It’s been a hot minute, ahem many months, since my last post. Like everyone on the globe, I’ve been living through the alternate world that is Corona Virus. And for me, that meant trying to stay safe, stay hopeful. Blogging as usual was just not do-able for me. Lots happened on a personal level, but more on that, too. Now I’m finally feeling that it’s OK to embrace some of life’s lighter activities. A little shopping might not be so bad and maybe even pretty darn therapeutic. Especially when you score a #targetstyle dress like this for under $40. It’s been pure fashion fun to think about all the ways I’ll wear it, if not the all places it will go…someday.

Not to get too dark, but just as summer was ending my husband became suddenly and severely ill. It turned out he had Sepsis, a life-threatening infectious disease where your blood is basically poisoned by bacteria. Two hospitalizations and emergency spinal surgery later, not to mention a double dose of daily IV and oral antibiotics, he is on the way to fully restored health.

You can imagine that shopping for new clothes was not high on my list of things to do. But I did bond with the nurses and PCAs over my outfits, masks and even “new” silver hair color. So even amidst all the crazy scariness of those two months, there was a lighter side to life.

Dress by Day

Dress by Night

I don’t normally reference the cost of an item in my post titles, but I made an exception in this case. ‘Cause this balloon sleeve, ankle-skimming dress is just too-much-style-at-too-sweet-a-price not to celebrate. Its fitted and flounced silhouette flatters every body type, and the polka dot print adds graphic pop. To finish off both my Day and Night looks, I simply shopped my closet. After months of PJs, workout wear or jeans and casual tops, it was so much fun to rediscover all the great pieces I already owned. Don’t worry though, I’ve linked some great current options below. But I bet you have some fashion finds waiting in your closet, too!

Dress: WhoWhatWear (also comes in a pretty magenta floral). For reference, I am wearing a size M.

Sherpa Jacket (old, Gap as seen in this post) but could snuggle up in this, this and this.

Fedora (old) but similar here and here.

Sneakers (old, Veja as seen in this post), but love these, these and these.

Faux Fur Shrug (Alexander Wang X Kohl’s, also seen in this post, still available for under $30!!!) Chic and affordable alternatives here and here. (And let’s admit it, this would be fun to rock at home if we have to go back into lockdown.)

Boots (old, but LOVE my waterproof Aquitalias as seen here). This year’s version here, more affordable here.

Jeweled Headband (old). How fun is this and this (stunning and on sale!)?

Bag (old as in vintage — was my Mom’s!) Modern must-haves here, here and here.

Photos by Kristin Moore-Gantz @artdirectthis.

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