tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post2117440678519575956..comments2024-03-12T13:57:38.337-07:00Comments on Chronically Vintage: Vintage clothing for chronically ill and special needs individualsWitchcrafted Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-69072194237453804042016-02-03T16:56:28.759-08:002016-02-03T16:56:28.759-08:00Dear Mo, with all my heart, I'm sincerely sorr...Dear Mo, with all my heart, I'm sincerely sorry that you're going through an especially challenging time on the health front. Thank you for your lovely comment and for sharing a little bit about your medical struggles with me. <br /><br />Please know that I am always here if you need someone to talk to about anything in the world and that, as you said, you are never alone in the slightest.<br /><br />Gentle hugs & the utmost of understanding,<br />♥ JessicaWitchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-54556300004310845002016-02-02T15:08:44.190-08:002016-02-02T15:08:44.190-08:00I'm having a bad day,health wise,today.Found y...I'm having a bad day,health wise,today.Found your blog and your writing on people with medical needs was,so obviously,written by someone who really understands it made me feel not alone and definitely understood. I have a long term deteriorating condition and if I'm bad I to can't get out.it was lovely ,in the middle,of reading about vintage to find a post so understanding.thank you for making me feel not alone.Mo xhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16083356148402425974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-22319576232592063152015-11-07T13:44:28.872-08:002015-11-07T13:44:28.872-08:00Hi Victoria, thank you very much for your caring c...Hi Victoria, thank you very much for your caring comment. I'm truly sorry that you've had to battle medical issues and chronic pain your whole life. It really is incredibly taxing to life in chronic pain every second of the day. That's been my life, too, for well over 13 years now and will be until I breathe my last. So many of us are in this challenging position and have the utmost of strength for finding the ability to live with it and still find reasons to smile, thrive and get the best that we can out of life. <br /><br />Please know that I'm always here if you need someone who can relate to talk to about anything.<br /><br />Gentle hugs and the utmost of understanding,<br />♥ JessicaWitchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-86428719063667593462015-11-06T10:45:32.716-08:002015-11-06T10:45:32.716-08:00I can't believe I've just read this. What ...I can't believe I've just read this. What a refreshing and inspiring post. Though I may not suffer from as many illness or ailments as others but I really appreciate what it feels like to live each day uncomfortably!! <br />I just hope that all who have a daily struggle, find a way to help themselves get through it :) x x <br />I was born with dislocated hips and, even though they were placed back, I've always had issues with them : from random displacements, numbing, joint locks & trapped sciatica but I now have more back pain due to it! I know (to a point) how frustrating it can be being in pain all day long. I find it difficult to find appropriate shoes for me. Shoes that are too flat cause pain and don't even get me started on the insane height of the heels worn nowadays! victorianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-33373581395270896202015-06-08T03:08:09.684-07:002015-06-08T03:08:09.684-07:00aaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-32583025375701387992014-09-22T22:18:03.759-07:002014-09-22T22:18:03.759-07:00I love this post! I have Fibromyalgia and while mo...I love this post! I have Fibromyalgia and while most of the time I'm flare free, soft and light clothing are important when I am flare as my skin becomes so sensitive and everything is painful. <br /><br />Thank you for also sharing your story. I believe people need to hear these stories to help them understand not every illness is visible. Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02583524755306491510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-55368064735121098812014-04-14T19:51:56.697-07:002014-04-14T19:51:56.697-07:00Hi Jenny dear, thank you very much for your unders...Hi Jenny dear, thank you very much for your understanding comment. I'm deeply sorry to know that FMS is now amongst one of the medical conditions that you battle as well. It (not unlike ME in some ways) really a condition of a hundred (or more!) symptoms and one that unto itself can be incredibly challenging to deal with at the best of times. Add in other conditions (I have more than a dozen myself) and the mix only becomes more of an uncertain, difficult matter to contend with. It sounds like you share my upbeat view on life and making the best of things despite major medical issues and I admire that about you immensely. <br /><br />Keep fighting the good fight yourself, too, and please always know that I am here if you ever need someone to talk to about anything (health related or otherwise).<br /><br />Gentle hugs & unending understanding,<br />♥ Jessica Witchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-694248027125306622014-04-14T02:47:29.737-07:002014-04-14T02:47:29.737-07:00Hi Jessica,
