Fashion Spotlight: A Recap of Karen O’s “Cool It Down” Wardrobe

by Samantha Harden | Jun 12, 2023 | Samantha Harden

For the past two decades, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs frontwoman Karen O, has defined her rock star style with some help from a self-taught fashion designer known as Ms. Joy.

The first piece Ms. Joy ever created for Karen O was a deconstructed prom dress embellished with plastic flowers and white paint that read, “Yeah Yeah Yeahs” across the front.

According to a story from the New York Times Ms. Joy said that she only had one night to make it and began by shredding up a secondhand blue-satin prom dress. Ms. Joy laughed as she said, “It was hideous.”

Karen O, on the other hand, remembered the look very differently, saying that she hoped she could live up to the look while on stage.

Since then, Ms. Joy has designed countless looks for Karen O, including a blue spandex leotard with silver peplum that Karen O wore on the cover of the June 2004 issue of Spin, the tailored yellow suit that Karen O wore while performing at the 2013 Latitude Festival in Southwold, England and many of Karen O’s latest “Cool It Down” tour looks.

Katie Baron, the author of “Fashion + Music: Fashion Creatives Shaping Pop Culture,” has compared Karen O’s relationship with Ms. Joy to that of David Bowie’s relationship with designer, Kansai Yamamoto, who created many of Bowie’s iconic looks.

Karen O said in an interview with the New York Times that when she went to Ms. Joy with the costume ideas for the “Cool It Down” tour wardrobe she wanted the looks to be inspired by “‘70s rock glam.”

One of Ms. Joy’s latest pieces created for Karen O was a kaleidoscope bodysuit, trimmed with primary-colored tape. Karen O said the look was on the verge of being “tomboyish” and had a more DIY feel, something Karen O said she preferred to a runway wardrobe.

Karen O deputed the look at the start of the “Cool It Down” tour at The Anthem on May 3 in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C.

One of Karen O’s staples on any tour is to incorporate a piece of clothing labeled with her initials and in Washington D.C., while wearing one of Ms. Joy’s many “Cool It Down” costumes, Karen O added a bedazzled “KO” across the front of the jumpsuit.

Atlanta, GA

If there is anything that defines the “Cool It Down” tour it is a statement glove. One of the photos used to promote the album and the tour was a photo of Karen O holding up a microphone while wearing a metallic pink glove layered with a silver bangle.

And the gloves didn’t end there, throughout the tour, Karen O wore many gloves but one that continued to reappear was a pair of glittery, red gloves with long strands of fringe hanging down from them.

Houston, TX

While in Houston, Texas, Karen O wore the iconic pink glove, along with an orange, pink and blue striped outfit featuring leather accents. The look, although not as extravagant as some of the jumpsuits, continued to reflect Karen O’s “‘70s glam rock” theme.

Pasadena, CA

One of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs stops on the tour was in Pasadena, California, headlining the Just Like Heaven Music Festival where Karen O wore a red, shoulderless jumpsuit embellished with glitter and fingerless gloves.

Chicago, IL

After having to cancel their stop at the Boston Calling Music Festival due to Karen O coming down with a bad illness, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs returned to their tour in Chicago. Karen O wrote to fans on social media after the show saying, “Thank you for bringing me back from the dead Chicago.”

Morrison, CO

Another one of Ms. Joy’s designs for the “Cool It Down” tour was a multicolored studded jumpsuit complete with red tinseled opera gloves and a glittering red, black and blue cape featuring a sunburst design.

Seattle, WA

One of the last stops of the “Cool It Down” tour, in Seattle, Washington, was marked by Karen O’s colorful headpiece. The piece, resembling a sunburst, featured many of the colors used throughout the tour and matched the iconic pink glove used throughout the tour.

Portland, OR

In Portland, Oregon, Karen O wore another bedazzled jumpsuit that fit the label of “‘70s glam rock.” The jumpsuit featured blue, yellow and red glitter designs and had oversized sleeves, a look that resembled many of David Bowie’s iconic ‘70s jumpsuits.

4 Summer Skincare Products we are Obsessed with Right Now

by Samantha Harden | Jun 5, 2023 | Samantha Harden

One of the most important things to remember this summer is to take care of your skin. People often forget to apply and reapply sunscreen and moisturizer during the summer months but taking care of your skin while in the sun this summer is a must.

Here are four skincare products that will keep your skin hydrated and healthy this summer.

Staying Hydrated

The Hydrating Bundle from Bubble Skincare is a set of three Bubble products, the Fresh Start Gel Cleanser, the Bounce Back Balancing Toner Mist and the Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer.

When used together, this kit acts as the perfect three-step hydrating routine for this summer.

The Hydrating Bundle uses ingredients including spearmint extract, green tea extract, sodium PCA+ and aloe leaf juice to help hydrate and rejuvenate dried out and sunkissed skin this summer.

The Perfect Tan

The Bronzed Not Baked Tan Boosting Gel from b.tan is exactly what it sounds like, a way to ensure the perfect tan without burning your skin.

It acts as a sunscreen, you apply it to your skin each day (or twice daily as needed) and you let it work its magic.

