Something Comes Between Me and My Calvin's

So this week it was time for me to strike a pose. Actually I had to strike several poses so that one of the ostomy nurses could determine the placement of my stoma (where the ostomy pouch will attach). Trying to imagine this pouch under my shirt lead me to wonder how I'll be dressing differently after the surgery. I'm not one to parade around in revealing or skimpy outfits, but I like to look like I'm not wearing a potato sack every once in awhile. In my opinion there's nothing better than some good retail therapy and ogling over a Nordstrom's catalog. I love clothes - period.

However there is something I must confess. When I'm having a "lazy style day",  I look like I should be on What Not to Wear (i.e. the Domino's Order Pick-Up Disaster of July 2010 where I sported flannel flip flops, bright aqua knee high sweats with PINK on butt, bar crawl t-shirt with hole in the armpit, wet hair in bun with magenta headband, no makeup and then proceeded to run into sister's high school friends. Girl: "Hey! You look familiar!" Me: "...and probably very ridiculous."). The truth is sometimes when you don't feel good on the inside, the last thing you care about is getting gussied up.

I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone say to me, "Geez, you look really tired today." aka "Geez, you look about as pretty as Charlize Theron in Monster right now." Sigh.
There are days when I care and there are days when I don't. I've turned into an Almond Joy of fashion, and sometimes I feel like a nut. Chicago Fashionistas, I can't help it if I'd rather wear a fleece onesie on a Friday night, then put on a pair of jeans, high heels, and a halter top.  No longer am I ashamed of my "lazy style days" because I've been through more shameful experiences dealing with a disease that involves bathrooms and "tummy troubles". I prefer to be comfortable when I'm uncomfortable - so take that Joan Rivers! I know that I may have to pull a Tim Gunn and "make it work" with whatever clothing obstacles arise after the surgery, but I'm up for the challenge. Vogue.