We are so excited to share this latest issue! Check it out here!
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
On behalf of all of us at Halfstack, we wanted to take a moment to remember September 11 and be thankful for every day...better yet...every moment...and live for it. 11 years have passed and I still remember what I was doing that exact moment that I heard of the Twin Towers falling.
It was late arrival at school and I was at my house getting ready with my cousin. We had the music blasting and dancing around with no care in the world...
...and then her phone rang...
...and the tv was turned on...
...and none of it really made sense, but we knew that in that moment...life would be different. My heart goes out to all those families that lost a beautiful soul that day. We all go through life and sometimes forget about important and tragic events that have happened during our own lifetime, but this day should remind us that we are all the same. Human. Different in so many ways, but connected by our souls. We should take this day to remember the souls who fought for our country, the ones who passed and who are still present. A day to remember the souls that were taken too soon from their wives...
...husbands...
...sisters...
...brothers...
...partners...
...cousins...
...soulmates...
...Their friends...their family.
We need to take that day and remember that we are all one in the same...we all want to be safe and feel joy and happiness. We need to remember to stop hating each other and most importantly stop hurting each other.
Here's to a memory that will never be lost and to a future where we open our hearts and souls just as much as we open our minds.
Cheers,
-M-
It was late arrival at school and I was at my house getting ready with my cousin. We had the music blasting and dancing around with no care in the world...
...and then her phone rang...
...and the tv was turned on...
...and none of it really made sense, but we knew that in that moment...life would be different. My heart goes out to all those families that lost a beautiful soul that day. We all go through life and sometimes forget about important and tragic events that have happened during our own lifetime, but this day should remind us that we are all the same. Human. Different in so many ways, but connected by our souls. We should take this day to remember the souls who fought for our country, the ones who passed and who are still present. A day to remember the souls that were taken too soon from their wives...
...husbands...
...sisters...
...brothers...
...partners...
...cousins...
...soulmates...
...Their friends...their family.
We need to take that day and remember that we are all one in the same...we all want to be safe and feel joy and happiness. We need to remember to stop hating each other and most importantly stop hurting each other.
Here's to a memory that will never be lost and to a future where we open our hearts and souls just as much as we open our minds.
Cheers,
-M-
Friday, 7 September 2012
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
This past weekend Halfstack showed it's support of the Fashion & Arts Humanity Fete! We spread the word about our brand and helped with goody bags! If you attended we hope you rock those Halfstack buttons and stickers all over :) This event is such a great cause that highlights local fashion, designers and is all for a good charitable cause! You can learn more about the organization here.
900 North Michigan Shops is doing it again this year! They will be teaming up with Michigan Avenue Magazine and McGrath Lexus and Acura of downtown Chicago for their 2nd Annual Fashion Night Out from 6PM to 9PM.
Halfstack will be out and about for 900's Night Out which you will NEED to check back with our Fall Issue that launches October 17th for more coverage on the event! Not only will there be tons of pampering, shopping, sipping on cocktails, and mingling with some great company, but this event is also being hosted by the one and only Ali Larter!
This is going to be an event you won't want to miss and neither does Halfstack so we are heading out tomorrow night and you should too!
Tuesday, 17 July 2012
It's official. We're live and we couldn't be happier. This little mag is definitely our labor of love. Long days and nights have finally come to this and it's all been worth it. As we always say, if it wasn't for all of you supporters out there, we wouldn't get to make such a fun magazine. So, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts. We hope you all enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed making it.
xoxo - Team Halfstack
We go live tomorrow morning all!! Here's a sneak of our cover to tide you over and I don't mind sharing our Editor's letter a bit early. Thank you all for your continued support!
Summer 2012 has arrived in full style here in Chicago and the Halfstack staff is rolling in behind it. We are all so excited and proud to share our second quarterly issue with all of you supporters and readers out there.
Summer always brings back great childhood memories for me. I often remember myself daydreaming on the stoop of our old apartment in Humboldt Park during the hot summer days of the 90s; eating my paletas and wondering about where life would take me.
Even as a kid, I had big dreams. Despite growing up poor, living in gang infested neighborhoods and seeing some hard stuff as a kid, I still had hope. That’s definitely something my family instilled in me early on. With that hope also came a lot of tenacity and ambition. So, it was never a shame to dream, dreaming in the hood was a way of life and an opportunity for young kids like me to hope to make a difference.
