Whimsy in Today's Climate

The last several months have been rough for me. I've become much more active politically since November, devoting a lot of time and mental/emotional energy to learning about how I can best support ideas and people that are currently under attack. In addition, my job has been very busy and stressful since November and on top of it all we're planning our wedding.

Long story short, all of these fears and stressors culminated in me feeling very defeated on Friday, so I went on media blackout, poured myself a glass of wine, and started online window shopping (I rarely buy things, but the act of mindlessly browsing is relaxing to me). I started noticing that all of the items that caught my eye had youthful, whimsical elements--which seems like an appropriate counter-reaction to the heavy, hard adult topics that have been on my mind lately.

I started thinking about how despite how bleak things looked that Friday afternoon, there's still a lot of beauty in the world. Perhaps it's privileged and naive to say this, but maybe incorporating some oversize earrings, a punchy marbelized skirt, or fun bunny shoes will help serve as a daily reminder of that beauty. If you're of that mindset, see below :)

A lot of my picks tended to fall into one of three themes: youthful motifs, like polka dots, baby animals, or gingham; amped-up color like fuchsia and marbelized prints; and oversized themes like big chunky earrings and exaggerated ruffles. I also picked items that were a fun twist on classic pieces, like a scalloped collar on a white button-up or big, artsy floral prints on an otherwise staid work dress.

Some of the items are clearly not work-appropriate (hot low-cut maxi dress, looking at you!), but I think many of the items I picked could easily be incorporated into your work week as well as your weekend:

Given the high-stress atmosphere at work, lately I've been alllllllll about the comfort dressing. What's better than a fun printed pair of pants paired with comfortable wedge loafers, a snuggly sweater, and oversized abstract-shaped earrings?

Then, for the weekend, pull out those bunny sneakers (!!!), pair them with a baseball tee and gingham shorts, and head on your way to do some volunteering. 

As someone who dresses primarily in black and white, this fun fuchsia skirt popped out at me and I couldn't resist pairing it with those gorgeous earrings! I kept it work-appropriate with a standard-issue black turtleneck and heels.

For play, this beautiful marble-print skirt paired well with Annie Costello Brown's beautiful chunky earrings (I'm obsesssssssed with her work!). I kept things relaxed with a wrap top that allows a pretty lace bralette to peak through, plus some easy slip-on sneakers. 

Lastly, I put together an outfit that's a study in scale. The diminutive scallop collar of the white buttonup contrasts well with the heavy bib of the dress. They both pair nicely with the oversized beaded earrings, with chunky sandals to balance everything out. 

For my final pick, I gravitated toward this fun dress with an exaggerated ruffle. The black ruffled heels give a nod to the dress, then I added more fun ACB earrings and graphic sunglasses to round out the outfit. 

So tell me: have you noticed any shifts in what you wear, where you go to destress, etc in the recent months? How are you practicing self-care while still staying engaged?