of students to complete a collection that was shown at Paris Fashion Week! Our goal in the next few years is to start a sewing shop in Malindi and employ the graduates. Our goal in the next few decades is to establish sewing shops in developing countries all over the world and ethically employ local artisans.
What do you hope women will feel when wearing your brand and what do you hope to accomplish through this sustainable fashion brand? I want women to feel confident and comfortable. My goal is to make every woman feel stunning in their own body and proud of the fact that their purchase cleans up plastic bottles in Haiti and supports female entrepreneurship in Kenya. My ultimate goal is to create closed loop supply chains all over the world so that from bottle to finished jumpsuit, everything is made in one city. This way, customers can shop from specific countries while supporting female artisans, cleaning up plastic from landfills, and investing in quality pieces. Shannon Ashford’s jumpsuit features a unique overlapping side seam which conveniently drops the backseat for an easy-going powder room experience (without reducing you to your full birthday suit!). Dressed-up or dressed-down, this appealing design creates the perfect combination of tomboy meets class act. Made in the U.S.A. with recycled plastic and responsibly-sourced materials, Ashford is making her mark as the pioneering, problem-solving designer of the hour.
P H OTO B Y S T E F A N K N A U E R | G E T TY I M AG E S
BY JENNIFER LE
Marc Cain Fashion Show Berlin, Germany on January 15, 2019
Inspired by neon signs and retro art, brands like Balenciaga and Zadig & Voltaire have debuted pieces that display the fluorescent fuschia and pantone greens which were hard to miss on the runway. Perfect for parties and music festivals, neon evokes a celebratory mood and speaks for itself. However, it’s not everyday that you have a special occasion that calls for bright colors and flashing lights. While it may appear intimidating to translate into everyday, the neon trend doesn’t have to manifest itself on either extremes of the spectrum; it can be done in more muted and subtle ways that are appropriate for everyday. If you’re not fully ready to immerse yourself, get started with pieces that contain neon accents. Whether it’s a paperbag belted pant with a neon lining or a blouse with subtle neon prints, you can dip your toes by experimenting with these bright colors without entirely making the jump. Here are a few ways you can incorporate neon colors into your personal style.
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TIE-FRONT PLEATED DRESS $114.99 Turn heads with this classy hot pink pleated dress. It's conservative, yet chic, so you won't be underdressed at that special event. jcrew.com
No. 2 PENCIL SKIRT in MATELASSE $69.99 This pencil skirt is multifunctional and can dress you up for the office and then a date night afterwards. It can be paired with a white-collared blouse for a daytime look and then a black cami for an evening look. jcrew.com
CASHMERE TURTLENECK SWEATER $49 This neon sweater combines both comfort and style all-in-one. Tuck into a pair of jeans for a casual everyday look or pair over a black midi skirt as a statement piece. nordstrom.com
7/8 HIGH RISE LEGGINGS $49.99 SATIN ASYMMETRICAL BLOUSE $29.97 If you’re feeling experimental, combine neon colors with nudes or use a variation from the same color family (hot pink with reds or neon green with dark greens). vinceamuto.com
Work out in style with these neon high-rise leggings that are both stretchy and comfortable for a yoga class and then for lounging around at home. jcrew.com
BY SKYE MECHELLE
When it comes to beauty, the most important points in selecting our brands comes down to their quality and convenience. Now more than ever, we want to invest in items that are multifaceted and naturally revitalizing, while letting go of non-essential items that so easily bog us down. Together, our top five summer picks offer the perfect blend of beauty essentials!
P H OTO B Y A N D R E A B R U N O B A R B E RO
C H E E K B O N E B E A U TY YO U R B ROW S E Y E B ROW G E L Well-defined brows are the foundation of every solid makeup routine. If your brow care is streamlined, you can achieve an effortless look in a matter of minutes. The easy-to-use Your Brows Eye Gel by Cheekbone Beauty makes even the most novice brow guru feel like a pro. $19 // cheekbonebeauty.ca
H I W I L D F LOW E R M AT Ă? RO S E G LOW L I P S, E Y E S, C H E E K S
S KY L A R F RAG RA N C E RO L L I E CO L L E CT I O N Skylar Fragrance tops our list with their blend of light, fresh, organic perfumes that come in full-size roller form (or a great sampler pack); making them ideal for your summer bag!
The Mati Rose Glow lip, eye, and cheek creme by Hi Wildflower checks off everything you want and need in a staple beauty product with its moisturizing and longlasting formula.
