The 411 ON INTERESTING THINGS

So far this year has been one that has brought about wide scale panic and has encouraged many things to be reconsidered, from who makes the cut for ones ‘bubble’, to how much toilet paper one household actually needs. But amongst the darkness there has been light, albeit fleeting, and it is in these moments that I have decided to take sanctuary.

So here we find ourselves at my little collection of nonsense, because this year has also given us some of the most surprising pop-culture news; with the Kardashians calling it quits, WAP being released (and the many inventive remixes that followed) and Estée Lauder having had enough of this world and leaving for another...

Read on to discover things that will enrich you with nothing more than a mere respite, but isn’t that all we really need right now?

Footwear Made for Zoom

Few could have predicted many of the events of this year thus far. The erratic circumstances of which have spawned some unusual trends, one being that of Emily Ratajkowski making UGGs cool. This truly is the year that fashion forgot, the bottom half. Zoom calls and WFH have encouraged dressing from the waist up, because out of sight (or at least out of camera shot) out of mind. WFH warrants comfort and what is more comfortable than the fleecy caress of an UGG boot? 

Forgetting their noughties popularity, (when they were oft seen paired with some sort of velour tracksuit), UGGs are to winter what Birkenstock’s were to summer. And though they make your feet look like hooves, you can take comfort in knowing that no one can see you. And in other resurrections from the noughties, Bella Hadid was seen wearing Jane Norman, cementing, yet again, the strangeness of this year. 

Podcasts are my WFH Colleagues

I would like to say that I’ve been using this time to work my way through the extensive collection of books that clutter my bedside. However, that would be untrue and if I can’t be honest on my very own blog, then where can I be? I have, instead, spent this time devouring podcasts.

A favourite companion during the entirety of lockdown being ‘My Favourite Murder’ - whilst I take no comfort in hearing the misfortunes of others - the true crime genre is morbidly addictive. Another less niche (or perhaps polarising) favourite is ‘The High Low’; a podcast that talks about what’s trending on Twitter with the same reverence as they talk about the Trump Administration, (a particular favourite talking point being whether Neil Buchanan, of Art Attack fame, is the illusive Banksy). And lastly, my newest discovery, Vogue’s podcast, ‘In Vogue: the 1990s’ exploring the time when “fashion and mainstream culture collided”, beginning with the advent of the Supers and the transition from glamour to grunge. Next up fashion and the American dream... 


The Hidden Fashions of WFH

Currently fashion is all about outfits put together in response to what can be seen within the parameters of a computer screen. However, it seems that it is still possible to have fashion moments while in view of unsuspecting colleagues with open back dressing. The back is an erogenous zone rarely exposed during working hours. And embracing what is essentially mullet dressing, under the gaze of a Monday morning staff meeting, is a perk among few other perks. Backless is quite literally, business in the front, party in the back and it’s a party with a very exclusive guest list (namely the dog and I). 

There is also another phenomenon derived from desk dressing; midriff flossing. A word and trend forged during lockdown and one not immediately obvious as to it’s meaning. Namely it’s a midi skirt with ties at the waist that are wound around ones midriff, ergo floss. It’s an ode to dressing and undressing, a subtle sexiness, all hidden beneath desk level. 


Talk the Talk

Usually being told what not to do, is met with resentment and an eye roll. However, this article posits the benefits of nixing certain words due to the behavioural connotations that they promote. Some of which have an unknowingly damaging affect as they can convey a weakness of character (for example ‘sorry’ when the circumstance doesn’t warrant an apology) or diluting a message with a qualifier that only adds to belittle one i.e I just work in an office. 

This lexicon of self deprecation that we can all unknowingly fall victim to when navigating certain issues and definitely when dealing with email etiquette - god forbid someone think you’re actually asking for what you want! Read on for the semantic substitutions that will ensure a conveyance of confidence, even when it’s not always felt.

Uniform Dressing

Being largely at home has resulted in some unusual sources of inspiration, the latest being school uniforms. I spent much of my adolescence subverting the basic principles of uniformity that schools uphold. Whether it be stacked bracelets hidden under shirt sleeves, brightly coloured socks  brazenly flouting the black sock rule, or bedazzling my school tie with a Claire’s Accessories array of badges. It was a time that once out of, I never thought I would ever re-enter.

Yet, here I am, an adult about to posit the fashion credentials of re-embracing the very wears I couldn’t wait to discard at the end of every school day. The irony of opting to embrace a uniform during a time of WFH and the freedom this affords ones appearance, is not lost. Yet, here we are, swotting up on the high fashion appeal of collegiate clothing. 2020, go figure, right?

And because enough is never really enough, here’s a round-up of further interesting things. If you have ever wondered the genesis of the feud between two of SATC’s most beloved characters, see this handy timeline; they’re thinking of changing the official age of adulthood; Kate Moss’ daughter, Lila Grace walked her first show; Paris Hilton shatters the ‘dumb blonde’ facade in new documentary and dust your glitter ball off because Strictly Come Dancing is back with some much needed sparkle. Cue classic Claudia one liners!

(Photos via: refinery29.com, vogue.com, editorialist.com, coveteur.com)