the FASHION thread

KAK

Oh, a new sewing machine, Tina?  How exciting!

BTW, as a PT, I'm not a big fan of Dansko's.  I'm not a fan of clogs at all or of any shoes that don't have an enclosed heel.  Slip-ons change the biomechanics of walking in a not-good way and can cause foot, knee and back problems.

I"m off to the fatigue study...

abbadoodles

Good luck with the study, K.  I know how important this is to you.  Feeling any peppier at all after dropping the drugs?

BTW, the Danskos I tried on did have the enclosed heel, not the clogs, although I am a huge fan on slides as I'm too lazy to bend over to put on my shoes.   Another thing I forgot to mention about the Danskos was how HARD they are, not soft and cushy at all.  I was surprised!

Cabinet did not come yesterday so I'm hoping today is the day!!!

barbe1958

Tina, I'm excited for you! Can't wait to see pix!

iodine

What???  Clogs are bad??? Oh, NOOOOOO>  My clark's have taken me all over Europe and the US.  they are woven leather and the first pair of shoes I ever tried on that felt wonderful from the first minute I wore them.  I have added 2 more pair just like them to my closet, one pair Red.  Clark';s come up the foot pretty high, no flopping of the shoe at all. 

Must I give them UP????

gracejon

has anyone got comments on the fitness shoes? M something, Sketchers, Reeboks and Avon sells some under the name of Curve brand.  What do you all think?  I am having a total knee replacement next week but am really having a huge problem with my other foot and plantar fascitis.  I know I need to wait until I recover but want some input to make my decision later.

abbadoodles

Really have no experience with such shoes but I am not interested in trying them as I have no problems with back,knees, etc. at the present and don't want to try using some unnatural postures to tone muscles that might affect my back, etc.  These shoes are a big question mark for me.  Perhaps Kathi knows something about their safety and efficacy.

activern

ladies ladies ladies - stop doing this to me.  I am late in getting to this thread [hmpf] but love love it.  I am a shopparista [is that it?]....  Since I have been home in the last month:  I have purchased over @#%! dollars in shoes, boots, dresses, tops - so ridiculous!  Inclusive 4 pairs boots [low and high] from DSW and constantly on HSN!  This is so bad but we do need this therapy and it is working for me.  As soon as I have pics I will send dahrlings!

abbadoodles

Go for it, Vilma!  We are a bunch of enablers here.

iodine

I totally agree that we are enablers!!  I've been on Ebay ever since I came home from the hospital and am getting all sorts of goodies in the mail. 

I just rec'd a lucious new cherry red floor length cotton velour robe---cosy, but not so much to make me hotter.  And it's the right size and everything!

My dh "to protect our ID, ", cks the charge card and checking account daily.  Hump!  He can tell me where I've been as soon as I get home or off the computer---- I honestly believe him when he says he's NOT cking up on me, but damn, it sure  FEELS like it.  I know he would give me the moon if I asked, but I didn't have this "over my shoulder" feeling before he retired.  Waaaay too much time on his hands.  LOL

abbadoodles

Dotti, ditto on the retirement issue.  Every woman I know complains of "too much husband" after they are home and in your face.  G-d forbid mine decides to take over the financial helm after he retires which, hopefully, won't be for another couple of years.  There are many things he just doesn't need to know!!!

Anyway, your red robe sounds yummy.  We ARE getting to that cozy time of year, after all.  I've been looking at down jackets in the mail order catalogs that are coming in.  LL has a nice short one in a lovely RED that I am considering.

Vermont Country Store has that popover in flannel or sweatshirt material or velour for years and I am seriously tempted to order one of those seriously unfashionable but cozy things for this winter.  How bad is that?

Would you believe my Eddie Bauer Gortex parka (in the most beautiful RED) is about 20 years old and has been through the washer and dryer countless times and looks as good as the day I bought it?  That's quality for you.  I don't know if their products of today are as good but, boy, was it back then.

I set up my new sewing table/caddie(y) whatever over the weekend and I'm loving it. Now I just have to sew some new clothes to justify the expense. LOL  It looks great, anyway.

Ooops, forgot to ask you how's the back/leg situation coming along, Dotti.  Any improvement?

