Journalism & Story Telling
Aside from studying psychology, I have a long background of both practicing and studying the arts. This ranges from classes at the Second City Training Center, a hub for performing arts and comedy in Old Town Chicago. At Dominican University, some of my arts studies included fashion, and music history. I have a passion for specialized journalism and linked below is an article about the Abbey Road Hair Studios.
The things I write range from narratives and poetry, to journalistic articles and research papers. I love a good "coming of age" tale. There's even a place in my heart for campfire stories and folktales, perhaps coming from my childhood love of the "Goosebumps" series. They are all woven together with love, imagination, and a little bit of advocacy for invisible disabilities.
MOD EQUALS MODIFICATION - ADAPTING FASION TO YOUR NEEDS
April 2025
Mod fashion started out in England, but like the Beatles, became a phenomenon in the United States. There was lots of color blocking, and pop art inspired textiles. Aside from being an aesthetic I love, this simple silhouette has helped me balance my self-expression with my health needs as a Spoonie.
Mod dresses often exhibited an A line shape, with comfortable waistbands that were stretchy, or adjustable. Weight, fluctuations, and bloating are common in people with POTS/dysautonomia along with poor blood flow, and pooling in our stomach and lower extremities. Stretchy mini-skirts and colored tights can also help this invisible medical problem, as many with autonomic dysfunction already rely on compression stockings.
An important statement in mod make up was dramatic eyes. Thick lengthy lashes, pigmented eyeshadow, and overdrawn liner was everywhere. Nude or peach, light pink lips were now in style, along with minimal face make up.
Twiggy, a fashion model, and actress Brigitte Bardot, mastered this technique. This modified makeup routine is easier to master than a full face of 2025, and I often say, "just focus on one feature...and have fun with it!" The 60's have inspired me to bring joy back into my make up routine, being playful rather than a perfectionist.
FASHION FORECAST:
Return of the low heeled GoGo boot: featuring a flat base, and a color palette that ranges from traditional black to retro white. I also anticipate more long flow haircuts with messy layers like Bridgette Bardot.
Both of these styles are low maintenance. They're appropriate for both formal occasions and everyday life.
CALIFORNIA COOL AND COMFORTABLE
April 2025
No matter how you feel about the "hippie aesthetic" which arose alongside counterculture, you can't deny, those were some of the most comfortable and adjustable garments to EVER grace the world of style. Much of this had to do with adaptable sizing, as well as temperature regulation.
The intention of breezy clothes was to complement the California climate, as San Francisco was the destination for young hippies. Like a swirl ice cream cone, people ate up this summer aesthetic, which blended beachwear and surf culture with global fashion. Globally, the designs of Mexico and India had a strong influence on American streetwear. Embroidery, maxi skirts, beads took center stage. Alongside more mindful mantras, Americans loved their new lax and flowy clothes. The fabrics and layers made it easy to feel good in hot temperatures, as well as adjust to colder climates.
CHIMING IN AS A SPOONIE:
My body doesn't do the best job of heating and cooling itself. This is a common complaint in sufferers of autonomic dysfunction, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other neurological conditions which disrupt neuro signaling. Dressing like a hippie does not eliminate the problem...but it certrainly helps with comfort while looking cute!
Back to the topic of bloating - From high sodium diets for hypotension, to digestive related issues, larger waist lines are so common in the POTS/dysautonomia community. I've gone through weight fluctuations of within 40 pounds and still comfortably fit into my hand dyed, tie-dye maxi. Crochet tops are often complete with adjustable soft straps. I noticed that a lot of BoHo garments are easy to share with my friends. Was this a happy accident, or a strategic design to complement communal living?
MODERATED BEAUTY - LIT FROM WITHIN:
The hippie movement was a celebration of nature, not just nature in the earthly sense, but in that of ourselves. Natural hair color and texture, minimal make up (if any), and loving your body type. Letting go of beauty standards that feel suffocating, rather than illuminating. Moderation is huge for me, when it comes to balancing my passion for beauty and self-care with managing everyday symptoms. It inspires a lit from within type of beauty.
FASHION FORECAST:
As long as we have media, hippie fashion will live on in pop culture. Movies and music over the past 60 years are saturated with examples of this aesthetic. In the swingin' 60's, notable influences in music included Woodstock headliners, like Jimi Hendrix, as well as the Fab Four (Beatles). As independent businesses grow, I think we are going to see a big comeback of handmade BoHo jewelry! Displayed are two of my favorite necklaces from "blackbird" in Marquette, Michigan...and "Miss Bossy Boots" located in Crystal Lake, Illinois.