HOW VERSACE IS REMINDING ME TO DRESS UP AGAIN

After months of choosing clothes based purely on comfort and under the premise that we are unlikely to see anyone and them see us, I’m more than willing to forgo anything with stretch, or considered slouchy, for the foreseeable future. I am ready to dress up, regardless of whether I am going to leave the house or remain indoors. 

What began as a feeling of restlessness grew into an unshakeable need to upgrade my loungewear to anything that doesn’t allow for periods of sitting down for any longer than ten minutes. This craving for discomfort and a need for impracticality was further incensed when I saw the Versace Resort 2021 collection.

I don’t generally follow the fashion calendar, with all the fashion weeks and fashion shows and ready-to wear and resort... the over saturation made it impossible to determine one collection from another. The concept of newness was moot because as soon as it was released, it was already old. It was just continual fashion. After a while, I gave up. But every once in a while, a collection resonates with me, the most recent being the Versace Resort 2021 collection.

Versace is synonymous with Italian glamour, bold, striking, statement making, OTT, worn by women who embody confidence with places to go and a wont to be seen, which is basically the antithesis of pandemic living. Whilst I have always appreciated the aesthetic of Versace, it is one far removed from my own, even before the world stilled into lockdown. 

However, in a convenient alignment, as we begin to re-emerge so too has my desire to dress up awakened. I want clothing that requires consideration of underwear to be necessitated, I want there to be some resistance to my movements, I want to have to check myself in the mirror, I want to feel aware of what I’m wearing. All of these are not satisfied by sweatpants. They are however, fulfilled by the sartorial panache of Versace’s resort collection. 

According to Vogue, Donatella had advised that the collection feature “nothing boring”, taking inspiration from the attitude of rebellion of young musicians. The true rebellion here though obviously being getting dressed at all. And whilst the pandemic has not generally been conducive to feelings of inspiration, there was something intriguing about the clothes being in such opposition to the current circumstances, yet still somehow managing to be wearable. 

The outfits featured items that may already be resident in ones wardrobe, cardigans, pumps, tube socks, paired with midi dresses and oversized blazers creating a collection that plays with the dichotomy of relaxed sophistication. Even the fabrications used explore this concept of contrast, with oversized, slouchy silhouettes in luxe leather and vinyl, board shorts offset with heavy gold chains and of course the iconic Versace Medusa logo on everything from bucket hats to sweatsuits.

The collection heavily featured pick ‘n’ mix pastel hues contrasted with bold coloured leathers, all grounded with tones of black, brown and beige, giving the clothing a sense of sweet moodiness. Offsetting the neon and pastels with earthy tones is a wearable means of embracing colour for those old enough to watch an 18 rated film without having to produce ID. The styling prevents the sorbet colours appearing too saccharine, with face eclipsing sunglasses, saucer sized gold hoops and dizzying platforms, adding an edginess that is both futuristic and quintessentially the Versace glamazon. 

As I slowly enter back into society and shed the athleisure that has made up much of my 2020 thus far, I feel an urge to shimmy into leather leggings and wrap my entire body in gregarious gold chains. The appeal of contorting my feet and tottering around in anything taller than an inch makes me giddy with the probable vertigo I’m destined to be afflicted with thereafter. (I feel my Birkenstock’s will be glad of the rest!) A rebrand from a lifestyle of hygge to that of chic ostentatiousness, from living room puzzles, to cocktails with the girls (even if it’s over Zoom).

And therein lies the aesthetic appeal of this collection at this particular moment, allowing us to realise that this life does have some semblance of normality, (or the new normal at least) and it’s what we make of it that matters and that includes dressing up for the occasion. Versace Resort 2021 embodied a shift in perspective, that has inspired me to dress like I want everyone to know about it - from a socially distanced vantage of course. 

(Photos via: designscene.net & vogue.com)

WHY DO WE BUY WHAT WE BUY?

During this time, I have been thinking a lot, about a lot of things. Some mundane - what to have for dinner? did I remember to brush my teeth this morning? - some less so - how can I better myself? how can I lead a more fulfilling life? Some thoughts are fleeting, some are unshakable, some will probably make it on to this blog, some will remain lifelong conundrums to be worked out (or not) over time. 

One such thought arose pre-pandemic and has persisted throughout. As I have sought to take this time to reconsider what the important things are to me, coupled with my commitment to mindful shopping, I began to question my motives for shopping - why do I buy what I buy?  

