https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:31:16 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar/page/2#post-2129476 Wed, 24 Jun 2020 22:55:52 +0000 Mainelady 2129476@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LaPed, our students finished on the 8th, staff on the 16th and then I had a couple of committees that still had meetings until Monday.&nbsp;<div>&nbsp; I think it is wonderful that you and DS are spending so much time outside and yes, practical clothing, gear of footwear for what ever you are doing will add to your comfort and hopefully help you avoid the sweaty clinging clothing. &nbsp;It’s true, when we don’t see people in person, our points of reference are gone. When I do have to venture out to the PO , gas station or pharmacy, I am so focused on the task at hand and social distancing, that I have not even noticed what anyone else is wearing.<br />&nbsp; Thank you slimcat. Low key summer activities are going to agree with me. Hahaha I am glad the stairs are working because my legs will be getting some sun this summer!</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar/page/2#post-2129450 Wed, 24 Jun 2020 21:07:51 +0000 slim cat 2129450@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Outfits are lovely and you look great! The stairs are definitely working - legs are envious. I see great hair, accessories, fun shoes and a smile - well done on your challenge! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar/page/2#post-2129436 Wed, 24 Jun 2020 18:32:14 +0000 LaPed 2129436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love Janet's Rilke quote! And I think you look great in your WIWs -- beachy casual makes perfect sense for your lifestyle, and I can tell you're ready to have fun. Also, your legs look amazing in shorts.</p> <p>The elementary school where I work wrapped up classes about two weeks ago, and then had three days of virtual planning meetings for staff. I've definitely felt a shift in how I dress since classes ended. </p> <p>My primary responsibility now is keeping DS out of DH's hair while DH works from home for the foreseeable future. That means as much outdoor play as possible, with adventures to nearby trails, ponds and streams almost every day, plus lots of gardening and art projects. I'm not in gear *all* the time, but I definitely choose outfits that can accommodate trail shoes or water sandals without looking too goofy, and may swap out top and/or bottoms throughout the day depending on weather and activities. </p> <p>I made the mistake of wearing cotton chinos on a hike last week and it was much more humid than I'd expected! Sweaty and miserable. The chinos *looked* better with the loose-fitting tee I was wearing, but it would have been worth taking the extra minute to switch into some loose-fitting nylon shorts before heading out the door!&nbsp;</p> <p>I have realized that while I don't outright copy outfits I see out in the world, I do take a lot of inspiration from the people around me, be it colour combos, proportions, tweaks to hair style, etc. When I don't see other people I tend to default to the same handful of practical outfits over and over. It doesn't really bother me yet, but again, that's because my frame of reference is gone! The only people I see on a daily basis are DS and DH.</p> <p>Like you, I can't figure out what I want to do to my hair and feel unmotivated to change it up. I've been growing it out since last fall and have a lot of extra length to work with right now but just don't feel inspired! It's strange, because usually I have a very clear idea of where I'm going with my hair.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar/page/2#post-2129428 Wed, 24 Jun 2020 18:01:12 +0000 Mainelady 2129428@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Spot on Firecracker. Our styles evolve over time and perhaps these times we are faced with &nbsp;are prompting our evolutions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar/page/2#post-2129309 Wed, 24 Jun 2020 02:09:58 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2129309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Very interesting and thoughtful thread. I can't even imagine how stressful it was to move into online teaching, and especially so quickly. I love your outfits. You look adorable in a hat! I hope you enjoy your lake time! Thanks for posting your authentic, current-style outfits. I don't think the changes will be permanent, but I do imagine that we may not go back to the way we all dressed before. I think the new situation will teach us some new tricks that we'll want to adopt; we will evolve in our style, as we usually do right?<br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar/page/2#post-2129244 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 22:24:49 +0000 Mainelady 2129244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hahaha, Phoebe. You make me laugh, but I appreciate the compliment. &nbsp;Ever since we purchased our lake house I have joked that I am going to have strong glutes and thighs. The place is built on top of a boulder and on a steep hill. The interior only has 1 set of stairs, but between the top of the driveway and the decks, the exterior has 4 sets of stairs. I get lots of steps and stairs in every time we go to camp. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar/page/2#post-2129237 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 21:23:26 +0000 Anonymous 2129237@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jeez nice legs Mainelady! You look great! Were you one of the people who started a new exercise program while trapped at home? