Three Month Tendon/Ligament/Nerve Issues Foot Update

Three Month Foot Update:

If you read my posts for clothing reviews and outfit posts feel free to skip this one.
I'm working on a reviews post that will be up soon, but I wanted to do a quick update on my foot since documenting this process is one of the main reasons I started this blog. I searched all over google to find someone with similar issues without much luck, so I hope my story will help someone else in need of answers with tendon/ligament and nerve issues in the foot.

Sunday marked 3 months without being able to walk without the aid of crutches or my air stabilizer boot. The most aggravating aspect, besides not being able to WALK or wear cute shoes? Going to the bathroom at night. This involves crawling from the bed to the rolling chair strategically placed at the entrance of the bathroom, heaving myself in the chair from the floor and then rolling in the chair to the "throne" and then repeating the whole process in reverse. This is not conducive to a restful night's sleep. :)

The swelling has gone down since I've been staying off of it this week, but it is still painful and changes colors when I hang it down while sitting in a chair, etc. My appointment with the foot specialist is finally around the corner -- Dec. 27th. I hope to get some more answers and a more realistic healing time frame. I am on a 2 week break from work which will be spent primarily in bed or on the couch with my foot propped up. Not so much fun, but I have got to heal this stupid foot. Here's my advice, readers -- don't do soft tissue damage to any area of your body, but especially your foot. This has been a LONG haul.

Since I started this blog out of boredom due to my foot issues, I'm going to document my foot color changes at the bottom of this post for any readers that have stopped by with similar issues -- tendon, ligament tears and nerve damage (Also, RSD or CRPS have been brought up, but I don't think that is what is wrong. I don't have the burning sensation and sensitivity to touch, thank the Lord! My P.A. brought this up, and it is one of the reasons I'm seeing a specialist.)

Warning! Do not scroll below if you are squeamish. However, it's just a photo of a "normal" foot that is purplish-red.


























The scars are from my Skew Foot (Z foot) surgeries. These photos were taken after the swelling went down. My foot only turns this color now when it hangs down -- sitting, crawling, crutches, etc. It looks normal otherwise. The bottom of my foot also turns a deep purple, especially behind the toe area. The reddish-purple color extends a bit up my leg as well. When it turns this color, the prickly pins and needle sensations increase and it either feels internally and externally much colder or warmer than the other foot. This is the most disturbing part of my foot "issues." :)
Update: I've now been diagnosed as having RSD or also known as CRPS. UGH! More here.

CRPS in right foot after tendon and ligament tears.

Made to Measure Tee Review & Week 11 Foot Update & Grainy Archive Outfit - Yay!

I've got basically nothing in the way of reviews or new outfit photos but I did get my sale and 25% off discount items today and I love them all, so reviews will be upcoming, but probably not until the weekend because I reinjured my stupid foot. Yes, I REINJURED my already injured foot! UGH! My goal was to rest up over winter break and hopefully move from the air boot to something less awkward. I hope this is still possible!

Made to Measure Tee

I do want to give a head's up quickie review of the Made to Measure Tee by Weston Wear. I tried it on today in my usual XS and it was WAAAAAY too tight in the stomach area. It fits well everywhere else, but the ruching in the stomach area is just too clingy and uncomfortable. I think I have only sized up to a small a total of two times in the 6 years I've shopped at Anthropologie, so I'd say this top runs small in the waistline. I'm going to exchange it for a small and hope for the best, because I really like the color, pattern and sleeves. I own a couple of Weston Wear dresses and they fit perfectly in XS, so I am surprised at the fit of this top. I'll post a photo of the small when I get it.

As for the foot, one of my students lunged into me without looking, stepped on my injured foot and caused me to slightly turn the foot as I struggled not to fall over. It is more swollen and painful than it was and is discolored again, so I'll need to rest up before doing another round of photos. 

It's a good thing I have all these great outfit photos saved up to share, now isn't it? Ha, ha. Here's a couple of ways I've worn this wool skirt my mother gave me.

