"The style is the woman herself…"

I borrow and slightly paraphrase (I changed man to woman) the title of this post from the words of 18th century French naturalist and author Georges-Louis de Buffon. Although Buffon’s theories were scientific and evolutionist, I think Buffon’s words can be threaded right to fashion.  Yes, I do.

This brings me to my Mom, Rita.  As many of you know, Rita has been hospitalized for nearly a week… and was feeling ill for a few days prior.  The diagnosis is pneumonia.  She is being treated with antibiotics and lots of breathing treatments, and she’s had a slew of tests, x-rays and procedures.  Rita is a tiny little almost 85-year old lady with a great big will to get better… and she’s been asking all about Audrey’s trip to Los Angeles, the People’s Choice Awards and Audrey’s Red Carpet Fashion Recap with Tim Gunn and Gretta Monahan.  Audrey’s bringing in a laptop today to Rita’s hospital room to let her see first-hand all the excitement of the past week!

Rita is also a strong little lady.  And I mean strong physically.  A couple of people have come from the physical therapy department to help her rehab her muscles.  They could not believe the physical strength of this 4’7″ lady in the green johnny that hangs down around her ankles. (Note to hospitals: please offer johnny sizes for the tiny elderly population!)  Rita was very excited to be up and walking, but requesting one of her “pretty robes.”  Rita isn’t too keen on walking around the hospital, as she puts it, “Looking like this.”

Today, I will be bringing her one of her pretty robes.

I’ve been thinking a lot about my Mom and how she carries herself with such dignity.  Even in the hospital, she has a sense of how the essence of a woman is carried on both the inside and the outside.  She feels better when she looks better.  Her style comes from somewhere so far within that it can’t help radiating to the surface.  Yes, the style is the woman herself… inner brilliance and beauty and outer brilliance and beauty all wrapped into one… feeling it and sharing it and working it. To my Mom, style is as natural as breathing.

This morning, I was going through some old photograph albums… thinking about my Mom… and it struck me as so sensational that this little lady who is requesting a “pretty robe” today has always been able to effortlessly be her beautiful self.  It’s just who she is… a woman of impeccable style.

Note the sweep of her hair.  The drape of her dresses or skirt.  The femininity of her shoes… strappy or peep-toe sexy.

Notice her gorgeous legs in the circa 1950 “hot pants” in the pool.  (Rita still has gorgeous legs…!)

How about the perfectly placed Easter bonnet.  The 60’s stylin’ dresses and coats with the lovely buttons and accessories.

But most noteworthy, you can feel the ease with which my Mom holds and swaddles her babies… holds our hands… plays and worships and lives… always radiant.  Inside and out.

Effortlessly.

I can’t wait to see my Mom’s face as she watches the videos of Audrey’s exciting Los Angeles experience… but you know what!?  To me, my Mom is my People’s Choice.  She always has been.  She always will be!

About Audrey

Audrey McClelland has been a digital influencer since 2005. She’s a mom of 5 and shares tips on her three favorite things: parenting, fashion and beauty. She’s also a Contemporary Romance Author.

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5 Comments

  1. 1.10.10

    I hope your mom reads your blog. If she doesn’t, I think Audrey should show her this post while her laptop is there. Rita would be so happy and proud to see what you wrote. We always think our parents know how we feel, but I think seeing it put out there for the world to read would mean the world to her. She is one very lucky mom to have you as her daughter, but you are equally as lucky to have Rita as your mom. Tell Rita I send good wishes for a speedy recovery.

  2. 1.10.10
    Audrey - Mom Generations said:

    GREAT post… I love this. Even today she was concerned with how her hair looked! 🙂 xoxo She’s a true beauty.

  3. 1.10.10
    Pam Maat said:

    What a great tribute to your mom! The role of a mom and the place she has in the hearts of her children is so powerful. I would love to meet your mom. I love what you said about your mom – knowing/believing that the essence of a woman is carried on both the inside and outside of a woman. Thanks for inspiring me.

  4. 1.10.10
    Connie said:

    Sharon, how wonderful to read this lovely post and to see your Mom (and Dad!) through the fifties and sixties. Their love of family, the attention to their children, and yes, her easy sense of fashion exude through each delicious photograph. I’m personally particularly charmed by the cut of the longish light colored jacked with the curved hem. Exquisite. Her and your Easter hats (yours with the little side pieces to hold it on your head—a real blast from the past), passing her sense of fashion to her little girl, decked in her Easter finery, lovely coat with engagingly large button and the pretty cotton lace collar, the sixties bouffant do. All so precious, and a textbook for Audrey to study.
    It’s wonderful to know that Rita is still able to know and to care about the ladylike details of her couture. Three generations of women, all blessed in so many ways.

  5. 1.10.10
    Janie said:

    Beautiful! The post AND the photos!!

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