Life’s a little different right now--but that doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. These 15 items and lessons will help improve your home-centric life. You don’t have to be in quarantine to enjoy these.
Adding little touches of beauty and color into your every day life will help you to relax and enjoy the space around you no matter where you are right now.
Each of the items on the list are from amazing small businesses, local and abroad.
1. Your new Go-To Tee Shirt
Namaste Tee Shirt from Deanna Kei
Namaste Tee Shirt by Deanna Kei
One serious flaw you might have noticed about your wardrobe during quarantine is that you don’t own enough Tee Shirts! These days when you’re working at home, going for a short walk outside, or making a quick run for groceries chances are you’re not reaching into your closet for a chiffon maxi dress--you’re looking for a tee.
I’m a strong believer that you need to dress up to show up, even when you’re stuck at home. For a tee just being comfortable isn’t enough. It has to be chic too!
This Namaste Yoga Girl design was inspired by the outdoor Yoga classes in Bryant Park. It will help you stay zen whether you’re doing yoga in the park, or you wish you were.
It’s flexible for home work outs or lounge wear, running errands, or going for a jog – and cute enough for a spontaneous zoom chat!
100% Cotton *The heather colors are blended Cotton.
Available in different colors and both Women’s and Men’s sizes through the link below
Namaste Tee Shirt by Deanna Kei
*GFTD ORG artist
2. Mouth covered? This Face Mask speaks for you
HoboLux Face Mask Cover - Maddie Munson
Designer Face Masks by Hobolux
Lets face it: Face Masks are now an essential part of our every day style. So why not have fun with it and accessorize! Upgrade your look with a cool designer mask that’s full of attitude.
Each mask is handmade in NY by Hobolux’s designer Maddie Munson
These mask covers are washable, and have an inside slot to insert a medical mask. They Ship worldwide. There are a bunch of cute designs in the shop or you can opt to have your mask customized to fit your style.
Designer Face Masks by Hobolux
*GFTD ORG artist
3. Give your space a Style refresh
Robin Zachary, The Prop Styling Experience
Styling Lessons with Robin Zachary, Creator of The Prop Styling Experience
Now is the best time to try out something new! If you’re looking for a way to improve your skills and your living space, The Prop Styling Experience is perfect. It’s a series of remote prop styling classes that will teach you how to work with your surroundings to create visual displays that enhance your space. Being able to create beautiful and soothing layouts is especially valuable at this time when so many of us are confined to our inside spaces.
You’ll also learn how to style and improve your photos for social media or your portfolio. Courses are available for all different skill levels and you can choose between an online group session or a 1-on-1 session. The Prop Styling Experience is taught by renown Stylist and Editor, Robin Zachary. (Her credentials include Contributing Home Editor for Bridal Guide Magazine!)
*I’ve taken one of her zoom courses I’d recommend it to anyone who’s ready to learn.
Check out the link below for this week’s course schedule and to stay updated on new additions.
Styling Lessons with Robin Zachary, Creator of The Prop Styling Experience
4. Level Up your Makeup Game
@SarikaMehtaMakeupArtist
Makeup Lessons with Sarika Mehta, Makeup Artist
Whether you’re looking to hone your Makeup skills for your big post-quarantine debut, or show off a bold new eye catching look on your next video chat; this is the Make Up course you won’t want to miss.
Sarika is a skilled professional makeup artist (who’s created looks for Published Editorials, Weddings, and Personal Clients alike). She’s sharing her expansive knowledge of all things makeup through online classes so you can learn from your home!
You can choose between one-on-one classes, or do a group class with your friends. (*A group class would be amazing for a distance birthday party!) Choose a look and she’ll show you how to recreate it for yourself! After the class you’ll receive a certificate with a full list of all the products used in the lesson. *Classes are taught over zoom or through instagram. $85CAD per class
To inquire about a class, contact Sarika through her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarikamehtamakeupartist/
5. Get your thoughts together in style
Deanna Kei - ‘Extra Style’ Fashion Illustrated Spiral Note Book
Illustrated Hard Cover Journal by Deanna Kei
Being stuck inside isn’t ideal but the up side to all of this is more time for learning and exploring your own creativity. If for you that means more time writing, drawing, creating new recipes, or taking classes; you’re going to need a place to organize your thoughts.
The cover Illustration tells it like it is: Aren’t we all going to dress extra fabulously when we can finally resume normal life again?
The inside pages are blank and ready to be filled with your own notes, musings and drawings.
This Hard Cover journal measures 5" x 7". It’s durable and lightweight, with 128 pages of 90gsm paper .
