Three weeks ago today, after this fashion shoot featuring women of Wantable, we began our new socially distant life. Hustling to work by webcam, chasing doggos and kiddos (counts as cardio, right?) and to connect via video chat, texts, calls, letters, even waving through windows. What we have found is that these bonds, with our precious customers, our work family and, of course, our humans at home, mean everything. We are so grateful for those still working to keep us all safe—the true heroes, like the delivery folks, the store assistants, emergency services and those on the medical front lines. You know who you are, and we 
you for it.
As you know, there isn’t a map to guide us through this, but our plan is to stay true to putting people first, giving back to our community and to fueling your self-confidence with inspiring stay-home style. We’re using our hearts and hustle to share meaningful content that we hope will lift your spirits. But this isn’t a one-way conversation—if there’s something you’d like to see let us know. So, let’s start now with our ‘then and now’ story. We plan to do this photoshoot again, at the same time, next year. Will you join us? We hope so. Take care of you and yours.
Jess loves her fam, singing, and wine. Lots of wine.
Meet Jess: Buyer for Tops & Sweaters
THEN
On the shoot, they blew the fan on me and my hair blew back, I felt like I was Christie Brinkley in National Lampoon’s Vacation—you know the scene where she’s in the car! I would definitely wear this dress for an important work meeting or special occasion. This dress is simple and sophisticated; I love the tie waist. This feature makes the dress feel more “fitted”. Also, blue is one of my favorite colors. 
NOW
My world is so different. I have a home office stacked with boxes of samples. My time is mostly spent helping my kids (Ryleigh, Emalyn & Finley) with schoolwork and trying to stay sane in the midst of this crisis. We take lots of walks and stay in touch with family through Zoom. It’s like a totally different world!
LAST WORD
One thing I have learned is patience! Patience to get through my day-to-day activities (while being cooped up at home) and keep my children occupied and entertained.
Brit. Mom. Writer. Self-confessed cheeky ginger.
Meet Samm: Content Director & Storyteller
THEN
I’m used to making content, not being in it! Honestly, I nearly bailed on the shoot. I was so reluctant to let it go and have fun. It’s like Anna (our photographer) could see something I couldn’t. As soon as I put on that dress, I felt like a million bucks. And, hello, pockets!
NOW
I cherish my time connecting by webcam. Finding new ways to hustle and problem-solve with my work family. We’re really getting to know one another and harness the power of each other’s mad skills. (Note: our copywriter has become an unbelievable coloring book creator, our photographer learned to sew, etc.)
I’m also loving chatting with my Mum in England during the wee hours (they’re all six hours ahead). It’s this simple—making someone smile feels good (esp. my teenage son, a feat in itself). Lifting someone’s spirits is the new superpower. A cheeky joke or a wave from your window could be keeping someone afloat.
As for me, and the holding back stuff? Oh, behave.
LAST WORD
Don’t save that fabulous dress for a rainy day. Wear it now. Love it now. Be in the now!
Mom to a sweet, funny Olivia (3) AKA fashionista-in-the-making.
Meet Lauren: Stylist Supervisor
THEN
I am totally fine taking pictures in a group but when it’s all eyes on me – cue the awkwardness! All I could think was, don’t mess it up and have fun. I did love the dress. It wasn’t something I would normally pick out for myself but that’s what I loved about it. It made the photoshoot special. I want to give props to our AMAZING photo team. I was able to let loose (also listening to Bruno Mars and Post Malone helped). I also remember going out to lunch with my friend and fellow stylist, Jenna, which was fun. Since I had my hair styled differently than normal (I literally wear it straight every day) I felt a little more glam!
NOW
Wow, it’s insane to think that was three weeks ago already! Today my world consists of staying/working from home (social distancing, am I right?). I try to still have somewhat of a normal routine, but I gotta admit, working in my loungewear with little to no makeup, is kinda refreshing.
LAST WORD
Whenever people ask me why I love Wantable, I always say it’s because of the people and sense of community. If it weren’t for being around uplifting and encouraging people daily, I would not be able to conquer certain things as easily or with confidence—like this!
Dog Mom. Reader. Adventurer. Creative with words and tattoos.
Meet Lindsay: Copywriter
THEN
Well, I got pulled in at the last second so I was a bit nervous—but very excited! I love a bit of spontaneity. Plus, it was super fun to get hair and makeup done prior to the shoot. I’m typically not a huge dress wearer, but I love that this one had a slight boho feel to it. Once I swapped heels for my go-to sneakers and paired it with a denim jacket, it totally felt like “me”. I’m so grateful for Anna, our photographer. She has so much energy on set and truly makes you feel amazing.
NOW
Wow—three weeks ago feels like a totally different time. I’ve been taking my dog on lots of long walks, trying to improve my cooking skills (which were pretty much nonexistent), making a dent on the stack of books I’d love to read, working through a list of projects in my (somewhat) new home, and playing lots of board games with my boyfriend. My family and I have also made a routine of hopping online to all play Mario Kart together. It’s super grounding to jump on FaceTime and catch up and have a bit of friendly competition.
LAST WORD
I learned that getting all dolled up really did have a boost in my confidence. I’ve kept that in mind even working from home. If I’m feeling like I need a boost, I get ready for the day like I’m heading to the office or out-and-about. It makes a big difference in my mood! I was also reminded throughout the experience that we truly have such an inspiring and supportive office of individuals and I’m grateful for them!
Dog owner. Plant whisperer. Really, really, fast runner.
Meet Rose: Photo Studio Assistant
THEN
To be completely honest, just seeing the dress on the hanger scared me. It’s so vibrant… It’s not something I would normally even look at twice, let alone try on. But wow, the minute I put it on my feelings changed! PSA: I plan to buy the dress.
NOW
My world now consists of working from home, trying to keep workouts creative and fun, and realizing why my dog gets so excited for every chance to go outside. Would I do a photoshoot like this in a year’s time? I would do this every week if I could. So yes, count me in.
LAST WORD
I learned that if the dress on the hanger scares me, I should try it on! What you end up loving can surprise you.
Tall girl. Toddler mama. Waffle lover. Classic over-thinker.
Meet Abi: Director of Brand Activation
THEN
Confession: I was soooo nervous that I would blush too much, that the dress would hug my new-mom curves too much, that my awkwardness would show too much. But guess what? I didn’t blush. The dress was so cozy and flattering. And if my awkwardness was showing, they didn’t mind it! And I added the dress to my stream right away. I’m almost six feet tall, and it was the perfect length – which can be hard to come by. I also love the faux wrap. It accentuated my curves in all the right places. After work, I had a slew of meetings followed by a lovely evening with my husband and son. Over dinner, I told them about my glamorous photoshoot.
NOW
My world looks very different. It looks like cozy leggings, an extra spritz of dry shampoo and an adorable toddler attached at my hip. TBH – Balancing mom-life and work-life (at the same time!) is a new challenge, but one that I’m trying to embrace. In fact, as I type this my son is sitting on my lap “typing” on his “computer” (aka – an old keyboard of mine). I blame all typos on his sneaky, little fingers. I’m grateful for these extra moments together with my son and husband (even though those moments can be chaotic at times), and motivated by my Wantable family; they dole out heaps of grace and support every day.
LAST WORD
This photo reminds me to ride the waves. You can either fight the waves (let fear take over) or ride the waves (enjoy the ride.) Whether you’re riding the wave by stepping out of your comfort zone and posing in front of a camera, or riding the wave by hopping video call with wet hair and a babbling babe on your hip. The waves are much more wonderful when you ride them.
The post Women of Wantable: Then Vs. Now appeared first on Wantable Blog.
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So, what does this mean?
