Really love your content, and your style, on TikTok, I struggle to find mine and your journey is inspirational!
I have Lipoedema and clothes are a struggle as I can, on a bad day, change one-two sizes during a day with painful swelling. I have recently had surgery so my shape has also drasticaly changed, making it a challenge for my brain to catch up. There was a ledgend when I grew up of a tribe that did not fly because they said their soul could not follow that quick, scared of loosing it in the speed of the aircraft moving their body. I can relate…
I live in Sweden and we recycle everything (including byrochracy), so there are clothes bins next to the bins were we recycle every thing else, like plastic, metal, glass, paper… thinking of how we can minimize waste is a lifestyle.
But here is my thought; historically, like 100-200 years ago, women had the same garment regardless like if they were pregnant or not, they were often, meaning their body shape changed drastically. The corsetts were laced (not at all advocating we should go back to that), allowing them to alter and adapt their clothes, they were designed to accomodate change. I feel we have lost that thought when we create clothes today, do you agree? To design clothes that allow for larger changes? Childrens clothes here have elastic bands with buttons sown into the waistband of pants here to allow their growth, why don’t we have the same in adult clothes to allow for a good dinner? We could use clothes for longer time without having to discard them when they are too snug or big, continue using them instead of having same pants in several sizes.
Sorry to hear your struggle with lymphedema. I share a similar struggle following lymph node removal during mastectomy. Fortunately I found a physical therapist trained in lymphedema and frozen shoulder and following 6 months of treatment, I now do 60 minutes of lymphatic exercises every morning and this has helped tremendously with pain management, motion and pressure.
Yet I agree with you about clothes as it’s impossible to find stylish clothes that allow for lymphedema swelling. I have considered getting out my sewing machine and modifying clothes with stretch panels. What do you think? If you find any good online retailers let me know and I’ll do the same.
Amelia, So sorry long Covid has you so I’ll and for so long. While undergoing 4 surgeries, 20 weeks of chemo and 30 radiation treatments due to late stage breast cancer, I found you on TikTok during that time. I looked forward to one day wearing business clothes again and regrowing my hair to return to work. I always enjoyed your honesty and insights and look forward to seeing them again when you are feeling better. Prayers for a return to normalcy for you one day soon. Sheryl in PA
My style related goal is to be dressed and ready everyday with classic pieces in my closet. I have too many trendy tops and not enough of the basics. I’ve begun thrifting, only looking at black gray beige and white tops with dark jeans or trousers. So far I’ve put together a few really nice outfits I can go to in a pinch.
I just subscribed a few days ago, and I'm very sorry to know that you are unwell (btw, did you tried CDS? Requires some deep research to use it against covid symptoms, but I've watched great testimonials about it). Anyway! I'm looking for my personal style and this first newsletter was so great to read! One year from now, I would like to say that I finally find the style I'm most myself with. I'm sure your newsletter will help a lot in this journey. Hugs from Mexico!
So sorry to hear you have the long Covid but so nice see you back. I’m a health care worker and absolutely lost my style to scrubs, pandemic stress and menopause. However thanks to you I now have a polka dot boilersuit that I feel amazing in and am gradually adding in pieces that are stylish, sustainable, fit well and that I love. So thank you for reflecting my experience! Kind thoughts as you navigate your recovery.
Some entertainment suggestions: I follow @jodytjan (stylist) and @kat.makes (sewist and embroiderer) on the TikTok - they are fun! I listen to the movie podcasts “I Saw What You Did” and “You Are Good” and then try to watch the movies they cover (they have some DEEP cuts!) I also like “The Shift” - a podcast for women navigating life after 40. Some audiobook recommendations: “The Power” by Naomi Alderman, “American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins, and “Run Toward the Danger” by Sarah Polley. If you can access CBC in Australia, I highly recommend the Baroness Von Sketch show for snort-laugh comedy watching.
I couldn't be more pleased to hear that you've found your groove post-pandemic! That makes my day, truly. And thank you for the plethora of recs, will keep me very entertained.
So sorry to hear about your experience with long Covid. I’ve loved following along your journey on tiktok! I may have missed if you talked about this already, but I’d love to hear any experience or learnings you have about rediscovering your style as a mom and how that ties into matrescense. Did you watch The Bear on Hulu yet? It was a favorite!
