Masked Up // No-Sew, No-Cut Face Mask Tutorial

This past weekend, it became official in NYC: wearing a face mask/covering is now required in public places where social distancing is not possible. More secure than a scarf, I've been wearing this DIY face mask. Scroll down to watch how I made it — and to see what I wore it with on my bi-weekly grocery run.

Just like the rest of the city, I'm staying home as much as I can. Aside from my near-daily social-distance runs, I only venture out every two weeks to purchase groceries and occasionally to buy toiletries at Duane Reade across the street. A few days ago, it was grocery time.

Since going to Whole Foods is now a "dress-up" occasion, I like to look a bit more polished than I do in my usual self-isolation getup. I teamed black joggers with a matching cropped tank, and my favorite Veja sneakers. To pull it all together, I threw a burgundy bomber jacket on top, taking the outfit from fitness studio to street style.

 Of course I took along my trusty self-constructed face mask. To create it, I used a normal sized bandana and simply folded it a few times, looping each end through a hair tie. I am NOT a crafty person, but making this was so easy — no cutting or sewing required!

And of course, sometimes I still wear it like this too — folded in half on the diagonal and tied in the back. In my opinion, bandanas are the most versatile (and easy!) way to create a face mask. But if you're looking for other options, the CDC is a great resource. Just make sure whatever you're wearing covers your nose, mouth, and chin.

Photos/Video by Antonio Owens 

[top: Aritzia (other similar ones here and here) // sweat pants: Reebok (similar pairs here and here) // jacket: Vince (similar styles here and here) // sneakers: Veja // choker: Uncommon James // initial necklace: Anthropologie // purse: vintage Fendi from my mom // tote bag: BCBG (I also like this one) // bandana: Urban Outfitters (similar style here]

When choosing a bandana to use as a face covering, make sure it's 100% cotton. Per current CDC guidelines, that's what's known to be most effective. Every option I've linked to below, is in fact 100% cotton — prices starting at just three dollars.

Stay well <3 

CUTE BANDANAS:

At-Home Comfies // Loungewear I'm Loving

Something that's been made abundantly clear to me since self-isolation has begun, is just how little "at home" clothing options I own. I've always wanted to be the girl with cute loungewear; who looks effortlessly cool while just chilling at home. But tbh, I've never thought the investment was worth it — until now. Now, it is VERY worth it.

These days, getting dressed is kinda major. It's one of the few joys and few acts of normalcy we can still engage in. Slipping into something that's not only comfortable but that makes us FEEL good, is priceless. For me, looking put-together, even when I'm slumming it at home, has made me feel like life isn't so topsy-turvy. 

I'll be honest, most days I've just been wearing an old t-shirt and a pair of college sweatpants (that's pretty much all I own in terms of loungewear). But when I do make more of an effort, I feel the difference. 

I bought these shorts just over a year ago and I bought this top much later this past August. At the time, I didn't think I NEEDED these shorts, so it felt like a splurge. And the top, I planned on wearing as a regular "outside" top. Self isolation has been teaching me to get more creative though, and I became ecstatic when I realized I could pair them together for a cute "at home" look that I'm not embarrassed to be photographed in (lol).

 Photos by Antonio Owens

[tee: TNA via Aritzia // shorts: TNA via Aritzia but almost sold out (similar pair here) // scrunchies: Wunderkin & Co. (similar here)]

This was somewhat of a spontaneous photo shoot (if you can even call it that!) I was excited to share this lounge outfit — because holy crap I actually discovered I have an acceptable one — and I just wanted to shoot it quickly for IG. But Antonio and I got a bit carried away. I have to admit, it felt amazing to shoot some photos again :)

Annnd, I just ordered a loungewear haul from Aerie, SO prepare to see some more stylish, comfy looks suitable for all of your self-isolation needs. In the meantime, check out some other lounge pieces I'm currently coveting...

MORE CUTE LOUNGEWEAR

Tops:
Signaturesoft Plush Cropped V-Neck Top
Fuzzy Terry Zip Sweatshirt
Terry Cropped Cami
South Parade Peachy Tee

Eberjey Summer Stripes Pajama Tank
AERIE REAL FREE TANK BRALETTE
AERIE PALM LACE HALTER PADDED BRALETTE
AERIE SUNDAY SOFT DISTRESSED CREW SWEATSHIRT
Sundry Heart Pocket Tee
Free People Movement Goldie Jacket
Sundry Tie-Dyed Oversized Sweatshirt

Bottoms: 
Terry Biker Shorts
Terez Foil Printed Joggers
Eberjey Summer Stripes Boyfriend Shorts

Farallon Jogger
Venice Jogger
AERIE CHILL HIGH WAISTED BIKE SHORT
Elation Snow Dye 7/8 Tight
Anything Goes Sweatpants
Ramona Striped Shorts

One-Pieces:
Signaturesoft Plush Hoodie Dress 
AERIE SOFTEST® SLEEP JUMPSUIT

Courtney Ribbed Jumpsuit

Heidi Mock Neck Tee Dress
Melissa Drop-Waist Dress

Third Time's a Charm // Bike Shorts + Denim Jacket

You didn't think I'd let summer end without featuring my beloved bike shorts one more time, did ya? I'm not lying when I said I've been living in these guys since July. For pre-fall, I'm styling them with oversized top-layers and thick, cozy crop tops. (check out looks 1 & 2 for more inspo).

