The Wide Fit Footwear Edition

Anyone suffering with swollen feet knows how irritating and painful it can be. Although I'm no longer taking Prednisolone, I still have water retention. Yes, I do drink plenty of water, and yes, I do keep my feet elevated above my heart (if I had a pound for every time I heard that...) No matter what I do, I cannot shift water retention. It usually disappears after a while, but until then I have to make sure I'm wearing the right Shoes on my feet.

But do you know what's worse that swollen feet? A swollen foot. Yes, that's right, one normal sized foot, and one that's abnormally large. If you don't believe me, take a look at my Kankle!

Exhibit A: Not the best looking shot of my feet I agree, but
look at the difference between the left and the right foot.

Regardless of whether I'm in heels, or flats, my foot tends to swell up a lot. I know the importance of staying hydrated, especially in the heat we've been having recently, but again, nothing seems to change. It's particularly annoying when I'm planning on wearing a great outfit and have to change everything because my shoe won't accommodate the size of my foot.

Medication or no medication, Crohn's or no Crohn's, swollen feet can affect anybody at anytime so don't aggravate them by wearing ill-fitting shoes. If you can relate to my Jekyll and Hyde feet, find out the Top 5 places to buy Footwear that won't leave you bed bound and in agony towards the end of the night and the next day. The best thing about these shops are they cater for wide feet, so you won't have to size up and face the risk of not being able to wear them when your feet return to normal. 

#1 - Clarks

If you're after footwear that last, Clarks will not let you down. They know the importance of Foot health and combine this with the latest trends to keep your feet neat and stylish without compromise. It's worth visiting a store to get your feet measured and following their quick and simple buying tips. (Available in half sizes.)

#2 - Marks and Spencers

When I think of M&S, the first thing that comes to mind is quality - M&S definitely deliver on that. Their range of Wide Fit Footwear will allow you to look your best and forget water retention was ever a problem. To sum up: It's not just any Shoe, it's M&S Shoes - I know it's for food, but if the slogan fits... (Available in half sizes.)

#3 - Evans

It's no secret that Evans style curvy women, so it made perfect sense to check out their range of footwear. They're collection of Shoes and Boots will blow you away, and the icing on the cake would be the Wide and Extra Wide Fit selection of footwear available. The hardest decision would be, what do I buy first?

                                                     

#4 - New Look

New Look have over 100 pairs of Wide Fit Shoes and Boots that'll guarantee your feet look amazing at all times. Better still, they'll feel good at the same time so you won't have to make your feet suffer just so that the entire outfit looks perfect. Not that I've done anything like that before...

#5 - Debenhams

Debenhams certainly know how to impress when it comes to buying the perfect pair of Wide Fit Court Shoes. Unfortunately the categories wouldn't allow me to be so specific and provide you with the perfect link - you know how online shopping can be sometimes. Either way, you'll be able to find something to suit most occasions.




I hope this helps you in your quest to find the perfect pair of Shoes/Boots - it most certainly will keep me busy for the next few days. But the most important thing to remember is that your feet will return to their normal size eventually. As to how long it'll be, I couldn't tell you. So to make sure your Shoes/Boots still fit when the swelling reduces, buy some Insoles. This will ensure you don't have to wear 2 pairs of socks in your Shoes. Trust me, they do the job and it's comfortable.


Happy shopping, stay fabulous and keep smiling,

Love Sam xxx

Dressing After Weight Gain

Everyone knows that each day requires a great outfit, right? Of course!

And everyone knows that you should look your best to feel your best, right? Yes. 

Well, I get this knot in my stomach when I think about outfits for occasions or outings - could be Crohn's related - because although I love fashion and all things beauty, my post-steroid body is not as it once was. I'm losing the weight now, but I still need clothes that fit.

Steroid weight gain means that you could go from a size 10 to a size 16 in a matter of weeks - this happened to me - and the most noticeable place it goes to is your face and your stomach. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with being big at all, but when your weight gain is drastic, you feel like a fish out of water. Then when the invitations come to go out to simple things such as the cinema, dinner, or to the Zoo - random I know - you immediately want to decline because you have nothing that fits.

I've learned to stop stressing over the clothes that no longer fit, or trying to squeeze into them, and have bought clothes that compliment my current body and make me feel great.

If you're currently undergoing treatment that causes your weight to rocket, firstly I truly empathise. *teddybear hug* 

Secondly, I think it is important that you wear clothes make you feel fabulous and don't cut you off in the wrong places. For instance, I'm a big jeans fan and while low-rise jeans are great, they will make your stomach appear more round when worn. Opt for High Waisted Jeans that will pull in your tummy so that you don't feel conscious that people are staring at you - or is that just me? 

These are two of my favourites.

New Look - £22.99

Topshop - £40

If they feel too tight, or the waistband is uncomfortable on your stomach, try Dorothy Perkins' Jeggings instead (I consider them a wardrobe staple). I have at least 4 pairs that I rotate often. They fit like a glove, and can be dressed up or down. They are available in other colours, but if you aren't daring enough to go bold, these two will look just as great.

Dorothy Perkins - £20 

Dorothy Perkins - £20

Buy Quick as they are on sale! 

Topshop also have some amazing Jeggings that look great with just about anything.

Try not to get hung up over the size that you're buying either, there are more variations in body shape than there are clothes sizes. Fact! Focus more on the fit. This was once easier said than done, but if you refuse point blank to wear a size that you aren't happy with, find an alternative. 

What works for me are Topshop's Heavyweight Leggings. They are available in lots of colours, and they work wonders for shaping your thighs! They too look great dressed up or down. I'm emphasising this point because your weight gain is temporary, so you don't need to spend a fortune buying everyday Jeans, smart Jeans, casual Leggings and dressy Jeggings. Be practical with what you buy as you don't want to regret losing the weight and having lots of great clothes you can no longer fit into.

Topshop - £18

Topshop - £18

Now to truly feel fabulous in any of the bottoms, you need great tops. For me, I prefer H&M's loose fitting Blouses that skim over the stomach, as opposed to tight fitting tops. 

For the more casual outing try NewLook's Boyfriend T-Shirts, and because they are loose fitting, they will definitely hide the problem areas. They look great hanging loose, but if you want to wear it a different way, tuck about 2 inches into your Jeggings so that it creates a bubble hem. 

You could also wear Primark's sleeveless Shirts, which are finally available online. Confession: I only added this in because I was excited about them joining the digital world; it's only taken forever! However, they are nice options for a daytime look.

If you want to up the ante and create an hourglass figure, or enhance it, wear a Peplum top - they look amazing whatever the occasion. Either plain, or with bright floral patterns, you'll feel great. I particularly love New Looks range because of the print - I'm obsessed with floral - and they make me feel girly.

New Look - £14.99

New Look - £14.99

There are plenty other styles that will hide a multitude of sins and keep you looking on trend regardless of your size or body shape. Make it work for you and don't be defeated!

Let me know what you think, and show me your favourite styles.

Stay beautiful and keep smiling,

Sam.