Tackling Trends: Cutouts

I got a new dress at Target the other day - this one to be exact:

 Except I got it in blue. And I thought...this has a cutout in the back (in the shape of a heart if you can't tell...love it). And it suddenly hit me that the new trend of cutouts simply will not work with a back brace!

But fear not! I've found some pieces that do - like my Target dress for example! The cutout is high enough to hide most braces, and it has a tie waistband and a full skirt...perfect for disguising you-know-what. Get it here: http://www.target.com/p/xhilaration-juniors-heart-cutout-fit-flare-dress-assorted-colors/-/A-14515499#?lnk=sc_qi_detaillink

 First up, I went to my favorite little store called Forever 21. I couldn't get the picture from the website, but here's the Cross Top on someone else! It comes in gray and white. So just wear a spaghetti strap tank top (in a contrasting color) under it, and you'll look effortlessly cool! I love this girl's styling, too. Although, for a brace-wearer, I would change the leather shorts to looser, frayed denim. Get the shirt here: http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=top&ProductID=2074983797&VariantID=

Also F21. It has a peter pan collar. AND cute, wearable cutouts. Just...i want it. Get it here: http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=DRESS&ProductID=2045413245&VariantID= (Also, the elastic waistband is perfect, too!)

 So shoulder cutouts are in? Perfect. Use them to your advantage. No brace there! This sweater looks a bit thin, though, so a talk top underneath for extra layering might be a good idea. Get it here: http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=sweater&ProductID=2035135413&VariantID=

 

Now I move on to Modcloth.com, where this little dress belongs! It has a cute, modern cutout, while still keeping a classic shape and feminine print. Get it here:  http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/slideshow-and-tell-dress

 That's all for right now (sorry, it's always a bit F21 heavy)...but I'm already thinking of other posts to do about trends! 

As always, please feel free to comment or email me at mcbxq43@aol.com. I usually take a while to answer, but I honestly LOVE hearing from each and every one of you. Thank you all SO much for letting me know that you support and appreciate me and this blog. Your emails and comments honestly bring me to tears, and I'm so happy to be doing something...anything.

Keep your chins up and keep kickin'!

Love love love,
Ava

Scoliosis Talk

I've received a few emails from spinal companies that are interested in my blog, and showing their information. So I'd like to take a step back from fashion for a moment, and look at the medical side of scoliosis, which can be scary and confusing.


The Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has sent me a link to their free, live chat with doctors about the options for treating scoliosis. I have not participated in one of these chats, but it seems like it would be a good, simple way to get information, along with other parents and families. Check it out!

https://liveevent.cincinnatichildrensblog.org/events/early-onset-scoliosis

 

Hope's Closet

Here's a cool website for buying shirts to go under your brace! It's got personal stories, photos, and even a design contest!
I always love seeing girls make their own website or blog about scoliosis. It's the best way to help each other out :)

http://www.hopescloset.com/

Store Style #1...

I had the idea that I might go store-by-store and post clothes from stores that I like that you can wear with a back brace!
Let's start with my favorite, Forever 21....

The key to dresses is to have a full skirt and a defined waist line.

Shirts need to be a little loose at the bottom, and they need to be high enough to cover the top of your brace. The second top (the mint green one) might need a sweater over it, just for more security).

Skirts need, like dresses, to be full (meaning they're pleated, or flowy...in other words NOT skin tight), and they need a belt or elastic waistband usually. They shouls hug your waist right above where your brace hips are.

Shorts need to be a size or two above what you usually wear, and should be loose. You can wear tight shorts, but you'll want a long shirt to cover them up!

I hope this helps! All of these clothes are available from Forever 21's website or store:

forever21.com



Another Scoliosis Blog to Follow!

A girl named Ellen commented on my last post and said she started her own scoliosis blog! She has some cute outfits posted, so go check it out

thebracekase.blogspot.com

~*~Ava~*~

To All the Girls Like Me

Hello, everyone!

I received a few emails recently from some very sweet girls saying that this blog has helped them and inspired them, and I really can't say how much that means to me!

I haven't posted in a while because of the usual busy life stuff. But I definately do plan to keep posting, because scoliosis is still a part of me, and always will be.

I want all of you to know that you are not alone. And that hearing from you reminds me that I'm not alone either.

It's been a few years since my brace, and I'm ending my junior year of high school soon. I think it's time to show you who I am now - and how scoliosis has shaped me (haha no pun intended).

So here are a few pictures of my style now :)

So there you have it! Me, past the brace. :)

Honestly, without scoliosis, I would not have been interested in fashion. But now I love it, and want to pursue a career in it.

Things happen for a reason - God works in mysterious ways.

Please feel free to email me anytime or leave comments, and tell me what you want me to post! :)

~*~Ava~*~

Fashion Inspiration!

Hello! I just emailed a girl some pictures of outfits that she wanted advice on, so I thought I'd share some new fashion ideas.


The scarf and jacket over a simple, fairly loose shirt is simple and fashionable.




I just bought a cape similar to this at Modcloth, and just realized how perfect - and on trend - it would be for a brace! Just wear a long sleeved shirt underneath, and pair it with jeans and cute boots! There would be no sign of the brace at all.


Wear this loose tank over a tight one, add some long necklaces, a big ring, and jean shorts. Viola.
     Remember that not everything has to be loose - you can show off your waist with tops and dresses that are cinched in the middle. Trust me, people aren't looking to see if you have a brace. It's the last thing on their mind.
     Sometimes certain outfits don't work out, but keep looking! Get out there and find your own style. Because of scoliosis, I want to major in fashion in college. Everything happens for a reason.
     Happy Thanksgiving! :)