A Neutral Outfit With Texture
Happy Monday ladies. If you’re new here, welcome! These musing posts are a bit of a hodgepodge of things that have crossed my path and what’s on my mind. I want to start by thanking you for your lovely emails yesterday. Many of them brought me to tears. You are so kind! I know I’m not alone feeling stressed this time of year, and I’m so grateful for your support. Let’s face it, this entire year has been a gong show of epic proportions, and sometimes we just need to feel all the feels before we can move on.
Here are a few things I’m musing about this week-
Neutrals
I love wearing head to toe neutrals. They’re elegant and easy to accessorize but an entire outfit of neutrals can get boring without the addition of texture. Here’s how I added texture to this outfit.
My cashmere sweater is a “vintage” Everlane. I’ve had it so long, it has their original label! I love it with
I wore them with suede booties and my vintage Kate Spade bag which has a furry texture. 
The scarf and sweater have the same texture but the sweater has heathered coloring which looks like texture. My earrings have a brushed surface and shiny pearl which adds even more texture to my outfit. My life is so glamorous these days, this is what I wore for a drive to the nursey so my husband could get a branch of a struggling tree diagnosed. Be assured, we wore masks and used copious amounts of hand sanitizer.
Expectations
You may remember, I had surgery to release a trigger finger and remove some Dupuytren’s lumps last summer. My recovery has not gone as well as I hoped. The scarring is worse than anyone anticipated and I’m struggling to get my strength and flexibility back. I do my PT exercises diligently, which should help with the scarring but I now have two other fingers that are triggering on the same hand.
Last week I saw a specialist at UC Davis for a second opinion. He examined my hand and asked me why my scar was halfway up my finger. Apparently, trigger fingers get released through the palm. The surgeon who did the work is very close-mouthed and hasn’t been forthcoming with anything other than to say I had tendonitis.
The new doc gave me two steroid injections, hoping to calm those triggers down. Frankly, he’s doubtful it will help so I’ll probably need more surgery. He sent me to get an X-ray and as the technician laid my hand out for the X-ray and asked why my scar was on my finger. She proceeded to flip both her palms up and show me her four scars from her trigger release surgery, They were all on her palm.
The doctor who performed my initial surgery came highly recommended but I should have gotten a second opinion before having surgery. Hindsight is always 2020 (wow, that’s a bizarre expression now), and lesson learned. What’s done is done so I need to get over myself. I’m lucky to have a hand to worry about so I need to suck it up and keep on keeping on.
I’d love to hear any experiences you may have had with either trigger finger, Dupytrons, or both. Maybe there’s more I can be doing.
Wireless Bras
How’s that for a transition? Sales of wireless bras and bralettes have shot up over 40% since this time last year. It’s not a surprising statistic because comfy is king these days and few of us want to struggle with a wire that pokes or is uncomfortable. I discovered the joy of wireless bras two years ago and have never looked back. This has been my favorite, which I have in several shades of nude and black.
Have no fear, this is the first and last dressing room photo of me wearing a bra. I think my son would have a heart attack if there were more…in fact, this one may be too much for his comfort level š I found this True & Co Wireless Bralette last week and love it! It fits terrifically, in no small part because it has adjustable straps!
As you know, our breasts all sit at varying heights on our bodies, and the older we get, the lower they tend to be.#factoflife Being able to adjust the straps is a pretty big deal when you’re looking for a bra that will actually hold you up. That got me thinking about women who are more well endowed than me. Is there a wireless bra that works for them and actually provides support? Apparently yes, and there are many with great reviews.
- This Wacoal Back Appeal is a best seller with women over 40 who are well endowed but hate underwires. It’s full-coverage, wireless cups have an inner sling that provides smooth support under close-fitting fabrics. It’s available in sizes 32D – 40DD.
- This Wacoal How Perfect No-Wire Bra has foam-lined cups and side boning which gives you even more support. This is available in sizes 30D – 40B
- The Elomi line of bras gets rave reviews for support and comfort. This Cate Full Figure Soft Cup is available in sizes 36DDD -48G. Its three-part cups provide a full-figure lift and the flexible side boning enhances anchorage and support.
I could start musing about my new red toenail polish but I think I’ve caused enough mental whiplash here this morning:)
Make it a great one ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
So sorry to hear about your botched hand surgery š
I had bunion surgery several years ago. I went to a orthopedic doctor who specializes in feet, thinking he must be the best … I still have the bunion and now my second toe is humped up ! Iāve decided to NOT have a second surgery and will not get the other foot done! Hope you can find a doctor to help with your hand problem.
