As part of the event, the topic of workers rights was called to light.
According to the Institute for Global Labour & Human rights, in an eight-hour shift, fourteen seamstresses employed by the Apple Tree Factory of El Salvador, are required to produce 1,200 “onesies” for baby Dallas Cowboy fans. This means the workers were allowed just 5.6 minutes to sew each garment, for which they were paid 14 cents per onesie.
Proceeds of the event help fund a student venture to Managua, Nicaragua this summer to learn about the effects of economic globalization first hand.
The show also benefited Un Mundo in their efforts to promote dignity, community, and self-sufficiency among marginalized populations in rural Honduras through volunteer-based programs.
For more information, visit Un Mundo’s site and and the INVST Community Studies’ site.
Contact CU Independent Photojournalist David Zimmerman at David.Zimmerman@Colorado.edu.
]]>Let’s suppose you’ve read every column I’ve written, internalized, cried, apologized, and changed your style-ish ways. You’ve kicked the flats habit, kept the sweatpants where they belong, and learned to layer appropriately. What now?
You owe it to yourself to parade that Kyle-approved self across this campus. You deserve to feel what I feel everyday. What better way to strut your stuff than a playlist of some of the best runway-ready beats to walk with a purpose?
These tunes will put a little extra swivel in your hips and kick in your step. Remember: head up, chest out, because every day is a fashion show.
(CU Independent illustration/Chelsea Shettler)
Kazaky, Love
From the opening lyrics, “You want me, you love me, you hate me, I don’t care,” no song has been better crafted for runway than this. After watching their music video, girls, you won’t complain about those sensible three inch heels again.
Robyn, Call Your Girlfriend (Kaskade Radio Edit)
Robyn has poised herself as the classiest “other woman” with this remixed cut from her monster of an album, “Body Talk.” Not since ABBA has Sweden sounded so good. A shining example of pop-synth perfection guaranteed to give even granola Sally an extra stride in her Birkenstocks.
Adele, Set Fire To The Rain (Moto Blanco Radio Edit)
She let us hold her hand while she belted her way through a bitter breakup, gifting us one of the best albums in recent years. The track harks the days when the dance divas of the world were equal parts groove and vocal talent. Lacing a dance beat to an Adele song seems to go against nature, yet only proves that when it comes to this powerhouse, she can do no wrong.
Marina + The Diamonds, I Am Not A Robot (The Shoes Remix)
With a whimsical introduction, the song builds effortlessly to the booming bass drop and never lets go. What it lacks in lyrics it makes up for in its thunderous beat. Put this track on at any party and within seconds, there will be two boys parting the crowd in a fierce and ferocious walk-off.
Example, Kickstarts
When it comes to music, there are three types of tappers: the toe tapper, the heel tapper, and the body tapper, or as I call them, the dancers.“Kickstarts” will incite full-fledged body tapping. It’s three minutes of pure irreverence. I dare you not to be infected by its joyous chorus.
David Guetta, Titanium (Ft. Sia)
Love him or hate him, the most radio-friendly DJ offers listeners this delicious audible hater blocker cut from his latest release. His smartest move was enlisting the vocals of Australian singer Sia, whose sultry sweet tone holds its own against the booming beat.
Rudenko, Everybody
I’m never one to advocate following the crowd, but if this track were leading the march over a cliff I would follow. Yes, it’s because as the chorus boasts, “Everybody’s doing it.” It’s a sticky, sweaty, sexy party banger that throws inhibitions—and morals—to the wayside.
Havana Brown, We Run The Night
Forget the girls who run the world, I only care about who runs the night. The formula is nothing novel, but if it ain’t broke, why fix it? With a few shots of tequila, this will start sounding like new wave Mozart. For my obligatory PSA, drink and runway walk responsibly—we have lost too many heels to this silent killer.
Nicole Scherzinger, Wet
You know her as the only Pussycat Doll worth knowing. A rip from her yet-to-be-released debut solo album, “Wet” is a sassy, brassy, and unapologetically sexy track that will get those clothes off as quickly as they went on. Enjoy them while they last.