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar/page/2#post-2129224 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 19:00:22 +0000 Mainelady 2129224@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh Janet, where are all the heart emojis? I love that quote from Rilke. I had not read it before.</p> <p>nemosmom, I am sorry you are going through this. It does help to know that even apart we are not alone. For 37 years I successfully kept my work life and my home life separate. Home is May haven and respite from the challenges of my job. As much as I love teaching, the job has become more difficult over the past decade. Then Covid-19 arrived and &nbsp; difficult became an understatement. WFH meant new ways of doing things and it also meant I had to find a way to allow my work self and world to coexist with my personal world. It was not an easy endeavor. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar/page/2#post-2129206 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 15:30:55 +0000 nemosmom 2129206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hugs to you, Mainelady - I could have written this post! Your words resonated SO MUCH with me.&nbsp; Creating authentic outfits for WFH is something I am trying to figure out. I like my 'armor' for going out in the world (even moreso now) and at home I like to be comfortable. I don't know how to marry the two.... deep thoughts... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar/page/2#post-2129205 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 15:26:15 +0000 Janet 2129205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So much wisdom and compassion in this thread. You all help soothe my heart. </p> <p>“Not every challenge is going to have an answer right now, so I am going to need to be ok with that.“ </p> <p>So much this. I’m reminded of wise words from Rilke:</p> <p>“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything.“ </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar/page/2#post-2129153 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 09:47:01 +0000 Mainelady 2129153@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JAileen, it will be interesting to see what and how we decide to add things back into our lives when things improve. It will also be interesting to see what changes we made out of necessity we decide to keep.<br />&nbsp;Zaeobi, yes, you make an important distinction between interpersonal and online instruction. I do think the steep learning curve with lots of DIY training for various platforms, devices, constant problem solving have left me with a less favorable impression of online instruction, &nbsp;our district really did an amazing job of stepping up and delivering instruction, support, food services, and more. However, there is room for improvement and I know the experiences we have moving forward have a high probability of being more pleasant. Making sure we have reliable technology for all students and staff is critical.<br />&nbsp; Shevia, thank you. I will bounce back. &nbsp;Once my last meeting wrapped up yesterday, I felt an immediate weight lift off my shoulders. I will have a few weeks before committees and summer advisories begin. I have limited my participation to two. Each will have a few meetings in July and August. Of course, more will need to happen in August, but we don’t know what yet. I do know that it will not be necessary for me to be online nearly as much and I welcome the break. I can’t wait to read a book again!<br />&nbsp; Barbara Diane, this is the ideal time for me to see what my hair wants to do. Pulling it up makes the most sense for gardening, grandparenting and time at the lake. By August, I may decide to get my hair cut and styled. Or I may not. Maybe I am going to like long gray hair, or want to pull it up, especially if masks or shields are required for returning to the classroom.<br />&nbsp; Rachylou, so true. Dressing like I would for the classroom or in person meetings, while at home, would not be authentic at all. &nbsp;I was much less active while working from home. In the classroom I was on my feet all the time. At home, I did sooooo much sitting. Oh sure, I could get up move around and get a little activity in, but Aaaalllllllll the sitting was another adjustment I had to make.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar/page/2#post-2129140 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 03:53:02 +0000 rachylou 2129140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think being at home all the time is a big environment and routine switch. I find I’m so much more active at home: it’s not all sitting or standing around talking and typing. I’m in and out of the garden as opposed to just going out in the morning or evening, etc etc. And working from home is working from HOME. Even doing a zoom call or something... there’s something really dissonant about wearing full business attire at home. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar#post-2129138 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 03:36:49 +0000 Barbara Diane 2129138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We’re all tired and affected, even those of us who weren’t forced to abruptly learn so many new skills (how to be a Zoom participant was enough for me).