Just give me comfort. That’s all I wanted all week long starting on Monday. I think right after an amazing holiday, that Monday always finds me wearing something resembling pajamas. Yet, the skirt I wore on Monday ended up in the give-away bin. I do want to feel comfortable, but if I lose any confidence because of what I’m wearing, it’s gone. That was the second time I felt like a frump in that tulle skirt, so bye bye! This was the outfit I wore on Wednesday, and wow! I felt comfortable and super duper funky with these glorified flare leggings! Then, by 11 am my week took a very serious turn for the worse, yet still, just give me comfort.
Look at my left leg in this picture. Do you see that bulging stuff around my left knee? Well, that’s my new knee brace. (Not pictured are the return of my cruthces.) Yes, I had quite a fall on Christmas Day when I tripped in a man hole; it caused me to lime my way through our amazing trip to India, but I just kept going, kept enjoying, kept hoping the left knee wasn’t too hurt. And then, this Wednesday morning, my left knee completely buckled and just gave out. (Thank goodness this did not happen in India because we would have had to come home.) As I’ve mentioned here on the blog before, I have dealt with chronic pain for some time but luckily now have had stupendous relief with Pinky, my new replaced right hip. But whoa and ouch! I hadn’t had acute pain like that in quite some time: when my knee buckled it was excruciating. To make a long story short, I tore my left ACL in 1995 and that repair graft that was done 20 years ago is now gone. I no longer have an ACL in my left knee–yes, maybe the fall had something to do with it, but my ACL had probably been deteriorating for some time now, especially considering how much my left leg had to compensate for the right leg and vice a versa because of my hip issues. Ya, I’m bummed. For a day I sulked. I feel defeated, but not quite. And of course I feel a little deflated; I was on my way with my new hip. But, not yet. The difference this time around is there is something I can do about it: I can strengthen my quads so they support my knees. I feel more hopeful with this injury whereas with the right hip, I just had to deal with pain. And really, just give me comfort, and I’ll be ok. So, heels, you’re on hold for probably one more year. Tennies, you’re still in. So folks, if you want to know how to look smart and confident while being comfortable you have landed on the right spot. Hey, maybe I’m falling (literally) into my new niché!
My glorified, flared leggings are from Zara. They’re super comfortable, yet I feel rather elegant in them at the same time. They’re like skirts for pant legs. Listen, I said it in my last post, and I’ll say it again. Get shopping! The sales after the holidays are insane! I was able to pick up these leggings, the white shirt, two more pairs of velvet pants (that are comfortABLE!), and a very cool pair of Moroccan type mules that I hope I’ll be strong enough to wear this spring. Zara is where it’s at! And I know they’re not the only store….now is the time to clean out the basics and stock up on some that aren’t so basic–like these black pants. Swish, swish. (As an anecdotal side, I was so sad to not be able to show off my pants when I had to go home on Wednesday. I pulled them out just for a special shoot with my dear friend Norbyah. Thanks for the pics girl and the flowers!)
*I linked up this post to Not Dressed as Lamb’s #iwillwearwhatilike. Catherine has been named as the best blogger in the 40 year age group by Who What Wear! That’s somethin’!! I also linked up to Pleated Poppy‘s What I Wore and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish‘s Turning Heads.
This could be a new niche, Ann! There are many women I speak with that say they can only wear flats, so maybe you should lead the pack and show how it doesn’t mean they are doomed to frumpiness??
Because that’s the last word I think of when I see you!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thank you Jodie! As my sneaker collection keeps growing, I think you may be on to something!! I’m attending a swap on the 5th–it will be a sad one for me because I plan on selling some of my really nice heels. Oh well. One must accept what one has–and then work with it!! Thank you Jodie!! Love, Ann
OH NUTS!!!!! I’m so VERY sorry to hear that your ACL is blown. I’m not sure I fully grasp what your 1995 ACL graft entailed but more importantly how does one do without one at all???!!! Is the cast giving support to your knee until another surgery can be done on that left knee? I can certainly understand how the fall, the nasty pain, the inconvenience and uncertainty could do a number on you. That this all occured while you’re having a family holiday is doubly stressful. Oh damn!! (I bet you thought or said that a few times)
I REALLY hope you found some comfort girl!! Your face is revealing a little exasperation in these photos. Getting home, getting cozy, getting some laughs and some perspective can take time. I so hope you got all of those.
I’d really like to know more about where you’re at now, if you care to share Ann.
And trust that you WILL come back from this set back. Shoot, you’ll probably learn something (s) from it too!
Well….hmmm….I’m not nearly as depressed as I was with the chronic pain I experienced with my hip, but….let’s just say I don’t want to go down that road again! Right now we’re working on getting the insurance approval for an injection. My doc is great. He explains it like this: my knee is like a really, old and rusty engine. It needs some lubricant! So, on Feb 17 let’s hope I get it. I’ll let you know. In the meantime I’ve been able to strengthen my quads and hamstring which stablizes the knee, but now the cortisone injection he gave me a month ago has worn off, so the arthritic pain is back. It’s hard to walk. BUT, I can bike, and that feels good. I’m (forever) trying to stay positive. :S A x
Have you tried acupuncture?
Staying positive is difficult and demanding but worth it’s weight in healthy attitude karma.
Yoga?
Acupuncture has never really done anything for me. It’s severe arthritis…I haven’t tried it here, but when I lived in Beijing I tried all sorts of stuff for my hip! 😀
Thank you though Jude for the suggestion. Like the doc has said, “It’s a real bad engine!” Let’s hope the lube works out on Friday, the 17th…. ;D A x
dear lady, wish you lots of comfort meanwhile you take care of your poor leg!
There’s a lot of people which don’t wear heels, and I’m one of that persons! Never considered it as a problem, sometimes I think that heels are overrated as a style statement!
I think that your style and fabulousness are not going to decrease, whatever the shoes you pick they’ll be fabulous!
besos
Thank you so much. Your comment gives me a gush of love in my heart. Please what is your first name so I can address you with the kindness you give me Senora Allnut! Love, Ann