As we move into May, my guest post from La Dolce Vita blog feels more relevant than ever. Let’s move on to the next chapter of 2020!
During the initial weeks of the stay-at-home mandate, I went into hibernation. I embraced a hunkered down state of mind with a list of books, shows, and projects to fill the days. I cleaned, organized, read and slept like never before. Dressing up simply meant shifting from workout clothes to sweats or jeans. But now, I feel like there’s a distant light at the end of the tunnel. It may be wishful thinking however I do sense a tone of optimism.
I’ve decided to divide the stay-at-home period into two phases. I’ll call the first several weeks described above survival mode. But now, I’m antsy for change. Still obediently tucked in my home, phase two is a time to turn the page and embrace the present. I have to remind myself it’s April. It’s time to switch gears and that will be best achieved by freshening up the house and dressing in a lighter, crisp palette.
I’ll start by welcoming the outdoors in with foliage from the yard or flowers from market runs and bundle them in vases to scatter around the house. The woodsy candles I associate with the winter months are being swapped for scents that mimic the season – jasmine, lilac, citrus. Same with hand soaps. Doesn’t grapefruit, freesia, or the fragrance of tulip fields sound heavenly? Tired dishtowels will be replaced with stacks that are fresh and clean. That’s a good start. I basically want the environment I spend so much time in to be a place of comfort and beauty while reflecting the current season.
Because the last few weeks felt unsettling and a bit dark, I’m anxious to put it behind me. The pureness of white is more appealing than ever (see the current issue of Vogue Italia) and I’d like to inject as much of it as possible in my wardrobe. Wearing crisp poplin shirts, jeans, and cozy sweaters in white symbolize a more positive, hopeful mindset. I think we can all agree we’re ready for that.
And lastly, our new norm will most likely include face masks. I imagine there will be an abundance of stylish, non-medical options in the future, but for now, I’ve ordered styles from Hedley and Bennett, Citizens of Humanity, and Just Masks for myself, family and friends.
photo: shearling slide, face mask, hand sanitizer, shirt, jeans, candle, match strike, Vogue Italia
Leticia
Hi Karima,
I felt the need to publicly comment on the Hedley and Bennett masks upon receiving my order for my two masks yesterday. I immediately noticed that one of the masks was of different material, larger and ill fitting and lacked the HB tag in comparison to the other mask which had the HB tag attached as depicted in the photo. Upon further inspection of the ill fitting mask I saw that it was made in Columbia. Essentially, it was not the same as the masks they are advertising. I have contacted their customers service to make them aware of this and my dissatisfaction with my order. I just wanted to make you and your readers of aware of this.
Karima
Hi Leticia,
Thank you for sharing this. I just received mine a couple of days ago and have to say I was equally disappointed. The ear loops are far too loose for the mask to securely fit and provide the protection I was hoping for. I am going to do a follow-up post on masks. I think they’ll be a part of life for a long time so at least we should have ones that are comfortable and well-made.