Kimberly Cole, Smack You
Speaking of Pussycat Dolls, “Smack You” is arguably the best Pussycat Dolls song the dolls never sang. A brazenly forward attack on a “catty bitch,” “Smack You” goes for the jugular and never lets go. But really, who doesn’t like an innocent cat fight? With family friendly lines like, “Get up, oh wait—let me take my heels off between your hips,” it’s a great tune to add to the holiday caroling roster.
There you have it, a track-by-track breakdown for your listening enjoyment. In light of the coming holiday season, here is a link to download the playlist in full (plus a few that just missed the cut)—my gift to you. All I ask for in return is for you to throw away everything in your closet.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kyle Warner at Kyle.R.Warner@colorado.edu.
For the sake of that messy bun you so elegantly placed on the top of your head, buy an umbrella. If not to keep the rain away, it will prevent a family of small birds from nesting there.
While I wouldn’t object to a Burberry plaid cane umbrella, I will settle for a plastic, retractable alternative. Compact and portable,
(CU Independent illustration/Chelsea Shettler)
there isn’t a reason for not having it on hand. Most rainwater is acidic, something I learned in that environmental studies course I slept through. Exposures to high levels of acid rain can not only eat through your clothes, but it will get you pregnant and ruin your life… That may not be true, but why risk the chance?
For those rainy days, or really any day there is weather, I suggest upgrading those UGG boots for a pair of Hunter rain boots. Take it from me, they are more water resistant than the random freshman I use as a makeshift bridge whenever I encounter a puddle.
UGG boots went out of style before they were even in style. Don’t let Kate Hudson movies fool you into believing otherwise. Also the Hunter boot cable knit sock insole is the perfect addition for a pop of personality and charm.
Socks of any variety are in and provide a welcomed alternative to tights and their bastard cousin leggings. Keep them knee high. That way you have the luxury of versatility. My motto for socks is the mirror image of my motto for heels: The higher the better. As the temperature warms, simply scrunch them down for a nod to 80s legwarmers. You’ll be giving schoolgirl realness while combating the elements.
Stop me if I sound like a broken record, but layering is key in any transition season. Much like Kim Kardashian, I have commitment issues. Why stick with one ball-and-chain when you can have thrilling trysts with any number of layer combinations?
My current favorite is an open draped cardigan. Keep an eye out for any that have an interesting collar, it’s all about adding dimension and volume. Synch it with a thin belt at the waist, no need to lose your figure in the tiers of clothing.
Remember that little bag intervention we had recently? That outermost layering element will fit nicely in that oversized bag you are carrying around when the weather gets too toasty.
My final bit of advice for fashion preparedness is Swackett, an Apple-specific app that presents your daily weather report in a stylish package. Swackett, which is a hybrid of sweater/jacket/coat, takes daily weather reports and suggests users how to layer a trendy outfit accordingly.
Bad weather is inevitable, why let it dictate your wardrobe choices? Instead, channel your inner Stalin and dictate it.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kyle Warner at Kyle.r.warner@colorado.edu.
In their first gold record “One,” the band Three Dog Night famously sang that one is the loneliest number. As it has become accepted into popular culture, by virtue, two is much happier than one. Well, I never did like counting but what I do know is that double can be twice the trouble.
Sure, there has been a history of successful duos: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, peanut butter and jelly, Britney Spears and mood stabilizers. But there is one pairing that has come to my attention that would be better left flying solo.
Some may argue it’s practical, I find it excessive. I’m talking about the double bag phenomenon.
Not familiar? Ever see a girl carrying a backpack and a purse simultaneously? Then you’ve witnessed the double bag phenomenon.
As I attempt to rationalize the thought process behind such a sinful act, I only fall short of reason. It’s like watching a bad episode of “Hoarders” when the remote control is across the room.
Perhaps, in their defense, these offenders are anticipating a mid-day hike or a looming apocalypse. Why else would they act as a human pack mule? What other reason is there to carry one’s entire livelihood at any given moment?
To make matters worse, the double bag phenomenon seems to make girls walk like a drunken toddler. Every fashion enthusiast knows that it’s all about the walk. Every day is a fashion show, so it’s important to walk with a purpose wherever you go.
