This month's My Mother's Attic is pretty darn awesome - I'm coveting Ash's closet as we speak, because these garments below are truly works of art. They're also ones that didn't need a lick of work either. I think you'll be feeling the same way as I do after you see them all, plus her smile is beyond infectious. Enjoy today’s post, Ash's story, and have a most happy weekend. Sending virtual hugs out to all of you! xo
Well, July has been quite an overwhelming and life-changing month. Just two weeks ago, I had a terrifying family emergency that found me saving the life of the woman that gave me mine, my mother. Fortunately, she is now safe and healing, but it was an absolutely harrowing experience, one that has changed me forever. I am still recovering myself and as part of the healing decided to change up this month's My Mother's Attic post. I didn't have the energy or bandwidth to properly think about altering a piece from her collection, but I was struck by the number of pieces I have from her that are so timeless and well-made that I wear them without any alterations or changes. I pulled three pieces that are representative of three different generations of women in my family and decided to style and photograph them for this month's post. I also included a new dress in my wardrobe, a gorgeous piece that my mother purchased for me just hours before the emergency at Marimekko as a congratulatory gift on a recent promotion at work. I hope that this piece stands the test of time like the other three dresses I'm featuring, such that my own daughters may one day be seen wearing any one of these numbers.
This first piece is a dress from my great-grandmother's wardrobe...
She was an opera singer, and this is a gown that she wore frequently to the opera in her later years.
Those long, flowing kimono-esque sleeves add so much drama and movement to the look, and the gold thread woven into the patterned silk is truly breathtaking - I cannot imagine changing a thing about this. I wear it with a simple pair of Michael Kors gold sandals and jewelry that has been handed down to me from my husband's grandmother.
The tiger bracelet and the enameled burgee bracelet are very special to me, as they are pieces that I will pass on to my own daughters that were once their great-grandmother's. It's also a great excuse to wear my Princess Harem ring, a traditional ring from my mom's upbringing in Southeast Asia.
This next dress was my mom's mom's piece.
I wear it constantly. It screams Jackie O and is gets compliments wherever I go. She wore it in the mid-60s, and that rich yellow satin and the center pockets are quite the statement.
I tend to pair it with chunky leather boots and an edgy leather clutch made by my talented-friend Maja to modernize the look.
This silk dress was purchased by my mother in the 70s, and the color alone is a head turner.
I find I never get more attention than when I'm wearing this piece. The silk feels like butter, and the apron-like top gives it a little something something that grabs people's attention.
I often put on bright red lips to contrast with the turquoise. It's also a great excuse to wear some of my biggest, chunkiest costume jewelry. That starfish bracelet and flower ring always add to the conversation.
And finally, the most recent addition to my wardrobe, a dress I hope to one day see my own daughters wearing.
While the material is a basic, easy-to-care-for cotton, the geometric cut and bold stripes really make it quite interesting and bold. I was amazed by how beautifully it complimented my curves, despite the linear, geometric cut and pattern.
And of course, my ongoing love affair with dress pockets was satisfied. I think minimal jewelry is best given how eye-popping the fabric is. Thanks, Mom, for adding to my wardrobe!
And thank you all for allowing me to take this pause to reflect on my collection from My Mother's Attic, and pay tribute to the generations of women that have influenced my style. I would not be who I am today without them, and after everything that's happened, I am more grateful than ever for their presence and influence in my life. xo Ash
To keep up with Ash online, find her over at Blog a la Cart and here onTwitter, Instagram, & FB! Can't wait to see next month's post!
