WIW: Two winter layers from my Mum

It's getting chilly here in Amsterdam so time to layer up!

I wanted to show you a couple of pieces made by my amazing mother, who's been a major influence on my style and is still fabulous well into her seventies. This oversized sleeveless topper and cropped mohair jumper are both things she made for herself and for some reason decided she didn't want to wear, so she passed them on to me. 

Both are favourite items at this time of year and both get lots of compliments. I'm always sure to mention their provenance, at which point people are often somewhat amazed that Grandma has such style.

I really enjoyed Angie's Thanksgiving piece on her parents, because I can't begin to describe what a role model my own mother has been, instilling me with a love of clothes and fashion at an early age. 

All that said, I'm not sure she'd wear these with a shiny silver bomber jacket and stripy socks, because I know she thinks I'm far too old to be dressing like Tavi Gevinson. I fear for once that she's probably right. 

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This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

16 Comments

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    Love both pieces! I especially like the dress with the cropped sweater. I don't think you're too old for the silver jacket.

  • thimblelina replied 9 years ago

    I love your pieces! Ageless! And jealous you are in one of my favorite cities!

  • kellygirl replied 9 years ago

    Omg, you look fantastic! I love the sleeveless topper. I truly think the striped socks go with everything. I'd totally wear a silver bomber too and I think I'm older than you! Your mom sounds like she has great style too!

  • crutcher replied 9 years ago

    Those pieces are ageless...You look totally fab in each outfit...Don't buy into the age view...
    Your mom sounds so special...I had one of those moms who was stylish and fun and shopped with me all the time...

  • Astrid replied 9 years ago

    I just love the arty feel to your looks! How lucky to have such a stylish mum. My favourite is #3, that pullover over the high waisted skirt is just fab.

  • replied 9 years ago

    Oh, what fab pieces! My mum also has sewn and knitted(with a machine) all her life and still does (at 85!) You have a very stylish mum and I love how you have taken her creations and made the look your own. Fabulous!

  • Louise replied 9 years ago

    What fab pieces x

  • approprio replied 9 years ago

    oh my! thank you everyone! i really don't know what to say! :)

    I'm always a bit nervous about a complex look like this, which can so easily misfire on some little detail and end up looking eccentric. But this one felt pretty good when I put it on this morning, so I think I got away with it. I might even wear it again. Thanks Ma!

  • rachylou replied 9 years ago

    Fantastic pieces! I love how you've styled them. Your mom is stylin'.

  • Diana replied 9 years ago

    These are awesome pieces! I think they're fab with the striped socks and silver bomber!

  • DonnaF replied 9 years ago

    Super fab!  The silver bomber and striped stockings are the perfect touch!  I have a silver jacket, and I'm 61.  My legs are too chunky to consider horizontally striped stockings but I love the addition of the pattern in your look.  Maybe if they were in primary colors they would look a little young, but I have no doubt you could pull it off.  Your mom is talented, and lucky you to be the beneficiary of the topper and sweater.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    I like it all!  All of it together, each piece with its individual art, and how everything looks on you. Super outfit. What a wonderful thing to be able to wear your mother's creations. I'm especially taken with the cropped mohair sweater and how it looks over that slim dress.

  • Beth Ann replied 9 years ago

    I love the varied layered textures in the fabrics --- subtle plaid and stripes with metallic.  Yeah, there's a lot going on, but the simple color scheme keeps it all harmonious, and you can clearly carry it off easily.  You look terrific!

    You seem to feel unsure about the overall effect of this outfit, particularly the socks.  If I saw you on the street, I wouldn't think you were dressing too "young."  It does read dramatic and arty, but in a way that would make me drawn to you were I to meet you in passing.  Now, perhaps you're wanting to streamline your styling, which is a great choice, too.  What are your style goals moving forward?  Can you post a few outfits that you feel are most authentically "you?"

  • approprio replied 9 years ago

    Beth Ann, thanks for this, that's my goal exactly. My style is quite arty-eclectic and I really want to get things under control. Streamlining is an issue, as is management and turnover in the wardrobe. 

    I've got a 5-silhoette post in the pipeline, and I've been trying to figure out how to couch my questions about it. I'll keep your comment here in mind while I try to phrase it!

  • jackiec replied 9 years ago

    Wow! How lucky to have a mother like that! YLF! Really fun :)

  • Lisie Symons replied 9 years ago

    The 3rd look is my favourite. Your legs look a mile long, and I really like the jumper. You're very lucky to have such a cool, talented mum!

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