Being able to purchase something is a luxury, especially when it is not a necessity. Making the purchase of something that we like and we think will make us look good is a strong incentive, because who doesn’t want to look good and ergo, feel good? The superficial is perhaps one of the most powerful reasonings for purchasing and over purchasing. Society has narrow ideals and the chosen clothing of the masses is one means of controlling, creating and manipulating a facade to fit this. Receiving positive attention for meeting these vigilant ‘rules’ is a buoy that we all cling to, an inner satisfaction stimulated by our outer appearance.

And this applies also to those who choose to outfit outside of the norm too. Continual buying based on trends, or in retaliation to them, is a conveyor that is difficult to extract oneself from, in part because it is subliminal - we don’t always know that we’re being nurtured in sameness or that we’re grappling to avoid it, both provide strong incentives to over consume in an effort to cultivate a carefully considered image.

Having clothing that outfits one for the purposes of life is a social mandate, for reasons of modesty and practical means of protection. Whilst we know that we need clothing, most people’s habitual shopping goes beyond this basic justification. As a collective, we don’t merely own the clothing necessary for our lives, that are worn and reworn until beyond repair and eventually replaced. Instead we collect clothing en masse. Even those who see clothing as solely functional as opposed to fashionable, generally have more clothing than is strictly necessary. 

As a means of restraining the more, more, more tendencies, there is the structure afforded by the much written about capsule wardrobe. In the days of Trinny & Susannah telling us ‘What Not to Wear’ and Gok Wan's 'How to Look Good Naked', the benefits of a pared back wardrobe were preached about almost as much as Gok asked to 'see your bangers'. Even today, 'Queer Eye’s' Tan France evangelises the increased fashion credibility sartorial streamlining affords one with minimal effort exerted. 

However, the idea of a check list of clothing is still open to interpretation. Buying a plain white t-shirt because you’ve been directed that ‘it will go with everything’ is a valid point, until purchased and put away with the five other plain white t-shirts already in your wardrobe. Suddenly the validity of this ‘logical’ reasoning is flawed. 

I once read that when Simon Cowell finds clothing that he likes, he buys in bulk. I guess explaining his perennially high waisted trousers. But his commitment evokes the adage, why fix something that ain’t broke? The allure of finding something that works and exhausting its limits is a temptation that is all too understandable. We are creatures of comfort and what is more comforting than familiarity? And of course the ease that sameness affords.

As long as we are committed to shopping, perhaps how and where we shop should be further probed. As a means of shopping more ethically, I have turned to thrifting, aiming to buy better quality in a bid to buy less. This led me to buying my first designer purchase, a Prada bag. However, after I purchased it, I realised that it's just a bag. The designer tag meant nothing to anyone else. It is only something appreciated by those who follow fashion and then again, is it really the kind of thing that should be appreciated? 

Is purchasing an expensive (though discounted) bag just a status symbol and thus a means of showing off? It’s function - ‘to carry’ - being something capable of much lesser priced items i.e a paper bag for example. Though not bought for recognisability, did I subconsciously buy it to make an impression in a wider sense? Is that why anybody buys something? This again leads back to the idea of the facade that we all create, adapting our image in relation and retaliation to the world we live in.

Ultimately, shopping and the reasons for it are multifaceted. It is a pastime, something done thoughtlessly, enacted to ease boredom, to fit in, as an undiagnosed compulsion, as a physical manifestation of wealth, all resultant from our culture of consumption. And despite the various reasonings I have put forward, I wonder if it is as simple as the buzz of owning something lusted after. In the words of Ariana Grande, 'I want it, I bought it'.

The ability to put money towards something non-essential, based purely on wont not necessity, is a luxury. And although I have focused on the purchase of clothing, this vantage can be widened to apply to most non-essential things in life. The release of dopamine is an addictive hit that surges after an item becomes our own and whilst materialism is undeniably problematic, without stopping shopping altogether (of all things, not just limited to clothing), perhaps the question should be, not why do we buy what we buy, but how can we shop better? And wouldn't you know, I have a lot of time to figure that out.

(Images via : @handinfire, Pinterest, harpersbazaar.com & Amlul.com)

411 ON INTERESTING THINGS

So far I think it’s fair to say that 2020 has not been as anyone expected. Not to seem obtuse in stating the obvious, but these times are strange and navigating them as such is strange. We’re in a limbo between normal life and the new normal. As things open in varying degrees, little freedoms arise which is as exciting as it is unnerving. 

