Day to Night Fashion

Written by Chloe-Kaleah Stewart

Photography by Leonardo Amaral

CD/PM: Jazzi Almestica

PA: Chloe-Kaleah Stewart Talent: Mentioned below

My winter fashion Queens and Kings, our time to shine has arrived! Bundle up in cozy layers and accessorize with fashionable hats, scarves, and boots to conquer the cold weather runway. Remember, winter fashion is not just about looking stylish, it's also about staying warm and comfortable. Although we all adore and will truly miss Autumn, it's time to embrace the beauty of winter fashion and make a statement in the season of snowflakes and hot cocoa. As the seasons change, fashion lovers eagerly welcome the opportunity to showcase their winter style and the latest trends in street styles, social media, and even fashion blogs. When expressing your winter fashion that also comes with daylight savings time, it gets dark earlier, and sometimes those warm tones don't match that dark and edgy vibe you're trying to match. Dividing day and night winter fashion becomes essential, allowing for a seamless transition from cozy daywear to glamorous evening attire. And it's a must to incorporate versatile pieces into your winter wardrobe, such as chunky knit sweaters, stylish coats, and statement boots. Now let's dive into this winter wardrobe and explore the different ways to stay stylish and warm during these colder months.

As the temperatures drop and winter settles in, it's time to revamp the wardrobe with cozy layers, warm accessories, and beautiful boots. But first, we must discuss the separation between day and night winter fashion, day fashion of course all about balancing comfort and style but doing that with warmer tomes and colors that reflect the serene atmosphere of the season. For daytime fashion, opt for the classics, like chunky knit sweaters, long coats, or hats in earthy, neutral tones like sage green, cream, and a deep rich brown. These colors not only align with the winter aesthetic but also create a sense of warmth and coziness.

- Bill @billphxm

When one thinks of day fashion, bright and warm tones almost immediately come to mind. Adding a nice contrasting color pulls the fit together even more and creates a visually appealing outfit. With Bill's fit, we see that combination, a warm black leather fur jacket, the cozy cream sweater matched with the white cuffed jeans, and finished off with the BEAUTIFUL Christian Dior Converse sneakers that add a pop and elevate the overall look. In my opinion, his glasses are paid actors to this outfit as well, they add a touch of sophistication and complement the other elements of his outfit even more. When selecting the OOTD (outfit for the day), it is crucial to think about colors, textures, and accessories that will complement each other enhance your style, and make you feel and look as confident as you possibly can.

- Onyi @onyi.chukwu16

We can all agree that as New Yorkers, the first thing you need to buy is a good quality winter coat, the puffer. When it comes to the puffer all forms are accepted for winter, whether it's the classic long puffer coat or a trendy cropped puffer vest. For Onyi's style choice, she opted for the cropped puffer vest and a black graphic hoodie matching her warm wool beanie and khaki cargo pants. This fashion choice demonstrates how Onyi incorporates practicality and style into her winter wardrobe. Many look at the style as streetwear-inspired because of the combination of casual and functional pieces, her outfit is comfortable and the perfect way to embrace the winter chill while remaining stylish. When it comes to winter fashion in New York, the puffer coat is always a must-have item for both practicality and style.

- Elena @elena_riveraaa

The best way to describe Elena's outfit is warm winter chic, with layers of cozy fabrics and stylish accessories. The large range of clothing options open in different periods reflects the evolving norms and fashion trends of those times and our time. Elena pairs a dark blue cropped top with a pair of loose-fitting orange pants and brown heeled ankle boots, finished with a sage green scarf and knee-length tan trench. Elena’s outfit showcases a combination of trendy and practical elements, creating a warm winter chic style. Fashion has always been influenced by the cultural context and societal changes, and Elena's outfit is a perfect example of how personal style can be a reflection of both individual expression and current fashion trends.

