22.1.10

First Skin


I have a peculiar relationship with my skin.  I love it because it holds all of my blood and liquids and organs and whatnot in my body and keeps them safe from harmful chemicals, and it stretched to house a 9.5 pound baby without stretch-marks and shrank back to normal no prob. It regenerates at a freakish rate (dermatologists have confirmed that I regenerate skin faster that the average person) which means I don't have many wrinkles, but also means that the youthful look of it comes with teenage type acne.  Basically what happens is that it grows over so quickly that my pores are unable to drain properly and without daily extreme exfoliation, I look. . . gray almost, thick with dead skin cells.  Gross right.  I have been living with acne for 18 years now and I have a hate hate relationship with it.  I have tried everything from extreme therapies (Accutane (twice) Retin A, antibiotics, peroxide based treatments, microdermabrasion) to strange desperate, stranger recommended home remedies (deodorant, head and shoulders, olive oil) and nothing really has seemed to work.  Right now it is all concentrated on my neck and jaw, not so bad, but still annoying.

I know this is a style blog, but yesterday I mentioned Dead Sea Mineral Mud and Bath Salts and a few of you were interested.  I chose one of these inquisitive comments as the comment of the day yesterday.  I found my stinky mud at a natural foods shop, and the product had a website but the link doesn't work.  I am not saying it is a miracle worker, and I am using it in conjunction with acupuncture, herbal skin detox tea, a blend of Vitamin E and tea tree oil and regular hot soaks and steams.  Sounds like overkill.  Maybe it is.  I started the active regimen last Sunday though and it has cleared up immensely.  Almost invisible under makeup.  I think any dead sea mineral mud will do.  They are all from the Dead Sea in Israel, I think anyway.

NOW, about this dress! It is gorgeous and floaty and silky and I love it so much!! It is more my style to take something that would be so obviously dressy and add beat up boots, slouchy oversized sweaters and a masculine fedora to tone down the look and make it great for everyday.  This dress is from Shopmamie.com.  One of the very few things I have that is NEW.  Everything there is less than $100 and just sooooo cute and was started by two best friends named Amy and Megan.  It is like every fashion girl's dream to start their own line of clothing and do well at it, and these girls actually took the plunge and did it!  I may try to take pointers from them some day.  How fun would it be to create high quality vintage reproductions from carefully selected, handmade textiles?  Hmm.  Pretty fun.

COMMENT OF THE DAY: From Corie of My Taste Indeed  (check out her blog for great style and very grounded philosophical advice she is giving herself, but we could all use)
  • we all struggle with something...but it's small.  The dress you're wearing is gorgeous, and your photos are always so nice.  -Corie

47 comments:

Unknown said...

Girl, I hear you. I've struggled with acne for years, too. I've tried just about every cream, pill or treatment (short of Accutane) that there is. It's a very emotionally draining process, so I can relate to the hate-hate thing. One thing I've had success with is the Proactiv system. Yes, it bleaches your towels and sheets (I just buy all white now), and it can be a bit drying in the wintertime, but that system has worked the best of any I've tried. My skin generally doesn't break out now, except maybe a few tiny whiteheads here and there. Maybe worth trying if you haven't given it a go. It's a bit pricey, but the bottles last a long time.

Also, I LOVE the layered look with the girly dress! And the hat is amazing. I'm a newer reader, and your vintage-loving ways and masterful layering have inspired me to reimagine my own outfits, usually to great effect.

MamieGirls said...

Funny, I also struggle with acne - ask Meg I'm always talking about it - her poor ear! But, the pictures turned out amazing! Love the dress on you! xoxo

Call A Spade, A Spade! said...

Don't worry about the acne. We all have our crosses to bear. You are such a beautiful woman that worrying about it makes no sense.

I LOVE this dress. The layering look really works for this, along with the black tights and the "beat-up boots". It is just a great look. To think about it, I love all your looks. Keep up the great work!

