issue 24
by Jean Gordon
Thinking about “How I Sunday” made me realize something: no Sunday is average. In fact, most Sundays have become what I seldom permit during the week – a series of unplanned moments. For me, that is an accomplishment and a hard-learned lesson.
Long gone are the same old, same old Sundays, when you spent half the day dreading the week ahead, which for me consisted of a toxic corporate work environment where dysfunction and drama reigned. And when narcissism and absence of order outpaced inspiration and laughter, I figured out how to re-prioritize life. Stat.
What it easy? No way. But totally worth it.
Fast forward to a new gig, owned and operated by me (Jean Gordon Style). As a personal stylist and closet organizer, I collaborate with clients to enhance their style and make better wardrobe choices, while transforming their closets into workable and welcoming spaces. This (to me) is heaven. Creating a place of peace to start someone’s day is no small thing because it helps them conquer the day with confidence and with ease.
Image: @jeangordon.style via Instagram
In between all of the work, I’m busy raising my 11-year-old son. The demands on my time are endless. Some days I feel that I’ve just gotten up and suddenly I’m making dinner. Between work and family, my life has become so deeply structured with endless streams of things that must get done.
As much as I love it all, by the end of the week I am pretty exhausted. So, “Sunday” has become my safe word, where everything stops when I want it to. It’s a relief to keep my schedule loose and not always have hard plans. Inhale. Exhale. There are no school projects, no business calls, and no alarm clock.
“So, ‘Sunday’ has become my safe word, where everything stops when I want it to. It’s a relief to keep my schedule loose and not always have hard plans. Inhale. Exhale.”
My biggest luxury is not being on my feet. On any given day, I’m standing or moving for an average of 8-12 hours, so lingering under the covers, binge-watching Sunday morning news programs and sipping fresh ground coffee is the perfect little weekly treat I like to give myself.
Every Sunday has a few to-dos, so once I’m up I spend a little time planning for the week ahead, which consists of straightening up my own closet along with personal wardrobe planning. The fun stuff. I check all the calendars (work, school, evening events) and then start pulling and prioritizing pieces. I typically challenge myself to reinvent a repeat outfit with a new addition or a funkier shoe (my go-to move). I don’t wait for an occasion to wear my nicer shoes. Going to Trader Joe’s in Proenza Schouler boots (that I got on sale - thank you The Outnet) just makes me happy. Admittedly, I do stand out from many other suburbanites sporting their latest yoga ensemble, but I’m ok with it.
Next, I do a quick closet refresh. It take’s me no more than 10 minutes, another Sunday task I don’t mind doing. A little closet maintenance goes a long, long way. When things are in order, everything is better; my life mantra. Simple as that.
Another chunk of the day is for uninterrupted time spent with my son. This typically involves a fun smorgasbord of fort-building, chess-tournament-competing, nerf-gun-fighting, game-playing and vacation-planning. Tackling some “life admin” and mundane household chores also work themselves into my day. Aside from that, I juggle plans with friends, take a spin class to get my Sunday endorphins going, or dare I say Netflix and chill with my family? We often throw a film festival in our living room - nothing beats hunkering down for a lazy afternoon of movie watching. I guess the point is Sunday is whatever… and that is the greatest way to balance out my week.
“I guess the point is Sunday is whatever… and that is the greatest way to balance out my week.”
Jean is a master wardrobe stylist & closet organizer (not to mention, a longtime lover of all things fashion). Follow her journey on jeangordonstyle.com or @jeangordon.style