Zebras are Rare - Elegantly Dressed and Stylish
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Zebras are Rare

 

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I know it is St Patrick’s Day, I should have worn green, I am Irish, but I had something else in mind.Here is my little Love Gibson, who is wishing you a Happy St Patrick’s Day with his Irish green shamrock bandana, and he has red hair too!

 

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Hello all.  this where I give a little shout out ( or whatever sound zebras make), to my fellow Ehlers-Danlos compatriots. The zebra is the Mascot for EDS, and I do think illnesses can use Mascots, I think celebrities help get the word out more. Look at Michael J Fox and what he has done for Parkinson’s. I won’t go on about EDS too much, but I do want to say, the zebra was chosen as it is a rare animal, as is EDS. I have the Hypermobility type where my joints can dislocate, but for me it is the pelvis. So, my Physical Therapist and I thought we should have a little key symbol on some of my pictures where there is a circle with a diagnol line across, on the photos where there are certain poses or positions I should avoid. One such poses would be the Foot Up Against The Wall Pose, The Stand TOO long pose, and others. I showed her my blog, and she enjoyed it, but i had to preface one of the pictures by saying, ” I knew you wouldn’t want me to do that”….

Nevertheless, I try and look at other blogs for pose ideas that are ok for me. Reality is I only can stand for 5 minutes, before I need to sit down. So, I wanted to just dedicate this post to people I have met with this illness, as there is hardship, but I began this blog as a creative outlet, and also as a way to keep my mind distracted when I have pain. So, let’s talk about clothes, it is more fun to discuss anyhow!!!

This outfit is currently on Ann Taylor’s site, and I would say I was not drawn to it at first. I used to not do much animal print, except some leopard. Now, I like to take some fashion risks now and again. This is a more modern look, but I still incorporated my antique-like jewelry and blue hues with the outfit.Ann Taylor is my main go to store, as I love their clothes, classic, but at times trendy, and many of their pieces work with my style. I try and add a bit more of “myself” with my accessories,shoes, and vintage look too. I do like to go in the store at times, as the girls know me on a first name basis, and they treat me well ! 🙂 All we need are a couple of martinis to sip, and it would be a nice girls night out!

I bought the brooch at Etsy, and the other jewelry at 1928.com, another favorite jewelry haunt. One thing I liked about the top was that it had a crochet/lace look to the peplum, but also added some structural dimension..Speaking of texture and dimension, that is what I loved about this relatively new Rebecca Minkoff circular bubble handbag, I loved that and the peach color with the gold hardware.

Lace inset top: Ann Taylor( now!), Zebra Skirt: Ann Taylor ( current and on sale!), shoes: Clarks Concert Choir ( here), Brooch: Etsy, Necklace and Earrings, 1928.com, Rebecca Minkoff ( similar without circular pattern and studs_

Monday Bloom Link Up: dcinstyle

19 Comments
  • Matt
    Posted at 06:04h, 19 March Reply

    Your outfits are great but I truly love the jewelry you wear! I love contemporary jewelry but the vintage look always looks great with your outfits!

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 09:04h, 19 March Reply

      Thank you Matt. Glad you like the jewerly. I love vintage or vintage looking jewelry.. someday I am going to run out! Ah oh…:-)

  • Elle Berman
    Posted at 16:03h, 18 March Reply

    Jess, I am loving this divine outfit just as I am understanding how diverting shopping and thinking about style can be! I love the zebra skirt, and agree it is a perfect symbol for EDS. I love all of the textures you added, it is a lovely, rich and nuanced outfit. I will not say the obligatory, and annoying, you dont look sick. You dont, but I know you are. I am also a zebra, with a rare autoimmune disease, and will post about it one day. There are a few with my disease, relapsing polychondritis, that have EDS overlap. Anyway, you look gorgeous, I appreciate your courage as well as your style. Oh your dog Gibson is so cute it his kerchief!!!
    XX. Elle

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 16:23h, 18 March Reply

      Thank you Elle. Yes, it certainly can keep my mind busy, working on this and just making it a fun thing as well. Thank you on the compliments. I think there is a book called ” You Don’t Look Sick”, there are many people who have invisible illnesses. I love the outit too and can pair it with alot in my closet. I did not know you were a zebra, and to have another problem with it You certainly are an inspiration. When you feel like you can post about it, do so, when you are ready. I appreciate the compliments, and I certainly try my best. Gibby is the best! He has been hanging out with me, and knows when certain days are better than others! xo jess

  • Stephanae V. McCoy
    Posted at 08:37h, 18 March Reply

    Hi Jess, you look lovely as always. You are most assuredly one of those people who are inspirational to me. In your pictures you look so at ease and I just can’t fathom how difficult it must be for you to manage some of your poses but you carry them off like a pro!! And little Gibson is so photogenic, how adorable!!!

    Is that mint nail polish I spy? If so I think it would go nicely with the flats I bought, just sayin’.

    ~Steph

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 09:01h, 18 March Reply

      Thanks Steph, very observant! Yes, I switch colors several times a week! Be due for the pedicure soon 🙂 Thank you so much about the comment. It really means alot, to try and inspire. It has taken me years to get to this point, as 6 years ago, I wouldn’t have been thinking of doing a blog. I appreciate that! Gibby is my little love, fur ball of joy. He is so comforting, as pets are.He brings a smile to my face. I will post Truffy soon. I love the flats, don’t know my color, but it is Essie. xo jess

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 09:49h, 18 March Reply

      One more thing Stephanae, How could I think not to tell you, you are quite inspirational as well . I don’t know how you do 5 days a week.. you accomplish a great deal. Now, if you only lived closer we could go shopping!