Winter night fashion embraces cozy and glamorous styles that keep you warm while still looking chic. Some popular choices would be dark-toned oversized sweater dresses, fur coats, knee-high boots, velvet dresses, and thick/large statement accessories, the go-to would be black but adding casual basics like white, silver, dark blue, or shades of brown can also bring variety to your winter night wardrobe. These fashion choices add an element of luxury and elegance to your winter night look, allowing you to make a stylish statement even in the coolest of temperatures.

- Camilo @camiloj0se

Night fashion can be interpreted in many ways, it often involves layering different pieces to avoid wearing large scarves and jackets. Camilo keeps his outfit minimalist yet stylish by opting for a baggy pair of black pants, a white button-down shirt with a red striped tie as the statement piece, and completing the look with an overside black leather jacket with a pair of sleek black Doc Martens boots. This fashion choice reflects a unique blend of contemporary and vintage layers while displaying Camilo's individualistic style and attention to detail. This outfit not only offers a sense of confidence and sophistication but also offers practicality and warmth for winter nights.

- Jazzi @shes.so.dope

Winter tends to be a bumpy ride when it comes to fashion choices. There are windy days when you layer three outfits to stay warm, and there are calm days when it's definitely cold but you can still manage to look stylish without sacrificing comfort. In Jazzi's outfit, she's demonstrating being a "hot" girl in winter, styling her brown mini dress with a pair of brown fur-lined knee-high boots to match, she tops this with a white fur coat and white lace to accessorize her look. The combination of the pieces creates a stunning winter fashion look that is both hot-girl-certified and comfortable for the winter season. In order to navigate the unpredictable winter weather, it is crucial to find a balance between warmth and style.

- Gi @d34dgi

As I mentioned, winter is a rollercoaster when it comes to weather, with drastic changes in temperature and conditions throughout the night, it could feel like 30 degrees one second and 60 with light wind another, either way, it is a hit or miss with picking out an outfit that will keep you comfortable and chic throughout the evening. In Gi's case, they opted to go with a stylish weather risk by wearing loose blue jeans with a black belt with silver studs on it and pairing it with a white tank top, black leather jacket, and black tie with a flame design as a statement piece to finish it. If you're struggling to find the perfect winter night outfit that balances warmth comfort and style, it's okay to sacrifice comfort or warmth a bit to prioritize style and make a fashion statement.

Well, my winter royalty, good luck this winter finding those perfect outfits and essentials to keep you warm and fashionable during those chilly nights. Don't forget to bundle up at the end of the night with your hot cocoa after an OOTD well done, remember, winter fashion is not just about looking stylish, it's also about staying warm and comfortable but it's ok to sacrifice one to look your hottest.

Written by Chloe-Kaleah Stewart

Photography by Leonardo Amaral

CD/PM: Jazzi Almestica

PA: Chloe-Kaleah Stewart Talent: Mentioned above

Every Dance From The Nutcracker: Ranked By An Ex Dancer

Written by Grace Bradley

Photography by Alec Conwell

CD/PM: Jazzi Almestica

PA: Lucy Anderson

Styling and Design: Catalina Torres

Talent: Callie Okun, Kalia Bar, Orlando Rodriguez

It’s the holiday season, which means it’s time for me to reminisce on my dancer years. I started dancing when I was six, and quit when I was sixteen. Over those ten years, I performed in my studio’s production of The Nutcracker just about every year. Therefore, I believe I am more than qualified to give a definitive ranking of every dance in the show, so, come take a journey with me to the land of sweets and get ready for some hot takes!

Number Twenty - Toy Soldiers

And in dead last, we have my most detested toy soldiers. It’s just as boring as sin. The choreography can only do so much while maintaining the soldier aspect, and those stupid hats are impossible to keep on. The music isn’t anything to write home about either. I was in this number a few times, and I loathed it every time, and so did my fellow soldiers. Compared to the other numbers in the battle scene, this one pales in comparison.

