Wouldn’t It Be Amazing if You Could Make This Your Job?

For a couple of weeks, my mother and I had been talking about style—or, in her case, the feeling that she didn’t have one.

I gave her ideas for exploring. Not instructions about what to wear, but ways to notice what she responded to and understand why.

I sent her some profiles on Instagram. Donna loved the perspective.

“I don’t like those big collars or those pants,” she said, “but I like her glasses and the way she carries herself.”

Good.

She wasn’t trying to copy someone. She was learning how to look. Then Donna showed me some photographs of clothing she liked. I recognized the store.

“Lets go shopping”

My mother’s eyes bulged.

“Really?”

When we arrived, I went in ahead of her and spoke to the salesperson. I explained what Donna needed and how to work with her if they wanted honest answers.

She wasn’t there to be agreed with. She needed guidance. Show her outfits that work together. Help her understand what she is responding to. She will buy—but don’t just yes her.

I gave them the palette I wanted them to work within and a few things to stay away from.

Then I brought Donna inside.

On the way out, she said, “That was the best shopping experience I have ever had - What did you say to them?”

… I had taught the store how to see my mother.

“Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could make this your job?”