Your friends a fool! It doesn't matter... You wear what's comfortable, for you.

Actually, that should be "your friend is a fool!".

You'll be fine! You'll even see people In white running shoes.

Sorry but your friend sounds like an insensitive jerk!

B.S.!!! I don't care how much your friend has traveled...

Wear what allows you to go where you want to go, see what you want to see, with the most comfort possible.

Have a great trip!

"The friend I'm going with who has traveled quite a bit, says that I can't wear them in Europe because they are not acceptable and/or fashionable & that I won't be allowed in many places..."

That is so absolutely ridiculous - UNBELIEVABLE!!

OK - and I mean this seriously: Do you really want to travel w/ such a clueless putz?

It sounds more like the 'friend' is embarrassed to be seen w/ you. S/he is a total idiot.

It's your feet. And your shoes. You are the one who has to walk in the shoes. Wear what you feel comfortable in. It is NOT fun to walk anywhere if your feet hurt.

If you want to go to upscale restaurants that won't let people inside with running shoes I guess you can wear nice shoes for that one evening and take a taxi to the restaurant. For the rest of the time it is better to be sensible and comfortable.

I am not going to make any judgment calls on your friend, who I have never met, but agree that no-one cares about your shoes. Comfy shoes are most important for an enjoyable visit to Europe.

"If you want to go to upscale restaurants that won't let people inside with running shoes I guess you can wear nice shoes for that one evening and take a taxi to the restaurant."

Absolutely unnecessary. No restaurant would turn away a diner in braces because they had the 'wrong' footwear.

"I am not going to make any judgment calls on your friend, who I have never met,"

I don't need to meet someone to know that telling a friend >>I can't wear them in Europe because they are not acceptable and/or fashionable & that I won't be allowed in many places...<< means she is clueless or maybe has a screw loose.

kiv427: You'll laugh about this when you get to Europe - you will see every sort of footwear imaginable.

I think I'd prefer to say that OP's friend has been seriously misinformed somehow. Someday it might be interesting to find out how it could have happened, but as one who lives here, let me say that orthotics, braces and the like are not exactly unknown here. One of my neighbours (male) has had a long-term foot problem. much helped by special orthotic shoes, which look from the outside like any other plain black lace-ups.

Who goes round looking at anyone else's feet, for heaven's sake? In the unlikely event of anyone taking any notice of such thing, such a place isn't worthy of your custom anyway, and there will be plenty of others.

Thank-you all so much. I feel so much better. I have only recently been fitted for these braces, in order to help my ability to walk without falling...to me they look rather like Forrest Gump braces but my son told me to just wear a striped long-sleeved shirt and that people will think I play soccer. I do believe that my friend (and she is a good friend) was just trying to save me any embarrassment but believe me...falling flat on my face is way more embarrassing than wearing my braces, which actually have allowed me to return to walking without further injuring my back and hip (I don't have feeling in my feet so they just help the front of my foot lift up).

I will take the advice of wearing appropriate shoes to go along with a dress but for everyday walking, I'm glad to hear that I don't have to worry.

Thanks again and although it's far off...I'll report back so you all know how it went!
k

I don't know where your friend has traveled but you need to wear shoes that will work for you.

Many people world over have problems and wear equipment when they are blessed to have the equipment.

While white running shoes are really outdated there are some pretty cute shoes that lace up.

Would a mary jane type work for you?

http://www.zappos.com/biom-natural-motion-by-ecco-biom-lite-mary-jane-silver-metallic-black-imperial-purple


Have you considered a modern day shoe to wear with dark jeans?

http://www.zappos.com/cole-haan-alisa-oxford-masquerade-tango-red?zlfid=111&recoName=zap_pdp_acc

Or a leather lace up?
http://www.zappos.com/born-arletta-charcoal-leather?zlfid=111&recoName=zap_pdp_sub

Well, how about these? The don't lace but seem like they may adjust.

http://www.zappos.com/clarks-kessa-betty-plum-leather?zlfid=111&recoName=zap_pdp_sub#prdInfo

I'm sure you're friend meant well but sometimes a little direction is better than scaring you.

http://www.zappos.com/naot-footwear-kumara-steel-leather-black-suede?zlfid=111&recoName=zap_pdp_sub

Sounds like you'll be wearing the brace for awhile so you'll want to find a way to "rock" an oxford

Your friend is freaking nuts, no matter what her intentions. I am an OLD Paris hand and just came back from a trip there where I was on crutches, with a brace, and nobody blinked...in fact, people were double-kind to me everywhere. EVERYWHERE. No questions asked. Parisians are incredibly sensitive to handicaps, as I found out. I'll be going back in March, probably with a brace and ugly shoe on the left foot at least also, and expect nothing but kindness and welcoming attitudes on the part of Parisians all over the city.

