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Fashion - David Bowie

Oh, bop, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Fa-fa-fa-fa-fashion
Oh, bop, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Fa-fa-fa-fa-fashion
La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la

I have been very fortunate to have supportive benefit programs and people at work that have allowed me to remain off work while I went through the rougher parts of my treatment.    Taking away the stress of work and juggling life around it certainly helped me to manage my recovery and maintain my sanity.  

So, now as I turn my mind to returning to returning to the corporate world; leaving the world of comfort clothes, jeans and yes, at times, sweats, I need to reassess my wardrobe.   Normally I would just move back into the clothes that I wore a few months ago, but I'm not the same person as I was a month ago.   Well, the same person, but not the same body.    Things just don't fit or look the same.

I'm not a fashionista.  Not in the slightest.   Work clothes have to do dual duty and fit into leisure attire as well.  Also, since I walk to and from work in all kinds of weather they have to fit into that activity.    I consider it daunting to go out shopping for new clothes at any point.   Well, when I 'have' to go out.   Now it's a whole new game.    Women's clothes are made for those with breasts...no matter how small, they have some allowance for something at the top.   Yes, that's what darts are there for,

There have been many who broken ground before me, 'going flat'  (ie.  mastectomy with no reconstruction) but based on what I've found by referencing blogs and discussion boards on the topic, there is no one who has addressed the unique fashion needs.    There's a market for something here!!

The key is to keep focus off the chest.   There are a few tricks without having to resort to prosthetics.   An obvious one - no low cut dresses.   Darn I guess I'll have to ditch all my Cher based attire.    HA!  Yeah, like I could pull one of those off pre-surgery!   Next, change the focus to your waist.   Well, I guess I better find mine.   Next helpful tip - Wear flares.   Really?  And when was this article written?Next up, opt for halter tops.    Ok...I'm pretty sure that a halter was designed to house something or hold something up.   One that was truly practical for me was to use for all the beautiful scarves gifted to me to deal with my bald period.   Scarves are good camouflage or distraction.   Maybe I could make a few into halter tops!! :)

Not that I think that the focus for women's clothing is all about breasts, but when you are in a conversation with someone about breast cancer, you automatically feel the gaze to your chest area.   Well, why not?  That's what you are talking about.

No complaints.  Not in the slightest - other than having to revamp the attire.   I love getting up and throwing on a t-shirt to start my day - not worrying about 'showing' anything.   No need to put on a bra.   Nothing binding, pinching or wire sticking into my ribs.   Who invented those things anyway?   Sorry to say it was a woman.   Yup.   We brought this on ourselves ladies.on

So where do I head next?  To the juniors or pre-teen department?   Fortunately my stature works well with this approach.   Not a bad idea.   It would mean no more hemming, and likely could stretch my dollar farther.   Hmmm...something to consider but I promise, you won't see me walking around the office or going out for a movie in the latest Hello Kitty attire.