I love your newsletter! So pleased to connect here too. I loved The Bear, I watched it in the early days and it was one of the reasons I had to learn the importance of "restful television" - I was stressed watching it!
So glad to hear your words! I'm focussing on adding quality pieces. Those I've had for years are so worn but well loved. They're now no longer allowing me to look polished when I need to. Finding ethical sources for these is a challenge.
Have you watched 'Conversations with Friends' (Amazon Prime)? It's clever and melancholic, but it will remind you how hard it is being a young adult with energy. Your own bed will feel like a soft hug of comfort. (I'm so sorry to hear about your long Covid. What a curse.)
I've been on an uncomfortable quest to find my signature hair style and am increasingly drawn to don a Wendy Whitely-style turban. I'm a weaver, so I can make them myself. The trick is to find fibre that won't make my head itch.
I watch weaving videos on Youtube to calm me! I think it's such a beautiful art. You're so gifted to be able to make your own turbans! I have read Conversations with Friends but haven't watched the series, but I do love Jemima Kirk so will do. Thanks!
Rest is productive. Just here to cheer you on in your recovery...
And my style goals are to zhush it up a bit...I've always been rather conservative in my style with a periodic bit of punch, and since I've gone completely silver, I want a bit more rock 'n roll to my hair than repeating the cuts ad nauseam.
I am so glad to hear from you in this format. I've been wondering why TT was keeping you out of my feed. I am very, very sorry for what you and your family are experiencing. It is so easy for the majority to just carry on as "normal" if they don't know someone who is dealing w/ the aftereffects of lingering covid. You are such a vibrant, refreshing thinker and creator. I hope you are back to your previous healthy state in the near future!
I’ve been checking back on your TikTok account every month hoping to see a new video and coincidentally checked today! I’ve been watching and loving your content from the very start of your journey :) It’s terrible that you’re going through this, such a huge and difficult adjustment. But it does sound like you’ve been lovingly supported and still very much looking to the future which is brilliant! I have no doubt there are tough days but you clearly have a strong spirit x
If you like food content, there’s a series called “Somebody Feed Phil” on Netflix which is really great. Phil, a comedian and creator of Everybody Loves Raymond (if that’s not your cup of tea, trust me this show is very different) travels to different countries and cities and tries the local food. It’s really enjoyable and I especially love the episodes in Europe and South America!
Sending all the healing energy and patience to you as you work through this. Very much looking forward to what comes next for you -- your journey has inspired so many, myself included. Thank you!
I was so pleased to see an email from you but I'm so sorry to hear this Amelia, so sorry. I send you all my well wishes all the way from the UK. I love your TikToks and had missed you, I'm at a complete loss with my personal style! I think I've done about 7 Kibbe tests and about 17 online "style" questionnaires and always seem to get conflicting information. So, I'm selfishly glad you're feeling up to writing, but I hope it gives you some strength and hope. You've inspired so many with your style discovery journey, now you're inspiring us with your strength over long Covid. We'll be your cheer squad!! All the best.
So sorry to hear this. I've been with you from your first tik tok and your journey really resonated with me. Wishing you strength and health. I'm in the UK, and my recommendations for TV are always the same: Succession and White Lotus!
I have not watched Succession, I opted out as I was working in corporate at the time and didn't want to relax by watching more office politics! But given the number of people who love it, maybe it's time to dive in. Thank you.
So sorry to hear that you have been so unwell. Some recommendations- Dead to me, only murders in the building, Wednesday, Maid, Heartbreak High.. Hope you regain some strength and wellness soon.
Really love your content, and your style, on TikTok, I struggle to find mine and your journey is inspirational!
I have Lipoedema and clothes are a struggle as I can, on a bad day, change one-two sizes during a day with painful swelling. I have recently had surgery so my shape has also drasticaly changed, making it a challenge for my brain to catch up. There was a ledgend when I grew up of a tribe that did not fly because they said their soul could not follow that quick, scared of loosing it in the speed of the aircraft moving their body. I can relate…
I live in Sweden and we recycle everything (including byrochracy), so there are clothes bins next to the bins were we recycle every thing else, like plastic, metal, glass, paper… thinking of how we can minimize waste is a lifestyle.
