Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Feminine Chronically Ill Women - Clothes, Accessories, Make-up, and Body Tips

I though some of the ladies in the forums might like this article I wrote. ~BarbRyan

Anyone can be affected by chronic illness, including the most feminine woman. Living with a chronic illness often means having limited amounts of money, energy, and resources. But it does not mean having to forgo being feminine or sacrificing it. Femininity can be incorporated easily into your clothes, accessories, make-up, and body. Just keep in mind these keywords: comfort, ease, simplicity, and flare. The smallest and easiest additions can worth with your unique situation and make a world of difference.

Clothes - Comfort comes first here. Sports bras tend to be more forgiving and supportive than regular underwire bras. In addition, "granny panties" tend to be the more than thongs. Wear bottoms that are comfy and make you feel good. I prefer knee-length skirts over jeans or pants, as they don't put pressure on my stomach. You can dress them up or down depending on your shirt. Soft, fitted t-shirts make a skirts instantly casual, fancy blouses do the opposite. Anything plain or boring can be make spectacular with a little flare and some details, such as appliqu�s or trim.

Accessories - They are the additional touches that make up an outfit. They can add a dose of flare. With every outfit, I always wear earrings and a necklace. They make me feel "dressed." I recommend anything that is easy for you to put on. There are so many kinds of accessories out there, that any woman can find something she likes and can wear. As far as shoes go, I tend to ware basic, flat shoes that match a number of outfits, such as maryjanes. Heels are out of the question. A number of cute, orthopedic shoes and sandals are now available. Handbags are crucial the chronically ill woman. When choosing a bag, I look for something that can be worn cross-body, taking weight off my shoulders. It has to be big enough for my meds, make-up, and essentials (like wallet, keys, and cell), along with a book or latest crochet/knit project (good diversions while waiting at a doctor's office). Also, I carry a pad of paper to make notes or lists as needed. I keep my meds in a small make-up container, so I can find them easily and keep them organized.

Make-up - I take care of my skin, using a simple regimen. I wash my face once a day, put on an acne cream, and then a moisturizer with sun block. I like Aveeno's sensitive skin facial moisturizer. If I am going to work, I usually wear light brown eye shadow, mascara, and some lip stain with lip gloss over it. It's easy to maintain during the day and needs minimal touch ups. For errands or flare-up days, I just use my favorite colored lip gloss and no other make-up. My make-up favorites include: Great Lash mascara, Bigalow lip glosses, especially their Rose Salve, and lip stains from The Body Shop. I also like quick dry nail polish. I can put on 2 coats when I'm resting with a movie. Pretty, colored nails can brighten up a bad day.

Body - I like to have a selection of perfumes and body sprays. Scent has a really powerful effect on the mind and body, so chronically ill women can choose a scent to cheer them up or relax them. I like The Body Shop's scents. They are light, without getting lost or fading away. I like to partner my perfumes with body wash and body spray to enhance the smell. For moisturizers, I like to use simple, scent-free ones like Aveeno. I also use The Body Shop's almond oil hand moisturizer and cleanser.

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