I ordered the bralette . Loved the pants and scarf , darn scarf sold out . Have a nice Christmas !
Thatās awful, Candace. I had to have the same bunion operated on twice and itās still not right! Iāve decided to not get the other foot done unless I canāt walk!! Merry Christmas.
As for the wired bras – after wearing them for years I suffered breast pain. It was very worrying for months until I read online that it can be caused by bra wires. Changed the bras and the pain disappeared. Something every women needs to know! I too went with Wacoal available here in the UK from John Lewis.
Yep, trigger finger op is in palm, removing the lump that will not slide through the sheath when the finger is bent. My surgeon located the lump in the palm and had me feel it before suggesting surgery to remove it. I’ve had two fingers done, successfully. I had to have steroid injections first as it is NHS policy to try any other possible cures before surgery. The injections lasted for a few months only. Good luck.
Thanks for sharing. My injection hasnāt worked, sadly.
Hi Jennifer sorry to hear about your hand issues I have Dupuytren contracture on my right hand ring finger had surgery a few years back and lots of physio Unfortunately my finger is not straight and it affected my baby finger which specialist claimed at the time that sometimes happens who knew . Itās starting in my left hand some contracture happening and bumps havenāt gone to see specialist yet not looking forward to another surgery . Iām going to look into the laser and joined the facebooks groups mentioned by another person on this feed Thank you for this info
Sorry to hear about the trouble with your hand. My father had Dupuytrens in both hands At first he had surgery which helped for a few years. When it started to get bad again the doctor resealed the tightness with a needle in his palm (not an injection). He hasnāt had any trouble since Sorry I canāt be more specific.
I think I know the injection you mean.
How frustrating and infuriating to feel youāve received poor medical care! Hoping you get some relief soon.
Adjustable straps are a must for me, not just because of sag but because I am decidedly lopsided in the b**b department. Some patterns (can you say horizontal stripes?) only emphasize the difference, so up goes the one in a (mostly futile) attempt to even them out.
Ah, yes. As a well endowed one entering her eighth decade–who breastfed four children (each for one+ year)–I now need a bra in a 36Long. š
Jennifer,
Thank you for sharing your anxiety issues. It is easy to think you are the only person experiencing this. I have had anxiety and depression on and off for many years. Medication and a good therapist have helped. I’ll tell you though, this whole Covid thing going these past months has thrown me for a loop. We all need to stick together for some girls support.
I wish you my best. I do love your posts. they lift me up.
Depression and anxiety are awful, I know. We do need to stick together. I think we could all use a group hug.
I love your posts and humor…you put a smile on my face again today. Thanks!
Of course, sorry about your hand.
Hi Jennifer,
Sorry to hear hand surgery didnāt go so well, donāt beat yourself up about 2nd opinion, 2020 is different year. Continue the exercises even if painful, my PT say ā no pain no gainā. However PTās I believe have sick sense of humor.
The head to toe neutral is great, Iām transitioning to more neutrals. Iām still wearing underwire bras, but have thought about changing.
Please take care, I truly enjoy your blog, it helps me to stay grounded especially during this crazy 2020 year.
My PT says the same thing!! I like them better than my surgeon:)
So sorry to hear about your hand…how frustrating and not helping your already stressed self, I’m sure.
I always enjoy your posts. I have virtually the same body shape (except for heavier legs) so have made some great purchases on your recommendations. As I’m in Canada (Victoria), I purchase mostly through Nordstrom.ca or our local Talbots as returns are simpler than buying through stores in the US…although I have to say I’d love to.
Your post on wireless bras is really helpful, as I’m never keen on my shape in wireless bras, thank you. A great look starts with great undergarments!
Hang in there, as you say, on top of everything else this year, Christmas seems that much more challenging!
You do live in the most gorgeous place in the world! Everything feels more challenging this year.
I have had trigger finger surgery on left hand and scar is in the palm. Still working on PT for it. I had two cortisone shots and it acted up again, but because I had to wait so long to see my hand doctor due to Covid he did surgery instead. I have also had trigger finger on right hand, left wrist and both thumbs. Long before this I also had carpel tunnel surgery on both hands and elbows. Come to find out I have AL Amyloidosis, ( carpel tunnel happens is most AL people) which is rare and took a stem cell transplant to somewhat cure. Anyway, I still do hand exercises and have to keep them warm. Wear gloves when out always.
