This past Friday, September 25th, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida is moving into phase 3 of reopening and what a journey it has been getting here! Saint Patrick’s Day was essentially cancelled and it seems as though some sort of socially distanced slumber happened where time ceased to exist. From quarantine to the DIY quarantrends to accepting “the new normal”: matching your mask with your outfit and going about your business. At 25% capacity, of course.
Now, in phase 3, perhaps we can begin to feel more free.
Effective immediately, statewide restrictions on bars and restaurants have been lifted.
Local governments may choose to keep their own capacity restrictions as long as they are at least at 50%. While a resurgence of the virus is possible, the state has no plans of closing anything going forward. Social distancing and basic cleansing hygiene should still be practiced with diligence but you can decide to reunite with the ghosts of COVID’s past (your friends) at happy hour now, if you so choose. You may have an easier time getting a hair appointment at your favorite salon, as well.
So, in honor of this newfound phase of freedom, let’s highlight a few fall trends of 2020!
GREY HAIR – this is my absolute favorite. I’ve always had an issue with the double standard when it comes to grey hair. Men are deemed silver foxes and are often thought to look better, more distinguished, as the pigment fades from their hair with age. Women, however, have long been expected to cover theirs up. Not anymore.
After quarantine, many women came back into the salon with their grown out sparkles and voiced with conviction their desire to be done with the color. I don’t know what’s more freeing than deciding to just be who you naturally are. To hasten the process of growing out ones grey, a color correction service largely known as “grey blending” can be done to ease the transition. Sharon Osbourne, Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton have all given up their bi-weekly single process and choose to celebrate their age.
CURTAIN BANGS – bangs are often a staple trend in the fall. This year, given the seventies theme in current fashion, curtain bangs are making a comeback: picture Bridgette Bardot These go right in line with the above silver trends as they are far less maintenance than shorter, blunt bangs that demand frequent precision trims in order to retain their shapes. Curtain bangs are a lot more romantic and forgiving. Commitment issues? No problem. This longer, textured, face framing style is pretty painless to grow out. Live a little, I dare you.
If anything, the pandemic has been a great equalizer. Rich, poor, young and old, we all experienced vast change and unprecedented times the past six months. We all experienced fear of the unknown. We all worried about the health of loved ones. We all experienced isolation. Now that restrictions have been lifted and we’ve all become more comfortable in our new normal, I’d simply like to remind everyone that kindness and confidence are always in style. Take care.
Laura Powers, 2020. Author retains ownership; reuse or reprint by permission only.