I only recently discovered ypur blog ...Hi Jessica, <br />I only recently discovered ypur blog and just stumbled across this artical. I may be a bit late on the bandwagon, but I found this article very helpful and moving. I have had M.E for eleven years and have recently been diagnosed with fibromyalia, so I can empathise with what you have to go through every day. I have always found that making the effort (and sometimes it is a huge effort) to wear pretty clothea and a bit of makeup when possible is hugely important to help me to keep positive. My thinking tends to be if I feel well enough to do things, I will be ready! <br />Knowing that you have so much tlo contend with makes me appreciate your blog all the more. You are achieving something good with evey post you do, and you should feel very proud of that. Keep going. I will be thinking of you and wishing you all the best. <br />JennyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05020800283622056350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-47732907250259294322014-02-09T01:10:12.030-08:002014-02-09T01:10:12.030-08:00Thank you very much for adding this terrific sugge...Thank you very much for adding this terrific suggestion, Natalie. <br /><br />♥ JessicaWitchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-8772145458428755692014-02-08T04:56:54.418-08:002014-02-08T04:56:54.418-08:00Hi daphne I don't know if you have heard of th...Hi daphne I don't know if you have heard of the easy as stocking applicator. My mum has one to help her put on compression stockings, which she usually has difficulty doing because her back problems make it hard for her to reach. Its ment more for trouser length stockings though.Natalie_vintage_girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16089063496465996399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-45868248343139746442013-12-30T18:15:38.115-08:002013-12-30T18:15:38.115-08:00Hi,
I really enjoyed this article. I just recentl...Hi,<br />I really enjoyed this article. I just recently I wrote a 2-part post on the subject of dressing for a chronic illness. I mentioned this article because I found it to be very interesting. <br />This is the link if you want to check it out: <br />http://lainalaughing.blogspot.com/2013/12/energy-economy-wardrobe-considerations.html<br />Thanks for the good words.<br />Sincerely,<br />Laina<br />Laina Laughinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08742366572527312206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-84986133758573721922013-02-18T12:16:16.603-08:002013-02-18T12:16:16.603-08:00Thank you very much for your comment and for shari...Thank you very much for your comment and for sharing some of your great tried and true tips with us. It's interesting that you mentioned flats, because I actually find personally, that more often than not, I find heels (assuming they're comfortable to begin) with easier and less painful for me to walk in a lot of the times than flats. That said, when one finds a great pair of flats that are comfortable, they can be like an extension of your own feet and the perfect go-to shoe for almost any setting. <br /><br />Thank you again, my dear. Wishing you positive health and much happiness!<br /><br />♥ Jessica Witchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-3023850436569142852013-02-17T19:51:39.979-08:002013-02-17T19:51:39.979-08:00Lovely piece of writing, full of stylish and wonde...Lovely piece of writing, full of stylish and wonderful suggestions!<br />A cardigan over pajamas for surprise guests always feels better than a dressing gown, and better for sitting up in bed on cold days.<br />Long, pleated vintage skirts look good and I find them comfortable and cool in hot weather (bonus hiding hairy legs!)<br />My lifestyle (aka mostly at home and taking several naps during the day due to fibro and cfs) means I have a cupboard full of beautiful things that I hardly wear but I've been delving in to find ways to wear them.<br />Silk scarves are great on bad hair days and look pretty glamorous with a pair of big sunglasses.<br />My friend made me a gorgeous skort, as it fits perfectly, it is so comfortable and looks adorable so I wear it when expecting guests.<br /><br />A tip for more comfortable shoes: buy them a size larger and put a lambs wool innersole in, works especially well in ballet flats that can sometimes be a little flimsy and thin-soled.<br /><br />Sending you lots of good wishes! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-81307132142783412222013-02-09T00:02:01.708-08:002013-02-09T00:02:01.708-08:00Hello my dear, thank you for commenting again on t...Hello my dear, thank you for commenting again on this post. I'm sorry that you face both of these challenging conditions everyday as well. They really do have a profound and far reaching effect on one's life. <br /><br />I don't ever pretend that I'm not sick (to my mind, doing so would imply that I was ashamed of my health problems, something which I am not all), however I do like to keep the focus of this blog on other topics the vast majority of the time. I'm a very private person, generally speaking, and really do not like to complain or lament about the cards I've been dealt (instead I like to do whatever I can take care of myself, count my blessings, and look for a silver lining in even the worst situations), so there's little sense in talking about the specifics of my health here very often. This blog is about vintage first and foremost, even though the gal behind it has a rather hefty number of medical problems. <br /><br />Wishing the most positive health possible,<br />♥ JessicaWitchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-74749027219910576442013-02-08T23:13:44.844-08:002013-02-08T23:13:44.844-08:00I did notice that you don't go into the illnes...I did notice that you don't go into the illness's on the blog, sometimes we just want to forget, focus on something fun, and pretend we're not sick for a change, I so get that!! I have those 2 fun syndromes too. I'm thrilled to finally meet someone that actually knows that myofascial pain syndrome and fibro are two separate problems which can go together but not always! I started out with just the