$130-174 // skylar.com
$27 // hiwildflower.com
U N S U N CO S M E T I C S M I N E RA L T I N T E D S U N S C R E E N Ensuring one has a daily-use SPF is a necessity and the award winning Mineral Tinted Sunscreen from UnSun Cosmetics not only doubles as a primer and color corrector, but comes in a wide range of skin-tones. $29 // unsuncosmetics.com
P R I M A L LY P U R E N AT U RA L D RY S H A M PO O Primally Pure created a non-toxic and organic remedy for an oily scalp with their Natural Dry Shampoo, which comes in two shades for light or dark locks. A fabulous solution for days in which washing your hair seems too lofty a task. $28 // primallypure.com
P H OTO S B Y J AC K I POTO R K E ÉL O Q U E NT 22
BY SKYE MECHELLE
he secret to URB APOTHECARY’s success is undoubtedly it’s founder Lenya Allred. URB APOTHECARY launched in 2013 and can now be found in over 200 brick and mortar stores and eleven online shops worldwide. URB APOTHECARY is a sustainable, small-batch, beauty apothecary from Sacramento, California. Leyna’s holistic approach to life informs so much of how she operates as a businesswoman and CEO. We caught up with her to find out what makes URB APOTHECARY such a growing fan-favorite.
shrink wrap as a security measure. The tubes used for the Lips Cheeks Botanical Tint are 100% cardboard with a food-grade wax lining and no plastic laminate on the outside. We pack our retail orders with unbleached, recyclable kraft paper, corrugated cardboard padding, biodegradable packing peanuts, water-activated paper shipping tape, and eco-printed thank you cards.
P H OTO B Y TA R E N M A RO U N
Every product is made in-house by our very small team and we pour our hearts into every batch. These are made with no small amount of love and joy and it is our deepest hope that you feel this as well as the healing properties of our plant-based skin and body care.
What have been some of the most fulfilling and challenging aspects of the last seven years as a woman-owned, small business? One of the main hurdles was [not only] fear of failure, [but also] fear of success. I think that is one of the most fulfilling parts, not the success necessarily, [but] seeing that steep learning curve and plunging headlong into it. The sense of accomplishment is one of my greatest joys. With trends continuing to sway toward natural living, what makes URB APOTHECARY stand out? I want some element of URB APOTHECARY to be "trendy," but ultimately; I think the ingredients are timeless and so are their benefits. Explain your company ethos. How important are the ingredient sources to the makeup of your products? Our core ethos is to source as locally, organically, ethically, and as potent as possible. We have been so incredibly fortunate to have found many small herb farms not only throughout the U.S., but also right here in Sacramento [sic] that we partner with and share this philosophy. Often by sourcing from small businesses, the cost goes up, but it’s absolutely true that the quality is exponentially higher and that shows in our products. We also work incredibly hard to reduce our plastic footprint. Our current pumps and mist sprayers are about 80% aluminum and the mask sample envelopes are 100% biodegradable. The labels on them are made from hops! Outer cartons are used to protect the oils from light, but it also allowed us to eliminate plastic É L O Q U E NT 24
One of the many things that I value about the URB APOTHECARY ethos is your commitment to invest in fair-trade and organic ingredients as well as support local suppliers. What has been the most challenging and fulfilling aspect of these intentions? Finding them! It has taken me a LONG time to find small growers and even longer to find farms that grow and produce their own oils. Because they are smaller and grown in the US, prices are higher, but the quality is unmatched. The challenge of finding these growers and producers has been the most fulfilling aspect, I love a good hunt!
Has life in Northern California greatly influenced your interest in the medicinal art of plants, herbs, and botanicals? To me California is home (I haven't lived in any other state), it is foothills, mountains, lake, rivers, camping, and all the aromas that go with those. [The state] is wild, diverse, free, sunny, and healing and I think that embodies my line pretty well. URB APOTHECARY has maintained a really genuine relationship to its fanbase, despite its ever-growing audience. What type of legacy do you hope URB APOTHECARY leaves behind as you continue to expand? I hope that people always feel my love for the work and plants when they use the products I make. I hope that through using them they are able to reconnect, heal, and accept the beautiful bodies they are in and maybe even learn more about herbal medicine in general.
