independent declarations life in cartoon motion what is hip?

	While rummaging through my old bedroom recently, I rediscovered the collection of Seventeen magazines that had been my closest companion during my long-suffering period as an awkward, art geek teen. About six years worth, every issue, all tucked away in storage boxes under the bed. As I started sifting a little deeper into my fashion past, I found another magazine hidden that I had forgotten about. It was called IN Fashion and it was my introduction into the world of modern counterculture style. As I peered at foxy Simon Le Bon and model Aya on the cover, not only did I still covet her blue safari belted mini, but I rememebered how IN had become my new BFF once I had outgrown my beloved Seventeen. Glossy and oversized, the co-ed multi-culti rag mixed the street and club fashion scenes of the 90's with a splash of designer style (think Nylon minus the trying-too-hard).
It was my bible during my post-high school-fashion student-years, obsessing over the editorials and even using the models as inspiration during figure drawing class. A wave of nostalgia immediately washed over me as I ran to the computer to try to find back issues on eBay. Not a single copy. I needed to learn more. But with such an inconspicuous name as In, even a quick Google search turned out to be overwhelming and fruitless. Nevertheless, my latest pop culture archeological dig made me long for the days when there were independent magazines that didn't cater to the masses by showcasing the "style secrets" of MTV reality show celebutards and putting the same half dozen Hollywood startlets on the covers (Keira Knightly...love her, but really...again?). Even old standbys like Paper Magazine seem to have lost their ability to think-outside-the box by featuring the overexposed likenesses of Lindsay and Rihanna. What's an indie fashionista to do? The one bright spot in all of this is that with the current heightened awareness in regards to the fashion industry comes a whole slew of publications that are far and away better than anything you'll find on the counter at CVS. Free-spirited and risk taking, environmentally aware but far from PSA's, you'll feel like you're in a secret fashion-insiders club just for knowing about them. Yes, they may be a little harder to find and many of them are only published quarterly, but the extra added effort into hunting them down will be well worth the rewards (and for all of our faves below, Barnes & Nobles is most likely your best local hunting ground). One quick flip through the pages will make you giddy with excitement in the same way I was as a college student obsessed with In. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go back and continue with my Googling.

Missbehave Published: Quarterly Vibe: Cheeky, fun, and always riding high on its sassy horse, this Brooklyn-based magazine favors lesser-known creative-types as covergirls rather than the standard Robertson Boulevard fare. Bright and colorful with sticker book graphics involving rainbows and stars, the lay-out and lingo make Missbehave feel like 70's-era "Tiger Beat" for modern day grow'd up girlies. If you are obsessed with metallic tennis shoes and spangled gym shorts, this is a must-subscribe. MissbehaveMag.com

Lula Published: Bi-Yearly Vibe: Fashion girlies in-the-know have been coveting this UK book since it first hit the newsstands in 2005 (and its relative elusiveness makes it all the more desirable). Light on ads by heavy in actual weight, Lula is jam-packed with the most delicious of fashion editorials that lean towards the whimsical and dream-like, many of which look good enough to eat. Each issue is so aesthetically beautiful, they have become sought after and collectible. Can't find a copy? Back-issues are free to view on the website. LulaMag.com

Foam Published: Bi-Monthly Vibe: You don't need to be a bonafied surfer chick to appreciate the easy breezy boho sensibility of Foam. Priding itself on "celebrating beach/surf culture and its positive influence on fashion, art, music", here is where sporty gals go to get their beauty fix while learning about the positive effects of eco-friendliness. Foam's recent makeover and increased focus on indie design make it feel more modern than ever. It's the perfect read for beach bums with an interest in fashion as well as city dwellers who fancy smash ocean-ready looks even if the internet is the only place they do any surfing. FoamMagazine.com

Preen Published: Quarterly Vibe: At first, Preen has the feel of a really well-produced (yet still quirky) zine, with its matte finish cover and neon logo. Inside, however, you'll find top-notch fashion spreads that highlight downtown designers and aren't afraid to try something a little off-the-beaten path (like the fully-illustrated editorial in the Spring issue that had me wanting a pink Benjamin Cho butterfly blouse). Experimental photography and graphic design are standards as well as plenty of features on up-and-coming artists and musicians. PreenMag.com

two.one.five. Published: Quarterly More of a lifestyle magazine than a full-on fashion rag, this Philadelphia-born read showcases the music, style, and art worlds of the City of Brotherly Love. Ethnically diverse with a strong hip hop influence, it is one of the few publications out there with a "street scene" mentality that genuinely delivers the goods by presenting local artistic talent, from DJs to designers. two.one.five also puts to rest the notion that Philly is the Ugliest City in the US. TwoOneFiveMagazine.com