WIW…errands with mom - YouLookFab Forum

Last year my mom got it into her head that she wanted to relocate from her retirement home in Ottawa (big city) to my little town (pop. 17,000). She made the move in May of this year and has been very happy with the change of venue. Every Thursday afternoon, I take her wherever she wants to go and do whatever she wants to do. This week we went to a big craft supply store (Michael’s) to reconnaissance the place and see what’s trending for seasonal decor. Afterwards, we went grocery shopping (she has a kitchenette) and to the pharmacy for personal care items. Mom is high maintenance, and loves putting on the glam. Thursday is seniors discount (20%) day - so a good time to shop for makeup, nail polish, and some of the pricier magic skin potions.

It was a raw day, but the new ‘cashmino’ boyfriend sweater (and wool socks) kept me warm when out of doors - but not overheated inside the shops. I dressed more for comfort than style - but the transitional lavender jacket always draws a comment from strangers - and then Imget to show off the silver lining!

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2 weeks ago

Irina

Veteran

Looks very nice, Carla. I like cranberry with lilac.

I suspect I will be like your mother - high maintenance and would shop cosmetics and makeup as long as I’m capable

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Nice to see the red boots come out to play! Great bag, boots and scarf match!

You are a fab daughter

LJP

My mother used to send me into Shoppers Drug Mart with a list of things she decided were must-haves at the age of 80. It was usually stuff she'd seen on TV or in a magazine , haha.

I like the lilac/cranberry pairing too. You are certainly getting lots of wear from that coat beyond one season ! What colour is the sweater? I'm intrigued by "cashmino".

Carol

Nice that you get to do that with your mom. The Coach purse is great--it looks vintage. And I hear those are trending right now...

I just love this — the boots make it.

Runcarla

@ LJP - the sweater is navy blue. It’s a heavy weight unisex boyfriend sweater.

LOL! I’m tough on my mother. When she was in Ottawa, she would give her shopping lists to my sister or other folks who would offer to help her out, but then complain about the cost when provided with the bill, or else complain about the product - if the shopper went low budget or no name. She even resented when they got ‘points’ for using their customer loyalty cards when they shopped for her!

From day one I insisted she do her own shopping! She picks the grocery store/pharmacy/shop, and pushes the cart around while I do the reaching for high items, packing, lifting and carrying. The first couple of trips there was a lot of ‘my, that’s expensive’ or ‘I can’t believe that’s how much things cost’, etc.

@ Carol - thrifted a few years ago. I suspect a company store product that might have sold for $300 in the ‘80’s. I picked it up for $35. Sturdy and well made leather - but I don’t believe high end luxe. It’s been my fave bag going on 2 years now - though I’ve had it longer.

@ Angie, Cookie - the boots are a synthetic. I’m a leather snob, but these are waterproof, lightweight, and with sheepskin footbeds and worn with wool socks, my feet stay warm, dry, and don’t get sweaty. I’m converted!

Dee

What a wonderful colour combination, cranberry and lilac, so lovely together, and that pattened scarf is the perfect finishing touch.
Also, love hearing your tales about you and your mom.

Suz

You are an amazing daughter, Carla. And wow, you look stunning in lavender. Love how you made the coat seasonal with the slouchy sweater, boots, and scarf!

Star (Lise)

Well you know I love the lilac and red berry. That coat just works!

UmmLila (Lisa)

Like you, I will always love lavender/lilac + red.
I wanted to see a pic of your mom, too, post “maintenance.”

@ UmmLila - mom never leaves her apartment without hair done, and full make-up! She trained in Fine Arts and Education. Was a high school art teacher and later a gov’t worker responsible for curating a provincial art bank, doing installations in gov’t buildings, facilitating touring exhibits, working with artists, etc. Presentation is very important to her!

I’ll try to get some outfit pics, and post if she gives the ‘okay’. She is very good with colour and texture, frequently changes her hair colour, and has recently replaced her specs.

JAileen

Your raincoat has turned out to be a workhorse, hasn’t it? It looks great with the rest of your outfit. Did you inherit your curly hair from your mom?

You’re lucky your mom lives close, and you can see her so often. Mine lives 200 miles away, and I have to cross a mountain pass that is often closed in winter. Visiting her at Christmas is always a little dicey.

@ JAileen - my angular and boney bone structure/frame, hands, feet is just like my mother’s and her father’s, my facial features are a mix of my mother’s father’s side of the family, and my father’s mother. My natural hair texture (and hairline) is 100% like my father’s. Mother’s is thin and straight. I’m the only red head - though my mother’s father’s father (who I’m supposed to resemble) had red hair. Mom’s father looked like his dark featured mother. My mother’s colouring and (natural) hair is just like her mother’s.

How these things get passed down is so interesting. One of my son’s has his father’s exact frame, and is left handed like him. My other son has my father’s beautiful fingers and hands (and my hair!).

Jaime

You are a great daughter. And you look incredibly stylish.

Lisa

How delightful that you have dedicated time to spend with your mom. The lavender coat is such a beautiful statement piece and it styles really well paired with the red boots, such a fun combination!

RobinF

I love that you get to spend that time with your mom! My mom was my best shopping buddy and I really miss that.

I love that lavender coat and you make such good use of it. I am such a chicken when it comes to outerwear - has to be neutral so I can "get more use from it". You are an example that that doesn't have to be the case.

Olive Green

I love that you have sensible boundaries with your mom, and you guys have a good time. Having a fashionable mum will tend to give you a good eye, and you certainly have one. Presentation as art, why not?

Janet

That lavender coat is SO GOOD on you!

I miss taking my mom for errands and doctor appointments. We used to make a full day of it, since she lived an hour away from me. I can’t believe it’s been 17 years. Enjoy your time together! <3

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