Written by The Strategy
As we adjust to #stayhome orders and life in quarantine, we’re checking in with TS Alum to learn more about what their life in lockdown is like, and how they are staying inspired.
While we’ve been quarantining, we have found much inspiration from TS Alum, Sue Williamson‘s Instagram account. The fashion and beauty journalist and ex-digital editor has enviable style and seems to have figured out the equation to the perfect WFH outfit.
Where are you quarantining?
California.
Are you quarantining with anyone?
Yes! I’ve been quarantining with my very amazing boyfriend, Marc, and our two dogs, Owen and Toby.
What does an average day look like, for you now?
We recently moved to California from New York and have kept East Coast hours, so I wake up around 6, put on my Dieux eye masks, have a coffee and do a quadrinity check (journaling technique from the Hoffman Process), and either start work or head out to surf. I work most of the day, then after work my boyfriend and I usually take a long bike ride along the beach. After that, I’ll put on a record and paint while he cooks something great, then I’ll clean the house and go to sleep early.
What is a typical outfit you’re rocking now while you’re staying home?
Early quarantine tie dyes, Solid & Striped one pieces, and Brother Vellies’ Cloud Socks paired with sandals have all been on heavy rotation. If I want to look a little more put together I’ll try to match a button-up to a pair of men’s boxer shorts and top it off with Prada platform loafers. There’s something about wearing shoes even just sitting at my desk that helps me feel a little more professional.
What can you absolutely not live without during this time?
My surfboard for sure. I am by no means a great surfer, but getting out into the water helps me feel so happy, peaceful, and strong. I’ve been on a temporary board since I broke my toe, but I just ordered something special from Surfin Estate I am really excited about.
For you, what is the best part of quarantine, and what is the worst part?
The best part has been adopting a little more of a “yolo” attitude. For the first time in a long time, I’m taking my dreams more seriously and realizing life is too short not to pursue them. So far I’ve moved out to the beach, I’m going freelance, and I’m starting to make art again—I feel like I’m really onto something.
The worst part has definitely been the disease itself. I have a lot of vulnerable people in my life I worry about constantly.
How are you keeping yourself busy?
I started a series of paintings a few months ago based on scenes from The Sopranos which has been really fun. I’ve also been crocheting a ton, taking mini road trips, and reading a lot. Some favorites have been When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole, Self-Care by Leigh Stein, How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell, White Rage by Carol Anderson, and all of the election coverage in The New Yorker.
How are you staying inspired?
Lately I’ve been inspired by friends doing big things. My friends Danielle and Chrissy just launched 2BG Consulting for brands and industry professionals; I took their Anti Racism Workshop and highly recommend it. My friends Marta and Charlotte just launched a skincare brand called Dieux; their first product is a reusable eye mask you can use with any eye cream. As a former beauty editor, I think I’ve seen it all, but they’ve really innovated something here, it’s amazing. My sister, Margaret is always doing something cool; earlier this summer she launched this great website called the New Dealer Museum of Contemporary Links that I really love. And my friend Lindsay has a great brand called Momotaro Apotheca that just released a tonic I’ve been loving. I’m just so impressed and proud!
