Who: Mely Cruz
Where: @allthingsmely or allthingsmely.com
Advice: Wear something that is functional and makes you feel ready for the day. When you wear something that you feel and look good in, it can completely shift your energy.
We are over one year into the pandemic, and all of us, even the most ardent fashionistas, are spending a lot more time in comfortable clothing. Leggings, workout wear, or anything with elastic qualifies as fashion these days. According to an NPR report, although clothing sales have fallen overall, retailers are seeing a massive spike in sweatpants and hoodies. Gone are the days of constricting “work clothes,” we are now enjoying our entire day in soft, cute, and comfortable loungewear.
Houston mom of three, Mely Cruz, is no stranger to the fashion industry. A former model, Cruz spent her days in front of the camera before transitioning to makeup artist and fashion blogger. Now with three young children, she is in full-time “mommy mode” and considers getting dressed up to leave the house a luxury. “I enjoy being at home with my kids and dressing for comfort,” she says. “I still try to look good in case I need to run errands or take the kids somewhere. Also, I have so many outfits I didn’t get to wear last year because of my pregnancy, so why not?”
Many in the fashion industry predict clothes will continue to have maximum comfort even after the pandemic ends, and Cruz agrees. “I have learned to find the silver linings in all of this and being comfortable at home with the people I love most is where I want to be.”