What a transition lately being home bound and like many people quarantined at home we have let our wardrobe be in isolation as well. I quickly decided to take the time and opportunity to finally switch out winter for spring/summer apparel and I felt very proud of the organizational success I’d had. I organized items by category and color coded them, while also setting aside items to donate or shoes that I wouldn’t wear again! This kept me occupied for a couple of days and I organized a few hours at a time each day so I wouldn’t be overwhelmed. When the closet organization project was completed I just stared at my closet and thought “ Now what?!” I was so excited to see everything in its place in the closet so I proceeded to begin apartment cleaning phase and so on. I should mention that at this point my “uniform” became shorts and a t-shirt…as the days went by I looked at myself in the mirror and then at the clean and organized apartment and closet and said “Catherine you need to start getting dressed fashionably regardless of whether you leave this apartment or not”. From this thought came the realization that I was usually motivated to dress to go somewhere and often dressed for others and myself as well. Therefore. I needed to be reminded of what it felt like to dress up in this case only for myself! By this I don’t mean getting ready like I would normally with cute work clothes and suits, etc. but finding new ways to dress at home that was comfortable but also fashionable and chic. I needed motivation to lift my spirits while indoors everyday. Shortly thereafter I decided to take a earlier shower everyday and pick outfits that were suitable for being home but ones that made me feel my best and if shorts and a t-shirt were the selection on a particular day, I made sure that 1) items matched, 2) wear statement jewelry or shoes that made me look put together, 3) clothes were ironed/excellent condition, 4) I tucked in my shirt and if appropriate wore a simple belt to elevate look. Once I made the decision to make an effort everyday it became easier and I felt excited again to go through my closet and pick outfits for this new normal. I instantly felt a change in the way I felt about myself. I believe that I have learned the importance of taking care and being kind to yourself and for me one of tose things was getting dressed everyday with an outfit that made me feel confident and ready for the day at home and I can say that I started enjoying myself much more after the shift of wardrobe. I understand that people might be taking time to work outside to which being fashionable might seem like a crazy idea. However, in reality you can wear comfortable and appropriate outerwear that matches and makes you look and feel better to be motivated to accomplish the home projects or much needed outside work. The key is to pick comfortable fabrics and colors that compliment each other and your complexion as well. This is not the time to pull out your torn or old clothes, if anything those should be pulled out to say goodbye to! Having a self-care routine wouldn’t be as easy with the busy schedules people normally have. Now being home you can take advantage of such tine to rest and re-energize yourself to work on indoor or outdoors projects around your house that you can be proud of. While also staying active and doing it in style! My go-to outfits are simple long summer cotton dresses and sandals, short colorful summer rompers or dresses on the warmer days with pearl earrings, leggings and matching top or long sleeve shirt with cute tennis shoes or black shoes if work in the yard, shorts with a belt and off the shoulder shirt or light fabric button down shirt with narrow long simple necklace. While keeping hair in a neat bun, braid or half of my hair clipped up. They key to looking put together at home is to have at least one item that elevates your look and makes you appear dressy if pairing with very simple clothing and as mentioned before matching above all!
Life Inspiration 