TMI: Attempting to be Safe and Stylish This Summer
For many of us we are enjoying that the sun is shining and the heat is rising. Eager to get outside? You bet. It’s no understatement that this summer is different from any one before it. We are likely all trying to navigate how to stay safe during the Covid-19 pandemic. And sane.
There are lists and graphics to show what activities appear to the experts – health and government – to be safer than others. Being outside on a walk is safer than walking inside a store. Being on a socially distanced patio is safer than eating inside a restaurant, for example. It’s evolving and as we learn more we are pivoting and trying to meet the challenge. But I for one, want to be out and about.
Now I am no expert and I’m surely making some mistakes. I am constantly trying to weigh the pros and cons of trying to work and play safely. All of the essential and frontline workers are in the back of my mind as they’ve had no choice in the matter. They are doing the most for all of us so I’m happy to mask up, wash up, and sanitize often. I drive in separate cars if headed to a common outdoor space. I keep my distance but I know that just being out and around people outside of my home is a risk. That’s the fact.
Two things are true: people watching in the flesh and dressing for my day are major loves of mine. Earlier on in the pandemic, I was dressing for my own entertainment. Naturally me going out and people watching was down for the count. Staying put at home and putting on my own fashion shows gave me something to do. It helped my take control of something in my life that would not harm anybody else. It was also fun. If you can’t dress for yourself, how is dressing for anybody else enjoyable?
During this crisis, I’ve taken up new hobbies. I missed the sourdough bread train but I’m hot on running. While I hate exercising, my mental and physical health are more stable and positive when I do it. I know that, but I’d be fibbing if I said I liked it while I was in the middle of doing it. The only part I like about it is finishing it and some of the gear. I am a huge stan for products that have a purpose: Nike supporting athletes of all types even when their teams turn their back – ahem Colin Kaepernick – or when they just look really good. Fenty by Rihanna and Ivy Park - because Beyoncé - come quickly to mind. As part of taking up running I have geared up a bit too. Proper runners, a light and bright jacket, and even the long short – aka: bicycle short – have all found a home in my wardrobe. Strange times.
When I head out into nature – be it socially distanced golfing, camping with family, or strolling the beauty of Alberta’s mountains – I am dressing up too. Why not? Is it silly to wear an ankle length pink dress golfing? Yes. Yes it is. It is also fabulous. Does an embroidered dress, tie dye bucket hat, and metallic leather coat while looking over a waterfall seems like a superfluous style statement? Sure, that is true. For me it’s more fun to traipse around in that get-up than say flip flops and leggings.
When I’m not entertaining myself with clothing, being mindful and a tiny bit flexible helps me cope, too. When space is looking a bit sparse, I wear a mask, I freeze from a distance, or I back away. Perhaps it’s silly but I feel better when I have Lysol spray with me to handle any handles and my 70% alcohol spray to zap nasties. Back to the mask, it’s a good challenge trying to coordinate one into my look. Every time I put one on, I try and think of a neighbour that may benefit from me protecting my nose and mouth from others. My Grandpa in the care home, my immunosuppressed friend, young parents with their little kids, and older parents all come quickly into my heart.
Being an outside tourist in my own town – home fashion shows, running, getting outdoors - has been fun. Grateful is a word I think of often when I think about living in Calgary, in a home with doors that open directly to outside, all while in a country that is trying to take care of each other.
Honestly, I do miss the people. I miss going to the mall and wandering at free will to see what trends are landing for different ages. Heading to restaurants to check out the food, yes, but also to see what people are wearing is something I miss. Packing and preparing for a vacation far away is something I lust about. While I can find images on the internet and watch movies from the past, it’s not the same as actually doing it. That said, it’s worth the wait. Human life is at stake.
Alberta has opened up some activities and so many are out and about. I get it. It’s nice to get outside and enjoy. It comes with a cost though. Our provincial numbers are on the rise. I urge you whatever you do, take a pause and ask yourself, “What is the risk with activity X?” and consider yourself, your household, and your community. Oh, and go and get an elective point-in-time test if you’re curious to know where you stand. Alberta Government states that Alberta has one of the highest testing rates in the world and that’s hopefully one step closer to flattening the curve to give the scientists time to find the vaccine while our frontline workers take care of us..
One last thing, if you fancy, dress up for yourself too. Whatever version of dress up looks like for you. Life is too short.