It has been a tumultuous time that has caused many to look inwardly, reevaluate and reconsider behaviours and beliefs, educating oneself on things taken for granted and things assumed. It’s a time for development, to slow down and appreciate the little things. Whether that be acknowledging the good weather, making your favourite meal, or taking a little time for yourself to read my round up of silly, random, informative but above all else, interesting things.

To Cheer You Up

I’ve already explained that my time in lockdown has not quite been spent honing newfound skills, or reading anything more substantial than a magazine. However, I have been spending an exorbitant amount of time vegetating in front of Netflix, specifically binge watching ‘Cheer’. Before this, my knowledge of cheerleading surmounted to that of ‘Bring it On’. Which though a classic (IMO), focuses on hijacking dances, dodgey boyfriends and drama. However, ‘Cheer’ shows the athletic ability and commitment necessitated in competitive cheerleading and the inspirational characters of the team. A particular favourite being Jerry Harris, who’s infectious spirit and mood boosting ‘mat talk’ makes him the best friend we all need.

Tween Pop for you Thirties

Jerry may be a new favourite, but I took great delight in rediscovering an old favourite - JoJo. Yes, just at the mention of her name, I bet you’re humming her most memorable hit, ‘get out, right now...’. As contagious as that song was, I can’t believe that I forgot about JoJo, I guess it’s testament to the fickleness of the tween mind... However, 16 years later, here she is, new album and new blonde hair in tow, giving her story of perseverance, resilience and what releasing an album in quarantine is like. Though her new music isn’t my preference now, it was a nostalgia filled read, rediscovering an old favourite and conjuring up memories of life in the noughties.

Organised Khaos

Something about being at home for more time than usual has left me with an insatiable need to organise. Perhaps my attempts for control in amongst the chaos are endemic of the times of now? Whatever the causation, it has led me to what is one of the most satisfying articles I have ever read, divulging the glories of turntables, stackable canisters and drawer inserts. This may be considered to be facilitating my neurotic compulsions, but I prefer to think of it as educating my newfound propensity for orderliness and allowing me to do so in style, it does come Kardashian endorsed after all. 

The Price of Fashion

It wouldn’t be a true round up of interesting things if it didn’t include at least one article by Vogue - I’m consistent like that. The pandemic has thrown everything into flux, has left many reevaluating the truly important things of life and brought about a reconsideration of material impulses. The latter being a point elucidated upon, by asking ‘what is the right price of fashion?’ As a frequent purchaser of clothing who is actively renegotiating my fast fashion impulses, reading up on the business of fashion is truly interesting and raises pertinent questions over the financial implications of fast fashion (& the workers that this disproportionately affects) and the reasoning behind the pricing of designer items. Who’d have thought the mathematics of fashion could be so interesting!

Super Heroes during a not so Super Time

What better way to make use of this downtime than filling it with all the things you wish you’d done, for me that includes watching the entirety of the Marvel cinematic universe in chronological order. Yes, I have a lot of time on my hands (pandemic life). But reserve your judgement. Spending time doing all of the pointless yet deeply gratifying things you always secretly wanted to do, but didn’t think A) you could warrant spending that much time dedicated to doing so and B) not wanting to be met with the judgement of peers when asked “what did you do this weekend?”. Alas, a pandemic affords one the freedom to spend a lot of time preoccupying yourself indoors and this is where I found myself. Currently I’m a third of the way through this endeavour. Read here if you’d also like to join the Marvel marathon. 

Supporting with Pride

Not to get all my interesting things from one source, but Vogue is a trove of interest and I have found their short films documenting various LGBTQ+ groups in celebration of Pride month, to be truly inspiring and enlightening. Celebrating togetherness at this time of great separation is of the utmost importance (& should be of priority always). Having outlets exploring and elucidating upon the uniqueness of humankind regardless of differences and surpassing the geographical limitations temporarily imposed, gives a sense of camaraderie and kinship when isolation could all too easily swallow us up. What better thing than to see people being unapologetically and unabashedly their true selves. 

And for bonus interesting things (because if you can’t go off script now then when can you?) Paris Hilton is still Paris Hilton pandemic be damned, teenagers are making the best (?) of mask life and 2021 is already looking like it’s going to outdo 2020 (not that it would take much) as a Spice Girls documentary is set for release. Time to start practising your zig-a-zig-ahs.

