Panic? Who us? We thought that at least some of you suffering from ongoing anxiety will be able to relate to this post, first published Sept. 24, 2018.
IF SOMEONE tells you they’re having panic attack, your first response must be to believe them —that they are not feeling anxious in ways a typical person can relate to, but in serious trouble and in need of the right help.
Most important for the bystander: remain low key and don’t go away, because most panic attacks ease up in 20 to 30 minutes. Says DC school aide and artist A.M. “You feel so vulnerable and so embarrassed that you don’t want to be around other people, but it’s not good to be alone either.”
During a panic attack, the body “prepares for the pseudo-emergency…eyes may dilate to improve vision, heart rate quickens to circulate blood faster to vital organs, breathing increases to get more oxygen to the circulating blood, and your muscles tense in case you have to move quickly.” Hyperventilating can lead to dizziness and heart palpitations, which in turn cause some to panic more.
What’s known as “5-4-3-2-1” is a tool that bystanders can use to ratchet down the panic, a series of prompts for the sufferer to focus on and name out loud nearby sensory stimuli: 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell and one thing you can taste. “These five steps are a way to ground yourself in the NOW…take you out of your head.”
Use specific examples: 5 things you see might include something blue, or something huge; for things you can touch, try your feet in your shoes or the ring on your finger, according to The Independent, which calls the sequence a “mindfulness hack [that] helps bring us back to the present.” The thing you taste can be your tongue.
For A.M., 5-4-3-2-1 required “lots of practice— for months to be able to step out of my body.” When practicing, she went first to touch, such as rough surfaces, and then smell. But in real situations, she likes to start with sight, especially numbers, like apartment numbers, or letters. Touch is still #2, and then hearing: “because everything is super loud: breath, heartbeat…”
The right help for sufferers does not include rational explanations for their feelings of fear: in their minds, they are threatened, and sometimes they are dying. Also unhelpful: telling them to “calm down.” Both responses invalidate the experience, said A.M. And suggesting calm breathing is usually a bad idea, “because panic attacks mean you are struggling to breathe at all.”
You’re stuck in your head, as A.M. describes it, so what helps is connecting to reality, or at least being distracted. After 5-4-3-2-1, talk about anything that might interest the sufferer, like a TV show they’re watching.
For her boyfriend, O.D., who also has panic attacks, meditation—focusing on breath, sound and then touch—works well. “It’s important not to move, just sit there,” he says. For those who prefer this option, practice is also advised—daily for 10 minutes or so—both to help reduce frequency of panic attacks and make them easier to conquer.
A.M. compares her panic attacks to being on a roller coaster: you can see you’re heading for the top, but when you get there you stop. You’re stuck. For her, the anticipation is terrible—”feeling the dread of it coming—even if the waiting only lasts 30 seconds: I can’t talk, I feel like I’m drowning.” She worries about going to the Giant—and used to avoid taking subways—fearing a panic attack would start and she wouldn’t be able to get out in time.
Fear induced by phobias is similar to that with panic attacks; the difference is those with phobias can see their specific trigger (spiders, vomit, open spaces or airplanes, for example), while people who have panic attacks cannot. Although both groups live with ongoing anxiety about having the next attack, those with phobias are on the lookout for their triggers. For panic attack sufferers, symptoms can spring up with no warning and sometimes no apparent reason.
Both groups, however, can find relief in having another person present to help with grounding and distraction, to accompany them through 5-4-3-2-1 when it helps, and to wait with them until symptoms subside.
—Mary Carpenter
Every Tuesday in this space, well-being editor Mary Carpenter fills us in on health news we can use.
SURELY we can all agree the human race is in trouble. I keep hoping for some master race from another planet, like the Overlords in Arthur C. Clark’s Childhood’s End only nicer, to come and save us, but it seems that Man is supposedly the most intelligent life form in the Universe, except maybe for the dolphins who aren’t talking.
The leading cause of Man’s growing stupidity is the dominance of the ubiquitous cell phone, which may or may not cause brain cancer. (The doctors can’t decide because they all have cell phones, too.) Tired of being under its thumb, metaphorically of course, yesterday I threw mine against the bathroom wall, which didn’t seem to hurt it a bit. So then I threw it on the floor, and again it was perfectly fine, which enraged me enough to slam it against the porcelain sink, an action that mercifully smashed its screen and caused some digital-looking things to fly out of it. Then I tossed it into the kitchen garbage pail where, about 15 minutes later, I heard it ringing, insistently. So then I put it in the outside trash bin and if it’s ringing now I can’t hear it because later that afternoon they picked up our trash, even though it was a holiday, and it’s now at the Freeport town dump.
Plain and simple, the phone was making me dumb, a worrisome situation I could no longer pretend wasn’t happening. I was spending far too much time of each precious day of my life looking for it, despite thinking I always put it in the same place. Still, it wasn’t there, or there, or even there, and I’d have to go through the house several times, then out to my car, then back into the house and look on the back porch or maybe it fell in the hot tub? So then I’d call my number to hear the ring, hoping the ringer was turned on. And then I’d be late for wherever it was I was heading when I discovered I didn’t have my phone and couldn’t possibly go without it because God forbid a million times what if my car broke down, which it never, ever has because it’s an Audi and they don’t, and before that it was a Saab and they don’t either, at least not in the first three years which is how long I keep them.
Then when I finally found the phone I would spend too much time playing games on it. Actually just one game, that addictive “Words With Friends” that I play to keep from getting Alzheimer’s like my mother had, but still it was keeping me from reading more books or scholarly articles on cancer research and meditating and who knows what else, perhaps perfecting my chocolate mousse skills which is something I have never made even once but might have by now if it weren’t for constantly playing that damn “Words With Friends.”
So is your phone ruining your marriage, like all those couples you see everywhere who sit across from one another at a table, take out their phones and never even look up until the food arrives? Is it making you dumber by never needing to know anything since you can just whip out your phone and Google it and end the discussion, not that there was one in the first place since everyone’s looking at their Facebook feed? Free at last, I feel better phoneless. Still, I keep looking skyward, hoping they’ll come soon.
THE PANDEMIC has spurred the demise of a bevy of big-name retailers. Once the go-to preppy emporium with attitude, J. Crew was the first major clothing company to file for bankruptcy May 4. Grande dame Neiman Marcus, which followed in its footsteps three days later, recently announced it was shutting down its much ballyhooed location in NYC’s Hudson Yards. On July 7 it was Brooks Brothers’ turn —the 202-year-old clothier that designed the Union Army’s uniforms during the Civil War and made the black coat Abraham Lincoln wore to his second inauguration. (Post-Covid-19, there’s hope these stores will be able to emerge from the embers). Nordstrom is not immune either. There haven’t been many nasty rumors, but the company permanently shuttered 16 of its 116 “full-line” stores.
Smaller businesses have not fared too well either. E-commerce sites Totokaelo and Need Supply Co. announced they were shutting down a couple of weeks ago. The former attracted a sophisticated audience drawn to quality and fashion-forward design of labels like Comme des Garcons and Yohji Yamamoto. The clothing was beautiful, well-made and mostly in black and neutrals.Need Supply, which formed a joint venture with Totokaelo in 2018, offered a wider range of price points—and colors.