Don't give it a thought.

Feet can be such a problem when travelling so be comfortable and wear whatever you find the best for you.."A friend???" for how long will this be the case.??? don't even consider buying new ones as you may increase your problems..You own you part of the the world so enjoy it!!!!

If your Friend is too embarrassed to be seen with you being comfortable then travel Solo. The problem is not yours it's theirs.

Agree that your friend is an idiot.

This is not an issue of fashion - but of health - and you should wear whatever shoes are most comfortable with braces, as would any european with the same problem.

Don;t know how far you can walk, but we find that in european cities we often do 8 or 10 miles per day - although the older we get the more often we take short cabs rides between sights. So comfort is paramount. And if you're not lucky enough to be comfortable while wearing cute walking shoes - then wear what works for you.

It's true that giant white clown sneakers are not the height of fashion (frankly they're not the fashion here either, except for kids or someone actually running) but health trumps fashion every time.

My advice is to wear the shoes you feel comfortable walking around in at home. If you must buy new footware for the trip, give them a good tryout before you leave home. No sense waiting until you get to Europe to find out they aren't good to walk in.

In politically correct Britain no one would dare turn away a customer wearing braces, and if they did, they would probably be committing an offence. No one gives a hoot what kind of shoes you are wearing.

We don't know how the friend actually put this or what the OP is usually given to wear. She's not judging her friend maybe we shouldn't either.

Seriously, if you were going on a trip don't you want to look your best? Even if you're not traveling.

The brace will be an issue for the OP otherwise she wouldn't have mentioned it, she would have blown off her friend from the jump.

Look into some options so you'll be comfortable.

The real question is how comfortable are you? I always found that when I've done my best with what I have then I can be comfortable.

If I'm comfortable in big white sneakers and black pants, then it will reflect in the way I treat others, not the way they treat me.

I want to repeat what nytraveler said. That you will do a lot of walking in Europe, maybe not 8 or 10 miles/day, but a lot. Europeans expect people to walk and to climb stairs. And then after a long day on your feet, you go to bed, get up and do it again.

So comfort is of prime importance. You're spending a lot of money. Concentrate on enjoying what you're seeing and doing, not on what others might -- or might not -- think.

In addition to St Cirq's testimony, you might like to read the inspiring trip report from a woman who has trouble walking but traveled to Europe on her own: www.fodors.com/community/europe/tales-of-a-falling-woman.cfm

Twenty years ago, I was told I would be pegged as an American if I wore my most comfortable footwear, my running shoes. I opted for comfort and never worried a second. I was able to walk all day, see the sights. And, yes, I am a proud American!

As someone who has traveled a fair amount, I would just like to say that the whole, "If you wear white tennis / running shoes, then everyone will KNOW you are an American" thing is grossly over-rated.

They are going to know, anyway -- Changing your shoes is NOT going to fool them!

Go with what works. Be happy and enjoy.

Bob

"I will take the advice of wearing appropriate shoes to go along with a dress . . . "

IMO that isn't necessary. If you should use the braces when walking, that means using them whenever you are walking. When you are out and about. Even at restaurants, even at 'nice' restaurants, even at the opera, even . . . well you get the idea. I personally wouldn't risk leaving the braces off for the sake of 'fashion' - nor for your friend's comfort level.

I wouldn't consider your friend to be a friend any longer.

Let's not be too harsh on kiv427's friend — she is probably well meaning, but another victim of the "white sneakers myth". I've never really understood why people are so worried about looking like a tourist, or looking like an American. More important (when in Britain) to remember to look to the right before stepping off the pavement into the street.

How do otherwise sensible people come up with these weird ideas?

5 minutes thought would surely convince your friend that there must be people in Europe with foot problems [and loads of other problems too.come to that] and they aren't banned from "loads of places".

wear what you feel happy and safe in - once you are here you'll find out that no-one cares what you are wearing, we just want you to have a good time.

