Lifestyle

Leather Looks: 4 Pieces That Will Upgrade Your Wardrobe

Published

5 years ago

April 13, 2021

Leather is a timeless material. In fact, hides were likely the first material ever fashioned into clothing. Today, of course, leather goods are of a much higher quality and represent just one of a range of style options, but they’re still enormously relevant and, because they’re so sturdy and versatile, they make excellent investments.

These four leather items, in particular, can take your wardrobe to the next level and will last you for years to come.

Shoes Of All Shapes

While there are many applications of leather in fashion, shoes are among the most common – and people love to shop for shoes. Next time you’re in the market for some footwear, then, consider some different leather options, whether that’s a pair of motorcycle boots, leather pumps, or even cute but durable leather sneakers. In fact, every woman should have leather boots in several different heights and colors in her closet so she’s prepared for every occasion.

Better Bags

Canvas tote bags and cheap purses made from artificial materials are so passee. That’s why, if you’re ready to give your daily carry a more mature twist, it’s time to upgrade to a sturdy leather tote. Well-made leather bags are suitable for a wide variety of occasions, including professional and social engagements. What’s more, with proper care, including regular moisturizing and careful storage, you’ll get years of use out of a single bag.

Timeless Trousers

Leather pants have a reputation for being rather outlandish, an over-the-top choice for the average person. In reality, though, there are plenty of classy options for leather pants that won’t feel like they’re painted on. Look for a wide-legged leather cigarette pant that you can pair with a simple tank top, white oxford, or other staple items to an immediate aesthetic upgrade, plus a confidence boost.

Wrap It Up

When it comes to leather jackets, the motorcycle-style tends to dominate, but they’re not everyone’s style or the only option available. If you’re looking for an alternative style, consider opting for a leather wrap jacket. The belts on such jackets give a feminine, defined waist, even when the jacket itself sports a boxier cut. You might also choose a jacket in shades other than black, such as a pale tan or chocolate brown.

Go All Out

Because of how edgy many people consider leather to be, a lot of wearers choose to only accent their outfits with the material, but others are willing to take a bolder approach. If that sounds like you, you might think about donning a leather dress or matching top and pants for an all-leather look. It can be hard to pull off, but with enough confidence, you may discover that a leather-forward style is actually your signature look.

Moving beyond a leather bag or boots can be a big leap if you’re anxious about how you look in this material, but as with so many bold style statements, you’re likely to be surprised by how positively others respond. By daring to make leather a key component of your wardrobe, you declare that you’re not afraid to have all eyes on you, and for all the right reasons.

Lifestyle

Confronting Propaganda: Street Smart Documents Honest Reactions to Gaza Indoctrination Footage

Published

5 days ago

November 6, 2025

Michelle Langton

Photo Courtesy of: Street Smart

Byline: Michelle Langton

In a recent project, the Street Smart team gathered 20 strangers and presented them with propaganda footage from Gaza that has circulated widely online but remains largely unfamiliar to many audiences. The aim wasn’t to provoke outrage or test media literacy in a classroom setting. It was to capture raw, unfiltered emotional reactions to material that reveals how narratives are formed at the source. The resulting video offers a candid look at how people process shocking content and how their perceptions shift when they see what is rarely shown on mainstream platforms.

The Structure of the Experiment

The format was simple. Participants were seated and shown a series of clips from Gaza, including children’s programming and broadcasts containing intense ideological messaging. No background information was provided, and viewers were not instructed on how to interpret what they were seeing. After watching, they were asked for immediate reactions.

The footage elicited a wide range of emotions. Some viewers were stunned by the content, admitting they had never seen anything like it before. Others expressed disbelief, questioning why this kind of material isn’t more widely discussed. A few were visibly shaken, saying the experience fundamentally altered their understanding of the situation.

By presenting the footage without narration or added commentary, Street Smart allowed participants’ genuine responses to emerge. The experiment revealed how propaganda can affect an entire generation. It can shock, unsettle, and force people to reconsider their assumptions.

Why This Project Matters

Sage Fox and Dorani aligned the purpose of this experiment with Street Smart’s broader mission of challenging prevailing narratives and encouraging critical thought among younger audiences. In an environment where footage spreads rapidly across digital platforms, propaganda can shape public opinion long before context catches up.

By showing the Gaza Indoctrination footage in a controlled setting and recording uncoached responses, the team aimed to expose the emotional and cognitive impact of this type of content.

“The first reaction is often the most revealing, because it shows how powerful images can be without context.”

The Range of Reactions

While each participant brought their own perspective, several themes emerged. Some expressed sympathy with the imagery itself, saying it was emotionally powerful.

One participant said, “It makes me question what I see online every day. How much of it is shaped this way?”

Their comments highlight how propaganda resonates differently depending on prior knowledge and exposure. Many viewers have simply never encountered such footage directly.

Street Smart’s Approach

This project continues a pattern established by Sage Fox & Dorani’s earlier videos. Rather than relying on experts or lengthy analysis, Street Smart focuses on real people and their honest reactions. The approach is simple but effective. Present potent material, listen to what people say, and share those moments with a wider audience.

The Gaza Indoctrination footage experiment fits this model. It doesn’t attempt to draw final conclusions or offer political commentary. Instead, it documents how people respond when they’re exposed to narratives that are usually filtered through intermediaries.

Implications for Media Literacy

Beyond its viral potential, the video raises broader questions about how people interact with powerful imagery online. Propaganda operates on emotional reflexes. As this experiment shows, those reflexes are often unexamined until they’re brought to the surface.

Sage Fox & Dorani hope that projects like this push audiences to think more critically about what they see and share.

“The purpose is not to tell people what to believe. It is to remind them that every image comes from somewhere, and that source matters,” they said.

Next Steps for Street Smart

As Street Smart’s platform grows, Sage Fox & Dorani plan to conduct similar experiments in different contexts. They intend to use their direct, street-level approach to highlight how people react when presented with challenging material.

The Gaza footage project is one piece of a larger mission. The team uses simple methods to shed light on complex issues. By focusing on authentic reactions, they continue to build a unique space in online media that blends cultural investigation with raw human response.

A Window into Unfiltered Thought

“We showed 20 strangers real propaganda footage from Gaza — and filmed their unfiltered reactions” is not a dramatic exposé or academic study. It is a clear, unmediated record of how individuals respond when confronted with material designed to persuade. In that restraint lies its strength.

By documenting these moments, Street Smart shows how awareness can begin with a pause. A brief space between seeing and believing.