Number Nineteen - Chinese Tea

There’s a lot of racial undertones throughout the show, but this one feels particularly offensive. The music is flat-out uncomfortable, and so is the choreography and costuming in most productions I’ve seen. It’s also really too short to leave any impact, especially compared to dances that are about the same length. It’s short, but not so sweet.

Number Eighteen - Angels

I’ve always hated this one after having done it for a few years in a row as a young child. it’s yawn-inducing really. The choreography is typically underwhelming, and the music is repetitive and tired. Most of the dance is made up of little girls walking in different line formations, and that can only hold one’s attention for so long. At least the sugar plum fairy, is featured, but overall, this can be considered filler.

Number Seventeen - The Magic Castle In The Land of Sweets

I don’t have a lot to say for this number because it exists purely as a story function, so it doesn’t have a lot of wow factor. Studios also tend to this one differently, but it’s fun to see and react to the prince explaining the events of the first act.

Number Sixteen - Party Scene Toy Soldier This one goes by a few different names. Sometimes it’s just a male doll, other times it’s a toy soldier. My studio portrayed the solo as a soldier, hence the title of this entry. Anyway, this number has never really stuck out to me. It’s fun to act in if you’re playing a boy in the party scene, but the music is decent and the choreography tends to be a bit too formulaic in my opinion.

Number Fithteen - Tarantella

We skipped this one at my studio, so I don’t have much of a personal connection to it. The main reason it’s this low on the list is because it unfortunately has to follow the pas de deux, so in comparison, this one feels inherently inferior. It’s there to be a fun number following such an emotional piece as the pas de deux, but eh. Not my favorite.

Number Fourteen - The Party Scene

I obviously can’t rank every single dance in this scene because this list would be longer than it already is and everyone does it slightly differently. I do have a lot of favorite moments, however. Drosselmeyer’s arrival is incredible particularly because the music is absolutely riveting. I always held my breath during that part. The moment when Clara and Drosselmeyer’s nephew reach out to each other is also such a beautiful moment. It’s a great scene to act in if you’re playing a child (especially a boy which I hated the first time I did it, but ended up loving it the next year because they get to do so much more than the girls). The lows include the parents’ dance because it feels sort of tacked on, and I hated having to sit through it during dress rehearsal. When this scene is good, it’s incredible, but when it lulls, it’s honestly boring as hell. If you’re wondering why the Doll numbers are separate from the rest of the party scene, I thought that since they’re solos, they should be ranked separately.

Number Thirteen - A Pine Forest In Winter

I was never a fan of this one, It felt longer to me than it was during rehearsals, which might be saying something. I’ve come to appreciate the scoring of this scene, it is beautiful. Perhaps it’s because I associate this with my yearly panic attack because it’s right before snow that I don’t have the fondest feelings towards it, but I think the quality of the music elevates this number.

Number Twelve - Doll

Doll is cute, and that’s kind of about it. The costume is adorable and it’s a lot of fun to perform.

Number Eleven - Russian

This is probably a hot take because I know how iconic and beloved Russian is, but I think it’s overrated. It’s usually done one of two ways, as a candy cane number or a traditional Russian dance, and there isn’t a whole lot of room for invention with the concept. The rigidness of how the number is conceived can only be interesting for so long. If you’re a choreographer and you’re somehow reading this, please come up with choreography that isn’t either children jumping through hula hoops or stereotypical americanized Russian folk dancing! Also, the song is overplayed. This is my truth, and I must live in it.

Number Ten - Mice/Mouse King/Battle Scene As A Whole

This is technically, cheating because this makes up a whole scene along with the soldiers, but soldiers is so bad that it deserves its own entry, especially compared to how awesome the mice are. I never got to be a mouse, which I’m still upset about. This scene, outside of soldiers, is so good. The music: incredible (the Mouse King entrance!!). The mice being silly and overdramatic when he is stabbed: iconic. Clara throwing the shoe: that’s mother! When done well the battle scene can be a joy to watch. Soldiers y'all can choke!!

