Ahh, that feeling. The feeling of anger and regret that comes with leaving your home without your new COVID gear: a mask, hand sanitizer, and sometimes gloves and protective eyewear. We’ve all done it once or twice. 

   Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, the CDC has recommended we wear masks and social distance to keep ourselves safe when in public. Instead of going to the grocery store looking like a character out of Grey’s Anatomy, why not take this opportunity to use this as a new COVID fashion accessory?

   Coronavirus has brought everything in our daily lives to a screeching halt. With the search for masks rising, companies have taken advantage of this opportunity to both make money for the business and to benefit the public in a way never needed before: producing cloth masks. From Kim Kardashian to Christian Siriano, companies traded in their clothing racks for mask displays. Many PPCHS families, tired of wearing the medical masks, are left wondering: Where can we get a cute mask? 

These fashionable masks are all under $15, and can be found or ordered locally: 

• Old Navy

1. 1. Anthropologie- This company is selling a different type of mask: the tie-string versions. They are designed with a special pattern and may require a little more time to put it on, but it’ll be worth it.

• Hot Topic 

1. 1. ShopDisney- Customers can preorder a set of masks that can be customized from ‘Star Wars’ designs to Mickey Mouse. 

• Forever 21

• Box Lunch

• Charlotte Russe

• Etsy

• Target

• Victoria’s Secret

   A few Pines Charter students have gotten their mask from these stores. Senior Zoe Mutombo says, “I got my mask from Box Lunch. I wanted a more plain design, and they had lots of different colors I could choose, from pink to white. It’s much more comfortable than wearing the blue medical mask.” Nevertheless, another select group of students got their mask from an online store, like Amazon or Etsy, since they wanted something that wasn’t found in stores. Junior Alexis Galletta says, “When the pandemic got more serious my mom took it into her hands to get us masks from this company on Etsy. They’re super cute!” Etsy is known for its customized items, and its masks are no different. 

   Maybe Pembroke Pines will be a little less full of blue coverings and have more unique, personalized masks. No matter where you get it from, please wear your mask, though. It’s the least we could do to bring COVID-19 to a screeching halt.