<br /> Definitely be kind and gentle with yourself. </p> <p>I am a lipstick and fill in my eyebrows kind of person. Masks mean no color from lipstick although sometimes I remember to add it before a Zoom,<br /> I am also letting my hair be, and putting it half back or in a ponytail on a lesser hair day.</p> <p>I bought a spring sweater and pair of pants in January. It’s nice to not need any new wardrobe items and not be so preoccupied with shopping. Actually meal and grocery shopping planning has taken up the bandwidth. Especially as we are only occasionally having groceries delivered.</p> <p>Sounds like you are in step with yourself and the times. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar#post-2129125 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 02:43:01 +0000 Jaime 2129125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am going to read this wonderful thread more carefully later, but did want to also give you a bit of support and encouragement. I find Zoom absolutely exhausting on every level - and all I have ever done are family events and happy hours! I have read articles about how it takes out the eye contact and body language of face to face interaction and I am sure that is a big part of it. All is to say that it is no wonder you are burnt out to some degree. Your wonderful life attitude will bounce back - and I am sure you look lovely with wavy hair, which I hope we see again soon! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar#post-2129121 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 02:17:30 +0000 Zaeobi 2129121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to add one (slightly off topic) caveat - what we are engaging in right now as teachers is not really true 'Online Teaching', but rather ERT (Emergency Remote Teaching). </p> <p>The distinction is important, because it acknowledges that we didn't learn how to teach F2F (face-to-face) in a day either - we had time to learn &amp; then apply all of the F2F theory to our classrooms. True online teaching is no different in its need for this, yet none of us *chose* this current 'virtual classroom' situation. Both students &amp; teachers were underprepared for this (it's not like you had an entire term/ semester to come up with a wholly online syllabus!) so *of course* you're going to feel fatigued. </p> <p>Just wanted to add this addendum to my previous comment in case anyone else's ERT experience is making them want to write off online teaching altogether. I've taught online before (before the HK protests &amp; now virus forced me to WFH) &amp; I have to say it was much more pleasant (because I had time to plan) - classroom management is just as important as your activities! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar#post-2129116 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 00:41:27 +0000 JAileen 2129116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have had to do zoom meetings and found them very tiring. &nbsp;Imagine 140 retired women trying to use zoom for the first time. &nbsp;It’s worse than you’re imagining. &nbsp;:) &nbsp; I can’t imagine trying to keep a bunch of little kids engaged. &nbsp;</p> <p>I think it’s natural to change. &nbsp;Everything has changed. &nbsp;Before the quarantine seems like a lifetime ago. &nbsp;But who knows, when things go back to our old normal in a year or two, maybe you’ll go back to your jewelry.</p> <p>With my short hair, earrings were a natural. &nbsp;But they seem to get in the way of masks, so I’ve pretty much stopped wearing them. &nbsp;I hope to wear them again someday. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar#post-2129105 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 23:08:36 +0000 Mainelady 2129105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kkards, you didn’t ramble. &nbsp;I know exactly what you are saying and I like your perspective about dressing for an audience. Yes, it is more about audience awareness and projecting ourselves. That is not a negative.<br />&nbsp;Angie, thank you for your words of wisdom. As always they convey insight, perspective, kindness and support. &nbsp;I want to see myself the way you do.<br />&nbsp; Jenni, congratulations on letting go of your second job! Aha. Authentic, &nbsp;but different. Maybe I am evolving.<br />&nbsp;Sal, thank you. Yes, the world events, pandemic and atrocious actions of some can create strong emotions and those can be draining.<br />&nbsp;Suz, thank you. It seems we have been walking in similar shoes. I hope yours lead to a place where you can pick them up and relax. &nbsp;And smile, because you have awesome shoes!<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar#post-2129099 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 22:55:20 +0000 Mainelady 2129099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger, like you, dressing for what the new days are like has changed how I get ready for the day. &nbsp;We also live in a beautiful area and being able to snag more than a 20 minute break for lunch has meant that I can get out for a brisk walk, notice nature and soak up a big dose of beauty. &nbsp;Casual clothing and slipping into a pair of Merrill’s have allowed me to make the most of the breaks I can take.<br />&nbsp; Windchime, a silver lining is that I recognize and choose the changes to my style. &nbsp;Fatigue and feeling like I haven’t really had time to process all the changes are in the front of my brain. Depression could be a part of it, however, I am still able to feel joy and positivity in so many areas of &nbsp;our lives. I am not sure those feelings would be as frequent, if depression were the cause. Being aware of my feelings and emotions is something I do pay attention to. There have been some mental health challenges in my family tree and I hope to be proactive if any reveal themselves.