Black Friday

Group of high school friends shopping in Forever 21, Westfield Horton Plaza, San Diego
Left to right: Gladys Garcia (16), Kristy Hernandez (18), Abbie Brooks (17), Eric Lira (17)
Photo taken by: Beverley Agyeman

Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated in November throughout the United States. Until recently, it has been saluted for not being swallowed by companies and engulfed in commercialism. Black Friday is the day following Thursday's Thanksgiving day and has been marked as the first day of Christmas shopping. Tons of stores open between 8 p.m. on Thursday night and midnight on Friday morning offering big discounts. Many take advantage of the crazy sales and purchase Christmas gifts. Others use this annual opportunity to go shopping with friends and/or family as a social activity during the Thanksgiving holiday. These group of teens got to shop at one of their favorite stores with their student budget.

Eric Lira, 17, on Black Friday in Forever 21
Photo taken by: Beverley Agyeman


Eric Lira, 17, pays close attention to his appearance like many other teens. With an interest in fashion, he aims to pursue a career in it "like maybe a fashion stylist or maybe be a fashion designer." Lira says his style is shaped by the mood he is in. He was photographed wearing a rugged pair of combat boots, combat army-style jacket and high-waisted pants.  

   

               Gladys Garcia, 16, on Black Friday in Forever 21
Photo taken by: Beverley Agyeman

Kristy Hernandez, 18, on Black Friday in Forever 21
Photo taken by: Beverley Agyeman

                                   

Garcia wears a black shirt coupled with black leggings and a purple shirt for a splash of color. She also takes the comfy yet trendy option for footwear with her Doc Martens while shopping on Black Friday. Her Friend, Hernandez, sports a pair of black jeans, a plain button-up tee and Ugg boots.

Abbie Brooks, 17, on Black Friday in Forever 21
Photo taken by: Beverley Agyeman

“I'm just interested in it, like I just look at magazines, like the clothes magazines,” said 17-year-old Abbie Brooks while searching through racks of discounts. She says her own style is influenced by "originality" and her strong passion has pushed her into pursuing a career in the fashion industry. "I want to make my own clothes, that's my ultimate goal," Brooks said. She was snapped wearing a knitted, triangle-print cardigan, a striped button-up shirt, black leggings and purple vans.

Why Do You Dress Like That?

Individuality is certainly present throughout SoCal as thousands strive to display their originality and prove that fashion is their medium of self-expression. Ryan Mauricio, 20, lives in San Diego and says his bold style is influenced by, "old school punk and industrial."

In the photo below, Mauricio flaunts a vintage Virginia state shirt teamed with a black leather jacket, red plaid pants and a pair of black leather boots.

Ryan Mauricio, 20, outside the Westfield Horton Plaza in San Diego
Photo taken by: Beverley Agyeman

Fashion: Friend or Foe?

Daniel Lungu, 22, on 2nd St., Long Beach
Photo taken by: Beverley Agyeman

Dominique Richardson, 22, on 2nd St., Long Beach
Photo taken by: Beverley Agyeman

For some, fashion is a tool to express yourself or a way of releasing stress. For others, staying trendy serves as a chore. For 22-year-old freelance fashion stylist, Dominique Richardson, it's a way of life. Working in Los Angeles, Richardson is always immersed in an of ocean of diverse looks and styles. "Lately, I’ve been really, really obsessed with the 90s and anything a little grungy, a little dirty," he said. "It’s actually why I have my nose ring.”

Originally from Israel, 22-year-old Daniel Lungu moved to Southern California's beautiful Long Beach. Although he has enjoyed his stay here so far, Lungu admits that fashion isn't what he'd exactly describe as a friend. Instead, he says Richardson is the reason why he decides to wear something considered fashionable. "He’s always really fashionable and always knows what is trendy," said Lungu. "Whenever I meet with him I feel obligated to step up my game.” 

Daniel (left) & Dominique (right)  enjoying their afternoon in Long Beach
Photo taken by: Beverley Agyeman

Lady and the Tramp

Southern California enjoys its simple and relaxed fashion style and Dana Kinsey from Palm Springs is no exception. "I don’t wear anything super crazy or outrageous . I l just like plain trends," said the 25-year-old.

When some hear "plain" they automatically think "boring" but Kinsey proves that isn't the case. Her laid-back outfit screams young, modern and chic. Her outfit is composed of Jools skinny pants from Nordstrom, gold glitter Toms, a grey top and green bust from Urban Outfitters complemented with a black Chanel bag.

A lady with an expensive taste, Kinsey admits, “ I'm not like super into fashion but I like brands like Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton.”

Dana Kinsey, 25, walking her pooch in Palm Springs
Photo taken by: Beverley Agyeman

West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval 2012

Cameron Neckers, 22, before he left for West Hollywood Carnaval 2012
Photo taken by: Beverley Agyeman

Halloween is a hugely celebrated holiday within the United States and the West Hollywood Carnaval is a free public event that welcomes over half a million people every year. This year, Hundreds of thousands of ridiculously dressed individuals suffocated the streets of Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills and Bel Air while weaving in between countless Katy Perrys, Nicki Minajs, Romneys and Obamas.

A student at CSULB, Cameron Neckers, decided to dress as a baby "firstly because it's cheap wearing only diapers but also goofy and unexpected." Some would deem his outfit highly appealing and it's not surprising that it was a hit with the 500,000 celebrants. "A half naked man in a bib and a diaper is bound to pull attention I suppose," Neckers said laughing. "A lot of people laughed and some strangely found it sexy.

The 22-year-old plans to exhibit a Halloween outfit involving more clothes next year but says, "I'm not against being a baby again though, especially since I still have extra diapers." 

Cameron's baby outfit: White diaper, cookie monster bib, pacifier and baby bottle
Photo taken by: Beverley Agyeman

California Knows How to Party

"I just like to look nice, neat, classy and adorable," A.J. Bascos said on his way to a friend's party. Some men find it difficult to put great outfits together when going out in the event they look too basic or too over-dressed. Studying at CSULB, Bascos says he regularly sees a lot of guys with the same style and tries "not to look like everyone else that walks around me.”

The 19-year-old from Lancaster was snapped wearing Bullhead khaki jeans, Tommy Hilfiger shoes,  A Hurley v-neck and a navy American Apparel jacket. Bascos doesn't have anything that particularly influences his style but has stayed consistent. “I’ve been wearing the same type of clothes for as long as I can remember,” he said.

“I like Pacsun but when I get a little cheap I like Ross and Marshalls," said the college student. "I also like Tillys and sadly I go to Forever 21 every now and then,” he added.
 

A.J. Bascos, Freshman at CSULB ready for a house party
Photo taken by: Beverley Agyeman

Create Yourself

Cory Bennett Anderson skateboarding down 2nd St., Long Beach
Photo taken by: Beverley Agyeman

Artist, Cory Bennett Anderson grew up in Las Vegas and now resides in Long Beach. Shaped by different cultures, music and art, he bases his clothing style on these things. “ I'm into art and music. My favorite band right now is Minus the Bear  or Garden and Villa," said Bennett, "I like to go to different towns and do my art.”

Apart from creating his own art, 26-year-old Anderson also designs and creates his own clothing. Many enjoy shopping and putting an original look together but he took himself one step further. 

"Who doesn't like some tight pants [and] a good silk, screen shirt? My favorite are pocket tees, I like to make them.”

In the photographs, Anderson is wearing a pair of grey Vans, green cotton pants and a a grey 'You & Me' shirt that he made himself.

Be sure to check out Cory's work at www.cbennettapparel.com 

Cory Bennett Anderson, 26, with his skateboard in Long Beach