Yesterday, I finally returned to work, at T.J. Maxx, after being out for a month during my gastric bypass surgery recovery. I decided to wear a denim jacket ,over a denim button down,,and paisley maxi skirt. which proved to be both comfortable and stylish.

Surprisingly, I was wearing something similar to one of my co-workers who had on an off-white vest over an off-white shirt and a yellow print midi length skirt . She asked “Who did the look best?” in the staff room and I told her it wasn’t fair because I was just coming off of sick leave. I love you half is good. Personally I thought we both looked good.

I knew I was back when I saw a beautiful Anne Klein scarf for $9.99 on a random rack and decided to buy it after work to wear at my neck,as a head scarf,and as an accent for my purse.

Unfortunately, while going through my recovery from my gastric bypass surgery, I’ve experienced a lot of frustration and anger because of my health limitations. I’ve had to renew my love for fashion after weeks of wearing the same pajamas, by photographing, the new clothes I bought prior to being sick, working on my book, and drawing fashion illustrations. I’m still not where I was before my ulcer, but I’m slowly getting my footing and releasing my negative mindset. Tomorrow I start back at T J Maxx for a short Sunday shift then soon I go back to LAUSD as a Special Education Instructional Assistant. Renewed, but still recovering, I feel I’m ready now to re-enter the world.

This morning, after a sleepless night due to my gastric bypass surgery, I saw this purse on my apartment wall and felt inspired. I’m positive I will get better soon!

On days like this, when I face the outside world and recovery, I find myself looking to heirlooms from my family and the recent past.