What’s your favorite item from your current beauty line? I am loving the Anointing Oil. I wanted to create a healing oil that helps facilitate people to slow down and truly appreciate themselves and their body; to marvel how it functions and giving it thanks. I use it as a lotion alternative and I feel as though a bottle goes further; [the oil] keeps my skin moisturized and glowing for longer, and heals with an herbal infusion of sage, rosemary, bay, and mugwort. It’s an every day, everywhere oil and [sic] can also be used as a hair oil or as an oil facial cleanser. Now more than ever, tending to our mind, body, community, and earth is pressing deep onto the hearts of many. Is there anything that has specifically energized you as a sustainable business owner? Connection. Trusting that we will make it through this and supporting each other. I have an amazing network and community of friends online and in real-life that offer such encouragement and insight and they have helped keep me sane.
S T Y L E : O N T H E R U N WAY
TAY LO R A N D T H O M A S taylorandthomas.com BY AMBER AARON
The loafer has evolved since school uniforms; this classic slip-on has been redesigned into block heels, mules, platforms and sling back styles—further elevated with details such as color-blocking, bows, chains and even sustainably sourced materials. As seen on the spring 2020 runways, the loafer isn’t making a comeback, it’s making a come-up—and socks, those are optional!
M AT T A N D N AT IZABEL Vegan Loafers | mattandnat.com L U L U’S Emmy Leopard Suede Pointed Loafers | lulus.com
W I L L’S V E G A N S TO R E Loafer | wills-vegan-store.com
AV E S U Nae Brina Black Vegan Loafer | avesu.eu
B H AVA Ali Block Heel Mule | bhavastudio.com
N I S O LO d’Orsay Oxford | nisolo.com
P H OTO B Y S E WC R E A M | A D O B E S TO C K.CO M
BY NICOLE LUCHACO
he iconic humanitarian and actress Audrey Hepburn said it best, “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” People–what a precious gift! For the past several months the world has learned how to operate in an altered state. We donned masks, protected our elderly and gained a profound appreciation for our essentials; doctors, nurses, and grocery store clerks. As we begin the process of re-entry to society, here are some simple ways that we can pay it forward by showing kindness toward our fellow man and woman. ÉL O Q U E NT 28
1. CREATE A FORTUNE COOKIE. Leave handwritten encouraging words for loved ones in your home. 2. TOAST OF THE TOWN. Throw a roomy outdoor tea party for your classy nieces and dolled up friends. 3. SEND SOME GRACE. Text an encouraging word to the hardest working woman you know. 4. PERFECTLY POLISHED. Buy two of your favorite nail polish, and place one in your gal pal’s mailbox with an uplifting quote. 5. BE A GOOD LISTENER. Ask your barista how she is doing with re-entry, and hear from her heart.
11. SAY I MISSED YOU. Tell a brother how they enrich your life through a humorous poem. 12. USE YOUR WORDS. Compliment every coworker that you encounter today. 13. GIFT TIME. Take a loved one who lives alone out for coffee. 14. BE A RAY OF SUNSHINE. Intentionally encourage sisters in the service industry. 15. LEAVE DOORSTEP BLOOMS. Purchase flowers and leave them on a friend’s doorstep.
— Audrey Hepburn
6. PAY IT FORWARD. Now that you can finally get your Starbucks, secretly pay for the next ladies coffees as well!
16. SHOP LOCAL. Support your local makers and creatives by shopping nearby.
7. SUPPORT OUR ESSENTIALS. Give a gift card to a nurse or grocery store clerk as a thank you for all that they do!
17. GET PRACTICAL. Pick up a friend's grocery order or take an elderly neighbor's trash bin to the curb.
8. TIP WELL. Be a little extra generous at your favorite restaurant or café.
18. INSPIRE HOPE. Ask a grandmother what she is looking forward to this week.
9. KEEP IT SIMPLE. Show some love with an affirming smile.
19. SHOW LITTLEST MATTER. Throw a Bring Your Own Blanket picnic for your mom-friends and their kids.
10. MAKE FACEMASKS. Try your hand at some DIY kindness and donate them to your local nursing home.
20. SEND SNAIL MAIL. Bring some cheer to your out-of-state bestie and drop an unexpected letter or gift in the mail.
P H OTO B Y VA L U A V I TA LY
In stark contrast to the season’s equally trendy micro bag, the XXL counterpart gives new meaning to “being in your bag.” While the Vegan Croc Shopper by Studio Amelia boasts the size and versatility of being styled as a clutch, Teflar’s Large Shopping Bag is fitting for everyday use, plus bringing the kitchen sink. See our top picks for the oversized bag!