<br />&nbsp; Always trying, I hope you do get to wear your new pieces soon!<br />&nbsp; Phoebe, you are so right. Accepting change and moving with it does mean less time feeling unhappy.<br />&nbsp; Helena, thank you. What ever is causing my more casual, less adorned me ( weather, WFH, accelerated natural progression or reaction to stressful events), I should allow myself this. Maybe it is temporary. Maybe it is the beginning of the best version of me. &nbsp;The important thing is I like who I see in the mirror. I am comfortable in my skin, even if it isn’t quite as glam as it once was.<br />&nbsp; Unfrumped, I understand what you are saying. My lifestyle and the demands have changed and I am adapting to those. I am very practical about my choices and I choose no fuss and easy wash, but I also make those decisions with care and still want to “look nice” and put together, even if more casual than I used to be. I still dress with intention.<br />&nbsp; Joy, I think schools, as we have known them will change. How we teach, learn, challenge and support will need to be reviewed, revised and quite possibly reimagined. Many decisions will need to be made and it is difficult to have any kind of a timeline right now. As of today I am officially on vacation and while there is summer work to be done, I have a few free weeks and will make the most of them. Our family, including a two week old granddaughter, our garden, home and lake house all bring me such joy. I never lose sight of our blessings and I intend to enjoy every one of them.<br />&nbsp; Zaeobi, if I could give you a high five, I would! You get praise from me! &nbsp;A masters in digital teaching and online?! Impressive.<br />&nbsp; Kathie, congratulations to you, your husband and your children on navigating the teaching, learning and working from home. &nbsp;It has not been an easy road for anyone. &nbsp;I also hope everyone can take some time to step away from the stress of the fast paced changes we needed to adapt to. Time to refresh will be important. &nbsp;I am sure there are more changes ahead.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar#post-2129071 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 21:06:05 +0000 Suz 2129071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's not you. It's the situation. You are strong, resilient, and forward-looking, but you have just spent the past few months lavishing huge amounts of energy on your needy pupils via an extremely unsatisfactory format and it is enormously fatiguing. Truly. I have only been doing this part time and my students are older and I have found it utterly exhausting.&nbsp;</p> <p>Anyway. Here you are, dressing a bit more simply. I, too, am dressing more casually for the most part, and more simply. I have decided that I do -- in part -- dress for the world. Or rather, I dress for me-in-the-world. What works at home is a little different than what works when I am going out. It is what it is, and I am still thinking through what it will mean for the long term.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar#post-2129067 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 20:57:42 +0000 Mainelady 2129067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all so much. You are wise, caring and compassionate. I needed a huge dose of YLF community and feed back even more than I realized.<br />&nbsp;Lucy, I am sending you waves of wishes for remote teaching and hoping you find a balance to do the job well and to address the fatigue. It is exhausting.<br />&nbsp; Janet, I am reading your post and nodding my head. Priorities have shifted and so has what makes sense. I am giving myself permission &nbsp;to say that it is ok if everything is not important right now. I simply do not have the energy to spread around.<br />&nbsp; Hil, I know I am not alone in making changes or in realizing that changes are in response to many external factors.<br />&nbsp; Lynn67, you are right. As a reflective person, I may be expecting a lot from myself. I like to identify challenges, brainstorm and problem solve. Not every challenge is going to have an answer right now, so I am going to need to be ok with that.<br />&nbsp; &nbsp;Chris987, you say it well. &nbsp;I sure could use a group hug and I know that is part of why this is so challenging for me. I thrive on interacting with people and especially children. Everyone makes the best efforts to stay connected, but the options we have now really limit our relationships with others.<br />&nbsp; RobinF, I do think a more casual look will emerge. My style has been headed in that direction, especially in the past year. I am a bit surprised at how fast that transition progressed once I began working from home.<br />&nbsp; Hahaha, Carla, yes my days of the Brazillian Blow out may be over. &nbsp;You make such excellent points for me to consider....yes WFH gave me a glimpse of what retirement could be like. I was far too busy to actually relax, but I did have pockets of time during the day when I had choice of how to spend some time or I had more flexibility than a standard school day would allow. My casual WFH or retirement style may continue to relax, but it won’t be pajamas and loungewear, until I;am ready for bed or lounging. I do like to get dressed to begin each day. As Angie mentioned, I think one of the biggest changes is that I am less adorned. I AM tired. More tired than I have ever been. Good news, I just finished my last school meeting to close out this year, this morning. I will have a break before things start up again.