(Photos via: Vogue.co.uk, Billboard.com, Coveteur.com & Elle.com)

WHEN DID WHITE TUBE SOCKS BECOME COOL?

Having wavered between minimalism and maximalism in the years since I’ve had free reign over my own outfit choices - my predilection for stuff usually having won out - I carved out a niche that embraced the both, I coined it faux minimalism. Briefly defined as favouring wearing layers like those of a choux pastry over those of a sponge cake (read here for a less abstract analogy). Despite my yoyoing between stripped back and piled on, the one constant has always been my affinity for adding socks to an outfit.

For most, getting dressed involves some form of top and bottoms, or for even more linear thinking, a dress; shoes, a jacket/coat and accessories. A basic formula to live and dress by. However, the umbrella of ‘accessories’ is pretty broad: bags, belts, hats, jewellery. Yet there is one accessory that is oft overlooked; the socks. 

I know that to most, socks are not an accessory, they are a necessity, much like underwear. However, following my recent reconsideration of the attention deserved of my undergarments, it has caused me to rethink the appreciation given to my socks. As Marie Kondo posits “your feet bear your weight and help you live your life, and it is your socks that cradle those feet”. Despite the cushioned barrier that they provide between us and the world, socks are often disregarded completely, balled up and ravaged with those pesky little holes that plague the fabric at the toe and ankle. 

As often as they’re stuffed in a drawer, socks are also regarded as a quintessential last minute gift, a gift of the panicked and received by the disappointed. However, socks should no longer incite indifference and feigned reactions of gratitude. Rather, one should evermore look upon socks with glee. After all, they are an opportunity to make a sartorial statement that is as subtle or as bold as the wearer desires and involves little effort. There are few other areas of such small square meterage that can create quite as much impact, or divide opinion as much as a pair of socks. For example, socks and sandals; trademark of the uber chic, or hallmark of dads on holiday?

I have often used my socks as a point of difference for even the most basic of looks. However, being predominantly home bound, has meant that my shoes have been retired for the time being, while I slide along floors enacting my very own ‘Home Alone’ montage, as an unexpected synergy between Kevin and I, continues to develop: I am in fact home alone and I apparently like white tube socks now.

Whilst I may have just admitted that socks have long factored consciously into my overall look, they have always done so to add something to my outfit, whether that be a pop of colour or for some quirk. I’m unapologetic about my penchant for socks with any and all footwear and I favour particularly fluffy socks for bed. 

Yet, despite this collection, I own very few pairs of your plain, average, nondescript, basic, buy from anywhere, white tube sock. My first memory of discovering that white socks were undesirable was when my 15 year old self went on work experience and I was expressly told to ditch the white socks in favour of professional black. From then on, white socks were reserved for P.E classes only.

However, recently my tastes have become more favourable towards the classic white tube socks. As we take comfort in our homes and seek comfort from our clothing, we should be especially mindful of our sock choices. Kondo advises one to “choose [socks] that will make the time you spend [at home] more enjoyable”. As we all kit ourselves out for this lockdown in varying means, one common thread unites the material fancies of the masses - socks. 

Many have chosen to remain in a uniform of head-to-toe loungewear, from their baseball caps right down to their thick tube socks. And beyond the sweatpants, tube socks have been unexpectedly paired with feminine dresses and dramatically contrasted with structural stilettos. Tube socks have quickly become emblematic of the time when the world stayed at home, a mini trend grown out of the pandemic. 

Though this year I decided to focus future purchases on timelessness, forgoing trends in an attempt to be more ethically and environmentally conscious. The fact that socks straddle practicality and popularity makes dipping a literal toe into the trend, a decision that doesn’t compromise on my commitment to mindful shopping. And so I found myself on an online hunt for a pair of white socks. Full disclosure, I ended up deciding upon a three pack, in which only one pair was white (the other pairs being orange and pink). I guess old habits die hard...

There were some styling issues initially, with the tube socks being too thick to fit under skinnier variations of jeans and not knowing how to temper the blatant athleticism that the socks communicated with my other items. However, I realised that cuffing trousers at the ankle and favouring clothing that was innately casual, melded my usual brand of personal style quite nicely with my new socks of choice. Turning my trouser cuffs up meant that the socks needn’t be overbearing, so in the case of my pink and orange versions, they could offer a pleasant pop of colour. Whereas, when paired with a loose fit mini dress, the white socks kept the look from veering too girly. And that is just the beginning of my sartorial rendezvous with tube socks. 