Linds said...

hi there! I just wanted to let you know, I've also struggled with acne for years. When I was 20 I developed cystic acne and have even resorted to cortisone shots. So painful. The only solution I've found is incredibly pricey unfortunately, but oh the confidence I gained about myself is priceless. It's a lazer treatment (http://www.cooltouch.com/) about $400 dollars a pop. I KNOW. It's horrible how expensive they are. I get them about 3 or 4 times a year. My skin looks beautiful. Also, I just want to say that you are one of my favorite style bloggers and I've always thought you were incredibly beautiful. Thanks for inspiring me to be more creative.

Brittany said...

Ugh, I head ya with the acne as well.. I've never had it bad enough to see a dermatologist, at least I don't think, but bad enough that I can't go without makeup and I'm stills self-conscious. Please give me more info on what worked for you!

Your outfit is really beautiful and it's a winter wonderland outside!

Amandromeda said...

first, you look gorgeous! i love this dress and how you paired it with the boots, belt and over sized sweater. genius, really. and like the setting is so beautiful. is that outside your house? love it.
i never had problems with acne until getting pregnant, so i've had this problem for more than five years and now i use proactiv. i tried using something else again because it makes my skin so dry but i had horrible acne for about two months. no way, i'm not dealing with that! i feel for anyone who also has skin problems. it's easy to say, oh it's not a big deal, it's what's inside that counts. but when you are embarrassed to look someone in the eye or it takes away your confidence, then it's not cool anymore. glad you were able to find something that works. i'm still trying to find the right fit for my skin.

Jolie said...

I totally understand what you're going through. I never had acne until I was prego with my little boy. Wow, it hit me hard and it hurt my self-esteem fade away, especially as a makeup artist! I am still dealing with it, ugh!
Btw.. your images are gorgeous, look at that blue sky! It has been cloudy here in KC for over 2 weeks now, feels like the sun will never come out again.
xoxo Jolie

Anonymous said...

Loving the combo of the super feminine dress and the chunky knits with that hat! That hat is fab and I need one immediately ;)

Great photos! Great Outfit.

xo, Kim www.crowded-closet.com

Anonymous said...

These shots are stunning, lady! What a setting, and what a fabulously fun modern pioneer girl outfit.

Thanks for sharing the info about your acne. I'm a longtime sufferer myself, and recently had a NASTY experience doing antibiotics to combat cystic adult acne. Never again, never again. I'll look into the mud treatments. I'm very intrigued.

Seval said...

I'm dying to write the longest comments but I'm not done yet... They gave me a few more days to struggle. But I have to write these: 1- There is a Dead Sea in Turkey too and they say, it is a wonderful place to take a vacation, think about it :) 2- Your own vintage line would be a paradise! :) Love you!

Anonymous said...

oh my God, I didn't notice that you have any problem with your skin... it's not good.

Lea's Suitcase said...

your blog is about you...feel free to write and post whatever you want..OWN IT!

BTW, your face looks flawless and i wanna sit next to a fireplace and drink hot chocolate in your chunky sweater :)

LeasSuitcase.wordpress.com

Anonymous said...

wow the setting of theses photos is gorgeous, so envious you have mountains! wow!

Jen said...

It's strange that you mention your struggle with your skin - I always notice how luminous and clear it looks.

Bad skin has plagued me for years so I can completely empathise with your struggle. Sounds like you've found a method that works - yay! :)

Fabulocity in Amish Country said...

I totally love this outfit! All of it!

alexandra said...

are you kidding me??!?! these pictures are sooooo so so beautiful! hold on, i didn't even read what you wrote i just love these images so much! the background looks fake! they should be in a magazine! wow!

ok, i read it. i think it's great that you're using your acne situation to help others...i bet more people are going to benefit from it than you know! and i am going to check out your friends' shop right now! i have to say, starting something like that is my dream too! here's to making it happen in 2010!!

xo

chicfaced (Megan) said...

dang girl, is that your backyard?!?! Gorgeous!

I'm sorry to hear about the problems with your skin but you've got the whole being super goregous thing going for you, so that should help :)

E said...

wow, the background of your outdoor photos was gorgeous! great outfit too!

