Life + Style

Face masks, but make it fashion

One of the cooler things about having a blog (at least for me) is watching the data for what people are viewing and clicking. It doesn’t really mean much to me yet, as I am just starting out and don’t make any money off of anything I’m doing, but I love to see what people like and are interested in shopping.

One of the biggest click-rates I have seen is from The Weekly, where I showed some of the face masks that I am wearing or ordering. I love this, because I know that people want to be safe, but it’s also fun to make safety fashionable.

If you’re in New York City like me, then face masks are worn pretty regularly by most people. So when I came down to the shore, I was shocked at the number of people walking around in crowds that aren’t wearing masks.

The reality is, no one is psyched to wear a mask- they can cause breakouts, you’re breathing in your own spit and sweat, and they are hot in the summer. But you know what? You’re also saving lives. So I hope people will just get over it, and make this simple sacrifice for our communities, loved ones, and most vulnerable populations.

Perhaps you haven’t had people affected by COVID-19; in that case, I would say, you should be so lucky and privileged to have that experience. While I have not lost anyone close to me, I have watched my students and colleagues lose family members over the past four months. And it’s tragic, obnoxious, and disappointing that people won’t wear a mask, much less protest wearing one like a child having a tantrum in the middle of Costco (I see you, Karens).

So here I am to say let’s be safe, but make it fashionable and fun. I am rounding up the face masks I have ordered, or plan to order, as I know these are going to be around for a long time. I know many of us are not spending money on clothes right now, but face masks can make fashion fun again. And when those of us who are going back to work or are already back at work need one, we will be ready, in style and comfort.

Many of these masks even have pockets for filters, so you can switch them out and wear them again and again. As someone who will be wearing a mask at work when I return, and can’t count on my school system (sadly) to provide me with PPE, I already ordered boxes of filters to replace daily, and looked for masks that were machine washable.

Make sure you are protecting yourself and others. Wear a mask! I’m looking forward to getting my new masks in, so people might ask- hey, where did you get that mask?