Thoughts on style while sheltered in place...

Good morning, Monday. I hope you all had a healthy and safe weekend, "good" seems like a stretch so wishing you health and safety instead. 

So you know I often write about clothes on this here blog, and the whole idea/notion/POV of fashion has been turned on its arse, just like everything else in this thing called COVID-19 life. In times like these it may seem silly to even talk about clothes, but we all wear 'em and we all need 'em so talk I must.

As a woman who expresses herself through her wardrobe, this time has been both challenging and liberating.  Small caveat- I'm not one for overly complicated clothes in general, and I will pick comfort first and foremost when it comes to what I wear. I hate to feel uneasy or restricted in my clothes, so that bit is still very much part of the picture.

But truly- I have found I can't wear anything with the following: buttons, snaps, or anything of the sort. I also have not worn a dress in the longest, though I suspect that may change as it gets warmer- though sitting in the house in a dress feels weird to me, unless I find a way to redefine the "house dress".  I have been wearing jeans from time to time- my J Brand skinnies that have a ton of stretch and feel more like leggings and on the opposite end of the spectrum, some super old American Eagle boyfriend jeans with tons of holes that are about ten sizes too big but super comfy.  But on the top half- I can literally only stand to wear tank tops, tee shirts, or lightweight sweaters- of which I have many.  I'm living in them and them only, and mostly in basic black besides the occasional rock tee, of which again, I have many.- or something like the one pictured above with a fitting sentiment for right now. I'm also obsessed with an oversized  Chanel like jacket I purchased from H&M in both cream (sold out) and black- it's so chic and gives me the little boost I need to layer over my gym clothes when I take Khan for a walk. I remain obsessed with Splendid leggings. There is simply nothing better. The perfect thinnish weight, the perfect softness. I absolutely love these and they were on sale for half price (and again this weekend) so stocked up. On my feet, I've been wearing my black rubber Gucci slides with (wait for it) nude colored socks from Pure Barre, or I've started rocking a bit of a higher sock thing of late too. Yes, this is a look. But it all somehow works for me and I feel good. Whether I look good is a different story, but I am not into dresses right now. Or anything other than simple, simple things that are a mix of rolled out of bed, took a barre class, and then hit my first conference call, followed by a dog walk and then more work stuff.  Oh, and I have been rocking a great jumpsuit from Cos that is a bit of a lightweight wool- super oversized and comfy and sporting two holes at the neck line that I care not about, not one bit. And an old onesie from American Apparel, that's a ribbed cotton and buttons all the way up. It's kind of a union suit vibe but looks cool with a denim jacket thrown over it. As for jewelry, pretty much not wearing any at all, though some days I still wear my coin necklace just because.

Incidentally, I spotted this jacket the other day and thought it had a nice vibe, great over tees and jeans and of course, leggings. And less than 40 dollars, too.

I also have not worn much makeup of late, which has been liberating and pretty cool. Now when I put on makeup I think I look weird, almost plastic. But I will cop to a bit of tinted moisturizer and this AMAZING illuminating powder I got from Chanel a few months ago- it's super glowtastic and pretty. As for my nails, they are like bobcat claws, if bobcat claws were gnawed to their nubbins. And my toes? No bueno. A shade of blue felt like a good idea a month ago. Now? Nope. Don't even get me started with the hair. I'm keeping my flame going with a product called Overtone, which is like a color depositing conditioner that doesn't do crap on my roots, besides turning them an odd shade of yellow. I believe that's referred to as a "hot root". For my roots, my sister got me some L'Oreal stuff/root spray and it's ok. Does the trick. But talk to me two weeks from now. Oy to the vey.I also was excited to try the new Drunk Elephant (famous skincare line) shampoo and conditioner. I don't love it. I do think the Christophe Robin Prickly Pear mask is a great once or twice a week solve for dryish tresses, even though it's very much a splurge. Masking once a week is great, and not just for your skin. I'm still keeping up with all my skincare thank goodness. That can't and won't go by the wayside. Another big switch for me? Behold the glory of the night shower. I find myself enjoying the relaxing vibe of an evening shower, vs. the more invigorating one of the morning shower. Regardless, I have not dropped my perfume habit. Not one bit. No matter what, I still wear it every day. Smelling good is feeling good to me. I'm going back and forth between Serge Lutens lovely, thorny rose La Fille de Berlin and Flower Porn by Heretic. I guess i'm feeling florals lately- just something pretty feels right for Spring. It is still Spring, ps.

 My other big malady of late is the whole mask/glasses thing. Oh man. The glasses fog up like woah when you wear a mask. More reason to consider Lasik when this is all over. 

The other day I saw the photo above of Leandra Medine, she of Man Repeller fame. I love this photo so much and this look speaks to me, even though I'm in much more of a basic b mode these days. Her style is so much fun- love the print, the proportion of her situation, and the awesome layered jewelry. I also loved this story from one of my favorite bloggers and style stalwart, Andrea Linnett- the mix of prints feels right for a world gone topsy turvy. I'm wondering if when this is all over, I'll be more like Leandra or keep my simple vibe going. Perhaps it will all go back to normal, and I'll go back to normal too- which is somewhere between Leandra and simple Sally when it comes to dress. Wondering if any of you have succumbed to the rather crazy sales happening, whether you've made an effort or relented to elastic waists, or if you are just in your pajamas most days, contemplating how you can keep this dream alive of going braless and makeup-less when it comes time to go back to the office. I'm also aware that many out there are suffering and not remotely thinking about any of the above, and I wish you all the love and support you need to get through this challenging time. Keep me posted, and I'll do the same.

Cause that's what's up this sheltered in style kind of Monday in the 718. Yours, in keeping it real. XO