We’re sad to see them sputter and/or disappear. In the meantime, if you act quickly, you can score some bargains or at least some discounts on, for example, a mint-green Anine Bing moto jacket (at Nordstrom), an ostrich wallet from Brooks Brothers and a pair of beach-ready linen pants from J. Crew. Note that some of these items are tagged final sale—sorry, no returns.
—Janet Kelly
COUNTER-CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT: Brooks Brothers stopped designing and ordering exotic skins (ostrich, alligator, etc.) around a year ago and is selling the last of its remaining inventory in shoes, bags and small leather goods. Such as this Ostrich Wallet (reduced from $598 to $448.50), which, in addition to this vibrant orange, is available in a more predictable navy or red. The price of Brooks’s Alligator Soft Frame Bag —with suede lining, brass hardware and tanned finish—has been slashed from $8,000 to $2,400. You’ll still need deep pockets—just not quite as deep. Eight is the only size still available in Jimmy Choo’s Love Croc Embossed Pointed ToeFlat(reduced from $595 to $238, Nordstrom). If the shoe fits, you know what to do.
LEFT: Large patch pockets and stretchy twill fabric give Lafayette 148 New York’s tailored Annmarie Stretch Cotton Twill Jacket(reduced to $239.20 from $598, Nordstrom) a more relaxed feel. You’ll find endless reasons to wear it this summer and beyond. Also, Lafayette 148 New York is having a general 65-percent-off sale on lots of classic-with-a-twist tops, pants and lightweight dresses. CENTER: Proenza Schouler’s Colorblock Drape Dress (reduced from $1,090 to $436) looks like separates from the front, but the pleated back that flows like an elegant cape reveals it’s all one elegant frock. RIGHT: We’re guessing you have enough black jackets. If so, snag Anine Bing’s Benjamin Moto Leather Jacket (reduced from $,1099 to $659.40, Nordstrom) in this mint ice cream color. You won’t be sorry you did.
LEFT: Light and floaty enough to pop over a swim suit at the beach but with enough construction and coverage to wear on a staycation in the city, J. Crew’s Drawstring Linen Pants (40 percent off $88 with code SHOPNOW) come in shocking pink, flax and white and sport a tuxedo stripe down the leg. Note: Only the white version is lined. RIGHT: Both stylish and classic, J. Crew’s Pacific Cat Eye Sunglasses (reduced from $69.50 to $56.99) are available in rose latte (shown) and neon red.
LEFT: Copenhagen native Cecilie Bahnsen, who studied in London and worked in couture in Paris, started her eponymous label in 2015. Sculptural silhouettes are her trademark. Practice social distancing in the designer’s Shirtdress with Voluminous Hem(reduced from $909 to $454.10, Totokaelo). RIGHT: You may not want to save this super-cute Scalloped Gingham Cotton Pajama and Eye Mask Set (reduced from $98 to $73.50, Brooks Brothers) just for the bedroom. Surely the top would work for a Zoom session. When you want to crawl under the covers and shut out the world, the eye mask could come in handy,
LEFT: Reduced from $450 to $180 at Need Supply, Rachel Comey’s small, crochet Doctor Bag with a zipper closure is so charming, we think it could probably cure whatever ails you, while it safely stores your hand sanitizer et al. RIGHT: Your feet called. They said they’d like to have some fun. Vault by Vans Classic Slip-On LX Sneaker in Checkerboard (reduced from $70 to $52.50, Totokaelo) will make them happy.
MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale, whether through a retailer, an online store or Amazon.com.
A RECENT pastime of mine during this Covid lockdown which prevents me from attending the symphony or live theater is watching a daily online cooking class given by a woman in Alabama. On Facebook it’s called “Cooking With Brenda Gantt.” She is completely adorable, and her down-home conversation mixed with a refreshing dollop of good old-fashioned religion offers me a glimpse into a positive lifestyle I have never personally known, having been born and raised in New York and living for 30 years in Washington, D.C.
The only down side is that Brenda makes food that could kill you. Or me, since I had a heart attack in 2017 and am now counted among those with heart disease. Alabama has the sixth highest rate of obesity in the nation. That means out of 50 states, there are only five with fatter folks. So I guess that means they like to eat, and I’m not talking carrot and celery sticks.
One recipe Brenda made sounded promising: Cabbage Casserole. I was excited because I love cabbage, and it actually sounded healthy. I was wrong. It starts with cabbage and onions, and that’s the last we hear of anything that won’t have you calling 911. Added to those lovely vegetables were the following: one can of condensed cream of chicken soup, one and a half sticks of melted butter, one cup of mayonnaise, one cup of grated cheddar cheese and a full stack of crushed Ritz crackers. (Just writing these ingredients is making me slightly ill.) Brenda suggested serving this casserole along with a nice ham and some fried potatoes.
So watch Brenda’s videos for her sparkling personality, charming southern accent, valuable cooking tips and look at a simple life untainted by politics and the pandemic. She’s a real up! Just don’t eat her food.
THE LATEST tests with Oxford University’s vaccine look promising. Great news. But right now medical experts agree wearing masks are our best defense against Covid-19. Protective face coverings are looking like a necessary accessory in our wardrobes for a while.
Which leads me to Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Every time I see her on television, I admire her chutzpah and her style—and in the past few months, her masks, color-coordinated with her clothes. With a fuchsia pantsuit, she wore a red, white and green cherry-print face mask, paired a pale-pink pantsuit with a pale-pink mask and matched a turquoise mask to her turquoise jacket.
A mask is not just a mask for Pelosi. It’s a statement of purpose and a rebuttal to a certain someone who—until yesterday—has refused to mask up. Selecting a mask every single day is “fully in line with the Speaker’s approach to image-making…. She understands that there are ways to make herself and her positions heard even when she isn’t saying anything at all,” says Vanessa Friedman in the New York Times.
Since the beginning of our pandemic times in March, designers—from Everlane and Splendid to Tory Burch, Erdem and St. John—have jumped on the face-covering bandwagon, making masks that reflect the sensibility of their line. Preppy stripes, graphic prints, abstract florals, whimsical figures, take your choice. Most if not all of these design labels sell these masks with the idea of giving back—donating all or a percentage of their profits from sales to Covid-19 research, to hospitals, to relief organizations and to causes like Black Lives Matter. Many are sustainably made, using leftover fabric.
Other than showing respect for the safety of others, we’re not dealing with the same high stakes as Pelosi. But wearing a mask does send a signal that we have a social conscience. And while we’re showing our humanity, why not exact some joy from our newest clothing accessory.
While some of the masks featured below are splurgy; others cost less than your average lipstick (you remember lipstick, right?).
—Janet Kelly
LEFT: Designer Stacy Bendet of Alice + Olivia doesn’t believe in boring. Her collections brim with bright colors and whimsical prints. Nicole Wallace on MSNBC looked terrific wearing the same pattern on a blouse as on this triple-layered, jersey Protective Face Mask ($12.95, also available in six other patterns). RIGHT: Founded in 2016 by Batsheva Hay, Batsheva tweaks retro styles of dress, such as Victorian high collars and full skirts, with a modern point of view. Twenty-five percent of proceeds from this Baby Blue Floral Cotton Face Mask($35), made of recycled fabric, go to Black Lives Matter.