<br />&nbsp; Bijou, I am a creature of habit. I love structure, routine and planning and organizing. You are absolutely right that there is nothing to be gained by old habits that are no longer relevant.<br /><div>&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar#post-2129059 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 20:32:24 +0000 Sal 2129059@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am late to this but I agree with everyone else.&nbsp; The teachers here via zoom or teams have found it exhausting and not as rewarding as in class teaching.&nbsp; There have also been positives of course.</p> <p>The news this year has been exhausting - and divisive - and somewhat depressing.&nbsp; And even more so in the US with the partisan approach I believe.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I am sure you still look wonderful and I look forward to a WIW!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar#post-2129053 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 20:16:45 +0000 Jenni NZ 2129053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post Mainelady.<br /> I have resigned from one of my 2 jobs with a similar lack of enthusiasm to what you are feeling. I have kept my family practice which I own, but finished with the health organisation because I don’t have the bandwidth to do both any more. After 5.5 years trying to wrangle health boards I have had enough of that.<br /> I think it is probably mostly a style shift- previous you was authentic and new you is also authentic but in a different way xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar#post-2129011 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 18:09:08 +0000 Angie 2129011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thread.</p> <p>Your style is ALWAYS authentic, <b>Mainelady. </b>It&nbsp;h<b></b>as&nbsp;simply evolved into your <i><u>next</u></i> authentic look. More simple, less adorned, practical, and a &nbsp;survival-mode of sorts. Your lifestyle and needs changed, and therefore so did your style. Makes perfect sense, and you are doing really well :)</p> <p>Nothing is wrong with you at all! EVERYONE is reevaluating. It took a worldwide pandemic to do that....</p> <p>My style is just the same - but with some very important adaptive changes. I dress for me and not others, and this has proved it. I wear all my pretty clothes all the time, and we are essentially still at home - almost 4 months in.</p> <p><u>The changes:</u> <ul> <li>tousled free-spirit hair - SIMPLE</li> <li>absolutely no lipstick since it's disaterous with a mask!&nbsp;</li> <li>no wedding ring or bracelets&nbsp;</li> <li>sneakers 99% of the time&nbsp;</li> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar#post-2128997 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 17:04:18 +0000 kkards 2128997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>Have I really been dressing for an audience, instead of myself? &nbsp;</i><br />Ive thought a lot about this, and the short answer for me, that dressing for an audience IS dressing for myself...what i project, and therefore by extension how i dress, is a big part of who i am.&nbsp;<br />Right now, I’m dressing much simpler and more relaxed, with more emphasis on easy and desk to outdoors, because that’s the reality of my life.&nbsp;<br />We are all relooking and reevaluating some much of our daily life’s, and how and what we wear is just a small part of it. What the world will look like in a year or so, its hard to imagine. The non teacher in me keeps asking...Will schools ever be the same again? What will online learning look like, how will it be integrated into everyday schools? Will we finally get rid of the old outdated school calendars?&nbsp;<br />I know that retail, my field, will never be the same again. And how and were i do my job will change as well, with the future still to be determined&nbsp;<br />sorry, I’ve kind of rambled on here....feel free to ignore my rambling&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar#post-2128983 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 15:48:48 +0000 Kathie 2128983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I hope you, and every other teacher, can take at least a few weeks to completely relax! My DH is a HS teacher. He and our two DSs both finished last week, and we're all readjusting to the summer pace. I honestly had not realized how much work it was for us to manage on-line school, while also both working. Which is all to say, that I hope you do spend time in your garden, and at your new vacation home- after turning on a dime, learning new platforms, and teaching for 2-3 months on-line, every teacher deserves a break! It seems completely normal that at least for a few months, clothes and hair would take a back seat. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As I start to think about the future, my clothing choices are taking an even faster turn towards fewer items, more cross-functional pieces, and deeper thought about fiber choices and manufacturing. Hair is the one area that I'm hoping to maintain, since Zoom is part of my life for the foreseeable future!