Be Bold and Forget Crohn's

I'm sure you're all thinking, how on earth can I forget Crohn's? Is she for real? Yes I am. Obviously I know you can't forget the fact that you've got an inconvenient invisible illness - awesome alliteration Ha! I did it again - that gets in the way of everyday life. It knows exactly how to stop you in your tracks and not in a Knight-in-shining-armour type of way. (I admit, that would be pretty amazing).

So...how do you forget Crohn's? Quite easily, doll yourself up! Put on an outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks. It doesn't have to be the most expensive item you own, just make it look expensive so that you feel über confident. And if you aren't going anywhere, just put on a touch of makeup, it will bring out the best side of you. Or if the medication you're on gives you spots, it'll mask over them and keep you looking flawless.

I chose my Topshop Denim Shirt with my Heavy-Weight
Leggings & a Statement necklace.

There is a point to all of what I'm saying - stick with me. By playing dress up, you're drawing your attention away from feeling so rotten and sorry for yourself. I remember when I was admitted to hospital, I wore a tracksuit and put a dressing gown over it and walked like I had the world of my shoulders. My mum ordered me to go upstairs and change into something that makes me look like I belong somewhere. At the time I didn't see the big deal, but looking back I realised the way I carried myself was driving me further into depression. I didn't have a care in the world because I was unwell, in pain and felt miserable about everything. Living with an illness can do that to you, but sometimes you just have to force yourself to put on something other than track suit bottoms and a baggy tee - it's just not cute and won't make you feel it no matter how comfortable you are.

So we have Crohn's Disease...Do we have to look like our bodies are falling apart? Certainly not. You might get a few people saying, "you don't look sick at all". Don't get frustrated or upset, simply reply, "Thanks, that was the look I was going for". After all, why should we look the way we feel? Surely looking ill is going to make you feel even more terrible about yourself - especially when someone chooses to highlight it.

So if this illness malarky is stopping you from feeling like a happy person or the former you before the dreaded diagnosis, here's what you need to do. Stop looking at your old clothes and thinking how amazing they were, you'll fit into them again. Buy some Shapewear or Spanx, and then welcome aboard all things Jersey. It's totally forgiving on the hips tum and bum, and you won't feel like a balloon in a potato sack. Purchase some gorgeous makeup that will cover over those annoying stress spots or whatever side effect the medication brings. What you're doing is taking your mind off of Crohn's and being kind to yourself. It doesn't take the pain away, but don't you look good?!

So from me to you, be bold with your outfits and makeup and forget your illness. Dress to make you happy. Don't worry about the Jeans, maybe it's time you started wearing more dresses and skirts anyway. Don't tell me you're stomach or your bum is too big, you'll look great and the clothes will make you look amazing! Trick your body into recovery, and if it doesn't necessarily take the pain away - as I didn't imagine it would - at least you'll look gorgeous full stop!

Put on some makeup and tweet me your best looks (@smdee13)! I can't wait to see it :-)

Here's some of mine with my lovely sister:

This shirt was ironed, it just got creased because
I've been sitting down for the majority of the day - honest!

I'll do a separate post on what I used to create the look, but you MUST know that Revlon's Colorburst Matte Balm in Standout is literally my new staple lipstick. I chose red today simply because it's Valentine's Day and red lips look amazing.

I hope you've enjoyed reading and don't forget to keep smiling and stay fabulous lovelies.

Sam x