I’m deep into the, “In It Together” Series. I hope you are finding it useful and that it makes you feel better. Despite operating as if I’m in a remote cabin with my family, I find there are all sorts of things I want to make sure you know. So, here’s a post just for that. Enjoy and thanks VERY much for all the emails, messages, etc. They are delightful and are inspiring content for the blog. Mwah!

All The Things

1. Masks, masks and more masks.

   Just because you like fashion, does not mean that you are up to/ qualified for/ have the supplies for/ are interested in/ have time for/ etc. - sewing masks for you and your family. If you have worn a mask to the grocery store, you may have found that it is not a comfortable endeavor. And who needs that stress? You, my Dear Reader, do not.

   I just ordered 5 masks from Seattle’s own a.oei studio Each one is hand made from sustainable materials with comfort and style in mind. Pay what you can when you order and support a local business finding an innovative way to bring in revenue while setting you and your family up for success. I also really appreciate this article from Crosscut, “Face masks and coronavirus: When, how and why to wear them. The do's and don'ts of homemade mask safety.” While we are on the topic, the list of people and businesses is ever growing. Give what you can when you can. Remember that the media is also really suffering as advertising revenue has disintegrated. The Stranger had temporary lay offs, as an example. Support your local news sources (Crosscut, The C is for Crank, the Stranger, The Seattle Times, etc. , if you can.

   P.S. If you discover helpful new masks at your house and aren’t sure who to give them to, the Seattle Mask Brigade is the go to.

2. Marimekko + Uniqlo Spring Collab is Live on 4/23!

You know how much I love this collaboration every year. Looking at these happy, adorable prints will bring joy to your day, whether or not you buy. If you are looking for something comfortable for work and play, the relaxed styles are a great place to start.

3. Very Sad News: The Universal Standard Showroom has Closed

Oh, man. This one hit me hard. The very first event at the original US Showroom in Redmond was a Poplin event. And, of course, that wasn’t the only time we’ve hosted Poplin clients and the community at the brand’s space in Belltown. I’ve taken so many clients to this space over the years, I considered creating a package centered around the experience. I loved taking clients to this magical land where her size is available and SHE can choose whether or not SHE wants the pieces, rather than the store deciding. Thank goodness the brand is still available online. It sounds very unlikely that the space will reopen, but we can remain hopeful. For now, let’s just celebrate that those showrooms did exist and there will again be a time for women of all shapes and sizes to feel welcome in a beautiful retail showroom.

4. Donations of $150 or More to YouthCare will be Doubled this Month

Our last YouthCare Styling Session was the first week in February. Even then, there were young people in the program wearing masks to cover their coughs and still come to work each day. That’s right. The Barista Training Program is a job and the young people who participate are paid during their job training program. Our Styling Sessions have taken place, uninterrupted for 7 years, until now.

You know that YouthCare is close to my heart. Folks experiencing homelessness are at greater risk than ever and need all the help they can get. The staff are showing their extraordinary dedication by continuing to offer front line support to young people right now. Fortunately, donations of $150 or more to YouthCare will be doubled up to $100,000 this month. it’s another way to make an impact from your house:)

5. Shopping Local has Never Been So Easy

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the entirety of the internet and find yourself just spending hours on the New York Times app instead, you might be ready for someone to make some choices for you. This is especially appealing when that someone is also keeping your values in mind- like shopping local. Right now, there are a collection of folks who are trying to make shopping local easier for you. Here are some favs: Cocktail Kits to Go, Survival Kits from Local Edmonds Businesses and all the tasty local food you are craving.

6. Remember to Make Yourself Feel Beautiful Everyday, or every other day, or every three days

You know what an advocate I am of loving what you sleep in. It should feel comfortable and equally important, make you feel beautiful. Put this on. It will help put you in that happy place. Let’s face it. All these days blend together. So get some beautiful time on your calendar and make sure to acknowledge what you need to feel good and do it.

Lastly, I think a lot about gratitude. I’ve been this way the last several years. But, I know that often we talk about being grateful and it’s hard to actually do it. I discovered a hack, that, of course, I’m sharing with you.

Think of all the places you’ve lived and all the people you’ve lived with. Now, choose the worst time in your life that this crisis could have happened. Where did you live? Who did you live with? My hope is that your current situation isn’t top of mind in this scenario. When I contrast my current situation to my life at 25, I’m overwhelmed by gratitude. Hope it works for you, too!

See you next week. Remember, posts are coming out Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with a recap every Friday in your inbox if you are subscriber. Thanks for being here and stay home, friends.