Author: Katelynn Jassal

For my Ted Talk, I will be discussing the paradigm shift surrounding mental health. From originally being seen as a form of satanic possession, to presently being gatekept as a glamorized trait to hold, the societal view over mental health has taken plenty of twists and turns throughout time. 

Introduction:

Give a little background on mental health itself. Discuss how mental illness was seen in the past and how it was treated. Give a time period as well.

First “Turning Point”:

Discuss Dorothea Dix, and how she was a reformer for the world of mental health. Then I will talk about how people started to humanize these individuals who suffered so poorly.

Second “Turning Point”:

Discuss how with the turn of the century people became much more empathetic towards mental health, just because it was seen as socially correct. Then COVID-19 hits, and mental illness rates increase heavily. Talk about people reaching out for help, and seeking proper attention. Being online only made it worse for some. The community for helping those with mental illness expanded greatly during this time.

Present view on Mental Health:

Glamorized by forms of media. Why do we want mental health issues? Why do people romanticize it, and what does that make our society into? Bring up examples from modern shows, as well as more private and secluded parts of social media that feed into this “craze.” 

Conclusion:

Talk about cycles, and how history is full of them. Leave audiences with a question about tradition, and how our world is constantly changing. Bring up desensitization, and how this may have a lot to do with a majority of issues going on in the world.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D4ckRc1ha_cksxDgUO95X7wGoPDKPr4VvMTbOOmsrnA/edit?usp=sharing

For this week’s blog, I hope to conclude with a summary of my overall topic and what I hope all of you have taken away from it. 

I started off strong, discussing fully in-depth fashion trends that were stemming from the app TikTok, but then I took some turns to my approach. It got difficult to constantly find trends on the app that were interesting enough to write a five-hundred-word blog about, so I branched out. I began discussing specific movements in regard to shoes, weather, and season, as well as through color theory. This source of divergence allowed me to research a plethora of other contemporary fashion movements that have inspired many. 

With discussing specific trends, I often incorporated their addition to society as a whole. I would bring up specific celebrities, and or impacts that these clothing combinations shared. With “Quiet Luxury” in mind, I was able to research and write about pop culture. It was a fun way to keep myself up-to-date with some of our modern celebrities. Furthermore, with the trend of Y2K, I granted myself a flashback of the past, and what many of us unfortunately missed out on due to our birth years. It’s even more fascinating to think that the celebrities that expressed this “vintage” fashion trend, are still known as some of the most iconic figures in the twenty-first century. 

The simple subject of bows and or colors, allowed me to expand on such mundane concepts. It was difficult to write a lot about these concepts, but once I scoped out more information, I realized how much impact they had. Bows, although overlooked, share a strong feminine sense and allow many people to showcase their hidden “delicate” side. Moreover, the color red is quite the opposite. It pushes for a bold expression of personality, allowing one to exude confidence in almost all forms. The most fun part of making these posts was adding the images at the end; it was like a reward for me to just take the time to scroll through Google after blogging around. 

After discussing Halloween costumes, I found myself wanting to talk about Fall and Winter fashion. This I did. It was so entertaining to state some of the trends from not only TikTok but also what I saw people beginning to wear around campus. Configuring little look books as well, through my typing, was also a good time; I can now say I have been a blogger at one point in my life. 

Overall, through these past ten weeks, although it was tough at times to push myself to get these Passion Blogs done, I did enjoy my final results. It felt nice to take what I saw online and in person, within the fashion world, and express it to you all. Reading your comments filled me with joy because it seemed like you genuinely appreciated what I wrote about. I hope you all gained some inspiration to branch out with your attire and allow yourself to enjoy that often-overlooked side of creativity. It’s a look-good feel-good type of world in University; this blog was meant to give you a sort of starting place to innovate your closets as best as possible in a time of great exploration in our youth.

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, certain colors have the power to capture our attention and become the center of attention for a season or more. Right now, one color is taking the fashion world by storm, and that color is red. From runways, to TikTok For You Pages, to the streets, red has become the go-to shade for those looking to make a bold and stylish statement.

(Image from vogue.com)

Red is a color that has always carried a sense of power, passion, and confidence. It’s a hue that commands attention and can instantly elevate any outfit. Its ability to make a statement is what’s propelling it to the forefront of fashion trends.