MPS albeit diagnosed by myself since the doc's here didn't know the difference between that and fibro. I live in a small town and it was a long time ago, before these illnesses were ever talked about much in mainstream medicine. <br />So I'll not go into the illnesses here anymore, I respect that, but appreciate you sharing with me what you have, thank you, :) :) and take careRKayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13185276481117234452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-40782416948932833832013-02-07T08:01:07.482-08:002013-02-07T08:01:07.482-08:00Thank you very much, I'm so glad to know that ...Thank you very much, I'm so glad to know that you've found this post helpful. The information here may not apply to the bulk of the vintage wearing community, but to those that it does, I truly hope it can prove helpful. Each one of us battling chronic health problems and/or disabilities, will have our own set of challenges and circumstances to dress for/around, but there's absolutely no reason we can't still wear vintage, if we want to. <br /><br />Yes, I do have fibro and myofascial pain syndrome. They're two of more than a dozen different severe chronic illnesses that I do battle with every day. Generally speaking, I don't talk about my health problems here on CV very often or in any kind of intimate detail, as that's not what I want the focus of this blog to be (it - my blog - is actually all about giving me an outlet in my life that's not focused on my health!), but there are times such as this post when doing so important because my experience may be able to help others in similar situations. <br /><br />Wishing you positive health & tons of fun wit your journey into wearing vintage. I'm always here if you need someone to talk about medical or vintage related topics. <br /><br />♥ JessicaWitchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-55445596491567021312013-02-06T22:00:55.270-08:002013-02-06T22:00:55.270-08:00Jessica, wonderful informative post! thanks for pr...Jessica, wonderful informative post! thanks for providing the link for me. I remember reading it before, but back then I was in the attitude of "I can't" :( and also was getting ready to have my shoulder replacement. Cardigans or Bolero's would make it possible for me to wear sleeveless dresses again and not bare all my scars, good idea! Love the camisole idea too and I can't wait to check out the etsy shop with the 1940's style overalls!<br />When it comes to shoes, most flats are akin to walking barefoot which is very painful. I need a lot of cushion because of damage from Rheumatoid disease, then I have the bothersome high arches as well... I read your comment to Chrissy88 and was excited to hear about the safetstep shoes from payless!It would be great to find comfy shoes that don't cost me and arm and a leg, lol. I once said I could never wear heels again, until I found the right pair, so maybe it will be true for flats too! Well,it sounds like you have as many challenges with your health as I do. I am guessing you have fibro like me. Sorry if I'm being too forward, it is a very uncomfortable condition and takes a lot of manangement. Thanks again, this was very helpful.RKayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13185276481117234452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-69921280003517620502012-03-31T09:41:25.958-07:002012-03-31T09:41:25.958-07:00This was truly inspirational Jessica! I loved ever...This was truly inspirational Jessica! I loved every word and it rang true in my heart. I have to wear special shoes and sneakers with my braces and for vintage dressing trousers are my main option. It can be fustrating bc none is it is cheap-the more special the needs the more cost. But I am fighting hard to be the 40s gal that I know I am. Thank you for sharing yourself this way and sharing your truth. Sending you a great big hug!!!! xox BunnyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07399307155035285501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-65603046387161292022012-03-30T19:52:27.179-07:002012-03-30T19:52:27.179-07:00this is a fabulous post, thank you so much for wri...this is a fabulous post, thank you so much for writing it. you've gone to so much detail, it must have taken so much time and energy to write! i appreciate it especially in regards to vintage, but it's wonderfully informative even for modern clothing. <br /><br />i feel like i dress so boring compared to the way i used to, i just don't have the energy anymore. but i think i still dress like ME! just not quite as flamboyant as i used to be! comfort is higher priority most days.<br /><br />i wear cotton tights (leggings?) just about every day, which lets me wear skirts made of vintage fabric without it bothering me, and means that i'm comfortable no matter what - no waistbands digging in, etc. i've also given up entirely on finding bras in my size in canada that aren't synthetic, so i wear a different size and add an extender.<br /><br />also, for shoes, i LOVE my crocs. i know, i know, crocs. but honestly, no one ever realizes that they're crocs. when i point it out, they don't believe me. they're just comfy black flats! and now crocs makes insoles, which are so awesome for cute shoes with no support.amy damehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12147616185803446276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-46402950334633407672012-03-30T18:40:18.660-07:002012-03-30T18:40:18.660-07:00Jessica, this was a VERY enlightening read. Wonder...Jessica, this was a VERY enlightening read. Wonderful in fact. As a Registered Nurse, I can relate to everything you have mentioned, paying particular attention to one important detail. Comfort. The everyday healthy person would not think about comfort in the form of clothing for the chronically ill. Wow...You have thought this problem out thoroughly!!! Bravo!! I will forward this wonderful page to a few people I know, who would benefit from all of your advise. Thank you Jessica, you're a doll!!