The gel is a 3-in-1 hydra gel serum that includes aloe vera and watermelon extract to help soothe and rehydrate skin while also resulting in the perfect tan.

On the Go Suncare

The 4 Piece Organic Suncare Travel Set from Coola is a TSA sized kit that includes four mini must haves; Classic Body Sunscreen Spray SPF 30, Classic Face Suncreen Lotion SPF 30, Classic Liplux Lip Balm SPF 30 and the Radical Recovery After Sun Lotion, all packed together in an ocean-inspired reusable pouch. It’s the perfect travel kit for any beach vacation.

Coola uses farm to face, antioxidant enriched, plant protected, cruelty free products to ensure an organic product from an organic source. Coola’s sunscreen products are all organic and do not damage or dry out skin.

The Melon Moisturizer

The Hydra Vizor Mini from Fenty Beauty is an invisible SPF 30 moisturizer sunscreen with niacinamide and kalahari melon.

The invisible moisturizer can be used for any skintone and has no residue or chalkiness. It also helps reduce the look of dark spots while softening fine lines and wrinkles.

It is perfect as a daily moisturizer for any time of the year but also includes SPF, making it the perfect moisturizer for spending some time out in the sun this summer.

Part 2: An introduction to Scarlette Magazine’s 2023/2024 Scarlette Executive Board

by Samantha Harden | Jun 3, 2023 | Lena Wu

Summer break has officially begun, but that doesn’t mean Scarlette is on hiatus. In fact, the magazine has been busier than ever, creating new and amazing content for our readers and preparing for next semester.

As our members continue to create and share their hard work, Scarlette Magazine is pleased to continue welcoming our new members to the executive board.

The new writing director is Samantha Harden, our upcoming social media director is Averie Ison, the new director of finance is Comeila Soltanirad and Maggie Harkins will become the photography director.

As they settle into their new roles, we asked them to share a little bit about their plans for next year and what they are most excited about for the upcoming year.

Samantha Harden

I am a third-year student with a journalism major, which is why I am very excited for my new role as the writing director. I have already done a lot of writing and editing for Scarlette, but I am excited to have a bigger role in the magazine next semester.

“I joined Scarlette Magazine just one semester ago but I very quickly grew to love everything about it.”

I am looking forward to being involved with many different aspects of the magazine, from helping with collaborations to editing and publishing all of our online stories throughout the year.

I joined Scarlette Magazine just one semester ago but I very quickly grew to love everything about it. I wanted to join Scarlette’s executive board because I wanted to play a bigger role in the decision making and creativity that goes into each issue of the magazine.

I enjoyed getting to work on the Cowboy shoot with Katie Gallugher. We worked together to put the entire shoot together, everything from the outfits to the locations was something we thought through very carefully and made sure it turned out just the way we envisioned.

I think others should join Scarlette Magazine because it is such a welcoming club to be a part of. Even if you are not a fashion major or minor, there is a place for everyone in the club.

Averie Ison

I will be taking over as the new social media director for the upcoming school year.

I am a second-year, majoring in communications, with a double minor in fashion and retail studies and media production and analysis.

Since joining Scarlette, I have become very passionate about the organization and have been wanting to get more involved. I have experience with creating posts and running social media pages, so I am very excited for my position as the new social media director.

“The magazine takes photographers, stylists, models, graphic designers, writers, a social media team and more to put together, so there is room for everyone.”

I am most excited to be able to work closely with such talented and creative people to put together our magazine.

My favorite photoshoot I participated in was the “Mad Hatter” shoot. The theme gave us the ability to put together some super cool outfits and highlight those outfits in the studio with unique and bold poses. I have also really enjoyed getting to know the amazing journeys and portfolios of our inspiring guest speakers.

Scarlette offers a creative outlet and community for everyone, whether you are interested in fashion or not. The magazine takes photographers, stylists, models, graphic designers, writers, a social media team and more to put together, so there is room for everyone.

Comelia Soltanirad

I am excited to be able to be a part of the Scarlette e-board as the director of finance. I am a third-year, chemistry major with a minor in environmental engineering.

“My favorite part about being a member of Scarlette has been the many opportunities I have had to meet so many people who are so passionate about what they do.”

I originally joined Scarlette because I wanted to be a part of a club that promotes creativity, especially within fashion and I am most excited for the upcoming photoshoots and seeing everyone’s ideas come to life for the magazine next semester.

My favorite part about being a member of Scarlette has been the many opportunities I have had to meet so many people who are so passionate about what they do.

I believe students should consider joining Scarlette because it is such an amazing way to meet others who are also passionate about fashion, and everyone is so kind, creative and welcoming.

Maggie Harkins

My e-board position next semester will be as the director of photography. I am a second-year with a major in studio art and an emphasis in photography and a minor in American Sign Language.

“Being able to contribute my ideas in photography at a higher level is something that means a lot to me.”

I’m most excited about being a part of Scarlette as an executive member rather than just a general member. Being able to contribute my ideas in photography at a higher level is something that means a lot to me.

