The Surprising Lessons I Learned from My Mom
As a child, I never fully appreciated the wealth of knowledge my mom possessed. Her beauty, style lessons, and love of fashion shaped me in ways I never imagined. She was my first style icon! And she regularly dispensed with sage wisdom not only with fashion but also with boys, movies, and her love of college football.
So I couldn’t help but stroll down memory lane, remembering what a beautiful woman my mother was and how she loved beautiful clothes – not necessarily expensive brands, but well-made, high-quality clothing – and taught me to appreciate the details.
If you haven’t heard the news I recently launched a Podcast Message from Mom co-hosted with my daughters-in-law Kelly and Chelsea. We aim to redefine mother-in-law-daughter-in-law dynamics through open conversations. Helping you navigate life's moments with proper etiquette and grace. There are four episodes available on YouTube, with new episodes released every Saturday so please join us on this new adventure!
TL;DR
Beth shares lessons she learned from her Mom
Find shoppable lookbooks of classic style items
Plus, find a shoppable list of skincare and makeup at the end of the post
The Surprising Lessons I Learned from My Mom
I learned to be patient and meticulous while shopping, as you never know what you might find in a sale pile (I got my first Stella McCartney dress by combing through a sale rack for approximately one hour – it was $100). More importantly, however, my mom taught me that dressing well and looking one’s best is important, not frivolous. It tells the world you respect them and that you have respect for yourself.
Style Memories of My Mom
She loved cashmere and pearls and dressed her only daughter in bobby socks and Mary-
Janes. As a young girl, I would rustle through her dresser drawers filled with kidskin gloves in various lengths.
Every year, like clockwork, she looked forward to our back-to-school shopping spree in August, where she would skillfully steer me towards suede skirts and mohair turtlenecks and deftly turn away from overalls or blue jeans when they came into fashion. Sailor suits were the norm for me through grade school, as were sleeveless dresses. It wasn’t until junior high that the dress code relaxed a bit, and we could wear pants to school then a few years later jeans.
I still have vivid memories of a favorite skirt of hers. It was a black and white windowpane pattern that she wore all summer long, showing off her tanned legs. Through the 1960s, I watched her hemline inch up, then fall back down when the midi and maxi returned with a vengeance in the ‘70s. Her favorite fabrics were velvet lace and silk. And she was quite the seamstress. For my first school dance, she whipped up a scrumptious black velvet dress with an oversized lace collar that I thought was dreamy.
She grew up in an era that favored hats, and she wore them regularly. Especially on Sunday when it was time to head to church or when it was time to take a Sunday drive in my dad’s convertible. I also had a special hat for the convertible. Even when that tradition began to wane, she remained steadfast in her love of hats.
The Importance of Self-Care
My mom loved to share her skincare routines and makeup tips with me. When she visited, we regularly trotted off to the mall for a shopping spree. Since she firmly believed in ladies who lunch, there was always a stop at a local cafe.
My mom has always emphasized the importance of self-care. Through her example, I've learned that taking care of myself is not selfish but rather a necessary component of being able to show up fully for others. By recognizing the value of self-care, I have cultivated a greater sense of balance and harmony. It's a skill I am grateful to have learned from my mom and one that continues to serve me well in both my personal and professional life.
Style Lessons I Learned From My Mom
So, what are the five style lessons I learned from my mother? These lessons stick with me today. Not one tip is groundbreaking news, but it’s good advice all the same.
- Never leave the house without lipstick
- Never feel guilty about purchasing investment pieces like cashmere sweaters
- There’s no such thing as too many white blouses
- Simple, beautiful, well-made clothes don’t date
- It’s okay to make a mistake
In reflecting on the surprising lessons I learned from my mom, I am reminded of the profound impact her wisdom has had on me. From financial management to work-life balance, her guidance shapes my decisions and actions. I encourage you to consider the overlooked lessons from your mom and how they can positively influence your life. As we honor the powerful influence of our mothers, let us embrace their teachings and carry them forward with us on our journey. Remember, the lessons we learn from our mothers are the seeds that bloom into our own wisdom.
In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, Beth shared a classic Black and White Outfit. Click the title or image below to read the article.
I love, love, love this post! What a beautiful woman! I think you favor her in appearance also… My mom is my hero and I still consult her daily, though she is now in heaven and my angel. I will bookmark this post — and treasure it.
You’ll have to write one on your grandmother sometime. She appears to be a prominent figure too.
Very beautiful tribute to your mom. She is beautiful and so are you. I enjoy your blog.
Beth, this was a very nice tribute to your mom. She did have many of the same values of most women at that time. I lost my mom when I was 17 but I still remember some of the values she instilled in me even though I did not have to talk to as an adult
Wow do you look like her!
Dear Beth,
Such a lovely piece about your Mom. Really struck home with me because I had a similar relationship with my mom. Shopping and lunch with Mom was the best! The summer before I left for college, my Mom and I made 3 shirt dresses and 3 wool sheath dresses for dressier occasions. ( We could only wear slacks if it snowed.). Your post brought back such fond memories.
wear slacks if it snowed.)
You have a beautiful mother and family. I can see why you turned out to be such a beautiful person. Love the tribute to her. Thanks for sharing. I too was greatly influenced by my mother. She was a beautiful person also. I miss her everyday as she passed 12 years ago now.
Oh Beth, what a lovely tribute. My mother instilled similar values. As well, the very “rural Ontario” sensibilities (much like the US midwest) of always having good and plentiful food and serving it with love and graciousness. I wish my mother could have enjoyed your blog. She passed in 2018. Every day when I open up your link I hear mother in my head saying “what’s Beth wearing today?” I guarantee she would have called me daily to debrief your OOTD!
Also, mother loved her purses. When she passed I tucked a day bag and an evening clutch in the casket with her…along with a couple tubes of lipstick.
Absolutely love this post, thank you for sharing these precious memories !
I really enjoyed your post; it touched my heart. Your mother was beautiful and wise. What a gift our mothers were! My mom has been gone for many years but I miss her everyday. She was beautiful inside and out also.
Great post Beth! Loved it!
How nice to learn about your mom and see pictures! She sure imparted some great lessons to you.
A beautiful Mom, and you so resemble each other.
My mother’s voice echoes in my ears every day. I’m still coping with her loss, which was just last September at 102 years old! She lived with us for the last 10 years of her life, and I’ll never regret having that “extra” time with her.
Wonderful post Beth!
Loved this Beth! I can see you favor your mother. What wonderful memories. Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful post, Beth! Thank you for sharing the beautiful photos and your mom’s inspiration. I’m 63 and had similar experiences with my mom growing up.🙂
Dear Beth. I loved the YouTube video and having it written out is a blessing. What a perfect post and wonderful reminders. My MIL always wore lipstick, khaki pants and a white shirt. I miss her so much. She was grace and elegance. Have a wonderful day. Thank you for the words of wisdom
Truly a beautiful post. Mom’s our the best.
I miss mine everyday. I try my best to remember all she taught me about life.
Mom knows best!
How wonderful this tribute is to a woman who meant so much to you. I am reading this on International Woman’s Day. Memories to bring to your site and share is so kind of you.
I miss my mother and father each day. My mother passed unexpectedly 2.5 yrs ago (not covid). She was the strength to her 7 children ( of which I am the oldest) and her 12 grandchildren.
Thank you for your posting.