LEFT: Tanya Taylor is known for her lively prints and happy hues. This Face Coverings 3 Pack ($35, Shopbop) with a cotton and silk shell and cotton lining will energize your same-old sweats or the leggings and T-shirt you’ve been wearing for what feels like forever. RIGHT: Former jewelry design director at J. Crew as well as Tory Burch, Lele Sadoughi started her own brand in 2012. In thisset of 3 Lucky Charm Face Masks ($40) is a blush tie-dye with pink neon hearts, a denim chambray with silver butterflies and stars and moon charms and a leopard jersey mask that stands out from the crowd with its contrasting cobalt elastic.
ABOVE: Nicole Miller launched in 1982 and has been going strong ever since. Graphic prints, like on this all-cotton Mosaic Face Mask ($16), are her signature.
LEFT: In the ’80s and ’90s, St. John was the go-to label for women who wanted luxury knit clothing, especially jackets. This Silk and Lurex Tiger Contour Mask ($40) won’t disappoint anyone who desires quality as well as comfort. RIGHT: With a winning combination of preppy and boho, Tory Burch styles fill a niche, making them extremely popular with women all over. The designer’s Printed Face Mask, Set of 5 ($35) comes in patterns that tie back to her summer collection. Made from two layers of moisture-wicking fabric, each mask has a contoured wire at the nose for a better fit.
LEFT: Splendid fans—you know what you like: comfy, laid-back staples in soft fabrics. This 3 Pack of Face Coverings ($28, Shopbop) will appeal. RIGHT: The double elastic around the head and neck on Off-White’s Black Arrows Mask($105) ensures comfort and stability. The label, started in 2013 by Virgil Abloh, combines luxury fabrication with a streetwear vibe.
LEFT: Playful, preppy-cool pieces, such as this Striped Face Coverings 2 Pack ($35, Shopbop) in navy and cream, are Kule’s wheelhouse. Alas, these are currently out of stock. RIGHT: Everlane prides itself on not being big on trends. The label wants you to wear its pieces for years to come. This 100 Percent Human Woven Face Mask 5 Pack ($25) is made of linen and cotton, backed with jersey.
LEFT: Sleepwear/lingerie/swimwear label Morgan Lane Sunny 3 Face Mask Set in Multi ($48) makes masks out of leftover swimwear fabric. The masks come with their own pouch for transporting to the pool. RIGHT: I’m always having trouble with getting my mask’s elastic to stay around my ears. So maybe Mother Denim’s The Don’t Spray It 2 Pack Face Mask ($20) that wraps around the head is my solution. If they’re as great-fitting as the label’s jeans, I’m in.
ABOVE: Like florals with a vintage feel? Johnny Was’s cotton sateen 5-Pack Floral Face Masks($25, Saks Fifth Avenue), made from repurposed fabric, may be the face covering you covet.
LEFT: The fabrics on Jennifer Behr’s Dutch Wax Face Mask, Set of 2 ($52) were purchased from Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Dance Africa Festival. Each mask has a flexible nose wire so it sits where it should on your face. Behr is known for her gorgeous hair accessories and embellished cold-weather hats. RIGHT: These Michael Stars all-cotton Leopard Face Masks ($38) are molded for a more-perfect facial fit. Although best known for its style-savvy T-shirts, the brand has expanded into off-duty separates and dresses.
LEFT: Best known for playful leather handbags, Clare V. mixes French influences with functionality. This assorted four-pack of Bisous Face Masks ($35) is made from remnants and then embroidered with the label’s signature CV lips patch; it will be available early September. RIGHT: Exquisite fabrics, vibrant prints and detailed craftsmanship are Erdem’s claim to fame. Made from printed Italian cotton, designed for the Pre-Fall 2020 collection, the Face Mask Meadow Teal ($65) is crafted from leftover fabric, with two fabric-covered elastic straps and a removable filter, which fits into a pocket on the reverse.
LEFT: Abacaxi is the brainchild of South Asian-American designer Sheena Sood. The remnant fabric on this Cotton Face Mask with Filter Pocket ($30) varies in thickness. The denim and neon pink dot are the heaviest; the neon dobby dots and yellow gingham the thinnest. RIGHT: During the lockdown in NYC, Hillary Taylor used fabric remnants from past collections to make masks in her studio in Chinatown. Each of Collina Strada’s face masks, like this Fashion Face Mask With Bows ($100), is different from any other in the label because of limited fabric and variations therein. So you know there’ll be no one else on your block who has one.
ABOVE: Many of Nancy Pelosi’s masks (and some of her suits, too) come from Donna Lewis, a clothing boutique in Alexandria, Va. The Alfresco Women’s Mask ($22), made from up-cycled fabric, is sourced from Venice and Naples. Hand-sewn by in-house tailors, the masks come in dozens of colors and patterns.
MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale, whether through a retailer, an online store or Amazon.com.
I DON’T CLAIM to be an oenophile, I just like to drink wine. In fact, knowing the word oenophile is about as snooty as I get, wine-wise. But I know what I like, as they say, and I gotta say I like this bottle I opened a minute ago, enough to tell you all about it. It’s a merlot from the Chalone Vineyard in California’s Monterey County, made in 2007. It is fabulous, dahling. The label says it is “soft yet full-bodied, with rich cherry flavors and aromas enhanced by hints of oak vanilla.” See, I never would have thought of that. I think it tastes delish, and is actually quite indescribable, but trust me: when it’s in your mouth, you’re happy. In fact, I keep it there for a minute before I swallow because it tastes so good. (That must be the oenophile in me.)
I am not one to drink cheap wine, and because my husband bought this bottle I have no idea how much it cost—could have been 12 bucks or 20. We rarely have a better bottle, unless someone died or Jim Z. brought it. Jim Z. is a friend of my husband who is deeply, severely and seriously into wine. When he brings us some, it’s special. Like $65 worth of special, which means we’ll never, ever have it again. But if you like affordable red wine, go out and get some of this Chalone Vineyard Merlot. I can’t say that it’s perky or too pushy or insouciant or anything at all other than “delish,” which is not even a real word, I know. I guess I’m not much competition for my husband’s friend’s blog—different friend—which is called Wine Zag. You should check it out (Wine Zag) if you go in for that pretentious wine talk—it’s full of that. And Adam Japko, the blogger of whom I speak, is a great guy who knows a lot about wine, and not a bit pretentious in person. It’s just that I think talking about a beverage is like reading a piano.
LIKE IT or not, FaceTiming with family and friends and Zooming with your book club, colleagues or eHarmony dates have become the norm. In our new world, we’re looking at more and more of our faces on small screens.
If you’re thinking the camera on your laptop, desktop or smart phone makes you look kind of washed out, we hear you. The Touch Up My Appearance option under Zoom’s video setting retouches your display with a soft-focus feature that smoothes out lines. That helps, but there’s much more you can do for a polished appearance.
Makeup artist Shaune Hayes.
Just ask Shauné Hayes, a DC-based professional makeup artist, who calls both Tom Hanks and Nancy Pelosi clients, as well as a bevy of blushing brides. We recently chatted about her tips for looking your best on camera.
Before we even talk makeup, consider the lighting situation. If you’re not in a well-lit area, you look one-dimensional—not very flattering, says Hayes. If you can, do your Zoom call by a window with a covering so it’s not overly bright. If it’s after dark, a ring light that clips to your phone helps. Or take the shade off of a lamp for more light. In any case, make sure the light is in front of you, not behind. Your eyes should be level with the camera on the computer—you might need some books under your laptop. What you want to see is the upper chest and above.
