There are bags, and then there is THE bag. I remember this bag so clearly, it was a gift from my father, who was working as an executive for Saks Fifth Avenue at the time. I don't remember the occasion my mom received it, (Birthday? Holiday? "I'm sorry" gift?) But what I do remember was her reaction, a dropped jaw, followed by a crazy grin, followed by her flinging it over her shoulder (it's worth noting that she was wearing a nightgown at the time) She loved this bag. It was so perfect with her late 70's camel and denim day clothes, and her equestrian phase, when she used to show jump on a horse named 'Flash' (I kid you not!) As the years went on, and this bag became too heavy for her to comfortably carry, it would get less an less use. Each time I would come home from college, I would eye it, and with her permission, wear it. And then one day, many, many years later, I jokingly said to her "ya' know mom, no one wears Hermes anymore… can't I just have it?", she was quiet for a moment, gave me a "cut the B.S." raised eyebrow, and then a sweet smile spread across her face and she said "you can have it" That was my mom, she loved her things, but she loved giving more. She was generous, always, with her possessions, and even more so with her love. She knew I would wear it and cherish it, she knew it would have a second life. It is a heavy bag, and now when I wear it, sometimes I feel like she is physically by my side. As she is always in my heart. Love you.
Day Three...
Ah - the patchwork wrap skirt. This is an item that takes a bit of styling to keep it from veering into the "Yep, were up in New Hampshire year round now" territory. Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE New hampshire, but a wrap skirt in the wrong hands can go from zero to dowdy in about 10 seconds. My mom used to rock hers with a super slim, boat neck, cap sleeve, tee, and a pair of coordinating Jack Rogers. She would have also worn chunky gold hoop earrings- The bigger the better. I had to pair this down for a meeting later, (wearing nude high heel sandals in the upper pic, but I also love this skirt with a pair of vintage Frye boots for hanging out!) Oh and did you happen to notice the leapord patch on the upper right thigh? I mean that's my mom all the way. xoxo
Day Two....
Whoa Nelly! (who as you can see by the tag, hand made this shirt in Mexico for sale in Myrtle and Palm Beaches Natch!) There is something about a fun novelty shirt that say's "HELLO! Yes, I'd love to chat, why else would I be wearing this shirt?" This shirt say's "I am fun, cheeky, and unafraid of what you think of me." Mom, that was you in a nutshell. Thank you for giving me that gift. I treasure it every day. xoxo.
Day One...
As promised, today is the day that I begin my year long journey into the pictorial remembrance of my beautiful mother, Carole, wearing at least one item of hers everyday. Today it is simple: a gold snake chain Cheetah head belt. She would have worn this in the seventies, maybe in an all camel ensemble, over her fitted turtleneck, to accentuate her waist. I love you and miss you everyday.