Leaving the lounge
My neighbour Lou says she is sick of staying in— "Je suis tanné"!
I am even more dispirited by sheltering in lounge wear. Wearing real clothes makes me feel almost normal. I'm determined to wear things with buttons and zips instead of disguised pyjamas— even if ony taking my permitted health walk.
In actual clothes, there's a form to life, a civil role rather than a schlumpadinka sequestration. I feel like a person, not an extra, even when accessorized by a mask.
I'll show two versions, the luxury and the mid-priced—but not the low, because you can't get there via the low end if you want the clothes to hold up. (Prices in $US.)
1. Trousers instead of sweats
Nothing says soignée in spring like a pair of smart trousers in a mid to pale colour.
High: Akris cuffed cotton silk pants in sand; $895. Cleaning not specified but the fabric suggests dry cleaning, because of the silk.
Mid: J. Crew Cameron slim crop pant in heather saddle; price $85. Machine washable.
2. A tailored jacket instead of an unstructured sweater or parka
Fond of my field jacket, but...
High: An elm green marled wool/silk/linen/cashmere jacket from Lafayette148: I said yes immediately. Price, $898. A spring bouquet to them for making it in women (misses), petite and plus sizes.
Mid: Everlane houndstooth oversized blazer, $180. I'd have to see how well-matched the pattern is, but was drawn to the warm houndstooth, which contains a shot of ochre, unusual at this price point. (S/ot fast, shown for the idea.)
3. A shirt in a quality textile
Love those cotton tees, but...
High: With the green jacket, a pale lavender would be interesting, and though Everlane's silk short-sleeved notch shirt is not high end; its softness loosens up the tailoring; price, $98.
Mid: With the houndstooth, I'd wear J. Crew's orange-print cashmere tee in heather camel; price, $100.
3. A leather shoe, when the day's sunny
Swapping sneakers for a dressier shoe that I can still walk in.
High: That swank outfit is quite austere, so let's pick it up with the shoe: Thierry Rabotin's "Cargo" loafer, $370.
Medium: I chose Clark's "Pure Tone" shoe for its sleek style, but also for its leather lining, substantial heel, and shock-absorbing Cushion-Plus padding. Price is about $US 105/ $CDN 150, good for a leather loafer.
Every spring, Montréalers go a little crazy embracing the first mild weather; this year I expect the same, even amid the restrictions.
On an early-evening walk yesterday, I saw a couple on their balcony. They played Edith Piaf singing "Non, je ne regrette rien", deliberately loud enough, and raised convivial glasses to passers-by below.
I am even more dispirited by sheltering in lounge wear. Wearing real clothes makes me feel almost normal. I'm determined to wear things with buttons and zips instead of disguised pyjamas— even if ony taking my permitted health walk.
In actual clothes, there's a form to life, a civil role rather than a schlumpadinka sequestration. I feel like a person, not an extra, even when accessorized by a mask.
I'll show two versions, the luxury and the mid-priced—but not the low, because you can't get there via the low end if you want the clothes to hold up. (Prices in $US.)
1. Trousers instead of sweats
Nothing says soignée in spring like a pair of smart trousers in a mid to pale colour.
High: Akris cuffed cotton silk pants in sand; $895. Cleaning not specified but the fabric suggests dry cleaning, because of the silk.
Mid: J. Crew Cameron slim crop pant in heather saddle; price $85. Machine washable.
2. A tailored jacket instead of an unstructured sweater or parka
Fond of my field jacket, but...
High: An elm green marled wool/silk/linen/cashmere jacket from Lafayette148: I said yes immediately. Price, $898. A spring bouquet to them for making it in women (misses), petite and plus sizes.
Mid: Everlane houndstooth oversized blazer, $180. I'd have to see how well-matched the pattern is, but was drawn to the warm houndstooth, which contains a shot of ochre, unusual at this price point. (S/ot fast, shown for the idea.)
Love those cotton tees, but...
High: With the green jacket, a pale lavender would be interesting, and though Everlane's silk short-sleeved notch shirt is not high end; its softness loosens up the tailoring; price, $98.
Mid: With the houndstooth, I'd wear J. Crew's orange-print cashmere tee in heather camel; price, $100.
3. A leather shoe, when the day's sunny
Swapping sneakers for a dressier shoe that I can still walk in.
High: That swank outfit is quite austere, so let's pick it up with the shoe: Thierry Rabotin's "Cargo" loafer, $370.
Medium: I chose Clark's "Pure Tone" shoe for its sleek style, but also for its leather lining, substantial heel, and shock-absorbing Cushion-Plus padding. Price is about $US 105/ $CDN 150, good for a leather loafer.
Every spring, Montréalers go a little crazy embracing the first mild weather; this year I expect the same, even amid the restrictions.
On an early-evening walk yesterday, I saw a couple on their balcony. They played Edith Piaf singing "Non, je ne regrette rien", deliberately loud enough, and raised convivial glasses to passers-by below.
Comments
Having said that, I'm with Lou - je suis tanné aussi.
Livia is always chic in basic black, but does sport a red collar.
I don't actually own any sweat pants - I have leggings for gym and ballet, and technical trousers for serious walking, but no sweat tops or bottoms. So I've been wearing jeans or trousers throughout the quarantine.
I've been making a conscious effort to choose good clothing combinations, with jewellery and accessories, each day. This is my way of keeping up morale and it seems to help. I also wear my normal make-up every day, and keep my hair presentable.
What a wonderful word schlumpadinka is! We don't really use it in the UK, but perhaps we should!
By the way, Duchesse,did you know Dame Judi is on the cover of the June edition of British Vogue?
Jane in London
Venasque: I'm loke that too, in fact now I hope to run into someone, just to break the isolation ever so slightly even if we just nod hello.
lagatta: Oh, cleaning is another whole story!
Leslie M: Congratulations. That green jacket is the essence of classic tailoring, which does not have to look stiff. Maybe it will go on sale ;)
Jane: Just saw that cover, great shot. I was immediately taken with how thick her hair is. Credit for "schlumpadinka" is usually
given to Oprah Winfrey when she hosted her weekday show. It means "a women who dresses like she has completely given up".
materfamilias: So smart to buy a for-later dress was these things ofent are not there once it warms up. I see on COS site they are not equipped to ship to Canada. We have a huge COS here but it is not scheduled to open till later in May and even that is provisional.