Fashion. Beauty. Health. Lifestyle. This is what VIM Magazine is all about. But what better way to further our written conversations than through a podcast? With Love, VIM is a perfect place if you are interested and passionate about these topics or anything in between! We are here to catch you up with updates and opinions on the latest trends, news, and all to do with style at a local, national, and worldwide level. With Love, VIM is available through Impact 89FM’s website and on all major audio platforms.
With Love VIM is a podcast about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle through the eyes of college students, which is us conveniently enough.
Speaker 2:Hello, everybody. Welcome back to With LoveVim. In today's episode, we're gonna be talking to a lot of other team members that are on other VIM teams. So we can get started with everyone introducing themselves.
Speaker 3:Awesome. I can start us off. I'm Paris Carter. I'm a junior at Michigan State, and I am direct or co director of DEI for VIM.
Speaker 4:My name is Brandon Roberts. I am a senior at Michigan State. And I am one of the co editors in chief of Vim.
Speaker 5:Oh. Mine. I'm Ella. I'm a part of the blog and podcast team. And I'm a sophomore.
Speaker 2:I'm Sage and I'm a freshman at MSU and I'm a part of the blog and podcast team.
Speaker 6:I'm Makayla. I'm also a freshman at MSU and I'm also a part of the blog and podcast team.
Speaker 7:My name is Bella Short. I'm a junior at Michigan State and I'm the copy editing director at Vim.
Speaker 8:My name is Shaina Gibson. I am a senior here at MSU and I was invited today by Bella Short.
Speaker 9:Hi. I'm Evinley Blankhorn. I'm a senior at MSU and I'm a part of the Vim DEI team.
Speaker 10:Hi. I'm Autumn Cottrell. I'm a sophomore at Michigan State University, and I'm a part of the VEMDEI team as a co director.
Speaker 6:So I know I have some questions about just how, specifically, the queer community can express themselves with fashion. So my first one was in what ways do we all express, or what ways do we think that fashion plays a part in the queer community? I
Speaker 9:think a big thing with fashion would be singling. I feel like especially, like, across history, that's been a huge part of the queer community. It it kind of broadens, like, just things as, like, smallest jewelry to, like, like wearing handkerchiefs or getting tattoos, like, certain things that signify. So, like, nowadays, like, a big thing is, like, oh, somebody has a thumb ring or, like, a Venus tattoo or double Venus tattoo, more likely, like, things like that, or lavender is another big thing. There's a bunch of different things that I feel like across history we've seen that it's it's more safe to wear, like, slight symbols, especially in, like, the early and mid 19 100.
Speaker 9:I feel like that was expressed a lot for the queer community. Emily?
Speaker 3:Same. Do you guys have any, like, favorite signaling that, like, you you guys like to do?
Speaker 10:My Doc Martens. Yeah. I love wearing my Doc Martens, and I get confused when people are like, are you are you really gay? And I'm like, look down. Like, I have, like, 5 pairs of Doc Martens.
Speaker 10:I don't understand. Come on. And I just learned that Doc Martens are part of, like, the butch lesbian history about how, like, they would march through the streets, and I think that's, like, amazing. So yeah, I'm like my dogs.
Speaker 3:Nice. Problem. I'm a carabiner girlie occasionally. How has your guys' style changed since coming out? I feel like this comes with maturing as well, but if anyone wants to start off.
Speaker 4:Sorry. I just mine's so funny because I like, it took years to, like, come to me being comfortable and, like, being like, coming to terms with my sexuality. And I think it was, like, my junior sophomore junior year of high school. I went started going thrifting with my friends. And I would get, like, oversized pattern button ups and just started wearing those and thinking that I was, like, the peak of fashion.
Speaker 4:And looking back at them, it's, like, so embarrassing. Because they were all they were, like, extra larges. And I was a medium. And they didn't look right. And I had to, like, tuck them in.
Speaker 4:And it was just a whole mess. And then it, like, slowly you can, like, see the evolution and, like, the I I still shop in the women's section when I go thrifting. Like, I just prefer those clothes. They look better. There's more, like, diversity to them.