A Zoom session is not the occasion to pile on the cosmetics. “Keep it simple; less is more in virtual appearances,” says Hayes. Don’t forget your brows. “For the most natural effect, only fill them in where they’re sparse.”
For healthy-looking skin, apply a tinted moisturizer or cc cream. And then use a concealer under the eyes or on any dark area—even on the eyelids. Avoid shiny eyeshadows, which can look brash on screen. Say yes to dewy, no to sparkly. Emphasize your eyes with mascara, but not black eyeliner. “Darker colors can come across too harsh in a virtual setting,” says Hayes.
As an alternative to blush, which “can stand out in the wrong way when not well blended,” Hayes prefers bronzer to give the face some definition and add warmth to the skin.
Finally, if you want to check the way you look the way before your video chat goes live, do as Hayes does and do a trial run on Zoom, hosting a meeting yourself.
—Janet Kelly
Below, a dozen products to bring out the most presentable you:
LEFT: Boy Brow($16, Glossier) gets a lotta love online for its brush-on creamy wax that thickens, shapes and grooms. CENTER: Full and fluffy brows look good to us, on or off camera. RIGHT: The über-fine, retractable tip on Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Brow Wiz (available in 10 shades, $23, Sephora), makes it easier to fill in spaces where brow hairs are scarce—on arches or elsewhere, with tiny strokes.
LEFT: Hayes likes Ulta house brand’s Full Coverage Liquid Concealer ($9). The price is right, too. Creamy, light and blendable, the formula includes aloe vera, tea tree oil and green tea that reduce redness. RIGHT: The Vanish Airbrush Concealer ($34, Hourglass Cosmetics) does a good job camouflaging the dark circles around my eyes and elsewhere. Using about three dots—more is too much—under each eye and blending does the trick to blur my squinty lines and brighten up the area.
LEFT: Some of us, notes Hayes, have our own natural shine, but she cautions that it doesn’t come across well on a video chat. Her go-to product for absorbing oil is translucent face powder. Ultra HD Loose Powder ($36) from Make Up For Ever is a silica-and silicon-based formula that gives a matte finish. Using too much can make you look dull and lifeless. RIGHT: Hayes keeps this RCMA No Color Powder($12, the Research Council of Makeup Artists) in her makeup artist’s kit. Apply with a fluffy brush to blur imperfections.
LEFT: Lancôme’s Skin Feels Good Hydrating Tinted Moisturizer (available in 11 shades, $35, Ulta), with moringa oil and hyaluronic acid, gives skin a dewy finish. RIGHT: A tinted moisturizer like Laura Mercier’s Natural Skin Perfector ($47, Ulta) is a go-to for someone who likes just a sheer hint of coverage for that no-makeup-makeup look. Macadamia and other oils help to get that coveted dewy look, reducing the signs of dry skin. Both these products contain a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 23 and 30, respectively.
LEFT: I recently got a sample of Milk Makeup’s Lip + Cheek Color, which I’m loving for how easy it is to blend on my face and swipe on my lips. I’m tempted to try to warm up my complexion with the label’s Matte Bronzer ($28, Sephora). Frankly, I don’t know how to contour my face, but maybe Shauné would give me some pointers. You can also use the bronzer on your body, building coverage as you apply. ABOVE RIGHT: Back in the day when “Gossip Girl” was on TV, Serena van der Woodsen’s (aka Blake Lively) eye makeup intrigued me. It looked as if she had put white eyeshadow or something in the corners of her eyes. At the time I purchased Tata Harper’s Very Highlighting ($42) cream to try to get the same effect. I just retrieved it from my cosmetics stash because of Hayes’ pro tip: Instead of putting highlighter on your cheek area, apply it in the corners of your eyes—it opens them up and makes you look more awake. BELOW RIGHT: Hayes relies on LimeLife by Alcone’s Perfect Bronzer ($24) for a warm but not glittery look that resembles a real tan.
ABOVE: For my Zoom sessions, I wear Kosas’ Weightless Lip Color ($28, Violet Grey) in rosewater, which is a neutral color very close to my own lip shade. It’s scented with sweet orange oil, reportedly a collagen booster. It’s hydrating but not shiny. So just right for my Zoom session this Thursday.
MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale, whether through a retailer, an online store or Amazon.com.
A FEW WEEKS ago I planted three little sunflower seedlings in the garden just outside my kitchen door. It was fun watching them grow, knowing that soon enough they would be giant sturdy stalks topped with cheery yellow flowers. Alas, that’s not to be; just a couple of days ago I awoke to find one of the stalks was headless. Was it the Taliban? No, just Bambi catching breakfast.
This morning I saw Bambi again, munching on the leaves of an apple tree in our backyard. I went right out there to give her a piece of my mind and she didn’t flinch. We had a staring contest, the whole time with her munching away. That really pissed me off.
Meanwhile, out in our front yard there was clear evidence that our porcupine menace from last year had returned. Broken branches, stripped of their leaves, were strewn around the base of our beautiful linden tree. He will do this daily until or unless we kill him, trap him, or he dies a natural death, none of which seem appealing to me except maybe the last one. (I wonder, can porcupines get Covid-19?)
While it’s much better than fighting traffic, country living is sometimes a pain in the ass.
THE EUROPEAN UNION has banned us from going to France—or any other member country. So, in deference to Bastille Day next Tuesday, we’ve decided to celebrate Gallic culture. Think French language, fashion, fragrance, art and the Macrons.
Here, 14 suggestions to mark the fall of the fortress on July 14, 1789.
—Janet Kelly
RIGHT: If you can’t go to Paris, get to know the city with My Little Paris. Delivered two or three times a week, the e-mail gives you the insider’s scoop on the best bistros, sample sales, rooftop bars, custom-made fragrances. A recent issue mapped out favorite finds for the tastes of summer—pistachio ice cream, gazpacho, Greek salad, ceviche. One possible problem—you need to read French. LEFT: But if you want to learn French—right from your phone—try out Duolingo, a language-learning website and mobile app. The site uses flashcards and multiple-choice questions to drill you on new words, phrases and sentences. Don’t expect fluency, just some familiarity.
ABOVE: Every Friday since mid-April the Frick Collection has invited viewers for happy hour as a Frick curator (remotely) offers insights on a work of art with a complementary cocktail (it’s BYO to this virtual event). About a month or so ago, on the YouTube “Cocktails with a Curator” series, chief curator Xavier F. Salomon discussed the life and work of French painter François Boucher. The focus was on “A Lady on Her Daybed,” a portrait of an 18th-century stylish woman in her up-to-date, fashionable home. The complementary cocktail suggested—the potent French 75, reputed to have the same effect on you as the powerful French 75mm field gun.
LEFT: A blazer is one of a French woman’s wardrobe essentials. Just ask Inès de la Fressange. She’s partial to navy blue; we like white for summer. Roll up the sleeves, maybe pop the collar and wear with a relaxed attitude. Alex Mill’s cotton, unstructured Billie Blazer ($150) also comes in beige and pink. RIGHT: In Ageless Beauty the French Way: Secrets From Three Generations of French Beauty Editors, author Clémence von Mueffling offers tips from top beauty experts on how to cleanse your face (do it twice), give yourself a pedicure, apply makeup, wash your hair (use a small amount of shampoo) and choose a perfume. There are also plenty of product recommendations, Glossier Boy Brow and By Terry Glow-Expert Duo Stick, among them.
