I talk a lot on this blog about my love of fashion, and my experience as a designer and small construction and retail business owner. These are topics about which you’ll continue to hear. But something I haven’t really mentioned is that I’m also a Lyme and autoimmune disease survivor. Every once in a while I’ll bring it up, because I think authenticity is important. And because it has influenced who I am as a person, and given me new perspective on fashion (and life) as well. If autoimmunity and Lyme is pressure, then I’m most certainly a diamond. That journey has taken me a lot of places, introduced me to a lot of people, and taught me a lot of lessons.
When things first started happening, I tried incredibly hard to hold on to the person I used to be, but as time went on, thanks to my faith in Jesus and my amazingly strong, loving and supportive family, I changed - for the better. I learned how to stop and smell the roses, truly appreciate the wonderful people in my life, embrace new friends, be vulnerable (with the right people), and to appreciate a new and different kind of beauty and fashion vibe.
Before, I wouldn’t leave the house unless I was in full hair and makeup. I’m talking Too Faced foundation/concealer, NARS blush, and lashes out to there. Vintage cowboy boots (you’ll hear about how I scored those) and Free People or Anthropologie-clad (unless I was going to work, which meant wedge boots or Uggs, leggings, and an oversized men’s button down flannel).
Now, it’s not uncommon if I leave the house fresh faced, with just moisturizer, hair its natural dark brown, doing its natural wavy thing. Ugg slides still keep me comfortable and stylish, but sometimes they’re just paired with leggings (those will never go out of style for me) and a cute oversized sweatshirt. Along with some simple necklaces and my LWP bracelets, I may not catch the eye of Page 6, or hit the latest street style trend, but the look is figure flattering and effortlessly comfortable. And that’s okay. In today’s day and age, it can be tempting to compare yourself to your favorite celebrity or influencer. I always felt pressure to look perfect and flawless all the time. But one thing I realized during my health journey is that I’m okay just the way I am, and so are you. Fashion is always fun. And it’s always good to look your best. But sometimes fashion is comfort, too. It’s not just a chic Gucci belt. Sometimes it’s wearing your grandfathers oversized sweatshirt because it reminds you of him and makes you feel strong. Sometimes it’s wearing Uggs instead of shoes or heels because you’re still healing and need to be comfortable.
What I learned is that fashion isn’t just for the runway. It’s in the everyday tapestry that makes up our lives. A pretty bracelet that when we look at it makes us feel happy. A beanie I got on a fun trip to NYC with my mom. It’s a different kind of pretty - a pretty that’s lived in, authentic, perfectly imperfect. Coco Chanel said it best, that “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”
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