Speaker 4:But I started, like, pulling from there more and, like, adapting that to, like I always wear bright not right now. But I usually wear bright colors. And things that, like, are more out there and flamboyant and like a representation of, like, my personality rather than just, like, things that are super comfortable. Because, like, sometimes I'm uncomfortable with the outfit, but the outfit is representative of of me. And so that, like, makes me comfortable, if that makes sense.
Speaker 3:Yeah. Do you mean uncomfortable with the outfit, like, the space where you're wearing it?
Speaker 4:No. Just like
Speaker 3:Oh, just like physically. Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 7:I can totally add on to this. I came out, like, in early sophomore year of high school. And, when I realized that I liked women, I really want to dress more masculine masculine to, like, kind of present that so, like, other women would know, like, hey, I'm queer. And I think it's funny because I totally had, like, hey, mama's face during that during that time in my life. Like, I look back at photos of myself, and I'm like, oh, I would really wear that to school.
Speaker 7:Like, I would wear, like, boxers and, like, the baggy jeans and, like, button up shirts. Like, I don't know. Thrifting has helped me a lot, like, with my sexuality and figuring out, like, what kind of clothes, like, best represent me. But when I first went out, like, I would only thrift, like, collared shirts, like, the button up collared shirts or, like, really oversized stuff, and I would go to school and, like, wear a backwards hat. And I was like, this is not me at all.
Speaker 7:Like, this was me trying to figure out, like, how I wanted to dress and how I want to express myself. So it's funny looking back at, like, photos and seeing how much I've grown since then and, like, really coming into myself as a person.
Speaker 3:Yeah. Definitely. I feel like my style has changed as well. I wouldn't say it's, like, masculine. It depends on the day.
Speaker 3:Like, my ideal outfit is, like, a combination of masculine and femininity. Like, some baggy pants, a tight little top, some bright colored makeup. Like, I don't know. Just, like, the juxtaposition of it all. But I feel like I recently have not been, like, as comfortable wearing, like, like, skirts and dresses.
Speaker 3:Like, I'll wear it occasionally, but it's not, like, my go to. Like, I'm going to a formal this weekend, and I was like, I'm gonna wear a suit. Like, I don't I don't wanna wear a dress. And I don't know if that's gonna be the vibe of everyone else, but I'm excited.
Speaker 2:You're gonna look cute. Thank you. So You're
Speaker 6:gonna look cute. Yeah. So what would you say, like what's your guys' like staple piece? Like, that really makes your outfit, like, hit every time for you.
Speaker 7:I can I can say this? Honestly, I don't know if I have a specific staple piece, but I would say jewelry. Mhmm. I think, like, one of my favorite things is, like, I have so I just have a huge variety of different kinds of jewelry. Like, I have the chunky.
Speaker 7:I have silver. I have gold. I love, like like Brandon was saying, like, I love, like, a pop of color, and I love color coordination. And I feel like something for me is, like, when I have an outfit, jewelry will always add to it, and that will kind of be that staple piece for me. They kind of either just, like, match with the color or whatnot to how I'm, like, presenting myself.
Speaker 6:Agree.
Speaker 9:Yeah. I totally agree with that. I think jewelry can bring a lot to an outfit. Like, you can have, like, a super simple outfit on and then still be, like, jazzing it up a lot with the jewelry. And I feel like it can say a lot about your personality, like, if you have, like, the rings on or if you have any specific things on your, necklaces, things like that, or, like, if you wear big statement earrings or, like, little hoops, I feel like it says a lot about personality.
Speaker 9:I feel like it really ties in an outfit.
Speaker 10:I agree. That's what I feel like about my nose ring. Like, I love my nose ring, and I'm just like, guys, come on, please. Like
Speaker 6:See me.
Speaker 10:Get the message. Yeah. So it's really important.
Speaker 3:Yeah. I've been really into vest recently. A lot of sweater vest, a lot of just, like, button up vest. I feel like it's just really fun way to, like, spice up an outfit. I also, am really into, like, bold colors as well.
Speaker 3:Like yeah.
Speaker 5:Yeah. I'm definitely into bold colors right now, especially with tights. I love I love those tights.
Speaker 2:Thank you.
