UK-based retailer Size? is feeling the effects of coronavirus quarantine as acutely as any specialty footwear retailer. But the staff is staying busy, focusing on projects both personal and work-related. For many, maintaining some sense of normalcy is key to upholding a good headspace in these strange times.

We spoke to two of the boutique’s footwear buyers about their self-isolation routines, the importance of natural light, family time and informative podcasts.

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Luke Matthews, footwear buyer

What’s your daily routine?

I get up as if I would still be driving into the office, so my sleeping routine stays the same. Following that, I read the news whilst making a smoothie and get ready to start going through my emails. Balance is essential to keep both your focus and concentration so short, regular breaks away from your work will help productivity. I juggle some more work calls whilst making dinner and then have a quick walk to get some fresh air and have a break away from any screens too. I continue to work throughout the afternoon but will always try and finish with something for the soul; whether that is to work-out, read etc.

The quarantine ultimately gives you space both physically and mentally; it’s a good time to focus on aspects of work and yourself that sometimes aren’t prioritized. Use the time wisely and efficiently — when you’re not working, use it to speak to your family and friends, to cook, to read that book you’ve been meaning to and so on.

Where in your home do you like to work?

I mix it up a little; I start the day in my office and then usually follow the sun around, moving from room to room and getting as much natural light as possible.

What do you wear while working from home?

I try to dress as I would any other day. Psychologically I just work better that way.

What are you doing for fun?

Podcasts are always good to just have on the in background, both 99% Invisible by Roman Mars and Revisionist History by Malcom Gladwell have plenty of episodes and unlock lots of additional thoughts.

In terms of movies, we could be here all day. If I’m busy my go-to is anything Wes Anderson (The Grand Budapest Hotel is my favorite with Fantastic Mr Fox a close second, but all equally as mesmerizing). Following that, I love the Safdie Brothers – I can imagine most people have recently watched Uncut Gems but you must watch their previous film Good Time. It’s just as much of a roller coaster ride.

If you have a little bit more time for movies, these are also worth checking: Phantom Thread, Get Out, Lady Bird and Burning -– each one amazing for completely different reasons.

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Chris Binns, footwear buyer

What’s your daily routine?

I’ve got an eight month old so I’m usually up around 5:30 a.m. I go through the morning figures with a coffee, then a bit of TV or a music documentary — currently I’m into anything on acid house. A quick scroll through IG, usually LukeUNABomberR’s page helps me build my playlist for the day, then 5k on the treadmill and breakfast. Then, I’ll pick my work spot for the day and set up camp.

I’ll pretty much have Luke Matthews on video call all day plotting our next batch of SMUs [Special Make-Ups]. I think it’s important that you keep the same working hours as usual so I’ll clock off around 5:30 p.m. and pack down, after that it’s teatime, a couple of beers and bedtime.

Where in your home do you like to work?

I just keep it moving, usually wherever is quietest; somewhere I can put some music on and zone in.

What do you wear while working from home?

I think it’s really important that you go through the same processes as your usual working week. I wear the same as usual — my style is already pretty laid back and casual, so if anything it probably fits it better with this way of living. Shirt, white tee, sweatpants, heavy socks and some kind of mule, usually Birkenstock Boston.

What are you doing for fun?

Mainly music. I’m listening to loads of Kamaal Williams, Mansur Brown, Moses Boyd that kind of stuff, I love the new re-imagining of Gil Scott-Heron by Makaya McCraven and recently rediscovered Remedy by Basement Jaxx; it’s such an amazing mix of cultures, an album way before its time. Staying with XL Recordings, I’ve also been listening to Richard Russell’s Making a Mixtape on NTS, Oh and [focusing on] my own music, Dirty Circus; we’re currently remote-mixing the next EP.