The Style Pivot: Autoimmunity Doesn't have to Cramp Your Style

Time for some real talk. As I've mentioned before, I've been dealing with Lyme Disease and an autoimmune condition for about 5 years. But what I haven't really spoken much about is how it has affected my life. It has changed a lot of things, including how I dress. That high-end luxury skirt in my last post? That was from my pre-Lyme/autoimmune days. Most of the things I've written about in this blog thus far are about that time. I've kept my current situation quiet, for many reasons. One of them being that I've always loved fashion, and was afraid if I admitted I no longer fit into the typical style mold, I wouldn't belong in the fashion world anymore. But as time went on, I began to accept myself the way I am, and realized that fashion isn't just for those who can strut in 4 inch heels and wear any fabric they want to at any time.

Here's the truth: I have a rack of shoes ranging from hot pink patent leather heels to suede wedge pumps that are gathering dust in my closet. That's not to say I can't wear them again someday, but right now, they don't fit the bill. I also have pieces - like that cream skirt - that are just too restricting and uncomfortable to wear at the moment. But it doesn't mean that I can't participate in fashion or look stylish and beautiful. Dealing with health challenges doesn't exempt me from having style. It just means I have to make some tweaks so that I not only look good, but feel good, too. Now, this doesn't mean that I will be waxing poetic about my health. This blog will remain the upbeat fashion haven you love, but I'll be imparting the new superpower skill I learned: finding chic, stylish pieces that also happen to be gentle on sensitive bodies.

I've gone through a lot, and realized that keeping everything I've learned from those ordeals close to the vest (fashion pun intended) isn't doing anyone any good. So from now on, I'll be imparting the wisdom I've gleaned from my 5 years worth of experience of feeling crappy while being chic to my readers. Lesson # 1: you can still participate in fashion, no matter how you feel or what you're going through. With minimal effort and a few tweaks, you can look pretty darn sophisticated, and still feel physically comfortable. And here's the thing: fashion affects your mood, and your mood affects your health. If you put a pretty outfit on, you'll feel beautiful. And if you feel beautiful, your spirits will be lifted, which everyone knows has positive health benefits. Taking care of the outside of our bodies seems insignificant, but it isn't. I can attest to that firsthand. And contrary to popular. belief, you don't have to sacrifice comfort for fashion. I can show you how.

Until next time, stay fabulous!