I wanted to join the Scarlette executive board because as the director of photography sounded like a great opportunity for me to be more involved with Scarlette and pursue something I love at the same time.

My favorite photoshoot was the “Mad Hatter” shoot for the spring 2023 issue. It was a lot of fun getting to be the photographer for such a fun and creative shoot, and I loved working with everyone.

Scarlette’s Packing Guide for Traveling this Summer

by Samantha Harden | May 30, 2023 | Lily Polete

With each season comes different opportunities to try new trends and as summer begins there are plenty of opportunities to switch up your travel outfits.

Whether in the airport or at your final destination, there are a few key trends you can use when choosing an outfit that will best fit your traveling needs.

This year, we have seen a large interest in traveling with a more classic look, blazers, matching sets and neutrals are just a few of this year’s trends that can be found in a suitcase, ready for a trip abroad.

The Blazer

Although the blazer may not be a new trend, it is an ideal addition to any outfit.

Whether you are studying abroad or traveling with friends and family, you can never go wrong with a blazer. A blazer can be dressed up or dressed down to fit the needs of any outfit and any adventure.

Pair a blazer with a sweatsuit and you have a casual yet classic look to walk down the terminal of the airport as if it is your own personal runway.

For a more dressed up appearance, you can switch out the sweatpants for a neutral trouser. This helps add a more sophisticated touch to your outfit while still prioritizing comfort. You can even add a belt at your waist as a final accessory to complete the look.

Matching Sets

An easy way to create a cohesive look is through a matching set.

There are a variety of different types of matching sets that can be perfect for any occasion. An active set or a sweatsuit is the perfect matching set for traveling in. It is comfortable and yet casual, serving as the perfect outfit for the airport.

My travel preference is a bright, colorful sweatsuit. It allows me to feel fashionable and yet also travel in peak comfort.

For a night out, a great matching set option is a blouse paired with a long skirt. If your trip includes the beach, a matching cover up set is perfect for the moments when you aren’t in the water. For casual touring days, a linen shirt and shorts set is a great option for staying cool as you walk around whatever city you are visiting.

The best thing about sets is the ability to mix and match your similar sets. If you don’t want to be wearing a completely matching sweatsuit, you can always mix and match one pair of sweatpants with a different sweatshirt.

Neutrals

For many travelers, standing out in an airport is not ideal. The airport is often a means to an end, a mode of transportation that leads to the real traveling ahead.

By wearing neutral colors, like cream, white and tan, you can create a classy and yet also comforting outfit to look fashionable and yet not stand out too much in a crowd.

For women, neutral bottoms such as trousers, linen pants or shorts are great pieces for a European minimalist look. These options can easily be paired with a nice blouse or a comfortable sweatshirt to fit anyone’s traveling needs.

For men, a classic look can easily be achieved through neutrals. An easy way to accomplish this look is through a few pairs of neutral pants. Out with the jeans and in with the trousers, a pair of cream, tan or black pants can be easily paired with so many things. A polo shirt will dress up the look while a t-shirt will dress it down. Both looks fit the bill for a nice dinner out or just a casual day touring your vacation destination.

SHOOT LEAD Lena Wu / MODELS LeVana Wu, Helly Patel / PHOTOGRAPHY Lena Wu

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: APPI Influences in Fashion and Beauty

by Samantha Harden | May 26, 2023 | Lena Wu

May marks a month of many celebrations, the start of summer break, the blossoming of flowers, but May is also the start to a month-long celebration of the Asian American Pacific Islander communities – commonly known as APPI.

The month of May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a month when we celebrate the important contributions the AAPI community has had in American history, society, culture and, of course, fashion and beauty.

Whether you prefer minimalist or maximalist, the fashion industry wouldn’t be the same without the influences of AAPI-owned brands and businesses. Many of these brands are considered to be the trendsetters of their industries and without their influences we may have never learned how to achieve a glowing skincare routine or even think of having multiple steps to our daily skincare routine.

With the rise of K-pop, anime and manga, the APPI fashion influences are only beginning to take over mainstream fashion trends. The rise of these genres has found an audience with the most prominent luxury fashion brands of all time, including Gucci, Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Balmain and Moschino, and quickly creating high-fashion looks inspired by Asian heritage.

As we celebrate the APPI community, let’s not forget their importance in our history and their contributions to our modern society & fashion industry.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have played vital roles in shaping the United States to what it is today, from building the Transcontinental Railroad to advocating for equal rights and labor laws to fighting in multiple wars but the history and the contributions of the APPI communities is often overlooked.

The APPI community made these societal contributions while also facing persistent discrimination and violence throughout American history and is still facing many of the same issues today.

Although the effects from the equal rights movements during the pandemic may have dwindled, the APPI community continues to feel the impact of Covid-fueled xenophobia and anti-Asian racism.

It’s important to remember to support Asian and Pacific Islander-owned brands not just this month, but year-round. Whether you’re looking for your next statement fashion piece or a new skincare solution, these are the AAPI-owned brands you’ll want to have in your closest and beauty counters long after AAPI Heritage Month.