We can do this... time to get comfortable

Deep Breath. How are you doing? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Depressed? … we were all those things before. This requires a new vocabulary.

I find that every time I see an article which references the toll this pandemic is taking on WOMEN, I stop in my tracks. I recently started wondering why I do this. Am I looking for validation of the facts that I already know? Or the situation I am currently living and already too familiar with? Or of the stories I am already hearing not just on tv, but in my own life from those close to me?

We don’t need a study to tell us what we already know. We are finding a way to make it work but only by the skin of our teeth. It’s hard. It’s grueling and it’s way past old. We’re living the previously unimaginable. And we’re bearing the brunt of it ladies. We’re juggling way too much on plates that already have HUGE cracks… whatever your situation.

There are days I feel it more than others. The gray overcomes me. The stress aches in my muscles. I have to fight like hell to stop the overwhelming anxiety from keeping me in bed. But I know I am not alone. You are not alone. We are all fighting right now.

Yet somehow we are still standing. We put one foot in front of the other and we keep going. And this is where I look every day for the inspiration I need to get through. Because I see you Ladies. I see you fighting through the exhaustion, the pain, the stress, the hurt… just get yourself and your families through another day.

You are amazing to me. And we don’t stop often enough to appreciate what we’ve accomplished in the face of what is currently unprecedented.

Stand tall ladies. We might be beat up but we’re still here. We have a resiliency that’s unmatched. We are strong, beautiful and determined. I see you.

I want to believe that we’re all in this together. Especially that we WOMEN can find an opportunity in this situation to care for each other in ways maybe we haven’t before. We’ve always needed to watch out for each other in a special way. Now we need each other more than ever. How can you help? If you’re in a position to do so, donate to your local food pantry. Show a little extra kindness to your child’s teacher… chances are her stress levels are a bit elevated as well. Notice a mom in your neighborhood struggling? Drop off a meal, a dessert, a bottle of wine… a simple kindness can go a long way. We can support each other even now… especially now.

So while I love fashion and dress up this pandemic has turned me towards the basics… the essentials I need to get through the day. Starting with coffee in the am and wine in the pm. But where my wardrobe is concerned, I’m living in loungewear. Loungewear can range from your workout leggings to a cozy worn in pair of jeans. Loungewear is whatever you are comfortable wearing while you sit around your house. Loungewear combines comfort with style. It reflects your personal style and should flatter your body type to make you feel great when you wear it. So even if you put it on to sit around your house, you can also wear it out… in public… to run your errands, get a coffee, shuttle around kids, go for a walk, go to your kid’s soccer game, pick up a bottle of tequila… ect.

Find a few “loungwear” suggestions below from Athleta. And remember to be kind to others and yourself as we continue to navigate through the haze. You are amazing.

Sundown Hoodie Sweatshirt

Sundown Hoodie Sweatshirt

Transit Crew Sweater

Transit Crew Sweater

Compact Coaster Long Wrap

Compact Coaster Long Wrap

Pacifica Crosscurrent UPF Jacket

Pacifica Crosscurrent UPF Jacket

Mindset Sweatshirt

Mindset Sweatshirt

Pacifica II Top

Pacifica II Top

Textured Brooklyn Jogger

Textured Brooklyn Jogger

Stellar Crop Trouser

Stellar Crop Trouser

Sutton Jogger

Sutton Jogger

Build your best wardrobe... starting with loungewear

As fall sets in it’s time to get cozy! I’ve been asked about loungewear more often as the temps gets cooler. People seem to be getting ready to ride out the fall in comfort. Sounds good to me!

Sometimes we need our loungewear to pull double-duty. I love to put on something comfortable for the day when I know I’ll be close to home. But I also want to look put together enough that if I need to run a few errands in the middle of the day, I don’t feel like I’m going out in my pajamas. The right loungewear can be both comfortable and stylish for home or out. There are plenty of places we’re running to these days… we’re always moving even if it’s just in small bursts. You need clothes that fit your lifestyle.

As always, versatility is key! Make that wardrobe work for you. The effort doesn’t have to be in picking a perfect outfit every morning. Fill your closet with clothes that work together and flatter you. When that’s your closet, it doesn’t matter what you pick in the morning …. it will all look great. Often the issue is that we settle for clothes that look only “ok”. Instead we should demand that anything filling our closet fit additional criteria: Is it flattering on my body type? Is it an item that I can wear on more than one occasion? Does it pair well with other items in my closet?

Start being more selective about the clothes you buy and you’ll find that getting dressed is easier and you’ll consistently feel good about what you’re wearing. With this in mind… let’s start with some comfortable and stylish pieces to make your loungewear a versatile option in your closet!

J. Crew Polartec Sherpa Fleece

Polartec Sherpa Fleece

J. Crew Supercozy Puff-sleeve Pullover

Supercozy Puff-sleeve Pullover

Button Collar Pullover Sweatshirt

Button Collar Pullover Sweatshirt

Lou & Grey Softblend Sweatshirt

Lou & Grey Softblend Sweatshirt

Lou & Grey Signaturesoft Plush Upstate Sweatpant

Lou & Grey Signaturesoft Plush Upstate Sweatpant

Abercrombie & Fitch Asymmetrical Snap-Up Fleece

Abercrombie & Fitch Asymmetrical Snap-Up Fleece

The Sister Studio x A&F Cozy Waffle Hoodie

The Sister Studio x A&F Cozy Waffle Hoodie

Find a time to dress up!

 

We spent a lot of time close to home this summer as I’m sure many of you did. But we also found opportunities to enjoy the summer sun. It’s important especially now to find time to celebrate in our own way. And maybe dressing up will help you feel a little more special… I know it does for me.

One of my favorite summer dresses which I did manage to wear once this summer is now on sale! This dress is easy, flattering, comfortable and lightweight for a hot summer. (See photo.) This is the Joie Krystina B Cotton Dress.

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Joie has been a favorite brand of mine for some time. They are classic but trendy, simple but elegant, and always flattering. Joie is a great go-to for a staple piece. Whether it’s a sweater, top or a dress, Joie will have a piece for the season that will fill your wardrobe hole. And now those pieces are on sale! See a few of my favorites below.

While I know these are incredibly challenging times, I hope you find your opportunity to dress up and celebrate!