Kiv427, not sure where your “friend” is coming from. Last summer I went on a tour to Paris/Normandy which included an older gal (frail but feisty) who wore a leg brace and used a cane. She did not let anything stop her.

When we arrived at the Eiffel Tower, our tour leader told us that no one could ascend the tower using a cane or walker. So this gal with the brace folded up the cane and proceeded to join the group. She just linked arms with her daughter and moved right along.

Enjoy your trip…

You can't imagine how excited I am for this trip & appreciate all your responses. I'm not as worried about anyone knowing I'm American as offending the locals by not being appropriate. In my friends defense, when she traveled is was for more formal events & she tends to lean more to fashion rather than comfort. I feel confident that Europeans will be just as ok with my maladies as anyone else. As far as walking, with these new legs of mine, 10 miles or up hills will be no problem, so I'm thankful for them. Thanks for the shoe suggestions but they won't fit nor work properly, so I'll stick with my running shoes.

Thanks again!

Why would any local be offended? You have nothing to worry about, so have a wonderful trip!

"I've never really understood why people are so worried about looking like a tourist, or looking like an American."

It is silly but I'm a lot more worried about wearing ugly shoes.

Enjoy your trip kiv427. You won't offend anyone. Spend your time learning a few words in the local languages.

I'm learning French right now and hope to be fairly fluent by the time I leave.

Good for you kiv! I've been trying to learn French for years but so far every time I speak French someone will say, "let's just do this in English."

LSky - we must go to some very different places. We stayed at a B&B in Brittany last year which had a single breakfast table so we all ate together and none of the other guests spoke any english at all, nor did our hosts.

our french got a very thorough work-out!

annhig, I've only ever been to Paris. Of course, I practiced French and can write it, so I carried a notepad in case things got hair because my pronuciation is terrible.

People were very nice and helpful. There were a few times when I had to speak very slowly. I am always impressed how patient people can be with a stranger and how helpful.

I'm fairly good with German and love it when that gets a workout It's so much fun isn't it?

LSky - when we first went to Paris more years ago than I care to remember, I found that very few locals would speak anything other than french, even if they could, as a matter of principle. Now they are much more relaxed about it, in fact Paris is becoming more like the rest of Europe where trying to get them NOT to speak english is a struggle, IME.

I think that you would have more chance to practice outside Paris, especially in the countryside.

also like you, i suspect, my german is better than my french, so i tend to get a better chance with that, and as for the italian, I'm pretty good til someone talks back!

kiv - good for you. in the case of non/miscomprehension, a smile goes a vey long way. and there are few people in France who will not appreciate it if, when you enter a shop, you say "bonjour" and pepper your speech with "merci" and "s'il vous plait". [forgive me if I am teaching y granny to suck eggs, BTW].

I always try to learn a little of a language for any country I travel to, and if it is a language I like and might find useful, I study more. However, one can't become fluent in any language in six months. So it is nice to learn a little, but it won't be any problem in Paris, so many people speak English, at lest the ones a tourist typically deals with in the center. I've been going to Paris about 30 years and even 30 years ago, it seemed to me a lot of waiters, hotel personnel, etc. wanted to speak English rather than letting you speak French. And I was there to study French at the Sorbonne, although I didn't know it as well as now, but I wasn't incompetent. I can understand not wanting to plod along with someone who only knows a few words, that would be difficult and time-consuming. It is a lot easier to speak it without interruption (if a foreigner) outside Paris, but not in Paris.

In case you get stuck, there's google translate for smartphones and tablets.
You write it in English, it translates to whatever language you choose.
Works great at places like the TIM store, where you can ask questions like, How could I possibly have used up 5 gb of data already? And how can I buy some more? Worked for us in southern Italy!

"I'm pretty good til someone talks back!"

OH Yeah! LOL

Last Spring we were in a small town in Germany and the parking machine wasn't working. A young couple was getting out of their car so I asked in German what I should do after explaining about the machine. She said in German that I should write on a piece of paper "ANKUNFTSZEIT" with the time and put it on the dashboard. That's when I lost it and cried out in English, "I've never even said that word!"

She laughed and said, "Ah! English! I was wondering what language you spoke!" Her husband saved the day and had an extra ANKUNFTSZEIT and gave it to me. It has become one of my prized souvenirs of all time.


