To Dye For // Tie Dye Loungewear + Activities for Two

Aside from tie dye loungewear and baking banana bread, one of the biggest trends right now is tangible activities. You know — puzzles, cards, Mad Libs (?), Legos, board games, puzzle books, etc. Lucky me, I'm 2 for 3 in the trend department! Scroll for the games Antonio and I have been playing to keep ourselves sane AND for the tie dye set I can't get enough of. ...TBD on the banana bread ;) 

It may be old-school, but there's never been a better time to break out a classic deck of cards — all the better if they're stylish too! And while cards may be a tad more fun with more players, there are some games that work just as well with two. Antonio and I have played:

Egyptian Ratscrew

Crazy Eights

War

Slapjack

Spit

Old Maid

Put on some fun music, get cozy, grab a few snacks, and play away!

My family sent Antonio and me Unstable Unicorns last week, and we finally broke it in this past weekend. I'm not exactly sure we played it ENTIRELY right (there's a lot going on...) but I will say, however we played it, it was definitely a hoot! It also gave us something new to do for a solid chunk of time, which is especially appreciated these days. You better believe we'll be playing it again!

Last but not least, this puzzle book has been our favorite couples activity yet! We've been getting our "mental fitness" on with these challenging-but-still-doable brain games and it has been such a fun way to pass time when we're all Netflixed out. We always look forward to cracking the book open and bonding over these challenges! 

But if you're more of a solo gamer, no worries — these games are actually MEANT to be played alone.

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[sweatshirt: aerie // shorts: aerie // socks: Gap // necklace: BaubleBar (super similar one here) // lip color: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in "FU$$Y"]

Hope everyone is still hanging in there. These days, it's the little things, and for me, I've been finding some joy in discovering new things to do with Antonio and wearing cute loungewear (I'm particularly partial to matching sets right now). And a fun burst of colorful tie dye never hurts either!

MORE TIE DYE LOUNGEWEAR:
Champion Tie-Dye Boyfriend Hoodie
Tie-Dye Crew Neck Sweatshirt
Renewal Recycled Tie-Dye Crew Neck Sweatshirt
Project Social T Oversized Tie-Dye Tee
Out From Under Shiloh Dip-Dye Short
Crop Tie Dye Hoodie
Gracie Tie-Dyed V-Neck Sweater
Melrose Tie-Dyed Maxi Dress
AXIS BOLD AS LOVE SWEATSHIRT
Tie Dye Haze PJ Set
Tie-Dye Bamboo Socks

MORE ACTIVITIES:

Unstable Unicorns card game
Gold Deck of Cards
417 More Games, Puzzles & Trivia Challenges Specially Designed to Keep Your Brain Young
One Night Ultimate Werewolf Game
Codenames Board Game
Bananagrams Game
399 Games, Puzzles & Trivia Challenges Specially Designed to Keep Your Brain Young
Paint by Number Daisies

52 Lists for Happiness
DIY Lanyard OR Keychain Kit
Watercolor Painting Jigsaw Puzzle

WFH Chic // Monochrome White + Blazer

Comfort is key when you're at home. Working or not, you want to feel at ease, but — especially in these times — NOT sloppy. And when you've got a Zoom call or an important video chat? You want to go the extra mile without looking like you tried too hard. The solution? Just add a blazer. 

Indoors or outdoors, monochrome is a timeless trend. And on a video chat, it's best to err on the simple side rather than donning something too loud or print-heavy. A classic white tee will always look chic. For further elevation, throw on a blazer and layer a few gold necklaces.

Although your shoes aren't getting much attention right now, slipping into a stylish, comfortable pair can be refreshing — even just for walking around the house. These pink slides almost look like slippers, which makes them the perfect feel-good accessory if you're after a bright burst of color.

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[blazer: LC Lauren Conrad (old, but I also like this one) // tee: J.Crew // pants: H&M (I also like this pair) // slides: Tibi (I also like this pair) // sunglasses: Ray-Ban // necklaces: gifts (similar styles here, here, and here) // eyeshadow: Stila Suede Shade Liquid Eyeshadow in "Sassy" // lip color: Stila Beauty Boss Lip Gloss in "Synergy"]

To be honest, I have yet to actually *dress up* for a video chat — work or otherwise. BUT the self-isolation period is still young. I have a feeling I'll be pulling out this blazer trick at some point within the next month ;)

// SHOP //

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

Springtime Blues // Cropped Chambray + Leather Pants

My world definitely doesn't look like this right now. These were taken much earlier in the month when 2020 Spring Fashion was a still a thing. Now we're all wearing a whole lot more sweat pants and a whole lot less high heels. But while this isn't the year ANYONE had in mind, it won't last forever. Until then, I'm trying to get more creative around the apartment while enjoying spring from the comfort of our home.

It's hard to resist a red-lip-denim moment. I love this combo any time of year, but I love even MORE how it came together here with leather trousers, round shades, and an artwork-esque bag. This look is chic, simple, yet majorly impactful.

When I first spotted this STAUD bag online, I fell in love with its unique shape. STAUD has some of the prettiest, most original purses I've seen, and they're true outfit game-changers. The amount of polish this bag adds to my outfit shouldn't be legal ;)

 Photos by Antonio Owens

[top: Rag & Bone (I also like this one) // pants: H&M (I also like this pair) // boots: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // purse: STAUD // sunglasses: The Row x Linda Farrow (similar pair here) // necklace 1: Uncommon James // necklace 2: Uncommon James // earrings: Kendra Scott (charms here, hoops here) // hair clip: Wunderkin Co. // lip color: Kylie Cosmetics liquid matte lip kit in "Kristen"]

These are the last of the extra photos Antonio and I took before the Earth flipped upside down. Clearly we won't be able to hit the streets of New York anytime soon for a photo shoot, which definitely hits a somber note — on more levels than one.

I'm not sure how my blog will look moving forward, but we'll take it one week, one day at a time. For now, I'm more thankful than ever for mine and my family's health. Stay well, everyone <3 

// SHOP //

Rock On // Snake Print Dress + Leather Jacket

A leather moto jacket is SUCH a rockstar piece. Not only is it a closet hero, but — I don't know about you — it effortlessly makes ME feel like an actual celebrity every time I slip it on. Add combat boots and a mini dress and you've got a winning combo that's chic, modern, and hella edgy. 

A dress with combat boots? How very 90s! Make it current by incorporating a so-now print like snakeskin, double hoop earrings, and an on-trend statement bag that's guaranteed to ring in the compliments.

You all know I'm a sucker for animal print. Throw some leather into the mix, and I've got a confidence-boosting ensemble worthy of a night out. This is the kind of weekend look I could easily spend all day and/or night in and feel completely comfortable and like myself.

 Photos by Antonio Owens

[dress: Anthropologie (I also like this one) // jacket: Topshop (similar style here) // boots: SOREL // headband: Sephora (similar style here) // purse: STAUD // earrings: vintage courtesy of my mom (similar styles here and here) // lip color: Urban Decay's Vice Lipstick in "Backtalk"]

Antonio and I snapped these photos in Gramercy Park two weekends ago — before the current madness began. It feels a little strange to be posting as normal, but the truth is, I love sharing my outfits on this platform and I don't want to stop doing that. I need this creative outlet, and I also need a fun distraction. I hope you do too.

I know a look like this isn't something anyone will be wearing anytime soon. But enjoying fashion again is something I'm looking forward to once things start getting back to normal. For now, we must power through and not just carry on, but ROCK on. We got this!

// SHOP //