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Five Positive Quarantine Habits

While I must admit my introvert self is doing just fine with most of the quarantine, there are still  parts of life that I’ve let slip and haven’t noticed until I reached a grumpier “woe is me” point. We all operate off of having systems in place in our lives. It becomes evident when we deviate from these systems as our mental health suffers. With all that in mind, I wanted to share a couple of things I’m working on this week to get myself back on track.

  1. Avoiding my phone. I’ve gotten in the nasty habit of scrolling social media immediately upon waking up in the mornings. Despite it being an effective tool to keep me from rolling over and going back to sleep, we all know it’s not a healthy way to start the day. Instead we’re turning on the lights and opening the blinds, maybe some light stretching. 
  2. Getting dressed. Perhaps another more obvious suggestion, but it’s easy to roll out of bed and throw on my bathroom and immediately clock in for work. Before you know it, it’s lunchtime and I’m still not dressed. I’m not talking crazy, like fully getting ready/dressed if that’s overkill for your life but putting on some leggings/sweats that make you feel a little more put together.
  3. Limiting caffeine. Before quarantine I’d take my thermos cup of coffee for my morning commute and then be done with coffee aside from the odd two cup day. Now that I’m sitting at home, it’s too easy to decide to finish off a pot of coffee or go for a second pot to warm up later in the afternoon. We all may be struggling a little more with sleep, and caffeine certainly isn’t around to encourage that. Instead, I’m focusing on drinking more water. I’m really good about it when I’m at work and I need to carry it over at home.
  4. Cleaning up. When we’re in our house all the time, we can’t easily avoid messes. I’m not the neatest person, and I get in cycles of dropping my clothes where I take them off only to see a large pile accumulate by the weekend. There is no reason I can’t sort and put the rewearable clothes away and the dirties directly in the laundry basket. The same goes with dishes. We’ve been cooking a lot more and therefore more dishes to wash. It can feel like the dishwashing never ends. We’ve gotten a lot better about cleaning as we go during the prep downtime. 
  5. Movement every day. I unfortunately threw out my back last week the one day I had to go to the office, which made for a painful day. Since then I’ve been testing out stretching and still going for walks as I can. Today I finally feel like I can try out a good full body workout and I feel like it’s necessary. I notice I sleep better at night if I exert myself physically, so whether that means doing a long walk or however you translate it, it might be beneficial for you as well!

Those are just a few things I’m working on this week. I realized I needed more systems in place when I’d lay down at night and start on an internal guilt trip on what I didn’t do that day. Instead of continuing to beat myself up, I thought about what I could do to fix it. Since we’re at home for at least a couple of more weeks, what better time to make new habits. They take 21 days to stick, and I’d love to come out of this quarantine taking care of myself in better/smarter ways. That’s not to say you need to “work on yourself” during this time. If you feel inclined to make a change during this time, we’d love to hear about it below!

These outfits were shot pre-quarantine (just to let you know we’re not gallivanting around Milwaukee). We are both wearing the beloved Amalli Talli denim jacket, which is a tall girl must have. There is no better fitting stretchy, but structured jean jacket than this one. It is worth every cent. Caitlin is wearing a graphic t shirt from ASOS mainline, and a midi skirt also from ASOS mainline. Unfortunately both are now sold out. We’ve said it before but their mainline stuff still has plenty of gems that will work for our elongated selves, specifically midi skirts. I (Jenilee) have on an old sweater from Express and my new white stretch curvy white jeans from American Eagle. They have a great high rise waist and they aren’t see through, which has been an issue with my white jeans in the past. Plus they are only $30 right now and come in up to XL inseam.

Outfit Details

Amalli denim jacket. Jenilee’s white jegging.

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Dealing with Feelings During COVID

A lot of us are going on a month or so of quarantining. It’s a crazy, unprecedented time to be alive. Navigating it in theory seems like it should be simple or easy. That’s hardly the case when it’s such a vast departure for most of our regularly scheduled lives. Not sure about y’all, but Caitlin and I normally have booked up schedules. Like, maybe one night a week where we don’t have an intramural sport, or appointment or blog event. That’s on top of heading to the gym most days, or seeing a movie at the theater. So to sit at home for days on end is as foreign to us as visiting a different planet. Part of that is ok; to slow down and be in your own environment. The other part is, it presents a new set of challenges. 