LEFT: Set the scene for an elegant garden party. A tabletop essential: this Provence Lavender Blue Tablecloth (69-by-69-inches, $235, RH Ballard), a French jacquard that’s been coated with a matte-finish acrylic on one side that makes it a snap to sponge off the Pastis and such. Complete the picture with a game of pétanque. RIGHT: Le Specs is actually an Australian sunglass brand, despite the “Le” in its name and what looks like a French flag on its website. What we admire are the label’s bold styles and affordable prices. Like these Beautiful Stranger Sunglasses ($48.30, Shopbop) with cat-eye shaped tortoiseshell frames.
ABOVE: Vive les Macrons! He (and his government) beat Covid-19 in France—better than most of his neighbors. She’s a grown-up girl, and she looks terrific in clothes. But best of all, they have the most romantic love story. So very French.
LEFT: Before Hermès’s Birkin Bag in the ‘80s, there was Jane Birkin’s straw bag, which she reportedly carried everywhere in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. It’s still a summer staple. Stuff this French Market Straw Basket (21-by-13.7 inches, $49, Etsy) with supplies for your socially distant picnic. RIGHT: Every French girl has a marinière (a long-sleeved cotton shirt with horizontal stripes) in her closet. Once the traditional top of Breton fishermen, this simple style was popularized by the likes of Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, Picasso and Chanel. Pair with a solid-colored (denim, white, red, etc.) or even a patterned bottom. Accessorize up or down. Made of 100 percent cotton jersey, the Saint James Authentic Breton Stripe Shirt comes in 15 different stripe combinations.
ABOVE: Made for the quintessential French woman, Brigitte Bardot, ballerinas are Maison Repetto’s signature. Feel like a dancer in these black patent leather High Cendrillon Ballerinas ($325). So many colors to choose from. Ooh-la-la.
LEFT: Slightly cropped with a faded wash, Levi’s straight-leg Wedgie Icon Jeans ($98, Shopbop) are a timeless, French-approved wardrobe basic. CENTER: I love that this Chanel CC Cream Super Active Correction Complete Sunscreen SPF 50 ($50, Nordstrom) not only helps my skin look more hydrated and smooth (it contains hyaluronic acid) but that it also contains a broad spectrum SPF 50, eliminating the need for another product. Woo-hoo or however you say that in French. RIGHT: Each one in this Pique-Nique Melamine Set of 4 Appetizer Plates ($15.56, Sur La Table) has a different French phrase. They’re dishwasher-safe. Très bien.
MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale, whether through a retailer, an online store or Amazon.com.
LEFT: Breezy blouses are on our list for this summer’s sizzle. Did you know that July 2019 was the hottest month on record since 1880? Even if we’re not venturing far from home, loosey-goosey cuts in linen and cotton offer plenty of breathing room. The navy-and-white abstract pattern on Cos Stores’ Wide Printed Cotton Shirt($115) reads cool. If it’s a tad too generous for some, the same print is available on an above-the-knee A-line shirt dress. RIGHT: For looking crisp while feeling wilted, nothing beats classic stripes. The ruffled wide arm holes on A.P.C.’s linen-blend Zita T-Shirt(reduced from $125 to $62.50) give the otherwise preppy top a shot of femininity.
ABOVE: I’ve been obsessed by this eyewear ever since I saw my friend Irina looking like a starlet in these pink Claudia Sunglasses last week. She told me the brand name was Glare and that she had bought them in a store in Spain last spring. I scoured the web until I found the label’s website. It turns out they’re made in Italy (certo!). I’ve sent Glare an e-mail to find out if there’s anywhere remotely near me they’d be available—you can’t buy them online. I haven’t heard back. BTW, they also come in blue, beige, yellow and tortoise shell.
LEFT: White is my go-to summer color. Which is why Clare V.’s Bateau Tote Bag (on sale for $159.60, Shopbop) in poppy red and navy woven raffia appeals to me, accent-wise-speaking. Also, I find I’m lugging more stuff around lately—an extra mask, a face shield (see below), hand sanitizer and latex gloves, along with my usual suspects. I can’t cram them all into my crossbody bag. CENTER: I bought True Botanicals’ Vitamin C Booster ($90) for dark spots, wrinkles and overall brightening on the strength of a beauty podcast I heard a month or so ago. Also, my dermatologist, who pooh-poohs most new products, likes ones that contain Vitamin C. Because this one comes in a powder form, it’s supposed to have a longer shelf life. (True Botanicals recently offered a 15-20% site wide discount, so I sprang for it.) RIGHT: I would make this Oversized Brim Straw Visor (Cos Stores, $45) part of my going-out pandemic outfit. With masks and sunglasses and maybe a shield (see below), I think visors might be easier to navigate—they don’t obstruct your vision as much as a floppy hat. Made from paper (hmm), it’s fitted with an adjustable rear strap and an interior sweat band, which should come in handy in the heat.
LEFT: I love wearing white in summer—I know I mentioned that already. White jackets and/or white sweaters go with everything and protect shoulders come cool evenings or in overly air-conditioned spaces (not so much a threat this summer with offices, theaters, et al. shuttered). I know I could find excuses to wear this Sandra Utility Jean Jacket ($119, final sale, Goop). It’s loose-fitting enough to wear over button-downs and knits. Thumbs-up for a hem that hits at a flattering point below the hips and details like patch pockets and faux-horn buttons. It would instantly dress up a ratty tee before a last-minute Zoom. RIGHT: Shield Our Heroes NYC began making protective plastic face coverings to combat the shortage of PPE at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. As the virus in New York has stabilized, they’re still providing shields to front-line health care workers—and now they’re available to the public. A pack of five face shields is $19.95. As protests against racism continue around the country, you can also order lettered face shields (see photo) for $10.95 each.
—Janet Kelly
MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale, whether through a retailer, an online store or Amazon.com.
I ONCE read a quote from somebody famous who said, “Life is lived in the coincidences.” (I already Googled it and couldn’t find who said it so don’t bother.) If that’s true, I experienced one early today, so I guess I’m alive.
I was out for my daily (unless it’s raining or snowing) almost-three-miles walk. This being allergy season in Maine, I was extremely sniffly the whole time. In fact, the feeling that I was about to sneeze all but ruined my ability to quiet my mind and enjoy the beautiful day. My nose itched—a lot. I’d be sure the sneeze was coming, waited for it, and then it didn’t.
I tried to ignore the feeling and pay full attention to the music coming through my headphones. Today, as always, it was the 1966 Beach Boys album, Pet Sounds. According to Wikipedia, despite its cool reception here in the US, in Great Britain the album soared to the top of the charts and stayed there for six months. “Pet Sounds attracted recognition for its ambitious recording and sophisticated music. It is widely considered to be among the most influential albums in the history of music.”Despite the distraction of the music, that annoying need-to-sneeze stayed with me until my walk was nearly over. Finally it came out, and it was a big one. With the sound of it still ringing in my ears, a car passed by slowly, bearing the vanity plate “ACHOO.”
Clockwise from left to right: Everlane’s Day Heel, Crocs’ Mary Jane, Ara’s Vivian Black Suede Block Heel, Papillo’s wedge sandal.
IF YOU’RE about to kiss your Manolos goodbye (or at least put their soles to rest for a while), you’re in step with the pandemic times.