Those dreams, I notice, are a frequent underlying idea within the hearts of many of the designers, artists and musicians we are showcasing in this summer issue. It amazes me how resourceful people can be when given no other option, but to “make life work” for them. This issue is about the fighters. It is about those young guns who people may have looked over at one point, but who ended up coming out on top. Musicians like Chi-P and Designers like Rosina Mae, who keep going, even when the going gets tough. They never gave up, even when life threw them in shark infested waters. People like that inspire me.
During the making of this issue, there were days and nights where I wanted to give up the fight. Not because the work was too hard or because we had help that didn’t follow through, but because like many of you fighters out there, I was facing some tough times. While embarking on the journey to create this last issue, I was also going through family turmoil and embarking on a personal journey of my own. From divorce to having to share my daughter to leaving a crap job, I was going through some hard times and felt defeated.
It’s been scary and down right hard as hell, but then I see the things that the people we showcased, right here in the magazine, are doing (despite dealing with pain, drama and hurt) and I was inspired to keep going. In life, we are all going to face people who want to see us fail, who take joy in seeing our pain, but it’s up to each and every one of us to not let the naysayers win. It’s up to each and every one of us to keep fighting for our dreams, goals and hopes, but most importantly for ourselves. We can all achieve our dreams, if we believe in ourselves. The beauty of it is, that it is from these hardships, negative people and difficulties that we grow and become even better than before. In life, if it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.
There’s this new song out by Gym Class Heroes and It touches my soul every time I hear it. I dedicate this song, just as I dedicate this issue to all of the fighters. Here’s the hook, I hope it hooks you too.
If you fall pick yourself up off the floor (get up)
And when your bones can't take no more
Just remember what you're here for
Cuz I know imma damn sure
Give em hell, turn their heads
Gonna live life til we're dead.
Give me scars, give me pain
Then they'll say to me, say to me, say to me
There goes a fighter, there goes a fighter
Here comes a fighter
That's what they'll say to me, say to me
Say to me, this one's a fighter
xoxo -
Jennifer M. Lezan
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Halfstack is already in the planning stages for our Summer 2012 Issue. There is no sleep for the restless in this industry, that's for sure. We are so excited to meet with new designers and artists and musicians. If you are interested in pitching yourself, your work or your art to us, please send us an email to halfstackmagazine@gmail.com!!
In the meantime, we just fell in love with a Chi-town artist Chadwick. This is one talented dude with amazing painting chops...Who knows, he may even be in our next issue :) ?? In the meantime, check out his art in LIVE DEMO form...
AMAZEBALLS!
xo
Jen
In the meantime, we just fell in love with a Chi-town artist Chadwick. This is one talented dude with amazing painting chops...Who knows, he may even be in our next issue :) ?? In the meantime, check out his art in LIVE DEMO form...
xo
Jen
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
If there is one thing that the editors of Halfstack know, it is that we are only here because of the amazing people we work with. So, when someone we adore and appreciate is facing some hard stuff, we believe in standing right by them. So, Stella - this one is for you.
Ok, as you all know - I'm a mom (It's jen BTW). It's by far the one title I am proudest of. Motherhood has been no cake walk. It is hard, trying and at times can be defeating. Yet, I'll tell you one thing. Despite how hard it is being a mommy hustler who's trying to make ends meet - it is the most rewarding and amazing challenge that life has ever bestowed upon me.
I am so grateful for the person that I became because of my daughter. I am also so lucky that she is healthy. Now, this post today isn't to sadden or depress you, but rather inspire you. I have an amazing close friend. She's the type of woman and mentor that pushes you to greatness. At one point she was one of my professors and now as I am a professor, I consider her a colleague. She is also a Halfstack team member with an amazing writing style and hilarious attitude (go check out her article - WTF - an exploration on Star's modas).
Well, Stellita and I were talking today about life and how crazy it can be and how we forget to cherish the great things. How frustrated we can get when people just dramatize petty things when there are people out there that need hope.
