A Mini Update

Hello lovelies!  As you know my recent health has not been so great, and now with what seems like endless medical tests behind me (MRI, EKG, blood work, etc) I can finally give you a little update on what we've discovered.

To start with, I was given some scary diagnosis from doctors in the past...things like "spot on your lung", "degenerative bone disease", and more.  That compiled with some recent frightening heart/chest pain symptoms, breathing difficulty, coughing, constantly aching bones, and extreme fatigue (I was napping multiple hours every day - so unlike me) had me really worried.  Honestly we still don't know exactly what is causing all my symptoms, but two causes we know for (almost) sure...I have an extreme Vitamin D deficiency (causes bone pain and fatigue) and they have just begun to experimentally treat me for Asthma (I go back to the doctor in a few weeks so she can read my Peak Flow Meter readings, etc. - I currently have about half the lung capacity that I should).  Two weeks ago I began taking a prescription dose of Vitamin D and already feel a decrease in my bone pain and my energy level has improved quite a bit (woo hoo).  Here is an interesting article on the frequency of Vitamin D deficiencies in women that you might like to read.

Luckily the tests that I underwent were also able to rule out my past diagnosis of Degenerative Bone Disease as well as the "spot on my lung" which we were terrified by.  I will be hooked up to a heart monitor (starting today) to record its activity over the next month and am also scheduled to have an ultrasound of my heart just to rule out any further problems there (I had an irregular EKG a few weeks ago) but my cardiologist seems to think that all will be okay on that front...which is fantastic.

So now I will just be taking an inhaler every day, dosing myself with mega amounts of vitamin D and looking forward to breathing easier and feeling peppier in the near future.  I feel silly for all the worry I caused my family, friends and you all.  Thank you all for your kind words of support in the midst of it all.  xo Ez

Inspired By: Stylist Kim Ficaro

A browse through the online portfolio of prop stylist Kim Ficaro is sure to relax and inspire you (just as it did for me).  Her work has been featured in countless publications and many of her carefully styled scenes are ones that I recall fondly from the late Domino Magazine where she was once the style editor (I still miss you Domino).  Head on over to see more beauty in her portfolio.  You won't be sorry you did.  Enjoy! xo Ez

Inspiration Daily: 05. 26. 10

Untitled by Valerie Chiang on flickr.

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Chic for Cheap: International Wedding Guest

Hello there lovelies!  This week's Chic for Cheap look was requested by reader Emily who will be attending a wedding overseas this June and wants to look as chic as possible without breaking the bank.  She already owns this lovely dress from J.Crew and is in need of some accessory ideas.  Here the challenge is in her own words:

"I'm attending the wedding of a girlhood friend, which is taking place in Oxford in June.  I will be one of only two American friends in attendance, so we want to look chic!  I need shoes and accessories (including some kind of cardigan or scarf?) that will make this rather basic dress a bit edgy.  I'm pretty tall and not incredibly graceful, so heels under 3" are best.  I'm a pale girl with black shoulder length hair and short bangs.  I hate pink and orange.  I love me some teal, seafoam, black, and bright reds.  I'm also a starving artist, so more affordable options are best for me."

As a fellow lover of aqua I was thrilled when I found this cotton/cashmere cardigan in the perfect shade of blue.  It has a silk border around the neckline (which gives it an extra dose of refinement) and I think it would look especially wonderful (and on trend) belted with a pretty skinny belt.  I selected shoes that lend a touch of edginess to the outfit, which could lean towards looking overly precious if not accessorized carefully.  The price for all the items together is on the higher end, but you could easily patch in items that you already own to bring the price down.

I hope you have a wonderful time at your friend's wedding Emily!  xo Ez

• Knotted Drape Necklace - Forever 21
• Skinny Braided Leather Belt - Gap
• Meaningful Stud Earring Set - Forever 21
• Cotton/Cashmere City Cardigan - Banana Republic
• Metallic Blue Linen Clutch - Marketa New York
• Madden Girl Kobiee Heels - Zappos
  

Want more?  You can find past Chic for Cheap looks right here.

In Good Company: Pretty Swell

These cleverly styled photographs really grabbed my attention when I first came across them in the shop Pretty Swell the other day.  Don't you love them!  Pretty Swell offers sweet little handmade floral garlands and hair accessories, as well as all-in-one party kits that I think are brilliant.  You can see more from Pretty Swell (as well as more lovely shop photos) right here.  Enjoy!  xo Ez