Speaker 5:So much. My drawer is just full of, like, different colored tights. And I also like layering them with socks. I don't know. It just it's my favorite.
Speaker 3:Yes. I love a little layer moment.
Speaker 6:Me too. So cozy.
Speaker 8:One of my go to's recently has been bandanas. I think that they can really spice up an outfit. Any like headband or any scarf that you can put in your hair. You can have a simple outfit and then have something to add to your hair, your head, or whatever you wanna add. And
Speaker 2:it just brings so much more to it.
Speaker 3:I love that. Okay. Moving on to another question. Does your style change depending on the location you're living or, like, where you're visiting? For example, like, is it different at school versus at home versus if you had an internship and, like, moved away for the summer?
Speaker 3:Sorry.
Speaker 4:Yeah. I think it, like, it definitely feels like a form of, like, code switching in a sense. Like, you dress to fit into the places that you're going. And I think, for me, like, I grew up in a rural town in Southern Michigan. So there was, like, a lot of everyone wears flannels and jeans.
Speaker 4:They drive tractors at school. Mhmm. And so, like, experimenting with how I dress while going to school was, like, really difficult. And then I would, like, go home. And, like, my mom, and, like, my other family members, like, they would make, like, little comments about everything.
Speaker 4:And, like, it's, like, that's just their, like, their way of showing love. And, like, they're, like, kind of, like, concerned. And, like, you know, like, they're trying to protect you, and they want you to, like, dress to fit in. And I was like, this is just I can't do that. Like, I'm not gonna wear, like, a t shirt and shorts to school.
Speaker 4:It's just I won't do it. And I think I I also have a job on campus right now. And I definitely dress I when I started, I dressed a lot differently when I would go in. I used to I stopped painting my nails when I first started there. And then when I got comfortable there, I did.
Speaker 4:But then I found out that people were talk calling me the one with the painted nails behind my back. And so then but they no longer work there because they graduated. But, now I, like, walk around. And I, like, am lucky enough to have those spaces where people, like, are accepting. And I've, like, been able to, like I walk around and I wear my little button ups with my dress pants.
Speaker 4:And, I'll strutting around in my docs at work and have painted nails and rings. And so definitely, when I start out, like, I dress a lot more toned down. And, like, I used to, like, wear, like, khakis and stuff. So it's just very different.
Speaker 3:Yeah. Definitely.
Speaker 7:I can totally add on to that. I mean, growing up, like, my family, is pretty religious. So, like, every, like, family holiday and, like, going home, I feel like I totally not even just how I dress, but, like, how I I need to, like, act a certain way as well, but I definitely had to dress in a more modest way where it didn't really feel like me. And it's funny because, like, thinking back, the most stressful part was always, like, getting ready, like, with my mom, my sister, because none of us knew what to wear because we all were like, oh, like, we have to, like, wear a dress that, like, none of us want to wear. I'm like, why do I have to wear a dress in the first place?
Speaker 7:Like, it's Thanksgiving. So even, like, something like that. But even, like, going out to the bars too in East Lansing, I feel like I always have to not conform, but in a way when I'm getting ready with my friends, I'm like, oh, I have to wear, like, a tiny, like, top and, like, a tight skirt and whatnot. And I may feel feel cute in that, but it's hard for me to express my sexuality and dress the way that I want to without feeling like, oh, I'm gonna not gonna look as cute, like, if I wore a different outfit or I just I feel like it's hard to find a gay community here at Michigan State, especially when going out to the bars and in that environment with just, like, frat men and there not being a lot of gay people or not knowing who is gay and who isn't, like, at bars too. Yeah.
Speaker 7:That's kind of a different conversation. But
Speaker 4:No. I like I well, for me, going out to the bars is really, like, I don't go as often anymore because so many times whenever I, like, have dressed comfortable for myself and, like, how I wanna represent myself, I get stopped when I'm trying to go to the bathroom and the guys are asking me if I'm going to the right bathroom. And then they'll and then, like, yeah. And then, like, look at me and, like, they're, like, no. Like, this is the men's.