I didn't think people minded when I murdered their language. They didn't seem to be patient with the effort. If someone approaches me in English, I don't mind helping them in Spanish. It improves my Spanish and gets them on their way a little faster.

kiv,

The French will very much appreciate your making an attempt to speak their language, so many people can't be bothered!

Do not worry at all about your footwear. I wear SAS shoes mostly; Mary Janes which still look fairly industrial and lace-ups which are fairly dire (to me). As one poster suggested, I wear dressier shoes if I know I don't have to walk much.

I can almost 100% guarantee no one will look at your legs or shoes. If someone notices you are having any difficulty, I can again almost 100% guarantee that people will go out of their way to
make you feel comfortable.

Come and have a wonderful time!

She laughed and said, "Ah! English! I was wondering what language you spoke!" Her husband saved the day and had an extra ANKUNFTSZEIT and gave it to me. It has become one of my prized souvenirs of all time.>>

he carried pieces of paper saying "ANKUNFSZEIT" in his pocket?

somehow it doesn't seem very in keeping with the german character to have so many parking machines out of order!

I must remember that next time i'm in Germany. thanks for the tip.

Again...thanks to everyone...love all the posts & info. I'm really enjoying my French lessons & yes..it is most difficult but love the program I'm using as it makes me listen to French phrases & respond either by speaking the correct response or writing the correct response in a flash card type manner. I find myself dreaming the words I'm learning, as well as conjugating verbs in my mind...so I'm just hopeful that I will be able to carry on a "baby" conversation with the locals but I anticipate a lot of big smiles at my attempts!

oh annhig, no, he had an extra ANKUNFSZEIT placard in the car. It's a little placard with a paper clock that says when you parked your car.

It was the first time in all the times I've parked in Germany that the machine was out of order.

Kiv, you're a smart traveler. This effort you're making now will pay off big time. Even if you don't speak perfectly, when someone makes the effort, it makes a difference.

There's only two places I can think of that don't let you in wearing 'sneakers' in London - the Ritz and the American Bar at The Savoy.

Can't stand those places personally, full of brash businessmen and hookers in miniature dresses, so if, like me, you are happy to avoid them, all will be well. Not even a triple Michelin starred restaurant in London would turn you away.

I was indignant for you when I head that your friend told you that tie shoes were unacceptable, not fashionable enough, etc., I wanted to call her a few names, but since you are traveling with her, you must be a good enough friend to know that she has enough good points to make up for this snottiness.

However, when she starts on the shoe thing, ask her how she will feel when you can't keep up or fall in that silly fashionable footwear. I traveled with a certain relative who is very fussy about the "right" clothing. We did a day trip to a nearby city which included walking tour, time on our own and then dinner in a swanky restaurant. Everyone knew about the walking bit and had comfortable shoes, but this relative (R) insisted that she was going to wear high heel shoes to be proper for the restaurant. I suggested that she wear walking shoes for the tour part, leave the heels on the bus, and then change shoes on the way to the restaurant. Oh, no, that wouldn't do as walking shoes would not be proper with her dress.

I didn't finish, but suffice to say, the day was a bust due to improper footwear. (R had to hold someone's arm the whole time and then said her ankle hurt on the uneven sidewalk and she could not complete the walking part.)

I wear SAS walking shoes, usually the black ones, because I wear orthotics since I have plantar fascitis. If I decide I don't want to wear the orthotics, I can get away with it for a while--a few days maybe--but eventually my foot starts hurting.

Occasionally, if I want to look more elegant, I just wear a sandal. That works for an evening, but I'd never consider wearing anything but walking shoes the rest of the time.

Interesting that your friend says this. It's crazy.

P.S. Nobody in Europe cares what you wear. Nobody!

as a matter of interest, do brits start threads on the american thread about what to wear in the US?

annhig: I've never seen one . . .

>>as a matter of interest, do brits start threads on the american thread about what to wear in the US?<<

Come come, ann: flip-flops, Union Jack shorts, a "Fat Slags" T-shirt and knotted hanky are bon ton anywhere, as any fule kno.

I have put a picture on my profile.

It shows us fitting in, local style, South Carolina last month

Come come, ann: flip-flops, Union Jack shorts, a "Fat Slags" T-shirt and knotted hanky are bon ton anywhere, as any fule kno.>>

how did you know, Patrick? you've been peeking!

Dickie - the lighting's a bit difficult, is that you?