My initial instinct when I see a petit girl walking crooked with two bags, nearly toppling over, is to yank them down like a bad weave. I refrain, naturally, because I have class. Instead, I give her the stink eye behind her back.
Let it be stated that there is no place in a fashion lover’s wardrobe for a backpack. Anything that requires being slung across one’s back as a piece of cargo has no claim to fashion. As I’ve stated previously, every bit of an ensemble should contribute to the aesthetic whole. That being said, luggage of any kind should be front and center with the rest of the outfit.
Fortunately for those offenders, there are viable options. In direct action against backpacks, and the subsequent double bag phenomenon, the fashion industry introduced stylish alternatives: over-sized purses, totes, and messenger bags. Novel? No, but sadly underused by many.
There’s no practicality a backpack can give that a bag can’t, no addition to an outfit a bag can’t enhance.
The key in transitioning from two bags to one is prioritization and compartmentalization. Not only is it productive to maintain your life in a clean and orderly way, but aesthetically striking as well. These two practices will help not only in fashion but also in a multitude of personal and professional arenas.
Life lessons brought to you by yours truly.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kyle Warner at Kyle.R.Warner@gmail.com.
]]>In a very poignant tribute to the late Steve Jobs, President Obama noted that most of the world would hear news of his death on a device he invented, an accurate testament to how many lives he touched.
It’s true, many of us were surfing the net on our Mac computers, scrolling through our iPhones, or browsing our iPads when the news of Jobs’ passing was announced.
Jobs and the rest of the creative team at Apple took products and brought them into the realm of art. Not only was Apple releasing smarter and faster products, every one was more sexy and sleek than its predecessor.
(CU Independent Illustration/Chelsea Shettler)
What we have in the wake, thanks in part to the attractive face Apple put on the tech industry, is a cultural stronghold by geeks. A counter-culture of quirk and charm, geek-chic has quickly permeated all facets of popular culture.
The geek is the new leading man, as proven in every Judd Apatow film. And the day that Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie married Zooey Deschanel it was solidified that geeks were poised to dominate the world.
Together, Jobs and Apple created a reputation among consumers as the leaders of the pack when it came to innovation and aspiration. It’s only fitting that the word “visionary” has come to be synonymous with the late founder.
In a sense, Jobs is one of the greatest and most influential designers of our generation. On a skeletal level, the business model for Apple is the same as that of any fashion house: What’s in this season, is out next season. It seems the Apple empire left an unquenchable thirst for the next great product.
The age old fashion motto, “thin is in,” found a second home as Apple prided itself on the compactness of their products. Jobs clearly understood the importance of silhouette and sex appeal. With strong lines and an elegant display, every aspect of an Apple product was crafted with an eye for aesthetics down to the most meticulous detail.
Not satisfied with run-of-the-mill, Jobs did what any up-and-coming designer dreams of doing. He took a product beyond a brand, beyond a label, beyond a title. He took it to the level of a status symbol. Apple products are the haute couture of the tech industry; their image blending seamlessly with the geek-chic lifestyle.
A healthy balance between hipster and prepster is the best way to articulate the geek-chic style. Tight check patterns and bow ties for the guys, silk blouses and high waisted skirts for girls. One key element: there aren’t plastic lenses in those thick rim glasses.
The vision Jobs had manifested itself in the coffee shop kids with their soy lattes, subscriptions to The New Yorker on their iPad, and James Blake tunes streaming from iconic white headphones. It has become apparent that Jobs successfully made Apple products a must-have accessory for any outfit, and for any occasion.
What Apple added to this emerging culture, was encouragement of artistic minds. Jobs’ own creative imagination inspired the world to dream. And in a new world of dreamers, a platform was given for those very creatives to thrive, The output of this new generation of creators has been nothing short of avant-garde.
As Apple looks to a future without their beloved founder, many are left reflecting on the gifts Jobs has given them. For our childhood, we thank you for Pixar. For our adulthood, we thank you for Apple. And for everything in between, we thank you for your passion.
Steve Jobs, you will be missed.
Contact CU Independent writer Kyle Warner at Kyle.R.Warner@gmail.com.
