While most apparel retailers around the country may be reopened for business, you likely won't be able to try on clothing in a dressing room anytime soon — that is, unless you schedule a private shopping session at J.Crew.
The company recently began opening up its stores before and after business hours to shoppers looking for one-on-one styling assistance, with the ability to try things on in an actual dressing room rather than your apartment. The program allows J.Crew fans to schedule an appointment online at their nearest store and indulge in a 30-minute shopping experience that for just a moment might make you feel like it's 2019 again.
Though New York City reopened non-essential retail stores at the end of June, I've mostly refrained from visiting stores unless I absolutely have to. However, after visiting Saks Fifth Avenue's eerie and unsettling reopening last month for a story, I decided it was time to give brick-and-mortar shopping another try. I'm also not a huge fan of summer, and I was in dire need of some warm weather clothing to beat the stifling heat.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun I had. The store felt very safe and clean, and the stylist I worked with was lovely and incredibly helpful. I even left with a pair of shorts — which considering how much normally I hate shorts, was huge.
Here's a closer look at what it was like attending a private shopping session at J.Crew.