But here is my thought; historically, like 100-200 years ago, women had the same garment regardless like if they were pregnant or not, they were often, meaning their body shape changed drastically. The corsetts were laced (not at all advocating we should go back to that), allowing them to alter and adapt their clothes, they were designed to accomodate change. I feel we have lost that thought when we create clothes today, do you agree? To design clothes that allow for larger changes? Childrens clothes here have elastic bands with buttons sown into the waistband of pants here to allow their growth, why don’t we have the same in adult clothes to allow for a good dinner? We could use clothes for longer time without having to discard them when they are too snug or big, continue using them instead of having same pants in several sizes.
Sorry to hear your struggle with lymphedema. I share a similar struggle following lymph node removal during mastectomy. Fortunately I found a physical therapist trained in lymphedema and frozen shoulder and following 6 months of treatment, I now do 60 minutes of lymphatic exercises every morning and this has helped tremendously with pain management, motion and pressure.
Yet I agree with you about clothes as it’s impossible to find stylish clothes that allow for lymphedema swelling. I have considered getting out my sewing machine and modifying clothes with stretch panels. What do you think? If you find any good online retailers let me know and I’ll do the same.
ps -- podcasts:
if you are interested in the human condition while incarcerated, Ear Hustle is a great podcast.
For quirky little crimes, Criminal.
Their sister pod that touches on love in many forms, This is Love.
For some dharma and peaceful contemplation, Heart Wisdom Podcast (Jack Kornfield),
mostly light and great dynamic between three cohosts, Smartless.
Human sociology, WorkLife
Thank you - some great new listens for me. x
Amelia, So sorry long Covid has you so I’ll and for so long. While undergoing 4 surgeries, 20 weeks of chemo and 30 radiation treatments due to late stage breast cancer, I found you on TikTok during that time. I looked forward to one day wearing business clothes again and regrowing my hair to return to work. I always enjoyed your honesty and insights and look forward to seeing them again when you are feeling better. Prayers for a return to normalcy for you one day soon. Sheryl in PA
Sheryl! Sounds like you’ve been through the ringer! Thank you for your kind words, and good vibes back to you. X
My style related goal is to be dressed and ready everyday with classic pieces in my closet. I have too many trendy tops and not enough of the basics. I’ve begun thrifting, only looking at black gray beige and white tops with dark jeans or trousers. So far I’ve put together a few really nice outfits I can go to in a pinch.
I just subscribed a few days ago, and I'm very sorry to know that you are unwell (btw, did you tried CDS? Requires some deep research to use it against covid symptoms, but I've watched great testimonials about it). Anyway! I'm looking for my personal style and this first newsletter was so great to read! One year from now, I would like to say that I finally find the style I'm most myself with. I'm sure your newsletter will help a lot in this journey. Hugs from Mexico!
So sorry to hear you have the long Covid but so nice see you back. I’m a health care worker and absolutely lost my style to scrubs, pandemic stress and menopause. However thanks to you I now have a polka dot boilersuit that I feel amazing in and am gradually adding in pieces that are stylish, sustainable, fit well and that I love. So thank you for reflecting my experience! Kind thoughts as you navigate your recovery.
Some entertainment suggestions: I follow @jodytjan (stylist) and @kat.makes (sewist and embroiderer) on the TikTok - they are fun! I listen to the movie podcasts “I Saw What You Did” and “You Are Good” and then try to watch the movies they cover (they have some DEEP cuts!) I also like “The Shift” - a podcast for women navigating life after 40. Some audiobook recommendations: “The Power” by Naomi Alderman, “American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins, and “Run Toward the Danger” by Sarah Polley. If you can access CBC in Australia, I highly recommend the Baroness Von Sketch show for snort-laugh comedy watching.
I couldn't be more pleased to hear that you've found your groove post-pandemic! That makes my day, truly. And thank you for the plethora of recs, will keep me very entertained.
So sorry to hear about your experience with long Covid. I’ve loved following along your journey on tiktok! I may have missed if you talked about this already, but I’d love to hear any experience or learnings you have about rediscovering your style as a mom and how that ties into matrescense. Did you watch The Bear on Hulu yet? It was a favorite!