As socks become my predominant footwear of choice with WFH my new reality and mandated by a strict ‘no shoes in the house’ policy, I plan to further indulge my sock habit. Kondo said that choosing to rewear old socks is like “declaring today doesn’t really matter”. Socks may be the minutiae of an outfit, but they have an impact far outreaching the ankles they encircle. By taking time and putting care into the seemingly innocuous decisions of life, it slowly translates into the bigger considerations. It would seem that much can be accomplished, when you put your best (tube socked) foot forward.

(Images via: popsugar.com, teenvogue.com, @mathildadjerf, @hoskelsa, @shhtephs & stylecaster.com 

Quotes via: Buzzfeed.com)

ELEVATING MY WFH LOUNGE WEAR, GOSSIP GIRL STYLE

I envisioned using this time in lockdown for self betterment, devouring all of the books, emerging with new yogic flexibility and a previously untapped set of culinary skills. In reality, my time has been spent figuring out WFH, becoming my own IT help desk and vegetating in front of Netflix. After finishing the entirety of Friends in the first two weeks, I graduated on to rewatching my teenage favourite, Gossip Girl.

For those not familiar with the premise of Gossip Girl, it’s a noughties tv series, following the fictional lives and scandalous secrets (revealed by the anonymous figure, known only as, Gossip Girl) of the Upper Eastside’s privileged youth and - most importantly - all of the clothes that go along with having excessive amounts of money and an outfit necessary for every possible occasion (even assassin - yes, really). 

The show is deliberate in its use of clothing as a means of visually communicating a lifestyle dichotomous to that of (most of) the viewers. The clothing needed to be as fantastical as the lifestyle was excessive and the storylines were dramatic. And as characters discovered shared siblings, hidden identities, married royalty, divorced many times over, died and were resurrected; the clothing remained the visual anchor in amongst the tumultuous six seasons. Much like Sex and the City, clothing was a scene stealing character, and oftentimes the favourite character, elevating the likes of the playground headband from Claire’s Accessories to couture and causing grown women to deliberate rewearing their school uniform to the office.

From the newfound position of a pandemic, the likes of ballgowns and cocktail dresses worn to various soirées and grandiose events is at extreme odds with now. And although under normal circumstances such things would still speak very much of a fantasy; as social interaction has become a limited freedom, watching such abundant social mingling is pure escapism. However, I would posit that as opposed to reality as Gossip Girl is and more specifically the clothing is (it is an entertainment show after all), there is something that is transferable from the screen to real life and the pandemic allows for its full embracement; that of elevated loungewear (and day drinking, of course).  

Although the fashion is undeniably fantastic, it is the clothing under the clothes of the Gossip Girl characters that has caused me to reconsider my own interpretation of comfort wear. Due to my very limited interaction with anyone not related to me, a deep apathy has infiltrated my usual excitement for getting dressed, resulting in outfits as nondescript as a brown paper bag. Which has got me to thinking; if I feel this uninspired when left with no one to appease but myself, then who did I dress for in the past? 

With no where to go and no one to see (or to see me), what I choose to wear is at the complete determination of myself. Yet I have not realised this to its full potential, instead adopting a lazy-girl cycle of spandex and ease. Until one such day that I noticed the unacknowledged wears of Gossip Girl; those worn before they get dressed and those worn under the outfits. The private items, that are as beautiful as the ballgowns that conceal them. Gossip Girl uses clothing to posit extravagance at all times, regardless of situation or circumstance, whether alone in your penthouse or posing for the paparazzi. 

The underwear of Gossip Girl is better than most people’s outerwear. As Gossip Girls’ creative director, Eric Daman explained, they’re  “not wearing Hanes”. With silk slip dresses beautiful enough to be worn alone, matching lingerie sets for feeding the ducks, garter belts for breakfast and stockings hidden beneath day wear. When clothes are coming off as frequently as they do in Gossip Girl you can’t blame their need to be prepared. Goodness forbid that they get caught on laundry day. And whilst I acknowledge that a tv show does afford one the artistic license to dress for the fictional world it inhabits, one can allow the fantastical elements to inspire the mundane realities of life. 

