Fashion

Growing Up Abroad, the Delia’s Catalog Was My Connection to America

After voting for the first time in-person, one writer unpacks how the wildly popular, alt ‘90s catalog shaped her idea of what American life was….

The community center’s lights turned everyone a bruised green color, and despite the chill, a ceiling fan had been turned on for “air circulation purposes.” We all stood six feet apart, pretending not to notice the large black house fly that landed on each of us in a brazen display of rule-breaking. I was voting early in Massachusetts, standing in line with my husband, waiting to feel the subtle change that would come as I colored in the circle for a new president. Somber faces lent an air of gravity to the occasion, but for me there was an added layer of significance. It was the first time in my life that I had cast my ballot in person.

I come from a long tradition of absentee voters, and watched from a young age as my parents stuffed their own ballots into the embassy’s diplomatic pouch and sent them off to be counted back in the States. It wasn’t until I was approaching my teen years, that I realized people showed up to vote at all. Both my mother and father were career Foreign Service officers, who moved our family to a different country every two years. This made me a “Third Culture Kid” or TCK, a term coined by the American sociologist Ruth Useem, which defines the experience of expatriate children who spend their formative years outside of their passport country, usually due to the profession of their parents.

Though I was born in Florida, it was only three weeks later that I boarded my first plane to Zimbabwe. In Harare, our neighborhood was lined with Jacaranda trees that bent over one another and exploded with purple flowers that rained down a lilac carpet. My parents had to remove their shoes at the door or leave lavender footprints all over the hardwood floors. Over the next few years, we lived in Austria, Ireland, Mexico, Kenya, Bolivia, and Ethiopia. This way of life ended for me when I reached high school and my mother took a hardship post in Bosnia, a country where the sheer volume of leftover landmines meant that dependents were strictly forbidden. Suddenly I was at boarding school in northern Michigan, and America was no longer a far-flung notion.

Growing up, I never felt American. But I was also keenly aware that I would never fully assimilate to the country in which we were presently living, especially when I knew that in only twenty-four months another move was imminent. America was never home, always an idea: an identity I longed to claim but felt totally removed from. As a child, the only significant time I spent in the States was every other summer when we flew back for Home Leave—a requisite vacation meant to reacquaint you with your American roots. As soon as we landed, the first thing I did was load up on teen magazines at the Miami airport. I’d stay up all night reading them like I was cramming for a test, and even took notes in the margins: must see Ten Things I Hate About You; must get a mini backpack. Yet, in spite of my love of YM and Seventeen, there was no better guidebook for the American teenage girl than the Delia’s catalogue.

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Fashion

Cardi B’s $60K Birkin Bag Gets The ‘Mommy Treatment’ As Daughter Unleashes Her Creativity

In a moment of relatable frustration, Cardi B took to Instagram to share a funny yet surprising story about her expensive $60,000 Birkin bag, one of her favorite items from her luxury collection. Known for her bold personality and honest social media posts, Cardi revealed that one of her daughters had turned the fancy purse into a makeshift canvas, drawing a heart on it without permission. “Look what my daughter did to my purse,” Cardi said dramatically in her Instagram Story, showing off the iconic bag to her followers. “I literally spent $60,000 on this purse,” she exclaimed, still amazed by the unexpected ‘artwork’ from her little girl.

Although she was frustrated, the mom of three tried to take it all in stride, at least for the moment. Cardi values her hard-earned luxury items, especially her growing collection of high end bags. However, as any parent knows, kids have a skill for creating chaos even in the most cherished parts of life. For Cardi, that chaos includes her high-priced accessories. The post quickly gained attention online, with fans sympathizing with Cardi’s situation. Many found humor in the irony of the event, while others offered support, pointing out that such moments are just part of the unpredictable journey of parenthood. Cardi has previously emphasized that family is her top priority, even if it means dealing with some messiness.

Check out this article: Offset Calls For Peace As He Pursues Truce With Cardi B’s Fans After Drama

But Cardi’s frustration didn’t stop there. She later took to Twitter to respond to comments made by Kanye West regarding her staying power in the spotlight. While she didn’t mention him directly, her tweet, “7 years 1 album… STILL being a topic and STILL being asked about my music!!!” sent a clear message. She confidently asserted her spot in the entertainment world, clarifying that her fans, known as “The Brim,” are not going anywhere. In the end, whether it’s a damaged Birkin bag or dealing with critics, Cardi B repeatedly shows that she remains unfazed by the ups and downs of fame, always staying true to herself and her family.

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Fashion

Kai Cenat Powers Up The BAPE By KidSuper Collection, Bringing Bold Streetwear Vision to Life

The collaboration between BAPE by KidSuper and Kai Cenat has officially launched, and it’s making waves in the streetwear world. Released on April 12, the BAPE by KidSuper collection represents a blend of BAPE’s iconic style from Japan with the vibrant, energetic vibe of KidSuper, which has its roots in Brooklyn. This partnership is particularly significant for KidSuper’s founder, Colm Dillane, who started his journey selling handmade t-shirts outside BAPE stores. Now, he’s a key creative partner with the legendary brand. What sets this collection apart is its deep connection to culture.

Social media star Kai Cenat plays a major role in promoting the collection, bringing a youthful energy that perfectly matches the spirit of the collaboration. The release captures a mix of past influences and modern style, appealing directly to today’s trend-conscious audience. The first look at the collection was revealed during Paris Fashion Week at KidSuper’s Fall/Winter 2025 show, titled “From a Place I Have Never Been.” This wasn’t just a typical fashion show; it was an immersive experience featuring oversized clothing, bright colors, and a comic-inspired theme celebrating youth, memories, and imagination. These ideas are reflected in every piece of the collection, from graphic t-shirts to special sneakers, jackets, and clogs, making each item feel like a unique piece of art.

Also check this one out: Kai Cenat Offers Passionate Critique and Directorial Vision for Drake’s Latest Video

The design and packaging of the collection are also very creative, enhancing the overall experience. The packaging, inspired by comic books, ensures that this collection is a celebration of a special moment in streetwear history. Raystar, who also participated in the show, infused his own creative energy into the project, adding another level of excitement to this already iconic partnership. In a time when collaborations are common, the BAPE by KidSuper collection stands out by tapping into the core of street culture and creativity. It’s a collection that many collectors and trendsetters are going to want to have.

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