Raye99

Dotti - NO! Do not give up your clogs. I just love clogs and bought the cutest pair at DSW last month. A Mary Jane clog by White Mountain - cute cute and oh, so comfy. I posted the link a few pages back. I've worn clark's before too, very comfortable, but they usually don't have much of a platform on them, which I need for my high arches.

That robe sounds like pure luxury.

Gracejon - I agree with Tina that Kathi might be the best to answer the question due to your plantar fasciatis? and upcoming total knee replacement, but I have tried a lot of running shoes and find that I like New Balance the best. I would recommend visiting a store that specializes in fitness shoes so that your foot may be measured properly and the plantar faciatis and any other issues can be taken into consideration in finding the perfect shoe for you.

Hi Vilma - aka shoppanista/fashionista - I go through phases - won't shop for a while and then WAM - I am shopping all of the time. I have vowed not to shop for awhile.

Oh ladies - forgot to mention (or maybe I did on the last page): I found jeans that actually fit and make my butt look somewhat attractive (well, my husband didn't want me to go to work in the jenas, so that is a good sign!). The Gap has gone back to their original style from 1969 (it is their 40th anniversary and they've brought these back). I bought three pairs of jeans. So so cute. Dark wash, regular wash and a black pair. 

Kathi and Dotti - yes, how are you ladies feeling? Hope you are both doing well.

Raye 

Katey

I've been avoiding shopping, surgery 5 weeks ago. I ordered slippers and a comfy fake fur lined hoody online before surgery, but maybe it's time to get something a bit more fashionable! Bought a pair of Essential jeans at Gap and receive so many complements on them.  I just received an email coupon good oct 26-29, 20% off gap.  Enter FRIEND online.  As far as sneakers, I find Saucony most comfy, great cushioning for my knees and lots of toe room!  Love this thread, puts a smile on my face this am  I will get better!

iodine

Health update: After I got home from the worst hospital stay in the world (where they get these people who call themselves nurses, I'll never know!) my dh diagnosed bursitis in my left hip---my local ortho injected it and I've been fine since!  The neurosurg. kept saying it was a nerve that was irritated and some intern got an xray, but not ONE doc, except the pulmonary guy listening to my chest, examined anything about me.  Not even the dressings.  My dh had to roust out a resident we had waited on seeing for 10 hours and convince him to change my dressings which were comming off. 

Now, I'm doing really well.  Walking the circle drive and moving in bed and up and down from chainrs and everything.  I see a f/u tomorrow and hope for release to the pool, to drive and such stuff.  Wish me luck!

abbadoodles

Luck,  Dotti!  We're with you. xox

KAK

Awesome, Dot!  As far as footwear goes, I would be lying if I didn't tell you that clogs with no heel enclosure and flip-flops and all other slip-ons contribute to back problems and hip bursitis and plantarfasciitis and lots of other problems.  I know because I've treated dozens of patients who kept not getting better until they gave up their slip-ons. 

Sorry!!!  But I'd never wear backless slip-ons with your back issues, sweetie.  You can keep wearing them for looks, just don't wear them for a long walk or a long "stand" -- like when you're washing the dishes.  It's like me with my high heels.  Costume only, not function.

abbadoodles

abbadoodles

How do ya like it?  I'm in HEAVEN!

Katey

That is so cool!  And what a view!!  Been thinking about getting out my old sewing machine again, but I LIKE this  What the heck do you make with all that equipment?

abbadoodles

Honey, whatever I damn well please. LOL

Truthfully, I used to sew a lot when I was a girl.  Just had the urge to take it up again recently and bought the new machine, etc.  And, away we go (as Ralph Cramden used to say.)

Have made a few things since I bought the machine last spring and am looking forrward to doing lots more.  Thanks for asking!

iodine

Beautiful!!  My daughter is a quilter and would absolutely drool over that set up!

Ok, KAK, I'll let my Clark's take a break and get my loafers back from the depths of the closet.  I just want to walk distances.  Tried some shopping yesterday, but gave it up and to my dh's suprise, said let's go to dinner.  I don't feel like shopping.  He really got worried then.  LOL, so did I.