Curtain Call Top & Rings and Things Necklace

This is a great top. It looks very professional tucked into a skirt, but also doubles as a lovely asymmetrical tunic for a "going out" look with skinny jeans and heels. I got the Rings and Things necklace on sale last year for $10 on a "Why not? It's only $10 whim" and ended up wearing it to death last year. I wore it so much, I'm actually tired of it now. :)

Anselle Necklace

I love this outfit as it has a nice vintage feel to it. I only wish the photos could do it justice. Well, that's all for now. Time to prop the old throbbing foot up. Until next time . . . whining over and out. :D

Review: Crochet Cuff Henley

Motor cuff Henley

I pounced during a recent discount promotion and bought two, because I couldn't decide between charcoal and black and oh, who am I kidding, we all know I have a problem with multiple color buying. Ha, ha. (cough)

Crochet Cuff Henley

I asked my husband and his response was, and I quote, "Are you planning on wearing that to the Renaissance Fair? If so, then it is  Kicka$$." He is so not helpful!

Traveling Minstrel - Where's me flute?
according to my husband

I think the detailing is more apparent in the charcoal version, but the black version is going to be more versatile and less Renaissance Fairish as the tepee like stitching in the back is barely noticeable in the black colorway. I love it for its layering potential. I layer a lot and it is nice to have options instead of wearing the same old shirts underneath all the time. However, I would wear this alone for a casual weekend or going out look.

Details and Sizing:

Long sleeve scoop neck Henley with elaborate floral crochet detailing along the sleeves. 6-button placket. Ribbed collar. Shirt tail hem. Features raw seam detailing along the back.

*100% cotton

*Machine wash

*Import 

Measurements for Size Small:

Length: 28"

Chest: 31"

Waist: 26"

As for sizing, I usually wear an XS in Anthropologie clothes and I got an XS in this. 

Here's some shots of the shirts. I just quickly threw on some things I typically layer with in the fall/winter. These are by no means outfits. It's funny, my gut feeling was to keep the black, but now I'm not even sure I want the black. This is why it is worth taking photos of outfits.

I really like this combo. My dad gave this Free People vest to me last year for Christmas.

.

With the Triple Strap Tank

My First Attempt at Tying a Scarf: Iznik Scarf with the Monologue Top

Although, I'll admit to enjoying putting together outfits for work, I have no idea what I'm doing. 

I just buy what I like and hope for the best. Why so much Anthropologie? Well, for one, I like Anthropologie and no one I know really shops there, so my clothes are "different" and unique because of this.  I LOVE the sales and it is so easy to order from there as I know my size and how certain brands will fit. Secondly, I HATE shopping in malls and trying on clothes in stores. I would much rather order from the comfort of my own home, try on the clothes with my accessories and then send back what doesn't work -- also, I'm lucky in that I can ship back for free. 

Blah, blah, blah.  So, what was I writing about anyway? Oh yeah, the scarf. On to the scarf, already. Maybe I should retitle this post. Ha, ha.

Iznik Scarf and Monologue Top

How many of you can relate to the following? When I first bought and tried on the Iznik Scarf, my husband said it was stupid and it overwhelmed my little frame. Today when I emerged from my room ready for work, he went on and on about how much he liked the scarf. Of course, I'm sure he has no memory of his original negative comments. I've learned to not listen to him. :D

Lots of laughter,

V.B.

Kissing Friday Dress & Muted Lavender Top: Outifts from the Archives

I've got a ton of old outfit photos that I can share. However, as per all my photos, the quality isn't the greatest. Anyway, here I am with two normal feet and two shoes. :) Here are photos of a few stylings with the Kissing Friday Dress. This is one of my favorite dresses. Surprise: I have it in both purple and orange. 

MIA Pali Boot, Kissing Friday Dress, Beaded Eglantine Cardigan

MIA Pali Boots (chocolate) I got these in 3 colors when they went down to $39.00 last year. These are my knock-around boots that I don't have to worry about. I had to move out to a portable last year and am constantly walking through dirt, mud, and muck. I didn't want to ruin any of my good shoes so I pretty much wore these exclusively until they put down sidewalk at the end of the year. These boots are very comfortable, look like leather and fit my skinny calves like a glove. People are always asking where I got these. Plus, they have been a LIFE saver for me recently as they are about the same height as my air stabilizer boot. I constantly wear these now.