Fashion designers are fully aware of the impact of red. This season, many companies are embracing the bold and beautiful hue, making red the star of their collections. Runways have been flooded with red garments, from stunning red dresses to chic red outerwear. Red is no longer just a color; it’s a symbol of strength and style.

(Image from stock.adobe.com)

The influence of red extends beyond the runway, as street fashion has also been swept up by the trend. Influencers, fashion bloggers, and everyday fashion enthusiasts are incorporating red into their daily looks. From striking red accessories to head-to-toe red outfits, the streets have become a showcase for this fiery and fierce trend.

(Image from today.com)

One of the reasons red has gained such popularity is its versatility. It’s not just about wearing a bold red dress; it’s about how you can infuse red into your wardrobe in numerous ways. A red blazer can instantly elevate your work attire, while a red handbag can add a pop of color to a monochromatic outfit. Red sneakers can make a casual look stand out, and red lipstick has been a classic way to introduce this vibrant hue into your beauty routine for years.

Red is not just a color for one season. While it’s often associated with the warmth and vibrancy of summer, it can also be adapted for the coolness of fall and winter. Deep, rich reds are perfect for cozy sweaters and luxurious coats, while bright reds can add a touch of heat to your winter wardrobe. Red is a timeless color that can be reinvented for every season.

(Image from aran.com)

The beauty of red is that it’s a color that transcends age, gender, and style. It can be embraced by everyone, and there are shades of red that suit every skin tone. Whether you prefer a fiery crimson or a subdued burgundy, there’s a shade of red that will complement your individual style and make you feel confident and chic.

For those who are a bit hesitant about incorporating red into their wardrobe, accessories are a perfect starting point. A red handbag, red shoes, or a red scarf can instantly transform an outfit without committing to an entirely red ensemble.

(Image from ebay.com)

Red is often associated with feelings of confidence and empowerment. When you wear red, you’re making a bold statement and exuding self-assuredness. The psychological impact of wearing red should not be underestimated; it can make you feel invincible.

Overall, the color red is currently dominating the fashion scene. Its power, versatility, and ability to make a statement have made it a must-have in every fashion-forward individual’s wardrobe. Whether you choose to embrace red through clothing, accessories, or makeup, it’s a trend that can instantly elevate your style and leave a lasting impression. So, dare to be bold, embrace the red revolution, and make a statement in this flaming and fashionable hue.

For Unit 2, I am thinking of discussing the developed societal views on mental health. I will talk about how these issues used to be pushed off as something that was seemingly dramatic or unreal, and often detested. Many people were shunned for showing signs of mental illness and were mistreated heavily. They were often thrown into “crazy houses” or given extremely cruel treatment. This prolonged the struggle for many to access help within their lifetimes. Even during most of our parents’ childhoods, mental health was overlooked, and that’s why we can see issues of generational trauma inflicted on our growing generations.

Even with the turn of the century, mental health was still seen as a laughable and overlooked matter. For example, celebrities like Amy Winehouse, or Britney Spears, had their images destroyed because of their public breakdowns; these situations are sadly unforgotten and used against them, even in the modern day. However, I think with the presence of COVID-19, many people began to take mental health seriously because we saw how much as a whole we were affected by it. With all the free time on our hands, we were able to relate to one another online or conduct research on sides of ourselves that were maybe repressed. Many people sought help and were often given the reassurance that they needed.

Furthermore, I could bring up the fact that mental illness has, in some ways, been “romanticized” in this contemporary time. With social media in the equation, not everyone is trustworthy. Through social media platforms, some individuals use it to gain attention in sick ways. By making chat rooms, or “gatekeeping” specific illnesses, they led some vulnerable individuals in the wrong direction. Essentially, people thought that they needed to have mental health issues as a way to produce a stronger identity.

Overall, I am thinking of discussing the cycle of how mental illness at one point was shunned, and now more people are open about or seek to have mental health issues.

Hello and welcome back dear readers! This week I will be writing, as well as criticizing, some of TikTok’s trending footwear. Although this topic does not fully encapsulate a clothing trend, it allows me to take you guys more in-depth with a part of one’s attire, that is not always given the time of day.