Challenge number one is, working from home for most of us isn’t ideal. We’re used to having several monitors, instead of one smaller laptop screen. When dealing with spreadsheets and comparing several applications, it’s much more difficult to navigate. Plus not sure if anyone else struggles with your laptop being click happy and selecting things you didn’t ask it to, but that is a major frustration for me (I did turn down the sensitivity of my navigation mouse pad but it didn’t improve anything noticeably). You might not have a chair or even a desk that is comfortable to work at. Let’s call it what it is, working from home is a challenge unless you have the appropriate set up in place.

The flip side of that, is being grateful to still have a job. These are scary times we’re living in, and they are forecasting that unemployment will reach 15% of the population. If that’s you, please understand and take these complaints with a grain of salt. We only can easily inhabit our own lives/problems. We’re sensitive to the fact that other people assuredly have bigger issues than this. This post is just meant to work through frustrations/feelings. 

Challenge number 2 is cancelled life. Life as we know it, is on pause. It’s ok to mourn the missed events. Caitlin and the rest of our family just missed their trip to Asheville at the end of March. We all create these expectations/plans and when they fall through it creates disappointment. Looking back on old trips can be a great way to relive memories you’ve already made. Like our trip to London last year, as it approaches the one year anniversary. We can look back and smile, remembering all the incredible memories we made with our aunt and our mom.  Even beyond anything as big/momentous as a trip, it’s truly ok to be sad about whatever you’re missing in your regular life. To ignore it is to invalidate your feelings. 

We’re not telling you to spend all day dwelling on it, but maybe grab your journal or a piece of paper and just get your feelings down. Make a list of the things you’re missing. Once you’re done, make a new list of things you can do while at home to look forward to. It might be a smaller list, but it might open your eyes and move your thoughts towards something positive. For me, our home renovation is put on hold as it’s non-essential. I totally understand and respect that, but it’s still something I’ve been looking forward to for almost five years. Instead I’m taking this time to make a list of other updates/game plans we’d like to tend to, ourselves. It’s been fun to look through pinterest and see the ideas/move ahead virtually while we cant see physical improvements.

The bottom line is this. We’re all going to have different feelings during this time. Some people are going to want to keep busy and do whatever they can. Other people might just feel frozen, like they need to cozy up on the couch and zone out. There isn’t a right way to handle any of this. Don’t let anyone invalidate your feelings. We will all figure out different ways to cope during this quarantine. We’d love for you to share some of your feelings in the comments below and connect/commiserate with you. Tell us where you’re at with everything.

You can buy the comfiest travel dress HERE.

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Intentionality During a Time of Stress

The idea of reframing this time to be more intentional about life has definitely been a saving grace for us. While a lot of the meme accounts out there are making jokes (which is completely welcome and necessary for coping), we’ve seen some great posts about coming out of this better as a whole population. That is something worthy to focus on, if possible. I think keeping our eyes facing forward, and controlling what we can control will be vital in the coming weeks. 

Different people need different things to cope during this time. Some people thrive on a lot of structure. Others can be a bit more relaxed about it. Pay attention to how you’re feeling, and make tweaks as you need to! Caitlin was telling me the other day she wasn’t feeling great, because she hadn’t gotten ready for the day, but felt like it was pointless until after she worked out (which wasn’t until 4:30 in the afternoon). So today, she changed into her workout clothes and swiped on some mascara, and already feels better. It doesn’t have to be crazy, like wearing jeans or a full face of makeup, but if that’s what makes you feel good, then don’t feel bad about that either! That’s the beauty of this time. No one HAS to see you, so it’s a no judgement zone.

I was getting down on myself daily about feeling/looking like a slob. It took an AHA moment of A. that I shouldn’t be talking to myself/treating myself that way, and B. I am in control of my own choices. This means maybe washing my hair a little bit more often than 1.5 times a week, or even just choosing to use that dry shampoo even if no one else can see my greasy hair. This is the time to figure out how to take care of yourself as best you can. 

It can be easy to try to avoid your feelings by zoning out with Netflix or whatever your streaming service du jour may be. While that can be healthy to “relax and unwind,” it also serves to suck up hours of your day or avoid dealing with facing certain issues. If you have the bandwidth, you can spend some time journaling or reading. Pick up your bible, or grab that self help book you’ve been putting off reading. 

If you feel out of control about your eating, take some time to plot out your meal plan for the week. Usually I’m bemoaning my lack of time for cooking. I’ve taken advantage these last couple of weeks and made some fun and delicious recipes. Plus if you plot out a meal plan, it should help you get in and out of the grocery store as quickly as possible, or have a game plan for ordering online. 