I love your newsletter! So pleased to connect here too. I loved The Bear, I watched it in the early days and it was one of the reasons I had to learn the importance of "restful television" - I was stressed watching it!
hahaha I totally get that - have to remind yourself to breathe sometimes :)
So glad to hear your words! I'm focussing on adding quality pieces. Those I've had for years are so worn but well loved. They're now no longer allowing me to look polished when I need to. Finding ethical sources for these is a challenge.
Great goal. I've been so happy with the high-quality secondhand pieces I've bought, all the quality with less cost.
Have you watched 'Conversations with Friends' (Amazon Prime)? It's clever and melancholic, but it will remind you how hard it is being a young adult with energy. Your own bed will feel like a soft hug of comfort. (I'm so sorry to hear about your long Covid. What a curse.)
I've been on an uncomfortable quest to find my signature hair style and am increasingly drawn to don a Wendy Whitely-style turban. I'm a weaver, so I can make them myself. The trick is to find fibre that won't make my head itch.
Thanks for your candid blogging. Love you. xxx
I watch weaving videos on Youtube to calm me! I think it's such a beautiful art. You're so gifted to be able to make your own turbans! I have read Conversations with Friends but haven't watched the series, but I do love Jemima Kirk so will do. Thanks!
Rest is productive. Just here to cheer you on in your recovery...
And my style goals are to zhush it up a bit...I've always been rather conservative in my style with a periodic bit of punch, and since I've gone completely silver, I want a bit more rock 'n roll to my hair than repeating the cuts ad nauseam.
Love that - a bit of zhush never hurt anyone!
I am so glad to hear from you in this format. I've been wondering why TT was keeping you out of my feed. I am very, very sorry for what you and your family are experiencing. It is so easy for the majority to just carry on as "normal" if they don't know someone who is dealing w/ the aftereffects of lingering covid. You are such a vibrant, refreshing thinker and creator. I hope you are back to your previous healthy state in the near future!
I’ve been checking back on your TikTok account every month hoping to see a new video and coincidentally checked today! I’ve been watching and loving your content from the very start of your journey :) It’s terrible that you’re going through this, such a huge and difficult adjustment. But it does sound like you’ve been lovingly supported and still very much looking to the future which is brilliant! I have no doubt there are tough days but you clearly have a strong spirit x
If you like food content, there’s a series called “Somebody Feed Phil” on Netflix which is really great. Phil, a comedian and creator of Everybody Loves Raymond (if that’s not your cup of tea, trust me this show is very different) travels to different countries and cities and tries the local food. It’s really enjoyable and I especially love the episodes in Europe and South America!
I LOVE food content! I've re-watched all of Chef's Table, and David Chang's various series. Will add Somebody Feed Phil to the watch list, thanks.
Sending all the healing energy and patience to you as you work through this. Very much looking forward to what comes next for you -- your journey has inspired so many, myself included. Thank you!
Thank YOU x
I was so pleased to see an email from you but I'm so sorry to hear this Amelia, so sorry. I send you all my well wishes all the way from the UK. I love your TikToks and had missed you, I'm at a complete loss with my personal style! I think I've done about 7 Kibbe tests and about 17 online "style" questionnaires and always seem to get conflicting information. So, I'm selfishly glad you're feeling up to writing, but I hope it gives you some strength and hope. You've inspired so many with your style discovery journey, now you're inspiring us with your strength over long Covid. We'll be your cheer squad!! All the best.
Thank you for this very lovely and generous message. It means a lot.
So sorry to hear this. I've been with you from your first tik tok and your journey really resonated with me. Wishing you strength and health. I'm in the UK, and my recommendations for TV are always the same: Succession and White Lotus!
I have not watched Succession, I opted out as I was working in corporate at the time and didn't want to relax by watching more office politics! But given the number of people who love it, maybe it's time to dive in. Thank you.
So sorry to hear that you have been so unwell. Some recommendations- Dead to me, only murders in the building, Wednesday, Maid, Heartbreak High.. Hope you regain some strength and wellness soon.
Thank you x