As you know, I do product round ups every other Saturday. This is going to be a two-fold post. Maybe actually three-fold. I want to preface this by saying I’m sure I’m not going to say this perfectly. I’m trying my best but I’m also operating with a little
1) We need to spend responsibly. Unless you’ve been completely avoiding the news, you know that the country (and the world) will be facing extreme economic hardship. The effect of COVID-19 is going to touch everyone in some way. I already have personally felt a hit with my business. I have watched the main street of our town shutter to a close. I have friends who can’t make payroll for their businesses. I have friends who have been laid off. It’s going to reshape the entire country for a long time if not for ever. Think carefully with how you’re spending both in terms of your income and savings and also to avoid falling into the trap of shopping as a therapeutic release.
2) With that said, I think it’s still important to spend money, just more responsibly. Guys, this is coming from a super saver– you know I’ve been a huge, huge advocate of personal finances and living within your means. IF YOU ARE IN A FINANCIAL POSITION TO DO SO, it’s important to keep money in the economy. It’s more than having a new pair of yoga pants– it can help companies keep their lights on, payroll paid, and operations running. I get that shopping isn’t exactly saving the world, but fashion is a huge, huge industry and employs a lot of people. Shop locally. Buy gift certificates/restaurants for stores that have to shut their doors. Pay the people under your wing if you can even if you can’t use their services (trainers, housekeepers, nannies, employees, hair stylists). Donate money to local charities who are providing much-needed services like meals and medical care.
(And I want to make it clear that I am going to be fine financially if I don’t make another penny from my blog for a while, so I’m not begging for clicks to make sales. If you feel inclined, thank you but I want to be clear that that’s not what I’m going at here.)
3) Consider the next few months when making purchases. I keep thinking about things I would ~normally~ have purchased around this time: bathing suits! shorts! cute dresses! And right now I’m just not sure where I’m going to be wearing any of that… or when the next time I will. For now, I’m focusing my own personal spending on things I know are in my future. I invested in some home weight equipment. I’m going to buy a pair of my favorite pajamas (a small business owned by women!). I’ll take advantage of the massive sales right now for skincare products I know and love. Plus lots of takeout to help our local restaurants and servers who are really hurting right now.
Additionally, I’ve been so curious how this will affect the influencer market as both a consumer of social media and a creator myself. There’s a fine line right now of appropriate consumption. On one hand, people are losing their jobs because sales have come to a screeching halt and stores have been closed for who knows how long. On the other hand, watching a “try on haul” of spring clothes– to wear…. in your house?– seems weird. I’ll do my best and know that if I make a mistake or misstep I’ll do my best to course correct. Just please know I’m trying. This is a whole new landscape and I’m trying to take in a lot of factors before I do anything.
(Did I mention I’m highly anxious about the whole thing so I know I’m not thinking completely clearly. I almost feel like I need to proactively apologize. Sorry, I’m trying!)
So what else am I thinking about right now? COZIES. Partly because we are home for the long haul and partly because it really is comforting. When things are uncertain, it does feel good to put on something super cozy and comfortable. Focusing today’s round up on that.
PINK JOGGERS // MOONLIGHT JAMMIES (five colors, under $50) // RENEW SWEATSHIRT (under $50)
WIRELESS BRA // MICROFLORAL PAJAMAS // ROLLER RABBIT JAMMIES (25% off)