About Bras. I still wear underwire and have never had a problem with them. But I am small. I tried a wireless once just to compare, but could not get them on with any type of ease. I am 76 so that might be part of the problem.
I always love your selection of clothing for your coloring. I am a warm summer person and look deadly in gray, but get your method of pairing clothing, which is so helpful.
By the way I caught Martha Steward’s program on TV and she was making Christmas crackers for gifts and placing CBD cookies or candies in them. She said it was because she was so over 2020 and could not wait to send it off in style. LOL!
Gotta love Martha, and I do!! I need to keep mine warm now too and find it really does help.
Hi Jennifer, I have Dupuytrenās in both hands. I saw a hand surgeon who said she would only consider surgery when I could no longer lay my hands flat on a table. The little finger of my left hand is starting to pull forward. The lumps in my palms are painful. My dad (now deceased) also had Dupuytrenās and had surgery on both hands. He had good results but his surgeon has passed away. I am reluctant to consider surgery after reading about your results and those of some of your readers. Are you in CA? You mentioned UC Davis.
I am in northern CA. I should have tried injections first. This surgeon was a little too anxious to do surgery because he was already going to be there to release the trigger finger.
I love head to toe neutrals. Great outfit.
Thank you for the bra reviews. Will check these out. Was beginning to think about fork lifts.
Btw… itās understandable and reasonable to be upset with inadequate medical care.
My trigger finger is the left pointer. Last year I got the steroid shot, and just one did the trick. It’s back this year, but not as bad, and as soon as I feel comfortable enough to go back to the doctor (still covid spooked a bit) I’ll get the shot again. The PT had me feel a spot on my palm where the knot is, so I did know it was a palm area thing and not the finger itself. There are some good diagrams of trigger finger on the web.
So many women feel better without their bra but I can’t relate. For 40+ years, I have worn a bra 24/7. That was the advice I was given at age 30 to help my highly fibrous dense breasts and to help prevent sagging. Fast forward to present day: they sag anyway š
But I definitely feel more comfortable with a bra on. That bouncy feeling doesn’t feel good. I currently wear size 36DD and find it difficult to find a style to provide the perky look that I once had. LOL
Thoughts and prayers for your hand issue along with your struggle with anxiety. I hope you find comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Your little community here really cares about you. And health issues (big and small) seem to creep in at this stage of life. I guess that’s why they say that getting older is not for sissies. LOL
Iām sorry to hear about your hand problems. I hope they get resolved soon and successfully.
Re the bras, are they difficult to get on by pulling them over your head? Iām having a shoulder issue and that seems like it would be a challenge. But they look soooooo comfortable…..
Susan
Susan: That’s been my problem. Many are over-the-head and I’ve struggled with a painful shoulder at times. For sports bras, I’ve had to switch to the traditional hook kinds. Worth trying, though, or looking for one with a hook closure.
I have Dupuytrens and it is in the early stages. The best thing I have found that gives me so much information about it is the Facebook group called Dupuytrenās contracture. If you havenāt joined, it is so worth the knowledge you will gain. It is a private group, so you will need to join, but I think you will be happy you did. They have files that offer doctors who are experienced with this disease and even papers written by doctors that offer a wealth of information. There is another group call DART – Dupuytrens Advocates for Radiation Therapy, which I think will be the route I go since I am in the early stages. Both groups are great – take a look. Also want to thank you for your amazing blog. I have learned so much and love your style. I have bought several things that you recommended. Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much for this recommendation, Cathy. I had no contracture, just lumps so he should have left those alone!! I will check out those groups.
Your outfit is great!
I am so sorry to read about your hand. I pray that you will find a surgeon who can fix the problems. At times, even with the best advice, we can run into bad help.
My husband was referred to a surgeon who did a nose surgery using a balloon to open his sinus cavity. I was against it and asked him to go back to our ENT that I had used for years. He does traditional surgery, but my husband insisted on this new Dr that our family physician suggested.
It was a disaster! Long story short, they wound up breaking some critical bones that put my husband in misery for a bit over a year before he would go back to our ENT. Surgery had to be done to remove the bone chips and he is still experiencing some related problems that our ENT is working on resolving but itās not an overnight process.
I have a broken finger that was split in half in the joint while playing volleyball in my early 20ās. After three surgeries it still doesnāt fully function. I am 67 and still āconsideringā surgery to repair the joint but I have still not found anyone that I believe can improve it. But I am still looking!
Never give up hope!
Ouch! Get multiple referrals is my new motto. Hang in there and good luck