Stellita has been going through a tough time, her youngest cousin is ill. She's a 13 year old trooper who has terminal cancer, but is continuing to fight the good fight. Because like many a latina woman out there, she's got cahones and doesn't want to give up. Even despite now being paralyzed because the cancer spread to her brain, she keeps going. Now, Ashley's story inspired me today. As a mom, I couldn't fathom, what her mom is going through. The idea of my daughter just having a cold and a fever gives me night sweats and heart ache. To watch your child wither away from an illness you can barely fight, just blows my mind.
But, like I said, this is NOT to depress you. It is to inspire you. This little girl and her family are doing everything in their power to make sure she can keep going. Like I said, they are troopers and inspiring because the fortitude behind their faith is unwavering. They are working with doctors to see if they can try experimental treatments, BUT it costs money. As a mommy I know money can be hard to come by. While I don't have much, I'll do what I can which includes this post. I am hoping that some of you out there, will find it in your heart to help this family. Whether you donate by making a purchase, telling a friend or sharing the following links on facebook, you are still helping save a life. Check out the site where you can help Ashley HERE.
The one thing I realized today was that life is so short. It's but a fleeting moment and it is imperative that we cherish every millisecond that we have. Let go of petty things and find the beauty in everything around you. Find joy in your life and learn that NOTHING in life is impossible if you have faith and just a little ambition. Ashley, I am hoping and praying for you and I hope that this little post on my little blog helps bump up that bar on your site because you deserve the chance to keep going and experience life - just like my little girl deserves the chance to experience it. Without worry and to the fullest.
So, I figured if Halfstack could raise $3500 to follow our dreams, we could help little Ashley raise $2000 to help save or in the least make her life a little more comfortable as she battles cancer. What do you say, Chicago? Can you help her out? Check out the site where you can help Ashley HERE.
My prayers are with you kiddo.
xo
Jen
Ok, as you all know - I'm a mom (It's jen BTW). It's by far the one title I am proudest of. Motherhood has been no cake walk. It is hard, trying and at times can be defeating. Yet, I'll tell you one thing. Despite how hard it is being a mommy hustler who's trying to make ends meet - it is the most rewarding and amazing challenge that life has ever bestowed upon me.
I am so grateful for the person that I became because of my daughter. I am also so lucky that she is healthy. Now, this post today isn't to sadden or depress you, but rather inspire you. I have an amazing close friend. She's the type of woman and mentor that pushes you to greatness. At one point she was one of my professors and now as I am a professor, I consider her a colleague. She is also a Halfstack team member with an amazing writing style and hilarious attitude (go check out her article - WTF - an exploration on Star's modas).
Well, Stellita and I were talking today about life and how crazy it can be and how we forget to cherish the great things. How frustrated we can get when people just dramatize petty things when there are people out there that need hope.
Stellita has been going through a tough time, her youngest cousin is ill. She's a 13 year old trooper who has terminal cancer, but is continuing to fight the good fight. Because like many a latina woman out there, she's got cahones and doesn't want to give up. Even despite now being paralyzed because the cancer spread to her brain, she keeps going. Now, Ashley's story inspired me today. As a mom, I couldn't fathom, what her mom is going through. The idea of my daughter just having a cold and a fever gives me night sweats and heart ache. To watch your child wither away from an illness you can barely fight, just blows my mind.
But, like I said, this is NOT to depress you. It is to inspire you. This little girl and her family are doing everything in their power to make sure she can keep going. Like I said, they are troopers and inspiring because the fortitude behind their faith is unwavering. They are working with doctors to see if they can try experimental treatments, BUT it costs money. As a mommy I know money can be hard to come by. While I don't have much, I'll do what I can which includes this post. I am hoping that some of you out there, will find it in your heart to help this family. Whether you donate by making a purchase, telling a friend or sharing the following links on facebook, you are still helping save a life. Check out the site where you can help Ashley HERE.
The one thing I realized today was that life is so short. It's but a fleeting moment and it is imperative that we cherish every millisecond that we have. Let go of petty things and find the beauty in everything around you. Find joy in your life and learn that NOTHING in life is impossible if you have faith and just a little ambition. Ashley, I am hoping and praying for you and I hope that this little post on my little blog helps bump up that bar on your site because you deserve the chance to keep going and experience life - just like my little girl deserves the chance to experience it. Without worry and to the fullest.
