I've been notably quite in this space, mostly for a lack of anything to say, and I'm still trying to get through posting photos taken back in November.
Life has gotten smaller this last year, in every possible way, and rather than trying to fight it by staying virtually connected to friends, family, workout buddies, and fellow bloggers, I've let myself become even more distant and disconnected.
Even if the world does regain some normalcy this year, I fear the bad habits I've created over these last 11 months will not easily be undone.
I am so excited to be a part of the Connecticut Post Mall's second annual Fall Fashion Style Challenge with four other Connecticut bloggers! Naturally the day I went to shop for my look, I had no plan, I just started shopping. I purchased three bottoms and no tops, a blazer, a fedora, a pair of pumps. I felt like once I found the perfect 'anchor' piece the rest of the look would fall into place. It was a bit overwhelming to put one look together when there was a whole mall full of shops with pieces and styles that could go in any direction.
I thought I'd settled on my look, which featured lots of layers, plaid, a blush pink coat, and several accessories. However, once I added up my total, I realized I'd exceeded my budget of $300, and then I found out that accessories couldn't be included. Naturally I was very attached to the accessories I'd chosen, and when I found that out they weren't allowed, I ended up scrapping the whole look save for the shoes.
I realized I needed my 'anchor' piece to be a coat, and headed to Macy's. There were so many gorgeous coats that even on sale would have consumed my entire budget; but then I found the most perfect brown leather jacket, priced just right. I immediately recalled the long sleeve wrap dress I'd looked at in Express earlier, with its metallic flecks of caramel brown among a black and white print, and knew would be a standout piece even sans accessories.
I was (mostly) good and returned all of my 'maybes' with the exception of the wool fedora and wide leg pants which were on sale for a mere $12 at H&M.
I can't believe I haven't posted in three weeks, though in my defense, the last two have been a blur with the world turned to panic over the corona virus pandemic. Remember back at the beginning of the month when life was normal and the virus seemed like a problem far, far, away? Apparently just a few miles from me a party was taking place actively spreading the virus in my state.
My month of fun blogger gatherings has been canceled, though rare, I actually had something for every weekend, and each passing Saturday has felt just a little more sad, thinking about the life being missed out on as we remain tucked away at home.
As my only income at the moment is dog walking with Wag!, naturally the more people are staying home with their pups, they less they need me. I was grateful to have a couple clients this week, I assume their moms have essential jobs they can't stay home from, thus making my job essential. That's how I look at it anyway - I don't think there is much risk in going into a house empty of people as long as I regularly use hand sanitizer. I soaked in every moment of my walks this week, trying to cling to the sense of purposefulness I had at that moment, and the joy of spending time with a dog.
The days at home lead to boredom, which lead to shopping, and now I feel like I can't even scroll through two posts on Instagram without being sucked into a vortex of shopping temptation. Despite my sudden drop in income, there seems to be a disconnect with the logical part of my brain that should be telling me not to click 'add to cart'. In my weakest defense, realtors desperate to keep operations going are serving up some good sales.
I want to try and get back to normal blog posts, try to FaceTime more with my friends who I now haven't seen in weeks, and try to find some creativity in myself. I've been missing it for a long time now, and this housebound situation is making me acutely aware of it.
Of all the disasters that keep us stuck at home, at least we get power and internet access for this one. Silver lining, right?