Number Nine - Spanish

I have a soft spot for this one because I was the lead for Spanish a few years in a row And speaking from experience, it’s really only fun if you’re the lead. I was a guy when I was in the ensemble for this number, and let me tell you that was even worse. The costumes are usually interesting and very pretty, which adds a lot. Also, I’ve always found Spanish’s scoring to be underrated. Give it a listen if you haven’t because I love it a lot. A bite-sized number, but an enjoyable one nonetheless.

Number Eight - Mother Ginger and the Polichinelles

A fan favorite, and that’s mostly owed to the iconic Mother Ginger. Outside of her, Polichinelles (or as my studio called them, pollies) is an adorable romp. It’s also a lot harder than it looks given how fast it is and most of the people who perform it are under the age of ten. The best part of Pollies was seeing all the little kids get off stage beaming because of how proud of themselves they were. Also, the music SLAPS. It’s a beloved number for a reason!

Number Seven - Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

To be totally honest here, I also think this one’s a tad overrated, but I’d be wrong to rank it low. Anyone who performs this number is a saint. I never wanted to be the sugar plum fairy because look at what she has to do. When done well, the costuming and sheer stamina of the performer make this number a standout. This dance may look effortless, but having watched weeks of a dancer rehearse this, I can tell you that is not. All the little touches and nuances take a long time to perfect. If you happen to be reading this and have done this solo, here is me officially giving you your flowers. You’re a trooper if there ever was one.

Number Six - Marzipan

Also known as Dance of the Reed Flutes, I was never in this one for some reason but always wanted to do it because the choreography goes hard. It's so intricate and precise! I love this number as a group dance, but it’s particularly impressive when done as a trio. The amount of time dancers spend on the top of their box for Marzipan is astounding. The section of the music where it becomes intense and foreboding before switching back to airy is one of my favorite musical moments in the show. I still remember my studio’s choreography despite never being in the number and I still find myself executing it in my room. Clearly, I’m still bummed I missed out on it!

Number Five - Finale

This is a personal favorite of mine. Seeing everyone’s specific music cues and entrances and then the joy of dancing as one, and that final moment where Clara decides to go home has always made me profoundly emotional no matter how many times I did it. Something about the scene has stuck with me for a reason I don’t entirely understand. It’s poignant and beautiful, and that’s all you need.

Number Four - Waltz of the Flowers

The music is beautiful, the costumes are elegant and the audience always loves it, but it is difficult and it is long. We spent hours getting the formations right because as easy as it looks they are intense and extremely specific, especially combined with how many dancers are in the number. My favorite part is the grand finale when the music turns triumphant, and also the one minute where we just stand there and Dew Drop does a solo both because it’s a nice break but also because it's cool to watch a soloist.

Number Three - Arabian Coffe

I just adore Arabian, mainly because the music is truly something to behold. It’s both haunting and melodic in a way that’s difficult to describe if you haven’t heard it. To put it plainly: the vibes are off the chart. This one’s another great one to watch backstage. The audience becomes so enraptured in the performance that you could hear a pin drop. It’s typically a hit with the family, at least with my family who, yes, did watch the show every time I was in it. My high school’s version of Arabian was especially magical. There is an elephant in the room though, and it’s those racial undertones I mentioned earlier. This number is almost always done by white dancers, and the choreography is extremely Westernized. I think the number would be a trillion times more effective if done by actual Arab dancers with authentic Arabian folk dance.

