Stay at Home in Style

With shut downs and Social Distancing laws extended through April 30th (for New York at least), it’s looking like a pretty isolated spring for most of us.

A lot of people are trying to adapt everyday lives to fit at home. For introverts and remote workers it may not be a huge adjustment, but for a lot of people, it’s a struggle to stay afloat financially, keep up social connections with family and friends, manage anxiety, and stay sane while being kept inside. For those who aren’t able to stay at home during this time, things are a bit scarier, and involve focusing on staying safe. 

But you probably know this already! Most of us could use a less talk about virus issues, and more distraction, dreaming, or literally talking/reading about any other topic.

In my last entry, I was staying at home playing in the snow, when I mentioned the importance of still dressing up (whether you are working, or not). No one is saying you have to dress up, of course - some may revel in the chance to lounge in sweatpants or PJs all the time, or go pants-less to class or work. But I find that whether I am trying to be productive, artsy, or even just sitting around, I feel better when I’m wearing real clothes. Feeling positive is kind of necessary right now, and anything that gives that boost is good! If we still have to do this being-cooped-up thing for another month, you aren’t gonna find me in breakfast-stained PJs every day.

Here are a few looks I’ve been wearing, along with their respective social distancing-friendly activities. None of them are amazing or groundbreaking, but given the times, they are comfortable, fashionable, and realistic. 

As we are coming into April, upstate’s shittiest weather month, here are some styles from Femme Luxe that both retain the cozy comfort of PJs, but look a little more put together. :) If you’re looking to do some retail therapy, now is the perfect time to shop at home! Check out their Loungewear Sets, Jumpers, and T-Shirt Dresses to stay cozy during these times! 

For all the images in this blog entry, please see the full post on my site!

1. The Productive Sweater
This is a pretty average day-to-day look for me, but is especially true when I am staying at home. Jeans and a top are my bare minimum, go-to look. Since it’s not quite warm enough to wear tees alone, I’m still in sweaters a lot. I like having a pocket to put my phone in when I’m wandering around the house, so it returns to the computer with me when I’m back and ready to edit! Usually, I am working on photo editing and blog/instagram writing that goes with it, but these days, I have some time to create art as well. I’ve gotten back into drawing and other more creative endeavors, which I definitely recommend for everyone with the time to do so. It’s calming if you are doing an activity like coloring or painting, but it can also be fun and energetic, too.

For those that work, this sweater will keep at you (or at least your top half) looking homey yet put together. If your hair is as much of a mess as mine, add a hat that’s both stylish, yet conveniently covering. A chunky necklace could also go here for a little more excitement - but I kept it simple. And yes, I do try and match my socks both to each other, and my outfit - most days. This heavily depends on what’s clean, of course, but I have too many socks anyways… (Even if no one sees your feet, I promise, it’s fun to wear your fun socks!)

Sweater: Femme Luxe
Jeans: Femme Luxe (shop in-stock jeans)
Hat: Elleni the Label
Socks: Anthropologie

2. Getting Outside - Yard Work
It’s not every year I get the opportunity to get out in the garden early and work on my plants. Nothing is quite yet living - our only bloom is crocuses - but things will start to come back as soon as the temperatures are warmer more regularly. I’m lucky I have a yard to tend to, instead of being cooped up in an apartment somewhere - but it’s still a bunch of work! I know many people who have turned to potted plants in this time, which is also a great focus.

On the days it isn’t raining, I venture outside to clear away winter’s dead plants, trim bushes, prune dead blooms, cut and pull old vines, and rake leaves that have gotten stuck in piles beneath the snow. It’s not consistently warm yet, so I’m usually wearing a sweater like this one or jacket while I work, along with tall boots and gloves. While they may not be in season yet, the ticks and mud will be back soon, unfortunately. Wearing things that are a bit more roomy, comfortable, and layer-able are the best bets for gardening and yard work. Since this is one of my only ways of getting outside lately (and working out, to be frank), I have been trying to do so as much as possible, so my garden will look great once others can visit and see it again! :) Plus, it’s not true for everyone, but weeding is kind of therapeutic. I put on music and work on saving my plants!

Sweater: Femme Luxe
Jeans: Gap (shop similar)
Boots: Joules via Caroline + Main (local)
Hat: ??? (Customized with the patch myself)

3. Self Care & Chill
You’ve probably heard everyone say that self-care is important right now - and they’re all right! Whether you are cozying up to read, play games, binge watch a new show, or do some therapeutic coloring, taking the time to do these things is necessary. It helps us all unplug and take a break from the constant barrage of news, and everyone on social media talking about it.

For chill activities like these, I like wearing an oversized, cozy sweater with leggings and socks to keep my feet warm. Since I’ll be spending a lot of spring inside (due to rain and #FlatteningTheCurve), I have spring on my legs with this fun, floral Monet print! And again - I feel a little better in this than just wearing PJs. Perhaps it’s the act of changing that helps :)

Sweater: Femme Luxe
Leggings: Black Milk Clothing (shop in-stock)
Necklace: Grand Tour Collection
Earrings: ???
Socks: Target

4. Dress Up For Fun
Try it, really! If you haven’t worn any of your “nice” clothing lately, treat yourself for a day, or even just an hour, and wear something nice. Take some selfies, or do a mini photoshoot. This is a mood booster for me, and I see some fellow fashion lovers online doing the same. <3

I usually don’t want to sit in this kind of outfit all day, but it’s nice to wear something pretty and take some photos. Sharing them is the only way these garments see the light of day currently, as I won’t be going out for dinner or drinks anytime toon. 

This vintage skirt is one of my old favorites, thrifted locally years ago when Reruns was still open. This was one of my first true vintage pieces, and I have probably owned it for about a decade at this point, if not more. This top from Femme Luxe goes with it perfectly, and I’m so pleased to be wearing this skirt with something other than just a black shirt! 

Top: Femme Luxe
Necklace: BCP Jewelry
Belt: Anthropologie (old)
Skirt: Vintage, Thrifted
Shoes: Jenn Ardor

This entry in collaboration with Femme Luxe.
All photos edited by me.