With Target Cardi - 2010

The purple dress is a size small. It has a looser fit which allows for layering over shirts. The orange dress is an XS and probably fits the best and I debated exchanging the purple for an XS, but decided I liked the different, looser fit of the small. Plus, the small is a little longer.

Anselle Necklace
Target Cardigan, 2010

Biloba Necklace

Couple of Black Friday Reviews/Outfit Lucerna Dress

I don't know nothing about taking no pictures! I am such a horrible photographer. I have no idea what I am doing. I guess I need to read up on lighting because most of my photos end up with these tiny little white specks all over them making for a lovely linty look. Would Head and Shoulders fix it? Ha, ha.

I ended up wearing my popback Lucerna dress for the first time on my birthday, along with a couple of my Black Friday 50% off sale purchases. Everything I ordered trickled in one item at a time! I've had a package on my doorstep everyday this week, making for a FUN birthday week!  I actually wore this to work, but with an off white cami to make it somewhat more appropriate. These are photos I snapped before going out for my birthday dinner. Look away from my white knobby knees. ha, ha.

On to the reviews: 

Wispy Pointelle Cardi

I bought the Wispy Pointelle Cardi in dark gray, white, and red intending to keep just a couple -- not all three, but being a chronic serial-multiple-color-buyer, I have of course justified to myself why I should keep them all. (Plus, it is my birthday week. hee, hee) If I do send one back, it will most likely be the dark gray as I already have so many black cardigans. 

As the name says, it is indeed a wispy cardi, and therefore VERY delicate. I was sooo careful all day while wearing this. I really like these because they are cropped (I think shorter cardis look better on me with dresses.) and I like the delicate look. I also don't have any other sweaters that look anything like this. I tried on the red and white with a black cami for a more casual, cool look -- also with the Sweeping Pips necklace. I'm very satisfied with these, but would have never purchased them at full price as I will have to be very careful in order to avoid snags and holes. 

Sweeping Pips Necklace:

I LOVE this necklace. I am going to have to seriously restrain myself from wearing this several times throughout the week. I wear a lot of black, gray and red and this necklace looks fabulous with so many of my clothes. I needed another gray necklace so I would stop wearing my gray Target chrome knot necklace so much. WINNER!! I got compliments on it all day. People actually grabbed it and ran their fingers through the strands (Which was kind of weird now that I think about it.).

I also purchased the Golden Pinnate necklace in silver as a Target knot necklace alternative. I'll feature that necklace soon. Only problem? Now I want it in gold as well . . . :D

Popback Try On Session: Lucerna Dress

I received this "popback" about a week after my injury and so I never felt like trying it on until yesterday when I had a burst of energy and tried on a couple of new things. I haven't steamed it yet, so it is very wrinkled in the photos.

 My knees are starting to look icky from crawling around and I need a tan. My husband calls me THE RING because he says I remind him of the scary lady crawling around from that movie. If I have my stabilizer boot off, it is just easier to get from point A to point B right now if I scoot or crawl around.

7 Week Anniversary of Foot Injury and Passerine Tee Outfit

In honor of the seven week anniversary of my foot injury, I thought I'd share my fall version of the Passerine Tee. It's only fitting as this is the top I was wearing when I wrenched my foot. I haven't worn it since, but decided to wear it out yesterday. Read on below for an update on my stupid foot. :D

I love to layer. Here's the Passerine Tee paired with my FAVORITE layering shirt, the Pure and Good Slub Tee. It is very delicate, so I hand wash it and hang it flat to dry. I have this tee in black, white and red and wish I had been able to find all the colors on sale last year. This is one of my favorite necklaces (Target). 

 Below is the finishing touch -- my favorite boyfriend blazer, The Borrowed Blazer. It seems like the year this jacket came out, Anthropologie had a ton of great jackets and blazers. I had a hard time choosing and wish now I had gotten more than a couple as lately none of the blazers have really appealed to me.