  • Oceanblue Style
    Posted at 07:48h, 18 March Reply

    So totally love your outfit, think it suits you perfectly, not over the top, just the right edge! And you know how much I love mixing prints as well! Hope you will get better soon. All the best, Sabina @ Oceanblue Style

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 08:57h, 18 March Reply

      Thanks so much, Yes I have some prints, more for spring, and I just loved this together. That’s what I like to heat “just the right amount of edge”! I don’t have a ton to start with! I am excited to show the prints I have for spring as well.

  • Not Dressed As Lamb (@notlamb)
    Posted at 06:03h, 18 March Reply

    Jess the zebra skirt is fabulous!! The black and white look so great with your hair, I love how it really stands out with neutrals.

    Sorry to hear you’ve been having a hard time again lately… your positive attitude is really inspiring though. I’m glad that the blog is going well and gives you something to focus on – I wish you well as always and hope that the pain gives you some respite soon 🙂

    Catherine x

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 08:56h, 18 March Reply

      Yes, thank you Catherine, the blog is hard work but fun at the same time! It certainly keeps my mind active,now in the spring time I will get my body moving more. Swimming, walks etc. I am glad you like the outfit, I tried on both seperatly, but really l liked the look I ended up putting together! The skirt is quite substantial, so I won’t be able to wear it in the summer, but we have been having weird weather here lately. Thank you!

  • Mary Murnane
    Posted at 17:54h, 17 March Reply

    Hi Jess,

    I’m so sorry to learn of your illness. I will certainly keep you in my prayers. In the meantime, please know how remarkable I think you are! You have a great attitude!

    You look amazing in this outfit! And I love how you’ve style it with your accessories!

    And I can’t close without telling you how adorable your dog is! So precious!

    Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 18:50h, 17 March Reply

      Thank you Mary! Yes, diagnosed about 2 years ago, unknown for 7. Prayers can be helpful, I appreciate it. It has taken me a long time to have a better attitude, as it wasn’t this way from the start. I do want to enjoy and have fun with things in life, so I work to make it more manageable. I like the zebra print, and the skirt is made exceptionally well. I am a huge fan of Ann Taylor, but I have to “make it my own” with my antique jewelry and such. Gibby would love to hear how much attention he has gotten, he is a gem, and helps me in many ways! Happy St Paddy’s Day to you:-)

  • Sian
    Posted at 15:10h, 17 March Reply

    You look lovely as you do in all your outfit posts. Amazing figure and gorgeous hair….very jealous! Your little dog is the cutest in his green cravat .

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 17:01h, 17 March Reply

      Thank you again, Sian. I love your name, did I mention that! So unique. Appreciate the compliments, I could gain a bit, some people say, but I eat healthy and have some GI issues, so not as easy as it sounds. Appreciate my hair comment. I like having red hair as well. Ah, Gib is my boy he is such a comfort, a joy to me! I will have to post my other one Trufles, my little girl Shih Tzu, she is on the About Me page, but he is a ham and loves his picture taken.

  • MiraDevils (@MiraDevils)
    Posted at 11:52h, 17 March Reply

    I’m sorry to hear about your EDS. I haven’t heard of it before but if you can only stand for 5 minutes it must be really bad. My father is also sick and he can’t hardly walk at all. There’s a word for that but I can’t spell it. You look adorable. Love the top and the super cute skirt. I love all animals prints. Btw you don’t have to stand to take photos. Just sit on a bench and pose. Happy St. Patrick’s day. Gibson is the cutest. Here’s a link with a post where my sisters sits on a bench. Happy to meet you through the link up 😀

    xx Mira

    http://www.glamdevils.com/37/lola-lipsy-green-dress/

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 12:29h, 17 March Reply

      Thanks for stopping by! I love seeing new faces too! My illness is a rare connective tissue disease where I am missing the protein in my tissues which help keep your joints stable., so my joints can move farther than the normal person, and dislocate. THis happens with my pelvis, but my hubby can put it back in. WHen the pelvis moves, so do my lower extremity muscles, and they feel tight. I am sorry to hear about your Dad. Thank you for the compliment on my outfit, you don’t know what I could do with it if I could wear some really neat shoes! I will have to live vicariously through your and others blogs. True, sometimes I have to do less standing, and I do sit. Happy St Paddy’s day to you too! Come by again, if you like 🙂

  • Lady of Style
    Posted at 08:55h, 17 March Reply

    I love the entire Zebra collection by Ann Taylor and your skirt is no exception! The quality looks fabulous and it suits you so well, Jess.

    Hope you enjoy the nice sunshine it does give you some comfort.

    Gibson is too cute 🙂

    Hugs,
    Annette | Lady of Style

    • Jess Jannenga
      Posted at 09:27h, 17 March Reply

      Thanks Annette
      I have to say the Zebra collection grew on me, I love the skirt, it is made very well and a bit heavier than summer will be able to stand ,so i thought I would wear it now. Thank you, it is going to be cold again, probably sunny and warm at the beginning of April. Ah, Gibson is my baby boy! I love him and my other girl Truffles dearly. xoxo to you!

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