I’ve talked to friends who have scheduled time in their calendar to do certain chores, or to get outside at a specific time. Maybe you need to block off time to make things happen. You could also prefer to have an idea of what needs to get done and just let the day unfold. Look at this as a time to experiment with how your life works best!

We have the unique opportunity right now to sit at home to keep others safe. It might feel trite or melodramatic, but we all can help reframe our mindsets on this. If you’re home alone, set up daily check-ins with friends/family. Even if you’re not home alone, check in with your friends and family if you haven’t already. We’ve got the time, and once it’s gone we can’t get it back, so we might as well take advantage. 

It feels a little strange still to be sharing clothing, while most of us aren’t feeling like it’s worth shopping right now. We want to be as respectful as possible to all of you. People have encouraged us to continue to post during this time, and to be frank, it gives us a wonderful creative outlet to continue to pour into as well. We’ll all have to go back to work eventually, and if you are on the hunt for work pants or a great tall bodysuit then check out these options. Another positive out of this, is a lot of retailers are continuing to share some incredible deals if you’re choosing to shop. 

We want to reiterate that we had all of these pictures stock piled so we aren’t traipsing around the public to get the shots. You have seen this one shoulder bodysuit in the past and it is still proving to be a staple in Caitlin’s closet.  She snagged these oxblood work trousers in her recent work pants haul (ironic timing now that we’re working from home). I loved that she went with a more trendy trouser look than a typical work look here. These Amazon heels keep proving to be the most worn heels in her closet. 

Have you shopped any of the unexpected sales through this trying time?

Outfit Details

Link to the one shoulder bodysuit. Link to pants. Link to heels.

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Staying Positive and Supporting Tall Clothing

Like many of you, we’re feeling adrift while attempting to navigate our new reality. It feels a bit melodramatic at times to write/feel things like that. We’re safe in our homes and we still both are employed. That alone is privileged, and we assuredly recognize it. I think it comes down to being creatures of habit/routine. When we’re removed from that routine, it becomes a source of anxiety to form a new “normal.” I’m sure a lot of you are experiencing the same. Maybe you lost your job in this melee and have to worry about your next paycheck. We’re so sorry if that happened to you, and we’ll keep trying to post any jobs we come across. 

In an effort to keep a semblance of normalcy, we’re continuing to share on social media through this. We want to continue to connect with you, our tall sisters and of course any of our women who may be reading/following along. Let us know how you’re doing. The more we share, the easier it will be to get through this. We’d love to provide you some encouragement and hope to help through this trying time.

Now that I did the whole melancholy thing, I want to share a list of things that are keeping us sane/happy at home. 

Jenilee’s List

  • Beautiful plant scenery to work next to
  • Still having a job to work from home
  • Getting outside more than I would normally and enjoying exploring our neighborhood
  • Enjoying both cooking more and also ordering food from local restaurants
  • Finishing books that I’ve had partially done for weeks if not months
  • Being able to prepare for our home renovation more easily
  • Overall taking the opportunity to be a bit more intentional as life has slowed down tremendously. 

Caitlin’s List

  • Barre District Online courses
  • Facetime
  • The ability to go on long walks outside and find places/parks I didn’t know existed
  • My small group/more time to pray
  • More time to make healthy interesting meals that I can plate aesthetically pleasing
  • family/friends that check-in
  • Extra time to clean/get rid of things/organize.
  • An overwhelming amount of time to count my blessings and express my gratitude every day. 

We’ve both been extra sensitive to the plight of small businesses during this time. I’m sure if you follow along on Instagram or caught our Real Tall Find’s Friday post, you’d notice evidence of this. Being closed or limited as we all are, it doesn’t take too long to negatively affect small businesses. Today we’re sharing one of Height of Fashion’s newest drops. Despite being all the way down in Australia, they are facing the same quarantine limitations as we’re experiencing. 

If you’re still shopping during this time, check out their website! They have some of the chicest tall girl options out there. We all bemoan the fact of not being able to be on-trend, but Natalie has completely remedied this for us! We’re totally obsessed with these leopard joggers she sent us to try out. They are a silky lightweight material, which is ideal for transitioning into your spring wardrobe. I’m wearing a size medium, and for size reference I’m normally a 10/12 in bottoms. I’d say go with size large for a looser fit! The length is perfect, and I love that there is a side zipper so you don’t have to size up if you’re worried about getting it over your hips/thighs. She thought of everything with these joggers. 