You can choose from either Lined pages (if you’re a writer) or Unlined (if you’re a doodler.)
Illustrated Hard Cover Journal by Deanna Kei
*GFTD ORG artist
6. Treat yourself to a little sparkle
Rose Quartz Adjustable Bracelet by Irina Jewelry NYC
Rose Quartz adjustable bracelet by Irina Jewelry NY
The dilemma: wanting to look super cute as you wave to your friends from 6 feet away. The solution: A beautiful gemstone bracelet that was designed and handmade in NYC.
The Irina Jewelry New York Collection takes a simple and minimalist approach which is especially soothing during this global chaos. Each design has a refreshing, calming quality to it and is crafted from stones possessing special properties.
The pictured Rose Quartz Adjustable Bracelet features a beautiful metal heart charm. Each bracelet is strung by hand and you can select from different sizes for the perfect fit.
Rose Quartz adjustable bracelet by Irina Jewelry New York
*GFTD ORG artist
7. An Ode to your pre-quarantine (and post-quarantine style)!
Personalized Fashion Portrait by Deanna Kei
Hand drawn Digital Fashion Print of Yourself by Deanna Kei
Maybe you’ve swapped out your favorite outfit for some sweats temporarily, but here’s a way to stay stylish and motivated: A custom fashion print of yourself in your favorite outfit. Hang it on your studio wall, set it as your lock screen – keep it as a reminder of just how fabulous you are!, (even if your style is on pause at this “stay at home” time).
Send your friend a digital distance -birthday gift they can print at home: Their own fashion portrait.
Each Illustration is hand drawn while looking at reference photos you’ll submit. There’s no limit to the outfits you can have your sketch wear! --If you know someone who unfortunately is missing a Graduation or a Prom this year, you can also have them sketched in their would-be Robe or Gown as a special gift.
Hand drawn Digital Fashion Print of Yourself by Deanna Kei
*GFTD ORG artist
8. Reinvigorate your home space
Himalayan Samadhi Quartz Crystal - MoonCatCrystals.com
Himalayan Samadhi Quartz Crystal from Moon Cat Crystals
Your home space could use some rejuvenation and love. It’s been there for you this whole time, after all! Whether you’re looking to bring some crystal energy into your life, or if you just love decorating with pretty stones, this hand picked Himalayan Samadhi Quartz is a gorgeous choice.
Its unique shape and beautiful natural coloring makes it the perfect accent for your desk, the table near your window or bed, or the shelf above your yoga spot.
Each of the crystals from MoonCatCrystals.com is carefully curated and chosen by hand. Visit the site to check out the rest of the collection.
Himalayan Samadhi Quartz Crystal from Moon Cat Crystals
9. Let your house plants do the talking
Angry Planter by Letters From Aubrey
3” Angry Planter by LettersFromAubrey
Indoor plants are the new ‘outside’! (They’re not a replacement for the outside world—but they’re a top contender.) Have you been filling your space with some extra greenery lately? If you haven’t yet, after you see these adorable planters you’ll change your mind!
The ‘Angry Planter’ is full of sass. It also has perfect eyebrows! These adorable little planters are 3” tall, and completely hand made and finished with food-safe glaze so you can even use them as drinkware!
LettersFromAubrey has a ton of other expressive planters too so you can create a story with your plants!
10. You can always count on your morning cup of Coffee (or Tea!)
Blue Spring Rose Latte Mug by Deanna Kei
Blue Spring Rose Latte Mug by Deanna Kei
A little more time at home means more time to enjoy your daily cup of coffee. Maybe you’re starting your mornings with a fresh home brew at your laptop near a window, or on your balcony, or the lawn. It’s a nice change of pace from balancing a to-go cup on the subway. There’s less rushing, less traffic, and more time to start your day right.
--and you may not be all dressed up at the moment, but you can still accessorize your drink to get your recommended daily dose of color!
This Blue Rose Latte Mug is adorned in soothing tones of blues and purples. These calming shades inspire creativity and newness; and the blue rose alludes to the unique beauty we can find in each day.
This latte mug holds 12oz of goodness. It’s Dishwasher and Microwave safe for your convenience and it Ships worldwide.
Blue Spring Rose Latte Mug by Deanna Kei
*GFTD ORG artist
11. Revitalize and Cleanse with beautiful Artisan Soaps
Soap Gift Set by Seazen Soaps
‘Bring Up Joy’ 4 Soap Gift Set by Seazen Soaps
These delicate scented hand soaps are both beautiful and functional. We’re all washing our hands non-stop these days and your sink is a great place to get in a little extra self care. These soaps are crafted with carefully selected essential oils to help you de-stress as you wash your hands!
