Always In Motion
51 years old and I've always been fascinated by fashion; classic, elegant, funky, eclectic...I love it all and, although I'm not society's beauty ideal, fashion has loved me back. My style has evolved over the years: simpler lines, bolder colours, fabrics chosen for how they feel against my skin as much as how they look. Now it has evolved even more to include dressing for my health or, I should say, because of my health.
A few years ago my body began moving. Uncontrollably, unpredictably, and not small movements. I have Parkinson's Disease as well as severe hereditary Essential Tremour. Because of the Parkinson's I have problems with balance, some minor tremouring, and muscle rigidity...particularly of the trunk at this time but it may eventually encompass my limbs as well. The Essential Tremour? Because it is severe I could enter breakdancing contests and win just by standing there if I didn't have medication to control it and sometimes, even with meds, I have breakthrough tremours.
Woe was me when all this fun stuff started, amongst all the other concerns (since no one knew what was wrong at first) were the occasional visions of me sitting around in flowered house dress and scruffy slippers. Not an appealing vision. (photo source)
Like many women who deal with health issues, it was up to me to adjust my expectations and find out what I could wear to make daily life easier and still leave me feeling confident, beautiful and stylish. Things like a front-closure bra so I no longer had to do the 'brassiere twist'. Clothing that wasn't too tight in case I started thrashing about. Shoes I wouldn't fall off of. Okay, so where did that leave me? With a lot of research, that's where it left me. Fortunately you can now type 'your disease - clothing' into your favourite search engine and come up with myriad possibilities. Have arthritis? Type in arthritis clothing, same with nearly anything you can imagine and some you probably haven't. Unfortunately, most of what you find appears to be made from industrial-strength polyestre, in dull colours, and lacking a certain.....imagination. Still, for me at least, it gave me a place to begin working on my own fashion/health compromises.
So I can't wear skinny leather pants and heels, I can wear leggings and funky flats: (photo source 1, photo source 2)
A skintight pencil skirt? Nope, but updating a slightly looser retro style? Bring it on! (photo source 1, photo source 2)
High heels obviously don't work for me, as much as I would love for them to: (photo source 1, photo source)
Or these...
Bright colours in clothing, hair and makeup...fun jewelry...a sassy 'take no prisoners' attitude, a bit of imagination and a whole lot of intestinal fortitude: that is my style these days and you know what? I like it. A lot.
Oh Jacqueline this is perfect. I love your humour and attitude you are to be admired and you are helping others see that nothing is impossible. I LOVE your STYLE. Hugs my friend well done. B
ReplyDeleteGood for you for not going over to the dark side (scruffy slippers and house coats!). The fab finds you put up are every bit as attractive as the 'can't do's' and I love the boot/shoe selections you put up!
ReplyDeleteI love your attitude, imagination and determination Jacqueline! Kuddos for ya!
ReplyDeleteLove those boots Jacqueline!
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone in your trying to be comfy in later years. :)
Jacqueline, you're an amazing woman...in so many ways, and I applaud you. I am uplifted every time I read one of your posts.
ReplyDeleteI can't wear heels either. A horse reared up and crushed my big toe in a few places when I was a teen, and I have a lot of nerve damage. I'm not really the heels type anyhow ;-) I'm sure you look great no matter what you wear!
ReplyDeleteMy mother had Parkinson's and struggled with many of the things you mentioned. Wish I'd have thought of the front clasp bra tho! Brilliant. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspiring post. I never thought about how your style has to change if you have a disease, but I bet it has been hard. Sounds like you are keeping your style and making compromises while still looking good. I love how you look on the bright side!
ReplyDeletewhat a great article. i love your attitude, you are so inspiring! one of these days, you should model some of your looks for us!
ReplyDeleteNow I would break my neck in those red heels. I love heels but I have had two falls to the ground collapses already in my life. My heels, when I buy have to pass the "Renae balance test": If my foot rocks from side to side at all when I stand in them, = GOOD BYE!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the nice words and this post is awesome! I admire your taste!
My Mother also had parkinsons... I felt so bad for her trying to control her tremors. I hope they soon find a cure for this. I have heard it is hereditary, so maybe I have the same thing to look forward too.... NOT!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to dress trendy... but I find myself dressing for comfort.
You're in luck Candida! Whilst Essential Tremour is often hereditary, Parkinson's is only hereditary in around 1% of the cases. I'd say your chances of not getting it are much higher than the risk that you'll develop it and THAT is a good thing!!
DeleteGreat post. I ditto Our Neck of the Woods- I hadn't considered how my clothing might need to change based on my health. BTW- I actually did Googled "arthritis clothing" and you weren't joking...
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful piece- loved it !! I love fashion too and like you have found it ti evolve to a place I feel happier about
ReplyDeleteGreat blog
Dawn
www.dressmeperfect.com
Jacqueline, I have nominated you for The Versatile Blogger Award! Congratulations! Please visit the link http://witchcatsblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-versatile-blogger-award.html
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Kim
I used to LIVE in high heels before I was diagnosed with Meniere's Syndrome. Then, balance became an issue, so now I usually stick with the ballet flats too and you know....they are really, really pretty shoes. AND come in all colors and textures.
ReplyDeleteI don't wear pencil skirts anymore because I'm short and they just make me look even shorter. I wear swirly skirts and love them.
And YES. Leggings.
We are all set, yes?
you are just amazing! In spite of everything, you turn a sad thing into a festival of beauty and color. In reality, I much prefer your fashion than the heels ;-) You rock!!!
ReplyDeleteAll that skinny, high-heeled stuff is overdone and impractical anyway -- your style is gorgeous, your sense of humour even more so; you are truly an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteYou inspire me. You have such a beautiful outlook on life. I love that about you.
ReplyDeleteYou need those red shoes! I need those red shoes!
ReplyDeleteAnd I just have to say that as far a inspiration goes, I'd much rather garner it from a beautiful woman like you than a woman who represents an unrealistic version of beauty and style. You are perfect:)
Great post! If everyone had your sassy, amazing attitude, this would be a better place. Unfortunately, most of us enjoy listening to ourselves whine. BTW, re. your comment on today's Cranberry Morning, why did the two of you decide to leave Scotland? That must have been a difficult decision.
ReplyDeleteI like this - I'm having to swear off heels due to a foot and knee injury but am loving flats, wedges and funky sneakers so think there is still a lot of ways for me to indulge my love of shoes. I love that you can still make your style work for you!
ReplyDelete