My son on the dock, dressed as Scream.

On Hallo " rip the neighbours off for all the chocolate they have" ween.

His English accent ensured he cleared up all the tricks on Edisto Island.

Dickie - sounds fun.

did he share any of the chocolate with his old dad?

On the US board, we do get a lot of questions about what to wear, but mostly it is weather-related. You know, people doing a road trip through CA and NV that included SF, CA coast, and LV. No one ever seems concerned about blending in or offending us, just being too cold or too hot.

People should wear what they are comfortable wearing. That's the bottom line.

We all have different levels of comfort. Personally, when I go on vacation I wear nice clothes. Unless I'm out walking my dog, I dress well. Not that I'm into designer duds or am a fashionista but I'm more comfortable if I'm wearing nice looking clothes. Plus, at some point my husband will insist upon taking my picture.

I keep in mind the time that some friends went on vacation to Europe and they had lots of pic of him and someone else by whatever iconic site was available. Finally I asked my friend who the guy in the baseball cap and t-shirt was. It turned out it was his wife.

I don't worry about offending anyone, I just like to be comfortable and for me, that means dressing appropriately or having clothes that I would be comfortable wearing to a nice establishment.

@lsky, you sound like my friend...she is always dressing according to what she thinks would be appropriate...but to me it always seems like she is "playing dress-up" but that's what she is comfortable in & she cares more about what people think of her outward appearance more than the inward stuff..not sure why but she does. I was more concerned about offending anyone, which I would never want to do. She was fairly insistent that Europeans are not like most California's, especially like me who have lived in beach communities that are definitely more casual than most.

I'm still so glad to hear that during the day I don't have anything to worry about & can certainly dress up for any special occasions in the evening, when walking won't be such an issue.

I am glad for all of you who can always look nice in footwear that matches the style and color of your outfit. Unfortunately I have a lot of foot problems. I am fine as long as I wear extra wide tie shoes with inserts. But try to squeeze my feet into fancy shoes and I am in agony fast! I do have one pair of semi dressy sandals and one pair of semi dressy flat shoes that I can stand for a couple of hours as long as most of it is sitting.

I know many people who has similar value system like your friend: what matters is how they think the others think of them, real or unreal, and wear clothes and do things strictly along that line. As others indicated, there is no need to adopt such (perhaps dysfunctional) behavior in your case.

There may be very special cases where it might be prudent to avoid certain colored garments associated with atrocities. But your concern has nothing to do with these kind of special cases.

@irishface...I commiserate with you..I actually LOVE shoes, but after my surgery...it's just not possible & I'm thankful for my braces & orthotics so I can get around easily & don't much care what they look like....kinda like "Run Forrest....Run!

You will find that people will wear all sorts of foot gear. You need to wear what best fits your orthotics and braces and makes you feel secure and comfortable. The fashion police will not arrest you!

I have to wear orthotics and they only fit properly in my very supportive blue and white running shoes. Even so, at the end of a long day my feet may hurt. I do bring a change of foot gear for evenings, when I know I wont be walking far.

There is no need to bring dressy shoes for a skirt or dress..you can wear dress slacks in a dark color, and then wear your black running shoes with your orthotics and braces.

I've been watching this thread with interest. As someone who has problems with feet, knees and back I live in hiking boots. I proved I could not go without them at my step-daughters wedding when I wore supportive sandals with my orthotics, a pretty suit and sat for the majority of the time. I was wiped out for two days - could not bare the touch of a bedsheet on my left foot. Could not walk, drive, nothing. At that point I decided my priority in life was to stay mobile so I could continue to enjoy life.

It does mean no skirts and dresses but as someone above has said you can wear dark, dressy slacks and dress up the top bit. I have since travelled and enjoyed myself without the stress of worrying about "will this visit to a restaurant dressed in non-supportive footwear wipe out the rest of my travel plans".

I understand that other people have different priorities in life, I'm just saying my priority is to keep moving.

Best wishes for your trip - enjoy.

Thanks 2012moving...I certainly have been encouraged by all the threads, especially from those like you that can relate to my dilemma. Continue moving & so will I!

