After months quarantined at home with limited contact with anyone outside our bubbles, venturing back outside into the big wide world and being social seems a little daunting. We’re now in life after lockdown, which means we can start prepping ourselves for the reality of going out in public without face masks, gloves and hazmat suits — no matter how fashion these accessories have become. Those of us who were fortunate to work from home are now warily eyeing up our bras, razors, makeup and clothes (other than track pants), as we prepare to return to the office — not to mention returning to restaurants and bars to selflessly do our bit to stimulate the economy!
After so much time in isolation, do you feel prepared to venture back out and face society? The Last Fashion Bible has curated a list of products that can help us all get back into the swing of society without social distancing.
1. Accessories for the Office
Virgil Abloh, the world’s busiest designer, recently debuted his new “Office Supplies” jewellery collection, a collab effort with Jacob & Co. As the name implies, the range elevates the common paperclip to luxury staple, transforming it into lavish gold and diamond-studded accessories. Re-imagined into money clips, bracelets, earrings and necklaces, the 18k yellow, white or rose gold clips are laden with sparkling white and yellow diamonds. According to a press release, “the collection nods to both the paperclip’s utilitarian omnipresence and the youthful habit of piecing paperclips into DIY accessories.”
2. Boost Your Outer Glow
And after weeks stuck inside, we could all use a little glow in our complexion. Inspired by Australia’s famous beach and lifestyle, Bondi Sands was created on a desire to make the ultimate tan accessible to everyone. Salon quality formulas work to give you an even, naturally golden tan that hydrates and nourishes your skin meaning you stay bronzed for longer.
3. Boost Your Inner Glow
Feeling a bit flat after quarantine? Jeuneora Renew+ Collagen Powder can help get your inner glow on for life after lockdown — think glossy hair, glowing skin and strong nails. Bursting with fantastic benefits like 1000mg of Vitamin C for fighting winter ills and staying healthy as well as zeolite for detoxification, Renew+ is formulated with 100% Pure hydrolysed Marine Collagen plus elastin peptides + AZM to help promote soft and hydrated skin, gut health, detox of the body, mobility and sleep.
4. Commute in Peace
Dreading getting back into the daily commute or back to working in a noisy office? Sony’s WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones take you even deeper into your music and provides an escape from the noise around you, making them the perfect commuting companion or office upgrade tool.
5. Defuzz at Home
Marzena Natural Wax Strips has encouraged Kiwis to love, care and celebrate their bodies for over 30 years. The at-home hair removal brand combines the best natural ingredients to create a new, dermatologically tested natural-driven wax formula that’s free from parabens and mineral oils. Enriched with Hemp Seed Oil to help calm your skin during the treatment, the 100% bio-compostable clear cellophane wax strips gently pull hair from the root, leaving your skin fresh and hair-free for up to four weeks at a time.
6. Defuzz at the Salon
Feeling slightly nervous about heading back to the beautician? Hair removal specialists OFF & ON has gone above and beyond to make sure every client is well looked after and feels super safe before, during and after their appointment. Whether you want a brow shape, lash colour or Braz wax, they will get you back on track and feeling great! Of course, this is all done with the appropriate controls and measures in place. OFF & ON have created a Covid-19 tab to update their customers through this tricky time or as they like to call it, a ‘hairy situation.’
7. Embrace Natural Beauty
If the idea of smothering your skin in makeup after so many weeks of bare-faced chic seems a little much, why not try something more natural. Aleph Beauty is made in New Zealand and formulated with all-natural ingredients that feed your skin with nourishment and last all day long. All their products are cruelty-free and organic or 100% natural wherever possible. Additionally, Aleph products partner with ethical brands and use recyclable packaging. Better for you, better for the planet!
8. Tame Your Tresses
There is nothing better than walking out of the salon with the perfect blow-dry and, contrary to what you might think, it is possible to achieve the same perfect results in your own home. Take the advice of ghd global brand ambassador Adam Reed and achieve that shiny, bouncy blow-dry at home in this article.
9. Refresh Your Wardrobe
If you’re updating your wardrobe to be more reflective of the new season, try to support local brands and shop local designers. Some brands, including Anna Stretton, have lowered their price points to make their designs more affordable after the redundancies and pay cuts that so many of us have taken. If you’re feeling the pinch, try shopping for quality pre-loved clothes so you can get your shopping fix while also doing your part to help reduce landfill.
If you want more tips on sustainable fashion choices or advice on dressing ethically, check out this article on reducing fashion waste.
10. Go Out!
Auckland’s new Commercial Bay shopping destination is now open — and with it, so is the Poni Room, an all-day Asian-inspired, rosé-centric eat-and-drinkery. A place to socialise, mix, mingle, be and be seen, The Poni Room is set to lift the energy in Auckland’s hospitality scene as the place to let your hair down and party to a rotation of leading DJs. The seafood menu celebrates the best of the catch from New Zealand’s neighbouring waters, overseen by AHG partner and executive and Michelin-starred chef Brad Farmerie.
If you’ve been negatively impacted by COVID-19 or worried about life after lockdown and need to talk to someone, here’s where you can find help and support:
Need to Talk? Call or text 1737
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline: 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans: 0800 726 666
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