So says an article in The Washington Post last week about five changes market research analysts are seeing in how consumers are rethinking their spending on beauty products, clothing and shoes.
False eyelashes (yes, really) topped their list, with steadily increasing sales successive each week during the month of May. Game to try? Up to you. However, if you find them impossibly finicky to put on—the drugstore variety—or ridiculously expensive—the salon application, sales of mascara and eyebrow products grew, too, as consumers focused on emphasizing eyes, the only feature you can see above protective face coverings. Instead of trendy items, retailers expect us to return to basics, purchasing wardrobe evergreens like T-shirts and classic jeans. Analysts think athletic and casual attire will be the norm for back-to-office wear. While the conventional thinking is that hemlines go down during recessions, not this go-round. Shorter skirts and dresses are coming back. Mon dieu!
We can talk about those changes in the following weeks, but now let’s get back to shoes. High-heel sales have been wobbling for several years now, but in view of the virus atmosphere offering few excuses (no theater or concerts to attend, no fancy soirees, not a dinner party in sight) to don a dress and heels, sales are down even further. Sneakers are everywhere; there’s a style to suit everyone, and we’ve been wearing them with everything. During the few months we’ve spent sheltering in place, slipper sales have surged, particularly for cozy, fur-lined options. And, love ’em or hate ’em, Crocs are back. For now and the foreseeable future, comfortable footwear rules. But our advice is don’t ditch those high heels yet. Fashion is fickle—and cyclic. Just as hemlines rise and fall, you can bet those heels will have a comeback.
—Janet Kelly
For the moment, though, some super-comfy styles to slip into:
All Birds are like the Prius of sneakers—a little clunky, but eco-friendly with renewable materials (eucalyptus tree fiber), a carbon-neutral footprint and are beloved by celebrities like Cindy Crawford and Jennifer Garner. We like the more streamlined look of these Tree Breezers($95). They come in 15 different colors and color combinations. And they’re washable, too.
Everlane brags that you’ll want to walk in their Day Heel ($145) all damn day. The ballet-inspired silhouette, a two-inch block heel and an elasticized back combine comfort with style and ensure you’re steady on your feet. Available in leather in six colors and in suede in three.
NEAR RIGHT: Although Papillo’s Lana Sandal ($119.95, Nordstrom) is made by Birkenstock, offering the much-loved contoured cork footbed with arch support, this refined, strappy wedge sandal is the minimalist’s answer to the brand’s more orthopedic styles. FAR RIGHT: I admit it; I’m flummoxed by the appeal of the classic Croc clog, which pretty much dispenses with the line of the foot. The label’s new Lite-Ride™ Mary Jane($54.99) looks a whole lot softer and flexible, and stretchy straps in front and back ensure they’ll stay on your feet.
Loafers may fall into the category of dress shoes for some, but for me, they’re a feel-good staple. About 10 years ago, I bought a pair of navy suede tasseled loafers at a Massimo Dutti store in Milan. I have yet to find a replacement I like as much, but this old-fashioned-looking Paul Green Becca Loafer ($355, Nordstrom) is in the running. I’m particularly partial to that sporty lugged sole. This is a pricey pair, yes, but I have proven that you can get miles of wear from a good-looking loafer.
Ugg’s Oh Yeah Slide ($100) may just be the pandemic’s quintessential footwear, combining slipper and sandal into a cozy statement shoe for indoors or out (it has a rubber outsole). What could be more comforting than your feet swaddled in soft sheepskin. Color choices include coral, mint, turquoise and sulfur yellow. I’m undecided about whether I’d wear these outside of the confines of my home. Worth a try combining with white jeans or a midi dress.
With plenty of room for toes to wiggle, these Ara Vivian pumps ($122.99, Zappos) with a block heel, cushy footbed and rubber outsole are a shoe-in for my closet. They look a lot like the much more expensive Arche shoes that are a favorite of some of my favorite New Yorkers. Black-suede pumps have always been the workhorse in my shoe stable, and these have a must-buy written all over them.
NEAR RIGHT: Thanks go to my savvy-shopper friend for alerting me to High-Everyday Couture, a design label that bills itself as having a “romantic and eclectic aesthetic” geared to “the seriously creative professional.” Despite that pompous-sounding description, I found some of the most imaginative, fun clothing I’ve seen in a long time on the site. For comfort and great style, it would be hard to beat this Radical High Tech Sneaker ($636), basically a pull-on sock in a textured knit with a wedge heel with a fit you can adjust with criss-cross cords pulled over the front. FAR RIGHT: My terrific Pilates instructor who’s quite knowledgeable when it comes to feet, gives the thumbs-up to Xero sneakers for their wide toe box that lets your toes spread, splay and function naturally. The brand’s HFSLightweight Road Running Shoe ($109.99) only weighs about 6 ounces (per foot), enough to forget you have them on. The shoes come with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.
MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale, whether through a retailer, an online store or Amazon.com.
ABOUT TWO months ago, our dishwasher started making a terrible sound when it was running. This was new; usually it was very quiet. But suddenly it sounded like a cow in labor. Really, the machine started to moo. It was dreadful to hear, and it made you want to put the poor thing out of its misery. But it kept on running, and the dishes got clean, so we just tolerated it as best we could, since we never thought about it once it stopped.
Then about ten days ago, our clothes dryer, normally very quiet, started clacking and clanging like a San Francisco trolley car. I fully expected it to explode, or shoot through the roof of the house, or something dire like that. But again, it continued to work and the clothes got dry, so we let it go and concentrated on surviving the pandemic.
But finally I had had enough, and a couple of days ago set about finding an appliance repairman. I made several calls and left messages detailing the problems with the dishwasher and the dryer. Eventually I got a call back and the repairman was very helpful. He explained what each noise might be, and said that in both instances it would be cheaper to just get new appliances since the costs of repair were quite high, and not really worth the investment in machines several years old. He said to run them until they broke completely, and be ready to replace them. I reported this news to my husband and we agreed that was the best course of action.
All of these conversations took place within earshot of both machines. Today, for the first time since deciding they had to go, I ran them both. Neither one made a sound; both worked perfectly, just like in the old days.
WE FIRST wrote about face masks at the beginning of April when the CDC had just recommended “wearing a nonmedical cloth face covering as a voluntary health measure.” It’s hard to believe, but three months later, a mask (or three) is a must-buy purchase. But just because it’s a necessity doesn’t mean it has to be ho-hum. It might even be an artwork, like those designed by Ai Weiwei. In a collaboration with eBay, the artist and activist is selling limited-edition protective masks created in his Berlin studio. The cloth masks in the sale feature silk-screened images designed by Ai, including a defiant middle finger (related to his campaign for free speech), sunflower seeds and mythological Chinese figures. All proceeds from the sales go toHuman Rights Watch, Refugees International and Doctors Without Borders. Michele Pred, another artist and activist, originally designed the Art of Equal Pay face mask as part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness of the gender pay gap. Post-Covid 19 outbreak, a signed, numbered edition of 200 “Art of Equal Pay” masks, are for sale, with 10 percent of the proceeds going toward relief efforts.
If not art itself, the nine different coronavirus masks the Detroit Institute of Arts’ (DIA) online store is selling are images of works of art—five of which are in the museum’s collection. Each fine-art mask costs $24.95, most of which goes to support the museum. If you want to order one, though, you have to wait until early July, according to an e-mail MyLittleBird received from the museum. (Their initial run of several hundred sold out in an hour.)
