This month marks the 2nd anniversary of featuring members of my Facebook Group through this series. I had thoughts about asking my mom to do it so when I received requests from members that my mom, Liz Raes, be selected, I knew I had to ask her.
Since I was old enough to have memories, I remember my mother’s love of shopping. This is not something we share mainly because my earliest memory of shopping was getting dragged around to stores as my mother expertly found the very best deals. Don’t get me wrong, I love a sale and did inherit her keen ability to never pay full-price, so much so that when I do, I text her about how much money I saved.
My mom’s ability to do more with less is unparalleled. Being an educator and a widow for the past 23 years, she can stretch a penny until you can practically see through it. However, you would never know it from her wardrobe or how she pulls herself together. She is always coordinated, always colorful, and never, ever looks cheap.
My mom is also an active participant in the group, not just because that’s what supportive moms do but because she genuinely enjoys the conversation and commeraderie. It’s not uncommon when she and I get together to chat about the posts and outfits from other members. She has also gone on to develop her own Facebook friendships with members outside the group, which isn’t all that surprising considering she could run into someone she knows in the middle of a desert.
So here is my mom, again, championing hard for me and my success by being this month’s Facebook Group Member of the Month. Thanks, Mom.
Oh, in case you missed this video that I have shared many times before, this is me and my chatting about her sale shopping tips.
Location: West Orange, New Jersey
Age: 68
Q: What do you like most about being a member of Bridgette’s Facebook Group?
A: I enjoy all the members’ latest finds, opinions, and interesting shares. There’s definitely a sense of a supportive community that’s so refreshing.
Q: The biggest benefits you have received from being a Group member
A: That I can count on ideas and different ways to mix and match the clothes I already have. Bridgette gives just enough clear input to guide us as we share ourselves in such a great space.
Q: What would you tell women who haven’t joined the Group yet?
A: What are you waiting for? Where else can you ask, show, share, and keep abreast of what “real women” are asking?
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: I’m a comfortable ClassicTalbot/JJill style gal. A great pair of chinos, a button-down shirt, and a cardigan is my go-to outfit. Every outfit has a matching scarf or shawl to add a bit of a pop!
Q: How did you discover your style?
A: I never thought of myself with a personal style or thought about how I “discovered it.”I’ve always loved being comfortable and stylish in whatever I wore.
Q: What advice do you have for others trying to find their style?
A: Know and accept your body shape, the lifestyle you live and not the one you want to live and be open to something new. I’ve met so many women who were told they looked good in something and are still wearing the same style 49 years later.
Q: What fashion issues are you currently struggling with?
A: Dealing with the COVID 15 lb. weight gain! It’s been so depressing bringing out my summer clothes and seeing what doesn’t fit as well.
Q: What are the most versatile items you have in your closet?
A: I would have to say my scarves. As I mentioned earlier it’s something I match with my outfits. Each day I’ll choose a coordinating colored scarf to spiff up an outfit. Bridgette told me she wants my scarf collection when I die.
Q: If you could go back and change the way you dressed in the past, what would you change?
A: There were some 80’s big-shouldered outfits I would rethink. Granted, most of us looked like football players but those shoulders and Candies shoes were unbelievable. Don’t get me started with my perm!
Q: Is there a fashion purchase you made that you found more useful than you thought it would be?
A: Wool wraps; so convenient to drape over yourself when going out. It can take off when driving, or in a store when shopping, as well. Many times a coat is just too bulky.
Q: What about a fashion purchase that you thought would solve all your problems, but didn’t?
A: I thought a body shaper would help with panty and/or bra lines. Silly me, they either rode up my hips or down my belly. They’re a pain to get/pull on after a shower and your body is still a bit damp. Ulk!
Q: How do you envision yourself when you look your best?
A: Like a well put together sophisticated mature woman.
Q: What are your biggest fashion goals for the year?
A: To lose my COVID 15 and begin to whittle down my work clothes as I prepare to retire soon. To just say “NO” every time another Talbots or JJill’s catalog arrives to temp me to purchase something even if it’s on sale!
Q: What is the best fashion advice you ever received?
A: Be coachable when a professional helps you to look stylish. Once when Bridgette was helping me find the perfect outfit for an event and I asked someone in the dressing what they thought. Bridgette just laughed and said, “mom, do you know how much I get paid to tell people what to wear, and instead, you are asking some random person?” I recall realizing I wasn’t just shopping with my daughter, I was shopping with my daughter the stylist! We had a good laugh.
Q: The first thing you take off when you get home?
A: My shoes, and by the time I get to my bedroom I’m down to my bra!
Q: Favorite color(s) to wear
A: Anything orange, green, mustard yellow, brown, or beige.
Q: Favorite stores to shop?
A: Talbots and J.Jill
Q: What makes you happiest?
A: As I get older I find my happiest times are when I’m with my family, working with young children as a reading teacher, good friends, and being an independent woman, who is able to continue to contribute. As far a fashion, something that I love that’s on sale! I’ve never paid full price for anything except what I wore to my daughters’ weddings.
Q: What inspires you?
A: Being with young teachers and supporting their growth and development as someone did for me when I was their age. Watching my 3 grandchildren growing into kind, caring, and bright young people.
Q: Use One Word to Describe Your Style
A: Hip Chick
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So nice to hear more about your beautiful Mama 🙂
This post is so much fun to read. Love Liz’s attitude and zest. My favorite quote: “I’ve met so many women who were told they looked good in something and are still wearing the same style 49 years later.” Love it!!!!!
I am one of Liz’s Facebook friends. I love the video you made together and always “preshop’ and try on what I want to purchase. Then I wait for the sales and act fast.
Thank you Liz and Bridgette!!