Borrowed Blazer

Foot Update

My foot has gotten worse over the past couple of weeks. It feels like it is always waking up from being asleep -- pins and needles feeling. Sometimes it feels ice cold and turns red or blue tinged. I get twitches/spasms in my foot and sharp shooting pains. My whole foot went from slightly swollen to yuck swollen all over. The severity of swelling, color changes and temperature changes come and go and now the bottom part of my leg is also twitchy and cold feeling as well. It just feels miserable. I went from taking an occasional Naproxen to having to take pain pills every day for the pain which makes me very sleepy all the time. I'm a VERY active, hyper person so this is driving me crazy! 

So, I had another MRI done last week. My tibialis posterior tendon is stretched with multiple tears and the tendon running along the ankle on the other side of my foot is also stretched. My whole foot is inflammed and filled with fluid -- tenosynovitis and tendinosis, there is also ligament damage, AND I have arthritis in several places from the surgeries for my skew feet. Most of this I already knew, although I wondered why the other side of my foot was swollen and hurt and now know that tendon was wrenched as well. That was the good news. Ha, ha. 

The bad news? The doctor brought up RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome) or Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (RSDS/CRPS). Yikes! He asked us if we knew what it is and gave a brief overview of nerves going haywire resulting in pain. He then talked about next steps and referred me to another doctor. This went over our heads because I really still didn't understand how serious this condition is. When my husband asked about a time frame for recovery, we were told this was a chronic disabling condition characterized by intense pain with no cure. Well, that got our attention, and we started asking more questions! Of course, I googled it right away and wish I hadn't.  One of my friends at work told me that this is what Dr. House has that makes him pop drugs all the time. GREAT! 

I need your prayers. I am refusing to believe this and am hoping that my foot is just so messed up with inflammation that this is causing my nerve responses. Plus, this wasn't a diagnosis just a suggestion of what it looks like is going on with my foot. So, pray, pray. Did I mention, pray? :)

Mummy Concert (Avett Brothers) and Triple-Strap Tank Outfit

The Avett Brothers - "Die, Die, Die"

Video of the Avett Brothers dressed as mummies during last year's Halloween Eve show at the Ryman Auditorium. Unbelievably, they stayed in costume throughout the show! The entire auditorium stood up, danced and shout sang during the whole concert. This is one of the most memorable concerts I've ever been to. They sold out two nights in a row at the Ryman last year, so this year they played at the Bridgestone Arena and . . .

Yes, I drug my crippled self out to see the Avett Brothers. We had floor tickets (standing) right in front of the stage, but had to trade them in for handicapped seats in the upper deck as I couldn't have stood for the whole concert. It was sad looking down at the crowd dancing around and having fun up front. My husband made me go in a wheelchair, so that was an extra bonus!!!!!

If you haven't heard of the Avett Brothers, check them out. We go to a LOT of concerts and I would have to rank their concerts up in the top three of my all time favorite live shows. There is NON-STOP energy, and they just really seem to enjoy what they do. As far as the genre goes, they are hard to classify; It's a mixture of country, bluegrass, rock, folk and punk all rolled into one.

"I and Love and You" is one of my favorite slow songs by this group. When I first heard it, I played it over and over again and sang along at the top of my lungs. I can't sing, and I am not a country fan. (I do like folk music), but I just LOVE this group.

Listen here to "I and Love and You" (album version):

"Kick Drum Heart"
High Energy! Love this song.

On to the Outfit of the Day . . . Triple Strap Tank

First of all, I can't take a good photo to save my life. The lighting isn't very good in my closet or in my bathroom and if I turn on the flash, it looks terrible in the mirror. Most of the photos look like I have a major lint problem  . . . but I don't. Ha, ha. I'm thinking I'm just not cut out to be a blogger. :) 

Triple-Strap Tank

Here's another one of the items I purchased from the 50% off sale room. There wasn't an extra small so I picked up a small and hoped for the best. The extra small probably would have worked better, but at the price I paid, I'm happy with the flowy look of this shirt. it looks great with or without a shirt layered underneath. I paired it with last year's Pure and Good Slub Tee and All Along Knit Jacket.

I wore this outfit with black cords to work and then with jeans to the concert this weekend. 

I have a foot update for another post. I had to go back for another MRI and let's just say I'll be out of commission for a LONG while.