STUDIO AMELIA V E G A N E C R U C RO C S H O P P E R studioamelia.co
A N G E LA RO I ANNE SHOPPER angelaroi.com
TELFAR L A RG E S H O P P I N G B AG shop.telfar.net N AG H E D I S T. B A RT H S L A RG E TOT E shopbop.com
KA S S E L EDITIONS OV E R S I Z E D PA D D E D TOT E kasseleditions.com
M A RAV I L LA BERLIN BIG SHOPPER maravillas-bags.com A H I M S A CO L L E CT I V E SIES MARJAN F A RA H TOT E net-a-porter.com
G E T TO T H E S H O P P E R TOT E theahimsacollective.com
P H OTO B Y D E V I N WO L F F
BY BAILEY CLARK
he first time I remember my hair falling out I was ten years old and visiting my grandparents during a spring break trip. My mom was helping me brush my hair when she noticed an abnormal amount of strands coming out. I had also been noticing this oddity, but I was too scared to tell anyone — afraid something might be wrong with me. By the time we went to see a dermatologist, I had developed multiple bald patches and had extreme hair thinning over my entire scalp. The doctor diagnosed me with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss. He told me there was no cure, only ways to treat the symptoms. As you can imagine, I was devastated by the news. I was always really into “girly” things like doing my hair and makeup, so I couldn’t believe this was happening to me. And there was nothing I could do about it. Three months later, I was completely bald.
The relationship I had with my peers was affected most during my middle school years when I had no hair and wore nothing to cover my head. My symptoms only added to the stress and isolation I felt at an awkward time when fitting in felt so important. Most of my peers didn’t understand what was going on with me, and other than my friends, most kids just thought of me as someone weird. The boys I liked in school stopped talking to me, and kids in other classes would point and stare, making up ugly rumors about me. Luckily, my hair completely grew back when I was thirteen and remained relatively healthy for five years. However, at the age of 22, I had another flare up and was nearly bald again. This time I decided to wear a wig in order to present myself in a way that felt “attractive.”
I definitely received more attention from men than ever before, and many people stopped me on the street to comment on my beautiful hair. I received so much praise about how great I looked. It was unreal. Some people even started treating me better with the long, voluminous hair. I thought the reaction I got from people would make me feel good, but honestly, it made me feel weird inside, as if I were disguising a part of my identity. Eventually, their comments left me feeling more inadequate than ever before. At first, I was really sad and had low self-esteem because of how different everyone treated me; but as time went on, I became unsure if my hair was ever going to grow back. With that realization I stopped caring what other people thought of me and started thinking more about how I felt about myself. I realized the love and approval
P H OTO B Y S A M OV E RT U R F
I was searching for wasn’t going to come from anybody else. This realization led me to begin working on my own self-esteem and loving the way I looked no matter how much hair was on my head! I decided it was time to stop wearing the wig and remind myself, “I am beautiful no matter what!” Although I was still missing about 60 percent of my hair, it felt amazing to finally be free. The decision was very empowering and felt like a turning point for me. I realized I hadn’t been wearing the wig for myself; it was to meet someone else’s standard of beauty. Dealing with alopecia has been a roller coaster ride over the years. I have been bald twice and eventually had full re-growth. I continue to deal with patches and hair loss almost every day. The
continuous cycle is a struggle that challenges me at different points in my life. Struggles are like that. They test us and make us stronger, better versions of ourselves. Even though this disease has put me through mental and emotional hardship throughout the years, it has been the vehicle to teach me more about selflove and resiliency, always reminding me that true beauty comes from within. Today, I’m happy to say that I’ll be graduating from Montana State University in May with a degree in Kinesiology! Although my future is still being written, I hope my story will inspire other women struggling with body image issues and low self-esteem to turn their hardships into an opportunity to love themselves exactly as they are—which is beautiful.
DID YOU KNOW? There are 4 MILLION victims of sex trafficking globally.*
An estimated 3.8 million adults and 1 million children were victims of forced sexual exploitation in 2016Â around the world.
According to a 2014 report from the International Labour Organization on forced labor, commercial sexual exploitation accounted for two thirds of the profits from forced labor. And forced sex work commanded the highest profits per victim compared to other types of labor like domestic work.
YOU CAN DO SOMETHING. Join us in bringing aid to victims of sex trafficking. Find out how at:
eloquentwoman.com Majority of sex trafficking victims are women and girls. Women and girls accounted for 71% of modern slavery victims. Girls in the child welfare system are especially vulnerable. Profits from forced sexual labor are estimated at $99 billion worldwide.
NEED HELP? The National Human Trafficking Hotline is confidential, toll-free and available 24/7 in more than 200 languages. Call: 1-888-373-7888
*Statistics according to a study from the United Nations’ International Labour Organization and reports from the Human Rights Project for Girls and Georgetown Law Center on Poverty and Inequality.
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