Everything Has Changed, Especially How People Shop

StyleEvents

Aug 16

Written By

We all have to figure out, as best we can, how to keep our doors open during a pandemic. Well, one thing was really easy for me to figure out. Unless they are sneakers or TKEES, not nearly enough people are buying shoes. Like, nobody. I mean, I get it: there’s not much of a reason to put on a pair of pumps or heels these days. Life has become casual - really casual.So, in an effort to “keep this ship in the channel” as Megan Brown talked about in an earlier Stylebook post, I have decided to bring in activewear to The Shoe Hive. That is right, to The Shoe Hive, not The Hive. We are in the process of redoing the side room and bringing active and athleisure wear that we just don’t have the space to stock at The Hive. I hope you’ll love it, but for the time being, I also need to find something else folks want besides shoes – The Shoe Hive made it through the last recession and we’re going to get through this one, too!Luckily for me, there are two fitness partners at Stylebook and, of course, I had to call them in to model (look for Alexandria Wellness next).First up is Mind the Mat. I couldn’t just ask the co-owner, Megan. I had to bring in two of my friends who are regulars at HAWT Pilates. First, Nicole of Stomping Ground and my friend Tayo. Pre-COVID, Megan and I had asked Tayo to do a Street Style, but then we all know what happened. I wanted to share some things about Tayo (I dwell on her because I think we all know enough about Megan and Nicole).First off, Tayo and I always go to the 9:45am Friday HAWT Pilates class. Not only are we always there, we always sit in the same spots. We are next to each other in the “nook” which I think we probably both did to hide from Megan. Nicole is always front row; total teacher’s pet.I like to be next to Tayo for a few reasons. The first is that her abs are my motivation. Second, we count the number of songs to make the class go faster. You know how misery loves company? Well, we have figured out a way to suffer together and make it kind of a game to get through class.You also need to follow Tayo on Instagram @tayo.adeyiga. She is a lawyer by day, but as you will see by her feed, she is all about fashion. She has a bag collection that is completely and utterly insane. She is also the nicest person ever. When I asked her to model, she was totally willing, even though it was an early morning photo shoot. Well, as you can tell by the photos, this trio had a great time, which is what makes the class so fun as well. When I saw the images, they just made me grin. Their smiles were infectious, and it was just what I needed. It is what we all need: joy and laughter from just being together. Everything is so heavy, and this just seemed like a little window of happiness.I hope you all will love the clothes as much as we do. There is a great selection in-store now from Varley and Beyond Yoga and look for more great items (we included upcoming styles in the look book) later this month and early September.