My good friend Sheela is a genius at joining women bloggers together around the world. From The Fab 40s, to her Project Sister Act, to now this Mother’s Day post, she connects people. When she asked me if I’d want to write this post this Mother’s Day post with three other blogging mothers, my instant reply was, “Of course!” I’ve written about my mom and how she has greatly influenced my style many times on Kremb de la Kremb. Joanie, mom’s name, has always encouraged me to try something on because you never know. When I was asked to prom one week in advance, she helped me to design and make a dress! She give me her cowboy boots, and I can’t help but be so grateful for the many special gifts I’ve received when she gives us a Christmas in June when we return from overseas each school year. It’s safe to say that I refer to my mum often on Kremb de la Kremb.
And here I am looking just like her. It happens now: I see myself in the mirror or in a picture, and I think, “Wow, I look just like my mom!” Back when I was newly married, I cropped my hair–very Joanie style. I looked a lot like her then, but at that young, immature time, I didn’t want to look like her. Now, when I see myself resembling her so much, I feel proud and even a little pretty because that’s how I’ve always seen my mom, as such a pretty woman.
Joanie also has always had colorful style. I remember in the 80s when she was wearing pretty much the same color blocking of hot pink and turquoise seen today. Just my post from Wednesday, the Makeshift Jumpsuit, well that could have been her in 1985! She’s always been fashion forward ahead of any trends or even without trends. She’s an artist, which shows, but she’s also subtle. Something I have yet to master. There are so many, many-many articles of clothing I can remember and just absolutely loving on her. That nubby cream sweater that I’ve tried to copy, or her mumu that she made herself that I covet and secretly want her to hand down to me. My mom has always had amazing style–even the pictures from before I was exhibit an extremely stylish woman.
And here I am in a tunic that she also owns. There’s a style story behind it. My mother has always supported the international life that Kevin and I lead. She has also tried to visit us in almost each of our posts. She enjoys seeing our daily life overseas and demonstrated pride in the lifestyle that has formed for our family. During each visit, of course a little shopping occurs. When she was in Beijing, we were shopping in a Zara. She was at the cashier ready to buy this beautiful coral paisley tunic when she turned to me and asked, “Was there something you liked?” I told her yes, actually I really like this tunic. She promptly told me to go grab one. I remember that shopping excursion like it was yesterday. I love this tunic, I love shopping with my mom, and well, to continue with the gushiness, I love my mom!
There’s more! The coral necklace….that was hers made by a beautiful friend of mine while living in Venezuela. My mom bought it from this artisan friend and then a few years later gave it to me. The turquoise crucifix she gave to me this past summer before I left back for Hong Kong. The incredible, yet very old, shoes I’m wearing were purchased for my rehearsal dinner when I was married back in 1997. (Here’s the dress from the event to match!) Finally, it’s hard to see but I’m wearing a very special ring given to me by my mother’s mother, and the earrings I’m wearing were given to me after I became Gigi’s mother. Oh, the style stories go on and on!
Enough…let’s take a look at the other three moms:
Sheela
Here’s Sheela, mother, business woman, blogger, writer, and whom I always call Super Woman or even just plain ol’ Queen She. Sheela is also a daughter, and when you go read her post, you’ll be loving her even more for her honesty. And God bless her mom!
Val
Val is the mother of a little girl, she is a working mom, and she is the author of Val Around the Town. Val, a very classy dresser, attributes this class from her stylish mother. All I know is I kind of want her beautiful pearl bag! It’s amazing!!
Rachel
Rachel writes over at Garay Treasures. She’s a mother of four. The lovely spirit of giving is evident in Rachel’s outfit; it reminds me of my own story. Do go read Rachel’s post to find out about her coveted Michael Kors shoes…..
Happy Mother’s Day!
I say Happy Mother’s Day to my own mom, my mother-in-law, my sisters, my friends (married or not, with children or not). As a female gender we mother those we love in so many ways. So happy day to all of the women in my life and even to all women around the world!
*This post has been linked up to #iwillwearwhatilike.
It’s nice to have a good relationship with your mom!! You ought to feature her on the blog next time you get together—because as we all know—style is ageless!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I will do this ! This summer!! I’ll make sure to show her who is requesting and show her how special your blog is! Love, Ann
I love how Sheela brought us together for sharing in this fun collaboration. I love your tunic and am so glad your mom made you get something even if the same as hers. You look lovely.
Rachel xo
Garay Treasures
Thank you Rachel. This was a very neat collaboration. I felt special writing and in turn reading each of your posts. Here’s to our mothers and the love they give us! Love, Ann
What a movin story you tell. As a reader I can feel the immense love you feel for your mother and vise versa I am sure. I am also very fortunate to have a similar relation with my mom. It is love like this which makes us the confident and stable women we are. Thank you mum. (And thank you dad, as he and I loved each other just as much.)
Greetje
PS and the tunic is ever so nice. Resembles your pre dinner dress a lot.
Oh Greetje, I’m so glad. I do love my mom! That’s neat that you have a similar relationship. And you are right. Confidence is our most stylish attribute! And you’re about the dads.
And yes, I have a thing for paisley! Can you tell?!
Love, Ann
Ann, what a beautiful post! And once again, you have shown me more similarities that you and I have! My mom and I designed and made my prom dress as well and, boy, was it a head-turner! And my mother always would say while clothes shopping, “Come on. Try it on just for fun. You never know!” And now I find myself saying those same words to anyone while clothes shopping, friends or strangers! If I overhear a stranger while shopping struggling with body image and clothing choices, I always interrupt and suggest to them, “Try it all on! You never what’s going to work unless you try it on. It may look ugly on the hanger or just not your style, but it may be fabulous on you!” So much fun inspiring others. And being inspired! Happy Mother’s Day!
By the way, that tunic is amazing! And I love that you and your mom share the same style.
xoxo
Shelbee
Shelbee, that is so awesome that you too made your own prom dress! Soooo cool!! And yes to encouraging strangers as well–I do the same exact thing! We would definitely get along in real life as well as this virtual one! Love, Ann
It’s immensely lovely to know, from your story, what a strong bond you clearly have with your mother, Annie, fashion notwithstanding. You look alike. You have the same smile. The same frankness and honesty in approaching and dealing with people, and that is truly a cool thing. I want to take this moment to not only thank you for being a part of this collaboration but for the sheer fact that you’re always up for an idea. Always supportive and a good sport. Always generous with your Whatsapp hugs and love, and kind words. I am blessed to count you as a friend. Happy Mother’s Day again xoxoxo
Thank you Sheela. My dear, dear friend. Thank you! Love, Annie
It was so wonderful to work on this collab with you and these fabulous moms! I love how you have so many wonderful memories and pieces from you mom. I also love shopping with my mom and we usually do like the same things-lol. This tunic is great for summer! Hope you had a lovely Mother’s Day weekend!
Yes, Val. My mom ends up being noted a ton here on the blog. I always seem to have some sort of style story or piece from her. Love my mum! And, shopping with her is always so rare, so I can remember those memories with such clarity. The great thing about her also having this tunic is I don’t have to pack it–I could always borrow hers! Hahah! I hope you had a lovely Sunday too. So nice to “meet” you Val! Love, Ann
Oh! I’m so glad to have a new reader! Welcome Gemma! Nice to “meet” you!! Love, Ann