Speaker 4:I'm, like, yeah. I I know where I'm supposed to go to the bathroom. And, like, sometimes when I'm go like, in the bathroom, people, like, do a double take and, like, turn around and, like, walk out and then come back in because, like, they thought I was in the wrong bathroom. And so I think, like, that plays into, like, what I wear to the bars now. Like, I don't dress as, like, I used to dress because now with that my hair is longer, I, like, I have to, like, have a give and take when how to conform to different standards.
Speaker 3:Yeah. I feel like my style has definitely changed a lot, since I interned in New York for the summer. Just like being in a space where you have that much visibility was, like, the most scene I've ever felt in my life. Like, there's definitely the difference of, like, being at home versus, like, being at school because I feel like I definitely have judgment from my family as well of being, like even when I was going, like, shopping with them the other day, they're like, that's not your size. Like, why are you wearing this stuff that's, like, so big?
Speaker 3:Like, that's so ugly. So I feel like I definitely, like, conform in that aspect. And when I'm, like, moved here freshman year, I definitely started to experiment a little more with my style, but I felt like a brand new person. Like, after going to New York and, like, just walking on the street and, like, seeing almost everyone wearing, like, bright, bold, expressive outfits. Like, it's just another level of, like, visibility and also just, like, psychological and physical safety.
Speaker 5:Yeah. I definitely feel like I'm able to explore myself more here and kind of experiment with my style a lot more than back at home. But another thing that, like, I've kind of run into as someone who dresses, like, really feminine is it's a lot harder to be taken seriously in different, like, classroom settings or club settings. It's like I don't know. I I feel a lot of the time because I'm wearing a skirt or because I'm wearing a cute little sweater, it's like you don't know what you're talking about, and that's a bit frustrating.
Speaker 5:But
Speaker 9:No. I can definitely relate to that because a lot of the time, my style is very feminine. Not today, but, usually, I dress very feminine, so, like, when I come into situations where it I'm talking to a girl I'm interested in, it's like, oh, are you sure, like, that you're actually gay? Yes. I am just because the way that I present myself.
Speaker 9:I feel comfortable dressing more feminine. There are days where I like to wear a lot of baggy clothes, like, and I'll wear my cargos and my big t shirts and stuff, but there are a lot of days where I I do put on a skirt or I do wear the dress to, like, my formal or something like that. So sometimes in that sense, like, I feel like expressing my femininity gets me questioned, like, if my sexuality is, like, what it is.
Speaker 2:I just wanted to jump in on that because, sexuality for me is, like, still so difficult and I have no labels because I have, like, spent years trying to, like, figure it out. And, I've experienced a very similar thing because I for a second there, dressed in, like, the, like, classic, like, bisexual way when, like, that was the label I was using. And then I realized, okay. I don't really actually feel like myself in this. Like, I don't feel comfortable.
Speaker 2:So instead, like, my style is very, like, I don't know, like, straight girl. And so, like, I've talked to, some of my other friends about this and, like, majority of my friends are straight. So it's, like, kind of hard to have these discussions with these people because anytime I dress, like, slightly different like, even the other day, I wore, like, baggier jeans, and then a long sleeve and over it, like, a graphic t shirt. And then my friend was like, oh, that's, like, different. And I was like, okay.
Speaker 2:Now I feel stupid. Like, I just feel, like, weird dressing different. So I feel like as someone who, like, doesn't know quite what my sexuality is or where I'm at with all of that, but is try like, kind of like going with the flow, I'm like letting my style do that as well, but at the same time like feeling like I'm not portraying what I'm actually feeling and experiencing. And like that's kind of like the challenge that I have with that.
Speaker 6:I think I'm definitely still trying to find that style because I'm too from a very small rural town in the thumb. And, of course, everybody there wears boots, jeans, flannels, hoodies. Like so I guess, like, trying to, like, broaden my style in school was still very hard. I wore, like, what I'm wearing now is what I wore to school every day. But, even coming here, I'm still trying to find it.
Speaker 6:And it's almost like I'm not in my ideal environment yet, because I'm going to New York for, like, a little trip with, the Wizzmo, a group here. And I don't even know what to pack, but just, like, even feeling comfortable, like, going to class or whatever, it's still very hard. And it's just yeah. I feel like I'm not in my ideal environment to wear what I actually want to wear, which is kind of hard, but I'm definitely still trying to find that.
