So, dear Readers, I never ever NEVER thought we'd meet like this. 

In the middle of a global pandemic. 27 weeks into sheltering in place with no end in sight. Having to do what, gulp, I do worst: Dress casually. To remind former readers and edumacate new readers, dressing down has always been my Achilles heel (read here). 

But I'm happy to report that motherhood helped me lean into dressing for comfort. After all, CHRIST, you cannot wear (or have or do) nice things as the parent of a child under 5.  

Still, it was strangely psychic how much I'd been investing in sweatshirts and sweatpants prior to Corona. Mostly Aviator Nation and Sundry on sale. Pricey indulgences justified by the fact that I work from home (have been contracting at Apple for two years after taking two off from tech to mother.) 

But I was still keeping it budget friendly with less spendy versions from Forever and H&M. This Target find from February was strangely prescient. 

So back to how the F to dress for sitting your ass at home and not catching COVID. Well, really there's not much to it. Comfort - duh - is most important. Cocoon yourself in cozy. Soft fabrics all day, every day. They don't have to be expensive but they do have to be breathable. 

Our mental health is also key right now. We NEED delight. Every single thing is such a dumpster fire. So add a bit of frivolity, style, and cool into your existence wherEVER you can. 

Put on clothes that make you feel happy, positive, hopeful. Details, prints, and color help me. Find ways to  feel physically comfortable so you can mentally  do battle with the inevitable anxiety and grief.

After all, clothes, makeup, and accessories really CAN make a difference in elevating your mood and remembering your SELF - quarantine or not. That's what this blog was all about once upon a time :) 

Here are some of the brands I've been distracting myself with as Rome burns, we enter fall, and wrap up the end of the first act of this nightmare. 

Aviator Nation

Surfer California vibe. Ugh. So pricey but delicious. Ethically in LA hence the price. 

Reminds me of how we dressed in college 800 years ago. I think if I wear it, I will look like the model. Especially that ass. Spoiler: I don't. Note how excellent the Ninja hoodie with the built in mask is for the apocalypse. 

Sundry

Cali meets Frenchy vibe. Easy, clean, laid back. Very chic mommy. They do DEEP sales regularly so never buy full price. 

I Stole My Boyfriend's Sweatshirt

Cool, up cycled, lounge wear. Sizing is a bit weird so proceed with caution. Ugh I'm still deep in a tie dye phase. Basic bitch, party of one. 

Clare V.

Love her purses and whole French via LA. aesthetic. The sweatshirts are again spendy but adorbs especially the animal prints. Wait for 20% off but sizes do go fast. 

Vintage Havana

Recent discovery. Sooooooo soft. Like a cute hug. Good price point especially on sale at Nordstrom. 

Target

There are a few new lines of loungewear at Target like Colsie that are amaze for the price. I got this "mama" maternity one in a small cuz it's forgiving around the middle and the embroidery looks like Lingua Franca which I'll blog about another day. Love the new Halloween and Stranger Things cuteness. 

 

Forever 21

 A few cheapie options for old times sake and because I am Forever 41. 

Also this is one of the best fashion memes of the apocalypse because it me. 

p.p.s. This blog post was created at the request of Mini Diabolina. She wants to learn the fashion blogging trade so she is now my photo apprentice, taking and uploading pictures - the least glamorous thing EVER. But she is looking fierce doing it in her own pricey athleisure wear.