STEPPIN' OUT IN STYLE
OK. So, you're having a bad hair day.
THAT HAPPENS.
by Anita M. Caldwell
![[photo: Michelle and Wayne brush teeth]](/publications/images/q65stylecoop1.jpg)
![[photo: 'I think I'll wear that jacket']](/publications/images/q65stylecoop2.jpg) |
With assistance from her husband, Wayne, Michelle Cooper prepares for her workday. He's learned to do her hair the way she likes, and she makes the wardrobe choices. Photos by Mark Jaffe. |
![[photo: Michelle and Wayne doing hair]](/publications/images/q65stylecoop3.jpg)
![[photo: Michelle leaving for the workday]](/publications/images/q65stylecoop4.jpg) |
TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR APPEARANCE
Whether wearing adaptive or traditional clothing, the people in this story have created their own systems for being well dressed and coifed. Included in those systems is directing caregivers or aides to give them the look they want.
![[photo: Gene Mitchener]](/publications/images/q65stylegenemitch.jpg)
Gene Mitchener:
"It's easier today looking good and being comfortable because of the advances in adaptive clothing."
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Mitchener uses a hair stylist before every important appearance. While the stylists are accustomed to his preferences, sometimes he brings along a photograph with his hair in a particular style. "They know what to do," Mitchener says. "I tell them, 'Tonight, I've got a speech. Make me look good.'"
D'Arezzo's recent entry into free-lance modeling provides her with professional hair stylists and makeup personnel. But when she's not at a modeling assignment D'Arezzo still wants to look good. She guides her personal assistant to get the look she wants.
"A person has to be assertive on what your needs are," D'Arezzo says. "Put a little gel here, scrunch the hair here, put a little spray there, a little more on this side," she'll tell her aide. "It could be tedious in the beginning but once they know how, it's easier. If you have pictures with your hair the way you want it, you can show them."
Cooper's husband, Wayne, learned how to style her hair and apply her makeup by watching a professional.
"It was tough in the beginning," Cooper says. "It took him a while to learn. We'd go to a beauty shop and he'd watch." Wayne would then imitate how the stylist would fix her hair.
"He could make it look just like she did. But I've been with him for 12 years now. He knows what I want to look like."
Wayne also applies Cooper's makeup.
"He starts with the foundation and eye cover-up," she says. "Then he adds eye shadow, blush. I'm not that particular. If he thinks I look good, that's fine."
As Ms. Wheelchair for Alabama, Cooper traveled nearly every week of 1998, sometimes making speeches and public appearances in three different cities in one day. The couple packed all her cosmetics in an overnight bag and kept it packed. "We just took it with us everywhere. It simplified everything."
Molloie believes it's important to be directive.
"You're the boss," he says. "The assistants know that coming into the job. I use pictures sometimes, like you do at a hairdresser."
Even after his assistant finishes brushing his hair, Molloie will give it a critical eye. "It's my hair and I want it to look good."
Although it's important to devote time to personal appearance, some days just will be better than others.
"Don't be so picky," Cooper says. "If your hair is not the way you want it that day, it will be the next day." 
Where to Find Adaptive Clothing
Abilitywear
366 West Samanthia Lane
Camano Island, WA 98292
(800) 327-5163; (360) 387-8733
www.abilitywear.com
Adrian's Closet
29571 Monarch Drive
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(800) 831-2577
www.adrianscloset.com
American Health Care Apparel Ltd.
1508 Sullivan Trail
Easton, PA 18040
(800) 252-0584; (610) 250-0584
www.coast-resources.com
Anitavee's Adaptive Apparel
3000B E. Main St., Suite 277
Columbus, OH 43209
(888) 246-8203; (614) 258-8876
www.anitavee.com
Claypool Classics
820 South Greenbay Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 234-4092
Creative Designs
3848 McHenry Ave., Suite 155, PMB113
Modesto, CA 95356
(209) 523-3166; (800) 335-4852
www.robes4you.com
Fashion Magic Apparel
859 Battle St.
Kamloops, BC, V2C 2M7, Canada
(250) 314-1849
www.fashionmagic.bc.ca
Forde's Functional Fashions Inc.
225 South Meramec, Suite 925
St. Louis, MO 63105
(800) 531-7705; (314) 721-7705
www.fordes.com |
Laurel Designs
98 Main St., Suite 537
Tiburon, CA 94920
(415) 435-1891
www.laureldesigns.com
Lokina Designs
14092 Uxbridge St.
Westminster, CA 92683
(888) 434-0927
www.lokina.com
Personal Touch Health Care Apparel
P.O. Box S
Brooklyn, NY 11223
(888) 626-1703; (718) 375-1703
www.nursinghomeapparel.com
Professional Fit Clothing
831 North Lake St., Suite 1
Burbank, CA 91502
(800) 422-2FIT
www.professionalfit.com
Rolli-Moden
12225 World Trade Drive, Suite T
San Diego, CA 92128
(800) 707-2395; (619) 676-1825
www.rolli-moden.com
Sportaid & Medaid
78 Bay Creek Road
Loganville, GA 30052
(800) 743-7203
(770) 554-5130 International Calls
www.sportaid.com
Wardrobe Wagon
555 Valley Road
West Orange, NJ 07052
(800) 992-2737; (973) 736-5500
www.wardrobewagon.com
Wilmington Medical Supply
2222 S. 17th
Wilmington, NC 28402
(800) 593-5556; (910) 452-3888
www.medmallonline.com |
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