Hellooooo out there. I’m thinking of you and wondering how you are doing, hoping you are safe and comfortable at home. It’s ironic that the title of my last blog was titled “See and Be Seen. ” We usually put ourselves together to be seen by others, so this is a huge shift. There is no right or wrong way to care for your appearance right now, so opt for what makes you feel good. I put all my soft, comfy lounge and active wear together and created a mini wardrobe for myself.  Wearing color cheers me up, as does coordinating my “outfit” with my eyeglasses and earrings. I’m taking a break from most makeup but a rosy cream blush and lipgloss brighten my “indoor” face up a lot. 

Be extra kind to yourself during this stressful time.

See if you can find the humor in your hair growing out, your waist possibly expanding. I’ve started taking silly selfies of what I’m wearing on my dog walks because it makes me feel more normal. This is also a rare opportunity to step back and consider how cultural demands for beauty perfection have affected your self esteem. Perhaps you will be ready for a positive attitude shift going forward. Who knows?

I’ve been thinking of ways I can best support you during this time, and I am open to suggestion of anything that might be helpful or enjoyable. If you’ve always wanted to experiment with color or experience a custom blend, there are all kinds of things we can do virtually. I can work with your color palette or a photograph. We can chat on FaceTime or Zoom. Here are a few ideas:

• Discover your family of reds and select a blush, lipliner or lipstick
• Custom blend a lipgloss or lipstick unique to you
• Recommendations for skincare and sunscreen
• Application tips that will help your eyes stand out
• Discover solutions to wardrobe challenges
• Ways to stay engaged – this would be great with a group
• Painting with “your” colors – easy to set up with with a few simple art supplies

I’m also wondering what you might like to read about during this unprecedented time. Here are some possible topic for future blogs, and I’d love to know what interests you.

• Ways to engage with color at home
• Fun activities to keep your fashion spirit alive
• Thoughts about our beauty culture and personal growth
• Q and A about style and fit and other challenges
• Pathways to inner beauty

Even if you’re not getting dressed to show up to the outside world, the process of Growing More Beautiful continues. Engaging with color in our surroundings we are able to look more, notice more. We have time to daydream, to consider some of the “musts” we have felt in our lives up to this point. We are so immersed in cultural demands that we don’t always notice the way they subtly impact our sense of self. As life rushes past at breakneck speed, it’s difficult to find the time to integrate the changes taking place in our lives. You have time now, when you are ready.

We’re all figuring this out together. Let’s stay connected and support each other as best we can. You can reply directly to me via this email, leave a comment, or contact me here. I’d love to hear from you.

Warmly and colorfully yours, Jennifer