Lessons in Fashion: Mother’s Day Edition
“Mother knows best,” a phrase I’m sure we’ve all heard at one point or another growing up right? Yet, did we really believe it at the time? Or are you like me and now that I’m an adult I can really say that yes, mother does know best. Well, most of the time at least. When it comes to style I have always appreciated my mother’s welcome advice. Sure, I had a phase like everyone else where my fashion choices defied every bit of feedback she provided but didn’t we all? After all these years I’ve found that my mother’s input regarding fashion has provided me with some great tips and rules to live by so I thought what better time than Mother’s Day to share some of them with you!
My mother never really wore too much makeup, she is truly a natural beauty. Yet she did share some wisdom growing up that I still live by to this day. One, always wash your face of any makeup you’ve worn that day. Obvious you would think, but crucial since I do have extremely sensitive skin. Second, less is more. She always celebrated the natural beauty she saw in me, which helped during those teen years when I was trying to find my “look.” Third, never wear a bold eye and a bold lip. Choose one and let the other be a more subtle look. Three simple tips that I still hear in the back of my mind every day.
Style Staples
As the Closet Correspondent I have shared with you multiple fundamental pieces we should all have in our closet. A lot of those came from my dear mother. As a young teen I wanted to stand out and to be unforgettable. I wanted people to know that I had style...whatever that means. Now, I realized that you don’t have to necessarily stand out or wear pieces that “shout” to have your own signature look. My mother was the one who told me everyone should have a button down, crisp white shirt (or three or four) in their wardrobe. It goes with everything. She also told me to have a good pair of classic black penny loafers. I would always see these in her closet with an actual penny in them and thought it was the coolest thing ever. Finally, a good pair of black slacks tailored just above the ankle. I believe she was, in a way, emulating a Michael Jackson look but it works. And guess what? I have all of those items in my closet to this day. A good white shirt is the most versatile piece you can own, penny loafers are extremely comfortable and chic and black trousers can be transformed from casual to classy with accessories and shoes added.
Jewelry
When it came to accessorizing, I had it in my head that you shouldn’t mix metals. Truth be told, I got that from my mother and I’m sure she got it from her mother and so on and so on. Growing up, silver was seen as a more mature, classy metal and gold should be worn in moderation, but my mother’s favorite was always shiny silver bands, bracelets and a cross necklace. I guess it's that kind of “less is more” theory again which I actually implement into my own style as well. However, I like gold and silver. I think each metal has its place in my wardrobe; they can really change the tone of the aesthetic based on each outfit. IF I had to choose one, I would probably go with silver because it is a cooler temperature of metal, my mother would most likely be proud of that. My mother always had beautiful Tiffany & Co. bands for rings that I would always try on as a little girl and couldn’t wait until I was big enough to wear them. Now I have bands of my own, but that little girl inside me can’t wait until the day my mother lets me borrow them or have them as my own.
Photography: Kailyn Chadwick
These things seem so simple but it isn’t until you’re older that you can look back and assess those precious lessons we’ve learned from our mothers, mother figures and such. When we’re younger they’re not as obvious. In fact, they may be annoying and we think, you don’t know best, I do. But it’s these lessons in beauty, fashion and accessories that have stayed with me and I will remember them forever. Thank you mom. Until next time.
Sincerely,
Kailyn Chadwick
The Closet Correspondent