When Cambridge, England’s Fitzwilliam Museum temporarily closed in March 2020, the 200-year-old institution imagined how some of the subjects in its paintings would protect themselves during lockdown. Its “Masterpieces 2020” edition features five well-known portraits with added masks that are being sold as greeting cards to support the museum during lockdown. Clever, no? Also, across the pond, British contemporary fashion label Colville has invited leading fine contemporary artists and fashion illustrators to customize a mask to raise funds for a children’s charity.
In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, art from each of the Baton Rouge Gallery’s 65 members is featured on masks intended to help slow the spread of Covid-19 as well as support local art. The masks cost $25, a percentage of which goes directly to the artist whose work is on the mask. And, in San Francisco, Open Editions, which makes wholesale artist goods for museum shops across the country, began making masks for friends with leftover fabric. When the founders realized there was a growing demand, they scaled up production, enlisting five artists to create prints and sending the fabric to its out-of-work sewers for construction. Open Editions is donating one mask to a nonprofit for each one sold.
It’s looking like it’s going to be a long, hot (in many ways) summer. Why not put on an artsy face?
—Janet Kelly
ABOVE: Artist Ai Weiwei’s “Shanhaijing” Series (set of four masks) is $300 on eBay’s giving platform, eBay for Charity. Sales will continue through June 27.
LEFT: A black-and-white mask version of The Scream by Edvard Munch. CENTER: A face mask inspired by Piet Mondrian’s Composition.RIGHT: This face mask features a detail from Claude Monet’s Rounded Flower Bed (Corbeille de Fleurs), which is in the Detroit Institute of Arts collection. All hand sewn, the masks ($24.95) are 100% cotton with reinforced stitching, machine washable and come with a bendable metal nose bridge and pocket for an insertable filter. Unfortunately, they are not available to order until early July at the Detroit Institute of Arts Museum Shop.
ABOVE: A greeting card that takes inspiration from Titian’s Renaissance masterpiece, “Venus and Cupid With a Lute Player,” and updates it for 2020. Fitzwilliam Museum Shop, Cambridge, England.
ABOVE: A Baton Rouge Gallery face mask with artwork by Katrina Andry. Andry, who lives and works in New Orleans, explores how negative stereotypes affect the lives of black people and how these stereotypes lead to biased laws and ideologies in our society.
ABOVE: “The Eye Opener” by Cecilia Carlstedt is one of the face masks that will be auctioned off (bids starting at £100) until noon (EDT) on June 21 at Fashion Illustration Gallery.
ABOVE: An “Art of Equal Pay” mask by Michele Pred costs $32. She has said she thinks of her masks as a functional medical supply.
ABOVE: A set of two 100% cotton, double-layer face coverings, designed by Stephanie Syjuco, is $28 at Open-Editions. Syjuco, who works in photography and sculpture, is a 2019/2020 Smithsonian Artist Research Fellow at the National Museum of American History in Washington DC.
MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale, whether through a retailer, an online store or Amazon.com.
THE MAJOR thing wrong with this pandemic, besides all the deaths and horrible suffering, is being stuck at home with your inner child. Oh relax, I’m not making light of a dire situation, it’s just that after all is taken from you, funny is what’s left.
Anyway, for me, the major thing wrong, besides the death and suffering, is being stuck alone with the brat who shares my body. Sure, my husband is at home but he’s working all day and I hardly see him more than I saw him when he was traveling around the country. And I see my friends who live locally not at all, and the ones who live far away are out of my reach until God knows when, Zoomtinis notwithstanding. So all day it’s just me and my cat, and to be honest he’s not much of a conversationalist. Besides, Lurch only wants me for what I can do for him: Brush his fur, feed him, clean his litter box, give him treats and be his comfy bed, and I do mean be the bed, which for me is not comfy at all. (If you have a cat you can relate.)
So I’m here with her all day and I’m not liking it. Mostly because she has stopped going to the gym and started eating out of control. And once again I must say that being fat, or at least feeling fat, sucks. She has also stopped getting professional haircuts and so every day chops off a little more, at random and without benefit of a rear view mirror. We now have what I call the Convicted Felon Bob.
I keep telling myself: Make friends with all your parts since we have no idea how long this will last. Stop smoking, lose the weight, don’t be a drunk, etc., etc. It’s much more fun being in solitary confinement with someone you actually like.
LET’S CONSIDER our feet for a moment. It must be their favorite time of year, don’t you think? The 10 little piggies can come out and play, freed from the confines of closed-toe shoes. And there are so many summer sandals to choose from: Crunchy, sporty-looking options (yep, Birkenstocks, Tevas and the like), reinvented with feminine flourishes; styles that show off ankles with skinny ties or fabric wraps, slip-on slides with a retro vibe, even flip-flops with heels. Imagine that.
So, without further ado, here are our 13 suggestions for a footloose, if not care-free, summer.
—Janet Kelly
SLIDE IT ON
The minimalist’s answer to footwear this summer.
TOP: My problem with slides is they often slip too easily off my feet. Everlane’s buttery-soft Day Crossover Sandal ($98) with double-folded criss-cross straps could be the solution, plus add comfort sans chafing. The sandal’s square-toe shape, in vogue this summer, gives toes plenty of wriggling room. If the embossed snake look doesn’t appeal, choose from six other colors. CENTER: Want to be cool around the pool? Tel Aviv label Freedom Moses sells juicy colors, prints and eco-minded principles (shoes are recyclable). These synthetic rubber Two Band Slides ($45, Shopbop), with their snappy black-and-white checkered design, are waterproof and nonslip. Plus they’re scented with honey. BOTTOM: The fabric on these Burkina Stripe Slides ($285, Farfetch) from eco-friendly, Black-owned business Brother Vellies is handwoven in Burkina Faso in local patterns by a community of female weavers and then finished in Ethiopia with a handmade leather lining and sole. Pair them with white jeans and/or a throw-on dress.
GET SPORTY
In 1984, a river rafting guide who wanted to keep his flip-flops from falling off his feet, created Teva’s Velcro sandals. The shoes, which represent adventurousness, have now stepped into everyday style.
LEFT: Loeffler Randall’s Maisie Sport Sandals ($136.50, Shopbop) interpret the classic with Velcro straps in dark-wash denim, topped off with a bow. RIGHT: Another fresh look on the sporty girl’s shoe, Arizona Love’s Trekky Bandana Sandals ($185, Shopbop) make a fun fashion statement with colorful bandana trim. Wear both styles to socially distanced backyard get-togethers.
TOP: The Madrid Big Buckle ($130), a refined Birkenstock, wins our hearts in jade green. In case that’s sold out, though, there’s also black, lavender and cognac. Arch support, an anatomically shaped cork footbed, toe grip and a narrow fit add to our admiration. CENTER: Japanese designer’s Toga Pulla Metal Grommet Buckle Sandal ($273, Shopbop) combines her love for the American West with traditional Asian elements. BOTTOM: Channel the ’60s, courtesy of a Dr. Scholl’s and Kate Spade New York collaboration. The whimsical Falling Flower Slide Sandal (40 percent off $130 with code SUMMER40) features Dr. Scholl’s much-loved contoured footbed and durable sole; the new spade studs are the label’s finishing flourish.
