Her Mother’s Clothes
by habituallychic
05 . 09 . 10
I’ve been seeing this book My Mother’s Clothes for a while but didn’t know what it was about until today. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect than the day before mother’s day since it’s about the author’s mother. More specifically, as the title suggests, her mother’s clothes, but the reason behind it so heartwarming. Jeannette Montgomery Barron set about photographing her mother’s clothing to create a scrapbook for her as she was about to move out of her house but it ended up helping her remember stories as she was dealing with advancing Alzheimer’s. You must watch the video on the author’s website as she tells the story in her own words. It brought a tear to my eye and made me think about how my own mother’s wardrobe. Happy Mother’s Day!
UPDATE: Apparently some readers aren’t actually reading this post clearly and think this book is about my mother’s clothes. I want to clarify that this book is about the author and photographer, Jeannette Montgomery Barron’s mother’s clothes. She spent a lot of time and effort on this moving book and I don’t want there to be any confusion! Thanks!
15 Comments
Yes, the worst is seeing something she’d like, and thinking of buying it for her before remembering that she is gone, no longer there to take joy in things no matter how lovely or perfect for her. I don’t think that ever ceases to be sad.
What a lovely tribute. Thanks for finding/sharing. I especially love the pic of the open “grip” with the sunglasses/brush and packages of “four corners”/”nabs”. Happy Mothers Day…K
Such a wonderful and touching book. It reminds me so much of my extraordinary beautiful mother in law who had such style and closets filled with the most daring couture and exotic clothes. She has been living in our house with her caretakers, not even remembering my husband…so painfull to watch such a bright mind deteriorates…
This was incredibly touching.
Tears in my eyes too. Capturing a mother’s love for fashion, and a daughter’s love for her mother in one fail swoop. Such a poignant tribute! Thank you for touching our hearts with this on the eve of Mother’s Day.
Thanks for this post–mother/daughter relationships are so complicated. This book is a tribute to a daughter’s love and to period of time that can only be termed classic. Tears rolling down my cheeks… what beautiful women. Mary
Beautiful– thank you for sharing! My grandmother died at age 102 last year, and she was daily dressed in her signature stockings (yes, stockings), pumps, wool pencil skirt, blouse and brooch almost until the end. Her closet was a treasure trove of 80 years of fashion. Thank you for sharing this touching tribute!
Very sweet post – thanks.
What a sweet story for Mother’s Day !
Such a lovely tribute for her mother. I don’t think one
ever get’s over the loss of thier mother. Rarely,
does a week goes by that I go to the phone… To call
my mother, with exciting news. Then, I realize she not
there…Although, I know she is always by my side.
Thank you, for this lovely article!
Heather what a beautiful tribute to your Mother. I know you cherish her fabulous collections, while missing her dearly.
Karena
Art by Karena
Everyone has already said this, but what a stunningly beautiful tribute to your mother. No wonder you’re habitually chic, ladybug.
God bless you. xx’s
Lynn T – You could take comfort in the fact that you actually do still things that she would like ot that you still remember what your mother would enjoy. Sorry though that she’s not here to buy them for though. Big hug!
Kathy – That’s my favorite photo too! Travling used to be so much chicer!
Francine – I can imagine that is very hard! Could you start your own project of photographing her clothing even if she can’t tell you all the stories behind them? Might be comforting.
The Zhush – I agree! So simple yet so profound!
Mary – I had to stop reading because I was about to start bawling!
Heidiopia – WOW! I wonder if getting dressed everyday and keeping herself stylish helped her live such a long life! That’s such a great story!
Mustang – glad you enjoyeed it!
Tammy – funny how the right post finds you at the right time!
Maureen – I’m so sorry. Glad you enjoyed the story!
Karena – I want to clarify that this is not about my mother! My mother is still very much alive! This is about Jeannette Montgomery Barron’s mother!
Spot on for Mother’s Day…no actually for any day. To remember a mother so fondly is a tribute to the mother and daughter. One’s taste in clothing is such a personal statement. What a wonderful way to remember someone you love! I read your blog regularly, but this is one of my favorites! Maurie@graciousinteriors.blogspot
Great book; love the clothes that she picked out to showcase. How wonderful to still remember and find things she would like.
Great book to see & read!
Thanks, Heather.
L.