<br />♥♥♥<br />LisaLISAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12014683495951094188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-64375199481031683942012-03-30T11:58:02.750-07:002012-03-30T11:58:02.750-07:00Thank you Jessica for your inspiring post. I have ...Thank you Jessica for your inspiring post. I have had a Stoma for 20 years as a result of IBD. Due to a horrific accident I have had multiple spinal surgeries with Chronic Pain as a result. If that's not enough after a routine Bunion operation a few years ago I almost (not quite) lost my right leg due to severe infection. I cannot wear tight fitting clothing due to my Stoma. I have also had to go for a size bigger and wider in shoes due to my now deformed right foot. I do not want sympathy just understanding and it was so nice to read your post this morning.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02758926343154376267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-29351488300907052932012-03-29T20:19:18.218-07:002012-03-29T20:19:18.218-07:00Hi, I found your blog via Andi B. Goode's Frid...Hi, I found your blog via Andi B. Goode's Friday round up. This is such an amazing post. It sounds silly, but I never thought about how much I let my IBS affect what I wear. But after reading this I definitely realized I have, just as I developed a lifestyle/habits around my condition, let it creep in an own a bit of my personal style as well. These are really great tips and a very thoughtful article. I will definitely be following in the future!Kat Fraleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11325302633293044609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-73059528743958847382012-03-29T16:57:27.775-07:002012-03-29T16:57:27.775-07:00Hi ladies, thank you each so much for your comment...Hi ladies, thank you each so much for your comments. I'm replying to all those who have a blog linked to their profile over at your own lovely sites, as I really want to address any specific points you've made in your comments and chat about the topics you brought up.<br /><br />@ Chissy88, I can relate, dear gal. My feet are not without their issues, too - chief amongst which is absurdly high arches that can make fitting into a lot of styles quite tricky. Recently however, I absolutely needed to get some comfortable shoes for our flight (when we moved from Ontario to B.C.), and found two pairs at Payless Shoes that are designed specifically for women who are on their feet a lot (such as servers, flight attendants, nurses, etc), so they offer more support then most run-of-the-mill pairs (yet they didn't cost the moon, I believe both were a hair under $50.00 each here in Canada).<br /><br />Both are from the same line (called SafeTstep) and are classic matte black: one pair is flats, the other have a subtle, totally walkable heel), and I've been living in them night and day ever since I bought them. They're hands down the most comfortable shoes I've owned in years - and they don't overtly look like work shoes in the least (you can see the heels in some of the shots from my black and blue shoot, here: http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2012/03/sometimes-black-and-blue-can-be-very.html).<br /><br />Thank you each again very much for your comments. From the bottom of my heart, I wish all of you and your loved ones positive health and the ability to always wear lots of beautiful, comfortable vintage clothes.<br /><br />♥ JessicaWitchcrafted Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02992822472797191121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-85687532709044266002012-03-29T16:03:44.198-07:002012-03-29T16:03:44.198-07:00This is an excellent article. Many people are also...This is an excellent article. Many people are also living with health issues that are not obvious at a moment's glance yet affect their lives in many ways. I so agree that just because one has health problems, you don't have to live in sweatpants and tee shirts. <br />I have a great deal of trouble finding shoes. Most inexpensive modern shoes are made so poorly, with little support for my weak arches and often swollen ankles, and therefore, are quite uncomfortable. Unfortunately, alot of flats that are made these days (at least at the stores I can afford!) have no padding or structure. There has also been a trend that heels keep getting higher and higher. On the rare occassion I wear a heel, a few hours of 2 in heel is more than enough for me! So I'm still looking for shoes that are stylish and that don't make my feel hurt.Chrissy88https://www.blogger.com/profile/09129212920783317786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3423410690702297063.post-28493061126501754722012-03-29T14:17:26.834-07:002012-03-29T14:17:26.834-07:00This is SUCH an amazing post! You are an inspirati...This is SUCH an amazing post! You are an inspiration. My little sister was diagnosed with Crohn's disease on her 18th birthday and has been struggling with her "bad belly" and dressing it ever since. As a young, gorgeous girl, all she wants to do is run around in hip hugging jeans and tight little tops but there are a lot of rough days when only yoga pants and sports bras will do. I know from talking to her that being able to feel pretty on the outside when you feel yuck on the inside really helps boost a girl up on those hard days. xBrittany_Va-VoomVintagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04377031677999463069noreply@blogger.com