Just another footnote: kerouac who posts here also posts interesting photo-essays on things he sees around Paris, and your friend might use them to pick up some hints and tips on what people in Paris wear (i.e., pretty much the same sort of range you'd get in any big city):

http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=paris&action=display&thread=3652

http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=paris&thread=3653

http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=paris&action=display&thread=4630

Ann

I didn't touch an ounce of it, as it was mainly Hersheys which even a self respecting Springer Spaniel would refuse. I also was totally pigged out on all the Shrimps we caught and barbecued.

Yes, that is not a mistype, a barbecue in Novemeber and eaten outside, after dark.

Incredible stuff.

Yes, that is not a mistype, a barbecue in Novemeber and eaten outside, after dark.>>

I suspect that it was warmer than November in Cornwall!

"@lsky, you sound like my friend...she is always dressing according to what she thinks would be appropriate...but to me it always seems like she is "playing dress-up" but that's what she is comfortable in & she cares more about what people think of her outward appearance more than the inward stuff..not sure why but she does."

I am nothing like your friend. It would never occur to me to tell someone how to dress or to be embarassed because a friend needed extra equipment. That my friend's are neat and clean is enough for me, the clothes the choose are of no consequence to me.

We haven't heard your friend's side of this so we don't really know the other side. I'm a native San Diegan.

I've only tried to be friendly to you and that you've decided to insult me is a bit of a mystery but I'm going to say this:

You'll be going on vacation with this person and if I were you I'd have a frank talk that started with, "you hurt my feelings when you said..." because that sounds like what happened.

Fodors is littered with bad travel companion stories and they are ONLY and EVER funny in retrospect for the uninvolved reader. If you're packing hostility towards your friend then you should solve it or back out of the trip.

BTW, I am a native San Diegan and have only ever lived in California and am well aware of the various degrees of casual dress.

@lsky...I am so sorry...my intention was not to insult you..EVER..I was just making a comparison to her fashion sense, she is always mindful of how she looks and would never go to the store, just to pick up something quick (like I would) without looking her best so she is more familiar with fashion than I am. I was in no way saying that it was a "dig" of any kind and she is my very best friend and I did tell her that I would never want to embarrass her. Her reply was that Europeans have a different standard than our accepting of casual wear most anywhere. I mean I can go to the BelAir hotel in jeans and a top without feeling weird at all but she said that was not the case and that they would be offended...so my post is more about whether I would offend people in another country, which I don't wish to do. Again, I'm very sorry that I offended you and very much appreciated your comments. I grew up in Hermosa Beach, have daughters that live in Leucadia and Huntington Beach and I live on the central coast in Pismo Beach and I would say I am definitely casual and a bit of a knock-off from the 60's.

<< Her reply was that Europeans have a different standard than our accepting of casual wear most anywhere>>

By the way, your friend is just plain dead wrong about that and a victim of some sort of weird stereotyping. Poke around and try to find some of kerouac's photo essays of people on the streets of Paris. I am all for dressing nicely when traveling, but honestly, Paris is not a fashion parade (unless you're going to be shopping at Givenchy and the like). Not only that, Parisians simply aren't going to notice or care about what you or any other tourist is wearing. Go and enjoy!

@PatrickLondon....thanks for the links...the pictures reflect pretty much regular "daytime" clothes that I would wear so feeling even more comfortable about all the fuss (it even included a woman with a cane and shoes much like mine). I'm going to share the links with my friend and let her know that she doesn't need to worry about me and I'll let her dress me up for any nighttime special events that she may want to attend.

@StCirq...I'm glad to hear that no one will be offended nor care what I'm wearing. After all the posts...I assume if I feel uncomfortable in what I pack, I can always go to a store while there and buy something more suitable.

CAN'T WAIT!!!!

kiv, your friend is wrong. I love wearing jeans and I wear them when I travel. I prefer a dark wash and I do bring quite a bit of black because it travels well and it covers quite a lot of territory.

The only reason anyone would ever be offended is the same reason they would be offended here; if someone smells bad.

The 1st time I went to Europe my sister was aghast because I planned on taking a gauzy dress and pants with a tunic top - you've seen the type that are made in India. Since my sister and I have totally different taste in clothes, I was making the right decision. She wouldn't have been comfortable in my clothes but I am and I wear what I love to wear.

One of my best friends likes to say, "we are all walking art."

Walk in beauty, let your freak flag fly.

LSky....love what your friend said that "we are all walking art" and I couldn't agree more. I would feel very comfortable in a gauzy dress and pants with a tunic top. Thanks for your comments, I feel so much better!!!