Shift your eyes away from those wonderful shoes for a wee minute, because it's the leggings I'm talking about today. I bought a pile of new clothes recently, mostly from the new plus-size range at Wallis. I've spent almost all year in my jammies, so splurging on clothes seems a bit of a waste when I can't or don't wear them. However I've started at physio again (think it's around 10 years since I've been) and the first thing out of my mouth when the doctor mentioned the referral was "what am I going to wear?" Yes jammies are not suitable outdoor attire! He passed that anecdote onto the physio who said as soon as I came in "oh you found something to wear then"! I know I make life difficult, but I like to stay true to myself and I didn't want to suddenly start wearing tracksuit bottoms and a sweatshirt because that's what I "should" wear to the gym. It's really not me, I'd be self conscious, uncomfortable and I didn't see the point in splashing out on something I'd dread wearing. So I made do, wearing little jersey dresses and leggings that I already had. Primark Barbie the first week, Miss Selfridge Barbie the second! I also wore the only flats I own, a pair of Melissa & Barbie Ultragirl in white with a black shoe print, which I ditched after a couple of weeks because she asked me to take off my shoes anyway, so I figured I might as well wear heels! Of course I'm highly uncomfortable in my old clothes right now anyway. I suppose I've put on weight from the lack of activity and everything feels restrictive (hate bras) and at physio you just want to be comfortable, not constantly pulling your dress down or stopping your leggings from rolling down. So, I've been keeping an eye out for something else to wear, hence the haul at Wallis.
The absolute star item of everything I got, has to be these leggings. They are honestly "perfect". They call them 'trousers' on the site and though I don't think they are see-through when stretched, I'd still class them as 'leggings' personally, though good quality ones. The waist actually goes up to my waist, shock horror! My most hated thing is hipster leggings, that feel like they are constantly falling or rolling down, it's so uncomfortable yet these easily go over my bum and big tummy. The waistband is wide, flat elastic, which doesn't roll (another plus) and I feel secure and pulled in. The legs are super skinny, yet easy enough to get on and the overall length is pretty good on me. I just can't rave about these enough and had they not been sold out in my size, I'd have bought a back-up pair (seriously dudes, they are down to £15). The black pattern is kinda flocked on a silvery base (like "flocked wallpaper" according to the physio), but I want these in plain colours and as many other prints as possible, they are that good. Size wise, I'm usually an 18-20, more recently closer to the 20, but usually size down to a 16 in leggings. I bought an 18 in these and they are great, they fit true to size. I wore them with a sheer back, drop hem top from the range and they were awesome together (I've linked to it at House of Fraser because it is out of stock at Wallis and you can also find the leggings there). As much as I love them, I kinda wanted to cry once I'd tried on all my new clothes...I just didn't feel like the old me and though I'm trying to be 'good' and wear something comfortable and functional, at the same time I don't want to change myself for this illness you know? Being comfortable, shouldn't mean pushing yourself out of your comfort zone should it? That just doesn't seem logical. Then I went to physio and she pointed at my top and said "oh you're very plain this week, that's not very 'you' is it, no Barbie or Sindy?" Argh, I just though ffs, I'm bloody trying here! Anyway the Bambi shoes went down a treat and she asked me to bring along my ballerina pair too for the whole department to see. I lifted a 1lb weight too, 3 reps on each arm...She-Ra by Christmas I tell you ; ) What do you think, do I battle to stay myself or 'let it go' and become something I'm not?
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Thursday, 4 December 2014
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WOW, those leggings are amaaaaazing, I am actually tempted (and I only do cheap leggings usually!) - I always wonder how one can get the thicker ones on (and jeggings, shudder)- I struggle to get more rigid fabrics past my bottom (waist size does not marry up with leg and bum) and so I tend to avoid anything more fancy, so I am glad to hear what you said. I also hate the hipster falling down feel (Primark, I'm looking at yoU!)
ReplyDeleteI am sorry you feel gloomy about your appearance, it must be so hard not being able to be you, so I totally understand the need to grasp at relative normality in terms of your wardrobe.
Sending you many hugs and best wishes xxx
Me too, I've lived in Primark £3-5 pairs for years, but sooo glad I took the plunge with these. I need the extra room in the hips, but I like the legs skinny...so often I find ones comfortable at the top but baggy around my ankles and knees. There's a lot of stretch in these though.
DeleteThank you. I'm just so desperate to get back to the high heels, flowery dresses and full hair and makeup! I feel the more I go to physio, the more I see how far I am from getting back to that because my body is just refusing to improve. Been a really tough year.
I really hope physio helps!
ReplyDeletePersonally I think style evolves. Maybe you aren't as comfortable in what you used to be in but maybe that's an opportunity to widen your scope to what else is out there? I love the smock type skater dresses asos do, they're comfy and roomy and you can still get some gorgeous patterns/belt them in to feel a little more structured.
And besides, you already know you're always 'the one with the amazing shoes' wherever you go! :p xxx
Thank you Rai, it's a struggle for sure. Tried some walking between the parallel bars the other week and couldn't move for a week afterwards. It's so far from what I was able to do last year : (
DeleteThat's a good idea, I've seen a few of those with lovely prints.
I tried, I really did, but I couldn't deter my eyes from those sensationally darling shoes. They're the be all to end all of footwear fabulousness!
ReplyDeleteHuge hugs coming your way, honey,
♥ Jessica
Haha, well yes, they are pretty amazing! The physio spent longer studying them than looking at what I was doing! "So what size are they, where did you get them what height is the heel, how much were they?"
DeleteI love these leggings. I agree with Rai, your style definitely evolves over time. I've found since getting ill it is important to me to maintain my sense of self through my style, even though this has had to accommodate my weight gain and the fact I can't wear heels (good old dizziness) anymore. When I wear things that are more 'me' I automatically feel better.
ReplyDeleteForgot to say, love this and your shoe girl new look. You always have awesome blogposts and style, and they've really inspired me to try out new styles that i normally wouldn't.
Lucyx
Totally agree. I remember feeling like this back at the start of my illness, when I began to put on weight and wanted comfortable clothes, but no longer fitted any of my own (plus they were all unsuitable daywear!!) I was happy that I'd finally found I could wear things I liked and still feel comfortable. Now everything is just uncomfortable.
DeleteThank you Lucy, that's so sweet. I just wish there were more hours in the day! I get lost in html and trying to make things look right, then realise a whole day has passed and I haven't posted what I was supposed to. I'm trying to make the blog look better and get it back to my happy place, so it's nice to get some encouragement x
They are probably the loveliest pair of leggings I have ever seen. Just so perfect...and how could I avoid commenting on the shoes, wow what a find. Your a very inspiring. The quote is important to keep in mind, I really struggle with that sort of thing and staying positive etc.
ReplyDeleteThank you, yes the shoes are amazing : ) Exactly, I struggle too, it's easier to look negatively on things I think or at least my mind automatically does and I should really correct it.
DeleteI love the leggings. I'm sorry that you have been feeling like this with regard to your style. I guess for the physio it is best to be comfortable as much as possible, but I know what you mean. I'd feel the same if I had a job or something where I couldn't dress like me. That said, I think my style has probably evolved over time, as I suppose most people's does.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm lying there on a bed with my legs in the air, so comfort is key! She wondered why I always wore black...I think it's just all my colourful, pretty clothes are dresses which aren't appropriate for the gym!
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