Casual Holiday Looks with the Ageless Style – In Memory of Mimi
It’s time for the Ageless Style Link Up and today is all about Casual Christmas Looks. I have been sharing a lot of Christmas outfit inspiration these past couple of weeks, so I had to be creative today to come up with something different!
My mother-in-law passed away last month just 2 weeks shy of her 81st birthday and I wanted to dedicate this blog post to her. Mimi lived with us the past 6 years after she took care of her aging mom for about 8 years. She was an enthusiastic Alabama football fan (all of her clothes were Alabama collegiate fan wear), a gardener (she is the one who watered my plants and kept them alive) as long as she was physically able, and loved hummingbirds and birds in general.
While having an in law living with you includes its shares of frustration and her last year with hospice care helping me with her care was difficult, we had a good relationship filled with teasing and humor and a love of fashion. I think that one of her little daily joys was to see what I was wearing: she was a buyer for Pizitz Department store for 20 years and remembered that time fondly and would comment each day on my outfits. Her favorite piece was my red tulle skirt which I bought at her prompting and wore for her funeral.
If I went thrifting, I would have a little fashion show for her. As a way of thanking me for my care, she gave me a little money gift each month which she wanted me to spend on myself, so I would buy clothes most times and then made sure to show her what I got. Today’s outfit would have gotten her seal of approval: they are Alabama colors, but are perfect for a casual holiday look.
I shopped my closet for my white jeans and top, but the purse is the one thing I have kept from her. She used the red version of this purse, and had this white version still in its package. I will remember her each time I wear it. While I am not much of a sports fan, I will remember her and her love of Alabama each time I wear it.
The fun red shoes were gifted to me for a collaboration with Drew Shoes Corp who launched an online clearance site for their 5 brands: Drew, Ros Hommerson (which was Walking Cradles), Bellini, Penny Love Kenny and Foot Saver. While sizes are limited for certain shoes, I was so impressed with the variety of shoes, the ease to work the website and selections, and the filters you could use to find what you are looking for. You can shop their selections here and use code for 10% off your purchase.
This is the WC Meredith in Red in Medium Width. Most shoes come in different widths, and struggling with a bunion on my right foot, I really appreciate that extra choice feature. The prices are very budget friendly and if you are looking for a fun pair of shoes, I would recommend you checking out their website. I also selection a fun pair of mustard shoes: what can I say: shoes are like jewelry, they are the perfect way to add some fun to your outfit!
Fashion knows no age! Join us to link up your blogs the third Thursday of the Month!
Amy ~ Amy’s Creative Pursuits
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Bo ~ Bo’s Bodacious Blog
Blog / Instagram /Pinterest / Bloglovin’
Jennifer~ Overflowing with Thankfulness
Joanna ~ My Slice of Life
Jodie ~ Jodie’s Touch of Style
Leslie ~ Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever AfterBlog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
Marsha~ Marsha in the Middle
Mireille ~ Chez Mireille Fashion Travel Mom
Blog | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook |
In Memory of Mimi,
A bientôt!
Please take a minute to subscribe to the blog to receive an email letting you know when a new post goes live. I usually post Monday, Wednesday and Friday but sometimes have a bonus post during the week. You can also follow me on Instagram @chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
22 Comments
Amy Johnson
How sweet to do a post dedicated to your MIL. It is rare to see such a beautiful relationship with a MIL. I love how she took such joy in seeing your outfits, and I think it’s so cool that you wore her favorite red skirt to her funeral. Your outfit is just lovely.
mimifce
Thanks, Amy! We did get along pretty well: I knew I couldn’t change her and there were things that drove me crazy, but we had some good laughs and got along!
Joanne
Aw, that is so sweet that you dedicated this post to your mother in law and you pulled together a really fabulous and casual look!
mimifce
Thanks, Joanne! It’s really neat to have so many fun clothes and many were thanks to my MIL giving that allowance =)
jodie filogomo
I love the idea of keeping the purse as a remembrance of her.
Those sentimental items really can bring back all the great memories.
And what a wonderful way to add a pop of color to this outfit.
Xoxo
Jodie
mimifce
Thanks, Jodie! The purse isn’t too much in your face (I am not much of a football -college or otherwise fan), so I knew I would wear it every so often.
Di
What a sweet post in honor of your MIL. Love the white outfit during the cooler months, and your red earrings and shoes as bookends for a pop of color. Thanks for sharing and the link-up!
mimifce
Thanks, Di! I am loving my winter closet!
Jill
So sweet to dedicate this post to your MIL. This red and white combo is so pretty and such a fabulous look!
Jill – Doused in Pink
mimifce
Thanks, Jill! I really have enjoyed coming up with festive outfits this year!
Nancy
I’m very sorry to read about the loss of your mother in law. You wrote a lovely post for her.
mimifce
Thanks, Nancy! I really enjoyed writing this one.
Jennifer
So sweet of you to dedicate this to your MIL. Again, sorry for your loss. Love the sleeves.
Jennifer
https://curatedbyjennifer.com
mimifce
The sleeve don’t keep me warm but they are pretty!
Andrea Nine
What a sweet post and tribute to Mimi! She sounds like a precious lady and how admirable of you to have her in your care all these years! Bless your heart! My grandmother loved fashion and hummingbirds as well. Hopefully they’re up there having a nice chat!
mimifce
She was definitely quite a character, but we did share some good laughs!
Bojana Krienke
This is a heartwarming post and truly is what the holiday season is about. Your care and relationship with your MIL is precious and although I am sure there were many difficult moments, you both made it a gift in the long run. I love the simplicity of this outfit, the sleeves are stunning, and the way the red pops. I love this and would wear it tons. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
mimifce
Thank you so much, Bo! Merry Christmas to your family!
Danielle
You look lovely!
Danielle Writes | danielle-writes.co.uk
mimifce
Thank you!
Cat
I’m very sorry for your loss. It’s lovely to have those memories of your mother-in-law and being able to remember her like that.
Cat
mimifce
I think so too.