Growing up my style icon was my mother. 
I just didn't realize this, of course, until I was well into my 30's. But looking back at precious photos of her when she was in the blossom of her youth in Korea and during her new life in America, she had an amazing talent for making a simple handbag, coat and gloves look forever elegant and feminine, and it is her signature red lipstick that I have also called my own.
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Even though my mother had her hands full raising six rambunctious kids in a foreign land, when she stepped out of the house, she always managed to look polished ...even on a tight family budget.
My mother has given me, through the years, some iconic pieces from her wardrobe that I have always coveted. Her leopard handbag custom made during a trip to South Africa in 1971---a time when leopard was legal, her tailored fur jacket and a crocodile handbag purchased in 1950's are all in pristine condition. These treasures are so special to me that I did not want to hide them away in a chest or a closet... so they now "dress" my house. |
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Today, I display my mother's vintage handbags with pride on my bureau and her fur jacket hangs as fashion art on my paneled screen in my bedroom. With symbols of her love, she has helped me design a home that could easily make the best-dressed list. |
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