]]>We all do crazy things in our childhood. Believe it or not, I was once a member of my high school track team. Now before you get it twisted, don’t think for a second that I participated. Rather, I was the one lounging beside the track with a stack of magazines and diet water on the rocks, choosing not to hear my events called over the loudspeaker.
You may be wondering what were my motivations for joining the team. Working on my fitness? No. To be excused from my 7th period geography class? Maybe. Getting the matching hoodie and sweats combo? Yes.
Fortunately for me, I have emerged from my dark ages to realize that there is no place for sweats in public. Sadly, many of my peers have yet to learn this lesson. As I traverse my way across campus, I see more jersey fabric than I could shake a stick at. We’ve all graduated from Velcro shoes. It’s time to retire the elastic waistband.
(CU Independent Illustration/Chelsea Shettler)
I am already anticipating all of you athletic attire offenders biting at the bit and I know what you will say: “But Kyle, I’m going to work out later today.” Let me answer that by saying what you do with your time is your choosing. All I will say is nobody pulled a muscle reaching for the television remote.
But I digress, back to the issue at hand. I have found a simple solution to appease both parties. Rent a locker at the rec center. That way you can parade that gym body in cute ensembles out of the gym instead of hiding your hard work in frumpy sweats.
Reminder: excessive layers and draping only work on the Olsen twins.
As of Friday, a representative for the CU Rec Center stated an abundance of lockers available for check out by students. For $15 a semester, you can own your own private stash space for that head-to-toe look you walk in with. If you think about it, that’s nearly eight long island ice teas at Catacombs (and a subsequent sugar-induced reason to work out the next morning).
So pack that Lyrca American Apparel onesie in your Longchamp bag (which contrary to popular belief, doesn’t match your Nike sneakers and aerobics Barbie sweatband) and high tail it to the gym.
Maybe your excuse isn’t exercise though, and like me, you couldn’t point out the rec center on campus if your life depended on it. So what’s your excuse then? Pure laziness, that’s what.
I did a little experiment to see how long it took to put a pair of jeans on. Including applying the Crisco and getting a running start, it took me approximately 7.4 seconds to get into my skinny jeans.
I believe that if you set your morning alarm for a mere 10 seconds earlier than usual, it will grant you enough time to slip into a pair of jeans.
I might remind you that sweater weather is just around the corner, and to the fashionable, the sweater satisfies all the warmth and comfort a hoodie provides, but packaged in a look that is acceptable for the public eye.
So, with fall fashion forecasting looking as it does, a warm front of skinny bottoms and oversized tops is quickly approaching. Keep these tips in mind as you work out hard in the gym, and work it hard on the streets.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kyle Warner at Kyle.R.Warner@gmail.com.
]]>And pan to reality.
There were two fallacies in that little narrative you just read. One, that I am smart enough to take science classes and two, that the glorious sound was anything other than the lonely echo of my Frye boots on the cold floor.
(Photo courtesy of Jessica Matteazzi, flickr.com/jmatteazzi)
So what gives, ladies? What is the deal with the abundance of flats? If you’re going to stab fashion in the back, at least make it count and put a heel on it!
At the simple utterance of my distain for flats, I am all too often met with kicking, screaming, and the occasional crying. I suppose for the sake of my argument I should clarify that when I say flats I am speaking solely of ballerina flats. Conversely, I am by no means advocating for stiletto heels—I may be mean but I’m not cruel.
Rather, I am pleading to you in the sorority squat (because my Marc Jacobs skinny jeans are too tight to bend on my knees) for women to explore the wonderful world of shoes! Ballerina flats have given nothing to fashion. All they have done is stifled wardrobe creativity and given you stumpy legs.
Let’s play dress up, shall we? Let’s keep it simple with a pair of skinny jeans and a sheer blouse. To this outfit, a pair of flats would say “Hey team, let’s not turn any heads today and instead give all the attention to the hot girl behind us who decided to wear shoes with laces.”
Now let’s try this outfit again, but with heels. How about we compromise on bootie heels, sensible for walking yet a little saucier than those glorified socks you’re wearing. Add a peak-a-boo of a wool sock for a subtle but seasonally appropriate touch.
