I got stuck in a style rut when I got sick and took 4 stones – going from a size 10 to a 18
LIKE so many women struggling with serious illness, Monet Paris found herself gaining weight from steroids.
Monet, 24, has suffered from Berger’s disease – which attacks his kidneys and immune system – since he was 19.
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Fluid weight gained from being on a kidney dialysis machine also contributed to her problem, as she piled on four stones.
Going from size ten to size 18 and falling in love with her wardrobe, Monet began to live with baggy t-shirts, leggings and Ugg boots – a far cry from her previous stylish outfits.
Monet, who studied social work but is unable to work, had lost his mojo.
She says, “I’m constantly in the hospital, which means I live in pajamas. When I get dressed, things often go wrong because I’m so swollen from drugs.
“I also have scars on my chest, wrist and either side of my hips, which go right under my belly, as I had a kidney transplant on each side.
“It’s hard for me mentally, especially at my age. I struggle a lot.
She adds: “Before, I liked to shop, as things went. But now I don’t shop on the main street anymore.
Instagram only makes it worse as she says, “I see friends on social media hanging out and dressing up.”
But thanks to a makeover by Fabulous Fashion Director Tracey Lea Sayer as part of our Challenge The Stylist series, Monet has now hit a milestone – as you’ll see in the outfits.
They are perfect for going out on the town, spending time with friends or taking a walk.
She says: “When I first saw myself after my makeover, I felt very embarrassed. It was hard because I spent a lot of time not venturing.
“I always feel insecure because my weight fluctuates and often stays the same. But after a while on the photo shoot after the makeover, I started having fun and realized that the clothes could always look good on me.
Her favorite outfit was the sequin pants with blazer.
“I WILL BE GENDER TO MYSELF”
She says: “I would never have chosen these pants but I loved them. The boots with the pink jacket were also cute. It gave me a nice size.
“I would have never tried the jacket as I usually stick to black, khaki green, black and a bit more black! Now I’m going to put more color in my wardrobe.
At home in Leicester afterwards, Monet emptied his wardrobe.
She says, “I clung to clothes that didn’t fit me and never did. I got rid of. It was good.
“This year, I will be kinder to myself. I’ve been through a lot and I need to be proud of who I am.
“I live with something incurable, but that’s life. I used to want to walk around in a top to tell everyone what I live with. But not anymore.”
Living with a serious illness, Monet lost his fashion mojo. Here’s how we got it back. . .
In the city
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TRACEY SAYS: “It was Monet’s favorite outfit and mine too. She looks stunning in this oversized tweed blazer, sequin trousers and platform sandals.
“She said she would never have tried on these pieces in the store because she didn’t think they would suit her. But she lit up when she saw what it looked like.
“It was so good to see her confidence grow on set as she tried new things. This is her next party look.
winter walk
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TRACEY SAYS: “It was so rewarding to help Monet get back on her feet in fashion. Her face lit up when she tried on this gorgeous faux sheepskin coat from Asos.
“With an oversized Nordic sweater and shiny leggings, I dressed this look up with heels and a squishy bag – perfect for a winter walk followed by a nice pub lunch.”
Reunion Friends
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TRACEY SAYS: “Since she has had many operations, Monet has been quite self-conscious about her stomach area, so I opted for a lovely empire line dress. This cut pulls Monet just below her bust and then flares out across her stomach.
“The funky optical print leather thigh high boots and jacket are perfect for Monet to get together with friends for a laugh.”
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