IT’S A WRAP
Lace-up sandals continue to be a style do for summer 2020. I’m personally a fan, although they do require a little effort and ankles on the trim side.
LEFT: Time for a lift? Tie on these Ganni Bow Wraparound Sandals($345, Saks Fifth Avenue). The oversize Minnie-Mouse front bow is balanced by the square-shaped, angled kitten heels, square toes and fabric ankle tie. I’d like these best with a dress. RIGHT: Influenced by the Greek gods, myths and sculpture, Christina Martini and Nikolas Minoglou founded Ancient Greek Sandals, which are handmade with leather that gets softer as it ages. Rest your heels and go flat with the brand’s Persida style ($305, Shopbop) with its flash of glimmery, gold-tone beads. We think Circe would approve.
GO FLIP-FLOP
Love ’em or leave ’em. You know who you are. But do trade in the flip flops you used to bring to your pedicure for something a little chicer.
TOP: Way more posh than your favorite flip-flops, Staud’s Rio Flip Flops ($150, Shopbop) pamper your feet with zebra-print padded straps and a lizard-embossed footbed. The rubber heel patch on the sole ensures you don’t slip and slide. CENTER: Your toes will thank you for the wiggle room in Mango’s squared-toe Flat Croc Sandal ($27.99). And the hot-orange hue makes a high-octane accent. BOTTOM: Flip flops for dress-up night? Say yes to Schutz’s Leopard-Print Patent Leather Thong Sandals ($160, Saks) with kitten heels!
MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale, whether through a retailer, an online store or Amazon.com.
IT’S TOO darn hot (or it soon will be) for sweats or leggings. Is there a better replacement for those lounge-y clothes than a dress—when the temperature skyrockets? It’s a one-and-done piece of clothing, a total outfit, so you look put together, minimal thought and effort required. No need to obsess about what to wear with it except which pair of sandals or sneakers you prefer. Just stumble out of bed in the morning and throw it on.
The keys to the style: loose-fitting, forgiving and comfortable. As for fabric, lightweight and sturdy ones like linen, cotton and silk work best. The dress may be throw on but you won’t want to toss it. The ideal summer frock should last for several seasons.
We’ve been browsing for perfectly comfy—and pretty—warm-weather dresses. Scroll down for some of our favorite ones. And when you find one you like, don’t dawdle. They’re selling out quickly.
—Janet Kelly
LEFT: It may be 101 degrees in the shade, but imagine how cool you’ll look when you slip into Ayr’s crisp linen-blend Sunset Dress ($325, Shopbop) with its tidy, nautical stripes. Feel the breeze through the maxi dress’s side slits. Pair with sandals and a stack of bracelets. CENTER: When, like now, the world is too much with you, try some whimsical relief —Marni’s loose, midi Brush Stroke Dress ($245, reduced from $490, Farfetch)— to lighten the day. RIGHT: Kule’s preppy, cream-and-navy Tank Dress ($168, Shopbop) in cotton jersey is comfy and care-free. Wear with everything from summer slides to sneakers. Don’t forget—wash it in cold water.
LEFT: Cos Stores is known for their basic, utilitarian clothing. But besides being practical (yay, pockets), this Belted Organic Cotton Denim Dress ($125) has a stylish edge with its waist-defining belt, slight A-line fit and perky, pointed collar. Plus, it’s tailored enough for a work-related Zoom. RIGHT: An unexpected but welcome departure from Eileen Fisher’s New York City-psychologist style, this relaxed Brushstroke Silk & Cotton Midi shift ($278, Saks Fifth Avenue) looks dreamy. Availability limited, sigh.
LEFT: We love the swingy tiered design of Roberta Roller Rabbit’s Valley Floral Pamela Dress ($138). Whether you’re beach- or street-bound, this lightweight cotton chemise will keep you comfortable through the simmer of summer days. CENTER: We’re betting this Frilled Belt Dress ($69.99, Mango) will sell out when it becomes available: it’s “estimated to ship in eight days,” according to Mango’s website. It’s no-fuss but with a ruffle of fun. (It will also be available in red.) RIGHT: A small, family-owned business, Emerson Fry focuses on the limited production of its pieces, such as this Francina Caftan ($178), which reminds me of the “house dress,” although a reinvented one—with gold lurex stripes. For a more fitted look, tighten the hidden interior waist tie.
ABOVE: CP Shades clothing epitomizes laid-back California style. Although the company ships everywhere, their only standalone stores are in the northern and southern parts of the state. Made for the hottest, sweatiest days, this mid-calf length Tasha V-neck Tank Dress ($260) in textured linen is available in white and marine. NB: The white looks as if it might be more see-through.
LEFT: For those who like more coverage for either sun protection or camouflage, BB Dakota’s midi Floral Dress ($110, Carabella) offers lots to like—an elastic waist, elbow-length sleeves and pockets. RIGHT: I’m not sure why but I’m a sucker for the billowy styles that populated spring 2020 runways. They just look as if they’d be so blessedly airy on a hot day. Co’s Tiered Cotton Dress ($595, also available in neutral beige, Moda Operandi) appeals for that reason. I also like that it’s narrower on top and then poufs out so you won’t look like a tent when you wear it.
LEFT: Xirena’s sunny Cate Dress ($285, Shopbop) is unfortunately out of stock. Made from breathable (and easily packable if you happen to be leaving town) gauze, with an adjustable belt and twirlable length. The similar Caylin dress ($286) in white is available on the Xirena site. CENTER: This Alice Pocket Shirt Dress ($549, Shopbop) by Australian designer Lee Mathews, looks much like one of the fab Dior dresses Tilda Swinton wore in the hot Mediterranean setting of the film “A Bigger Splash.” Oversize, made of stretchy cotton and in sky blue, I feel the cool just looking at it. RIGHT: You could wear this silky cotton Joni Dress ($386, Shopbop), another from Xirena, all day, and say you were going to a restaurant (well, maybe) for dinner, the only thing you might want to change would be from your flat slides to a strappy heel.
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CERTAINLY BY now we all realize this is not going away anytime soon, so it’s best to stop the binge eating, binge drinking, binge gaming and binge Netflixing and grab ourselves by the collar and shake some sense into ourselves. Possibly a slap in the face is called for as well, either by our own washed hand or that of a willing friend or family member. The time has come to seize the pandemic, for this too shall pass and what will you have to show for it — an extra 15 pounds and an alcohol problem?
This is not an original thought but one stolen from my son, who worried that he was not seizing his pandemic but instead squandering it on senseless activities when he could be creating a stockpile of his handmade products he will need once his business starts up again. I related to his observation immediately, thinking of all the wasted hours I could have used to make great art, or at the very least clean my house from top to bottom, instead of alternating between playing Words With Friends and sobbing.
While Covid-19 is robbing some people of their lives and others the ability to do anything but struggle for their next breath, we the uninfected have been given the gift of time. Time to fill with activities that surpass our usual running around with friends, going out to dinner and a show, traveling to foreign countries and rock-climbing aboard cruise ships. Instead we can finally read Moby Dick or learn a foreign language or take up knitting or paint the bedroom or master the art of meditation or clean the basement or work out and get stronger than we were before. Find your inner power and seize your pandemic, while you still can.
LEFT: Sleepwear/lingerie/swimwear label Morgan Lane 
ABOVE: I’ve been obsessed by this eyewear ever since I saw my friend Irina looking like a starlet in these pink 
