Any of you Facebookers know that there is a Facebook group for everything, and Osteogensis Imperfecta is no different. There are several out there, some for the different types, some with a focus on fitness, some with age restrictions, etc. I belong to several, and sometimes it’s nice to talk to people who go through the same social and chronic pain issues that I do. There are moments where I disagree with the way some members manage their pain, but to each is own and how they handle their bodies is really none of my business. Overall though, it’s not only beneficial, but also enjoyable to share stories and advice between one another.
A few years ago, I was contacted by a fellow OI-er who not only has the same type as me (if you are not aware of the types of OI, check out my OI 101 blog), but like me, she uses mostly natural medicine to handle her pain. She has a podcast, Hash it Out With Jane (her name is Jane Hash…clever, right?), and asked me to do an interview about my book, art, etc. You can listen to it HERE.
One of the coolest things about Jane (to me at least) is her level of functionality and her age! (Sorry Jane. LOL) I don’t know what most people with my type of OI are told, but I grew up believing that my lifespan would be about forty years, and as I got older, my ability to function would decline. Well, not only is Jane past forty (not far past forty), but she is still HIGHLY functional. I mean, this chick is out there campaigning and protesting and advocating with the best of the best. She has a big voice, and she makes it heard loud and clear. It’s pretty awesome. But I digress.
Fast forward a few months and I hear from Jane again, this time asking if I’d help her with some graphic design needs for her latest venture, Classy Little Fashions. She and two friends/colleagues created a foundation that makes age-appropriate, professional clothing for people with bodies that are a different from the norm. They cater specifically to people with disabilities, and have figured out fashion designs that make things like transferring and going to the bathroom with a wheelchair a little easier…and every outfit still looks fabulous. Basically, the client sends the foundation their measurements, what types of clothing items they need, their measurements, and contact info, and then Classy Little Fashions decides if they can help. Not only does the client end up with clothes that really fit them comfortably (something that rarely happens if you have a body like mine), but they also make the client clothes that he/she likes. They want their clients to feel confident and happy in the clothes they are wearing, and they do a fabulous job in keeping in mind the client’s design aesthetic and personal style.
At the start, the foundation didn’t have much of a budget for graphic design services, so I got paid in clothing items. After sending in my measurements, I received three pairs of jeans, a pair of black pants, and a shirt. Though the jeans are probably my favorite, I wear everything they made for me all the time (I’m actually getting ready to have to call them again because I’m wearing these clothes out). I just can’t say enough good things about this foundation!
If you think it’s hard to find clothes because you’re a couple pounds heavier than you want to be or you’re an inch or two below normal height, try being me two foot seven and almost thirty years old! The only clothes I fit into “straight off the rack” are kids clothes, and most of the time those are just not age-appropriate. I’m sorry, but I am not going out in a shirt with Disney princesses, peace signs or puppies. Classy Little Fashions solves a major problem for people like me, and I’m so glad Jane, Jess, and Carol chose to start such a great foundation. They are fulfilling fashion wishes, one pair of jeans at a time!