WANT! Lockdown Luxe
As the weeks in self-isolation creep by, I, like many others on social media, have adopted the alter-ego, Quarantina, and, believe me, she can be a beast. Navigating life in this ‘stay home’ scenario has shifted my priorities and requires I seek wisdom on what, in the end of the world, I am wearing for my daily routines. When the Zoom invite hits your e-mail do you fall into a pit of do I or don’t I care about slaying my look in this virtual box of visibility? Turns out I DO! I also care about those moments when I catch a glimpse of my reflection and think I unknowingly have taken in a visitor when, in fact, I just don’t recognize myself. Help! The reality is that, as we digest these difficult times, one can feel guilty and frivolous when it comes to shopping for clothes. Am I the only one who gets an endorphin rush when making a new fashion purchase? Is obsessing over my wardrobe like the band playing on while the Titanic sank? There is also the other side of the coin—economic support of the fashion community. I feel comforted when I see social media prompts like #Supportboutiques. We’ve all heard the quote ‘The only real luxury is time’, but now with so much ‘luxury’ on my hands, I’m craving some semblance of real tangible feel-good finds in support of my new norm. Essentials are the bane of our current existence, but how I long for the non-essentials from time to time as an ode to my former pre-pandemic self. Most days I’m just thankful to have the clarity to remember to get out of one house dress (potentially on repeat for a 2nd or 3rd day) and into another house dress. Maybe for you, it’s a yoga pant rotation. With the extra time in my quarantine schedule, I searched for a COVID-19 related cause to support and then feeling a bit more guilt-free I scoured the web for some amazing shoppable finds because a little retail therapy does elevate a mood. Here are my top picks to inspire a little glam in our new quarantine wardrobe routines.
For your Zoom calls, virtual dating and just for an overall mood booster this Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color by Fenty Beauty. Your inner Quarantina will thank you. After all, when the going gets tough the tough channel Rihanna!
Playtime can be just as important as ‘essential’ living. We all need an occasional quarantine dance party, so why not get into a full look? This effortlessly glam ‘80s style shimmer one-shoulder jumpsuit, by Elisabetta Franchi, is a total mood.
Quarantine life for me means I spend about 80% of my day in slippers. Still, I’m inspired to feel a little lux even when lounging in lockdown. The Songbird slippers from Birdies is the look I’m going for with vegan velvet, non-slip rubber sole, and outside wear-ability. Practical glamour.
One of the best life hacks for sustaining sanity in self-isolation is to work out. It’s good for the body and soul. Sometimes your fitness routine only includes putting on your workout gear before returning to the couch. Don’t beat yourself up. At least you can look the part in this No Ka’ Oi V-Neck Colour Block Jumpsuit. You could even rock this on your essentials run.
Some days getting dressed feels pointless, and I’m here to assure you that this too is fine The next best thing is to throw on a robe you can live in. I’ve always been a sucker for a short print kimono inspired robe, and this wonderful collab between Raey and Lucy Jones delivers with illustrated painterly black and white print by London-based designer Furphy Simpson.
Story by Ayoka Lucas, Fashion Editor, PhotoBook Magazine.
Instagram: @ayokalu
Tearsheet: Wei Liu, Graphic Designer, PhotoBook Magazine
