Michael Stars linen tee | secondhand via Slowre
Ilana Kohn Caroline pants | size XL
Chaco sandals (love these for my plantar fasciitis)
He’s going to be a year old in August. WTF happened??
I have written and deleted this post for a week now. Interestingly enough, I’m wearing this exact outfit again today, so perhaps it’s fitting that I’m going to finalize this post once and for all TODAY. NOW.
Haha. As usual, I’m overthinking everything. I have been thinking BIG thoughts, like what do I do now? how can I manage my creeping anxiety about the pandemic, social justice, and the future of this country for Hawk? Also as usual, I’m letting those thoughts paralyze me, because of course, I don’t have THE answers. And right now honestly the most I can do most days is put one foot in front of the other and work on raising a healthy, happy, kind, and compassionate child.
In the midst of all these deep thoughts, I wondered about the future of Grechen’s Closet & Slowre. Where do these things fit into my “new” (almost a year now though…) life as a mother? I’m not quite ready to say that they don’t, but I also don’t really know what shape they should take going forward – it’s obvious that I can’t maintain them as I used to. So I’m going to just keep going the best I can until I am in the headspace to make a better plan.
I do still wear clothes, and think about what I’m wearing and why, and I would still like to write about that. Maybe it’s irrelevant now, I don’t know. When I have time, I still appreciate looking at other people’s outfits and learning about new designers or items, so maybe the OOTD is not completely lost forever.
So I decided I’d just ease back into posting outfits as many days that I can. What I’m really wearing, of course. If I have anything else to say, I will do so, but sometimes I probably won’t.
I am going to make an effort to add more clothes by Black designers to my wardrobe when I buy new things though. I’d like an Aliya Wanek sweatshirt this fall, but I am not sure what else. I’m still doing my research on designers to look into, but if you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them!
Finally, a Hawk update. He’ll be a year old August 15th and he’s been walking now for a week. He still sort of waddles, but he doesn’t fall much, and definitely prefers to walk over crawl. It’s amazing. I hardly remember the early days when he didn’t do much of anything; they feel so far away. He’s so independent already – I don’t get a lot of snuggles anymore, which makes me a little sad. But that is all part of his journey as a person, and mine as his mom.
I hope you guys are all well! let me know how you’re doing in the comments…
Seeing your post made me very happy! I have been wondering how you are and how life has been for you in this scary, uncertain, overwhelming time. Please post what you can – I know your followers would definitely appreciate it.
I hear you and understand about your concerns for your child – I have an 18 yo who is “planning” ( I use quotes because, truthfully, can we plan for anything right now?) to go off to college in 7 weeks. And I am preparing to return to school and care for my students the best I can. I hope and pray I can keep myself and them healthy. And help them stay grounded and secure. Caring for children regardless of their age is difficult and important.
Curious to why all of a sudden you’re going to “buy black designers” what’s the REAL reason?
Happy to see you posting again. Life happens and if you’re posting less frequently, that’s totally ok.
We’ll take what we can get =). BTW I loved the feel of Chacos back when I wore them and did not know the soles came in these bright colors until now. They look great!
i mentioned in my last post that i am learning and trying to be antiracist instead of just “not racist” which is sadly, what I have been up until now. one of the ways i’d like to be an ally to Black communities and POC is to support them financially by buying their products. i’d love to see more Black designers, so I should do my part to support the ones who are trying to make their way now…
hi Michelle! I hope you are well 🙂
man, i love my chacos. i have to wear shoes constantly now because of my feet, and it’s easier to wear shoes with back straps so they stay on with all the running around and sitting/getting up i have to do now. these are super-comfy, and i do love the colors they have now. i also love tevas, but they don’t have the support that these do.
hi juli!!
my step son is here now and he’s going away to college in the fall. he was thinking of not going, but finally decided to do it (campus is open, as of now…), and i know he’ll be safe, but i do worry. i’m so glad hawk isn’t school-age rn…for so many reasons! i do worry about getting him socialized with other kids though. we have really been isolated since march and i don’t know what i’ll be comfortable doing with him later in the year.
Wow he’s so big! It’s great to see you both. Did you ever see yourself here? Well take care!
So good to hear from you Grechen and, of course, Hawk. My Chaco’s are a summer staple.
So good to see you again! And Hawk – he’s adorable!! I’ve always loved your blog and outfit pictures and anything else you care to share, regardless of whether or not it’s every day or every few weeks or months. Stay safe and healthy and well. xoxo
That is so well worded, Grechen. It really reflects the way I, too, feel, and I would love to see any designers you recommend. If you don’t already know of her, Natalie of The Tiny Closet is a beautiful designer! I adore her style, ease, inclusive sizing and overall ethos behind her clothing concept. I’ve bought several pieces of hers over the past few years, and wear them constantly.
It’s great to hear from you, Grechen! Hawk is so sweet and growing so fast! My youngest son turns 10 years old today and I literally can’t believe it. We are figuring out what to do for school in the fall, and it’s stressful. Glad to hear you’re doing well, and hang in there, as always!
Yes! i listened to an episode of forever35 with her a while ago, and I actually have one of her dresses up at slowre rn!
i really appreciate her styles and pieces, I just can’t seem to handle wearing anything but cotton or linen anymore. i get toooo hot. sigh.
hi dawn! i’m definitely a convert to chacos, i love them!
Good to see you and your cute boy again!
Doing ok here, with two of our grown daughters quarantining with us. Life in the US feels pretty unsettled right now, and we’re taking COVID19 very seriously in our home.
So great to see Hawk and you!
Echoing everyone else that it’s great to see you!
Love your summer sandals. I have a pair of Tevas in my cart, but am now swapping them out for Chacos!
Finally, big congrats on the upcoming birthday! Everyone made it through the first year, hooray 🙂