Summer In The City

Summer is finally here, and after sheltering in place for over two months, anyone who says “staying at home” has been a breeze would be lying. Some days have been easier while others have been a struggle. But what you wear can make all the difference in how your day pans out. Throw on a pair of joggers  — you are relaxed, comfortable and maybe less productive. However, throw on a black blazer — you look more put together and ready for Zoom. 

But it’s not just about how you look. Our outfits can affect how we feel. “Your choice of attire has powerful feedback effects; it sends internal messages which can boost or dampen your mood and even alter your thought processes and capabilities,” writes psychologist Karen Pine in her book “Mind What You Wear: The Psychology of Fashion.” As our country continues to grapple with the unknowns of COVID-19 and the tumultuous social and political climate, we need all the help we can get to boost our moods and give us hope for the future. 

Since many of us may still be cautious about venturing out, let us revisit the classics in our closet for all the Facetime calls and virtual happy hours. I absolutely love the classics, like a white T-shirt or a maxi dress, which can be worn time and time again. But don’t fret if a few of these staples are nowhere to be found in your closet; I’ve included links to some of my favorites. I hope you feel inspired to get dressed up to take on whatever life throws at you! 

xx Ivy

Silk Pajamas

Overslept and now rushing to jump on a Zoom call? A silk pajama top paired with your favorite jeans will do the trick…or the pajama set alone works, too!

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White Button Down

Don’t have a white button down? Borrow one from his closet, like I always do. Bonus: this doubles as a swim coverup and nightgown as well.

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Black Blazer

After working out in your biker shorts, throw on a classic black blazer and you’re instantly dressed for a business call! 

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White T-Shirt & Cargo Pants

Haven’t changed out of your sweats in a few days? Reach for versatile cargo pants paired with a classic white T-shirt instead. The pants also can be easily dressed up with a black silk cami, black blazer and strappy heels. 

White T - Shirt

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Cargo Pants

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Cobalt Blue Top

A solid top — especially in cobalt blue — looks good on everyone, especially on screen. It’s a definite must-have in your closet!

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Little White Dress

A maxi dress does the trick for the vertically challenged (like myself). A Little White Dress, such as this one, can be easily dressed down with white sneakers (I like Stan Smiths).

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Summer Print Dress

A summer dress with a fun print will surely brighten any Facetime, Zoom, Google Hangout, or Houseparty call! For a socially distanced evening out, throw on a leather jacket to give your dress that edge, especially when dining outdoors at a restaurant.

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Accessories

Accessorize is the name of the game to spice things up when you go with classics. Try adding a bucket hat and statement necklace, or a colorful scarf, headband and fun earrings. The timepiece is just as important, even if you don’t have anywhere to be except your kitchen table turned office desk.

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Fashion Editor: Ivy Payne

Photographer: Phillip Troy

Wardrobe Stylist: Blake Ivy

The New Normal - Face Mask

The New Normal - Face Mask

Since the spread of COVID-19, face masks have become the new normal in the United States. While many Americans balked at the discomfort and inconvenience at first, residents in other countries have long been accustomed to face masks. For example, face mask culture became prevalent in Japan after the 1918 Spanish Flu, and Japanese people still wear them today for a variety of reasons. In the Philippines, I wore a face mask to protect myself from air pollution in my motherland. And high school students in South Korea even wear masks on their chins as a fashion statement. (See more about face mask culture.) 

These days, wearing a face mask is more than just a fashion choice; it’s a safety precaution. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends “wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations.” The purpose of wearing a face mask is simple: Slow the spread of COVID-19 and help people who may not know they have it from spreading to others. You’re protecting not only yourself but everyone around you!

Still, a properly-fitted mask covers more than half of your face — the very features that allow you to fully express yourself. So why not take this opportunity and make your mask a true reflection of you? With an overwhelming array of options to choose from, we’re offering a look at 10 masks with shopping tips to help you find the one for you — whether you have sensitive skin or simply want something that allows you to express yourself. 

Types of Face Masks

• Medical (N-95): These masks should be left for those on the frontlines — healthcare workers, police, EMTs, and other protective service workers.

• Non-medical: These masks are for the general public. 

  • Disposable or surgical: This is the ubiquitous blue face mask you see around that is perfect for one-time use. 

  • Reusable: This single- or multi-layer fabric mask may or may not include a filter. Multi-layer masks offer extra protection. According to research from Missouri M&T, several layers of a HEPA filter will block 80-90% of particles.

Shopping TipsWhen shopping for masks online, keep the following tips in mind.

• Be aware of the return policy. Most retailers/sellers have a “Final Sale Only” policy on masks for obvious hygiene reasons.

• Delivery time could be two-to-three weeks out, so bear in mind you’ll need something to hold you over in the meantime. Disposables may work for the time being.

• One size does not fit all. The better a mask fits, the better protected you’ll be. Consider purchasing from a seller that offers different sizes or measurements. 

• Buy a three- or five-pack of reusable masks so you’ll have a week’s worth. Then you can wear, wash and repeat.

• Start out with a base set in classic neutral colors (black, white, navy blue, brown/beige) if you’re concerned with matching and pairing masks well with your outfits. 

Face Mask Edit

1. non - filter yet fashionable silk face mask Eugenia Kim

   Sleep with a silk pillow or love the touch of silk on your skin then this will lay nicely on your face.

2. surprise print Reformation

   If you like surprises and are indifferent to prints/solids.

3. filter face mask Lele Sadoughi

   It’s all in the details. Pearls, stars, and a filter!

4. work out queens Outdoor Voices

   For those who out work, the work out queens wear these wick away masks.

5. fun print with nose clip Tanya Taylor

   Any kind of security always feels better especially this nose clip face mask.

6. odor resistant Luminora

   Do you smell every little thing then I sense this is best suited for you.

7. sensitive skin Jeune Otte

   If you have extra sensitive skin this is lined with 100% cotton.

8. seersucker summer ready Rowing Blazers

   Be summer ready with this seersucker fabric mask.

9. statement & multi-layer Aphea Fashion

   Make a statement with extra protection too.

10. versatile Rag & Bone

    This mask will pair well with everything. Dress it up or down!

General Considerations from CDC

Whether you go patterned or neutral, sleek modern or textured rustic, be sure to follow these guidelines from the CDC when wearing a face mask:

• Your mouth and nose should be fully covered.

• The mask should fit snugly against the sides of your face without any gaps.

• You should not have any difficulty breathing.

• The mask should be tied or otherwise secured to prevent slipping.

You can visit the CDC for more details.

It’s important these days to wear a proper face mask and spread the word — not COVID-19 — and I hope you find at least one that makes the experience a little more enjoyable.. We might as well look cute while doing our part to stop the spread!

Be well & safe XX

Ivy