Maybe I'll feel more like it as I improve.  fingers crossed.  Get a perm tomorrow so I'll def feel better about my hair.

barbe1958

Oh Tina! It's perfect! And such great lighting (straight on - mine is to my right)...sigh. You done good!

lvtwoqlt

Great set up Tina. I wish I had that much room for my sewing. Right now I am stuck in a corner of my living room with my small table for the portable sewing machine and a folding table in the middle of the room to cut out on. I got a couple of new quilt books this week, the Jelly Roll Quilt and Layer Cake, Jelly Roll, and Charm Quilt. I am a member of Crossings Book Club and I got a double package books for 25.00 when they were having a half price of mfg suggested retail price. Normally that package sells for $32 on Crossings or 17.50 each. I am drooling over what quilt to start next! My husband said, not more quilt books! I said it was my birthday present to myself.

Sheila

abbadoodles

Thanks for all the admiration, girls.  I've shown off enough now so I'm taking down the photos.  I've had my moment of glory. LOL 

Raye99

Saw the pics yesterday, Tina, but just didn't feel like posting (one of those days). Beautiful setup and what a view from the windows. Lovely.

Have fun.

Raye

lvtwoqlt

Today was the costume contest, I changed my avitar to the photo that they used for the voting. I thought that I looked pretty good but a ghost bride beat me. (The idiot from the warehouse didn't try dressing up this year) The other two women who dressed up (ghost bride and 1920's flapper) both said that they voted for me and HR said that the voting was close. I can't post a closer picture but hope that you can get the overall effect of my 'harem' girl.

Sheila

iodine

really cool!

Anonymous

Okay Ladies,

I have to admit I have been lurking on this thread for awhile.  I love all of your humor, and you are truly girls cut of the same cloth as me, (pun intended).  I love, love, love clothes, and sewing and shoes, okay you get it.  I have two questions for all of you very knowledgeable women:

1.) Does chemo make you shopping crazy?  I have been a wee bit out of control.  I decided not to do a wig, and so hats have become a favorite, and I have oh so many.  That was the trigger, and now it is sweaters, and shoes, and I finally found a cute pair of boots with a wide calf, will this ever stop?

2.) I had TRAM flap reconstruction in July, and since then I have had a really hard time finding pants that fit.  My tummy is now much flatter, and pants just seem to slip down and bunch in the crotch.  I love how my figure looks, but I can't seem to find pants that I am not constantly pulling up.  I am a bit of a curvy girl overall, and am a size 12 to 14 depending on the cut.  I am a few pounds up from chemo, but not significantly.  I just don't know where to start with the pants thing.  Do I need to try a different rise, or style?  Your advice would be most appreciated.

You all rock!!!!

Susan

KAK

Oh, Sheila!!!  LOL on the costume!

I went to a bc fundraiser called Tickled Pink the other night.  Went last year.  These are the folks from whom I got my pink feather survivor's boa, so now I have two!!  Two really funny women comics.  Here's a few pix of me as Jacqueline Sparrow, Jack's big sister.

Can't see the skirt I was wearing, so here it is.  I was also wearing black pointy lace-up high-heeled boots!

Boas for survivors:

lvtwoqlt

Kathi, I love the pirate costume. I may do that next year if pirates are still big. I have to start thinking about next year. I found out from HR that none of the warehouse employees voted this year, they didn't have somebody to vote for from their group so they chose not to vote.

Sheila

EWB

I don't know about chemo, but I have been on hormonal therapy for almost 3 yrs and I have noticed that I am more likely to shop now than before. Not sure if it made a difference that I stopped working or what, I certainly have more time to shop and find I go more often but do much less per trip cause I get tired and hurt too much. After much searching, I found that some places have "curvy" fits in pants which has worked REALLY well for me. Try the GAP....they have nice jeans & chinos in a curvy fit, not too expensive. I am also 12-14.

I am finding that I LOVE shoes, even though I have always had problems with bunions etc. This past week/weekend went with dh to DC for business trip and needed some cocktail dresses/outfits. Ack I thought I don't have any so off I went and found 3 (i"ll try to post picture) and 2 prs of shoes. While in DC wondered into shoe store and found GREAT sale and picked up 3 more prs of shoes...low heel all the same but in diff colors- brown, navy & black...