Style and Self

Flea markets have evolved to become popular shopping destinations for bargain hunters and sustainability-minded consumers. However, while flea markets offer many advantages, buying second-hand goods also comes with potential drawbacks. The term "flea market" is believed to have originated from the French "marché aux puces," meaning "market of fleas." The name likely came … [Read more...] about The Thrill of the Hunt: Flea Market Finds and the Risks You Don’t See Coming

The tradition of Halloween costumes dates back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated in parts of what are now Ireland, Scotland, and Britain. Samhain marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, a season associated with death and darkness. Celts believed that on the night of October 31, the veil between the living and the dead … [Read more...] about Dressed to Disturb: A Haunted History of Halloween Costumes

Imagine stepping onto a beach in the 1800s, only to find women wading into the water in full-length wool dresses and men sporting what looked like long underwear. Fast forward to today, and the swimwear scene couldn’t be more different—think bikinis, swim trunks, and rash guards. Swimsuits have come a long way, not just in style but in what they say about society.  In … [Read more...] about From Wool Dresses to Bikinis: The Swimwear Glow-Up

Chrome Hearts is a luxury brand that has captivated the hearts of fashion enthusiasts with its blend of Gothic aesthetics, rock-and-roll influences, and high-quality craftsmanship. Founded in 1988 in Los Angeles by Richard Stark, Leonard Kamhout, and John Bowman, the brand started as a niche label catering to motorcycle enthusiasts. Over the years, it has transformed into a … [Read more...] about The Cult of Chrome Hearts

Victoria’s Secret’s history demonstrates how the male gaze has shaped branding for female consumers, often to the detriment of the brand’s long-term success. Founded in 1977 by Roy Raymond, Victoria’s Secret was created to make lingerie shopping more comfortable for men. The brand’s early aesthetic, inspired by Victorian-era sophistication, was less about women’s needs and more … [Read more...] about Marketing to Women, Without Women: Victoria’s Secret Downfall