productivity in self-isolation

The one thing that gives me hope in the isolated state is the fact that now I have time to do all the things I never did before, and with this time, I want to be productive and create personal growth that will make me a stronger and better person and professional. I’ve created a list of things that I truly believe will be a smart investment of your time. Several of these could broaden your opportunities professionally and will make you more marketable, if you are job hunting, or simply want to advance your skill-set.

#1. Learn a new language

I’ve heard good things about Babbel, and there are so many programs where you can learn a new language virtually.

Many employers prefer you to be able bilingual. Even when the role doesn't demand it, it comes in handy to be able to communicate with students and customers who speak another language. This also opens up doors of working as a translator or helping people

#2. Create a blog/website… yes this one is a labor of love, but so worth it in my opinion. If you have ever wanted to put your own spin on on of your passions, or advance your tech skills, this is a great way to jump into it. Also, our world these days is virtual and many job applications ask for a virtual portfolio or blog.

#3. Take an online class

Give yourself the gift of a new skill that can make you more marketable in the job market. All classes are online now anyways, so why not pursue an online degree or a certificate that will give you a cutting edge in the job market? And while pursing a master degree online might sound overwhelming, you could pursue a certificate or find your own online program based on the skill-set you want to achieve. Based on the industry you are in, you have to determine whether you need the credential of a certificate or degree, or if you just need the skills as outlined in the job posting.

#4. Evaluate your long-term career goals

When we are working a 9-5, it is so easy to get caught up our day-to-day responsibilities and lose focus of our long term aspirations. But all of a sudden, normality has stopped for many of us. For me, this has made me question what I want long-term and given me the gumption to go after opportunities that truly excite and inspire me. And though in a time of a crisis and tragedy, it is refreshing after spending the last year just trying to get through the day. While you have the time, now is the time to analyze your career vision.

#5. Plan your next vacation

Purely for inspiration…dreaming of the the places we will go after COVID-19, is a breath of fresh air after couch-confinement. Though I don’t have any big vacays planned, even a small weekend away…or a girls night out, will be such a luxury.

#6. Give your apartment a makeover

Maybe your crib needs a little spruce, or just a deep clean. Not only is sanitizing surfaces smart and safe, but because we are staying home all day long, we need a clean and stress-free space to be productive. So get cleaning…or redecorating!

#7. Declutter your closet (and your life)

A few favorites in my closet, which I re-discovered when decluttering

Okay…this one is my personal favorite. I love organizing my closet, even prior to COVID-19. I have been selling more than usual, which creates space in my closet and makes me more conscious about the items that I will introduce into my closet in 2020.

#8. Start a new workout program

When I was in college, I regularly attended Hardcore Pilates, Bellydancing and Hip Hop classes. And since we are in the comfort of our own homes, why not shake things up? Having fun while you get fit makes you want to exercise on a regular basis, and therefore, you get better results. I also am a big fan of P90x, though I haven’t attempted that in years. By jumpstarting our fitness and boosting our self confidence, it gives us mental-health, confidence, and just movement that our bodies need when we are stuck inside day after day.

how to look stylish on zoom

As classrooms and offices turn to Zoom to maintain some sort of professional engagement, how does that translate as it pertains to our style? I think it makes looking put-together a bit easier, as only your top half is viewable during the Zoom call. So, we could literally be wearing a silk blouse on top and sweatpants…and nobody would know!

I hope these blouses, cardigans & accessories will give you some Zoom-spiration as you head to work “virtually.”

Another great accessory trick is to go for earrings that will brighten your face on days when you’re feeling tired. They also instantly make a super simple outfit more exciting.

A cozy cardigan is always a great option. Easily layer a black v-neck with this sophisticated check cardigan. Because only part of your outfit will be seen on Zoom, your hair and makeup will determine how presentable you look.

Our head-shoulders is 80% of what people see on the screen, so we should put a little time into looking extra polished. Consider straightening your hair and opt for a stylish hair barrette to pin back loose locks.

self isolate in Zimmerman

I am in love with this dress, which I purchased with my birthday in mind from TheRealReal. They have an amazing selection of Zimmerman pieces.

Though my birthday happened at the onset of the Corona crisis, I still got dressed up in one of my favorite new closet additions…a gorgeous floral number from Zimmerman.

Because my birthday was prior to the stay-at-home order, my mom and I went for some fresh air at Bridge Street Town Centre, a hub of eateries and shops, though sadly all the businesses were closed due to COVID-19. I was in good spirits, however, sporting my new Zimmerman & spending quality time with my mom.

This pre-loved dress was a fraction of the retail price and came brand new, with a Saks Fifth Avenue tag. I think this is a perfect example of how we can shop quality and get great value if we are open to shopping pre-loved.

This brand is exactly what I envisioned for the occasion. In my humble opinion, no brand compares to Zimmerman when it comes to silk pieces and feminine silhouettes. This 100% silk dress is lined.

Though it is a floral dress, the soft and subtle print compliments my warm complexion. The matching belt gives an hourglass silhouette.

I own several dresses from the brand, mostly in this style, because you can easily throw a leather jacket over the dress and style it with wedges in the summer and booties in the fall. This dress definitely expresses my signature style, as it day-to-night appropriate, is in a breathable and lightweight fabric, and has a soft color palette. It’s not an in-your-face floral print…the perfect transitional piece.

If you a find a piece you love at TheRealReal that has sold, you can add that item to your wish list and be notified when it comes back in stock. I recommend the long-sleeved 100% silk blouses and dresses. The lightweight fabric layers well and will take you from one season to the next. I will pair this with my BlankNYC tan suede jacket in fall.

I don’t intend to shy away from COVID-19. instead I want to provide a place where I can still share fashion content amidst this crisis and provide inspiration for when the dark clouds of COVID-19 lift and our lives go back to “normal.”

This is just the first post of many in the Corona Couture series…though the rest won’t feature such an uplifting background.