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar#post-2128967 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 14:57:46 +0000 Zaeobi 2128967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's not just you. Teaching online is indeed more stressful &amp; draining than teaching face-to-face. And this is coming from someone who is doing a masters degree in digital teaching (online, ironically enough!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar#post-2128966 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 14:48:30 +0000 Anonymous 2128966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>MaineLady, these are difficult times that include lots of change and stress. I don’t know what school will be like for the youngest children this fall. My oldest grandchild should start kindergarten and nothing has been said by school districts yet as to when or how. Since some restrictions have been lifted or reduced, the virus is higher than before with new cases and more young people.<br /> I don’t think anything is wrong with you but hope your garden and simple summer pleasures are healing the stress. You were probably dressing for the children and, to some extent, for parents and administration too. I know I did when teaching. I could wear the same sizes as my 5th and 6th graders so had to avoid anything that looked young. It was hard to dress to show authority yet look approachable. I was not even 20 and small when I started. I hope that this experience will make you stronger for the times ahead and look forward to your authentic WIW. Read over again Runcarla’s thoughts about retirement. It is especially hard for teachers in the fall, when you feel lost not doing the usual preparations. Volunteer work helped me, even helping teachers in classrooms. A kindergarten teacher had me work with flash cards with children who did not know letters and numbers. A first grade teacher ( first time at that level) gave me a reading group. I had intended to bake cookies to put in the teachers’ work room and go to garage sales to pick up board games for indoor recess, but moved out of state and had my own babies and toddlers by then. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar#post-2128955 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 14:00:19 +0000 unfrumped 2128955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally agree with everything you are saying.&nbsp;<br />There is a combination of some loss of enthusiasm (depression may be real or may be too strong a word for some situations), but also loss of social enounters, so yes, I was dressing for myself PLUS the environmental and social norm--not a wrong thing at all.<br />Then when the activities have truly changed--including dressing to actually have certain opportunities--for example I am more likely to have energy to do certain things if wearing certain clothing, or it sets the mood--for energetic activities, for reading, for winding down.</p> <p>I think Anchie's post is relevant because I am seeing my need to have more focus on specific items and capsules that are appropriate., This doesn't mean more or less shopping per se but does mean that I will get more of what I really want if I focus, and as per that post and responders, it can be hard to do!<br />For example, I bought some shoes and boots specifically for working out in the yard, as I did not have any "castoffs" that fit that bill. I am realizing I need a different type of tank top. I have limited number of casual shorts and like very specific lengths, fits, pockets and have not found ones yet that improve on what I have. I like some types of "fashion" sneakers but find that more of a true running or walking sneaker is better for my complicated feet so I am re-thinking all of that. I need some long pants that are cooler than most jeans but not sloppy.</p> <p>So the point is, I do want to dress for my current lifestyle and am seeing that curating the best and maybe smallish capsules of clothing for those needs can improve my mood , make it easier to organize my closet and dressers, while still being very practical. Getting the right colors (some dirt-practical or versatile, some "happy" and right fabrics--easy care, feel good, durable) and best fit (cause of many returns, hoping stores will not discontinue me as a customer!)<br />Plus my "retain research" now is less fashion-oriented, more on reviews of how shoes, clothes perform under various circumstances!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar#post-2128952 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 13:57:48 +0000 Helena 2128952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love all your questions and am looking forward to hearing more musings! I have definitely relaxed my whole style situation ... this is typical of warmer weather, but is also an adaptation to the times. I am 100% confident to say that there is nothing 'wrong' with you though - this is a crazy, uncertain time and even if this is a stress response, allow yourself that. Lots of love and can't wait to see the WIW! xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/keeping-it-real-the-lowered-standards-bar#post-2128949 Mon, 22 Jun 2020 13:41:14 +0000 Anonymous 2128949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The only constant is change? Being able to find it comfortable means less time unhappy,</p> <p>It seems healthy and positive to "dress for an audience" but not to the point that the costuming doesn't express who you are now. Sometimes we get positive feedback for something and then we start doing it all the time until it defines us, even to ourselves.</p> <p>While reflective, your tone is one of positive adaptation and I'm looking forward to the WIWs </p>