What about you girly girls? Wearing dresses without flats seems to be as compatible as two positive sides of a magnet.
A dress; with a go-to pair of flats, your ensemble says, “Let’s play a counting game—how many people will walk into us today mistaking us for part of the scenery?”
For this look, I’m going to sympathize with you more than before—I’m considerate, what can I say? Keep your center of gravity low and opt instead for an adorkable pair of oxfords. The juxtaposition of the two adds the perfect element of interest without looking like you tried too hard.
If the dress is simple, find a pair of oxfords with some character. The textures in oxfords will often tie your outfit up and wrap it in a bow. If your dress wears the pants in the relationship, tone it down and go for a rich color instead.
Having accessories that compliment and contribute to the aesthetic whole is what fashion is all about. Your feet should be important to you; they support you, carry you through your life’s journey, and some third motivational thing. The least you can do for them is give them a little personality.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kyle Warner at Kyle.warner@colorado.edu.
]]>As some of you may have heard, GQ magazine named Boulder in their top forty worst dressed cities in the country.
While we were the best of the worst, landing at number 40, it’s a win we may as well have lost.
Military tie tuck. Gold cardigan. Superclassy. Enough said, Buffs. (CU Independent/Kyle Warner)
Despite the array of fall fashion possibilities, a dark and sinister cloud seems to continually overshadow this beacon of fashionable hope: football season. With the big CU-CSU rivalry game quickly approaching, many of you will be sifting through your closets for that spirited attire.
While it’s easy to pair that five dollar Buffs tee from the bookstore, with whatever pair of ratted jeans are within arms reach, why not opt for something a bit more creative while keeping that black and gold pride?
The easiest way to achieve a collegiate-inspired ensemble is to pull school colors into classic bold, statement pieces. Solid colors, striping, and color blocking go-to items to achieve this look. Lucky for us, gold is a great fall color that is never in shortage this time of year.
As Mother Nature so graciously decided to put a halt to the summer heat wave, no better time than to bring out the good old cardigan collection. Plain and simple girls, black skinny jeans and a gold cardigan are the surefire way to keep with the team without getting lost in the crowd.
Boring?
I agree, but here’s how to add jazz and pizzazz to any outfit. Befriend accessories and for fall, it’s all about the hue. Bronze is a sexy and sophisticated way to stay true to the Buffs colors, but with a touch of class. Bronze jewelry will compliment that gold cardigan while a brown belt and boots will contrast the black jeans, adding an additional point of interest.
Guys don’t let the word “style” frighten you into faux pas. Show your team spirit while dressing your age (hint, we’re all adults now). Choose a bold trouser in a rich gold or mustard and make that your statement piece.
A clean button-up is a welcomed alternative to the shirt you wore to the last game and undoubtedly never washed. Nothing reads collegiate quite like a striped tie, so suck it up and prep it up. If you’re feeling bold, try the long forgotten and underappreciated military tuck. If anything it’ll keep your tie from meeting your nachos platter.
It is absolutely possible to support CU sports without dressing from head to toe in bookstore memorabilia. (CU Independent/Kyle Warner)
Thinking a little less traditional in your attire? For those few hipsters attending the game, ironically of course, I’ve got something for you. High waist skirts and cropped sweaters were a match made in fashion heaven. Keep the feathers out of your hair and onto a necklace to keep with the organic feel of a true CU Boulder student. Think Ellie Goulding meets Brown University and throw on a gold knit beanie to pull the outfit together.
Guys, if you absolutely insist on dawning CU gear, why not make your way down to Goldmine Vintage on Pearl Street and find yourself something with some history and character. There is always an interesting piece of CU insignia that isn’t hot off the screen printing press of the campus bookstore. Pair it with a clean pair of dark denim, perhaps even cuffed with a pair of Clarks and I can guarantee that even if the team doesn’t score, you will.
There you have it. Fashionable yet sensible outfits that are collegiate inspired without making you look cliché. No doubt you’ll be the golden child of the stadium.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kyle Warner at Kyle.Warner@colorado.edu.
]]>