How #Chico's Clothing Makes Me Feel Beautiful

Dear Chico's~

I know it's unusual for someone to write you an open letter but I have reasons that, if you'll hear me out, makes complete sense.

I live with what they call an "invisible Illness," an incurable disease that I've had for more than half of my life. When people see me they don't know I have Multiple Sclerosis because I look fine. But numbness, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, pain and bladder issues silently plague me every day.

My Chico's outfit was the perfect choice for celebrating Thanksgiving with my in-laws in Florida

But life goes on and so must I. I dedicate myself to three things that make my life complete: Family, friends and work. All three make me grateful to be alive, and help me stay positive in spirit and moving forward.

I loved wearing this comfortable dress for a Saturday night wedding. I received many compliments along with the question, "Where did you purchase it?" (My necklace is also from Chico's)

But life became difficult for me in ways I never imagined. After my diagnosis I didn't feel as beautiful as I used to both inside and out. Pieces of me began to fade away and my self-image took a nosedive. I gained weight from side effects of medications and I was unable to exercise because of my new normal. Enter anxiety and self-doubt.

Chico's makes it easy to decide what to pack for professional events. I feel comfortable and confident in every outfit I wear.

This fun luncheon lasted a few hours and I felt very stylish in my Chico's outfit.

In my late twenties when I was diagnosed gravity hadn't invaded my body, and my waistline hadn't expanded yet. Even after the birth of my son at age thirty-four my body easily bounced back to my pre-pregnancy weight. Fitting back into my regular clothes wasn't a problem. I still felt reasonably good about myself.

I love the vibrant colors of my blouses from Chico's. Their long length looks super over capris. They make lunch out with the ladies or theatre with friends more colorful!

When I was in my forties and my body began to change I was thrilled to find Chico's. Your clothing helped me me feel more beautiful again. That's no small feat.

When my husband and I found out we were going to be interviewed for TV by financial journalist Jean Chatzky I ran to Chico's for advice on what to wear. You did not disappoint. I loved my purchase of this long vest, cowl neck and beautiful necklace. They gave me confidence to be myself.

This Chico's blouse was perfect for a patient advocate event I attended in Miami.

From your Traveler's Collection that never needs ironing - I love no fuss, no muss clothing for business trips when I don't have time to worry about ironing - to your SoSlim pants that are the best fitting jeans I've ever owned, you make my life easier, stylish and more colorful!

A fun work event was made even better while wearing my elegant Chico's jewelry and Travelers pants, camisole and jacket!

A video of my closet would prove I'm not exaggerating about my love affair with Chico's. Your styles compliment my curvy figure and I can mix and match my blouses, vests, trousers, jeans, skirts and dresses in countless ways.

They always make me feel like a million bucks.

[Tweet "How @Chicos clothing made me feel beautiful and took the dis out of ability Thank you #chicos #disability #midlife"]

My photos from the past few years illustrate MY LIFE WITH CHICO'S. Thank you for making me feel good about myself again, and for helping me take the DIS out of ABILITY.

NOTE: I was not paid to write this post. All opinions are, as always, completely my own. I wrote it to let others know how comfortable Chico's is. Each piece is easy to care for and with its high quality material it lasts for years. Chico's clothing is simpler to put on and take off (more than any other clothing I own), making them the perfect choice for the disability and midlife communities.

The No-Iron Foxcroft Collection: How It Makes Life Easier For Someone With A Disability

The following is not a sponsored post. I received no compensation, other than a Foxcroft blouse as a gift for attending the BOOMBOX Network Social Soiree. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Photo: Foxcroft website/foxcroftcollection.com

A few weeks ago I was invited by BOOMBOX Network to a cocktail party for Foxcroft, the women's apparel company. This year, they are celebrating 25 years of "effortless style".

I looked forward to learning more about their line of clothing designed with the feminine figure in mind, with fabrics and designs I always count on for a casual yet polished look. Timeless, classic and comfortable.

Arriving at Foxcroft with my fun chauffeur, Estelle Sobel Erasmus (musingsonmotherhoodmidlife.com)

After arriving at the party and getting settled in with hugs from friends and introductions to other attendees (and, of course, eating a few hors d'oevres since I was starving!) I was pleasantly surprised to learn Foxcroft also carries a men's line. Their display enticed me to look around and touch all of the soft fabrics.

Foxcroft Collection: Men's Apparel

After entering the larger and more crowded back room, I had some time to catch up with old friends and make new acquaintances. It was a lot of fun.

Midlife bloggers who are now good friends

When it was time to quiet down and learn what was new at Foxcroft, we heard about their newest arrivals, and the fabulous no-iron line they offer.

Regina of Foxcroft, modeling one of their fabulous blouses. She's a great model for their apparel.

Welcomig us was Thomas Dietrich, President of The Apparel Company, parent company of Foxcroft

Welcoming us was Thomas Dietrich, President of The Apparel Company, parent company of Foxcroft

No-iron? Music to my ears. I hate to iron (just ask my husband), and doing so is fatiguing for someone with a disability. Standing for long periods of time is difficult, so ironing is the last thing on my "to do" list.

How many times has my poor husband tried to (ahem) iron his own shirt? He doesn't love to do it (at all) but does it when he has to because he knows it makes my life easier.

No-iron? That's a dream come true.

I purchased "no-iron" clothing before, and ended up being disappointed with the product. After hearing about Foxcroft's I was cautiously optimistic.

Foxcroft no-iron blouse and tunic. Perfect for people with disabilities.

We were then invited to try on a sample no-iron blouse. As an added bonus for attending the party, we would be receiving a Foxcroft no-iron blouse (in our choice of long or 3/4 sleeve, with an array of colors to choose from.)

I was thrilled.

Before the party ended, we were treated to a goody bag filled with items from the marvelous sponsors of the party.

Plus my own private hug from friend Audrey Van Petegem of BOOMBOX Network.

More swag!

My own private hug from my sweet friend, Audrey Van Petegem of BOOMBOX Network.

I couldn't wait to receive my new shirt and try it on. Finally, the day came when my box arrived at the front door. Hallelujah!

Waiting to be worn!

The purple color of the blouse was vibrant, and the soft texture made it f-e-e-l good to wear.

Don't you love the feel of premium cotton? PLUS, there was not one wrinkle in the blouse after being shipped.

Here I am wearing it two ways. Tell me which way you prefer.

Open as a jacket,

It looks more blue in this picture. It's not!

or closed as a blouse.

This is the true color

I love my new blouse and how easy it will be to keep it looking crisp and fresh every time I wear it.

Ordering Foxcroft apparel is easy to purchase online by going to the Foxcroft website.

What do you think of the new no-iron apparel? Will it make your life easier?

Thank you to BOOMBOX Network and especially to the ever-fabulous hostess of the night, Audrey Van Petegem. I want to also thank Foxcroft, and the sponsors for this fun event:

The generous sponsors for the BOOMBOX/Foxcroft event

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