Hannah said...

I love the treatment that you are starting. Especially the acupunture! My mom is an acupuncturist and whenever I get treated regularly (it's hard being away at college!) all my problems decrease dramatically. Physically, emotionally, etc. How great!

And I looooove your outfit today. I've been wanting to wear a couple dresses around campus but can't because of the wind i.e. DUST STORMS! Crazy Texas weather...

Anonymous said...

That dress is stunning on you! I wish you lived closer so we could shop together! I love how you dressed it down, I got tons of dresses for my corporate dress but struggle to find a balance between my 9-5 job and my down time, this is perfect!

Corie said...

we all struggle with something...but it's small.

The dress you're wearing is gorgeous, and your photos are always so nice.

Hannah said...

I just read an article about a shampoo that is supposed to help with acne. Sounds weird but check it out!Maybe it would help.

http://www.anewmode.com/beauty/introducing-kairos-acne-care-clear-skin-gorgeous-hair/

Madeline Veenstra said...

Love the hat and boots :) I struggle to give myself a break when working on my business!

Samantha said...

first off I LOVE THAT SWEATER!

secondly,

i also have pretty terrible skin, if i keep my hands away from my face and my stress levels down its not bad

im glad you have found a remedy that works for you!

Jessica said...

This outfit is so so adorable. I love that hat on you!

Coco said...

Wow! love this dress on you and you styled it so awesomely! so pretty! Oh and Django also commented that the wintery picture look great! We both like them very much!

awhh.. I have never struggle with acne but I have struggle with weight issue all my life so I can kinda of relate to the similar feeling that you can associate with these type of issue! I'm happy that you find something that work for you! :)

-Coco from Our Paper Moon

Katie, thisloveblog.com said...

I'm twenty and I have acne EVERYWHERE sometimes. Neck, face, chest, back, shoulders... nothing too disgusting or anything,but it's there. I can't help but wonder when it's going to disappear already,but maybe for some of us (without finding just the right remedy) it doesn't. hmph.

Sarah K. said...

beautiful pictures!

I had acne all the way from junior high through university. it was awful. it really made me feel terrible about myself. I'd probably still have it, but my dermatologist prescribed me birth control. it's the only thing that worked. that and dove soap.
I know how much acne sucks!! but I think you always look great.

Elle said...

Okay I've been reading your blog for a couple of weeks now- and I pretty much adore you. I don't think I commented though (felt kinda like a creeper). BUT I seriously could not leave without saying the following-
1- I have a dress JUST like that. Same cut and neckline. I got it specifically for a formal event, so it's a bit dressier. But I have been sooo desperate to find a way to dress it down, I was about to email Christine {from my style pill} and ask for her help. But you nailed it! Thank you!

2- you are gorgeous.

3- the fact that you had a 9.5 lb baby and are stretch mark free... makes me so happy/jealous. And I don't even have kids!

So thanks/have a great weekend/sorry for writing a novel length comment on your blog!

elle.belle.bee@hotmail.com

Elizabeth, Delightfully Tacky said...

I love those outdoor photos, so gorgeous!

piglet said...

I struggle with my skin too. It's definately my most hated part of my body.
But you do look amazing in your photos!
And I love those snow photos!

soph // and other things said...

The outdoor photos are gorgeous! The colours are just perfect. Love the outfit too.

Missy said...

Ever since you posted your "formula" of your personal style, I've been looking in each new outfit post for the 3 accent color pieces! Found them today! Boots, belt and hat! Very very cute outfit and I love the neckline on the back of that dress.

Tabitha said...

I love these pictures they're so adorable!

San said...

Oh, these pictures are absolutely wonderful. I love this hat on you.

I'm glad that people are starting to wear them again.