Each soap in this set has its own unique soothing aroma and design. This ‘Bring Up Joy’ set comes with ( 3.4oz ) bars of scents: ‘Rapture’, ‘Love’, ‘Grace’, and ‘Calm’.
Seazen Soap’s sets come in gift-ready packaging and can be used and enjoyed by everyone. Send one as a birthday gift to a friend—or treat yourself! You won’t regret it!
*I’ve sent the ‘Grace’ set as a gift and the recipient loved it!
‘Bring Up Joy’ 4 Soap Gift Set by Seazen Soaps
12. For the Quarantine Snacker : the Best cupcakes!
Cupcakes by The Lucky Cupcake Company
Specialty Cupcakes by The Lucky Cupcake Company
Once in a while you need a good cupcake (or two!) to relax. The Lucky Cupcake Company’s cupcakes always taste as good as they look! They always have an amazing selection of designs and flavors. They also carry cakes, pies, croissants, cookies, and more! (See their website for their full pick up menu and to check out their new limited edition quarantine inspired Toilet Paper cake design!)
Right now they’re open for both pickup and local delivery. (They’re located in New Hope, PA—which actually isn’t too far from NYC.) If you’re not local, here’s an idea for a road trip!
*Their amazing allergy-friendly cupcakes are a rare find! They’re my go-to bakery and they’re always well worth the drive.
View their website for updated hours, and to contact them for special orders
Specialty Cupcakes by The Lucky Cupcake Company
13. Add a touch of nature to your home office
Crystal Wire Trees by Hallowed Earth Healing
Custom Wire Crystal Trees by Hallowed Earth Healing
If real house plants aren’t your thing, —(or even if they are) here’s your new favorite alternative. These one of a kind crystal trees convey calmness and spirit in any room. Each tree is mounted on carefully sourced natural materials to bring the peace of nature inside for you. They can refresh and add unique beauty to any space.
Each crystal leaf wire tree is hand made in NY by Hallowed Earth Healing. They’re custom made to order so each tree is one of a kind.
Hallowed Earth Healing also offers gridding classes and other Wellness services and classes. Check their webpage for the full list.
14. Cozy up in your home space
The Tribecca Throw by OhSoFashionablyLate
The Tribecca Throw Blanket from OhSoFashionablyLate
Life’s slowed down a bit and we’re finding more time to relax. There’s more time for cozy evenings watching Netflix, or breezy afternoons sitting outside on your rooftop, or in the yard with your favorite book. This hand knit throw blanket is the perfect accompaniment.
Its gorgeous hand knit design provides both endless warmth and simplistic style. Its the perfect throw blanket to dress up your space and will be your favorite go-to blanket for brisk summer nights.
This ribbed hand knit blanket is a plush 2” thick and measures approximately 36” x 70” . It comes in three different colors options to match your life style.
Visit OhSoFashionablyLate’s website to choose your color and check out her other blankets too!
https://www.ohsofashionablylate.com/shop/tribeca-throw
15. Coloring is the perfect stress-reliever
Printable Fashion Coloring Book by Deanna Kei
Printable Fashion Coloring Book by Deanna Kei
There’s something extremely soothing about adding fresh color to a white page. You can lose yourself in the strokes and empty your mind-- or you can apply pressure to the page to relieve tension; Work out endless color combinations-- or sit back and let your colored pencils dictate each look for you. No two colorings are the same.
The Printable Fashion Coloring Book has 23 Pages of Fashion Illustrations by Deanna Kei for you to color and embellish with your own personal style! The line art is there for you so you can focus on color and spark your creativity by drawing in prints and patterns on each of the designs.
The book is available as a Printable pdf, so you can print the pages right away without having to leave your home.
That concludes the list! I hope you enjoyed the read! Each of these items were carefully curated to help you minimize your daily stresses so that you can find the good in every day! Things are a little bit crazy right now, but this extra time can be a gift. It’s important to relax now and then and invest some time in yourself and your own life. Stay positive. Happy Quarantining!
Did you have a favorite from the list? Do you have any recommendations of your own? Share yours below in the comments!
Copy Editing for this was post done by Victoria KNC , Copy Editor
Deanna Kei is a NY based Fashion and Beauty Illustrator. She works with brands to create unique and engaging content featuring their products and collections. To commission illustrations for your brand please write to deannakei@gmail.com