What I Wore Sunday: Mother-Daughter Edition

HAPPY FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI!!

Let us ask our Lord then to make us souls devoted to the blessed Eucharist, so that our relationship with him brings forth joy and serenity and a desire for justice. In this way we will make it easier for others to recognize Christ; we will put Christ at the centre of all human activities. And Jesus’ promise will be fulfilled: I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. (Jn 12:32) 

St. Josemaria Escriva ~ Christ Is Passing By, 156

Since my beloved husband has been on retreat in NYC since Thursday, I decided to pack up the wagon and head north with my tribe of outlaws to visit my parents for the weekend.  Because my mom has always been such a classy lady, a savvy shopper, and a stylish wife, mother and grandmother, I had to talk her into joining me for this week's What I Wore Sunday, hosted by Fine Linen and Purple, and Sunday Best hosted by Camp Patton .

Friends, meet Karen. Mama, meet my friends!!

Dress: Talbots (her favorite sale spot!)

Black Pumps: Talbots

Jewelry: mix & match

Some of the essential lessons my mom taught me when I first began shopping for my own clothes were:

* Look for quality - check to see if the garment is lined, if it is finished nicely, if the plaids match, etc., etc.

* Don't be afraid to spend a little extra to get great quality staple pieces such as black trousers, a blazer or a neutral colored pencil skirt and a great pair of heels.

*  Keep trendy pieces at a minimum.

*  Change up tired outfits with accessories or alterations to get as much mileage as possible out of your wardrobe (a great budget-friendly trick!).

I think of her tips every time I go shopping, and it's a good thing, otherwise my closet would probably be completely filled with trendy pieces, and nothing would match!

When I look back at photos of my mom from her days as a newlywed up until now, she has always dressed beautifully.  My mom was raised on a farm as the oldest of 8, and despite their economic struggles, she and her siblings (along with their parents) always looked sharp on Sundays.  My grandmother and my mother both embrace the truth that clothing is not just a fashion statement, but an expression of our personal sense of dignity and femininity.  It truly is possible to look "lady-like" no matter what your budget is, my mom has proven this to me time and time again!

While I was being my dorky self (I was practicing a curtsy), Ben was still snapping pics and I didn't know it until I uploaded the shots.  Normally, the delete key would be in full force, but today I sayz to myselfs why not spice thangs up 'round here??

 Dress:  A gift from my husband from Anthropologie
*When he travels he misses my homecookin' and kisses so much, the remedy for his lovesickness is to buy me stuff I don't need.  I love that man!!*

Scarf:  He chose the scarf to go with the dress! (Also Anthropologie)

Shoes:  Kork Ease 

Jewelry:  Bling (a local boutique)

As I'm getting older, my feet just can't handle cheap shoes with any sort of a heel - they're just killers!  So, I've been trying to watch for sales/discounts on quality brands that I really love.  Kork Ease shoes are incredibly comfortable, suportive and cute! Yes, I'm standing in mulch, right in the middle of my parent's landscaping.  Gives 'em an earthy/rustic/pastoral vibe, eh?? A pretty pedi would have totally thrown off the whole vibe.

Have a blessed week, everyone!!

He is a man among men, who by good fortune has received the faith and the divine commission to act so that he renews the message of our Lord on earth. We are not without defects; we make mistakes and commit sins. But God is with us and we must make ourselves ready to be used by him, so that he can continue to walk among men. 

St. Josemaria Escriva ~ Christ Is Passing By, 156 

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