My Closet: Jewelry Organization Part 2 - New System

My New Jewelry Organization System.

Here is my new and improved solution for organizing all my jewelry in one place: The Over the Door Jewelry Organizer by Longstem Productions. You can buy it from the Longstem site, but the best deal I found was from Brylane Home. Both sites list the organizer for $59.99, but you can use a coupon code to get a decent discount from Brylane. I scored a coupon code for 25% off and free shipping as well, I think. (I'm one of those crazy people that will spend 30 minutes scouring all the coupon sites for the best deal.) Here's my favorite site for coupon codes -- RetailMeNot. Right now you can get a coupon for free shipping, or a coupon for 25% off at Brylane. Be sure to check out the Longstem site. It is very detailed and has many more different options for you to buy. Brylane Home only offers the large organizer shown below.

I purchased the large version in white, but it also comes in a bronze finish. It can be hung over the door or mounted on the wall. The Longstem site offers several other options including a men's version with belt hooks, and a corner organizer. There's a mini organizer and several small wall mountable versions in butterfly, star and heart shapes too. The site claims the larger organizer can hold over 300 pieces, and I believe it.  My organizer is a little more "stuffed" than the product photo above. :)  

Here are some examples of how other people are using the organizer to display jewelry:

The photos below are of my organizer. I told you my mother had a lot of jewelry -- most of it was hers. :'(

My nicer jewelry is kept in a jewelry box on my dresser, but everything else is held here. Even though this seems jumbled, it is actually easy to get to each piece. I try to keep it somewhat grouped by color so it is easier to reach for coordinating pieces when I am getting ready. That's what I disliked about having the jewelry scattered in different places -- I couldn't actually see all of it at once, so I would forget about some pieces. (See previous post.) The only feature I dislike is the earring section. It's easy to hang earrings on the bottom row, but a little more effort is needed higher up. At first I thought that would really bug me as I have a lazy streak when it comes to menial tasks. However, for me, it is worth the extra effort to hang them as I can get ready a lot faster in the morning, and once again, it is nice to be able to see everything at a glance when putting together outfits. This wasn't cheap, but was SO worth it. I've already asked my Dad if he will get me one of the smaller versions for Christmas. I would like to mount it on the wall and hang my frequently worn pieces there in an effort to keep it all more eye pleasing. Plus, I think I'm nearing capacity. Ha, ha.

Full view of my over the door jewelry organizer.

At the top there are hooks for holding bracelets and rings. At the very top in the back there are hooks for holding shorter necklaces behind the bracelet hooks.

Here's a close-up of the top and middle section.  You can see the necklaces peeking behind the bracelets. Below this section is a spot for keeping other things. I use it for large bracelets. The tin holds my extra earring backs.

Here's a close-up of the earring section. You put your hand underneath to hook earrings in place with a back. I like placing them here by colors so I can better see what I have and how the earrings coordinate with my necklaces and bracelets at a glance.

Below are just more photos of how I organized the jewelry on the bottom section. As you can see, I tried to keep them together by color groups. 

Here's the two side views. I use the sides to hang extra long pieces of fragile jewelry that I don't want my cats to use as cat toys.

 I love having access to my clothes, shoes and accessories all in one place! I have a full length mirror by the jewelry organizer so I can check everything out without having to leave the closet. :D I have a couple of odd sized necklaces hanging on this coat rack. I kept the Bed Bath and Beyond hanger organizer to keep those same delicate pieces. I never or rarely wear that jewelry and they are mostly pieces from my mother and grandmother. However, they are right there with everything else when I need them.

That wraps up the jewelry portion of my closet makeover. I did want to add that most of the costume jewelry pieces are Liz Claiborne and Napier. Some of my favorite pieces are thrift store finds from my college days, Anthropologie (surprise) and Target. I love Target jewelry as it is cute and affordable. Many of the Target earrings are similar to nicer pieces and you can't tell a difference in quality while they are dangling from your ears. :) I wear the gray chrome lasso loop necklace ALL the time. It is probably my favorite go to necklace for concert wear. (On the far right of the last organizer photo above.)

Feel free to share any cool tips in the comments.