Speaker 4:Yeah. No. I think Michigan State, like, as a whole, I guess, like, there are a lot of accepting areas. There's a lot of unaccepting areas here. And, like, for me, some days I'll, like, dress it down.
Speaker 4:And I think my this sounds so cheesy because, like, I've just I love the Mondays because, like, I will go home and I'll change. And I'll, like, dress up
Speaker 10:Yes.
Speaker 4:And have, like, something that's really fun. Because I know I'm going into a space where, like, I can wear whatever, and people are gonna, like, be excited about it. And they're gonna, like, they're gonna hype me up, or they're gonna tell me that, hey, your clothes actually your style's not good today. Like, go home and change. So, like, you I have the space to experiment, and I have the spaces to, like, be expressive more expressive in my fashion.
Speaker 6:Mhmm. That's how I felt when I first, like, saw you guys at, what is it? Whatever we had there.
Speaker 3:The open house or not the open house. Just participation.
Speaker 6:Yes. And I was like, my people, like, yes. Finally. Yes. I I'll change before I go to a meeting too because I just love wearing what I wanna wear.
Speaker 3:That makes me so happy. Yeah. I feel similar because I'm a business major and, like, the environment, going to the business college, like, when I'm wearing a fit that I like, like, there's definitely some judgmental looks, some backlash. Even just, like, walking around on campus. Like, I'll, like, get stares or I don't know.
Speaker 3:But sometimes, I honestly like getting that because I'm like, I know you're not ballsy enough to, like, wear something that is this bold that, like, you think you look good in. So Yes.
Speaker 10:I agree. Like, that's how I feel. Honestly, joining Vim too, like, joining last year as a freshman and I saw everyone expressing themselves, I was like, oh my god. Like, this is amazing because in high school, I I went to, like, a pretty liberal high school and spaces that I've grown up in. But coming here and, like, seeing, like, so many people just express themselves all at once, it made me even, like, more comfortable in myself and, like, wearing more, like, out there things, quote, unquote, and just being fully, like, feminine or myself and just really embracing myself and, like, what I wanna wear.
Speaker 10:And like you said, because there can be, like, a stereotypical, like, you know, like, quote, unquote, like, straight girl look or how you're supposed to fit in the box. But just wearing what you wanna wear, and I think is amazing. And them totally helped me, like, come into myself even more, and, like, now too. And, like, going and feeling comfortable about wearing what I wanna wear and just expressing myself fully.
Speaker 3:Yeah. I know we highlighted on accessories a little bit, but does anyone else have, like, certain types of, like, accessories or, like, other accents that add to their outfits? Like, is anyone, like, super into, like, makeup or anything like that?
Speaker 6:Not really, but I always wear this watch. I gold is definitely my, like, thing, but I love, like, a good, like, skinny hoop or a nice chunky, like, earring. I'd say jewelry is my one of my staple pieces too because it just brings it all together.
Speaker 10:Nice.
Speaker 5:Jewelry for me, has definitely raised, like, my self confidence, like, a lot. In a sense, it's kind of like, oh, like I don't know. Like, I feel like a piece of art when I wear jewelry. And it's like, how do you not like yourself if you're art? You know?
Speaker 5:So it's definitely done a lot for me. Like, my earrings and my little necklaces is too. I have a little anklet, and I'm like, oh, I just feel it just makes me love myself. So
Speaker 7:I totally agree with that. I think, like, jewelry is something I've, like, been experimenting with for a while, like, probably since high school, but I'll, like, look I'll, like, go to a thrift store, an antique store, and I'll look at a piece of jewelry and be like, that's kinda ugly, but I low key love it. And I'll buy it. And, like, I bought a necklace the other day, and it was, like, I saw it, like, over the summer from, an antique store from the town I'm from. And I didn't buy it, but I went back home recently, and it was still there.
Speaker 7:And I was like, okay. This is a sign. Like, I have to get it. And then as I was going to bed, like, I turn my lights off, and all of a sudden, like, I see something glowing, like, in the corner of my room, and it's the necklace. Like, the necklace is glow in the dark.