As of late, I have been keeping my head low, while walking around campus, to analyze people’s shoes. And I have to say, I have not been disappointed in the slightest. I see many people wearing simple, yet fashionable outfits, but rocking some colorful and chaotic, maybe even platformed, shoes. Coming into college, I thought I would have to wear comfortable sneakers at all times to allow me to get through the day, but seeing an abundance of other students wearing unique footwear has inspired me to not restrict myself.

(Image from eonline.com)

On TikTok, there has been a boom in expressing distinct kinds of footwear. Some examples of trending shoe brands include Hokas, Adidas, Converse, Reebok, and much more. With the more athletic side, I have seen many people strutting in colorful Hokas. I personally own a pair of these, and let me tell you, I will never buy a pair of Nike running shoes again. It feels like you are legitimately walking on clouds, and the platformed gum makes me feel like I can run a 5K at any given moment. I also love how eccentric the color combinations are. Instead of just wearing a neutral pair of running shoes, I see people in their gray sweatpants with orange, purple, baby blue, or yellow footwear. Although expensive, these shoes have been proven to be extremely long-lasting, as well as enjoyable to stroll in.

(Image from self.com)

With brands like Adidas, and the current trend of platformed shoes, many have been purchasing the new style known as “Sambas.” There are the classic black and white ones, which look good with basically everything. They originally came out as indoor soccer shoes, but many fashion icons have turned them into something worn more on a casual basis. There are also some more quirky color combinations for these shoes; some will have a pink base with navy blue Adidas stripes, or green with hot pink stripes. Furthermore, many people choose to remove the laces that these shoes come with and replace them with bows or ribbons. When I see people wearing these shoes, I can tell that they care about fashion. The outfit combinations seem to always look put together; consider a loose, baggy pair of jeans with a pair of these shoes and a random crewneck. Individuals who own these shoes are definitely up within the trend clouds.

(Image from sneakerfreaker.com)

In essence of a more fancy or wealthy look, loafers have been introduced into the picture. These range in colors such as black, browns, dark reds, and tans. Some are platformed, while others remain flat. They often have a little buckle on them as well, in either a gold or silver material. These shoes can dress up many simple outfits, and allow for a very clean and concise look. Alongside loafers, there has been an increase in wearing non-traditional shoes such as ballet flats or hoofed boots. Although they are not for everyone, they bring a new palette of taste to the world of footwear.

(Image from cntraveler.com)

(Image from etsy.com)

With the cold weather settling in, many college students are left with the question of how to bundle up before classes, while also possessing comfort and style. TikTok has allowed us to continually compare ourselves to these seemingly “perfect” influencers, who never seem to show up anywhere looking substandard. However bad this may sound, it has helped plenty of us cultivate better-fashioned versions of ourselves.

Not everyone enjoys covering up their well-thought-out outfits with unordinary items to simply keep themselves warm. To recover from this, there has been an abundance of new and popular winter apparel trending online.

Let us begin with jackets. Not everyone enjoys wearing their middle school, neon pink, and weirdly fitting winter coat, especially in college. The trend of puffer jackets, trench coats, and thick teddy parkas have emerged grandly. One could find these products anywhere. You can look online, or go to a thrift shop. These coats have become somewhat of a statement piece in many people’s outfits, rather than just a sense of coziness. Leather jackets are very much in; they are a very androgynous form of clothing as well. Whether your coat is long or cropped, there can be no backlash from the trend-gods. Furthermore, if you are looking for something other than a fully embodying coat, vests have become a popular substitute. These are usually cropped and puffy. The colors range greatly, and make a great addition to a nice sweater, sweatshirt, or crew neck.

(Image from harpersbazaar.com.au)

Gloves are not only functional and crucial around this time of the year, but also very fashionable. They are flaunted in all shapes, sizes, and materials. There are leather gloves, knitted gloves, fingerless gloves, as well as mittens. There are many innovative ways to pair gloves with one’s outfit, without sacrificing much fashion sense.

(Image from freepik.com)

Many influencers have exhibited themselves in combinations of retro and vintage outfits. With the 80s in mind, many have been inspired to wear leg warmers. Not only do they provide warmth, but they can be appealingly added on top of shoes, such as boots or Converse, or over tights, leggings, and jeans. It elevates one’s cold-weather wardrobe heavily. Whether you’re opting for classic cable-knit leg warmers, or experimenting with bolder colors and patterns, TikTok has been the place to discover and test your fashion palette.

