Happy Tuesday, team! I had yesterday off work, which means this week is a short one—and I always love those! I think this week will be busy work-wise, but that will make the time go by faster, and for that, I am grateful. I got a lot done over MDW for myself—everything from laundry, a huge Trader Joe’s run, and a few organizational/cleaning projects around my apartment I wanted to take care of—and also spent a lot of time outside, which did so much for my mental health. I am just not a cold weather person, and I am glad that the warm weather seems to be here to stay.

I think it’s a combination of all the long walks I took around my neighborhood this weekend while listening to my favorite song this time of year and the above-70 degrees weather, but for the first time in a while, I have HOPE about what lies ahead. Quarantine has been an emotional roller coaster for sure, and while the past few weeks have felt like a drop, I feel like I am on the upswing again. This wild ride is far from over, but having hope is something I’m going to try to hang onto. I know a lot of other places have started to slowly open back up—right now DC is still under a shelter-in-place order, but I am hopeful we might be able to enter a phase one soon. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

Other than work this week, I’m keeping things really low key—I don’t have any virtual happy hours scheduled as I mostly wanted to leave my evenings free for long walks and binge-watching Sweet Magnolias on Netflix. (If you loved Virgin River, Hart of Dixie, or Gilmore Girls, I think you’ll be a fan!)

As I am sure everyone reading this blog is aware, J Crew was the first retailer to announce a bankruptcy filing as a result of COVID-19. I’ve long been a fan of the flagship brand and the J Crew Factory spinoff, and after their bankruptcy filing, both had major sales that I took advantage of to refresh my summer wardrobe.

One of the best things I picked up was this Floral Maxi Dress—I know it will be a go-to for me all summer! I find it runs true to size, and the straps are adjustable, which is really nice. I’m 5’4″ and it hits right at my ankles, so if you’re taller, it’d likely be more of a midi, which I think would be really cute, too!

*** SHOP THE POST ***
J Factory Crew Floral Maxi Dress
Large Bead Stretch Bracelet
Steve Madden Pearl Slides—old, similar here
Circle Straw Bag—similar here
Ray Ban Aviators
BaubleBar Tassel Earrings—similar here and here

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PS—my sister shot these photos for me right near my apartment! We wear masks when we can’t socially distance or are going into a restaurants, the grocery store, or another place to pick up essential items, but since no one was around and we were outside, we felt ok without them. I’ve been seeing my family some since the quarantine started, and while I know not everyone will agree with that choice, living alone during social distancing can be really isolating. Right now, I think we’re all doing the best we can. I’m not looking for unsolicited opinions/advice on this topic!