Speaker 7:But it's stuff like that where I'm like, I think that's so cool. And, like, just in general, like, it's it's fun to just, like, put an outfit on. And, like like I said earlier, like, the piece of jewelry, like, I feel like that's what ties it in.
Speaker 10:Mhmm.
Speaker 3:Yeah. I feel like, that way with makeup a lot too. Like, my favorite thing to do, like, the past couple months is, like, match the, like, eye shadow or eyeliner that I'm wearing to the outfit that I'm wearing. And especially if I'm wearing, like, a more, like, masculine outfit, but I still wanna tie in, like, that touch of, like, femininity, I love, like, throwing on some eyeliner, like, a bright, bold lip. I think it's just so much fun.
Speaker 3:Do you have any other questions?
Speaker 6:I have, yeah. So I have, like, what queer not even a queer fashion icon, but any fashion icon inspires
Speaker 10:you guys to just, like,
Speaker 6:bring, like, show yourself in your clothes.
Speaker 7:I think one of recent where I'm sure most of us can agree would probably be Chopperone. I feel like so especially, like, when she's performing, you never know what to expect with what she's gonna wear, and it's always something that's different. I mean, like, I also think of, like, Lady Gaga too. But, I don't know. Every time I see her and she's just, like, being her authentic self, but also doing something crazy that no one else would think of, that's just inspiring for me.
Speaker 7:Like, I feel like I don't know. It's it's cool to see any, like, piece of clothing or any piece of jewelry or whatnot and be like, I can make this into something that represents me as a person. Yeah.
Speaker 10:I
Speaker 9:oh, sorry. I completely agree. I think seeing, especially, like, really big artists like Chaperone and, Lady Gaga going outside the box in Hollywood where they're in the spotlight and they're, like, all eyes on them and they're in a field where not everybody is, like, bold enough to go outside of that box and really truly express themselves. I think we see it, like, especially with, like, Elton John, like David Bowie, a lot of those artists back then too, especially when it wasn't as, like, widely accepted as it is now. Not saying that it's fully accepted, but, it's definitely it's definitely cool to see people express theirselves in such a bold way.
Speaker 9:And I feel like it inspires a lot of people in the queer community to want to, even if it's in minor ways, to express themselves more fully.
Speaker 4:Yeah. I think a lot of, like, my fashion inspiration like, what got me into fashion was, like, when I came to terms with being queer, I started watching Drag Race all the time. And so then I was, like, watching Drag Race and people were a ton of expression and through the fashion that they wear on drag race. And so I think that, that's where, like, when I first started, a lot of my inspo came from. And I remember applying to the fashion team and then being, like, oh, like, where does your inspo come from?
Speaker 4:I was, like, when I watched drag race, like, I think the queer expression is, like, a really big part of who I am. And then the more involved in them I got, the more it came from, like, seeing what other, like, people in the org were wearing, like, what other queer people I knew. Like, I got so into jewelry because someone in them that I looked up to wore a ton of jewelry. And, like, this is the kind of expression that I want to emulate.
Speaker 7:Mhmm. I say I
Speaker 6:feel the way about Billie Eilish. I love her. I think I'm definitely more into the baggier style than, like, the tight fit, but I also do, like who can I say? Like, I guess, like, Kylie Jenner's style, like, the more feminine, but Billie, like, when she'll wear, like, a suit or even, like, a polo tee with, like, a tie. I love it.
Speaker 6:And the jorts and, like, the big boots, that's definitely where my inspiration comes from.
Speaker 7:Nice.
Speaker 3:Sorry. I'm still looking at this now. Good. What are your guys' thoughts, like, on the gender binary that's placed on in, like, retail stores? Or, you know, when you walk into a store and usually it's separated by, like, men's clothing, women's clothing, like I don't know.
Speaker 3:I feel like for me, it's really hard for me to find, like, that baggier, like, style of clothing that fits because, like, it was not made for my body type. Mhmm. Like, I see men wearing, like, these, like, awesome outfits, and I'm like, I wanna look like that. And then I I try to put it on. I'm like, no.