So, I figured if Halfstack could raise $3500 to follow our dreams, we could help little Ashley raise $2000 to help save or in the least make her life a little more comfortable as she battles cancer. What do you say, Chicago? Can you help her out? Check out the site where you can help Ashley HERE.
My prayers are with you kiddo.
xo
Jen
Monday, 19 March 2012
Hey everyone!
For those of you wondering where you can see/grab pics from the launch party: you can get them from our facebook page! Check them out by clicking HERE. We are already planning out and coordinating our summer 2012 issue! If you are a graphic designer looking for an opportunity to work with us, please make sure to reach out! Also, we are on the hunt for Copy Editors! We have one on board, but are looking to add 2 more to the mix. If you have the love for copy and making things sound and look grammatically amazing - than this is the job for you! Remember, not paid, but we can give you internship credit!
Thanks again to everyone for your continued support!
xo-
Jen
For those of you wondering where you can see/grab pics from the launch party: you can get them from our facebook page! Check them out by clicking HERE. We are already planning out and coordinating our summer 2012 issue! If you are a graphic designer looking for an opportunity to work with us, please make sure to reach out! Also, we are on the hunt for Copy Editors! We have one on board, but are looking to add 2 more to the mix. If you have the love for copy and making things sound and look grammatically amazing - than this is the job for you! Remember, not paid, but we can give you internship credit!
Thanks again to everyone for your continued support!
xo-
Jen
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Hey there Halfstackers!!
Last week was such an amazing week for Mariana, Kate and I. Not only did we launch our baby, but we met some great people and had such a fabulous experience with our first official launch party as a company! The turn out was amazing. We had Deuces packed and more people showed up than we ever imagined would.
We want to send a shout out to all of you who have supported, volunteered and dedicated your talents to this magazine. Without all of you - we would not be where we are today! So, stay tuned -- tonight we will be posting pictures of the event!! Full disclosure, it was a good time and people enjoyed themselves, so if you posed for a pic -- we hope it turned out as amazing as you felt when you were taking it :D
Talk to you all later tonight!
Jen Lezan
Editor-in-Chief Halfstack Magazine
Last week was such an amazing week for Mariana, Kate and I. Not only did we launch our baby, but we met some great people and had such a fabulous experience with our first official launch party as a company! The turn out was amazing. We had Deuces packed and more people showed up than we ever imagined would.
We want to send a shout out to all of you who have supported, volunteered and dedicated your talents to this magazine. Without all of you - we would not be where we are today! So, stay tuned -- tonight we will be posting pictures of the event!! Full disclosure, it was a good time and people enjoyed themselves, so if you posed for a pic -- we hope it turned out as amazing as you felt when you were taking it :D
Talk to you all later tonight!
Jen Lezan
Editor-in-Chief Halfstack Magazine
Monday, 5 March 2012
It's been a tumultous 5 months! The road to success can be daunting, but if you have faith and a vision, never allow your fear to get in the way of your dreams. Mariana, Kate and I all had a dream and today, we are seeing it come true.
Due to the amazing support of our friends, families and colleagues - we have brought an idea to life. Chicago, we present to you - Halfstack Magazine. It is the love child of fashion, music, art, politics and culture combined with the power of today's youth. We have a fresh perspective on what is hot today and we are going to share our ideas and opinions with all of you in hopes that you will rebuttle.
Halfstack is by the people for the people and is dedicated to all the young up and comers in the greatest city in the world - Chicago. Midwesterners have a flare and style all their own and strong beliefs that they are not afraid to voice. Through Halfstack, we aim to educate people and inspire them to challenge their inner being to take that leap of faith and follow their dreams.
The Spring 2012 issue is all about making it in Chicago. We have highlighted musicians, artists and designers who are hustling for their dreams. They're like me and you - working a day job, but moonlighting as their alter ego - designer - rapper - artist. We hope that their stories give all of you out there guidance on the steps to take in your own life to follow your dreams.
The fashion and style that you will see throughout these pages are dedicated to young professionals who are struggling to make ends meet, but still want to look fly. We understand how important it is for life to be attainable these days and we firmly believe in being ballers on a budget.
So, take some time, peruse our pages and drop us a line if you feel so inclined to do so.
Welcome to the dollhouse Chi-town...