Number Two - Watz of the Snowflakes

I have a complex relationship with snow. I genuinely couldn’t listen to it for a good while after performing in it because I associated it so heavily with dread and anxiety, that’s how challenging this dance is. I mentioned this earlier, but nearly every time I did snow I had a mini (and one time a legit one) before it started. This, outside of any of the Sugar Plum Fairy’s dances, is the hardest piece in the show. The music speeds and swells almost at random, the timing is crazy, the spacing is bizarre, and don’t even get me started on the middle section where you’re basically dancing for your life with how fast it’s going. The number is supposed to mimic a snowstorm, so it makes sense that it’s intense, to say the least. But man. When the snow clears, the music calms, and Clara and her princes enter, it’s the stuff of dreams. And the snow falling from the rafters is the cherry on top. The end of snow made me emotional every time and it still does just listening to it. Waltz of the Snowflakes, is quite literally hell to get through, but it’s also possibly the most rewarding number in the show, both for the dancers and the audience.

Number One - Pas De Deux

If you’re at all familiar with The Nutcracker, I’m sure that you’re not at all surprised that act two’s Pas De Deux is number one. What can I say about this that hasn’t already been said? Let’s start with the music. There’s a strong argument to be made that it’s one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever composed. The journey it takes the listener on never dulls even after hearing it a million times. What begins as a quiet but wonderfully romantic suite turns into a nervous plea before delving into dread and then into pure terror, before crescendoing into what only can be described as what pure, unadulterated joy must sound like. It closes with the sound of blissful violins and a victorious three count. If you somehow haven’t listened to the Pas De Deux, please do yourself a favor and listen to it. And the choreography! The part where the prince lifts the Sugar Plum Fairy right as the music climaxes, and then dips her when it lulls! When the Sugar Plum Fairy turns every time the music flutters in the middle! That moment at the beginning where they just gesture to each other! And the attitude en pointe at the end? Insane! The Pas De Deux is simply too gorgeous for words, despite my best attempts at trying to describe it just now. It’s a prime example of how music and dance can go beyond the spoken word and hit at something more raw, more human. It’s a masterpiece, plain and simple.

And that folks is the ranking! This was so much fun to put together and I hope my takes weren’t too hot. If you haven’t seen The Nutcracker, there are several filmed versions on YouTube, because seeing the show live and in person is quite expensive. I love this show to bits and the memories attached to it, both good and bad. Just as soldiers will be awful for all eternity, I hope that The Nutcracker persists for another three hundred years.

Written by Grace Bradley

Photography by Alec Conwell

CD/PM: Jazzi Almestica

PA: Lucy Anderson

Styling and Design: Catalina Torres

Talent: Callie Okun, Kalia Bar, Orlando Rodriguez

Holiday Movies, Media, and Cult Classics to Get You Through the Holidays

Written by Lucy Anderson

Photography by Sophia Keefe

CD/PM: Sophia Querrazzi

Talent: Chloe Webb

The Holiday Season has proved itself a fruitful producer of countless anthologies of holiday-themed movies, TV episodes, and other media. Plus, if you’re like me and prefer to spend some quality time on the couch over winter break, you’ll love this collection of twelve holiday-themed, cozy, and dare I say nostalgic pieces of winter classics.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

This beautifully done stop-motion animated movie musical is, to me, peak holiday nostalgia. With a runtime of only 55 minutes, this holiday classic is absolutely worth the watch. Available on Amazon Prime, grab some cocoa, fuzzy blankets, and a loved one to enjoy the lovely journey that Rudolph takes us on in his film.

Bobs Burgers, “Father of the Bob” (Season 5, Episode 6)

If you are anything like me you will love this emotional, heartwarming, and downright funny holiday special. Bob Burgers is well-loved for its many holiday episodes and specials, but this episode holds a special place in my heart. A fantastic story of family drama, wrapped in a 20-minute package. This episode, along with the entirety of the series, is available to stream now on Hulu.

The Polar Express (2004)

This movie is a well-known holiday classic across the hearts and minds of Gen-Zers. Besides being unintentionally hilarious at times, the movie is filled with iconic moments and some equally iconic voice performances. Starring Tom Hanks as the Conductor, who, of course, is fantastic in this film, takes children on a magical journey to the North Pole. The movie is available across multiple streaming platforms, including Hulu, Max, and Amazon Prime. Make sure to hold on to your ticket!