Speaker 3:Immediate no.
Speaker 4:I think the gender binary is bad. Boo, the gender binary. It's just, like I mean, one, it causes so many problems. But in fashion, it's just, like, I I understand, like, why clothes are built for specific body types. It's, like, form fitting.
Speaker 4:It looks good. But it makes it really difficult to shop. And, like, it limits the types of clothing that's created between, like, 4 people because, like, men's fashion is so bland and boxy, and it's hard to, like, get out of the comfort zone there. And it's, like, I don't shop there anymore because it's not represent of who I am and what I wanna represent. And so I have to shop in the women's section.
Speaker 4:And a lot of the times, like, the sizes that I used, like, would be in men's aren't the sizes that I am in women's. And so, like, kind of that, like, is difficult. And I don't shop in department stores anymore because they don't have the things that I need.
Speaker 6:That's what I was gonna say. I feel like that's why I mainly online shop a lot because there's so many more options and there's so many more sizes and just, like, just more like, they have all the clothes that you can't find in stores. Like, I also think it's bad. It's just is, like, there's nothing. I don't know the last time I went to a mall and went shopping.
Speaker 6:But I agree with you guys. I think it's bad. And there's definitely way more to pick from when you shop online.
Speaker 8:I agree. I think malls are so hard to find something that really speaks to, like, what I want to dress like. I really I online shop like you said, but I also thrift pretty much mainly. I think that, like, the binary in thrifting is very, like, out the window and you can kind of go wherever you want and find whatever speaks to you. So thrifting is my main shopping, but I also enjoy online shopping as well.
Speaker 3:Yes. I love to thrift.
Speaker 6:What advice would you guys give to somebody in, like, the queer community trying to learn how to, like, express themselves through specifically fashion?
Speaker 7:I can start off I would say go thrifting. Like, I know we kinda just touched on it, but thrifting is definitely what helped me experiment. And I don't know, like, when you're younger and, like, having, like, your mom be like, oh, like, I got this shirt for you. Like, you know, she goes shopping for you and, like, picture outfits out. And then, like, when you finally start to figure out, like, the kind of person you wanna be and how you wanna express yourself, thrifting kinda gives you that environment where the clothes are affordable, and you can go with friends, and it's always a fun time.
Speaker 7:And you just look at the craziest piece of clothing that you would never see in a mall where it's kind of, like, catered to a specific look, or brand. But thrifting kind of has it all. And, yeah, I would say go thrifting with friends and try something on that you think is just kinda crazy. And then, like, once you actually try on your on your body and, like, I don't know. Maybe you'll like it.
Speaker 7:And, like, that's kinda what happened with me. And I feel like even to this day, I'm still experimenting, like, with my style and how I dress. Like, I feel like one day, I dress completely different than the next day, and it's fun.
Speaker 10:To add on to that, I think this is kind of, like, more general, like, advice as well, but, like, honestly, giving yourself, like, time and grace to just figure things out and not really, like, force yourself to fit into, like, a box, like you were saying with binaries and thinking, like, you have to dress masculine or you have to dress femininely, like, giving your space to understand yourself and, like, learn yourself because if you don't understand who you are, like, it makes it hard to figure out what you wanna wear eventually and come comfortable in terms of, like, what you want. And I totally agree with Bella, like, go experiment, like, go figure out, like, do you like jewelry or do you not? Do you like makeup? Like, going in all those avenues and directions, but also going back to just at heart remembering, like, who you are and figuring that out, and it all connects, like, back to your sexuality and just knowing yourself as, like, a person, really.
Speaker 4:Yeah. No. I would agree. I think that, like, what I would say is, like, buy clothes that make you happy. Like, buy the things that when you see it, like, it brings you joy, and it sounds, like, stupid.
Speaker 4:But, like, you see something that you don't know how to style, you can learn how to style something. Mhmm. But you can't, like, can't make a clothing, like, bring you a moments of happiness. And so if you, like, there's something on the rack that you really like and that you think, oh, this is cute, but I would never wear it. Get it.
Speaker 4:And, like, try to figure out how to style it, and then that becomes a piece of your style. And so I think it's a lot of, like, it's a lot of learning. It's a lot of looking bad at first, but then, like, looking all really good in the future.
