I dropped the ball a bit on this one, but since it’s Fashion Friday I suppose today is the best day to post this anyways. This week has been Eating Disorder Awareness week and as some of you may know from my Huffington Post column(I didn’t pick the gimmicky title) I am a recovered anorexic, so this week does hold a bit of meaning for me. I’ve been recovered for many years, about 9 since my final relapse, but I am currently at the most healthy point in my mind/body relationship I’ve ever been since falling victim to this disease. I credit the confidence and joy I’ve gained from starting and running my own successful business and my new devotion to PranaVayu yoga for that. I feel more focused on strength than size, function than form. I’m more concerned about gaining enough strength to hold scorpion pose than I am about how my butt looks when doing so. I have never felt more at peace with my body than I do at this very moment in my life, so today I toast to that (and am trying to write a magazine piece about yoga and it’s role in healing eating disorders- you know in my “spare time”. LOL)
Another woman who has conquered this horrible illness is jewelry designer Elizabeth Showers. She’s used her immense skill as a designer to create a line called the Hope Star Collection (above) which benefits the Elisa Project and the National Eating Disorder Association. She also has taken to putting the hope star on many of her jaw-dropping couture pieces (below) as well. It’s heartwarming to see someone overcome such a vicious illness to reach such creative heights! Her work is insanely beautiful, so much so that I would consider knawing off am appendage for one of her gold, diamond and turquoise pieces…
wow erin you are so brave. such good news that you are on the other side and can speak strongly and positively.
I too, LOVE the rings, and the message. The stones featured here are the perfect definition of a word……..I think it is ethereal? Just lovely, thank you. And congratulations on your successful recovery. There are many of us out here that just admire you.
Erin, What an amazing story! Your courage to overcome such a difficult illness and your ability to put it all behind you is inspiring. And on top of that, your ridiculous writing skills. You really are a super woman!!! I have all the admiration and respect for you in the world!
…growing up as a dancer, I am way too familiar with eating disorders and what a terrible impact this illness can have on people and their families. This is a great post and good for you Erin for being so open! You are very strong.
On a lighter note, this jewelry is AMAZING! I would wear each and every piece. What is the price point like? I am thinking up there, since there are no listed
prices? I am in love with the turquoise pieces!
I’m a new reader (as of Tuesday!) but already I find myself checking in three, four times a day to see if anything is new. I find your blog to be so insightful, and more importantly so REAL. You could be one of my girlfriends, shooting me an email about an “amazing find” she found somewhere while surfing the net.
Reading about your past battle with anorexia made me tear up. You’re so inspiring, your words so eloquent, your struggles are so relatable. I can’t imagine that you won’t find success in life with your endeavors. You’re far too likeable not to.
Good luck with everything Erin! I’ll be here reading on, rooting for you all the way!
Thank you for being so open – it is refreshing, and know we all hold the very best thoughts for you.
Oh, and yes, the jewelry is divine!
Love the rings…and all the jewelry..!! and I really applaud you for having the courage to fihgt back and come on the other side!
Such pretty jewelry for such a cause. Thanks for sharing your story.
I admire your confidence and bravery to share your story to help others. You look absolutely gorgeous by the way in Boston Globe Mag, congrats! This disease has also been experienced by my family and I know how painful it can be. Your positive attitude, insight, and ability to write about it all is really amazing. Now, the jewels….absolutely beautiful! They are so sweet, I can’t wait to share them with my sister and mother!
Kudos to you for overcoming anorexia, Erin! You are doing beautifully for yourself! Yay!!
I look forward to Fashion Fridays!
Thanks for sharing your experience Erin. I’m so happy you are healthy and have turned your experiences into something positive. I’m quite sure that yoga is the perfect exercise for you because of the mind/body/soul connection. You’re very inspiring!
I am so flabbergasted and touched by your comments. Thanks so much for your kind words…
Erin, my family has also been impacted by the illness of eating disorders. My daughter is a recovering anorexic/bulimic. She is a senior in college now and has been doing well for the past few years. Reading your blog has given me the hope that she too can have a wonderful future while dealing with this disease. Thank you for your honesty, positivity and courage.
I am also a new reader to your blog and check numerous times a day for updates. My bedroom will also be Laura Ashley #1Blue very soon!!!
Barb
What an inspiring story, Erin! I am so glad you are happy and healthy now and enjoying life. =) Also, the jewelry is stunning! Love the colors.
Dear Erin,
This disease has touched our family, also. I was stunned to find this post today and found your willingness to write about it so inspiring. Your ability to confront your experience in the Huffington Post article was very courageous. Thank you for sharing this. And only the best for you!
Your blog is one of my favorites.
I’d never read your article in the Huffington Post, but it’s very well done. Brava for being brave enough to give an honest account of the disease.
WOW, touched a nerve today..I suffered from the disease in high school..am so connected to this post. Glad you/WE made it to the other side! Thank you for your courage and for introducing me/us to this new for sure to be up and coming jewelry artist! What a great cause!
Erin,
What a wonderful gift you have for sharing, whether it’s about fashion or design or something even more personal and painful. Does Elizabeth Gilbert remind you of yourself a little bit?
It’s long, but if you have 20 minutes, check this out and see:
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius.html
Beautiful jewellery that’s also a wonderful inspiration.
I especially like the ring in th efirst set of pictures, with the stars and diamonds :-)
Congratulations to you and to Elizabeth Showers for not only overcoming your anorexia, but for being open and honest about it. That’s the best way to help others :-)
Kelly @ DesignTies
What an inspiring post, Erin. Thank you for sharing such a personal part of your journey. It’s so admirable. Wonderful post.