styled living simply achieved by Jacqueline deMontravel
When news of artist adventurer Peter Beard’s disappearance was reported right when quarantine took effect, it was both shocking and apropos. This is a man who hung with elephants and icons with ebullience. Raised with privilege in Manhattan, earning an art degree at Yale University, he had every opportunity available but chose the path of an artist.
Peter Beard 1938 – 2020
Tripped on your kid’s chrome book yet? Have the conversation with your husband on his need to use a noisy pencil sharpener in a digital age? Taking Inventory of your spaces applies to all facets of living: home, mental, relationships, diet and health. Not to get overly existentialist, this is a forum that covers how to set a holiday table with gusto, but containment puts analysis into a deeper perspective. It’s an exercise on what works, worked but needs adjusting, or should be removed entirely. With more time at home, and the home becoming a tricky hybrid of work, family and even a classroom space, design needs to be as efficient as ever.
Editing rooms to its basic needs increases livability, especially when a house serves multiple functions during shelter-in-place.
I’ve been wearing pajamas to pump gas. (Please refer to aforementioned story). The last time I let myself go like this was when I was a student backpacking in Europe, saving money for drinks over suitable lodging. Now all grooming efforts have been directed to the hands—makeup, blow drying and beauty treatments are so pre-COVID-19. Accessorizing is for virtual meetings. Socks are becoming threadbare.
A dress I designed, which I wore to one of the first Met galas.
Crafty face masks isn’t the only trend coming out of COVID-19, everyday loungewear is filling up laundry baskets worldwide. The new norm has us going from waking up to starting the day with little deviation in our comfy basics. Zoom meetings don’t see the pajama bottoms beneath the screen. Dressing well is lost on infrequent essentials marketing trips with a covered face. Comfort directs style. Though, for those who are starting to yearn for the fun of fashion, we’ve been tweaking comfort clothes with a personal take.
Loungewear style is mainstream, even your most stylish blanket can be a dependable piece.
During isolation we’ve been trying to make positives out of a challenge. More time outdoors, reading scripture, crafts and eating well over asking the refrigerator for help. But we’re starting to crack. That beloved series on Amazon is running out. The only popsicle stick you want to see is one with a mound of ice cream on it. Before reaching for another bag of chips take a socially-distant breath and consider your options. You could either eat and drink your way through quarantine or take a healthier approach, perhaps even pick up some new skills like preparing simple meals and using shared ingredients for a variety of dishes to learn the importance of rationing and unnecessary shopping trips.
Banish shambled thoughts when looking in the fridge and stock up on healthy options, making meals that satisfy.
During COVID-19 isolation, I’ve spent the most time with my 9-year-old son since maternity leave. His outlook has brought levity to the hushed discussions about another market run due to expired milk. Today, he recounted the days when kids put thermometers under hot water and dumped leftovers in the toilet in an attempt to sneak in a sick day. The idea is as bewildering as their innovative use of last night’s dinner.
Learning from home in COVID-19 isolation: Kids may be wearing the same pajamas as yesterday but they are more self-sufficient than ever.