(Image from pinterest.com)

With the tips of our ears turning red, and foreheads going numb, the use of hats has always been around to support us in our fashion endeavors. From beanies and berets to bucket hats and fedoras, TikTok has been brimming with hat inspiration for all fall and winter fashion enthusiasts. Experiment with different materials, textures, and colors to match your unique style. You can use oversized beanies for a chic look, or a simple hood attached to your sweatshirt. The key is to mix and match during this time of year, to create a signature look that’s all your own.

(Image from pinterest.com) 

Winter doesn’t have to mean sacrificing fashion for warmth; it’s a time to try new accessories. Thanks to apps like TikTok, you can stay cozy and stylish all year round.

Over the course of Unit 1, my thoughts on “the civic” or civic life have changed drastically. At the beginning of the school year, I can recall how many questions I was asked regarding this class. I told them it was just about the Rhetoric of Civic Life, not understanding or knowing what else to provide to them in response. The word citizen came to mind, however, as well as the duties that come alongside it.

When one looks up the meaning of civic life online, it is defined as the public life of citizens concerned with the affairs of both community and nation. Furthermore, rhetoric conveys the art of writing or vocally persuading audiences to feel and or agree with a specific topic. You put these two terms together and begin to sense the purpose of this class.

Through some of the earlier class readings, I was able to grasp a better understanding of the civic. With speech and protest examples by citizens close to my age, I became further motivated to demand change in this world. Examples from the sources we were given included gun violence protests, sexual assault movements, and a push for concerns regarding climate change. I feel as though it’s been easier for most people, including myself, to fall into the bystander spotlight nowadays. We watch and wait for another to do it because someone else always ends up fixing our issues in the end, right? It’s hard to push yourself to be the first one, to set a precedent. We have other things to do, and further focused interests, so why should we college students care about the civic world around us?

We make what we want out of this life. If we push for change as individuals, it is more likely to happen faster than waiting on the sidelines for someone else to take the initiative. We are gracefully blessed with an abundance of resources in the modern day. By simply reposting specific articles or informing others by pressing that share button, we are helping out our communities, locally and abroad. Furthermore, I have learned how to gain attention from targeted audiences; through implementing the use of lenses that we have discussed, one can rhetorically guide listeners to do the right thing.

All in all, my reflections have changed very much since the last week of August. I feel more inclined to care about issues, not only from the sidelines, but using my voice to help the communities around me and gain a sense of purpose.

Greetings fellow readers! 

For this week’s blog, I will be talking about bows. 

(Image from freepik.com)

I know it may sound very mundane and boring at first, but Bows have made one of the grandest fashion comebacks this past year. Though they are trending heavily on TikTok, bow wearers have also gained much of their inspiration from apps such as Pinterest and Instagram. 

(Image from ctpost.com)

As of late, I have seen bows on literally everything. From water bottles, to sweaters, to eyeliner art, they have made such an estranged, yet strong presence in the trending fashion movements of today. But no complaints are being shed here because I for one think they are so cute. They are the perfect design addition to many things; they are simple, yet powerfully elegant. I think one of the main reasons why I enjoy this trend of bow-wearing so much is because of their sufficient feel of femininity. Femininity, in the modern day, has, in a sense, been looked down upon. It’s become the butt of many jokes and fetishized by many for its innocent aura. Not only has it impacted many women, but many men have been subject to entrapment in the loophole of toxic masculinity. However, that hasn’t stopped many of the prominent influencers of today from bringing bows back out of the ancient fashion cookbooks. 

(Image from medium.com)

All types of clothing pieces can wear a bow nicely. We see them on sweaters, used as “belts” wrapped around jeans, layered on dresses, or simply on the laces of our shoes. They take many forms, either imprinted or physically sewn onto these fabrics. Stereotypically, when one thinks of bows, they may envision pastel or silky products, however, they have become abstract. People wear bows made from crochet, in colors such as green or black, or be-dazzled versions attached to fancier attire. 

(Image from glamour.com)

Furthermore, we have seen an increase in the use of bows in accessories. Many have dressed up their looks by wrapping bows in their hair, around styles such as braids or ponytails. People add them to their reusable water bottles, shoelaces, or even the zippers on their backpacks. 