Violent Night (2022)

Even though this movie only came out last year, it has quickly become my favorite holiday thriller/comedy/action movie. For those of you who might want to expand your holiday watch list, this movie is a great addition. Starring David Harbour of Stranger Things, this Rated R film is sure to provide a switch-up when you get bored of the usual holiday classics.

Bojack Horseman Christmas Special - Sabrinas Christmas Wish (2014)

Bojack Horseman Christmas Special is the first of two projects on this list to feature Will Arnett. This Christmas special is attached to the Netflix original, Bojack Horseman, and with a runtime of 24 minutes it's really just a one-off episode of the show. This special is quick, witty, and a great watch if you have 24 minutes to spare.

A Christmas Story (1983)

A Christmas Story is one of those movies that just screams “home for the holidays.” This cult classic is a classic for a reason, and the nostalgia that this movie provides is fantastic. For a movie set in the 1940’s, it’s impressive how topical it can be. Besides some very outdated stereotypes towards the end of the film, this movie is one of my personal favorites to watch every year. I mean, even just hearing the name of the movie makes me want to grab a pink bunny onesie and ask Santa for a BB gun for Christmas.

The Office, “A Benihana Christmas” (Season 3, Episodes 10 and 11)

Of course, I had to include an episode of The Office on this list. “A Benihana Christmas” has been praised as the best Christmas episode from The Office's entire run. I won’t explain too much, since these episodes are better watched instead of explained. These episodes, as well as the full series, are available on Peacock.

Who Killed Santa? A Murderville Murder Mystery (2022)

Another recent, and Rated R, holiday movie is Who Killed Santa? A Murderville Murder Mystery. Starring Will Arnett, with special guest stars Jason Bateman and Maya Rudolph, this murder mystery and comedy will not disappoint. If you’re a fan of Arrested Development, Bojack Horseman, or anything in that vein of comedy, you should definitely check this one out. This movie is streaming exclusively on Netflix.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) and How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

The original animated How the Grinch Stole Christmas is another quick watch and a wonderful adaptation of the original story by Dr. Suess. The movie is under 30 minutes and is a great watch to pair with Jim Carey's How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Speaking of Jim Carey’s iconic performance, his take on the Grinch is considered the most iconic version of the story and also serves as a wonderfully nostalgic rewatch during the holiday season.

Rise of the Guardians (2012)

Okay, this is not technically a Christmas movie but it is definitely a holiday movie. Telling the story of The Guardians, Rise of the Guardians has a collection of holiday characters ranging from Santa Claus to the Easter Bunny. This often-forgotten animated movie is a lot of fun and still holds up over 10 years later. If you want something to get you settled into the holiday spirit without being super holly jolly, this take on classic holiday characters is for you.

Glee “Extraordinary Merry Christmas” (Season 3, Episode 9)

Knowing me, I had to include a Glee Christmas episode on this list! (Half of you are groaning and half of you are ecstatic at the mention I know) Glee is a hilariously convoluted and controversial show, but man can those 20 and 30-somethings playing high schoolers sing! This Christmas episode is my favorite of the ones that Glee produced, and it’s really just because of the song choices. Hearing Darren Criss and Chris Colfer sing Let it Snow is the perfect dose of holiday cheer to start the season off right.

Little Women (2019)

Little Women is the epitome of a Christmas movie that isn’t a Christmas movie. The star-studded cast gives their all for this film, with multiple Oscar nominations being awarded to them, as well as the movie as a whole. While only part of the movie focuses on the holiday season, the film as a whole has a beautiful representation of the multitudes that can be contained within one family.

And that’s it! Hopefully, this list of twelve-holiday movies, specials, and TV episodes can help you get started in setting the holly jolly mood that will last all season long!

Written by Lucy Anderson

Photography by Sophia Keefe

CD/PM: Sophia Querrazzi

Talent: Chloe Webb