In this new world of WFH, it’s all too tempting to roll out of bed, change out of pyjamas into equally as comfortable clothing, inhale a coffee, work, yoga, bed and end the day with a Netflix binge, only to do it all again tomorrow. The need to ‘dress-up’, let alone consider matching underwear is a frivolity lost to necessity. However, the satin pyjama sets and silk robes of the show are a little bit of special that can be easily adopted, particularly those of Blair Waldorf. From the removal of her pretty dress and exposure of her negligee at burlesque nightclubs, to the numerous statement making lingerie sets worn under her preppy school uniform, best is never kept for best as everyday is an excuse to make an effort for yourself.

From Olivia Von Halle to Florence & Fred, options of silky bed wear abound. And with WFH encouraging much of what we know to be rethought, dressing as if you made an effort needn’t take effort. Elevated lounge wear epitomises this sentiment. For example when paired with smart bottoms (giving your joggers a rest), a silk pyjama top makes a chic transition to day wear. Proving that bougie loungewear and fancy lingerie can be as conspicuous or as inconspicuous and as practical or as impractical as the wearer desires. Stockings worn under flowy dresses or secretively under sweatpants. A bustier under a cosy cardigan. A silky gown draped over jeans and a t-shirt. Fluffy kitten heeled slippers worn as you tap away at emails on a Monday morning. After all, office etiquette and dress codes aren’t a thing when you’re temporarily your own boss.

Whilst most of us don’t reside in a penthouse, that doesn’t mean that we can’t dress like we live in one. Real life means dressing sensibly, dressing for specific situations, dressing for the weather, dressing with the opinions of others factored in. However, from the sanctuary of home, anything goes. Now is the time to indulge in ourselves in however that manifests. Whether it be overt or covert, investing energy  in ourselves to prevent the onset of mundanity is the ultimate act of self love. Something that I’m sure queen B would approve of. XOXO

(Images via: coveteur.com, insider.com & Vogue.es)

THE FASHION TRENDS OF LOCKDOWN

So despite the fact that we're bordt in the house, bordt in the house, bordt; with plans amounting to little more than a Zoom call and a weekly trip to the supermarket, trends are still emerging. A concept I'm sure is hard to comprehend for those of us whose lockdown brag amounts to having successfully extended the time between hair washes by an extra two days, and whose lockdown uniform has so far been whatever is clean and/or to hand. But influencers gotta influence and that they have. 

I now feel my fashion proclivities tugged in three very different ways. And whilst contemplating what to wear during the current climate may seem shallow, having very little control over the global situation has given new weight to even the most inconsequential of decisions. So deciding which variant of lockdown attire I wish to co-opt, is something that I can control and that, I welcome with gusto. 

The first notable trend of lockdown is one that I worry is almost too obvious to mention. However, it would be remiss to ignore the newly gained notoriety of tie-dye. Saturating instagram feeds with splotches of colours and unifying the likes of celebrities and your next-door neighbour, its psychedelic prints bridging the differences of the masses. 

Tie-dye has long been the uniform of the rebel, being inextricably linked to the swinging sixties. Later to be adopted as the choice look for those who operated on the fringes of society. A troupe hijacked by pop culture and used as a visual characteristic of the anti-establishment type, think Travis in Clueless - loveable but a "loader", or more recently the reinvention of Justin Bieber, his look described by the New Yorker as, "Seventies post-hippie burnout with Nineties Orange county skater". Tie-dye soon found itself masquerading down the runways at the likes of Proenza Schouler and Stella McCartney, elevating the DIY to couture. And now the newest rendition of tie-dye, that of the homebound.

When puzzles have all been pieced together, when all available furniture in your house has been coated in foam and your hair is now the colour of a troll doll; DIY tie-dye is the obvious next step. The abstract swirls of tie-dye seem to capture the tumultuous uncertainty of now, the accidents and irregularities of colour creating patterns as unique as the individual wearing them and their individual responses to the situation.

With almost as much prevalence as the aforementioned tie-dye, smock dresses abound as everyone seems to be appropriating a hybrid image of girl on the prairie/ milk maiden / vision of nature incarnate. As social activities have been downsized to the bare minimum, daily walks have become the significant part to most people's day. Leaving behind four walls to embrace the fresh air and appreciate the surroundings that we all too often ignore. 