Jen Lezan
EIC - Halfstack Magazine
Due to the amazing support of our friends, families and colleagues - we have brought an idea to life. Chicago, we present to you - Halfstack Magazine. It is the love child of fashion, music, art, politics and culture combined with the power of today's youth. We have a fresh perspective on what is hot today and we are going to share our ideas and opinions with all of you in hopes that you will rebuttle.
Halfstack is by the people for the people and is dedicated to all the young up and comers in the greatest city in the world - Chicago. Midwesterners have a flare and style all their own and strong beliefs that they are not afraid to voice. Through Halfstack, we aim to educate people and inspire them to challenge their inner being to take that leap of faith and follow their dreams.
The Spring 2012 issue is all about making it in Chicago. We have highlighted musicians, artists and designers who are hustling for their dreams. They're like me and you - working a day job, but moonlighting as their alter ego - designer - rapper - artist. We hope that their stories give all of you out there guidance on the steps to take in your own life to follow your dreams.
The fashion and style that you will see throughout these pages are dedicated to young professionals who are struggling to make ends meet, but still want to look fly. We understand how important it is for life to be attainable these days and we firmly believe in being ballers on a budget.
So, take some time, peruse our pages and drop us a line if you feel so inclined to do so.
Welcome to the dollhouse Chi-town...
Jen Lezan
EIC - Halfstack Magazine
This is the video that started it all. We had a dream, some faith and amazingly talented friends to help us make it through these last few months! A special shout out to Matthew Zingale of 1326 Studios for Directing and editing this amazing short and his lovely fiance Holli Baumez for her mad graphic skills! Without them, we'd not be where we are today! You are a Chicago Creative Power Couple and we adore you! Thank you!
Here's the vid -
Untitled from Jennifer Lezan on Vimeo.
Here's the vid -
Untitled from Jennifer Lezan on Vimeo.
It's that week Halfstackers!! The ladies of Halfstack are ready for some fun! We've finished the zine, printed, completed our website, did our press and now -- YES NOW -- it is time for some fun!! Are you ready for our launch party?? We hope you are because you are in for a treat. The evening will be filled with fashion, fun, good company, a charitable cause and an open bar!
There is a cover for the night, but a portion of the proceeds will be going to the Live Out Loud Charity- an organization dedicated to youth empowerment and suicide prevention. For $30 bucks you get help people, enjoy a fashion show from Blank Nation Apparel and have 3 hours of open bar. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to us!
WHEN: Thursday March 8, 2012 from 8-11PM
WHERE: Deuces & the Diamond Club
3505 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60657
COST: $30 at the Door
RSVP ON FACEBOOK HERE!
There is a cover for the night, but a portion of the proceeds will be going to the Live Out Loud Charity- an organization dedicated to youth empowerment and suicide prevention. For $30 bucks you get help people, enjoy a fashion show from Blank Nation Apparel and have 3 hours of open bar. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to us!
WHEN: Thursday March 8, 2012 from 8-11PM
WHERE: Deuces & the Diamond Club
3505 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60657
COST: $30 at the Door
RSVP ON FACEBOOK HERE!
Hey there readers! Sup?! Well, it's been a whirlwind of a month. Halfstack is fully underway! We were able to meet our funding goals to print our first issue thanks to all of you lovely supporters out there AND we had our TV debut on WGN's Midday Show!
We were on the Style Files highlighting Spring 2012 trends as well as the fashions from our two top brands - Blank Nation Apparel and Macy's!
We are extremely grateful and we hope that we can inspire many of you out there to forge ahead with your own dreams! This is just the beginning and we plan on showcasing many more indie designers here in Chicago. So, be on the lookout and don't be shy to submit yourself!!
If you didn't catch us on tv - please click the pic below to be taken to the WGN site where you can watch the Halfstack episode of the style files!
-
Jen Lezan
EIC - Halfstack Magazine
We were on the Style Files highlighting Spring 2012 trends as well as the fashions from our two top brands - Blank Nation Apparel and Macy's!
We are extremely grateful and we hope that we can inspire many of you out there to forge ahead with your own dreams! This is just the beginning and we plan on showcasing many more indie designers here in Chicago. So, be on the lookout and don't be shy to submit yourself!!
If you didn't catch us on tv - please click the pic below to be taken to the WGN site where you can watch the Halfstack episode of the style files!
Jen Lezan
EIC - Halfstack Magazine
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