My Mom always used to say....

At least two style educators whom I have come across, have paid attention to the influence of our mothers in our style today (Natalie Jobbity and Polly Hollman). You see, inherently we know what works best to accentuate our natural beauty. However, external influences such as media images or basically conversations with other people, can alter our preferences such as our favourite colour to wear or whether we like a certain type of heel versus another. The number one influence is Mommy dearest.

When you were a little girl, chances are you sat on the bed as your mom put on her Palazzo pants and spruced up her perm with some curl activator. At that moment you involuntarily elected her as your style icon. Mom wore animal print, and now as you skim through a clothing rack, you pause at the leopard jumpsuit. My mom used to have her hair dyed jet black and cut a la Joan Jett. Guess what haircut I had. 

Mom's influence does not solely come from example, but her lingering words could have a lifelong impact on our decisions. Some mothers batter their daughters' self-esteem with criticisms about their weight or features. I have a friend whose mom constantly commented on how she should stay out of the sun because God forbid she gets any darker. Other mothers are the opposite, and blow their daughters' heads up by constantly complimenting them about how sexy they are and how they are the best looking among their peers. Either way, the damage is done. The girl either goes on being self conscious about her appearance, hiding her body in over-sized clothing, or she believes she is the hottest thing since sliced bread and walks around with her ass hanging out as her own gift to the world. Neither of them has a clue about what they really look like.

What I want you to know, is that you are an individual. Without a doubt, who we are is molded by our environment, but we must not neglect our innate sensibility. Classic Nature vs Nurture debate. What looks good on your Mom may not necessarily work for you. Know YOUR body, and love it for what it is. Adorn yourself with garments and accessories that bring out your unique radiance. Spend time evaluating why you have certain preferences- Are they your honest personal opinions? Don't be afraid to form your own stance. 

At the end of the day, EVERYONE has an opinion about you. The one that really matters is yours. Give yourself a woman to be proud of.