Life

Marie Louise McConville: The lifting of lockdown means having to make an effort with my appearance

Some women have revealed their plans to ditch restrictive clothes and stick to lounge wear when they return to work following lockdown
Some women have revealed their plans to ditch restrictive clothes and stick to lounge wear when they return to work following lockdown Some women have revealed their plans to ditch restrictive clothes and stick to lounge wear when they return to work following lockdown

Can anybody else smell that?

It's an aroma that has been hovering around the place for the last week or so and at first, it took me a while to work out what it is.

You see, it's been so long since I smelled freedom that I had almost forgotten what it's like.

In saying that, I haven't yet been brave enough to visit a shop despite every bone in my body being drawn to Primark.

Of course, while the shops may have changed slightly over time, surely, we will have also.

While some of us may have put on a few extra pounds, others among us are still battling demon hair.

And I've learned this week that they may not be the only changes we notice.

I am proud to say that never once during the lockdown, while working from home, did I sit at my screen in my jammies.

That's not to say I wasn't tempted, I was and still am.

It's a different story when I am off work though as there have been whole days I have spent lounging around in pyjamas.

The problem is, I'm not sure where I am going to find the energy to start actually making an effort again - and it seems I am not the only one.

As lockdown restrictions are further eased and the freedom is there to actually venture out, many women have taken to social media this week to reveal that they are joining the growing movement of females who, having enjoyed going braless during their time indoors, will now not be wearing said underwear again.

Apparently, the freedom of being without a bra has been so liberating, they do not want to feel the need to be confined once again.

Of course, experts have warned of potential damage and sagging and have pleaded with women to stick with their underpinnings.

The same ladies have also voiced their plans to ditch `restricting' jeans for good and stay on the lounge wear bandwagon for work.

However, experts have warned that not making an effort every day can have a negative impact on work ethic and could lead to `apathy'.

While I understand the thinking behind ditching the restrictive garments, I just don't think it is a good idea.

To me, if you dress like a slob, you will have the same attitude to work.

If you make an effort with your appearance, you feel better and you have a brighter outlook.

After this crisis is over, I just can't imagine us all rocking up to work with `Juicy' written all over us - although wouldn't that be quite the reunion.

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Fair play to TV presenter Maya Jama this week for standing up for yourself.

The 25-year-old, who is co-presenting a new Saturday night TV show with football star, Peter Crouch, found herself the centre of attention after some ridiculous viewers complained they felt "awkward" watching because of Maya's plunging dress.

However, the young beauty hit right back at them, reminding them she is "able and allowed to dress how I please".

"We're all fighting for equality and similar treatment to our male counterparts. Don't let the side down by hyper sexualising my bod. If you're uncomfortable with my boobs that's on you".

Good for you lady.

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More than three months after the Covid-19 lockdown kicked in, it feels like normality is slowly but surely returning.

Yes, I know, it's called `the new normal' and life will never be the same again but still, it is nice to see the shops open and some hotels preparing to throw open their doors.

I'm not sure where it leaves all us parents in relation to home schooling though.

According to my calendar on the wall, schools were due to shut up shop this week so what do we do - keep going or declare it is summer and let the kids just play?

That said, I for one would like to keep up some form of education over July and August and this week, a friend of mine recommended the Collins Dictionary website.

Now, I know what you are thinking, dictionaries - boring - but this website has lots to offer,

To start with, for an extra helping hand, Collins Dictionary runs a word of the day series, which can help parents explain what a pandemic is, what furlough means, why we’re in lockdown and more, so you can help keep kids stay calm and understand why they can’t do certain things at the minute.

There's also quizzes and word list challenges, a translator and English learning conversation and grammar guides to enjoy.

Check out www.collinsdictionary.com for more