I paired it with a one shoulder ribbed sweater I have from ASOS, and finished it with my red flats from Long Tall Sally for a complete tall look. I know I always feel my best when I’m wearing items made for my tall frame. These leopard print pants can be rocked into the Summer with a tank top, for those cooler Wisconsin summer nights and maybe adding a denim jacket over the top! They are a real statement piece, while still letting you feel like you’re wearing pajamas. 

If you caught our Instagram post Monday you saw Caitlin feature Height Of Fashion’s black jeans. She styled them with a handful of different tops to show the versatility of them. You can wear them dressed up, dressed down, and anything in between. The length is nothing short of what you’d expect from HOF (pun intended). They have just the right amount of stretch to give you an ultra comfortable feel while still keeping their perfect shape and not stretching out. 

Stay tuned we’ve got more coming in the next few weeks, luckily we got most of the items shot before quarantine happened! We did put in another order recently, and we’re glad we did more than ever because small businesses need our support. 

Outfit Details

Link to Height of Fashion leopard print joggers, here. Link to sweater, here. Link to Long Tall Sally shoes, here.

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Real Tall Finds Friday: Volume 9

Hi friends, hope everyone is doing alright, considering the circumstances. I know some of us might be going stir crazy at this point (especially if you’ve been stuck at home). So while it feels awkward at best to be posting about clothes right now; I recognize that we’re still shopping to distract ourselves, therefore you might be as well. So if you aren’t interested, by all means click off and carry on with your day! If you are, there are some pretty good sales to take advantage of for our online shopping mavens.

Gap Friends & Family Edition: 40% off Everything and 50% off Everything at Gap Factory. Shop the sale 3/19-3/24

Gap’s big sale kicked off just in time for you to snag some warmer weather gear. Spring started yesterday, can you believe it?! Wisconsin is slowly getting the memo and temps are starting to rise. We’re mentally preparing our pasty legs for shorts season again. Gap has some of our favorite pairs of shorts and this year they have more high rise tall options than ever. Cue our excitement!

Linen Top (We have this in SO many colors between the two of us. It is so versatile and comfy.

Button Fly, Distressed , Raw Hem, Chino Shorts, Medium Indigo

Cigarette Jeans , Dark Cigarette Jeans, Button Fly, Distressed Denim

Chambray, Oversized Denim Jacket, Striped Shirt

I can’t say that we’re proponents of this Klarna/Afterpay movement. If you haven’t heard of it, basically it’s a way to “buy now and pay later,” or break your payment up into several payments. We’ve always stood by the idea of not spending the money if you don’t have it. But if it does appeal to you, a lot of stores are having some deals using those options!

Height of Fashion

Height of Fashion offers Afterpay as an option and can break your payment into four. They’ve got some killer new arrivals, including this dreamy pink pleated skirt and it’s 30% off using their code AFTERPAY. Only valid for 24 hours so not exactly positive when it expires! But check out their jeans while you’re there too. They are true to size and fit like a glove. Caitlin and I both wear a size 10 in them or a size 14 for UK/AUS sizing.

Click here to check out their incredible options

Nourish Natural Products

While you may put a hold on less essential purchases, can we gently suggest that if you’re in need of the more day to day that you consider purchasing from a local business? For us, this means putting an order in for our favorite natural deodorant. We’ve both made the switch to avoid the aluminum and this has beat out to the big brands for us. Nourish also has a bunch of other key items, including if anyone is an essential oil aficionado. Link to Nourish Natural Products, here. They also have free shipping!

Lit MKE

Key other small businesses we love, are Lit MKE a genius company born out of frustration with wasted bottles/cans. Mike can make a candle out of most bottles/cans! If you have a wine bottle that means something special to you, it can live on in a soy candle form! Check out his website here and start brainstorming if you have a custom order.

Lake Effect Co.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention our favorite gear. For more than just lake lovers, any water/sun lovers really. Now that most of us are home, we’re probably working in our coziest clothes. Katherine has you covered with all the best sweatshirts/t shirts. Plus if you’re in search of some peace, you can check out her podcast All Tides, here. We have a 15% off code you can use (THEREALTALL15) or you can choose to proceed without it during this time of uncertainty. Link to shop, here.

We’ll keep it short and sweet today, don’t need to inundate you with info. Let us know in the comments if you’re still shopping right now and/or how you’re coping or supporting your local community. We hope you’re taking care of yourselves, and would love to hear from you!

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