Gucci eschewing the fashion calendar for a season-less schedule, made to order clothing, repurposing waste fabrics from previous collections, exploration of ethical replacements, are just a few of the ways that change is being explored in an effort to slow down the culture of consumption. And it would seem that this return to nature and a simpler way of life has infiltrated the proclivities of the masses. Whilst floaty dresses for Summer - in the words of Miranda Priestly - are hardly ground breaking, it is the accoutrements and attitude that go with it that have created a whole new aesthetic. 

These dresses are worn whilst gallivanting through fields. Hashtag 'frolicking' is now a thing and despite baskets having been an influencer favourite for some time, instead of riling against their domestic origins, these origins are now fully embraced, being festooned with flowers and used to carry fresh fruit and loaves of bread. Hemlines are midi in length, demurely swishing about the calf, necklines are sweetheart in shape, sleeves are voluminous and bodices are cinched. Offering a softer silhouette against today's climate of seriousness, evoking youth, innocence and the freedom that we all crave so much right now.

As perhaps the most similar to what my lockdown attire has been thus far, athleisure has garnered new relevance. Your usual uninspired, 'put on out of sheer comfort and stretchability', 'typically Sunday or any day that you're not expecting company'-wear, now being featured on the grids of instagram. 

The stripping back of facade that the pandemic has inadvertently had on life, has been somewhat of a leveller. There is no more FOMO, or YOLO, just stay at home. A prescribed antidote that applies to all, without prejudice. We really are all in this together. And despite my wanting this statement to hold gravitas, it takes great strength (that I do not possess), to not trill it like the Zac Ephron loving, 'High School Musical' wannabe that we all secretly are. However, it does hold great truth. 

As the basics of life are stripped back, so too are our wardrobes. The function of clothing has come to new significance as comfort has taken precedence. Schlepping around the house, partaking in an online exercise class or going for a brisk walk, all require practical clothing. If influencers are to be believed then New Balance are the only footwear of choice to navigate the troublesome terrain of now. Chunky sport socks replace the delicate anklets typical of summertime. Baseball caps are both accessory and practical means of disguising anything above eyebrow level. 

This duality of clothing is epitomised in brands like 'Sporty and Rich' - the name succinctly summing up the zeitgeist. Their aesthetic being one that encourages a flip-flop between looking good and practicality, put-together and slobbing about. Even fabrications reflect this renewed focus on wearability, note the revival of Prada's nylon bags and the unexpected embracement by Chanel of spandex in the form of their double 'C' centric leggings. It would seem that in a reactionary move, the comfort of clothing has increased in direct relation to the imposed restrictions of life now. As life gets harder, we dress comfier. 

Being predominantly indoors, now is the time to alleviate external pressures. The prevalence of the above trends during this lockdown are based on a need for comfort - both in its literal and figurative sense. Forgoing clothing that is constrictive and instead opting for items such as those of athleisure, afford one literal comfort. Whereas, the renewed embracement of tie-dye and obsession with prairie dresses, draw upon a deep sense of nostalgia. With our rose tinted glasses firmly on, we can look back fondly on the past from the present viewpoint, knowing that whatever the trouble, it was overcome. A comforting notion during these times of deep uncertainty. 

Whether you choose a dress to swish around in, or spandex to stretch in; let the discomfort of now be alleviated by the comfort your clothes afford you and hopefully we will all be #frolicking soon. 

(Images via: unknown, @mathildadjerf, @cinziabayliszullo, @lucywilliams02, whowhatwear.co.uk & unknown)

LOCKDOWN LIFE: THE LITTLE THINGS

The current climate has challenged what we all consider to be normal. A lot of what had previously made up the day-to-day of life, have now been highlighted as great luxuries. During this time of strangeness, it's important to acknowledge the little things, regardless of how trivial.

For example being late to work is more difficult (though I do keep challenging this with my evermore frequent alarm snoozes); not wearing make-up has refreshed my skin (though still not ready for make-up-less Zoom calls); my hair is longer than it's been in years (unfortunately so are my roots); I'm devouring more books than chocolate and the dog seems to love all of our company (and the exorbitant amount of treats he now receives). All little things, that have buoyed to great significance during the tumult of pandemic life.