(Image from fashionista.com)

*Side Note: Butter has even taken the form of bows on slices of toast*

They have been seen on many modern handbags, phone cases, as well as on jewelry. Chokers and other forms of necklaces love to celebrate this new look. It has been coined along with the fashion term “coquette” – defined as embracing all things traditionally “girly.” 

(Image from girlslife.com)

Fashion trends such as “Ballet Core” have come about on the platform of TikTok; it shares its love of bows as well as femininity and gracefulness. The trend is full of all things gentle; pastel colors, layering, soft fabrics, ballet flats, and minimalism. 

(Image from blogilates.com)

Overall, the aesthetic of bows, although seemingly feminine, can be embraced by all who favor it. Although they do not stand as a full-blown fashion trend, like “Y2K” or “Soft Luxury”, they share the potential to implement roots for future trends in the making.

(Image from seekpng.com)

All it takes are a few pieces of ribbon and a yearning for that sense of style change. 

Hello dear readers! Since it’s the season, I have decided to continue talking about fall attire. However, this week I will be discussing the most prominent Halloween costume ideas I have seen on TikTok thus far.

It’s that time of year again when the air gets crisp, your throat begins to ache, the leaves turn to flaming shades, and Halloween approaches with its enchanting aura of excitement. Halloween 2023 is right around the corner for college students, and it’s time to start planning your select few costumes. Whether you’re a die-hard Halloween enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to celebrate, this year’s costume trends promise to include any type of style one could imagine. With the help of TikTok, join me as I now begin to break down some of the most fashionable costumes of this season. 

Classic Creatures with a Modern Turn

Classic monsters such as vampires, werewolves, and mummies never go out of style. However, this year, they’re getting yet another contemporary makeover. Expect to see many wearing sleek, seductive vampire ensembles with dark, dramatic makeup and elegant capes. Werewolves are rocking more realistic fur and ferocity, and mummies are emerging from their tombs with a chic, tattered-glam look that’s all the rage. These costume ideas all allow for a simple get together of clothing, with an additional unique expression of make-up. 

Nostalgia Reigns Superior

Nostalgia-driven costumes have always shared a grand yearly come back. Expect to see plenty of ’80s and ’90s icons strutting downtown or at Halloween parties. Think characters from beloved movies like “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and “Jurassic Park” or iconic TV shows like “Friends” and “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Embrace your inner child, impress your elders, and let nostalgia guide your costume choice this season!

Superheroes and Villains

With the continual rise of superhero movies, it’s no surprise that iconic characters from the Marvel and DC universes are still dominating the Halloween scene. Whether you’re a fan of the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man or the diabolically charming Loki, there’s a superhero or villain for everyone. Don’t forget to accessorize with the perfect gear, and get ready for people to ask to take pictures with their favorite superhero, or villain. 

Video Game Characters

Video game characters are stepping out of the virtual world and into State College the week of October 31st. With the release of highly anticipated games in 2023, expect to see characters like Lara Croft from “Tomb Raider,” Master Chief from “Halo,” or even the ever-iconic Mario and Luigi. Furthermore, plenty of these costumes allow room for duo-ideas, or even group sets. So collect your friends, and begin plotting!

Pop Culture Phenomena

Over the past few years, the pop culture landscape has given us plenty of inspiration for Halloween costumes. From the quirky and exhilarating characters of popular streaming series to viral internet sensations, modern pop culture references are ripe for the picking. Whether you choose to embrace the more popular idols, such as the Kardashians, or a more niche creation – Katy Perry from California Dreams – you’ll be sure to turn heads.

Mythical and Charming

Unleash your inner fantasy and channel your favorite characters from the worlds of Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks. These costumes allow for so much range, whether you want to be a Princess or a character from Toy Story, you’ll be understood by the masses. Popular characters this year include short-haired Rapunzel, Puss in Boots, Edna, and so many others. These costumes offer endless possibilities for creativity and expression of color palette, allowing you to become your own version of your favorite mythical characters.              

All in all, Halloween is a time of fun and excitement. TikTok has allowed many to gain a sense of self-expression this year, with their abundant offers of inspiration on one’s costume!