Style & Self-Care
Blackbird, fly! Farewell to Marquette boutique
As the summer comes to an end, I want to give a shoutout to my friend, fashionista and fellow nature lover, Brett Stiles, whose boutique is closing after a decade. For years, I was a customer at this homey shop. When I needed extra support due to neuro-visual challenges, Brett was eager to help out, and I found her selection of goods to be fashionable and functional for the needs of people with chronic conditions.
When I saw that my favorite northern boutique was closing, after briefly losing my shit, I decided to revisit an article about this woodsey and welcoming little business. I had written this originally for a class in which I investigated "fashion hacks" that helped my getting ready process, in the wake of chronic symptoms. Alas, here’s a tribute to that special place, and some of the pieces that have defined my style!
From business BoHo, to chic handmade accessories, Blackbird North has pieces that elevate your whole wardrobe. Dressing up can feel draining. Even one fashion item which feels like “you” aligns you with your authentic self.
Blackbird is a boutique run by Brett Stiles, located in Marquette, Michigan.
The shop captures the spirit of upper Michigan, from rustic Americana treasures, to an unexpected beachy section.
You can’t help but feel a bit of the Native American origins ever flowing like a classic Upper Peninsula waterfall. Brett showcases both local artists and natural resources.
I love how her shop pays homage to nature. Some of it gives 60s fashion, and more specifically, the “earthy” essence we associate with free spirited characters.
If I didn’t live eight hours away, I would have come here every day. Perhaps I’ll invest in a private jet.
In addition to being a travel keepsake, many of my Blackbird purchases helped me feel good and understand what I look for in a wardrobe.
Problem: overheating
Solution: fabrics and design
My friend Fiona suffers from chronic illnesses such as dysautonomia and MCad. When she overheats, redness visually overtakes her like a flame. In the summer, she’s often on the edge of exhaustion and blacking out, if she’s not careful with her activities. Fashion plays a role in preventing flareups.
It’s all about ventilation.
Nothing breathes like organic fabric: organic cotton, hemp, rayon and beyond. My favorite breezy fit from blackbird is a mini prairie dress. Spaghetti straps and subtle ruffles make it perfect for a hot summer hike. If you have autonomic dysfunction, this might just be a walk down to the mailbox. Dress up anyways! Hey, you could meet the ice cream man of your dreams.
This dress has a sister pixie skirt and cropped tank in lavender tie-dye. A brand called Blue Skies has saved me on humid days.
OK, so what about sweater weather?
Heat intolerance can still be a problem in fall and winter, especially when switching between indoor and outdoor settings.
I have two cardigans from blackbird one in practical black and one in a floral arrangement of lilac and lavender. Both are my go to for sweater weather . V-neck long sleeves and cardigans with buttons are a lifesaver. I have a long sleeve lace dress from Blackbird, my absolute favorite for cold weather occasions. It is made up of two thin layers - the delicate black lace, and the tube dress underneath, which is stretchy activewear material. The combo of lace and layering allows for lightweight insulation.
Problem: bloating, abdominal discomfort, weight, fluctuations
Solution: soft mesh, stretchy materials, adjustable waist, bands, and or belts
There are so many accessories to choose from at the store but if I had to go with one, it would be the belts. They are the most comfortable belts I own and they are handmade.
Problem: Difficulty fastening jewelry (motor troubles, hand pain)
Solution: Slip on pieces and easy hook closures
Check out her stones and copper jewelry that is both glam and grounding. It is lightweight, and many of the necklaces just slip on, or have larger hooks that are easy to work.
MOD EQUALS MODIFICATION - ADAPTING FASION TO YOUR NEEDS
As a person who lives with a disabilities, I created a style guide to address chronic illness symptoms which interfere with daily functioning and self care. My method, rooted in occupational therapy approaches, is about simplifying steps and matching style to any healthcare challenge.
Amongst hardship, find a way to awaken your style!
Balancing your body’s needs with outfit goals - It’s an art I’m still learning, tug-of-war between my identity and my chronic illnesses. A course called the history of dress helped me hone in on my favorite decade - the 1960s! Trends such as MOD couture and San Francisco streetwear are amazingly enough, full of fashion hacks.
WHAT IS A SPOONIE?:
"Spoonie is used to describe someone living with a chronic illness or disability. The term originated from the spoon theory, a metaphor created by Christine Miserandino. According to the spoon theory, each "spoon" represents a unit of energy. People with chronic illnesses have a limited number of spoons each day, meaning they must carefully manage their energy and prioritize tasks to avoid exhaustion" (Wikipedia).
Mod dresses often exhibited an A line shape, with comfortable waistbands that were stretchy, or adjustable. Weight, fluctuations, and bloating are common in people with POTS/dysautonomia along with poor blood flow, and pooling in our stomach and lower extremities. Stretchy mini-skirts and colored tights can also help this invisible medical problem, as many with autonomic dysfunction already rely on compression stockings.
