Deficient but dressed

Low in iron but high in print, running on fumes and good fabric

For the most part, my body has always been a willing and active participant in our shared 40 year existence. Responding well to exercise. Did an A+ job of growing and birthing 3 kids. Reluctantly completed a half marathon and has always been up for some hill climbing.

But, she clearly struggles with maintaining her iron levels and it’s really bumming me out.

At the end of August last year, I found out my iron stores/ferritin levels were 17. My doctor didn’t seem concerned but after finding out that my levels should be between 70-100, I was in shock and went on a strict plan to increase my iron via supplements and diet. Optimistic that this plan would at least encourage my lazy hair follicles to replace the strands I’d lost over the past year. And allow me to feel rested after 7hrs rather than the 9-10 that I woke up from more tired than when I went to sleep.

10 months on, I got some blood work done last week and my iron stores have only gone up to 38. 17 to 38!

And I am so over it! My attitude is definitely gratitude but the dizzy spells, ever present fatigue and the capacity to pick up each and every cold that the kids bring home is chipping away at my well of optimism.

Back to the drawing board again and upping my iron biglycinate, eating spinach at every meal and trying not to gag as I chop up liver for dinner. And hopefully convince my doctor (why I should have to convince is beyond me!!!) that I would make a good candidate for an iron IV infusion.

Have you ever had to deal with low iron/anemia?

I’ve been carrying the shame of someone whose wardrobe is overflowing but mostly remains unused.

And some of the pieces that stay hidden are my kitenge pieces. Summer is their time to shine so despite the lacklustre temps we had this week, I made an effort to wear some kind of print everyday.

Monday

Imura Africa Shirt dress, Abercrombie 90s straight jeans and Alohas flats

Started off strong with this shirt dress that I bought from a former client who sews the most beautiful pieces from Adire which is tie and dye fabric from Nigeria. I buttoned it all the way up which upon reflection I didn’t end up liking.

But Sophie’s Obsessed shared a post about taking pictures even when you don’t totally like your outfit and alas, here we are.

The most useful style habit I've stuck with

Tuesday

Omoisokee Shirt, COS Barrel Leg Trousers, Alohas Flats

Another piece from a client who made me a kitenge two piece pj inspired set. The shirt actually has a collar but I tucked it in to balance out the proportions. Paired the shirt with barrel leg trousers from COS and flats from Alohas.

I worked from a co-working space this day and had lots of meetings which made me feel more put together than I normally am.

Wednesday

Random Vinted Jacket, Weekday Baby tee, Bershka Barrel Leg Trousers and Massimo Dutti Gold Flats

I felt like I was about to jump on my bike and dash off to teach an art class at the local college in this look. It was giving quirky art teacher and I loved it.

The jacket is a second hand find with a mud cloth inspired print. Mud cloth is a traditional fabric from Mali, that although looks simple is actually really intricately made.

Thursday

The Nural Ains Cropped Kitenge top, Levis Jeans, Zara Mens Jacket.

This cropped cotton kitenge top is a staple of my summer wardrobe but summer seems like a memory here so I had to wear a cotton jacket. This cotton bomber is from Zara Mens and the colour somehow just worked.

Friday

Uniqlo Black Tee, Abercrombie zipped hoodie and Omoisokee Trousers

I woke up feeling absolutely awful on Friday with a sore head and a horrible cough. Comfort was key and I ended up working from bed. The trousers are part of the set from Tuesdays outfit.

Looking back on the week, I notice that I could have made some tweaks to the outfits or styled some pieces differently but I am glad that I stuck to the plan and documented everything. I feel very content with my wardrobe at the moment and feel pulled to try a no-buy, low buy or only buy very intentionally.

Thanks for being here,

Defiantly Deficient in Iron

Nyachomba