Though I do miss getting dressed, or perhaps it's the purpose life afforded us in carrying out this act before. However, when movement is limited between my makeshift office and the kettle, clothes are mandated by the comfort necessitated by my predominantly static existence. And with no places to go and no people to see, my life's uniform has resulted in sports leggings and a Marks & Spencer cardigan. Every. Day. The millennial fear of outfit repeating has now been replaced by actual fear. I did briefly think about investing in my loungewear, but that somehow felt like I was giving in by outfitting myself for longterm lockdown. I have therefore resolved to abstain from new clothing purchases and enjoy this no-thinking way of getting dressed (only during lockdown I must add).

However, with a great expanse of time and the grandiose space of four walls to fill it with, I have been perusing the internet for stuff, because of course what better way to rectify boredom than stuff? I joke. Shopping is morally complex, particularly now and whether you choose to or not, is a personal decision that carries new weight. For me, I have been trying to downsize my consumption, opting to repair, re-wear and recycle, but that hasn't negated my penchant for absentmindedly trawling the internet. Though I have refrained from purchasing anything, I thought I might relay the items that have piqued my interest. All wildly unnecessary, all deeply enticing and all yet to have been checked out. 

Tidy Space, Tidy Mind

I have spent a lot of time sorting out, tidying up and just generally moving things about. I have also spent a lot of time reading articles about sorting out, tidying up and just generally moving things about. Following the perusal of one such article, my Amazon list grew exponentially with various contraptions that promise all manner of space saving solutions. I am currently contemplating a shirt folder, a slim shoe holder and a revolving cosmetics organiser. If nothing else comes from this time in isolation, at least I will have the organisational merits of Marie Kondo.

Laying it Bare

Working from home has afforded me a newly make-up free existence. I now only paint my face for my weekly Zoom quiz and with that I only use the bare minimum to perk up the parlour of my rather colour-less complexion. My focus has shifted instead to skin care. Masking has become my new pastime; staring out the window is interspersed with staring at my pores and I now spend my evenings drenching my skin in oil (the good kind). I may still be baffled by retinol, Vitamin C and whatever else it is I'm supposed to be using on my twenty-something skin, but I've seen enough influencer shelfies to be more than contemplating adopting a regimen of Ole Henrikson. I have a wealth of Boots points and an overwhelming need to use them. 

Colouring Outside the Lines

Despite this new appreciation for my bare face, when I do re-enter the world, I will be donning make-up of some kind. I feel it polite that I don't scare my colleagues on first reunion. Though perhaps now I will choose a lighter consistency, so as not to overwhelm the canvas that has largely been bare this whole time. For this, I have turned to The Ordinary serum foundation. It has a light formula, an abundance of shades and is under £6. I also have 15% off which makes this purchase a no brainer. I may have also been enticed by a 20% discount allowing me to purchase a long sought after lipstick at Charlotte Tilbury that I hope adds some pep on those dreary Mondays.

The Elephant in my (bath) Room

In my quest to become evermore low maintenance, I have made all heated hair styling tools redundant. My nerves might be frazzled but my hair needn't be. I have also retired my dry shampoo, having read about the stifling consequences that the powder has on hair growth. I can't promise that I won't be rekindling my relationship with dry shampoo eventually - an unhealthy relationship with Netflix and early starts mandate certain corners to be cut. But for the time being, in an effort to intensify the lustre of my strands, I have become complicit in the Drunk Elephant hype, namely their shampoo and conditioner. The packaging is enough to encourage one to purchase. However, the price tag acts to stop one buying based purely on superficiality alone. But having read the reviews - smells like marzipan apparently - I think I'm sold.

Fast Daps for Slow Days

Though I did say that I was avoiding making clothing purchases, I figured that this self-imposed rule didn't count if it was something that I had long sought after. The items in question here are a pair of black trainers. Basic, yes. Necessary, also yes. Until recently I feigned that my shoe size was that of a UK 5. However, I am in fact a size 6. Why I lied, I'm not sure. But I can assure you that it is only I that lost in this rouse, resulting in a collection of ill-fitting shoes. My trainer collection suffered and thus left me with feet crippled and nail varnish chipped. So following this epiphany I have decided to reinvent my sneaker game (in my correct size), beginning with the Adidas EQT Gazelles and wouldn't you know, there's 25% off...

And so the window-shopping continues, it's retail therapy without the financial guilt, like having your cake and eating it and that cake being calorie-free. Remember it's all about the little things. 

(Images via : unknown & whowhatwear.co.uk)