If you’d asked us in February what we would be doing come spring, it probably wouldn’t have included snacking 24/7, watching the seasons change from our bedroom windows, dreaming about ordering pizza or worrying about stepping outdoors. It definitely wouldn’t have included planning our entire weeks around the Tiger King documentary or wondering just how many different bread products we could bake (in a single day).
One of the main comforts in such uncertain times is that we’re all going through a similar experience. We have the “I can do this” days, the “I can’t take this for much longer” days and the “why won’t my fridge 3D print snacks that I didn’t buy” days. There are times when a book feels like the most welcome distraction in the world, and times when picking up our book feels like too much effort.
We put together a quick list of our new normal – hopefully it’ll provide you with a little bit of lightness between all the bad news.
STRETCHY FABRICS
After almost a month spent in stretchy fabrics, We’re really struggling to wrap our heads around denim as a concept. It’s rigid, has no give and can sometimes be uncomfortable to sit down in. How did we wear this material almost daily, and how do we go back to a world in which we want to? 24/7 yoga pants might not be feasible, but there’s got to be some middle ground.
SHOP ALIEN, AS SEEN ON OLIVIA CULPO
"THE RULES ARE, THERE AIN'T NO RULES"
Our world has been turned upside down, and a lot of our “norms” have gone out the window, so right now, we’re advocates of the: “do what feels right for you” mentality. Want to wear PJs on the bottom half, blazer up top for your Zoom meeting later? We can relate. Want cookies for breakfast and a bowl of cereal for lunch? We’re not judging.
The best part about noone being able to see you is that you can live your life in a way that makes you feel truly comfortable, free of judgemental eyes – other than those of your housemates. Just make sure these habits are keeping you happy and healthy, and if they’re ticking those boxes, then pretty much anything goes!
SHOP DYNASTY, AS SEEN ON LAUREEN
ALL DRESSED UP AND NOWHERE TO GO
It starts with that one item of clothing you’ve been dying to wear but haven’t had the opportunity to. Then you just need to see what it pairs with and how it will look with sunglasses, and before you know it, your entire wardrobe is on the bed. We need something to look forward to, and if it’s planning just how good you’re going to look once you’re back in the sunshine and not living in pyjamas and sweats anymore, we say, sign us up!
SHOP FAME, AS SEEN ON VANESSA HONG
THINKING ABOUT FOOD ALL. THE. TIME.
If we’re not eating food, we’re thinking about our next meal, and if we’re not thinking about our next meal, we’re looking at sourdough starter kits online, and if we’re not looking at sourdough starter kits online, we’re screenshotting the cookies someone just uploaded to Instagram. For better or worse, we are completely and utterly head over heels in love with food. With a special shout out to snacks. Crisps, chips, chocolate and cookies – we would do anything for you.
SHOP TAHITI, AS SEEN ON MICAH GIANELLI
SHOP MAD MAD, AS SEEN ON XENIA ADONTS
HIGH-ISH HIGHS, LOW LOWS
There’s a limit to how happy we can feel when you’ve been stuck in the same place for over a month, so we try and find joy in the little things – a sunny day, getting fresh fruit and veg from the shops, watching a film with the people you live with or completing a puzzle. On the other hand, the lows can seem really low, as you’ve got no way to distract yourself from how you’re feeling.
These moments are hard, but remember – tomorrow is another day, so if things haven’t gone as planned, take a time out to focus on an activity that makes you feel good or allows you to be a little softer on yourself. Yoga, some time out in the bath, a good series – whatever it takes as long as it allows you a moment to rest and reset.
SHOP ALICE, AS SEEN ON BEYONCE
SAYING HOW YOU FEEL
If this period has shown us anything, it’s that life is too short to not say how you really feel, whether it’s to your friends, family or significant. We’re not saying give someone a verbal list of all the ways in which you find them annoying but rather: we need to allow ourselves to be more vulnerable. Tell your housemates why you’re having a bad day, flirt with your Tinder match, talk about why certain routines aren’t working for you in a confined space and it can only lead to more open, honest communication.