Denim jackets have a way of adding an effortless, cool vibe to any outfit. Whether you throw 'em over your shoulder or wear 'em fully buttoned, they're ideal for this transitional time of year. 

Monochrome black with denim on top and a purple pop of pastel makes for an easy look that's casual, on-trend, and flattering. Did I mention comfortable? In high-waisted, stretchy bike shorts, you'll feel as if you're wearing sweatpants!

 Photos by Sarah Harper 

[jacket: Levi's (personalized) // top: Aritzia (I also like this one) // shorts: American Eagle (super similar pair here) // sneakers: Adidas // purse: Rebecca Minkoff (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Ray-Ban // gold chocker 1: Uncommon James // gold chocker 2: Uncommon James // gold pendant necklace: Alexis Bittar (I also like this one) // ear jackets: gift (I also like this pair) // eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked3 palette // lip color: Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in "American Woman"]

Fall may be quickly approaching, but I'm getting as much mileage as I can out of these bike shorts. Next, I plan on wearing them with an oversized sweatshirt. ...You may just have to pry them off my cold, goosebump-ridden legs once winter hits!   

// SHOP //

Firecracker // Cropped Tank + Midi Skirt

From beautiful botanicals, graphic pops, animal motifs, and tie-dye swirls, prints are always a good idea — and a no-effort way to refresh your style. I love a poppy pattern like this one to energize my look, and paired with a bold hue up top, it's a downright firecracker. 

A true party heel, these shoes never fail to add pizazz to even the simplest looks. They're the perfect way to dress up ANYTHING, making me feel and look 100 percent special-occasion-ready.

They don't call it red hot for nothing! Spicy and full of life, crimson is a look-at-me hue worthy of firecracker status. When you want to make a statement, red is the color to do it in. And you know it's the the more the merrier — accessories, lip color, the works!

Photos by Sarah Harper

[top: Aritzia // skirt: Classiques Entier via Nordstrom (old, but I also like this one) // heels: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // purse: Furla // necklace: Tiffany & Co. // earrings: fine jewelry, gift from my mom (similar pair here) // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // silver bangle: Alex & Ani // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics matte lip kit in "Kristen"]

Earlier this summer, I wore this look for a full day of hanging with friends, eating out, and bopping around the city. Granted, I wasn't able to wear these heels all day, but I slipped into them before dinner, which was the perfect way to transition this outfit into evening. Fun, playful, and fiery, this was definitely a memorable summer combo.

// SHOP //

Pineapple Express // Strapless Crop Top + Midi Skirt

For those of you looking for a quintessential summer look that's playful, refreshing, and chic, this one's for you. 

From rooftop cocktails to Sunday brunch, a tropical midi skirt paired with a breezy strapless crop top makes a statement. Printed sandals, complementary jewelry, and an on-trend bag are the icing on the cake. 

This top in particular is a favorite of mine and I love wearing it with everything from high-waisted jeans to colorful skirts. It's definitely a multi-faceted summer staple that was worth every penny. And guess what? It's available in multiple colors!

Fruit-emblazoned skirts rise in popularity every summer, and while this one is a few seasons old, it's just as relevant as the day I bought it. But if fruit isn't your vibe, a tropical or colorful skirt gets the same point across. Switch it up, play with prints and hues, and have fun — it's SUMMER, people!

 Photos by Sarah Harper 

[top: Aritzia // skirt: Ann Taylor (old, but I also like this one) // sandals: Stuart Weitzman (I also like this pair) // purse: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // earrings: Anthropologie (I also like this pair) // necklace: Jennifer Zeuner (I also like this one) // gold bangle: Alex & Ani // lip color: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in "Vicious"]

The beauty of this combo is that it works just as well for a daytime wedding as it does for a day of shopping with your mom. I did the latter in this ensemble and then proceeded to head out to dinner with my family. I felt comfortable and confident all day, and I'm definitely keeping this outfit in my back pocket for my next bridal shower, birthday brunch, or even for days when I just want to look a little extra sparkly!

// SHOP //