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.
This won’t last, the real world awaits, and a concern is coming out of the pandemic looking like a castaway. As part of my quarantine, I went through old photos and found an image from when cocktail attire was routinely worn, signature pieces pegged to flashy events, and used my stove as a liquor cabinet. Now I think I’m ballsy if I go to the market without having a face mask on.
Ralph Lauren tuxedo dress worn at an anniversary party back when my stove was used a liquor cabinet.
Deep into shelter-in-place, the idea of dressing into a little black dress isn’t just a physical challenge but mental. Conceptualizing the parties and festive nature associated with a life where social distancing was when you missed a party because you had a flight to catch the next morning. To rekindle those former, jovial moments, I’ve been making daily alterations to the reclusive routine.
4 Ways to Get Little Black Dress-Ready
- Adjust to your pre-COVID-19 schedule: Awake at the same early time and avoid those streaming binges so you can go to bed earlier. A regular routine keeps life structured, promotes alertness and better sleep.
- Choose healthier options: We’ve been cooking a lot, one of the perks of quarantine, but rather than bake cookies and cakes create healthy spring dishes like soups, tonics and satisfying meals that can be enjoyed throughout the week.
- Clean out the closet: For most, this may have been tackled in Week 1 of shelter-in-place. By clearing out your winter clothes to make room for favorite seasonal pieces, your mindset will be more apt to dress for the warmer months ahead.
- Exercise: Carve in a regular time for physical activity, which stimulates overall health and well-being.
– Jacqueline deMontravel
Resources:
Art: ducks goose
Informative article, learnt something
Thanks Matt, look forward to connecting more.
Love the photos. Both dresses are gorgeous! You look like Jackie and Lee combined in the Ralph Lauren. So classic! When I was in banking, I was often a seat filler at galas since the higher ups knew I owned several floor length gowns. I’ve been preparing my garden like a mad woman for exercise, stress relief, and practicality. I did battle with a euonymus that is threatening a large Japanese maple. Very satisfying and I feel muscles I’d forgotten I have (thank heavens for Epsom salts.) I can’t imagine a time out of sweatpants, but I want to be ready for when it happens. Great tips. Stay safe!
Wow, it sounds like you have been doing some serious battle in the trenches, gardening trenches that is. Outlets are so key right now and gardening is a solid one. Could this be another story? It’s no surprise you were a “filler” with your charm and beauty, semantics is the issue, no one can fill your spot. Stay sane!