Speaker 6:Yes. I definitely have bought clothes in the past. I'm like, I don't know if I like it now, but I think I will later. And that definitely, yes, helped me, like, gather somewhat of my style because I'd say I'm very all over the place. I wear something different every day, but I agree with that so hard.
Speaker 6:It's so true.
Speaker 3:Yeah. I feel like the real test, like, when I'm thrifting, like, at first glance, I'm like, is that ugly? But I got a question a little bit for for it to serve.
Speaker 7:Also, just wanna add on to, like I'd also say, like, body type is a big thing. Like, finding a piece of clothing that you feel confident in. I think that's a a big thing for me. Like, I don't know. Every every time I have a baggy outfit on, like, baggy jeans and a baggy shirt, and I feel good about myself, like, that's when I feel, like, my most confident.
Speaker 7:So even if it doesn't, like, just finding things that that fit your body type or don't. You know? Like, I don't think you need to exactly wear the pants that are your exact waist size or whatnot. Like, just experiment, like I said.
Speaker 3:Yeah. I feel like also just, like, giving yourself the space to experiment. Like, we talked about, like, sometimes on campus, you might not feel, like, the most comfortable to wear a certain outfit. But if you're, like, playing around, experimenting, like, wear an outfit at your house that you like. Like, if you're, like, testing the boundaries, you don't know if, like, you're completely confident to wear it out.
Speaker 3:Like, one of my favorite things to do is just make outfits in my bedroom.
Speaker 7:Like, I
Speaker 3:will do that for hours, and it's so much fun. And I just, like, test, like, do I do I actually want the world to see this?
Speaker 4:Yeah. No. Dress up is so healing. And, like, I have tested our outfits for, like, our launch last year. I wore a skirt, and I think I wore it for 3 days in my house before I was, like, comfortable enough to wear it outside of the house.
Speaker 10:Mhmm. So
Speaker 4:it's, like, it's fun, guys. Can I send you back to
Speaker 6:your childhood too? Yeah. I remember you wore a skirt when you talked about your, going to New York, and it was so cute. I just
Speaker 10:said that. It was really good. You're welcome.
Speaker 3:I don't think I have any more questions. Does anyone have any topics they're passionate about? They wanna bring up?
Speaker 4:I have anything I don't oh my god. I don't think that, like, I'm so I mean, I'm passionate about it because it's part of queer history, but I think, like, looking at queer fashion through, like, the decades is something that's really cool. And, like, for me, I had a shoot about it last year, but about, like, club kid culture.
Speaker 10:Mhmm.
Speaker 4:And looking back at, like, how I think it was the it was the nineties, early 2000, in New York City, there was just, like, it was it was really camp. It was crazy. And I think taking things like that, that can, like they transform into different things today. But, like, finding those pieces of, like, queer history that speak to you and, like, speak to, like, things that you're passionate about. And I, like, for me, I love I mean, like, who doesn't love the seventies?
Speaker 4:But, like, Studio 54 was, like, a really big queer space. And, like, those kinds of scenes in disco, like, cultivated moments of queer fashion. And there's always, like, fashions pushed by queer and people and people of color. And so going back to, like, those moments in time where, like, you think, like, the the decades are important for a reason. People like them for a reason.
Speaker 4:And you find out, like, what's driving those. And it's usually these minority identities, which is really interesting.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 3:So anyone else? Any last things to add?
Speaker 2:Alright. I
Speaker 3:think that's all that I have.
Speaker 6:Me too. Yay. Yes. Thank you guys for coming. That was really good.
Speaker 6:Thank you guys so much for listening to our Vim XDEI podcast, and we'll see you guys soon. Bye. Yay. Thank you guys. This was awesome.
Speaker 6:That was really good.
Speaker 2:You know, when I joined VIM
Speaker 7:freshman year, the minute I walked into that room and saw everyone, like, dressed up and, like, just expressing themselves, I was like, I know I'm in the right place.
Speaker 1:With Love Vim is a podcast about fashion, beauty and lifestyle through the eyes of college students, which is us conveniently enough.