Anonymous said...

i have it, too. it stinks...i'm nearing 30 (literally, next month!) and i can't seem to get rid of the "hormonal"/stress acne on my jaw line. just when i think it's cleared up, i get another! it's embarrassing. i used to have great skin! i guess my hormones are just outta whack these days. FYI...i also have very sensitive skin and use aveeno skin brightening daily scrub. it does seem to help, but the BEST part about it, is that it makes the rest of my skin look bright and clear and really smooth! maybe try it?

anyway, love the outfit post and i'm envious that you get to play in the snow! i'm from the midwest, but have lived in california since 99. so, yes...i love the nice weather, but miss the snow dearly.

have a nice weekend, dear.
:)

Rachel said...

So I've never commented on your blog before but I have to tell you about my success with the acne.org system.
I have been on accutane twice and tried every other prescription (at one point I was on 2 creams and 2 pills and my skin was STILL breaking out). Proactiv helped for a long time, but for the last few years I've been following the acne.org regimen, and my skin is the best it's ever been. I also exfoliate a couple of times a week and that helps the regimen work, I think. It's not very expensive (I buy their giant bottles of benzoyl peroxide and they last months), and even though I didn't believe an over-the-counter solution would work better than prescription drugs, it really does.

And big hugs about the skin--I know how much it hurts your self-confidence to have crappy skin. Even though it's just a "little thing," it is really detrimental in a way that is hard to understand if you've never been through it.

Christen said...

Thanks for being so open about your skin problems. Sometimes bloggers just seem too perfect and it makes them less attractive to me. I really appreciate your honesty and willingness to help others going through the same thing!

Plus, you look AMAZING in this look. That slouchy sweater is beyond perfection and I love how you wore it!

ChrisRobinson said...

I read your blog (every day, a favorite on my RSS reader) but feel like i never comment enough. re: this post, and everyone else already said it, I love your honesty. I love your blog b/c I feel like I know you, and ever since I read that post about how frank you were about your pose (and that someone said you looked alien! I do NOT have thick skin like you, I would have cried!) I have earnestly come back for that same dose of honesty.

Once, a great man I knew saw me chewing the inside of my mouth. "The sign of a true woman," he said.

I think about that when I read your blog. You're a true woman. I hope you win a trip to Chictopia 10... I'm lucky I live nearby, and I'd be happy to meet you there!

best
Carey @ corksandcaftans.wordpress.com

Raquelita said...

I love the photos -- so fun! Lady, let me tell you that I still struggle with breakouts too. Of course the stress and lack of sleep leading up to my wedding meant that I had a breakout right before it. Ugh!

C said...

I love the dress, and those first photos are SO stunning. Just breathtaking, really.

myedit said...

So many things to say...
1. The pictures are amazing...it looks like you are in some exoskeleton or something. A fashion rebirth....ok, getting too deep.
2. ugh to problem skin. I've struggled since 12 with acne, it's ok now but sometimes I get crazy flare-ups. My dad says it means we're still young. I'll take it.
3. I couldn't think of anyone who should go to the conference more than you. You are beyond stylish, and a great blogger and blog supporter. Good luck on the contest and the fundraising!

shoeless simone said...

So beautiful! I love your dress and the location is amazing. Great as usual!

-Shoeless Simone

megannielsen said...

O I feel your pain!! Honestly though, you look amazing!!! I too have a love hate relationship with my skin (stretching out for the giant baby and back without stretchmarks :))... but I'm not a fan of how young I look. I do get a little tired of everyone thinking I'm too young to be a mom!!

Diana said...

I love this outfit, and that is such a gorgeous location for photos.

I struggled with acne for a long time too. It took professional microdermabrasion treatments and Clinique Acne Cleansing products to get it under control.

Tieka, Selective Potential said...

Oh my gosh, stunning photos! I never really thought about it.. but I have no idea where you live! This is just stunning!

Shannon Mac said...

I know this post is old, but I new to your blog via whatiwore, so forgive my lateness :) My husband had really bad acne in high school and tried everything... twice. The only thing that worked for him is olive leaf extract-- it comes in a pill at health food stores. Just a tip. And I LOVE your blog and have spent my whole lunch hour and work pouring through your old posts. Yay.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...