An important statement in mod make up was dramatic eyes. Thick lengthy lashes, pigmented eyeshadow, and overdrawn liner was everywhere. Nude or peach, light pink lips were now in style, along with minimal face make up.
Twiggy, a fashion model, and actress Brigitte Bardot, mastered this technique. This modified makeup routine is easier to master than a full face of 2025, and I often say, "just focus on one feature...and have fun with it!" The 60's have inspired me to bring joy back into my make up routine, being playful rather than a perfectionist.
FASHION FORECAST:
Return of the low heeled GoGo boot: featuring a flat base, and a color palette that ranges from traditional black to retro white. I also anticipate more long flow haircuts with messy layers like Bridgette Bardot.
Both of these styles are low maintenance. They're appropriate for both formal occasions and everyday life.
A lot of people who have autonomic dysfunction also suffer from joint problems, whether it be EDS or patellofemoral syndrome. If you want heels that are, first of all, neutral-colored, but also offer some arch support, I would recommend buying something with a low, chunky heel. A few really good brands for this are Sketchers, Dr. Scholl's, Naturalizer, and Sorel. It's hard to find this style nowadays, but it's very similar to the go-go boots.
No matter how you feel about the "hippie aesthetic" which arose alongside counterculture, you can't deny, those were some of the most comfortable and adjustable garments to EVER grace the world of style. Much of this had to do with adaptable sizing, as well as temperature regulation.
The intention of breezy clothes was to complement the California climate, as San Francisco was the destination for young hippies. Like a swirl ice cream cone, people ate up this summer aesthetic, which blended beachwear and surf culture with global fashion. Globally, the designs of Mexico and India had a strong influence on American streetwear. Embroidery, maxi skirts, beads took center stage. Alongside more mindful mantras, Americans loved their new lax and flowy clothes. The fabrics and layers made it easy to feel good in hot temperatures, as well as adjust to colder climates.
CHIMING IN AS A SPOONIE:
My body doesn't do the best job of heating and cooling itself. This is a common complaint in sufferers of autonomic dysfunction, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other neurological conditions which disrupt neuro signaling. Dressing like a hippie does not eliminate the problem...but it certrainly helps with comfort while looking cute!
Back to the topic of bloating - From high sodium diets for hypotension, to digestive related issues, larger waist lines are so common in the POTS/dysautonomia community. I've gone through weight fluctuations of within 40 pounds and still comfortably fit into my hand dyed, tie-dye maxi. Crochet tops are often complete with adjustable soft straps. I noticed that a lot of BoHo garments are easy to share with my friends. Was this a happy accident, or a strategic design to complement communal living?
MODERATED BEAUTY - LIT FROM WITHIN:
The hippie movement was a celebration of nature, not just nature in the earthly sense, but in that of ourselves. Natural hair color and texture, minimal make up (if any), and loving your body type. Letting go of beauty standards that feel suffocating, rather than illuminating. Moderation is huge for me, when it comes to balancing my passion for beauty and self-care with managing everyday symptoms. It inspires a lit from within type of beauty.
FASHION FORECAST:
As long as we have media, hippie fashion will live on in pop culture. Movies and music over the past 60 years are saturated with examples of this aesthetic. In the swingin' 60's, notable influences in music included Woodstock headliners, like Jimi Hendrix, as well as the Fab Four (Beatles). As independent businesses grow, I think we are going to see a big comeback of handmade BoHo jewelry! Displayed are two of my favorite necklaces from "blackbird" in Marquette, Michigan...and "Miss Bossy Boots" located in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
SO-CAL SIMPLE
EASY BREEZY SUMMER STYLE
Abbey Road Hair Salon
"This little salon is quite a hidden gem, and I stumbled upon it last fall. The salon is owned by Libby Miner, a vibrant artist who is more than just your everyday Beatles fan. When you first walk in, the salon looks more like a museum exhibit than somewhere you would get your hair cut."
"The 1960s were tough, but the Beatles inspired peace and love and compassion, when the world needed it the most. In “The Beatles,” by Bob Spitz, this psychological impact is explored in depth. That generation even says that the Beatles represent happiness for them. That’s pretty big. I wish I could go back in time and see it live, but I get a little of that feeling just by looking around this beauty shop."
"My grandmother lives near Crystal Lake, and I would always walk past the Abbey Road salon with curiosity. I was intrigued by the iconic Beatles’ haircut logo, and the shop’s interior 1960’s Beatle theme. I was actually taking a class about the Beatles in Fall of 2023, and I just thought it would be a fun field trip for myself. Why not give the salon a try?"
"The more time I spent getting to know my new hair stylist, the more the storytelling unravels. Libby may not call herself a storyteller intentionally, or perhaps not in even in the way she is as a musician or hairstylist, regardless, her knack for passing on treasured stories make my visits so special."