My mom recently sent me some old family photos of our cousins, summer vacations, all sorts of things—but what stood out most was my mom's incredible style. She wore Wellington boots, flannel shirts and my dad's sweaters, and her pieces were loose and relaxed. Yet through her tomboyish style, she still exuded grace and femininity. I'm so inspired by these beautiful photos and am going to try to shop my closet to see if I can create some similar outfits. What was your mom's style like?









P.S. Having babies in Paris, and my mom on her wedding day.



What a great post. I was just looking through some of my Mom's photos from when she was my age and thinking I'd love to try and emulate her style (fitted clothes, relaxed hair, crafty smile).
ReplyDeleteYou're Mom looks like she knows what she was about. Love the picture of her on the mountain side. She looks so serene.
Thanks for sharing!
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DeleteKids summer clothes
I love her plaids!
ReplyDeleteMy mom always wore a lot of dresses! For a while she even sewed matching mother & daughter! A little bit Little House on the Prairie. :) I have her "vintage" college track uniform that I wear running occasionally.
You look like Toby in the pic with the striped hat! Sweet post. You and your mom have such a lovely relationship from what you share on the blog. xo
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe how much Toby looks like you and you sister in the 5th picture down (striped hat). He could practically be a triplet!
ReplyDeleteThat first photo looks like you, and like everyone else, it's crazy how much Toby looks like you and Lucy in that 5th photo. :) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteyour mother is beautiful! great style, indeed. i love that the photos are caught in action - so memorable. xoxo
ReplyDeleteMy mom was not that classic looking (but I still love her). Think of "Nine to Five" and other extreme, terrible trends from the last five decades.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/ramonaforever81/2751532130/in/set-1461006
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My mom was way more fashionable than I'll ever be.. I do wish she'd kept all of her old clothes for me!
Oh that reminds me of this awesome blog: http://momstyleicons.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteMy mommy is the same way! she loves black!. And btw you look like your mom and your son looks like you so cute. great blog
ReplyDeleteWow, your mum had fab style. I was born in the 80s and the pictures of my mum from then make me cringe, sholderpads and shiny fabrics and plastic jewellery!
ReplyDeleteYour father looks like Dennis Quaid in photo number 9!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing!
DeleteI thought so too and I did a Control+F to see if anyone had already commented about this!
DeleteAwesome! She is SO stylish. I also find so inspiring my mum's pics from the old days. Do you know if she still keeps some of her clothes from that time? I confess that I wore some of my mum's clothes from when she was younger (Yeap, my mum doesn't like to throw away things, which sometimes it's a blessing..-sometimes!) Great post!
ReplyDeleteI love these photographs of your mom!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was young, I remember looking at my mom and thinking how awesome she was but I also wanted her to dress up MORE, wear MORE make-up, etc.
As I get older myself, I now look at pictures of her and look at her now and really admire her confidence NOT to spend too much time fussing over clothes or beauty products. I also recognize that she was (and still is) very thoughtful in her choices. She knew what worked for her and wore THAT. She would pick the best bag she could afford and rock it until it was time to replace it.
It took ME years to recognize how awesome that is but I'm on my way! Moms are the best!
It's amazing how much you look like your mother, and how much Toby looks like you as a baby!! What a sweet, thoughtful post--I love looking at pictures of my parents at my age. Makes me realize how they're still "people"--and not just my parents.
ReplyDeleteI love the outfit fourth down, I feel like that's something I already own! Makes me want to go vintage shopping...
ReplyDeleteI'm 21 so my moms style was classic '80's/90'S.
Not very many woman can pull off that look. Takes a beaut!
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I'm in love with this post. I just emailed my mom last weeks for old pictures of her to blog...I wore her senior homecoming dress to my senior homecoming dance, and it's one of my best memories :)
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I love it! You're mom has such great taste! She reminds me of my mom who used to wear cords, plaid, cashmere, moccasins, camel hair ponchos... And, yes, I raided her closet for all of her vintage clothes. To this day, I base my style after my moms.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post, Joanna! :)
Grr. *Your* (I hate when that happens).
ReplyDeletegreat post! your mother is so beautiful and these photos look like they were taken straight from an old film from the 70s. love it
ReplyDeletei just love looking at old photos of my parents and grandparents. my mom always had short hair... i am thinking that is part of why she always wanted me to grow mine out.
ReplyDeleteYour mother really did have great fashion sense! Out of us four girls, I'm the one who most resembles our mom and my style is probably the closest to what hers was when she was younger. I even ended up (unknowingly) getting glasses that looked very similar to ones she had had. I thought they were absolutely awesome and she and my dad just laughed. My sisters and I all agree though: our Maman was (and is) quite stunning. I love looking back at old pictures of her.
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute post! My mom was (and still is) very preppy, but also very stylish. She looks pulled together and current, but always has something on that's so "her." She had this sweater, and I'll always remember it- http://princessdianabookboutique.wordpress.com/2011/12/01/knitwear-of-choice-the-black-sheep-sweater-is-vintage-1980s-cool/
ReplyDeleteYour Mom is so beautiful and stylish. I agree, she has great style. My Mom was not so stylish. But, my Grandmother is and was. She is a great follower of fashion and never left her house without a great dress or skirt suit, stockings with heels, colorful scarf, and a bright lipstick. I loved watching her get out her compact and reapply her lipstick. So glamorous!
ReplyDeleteShe really does exude such natural style and grace without seeming over-done or like she tries so hard. Thanks for sharing these! :)
ReplyDeleteYour Mom is just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteaw, your mom was gorgeous. you're right, great style. i write about momma style and baby style, plus so much more on my website, check it out!: www.delightedchild.wordpress.com
ReplyDeleteWow, great pics!
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Wow, your mom is crazy amounts of beautiful, and she has amazing style. Thanks for sharing such lovely, warm, and intimate photos! My mom is from the Caribbean, and her style is definitely rooted in that, but she is always put together. Bright colors, lots of sparkle, hair always done, simple makeup. Nothing too structured, everything she wears has movement to it. She never dresses her age, she is in her 60's, and still has no problem shopping the Juniors department, and she pulls it off beautifully!
ReplyDeleteThese are such beautiful images. These are the kind of photographs (old family photos) that inspired me to become a photographer. Really amazing. I am stunned at how much I can see Toby in you when you were his age. WOW. Thanks for sharing such intimate family snippets. PS- your mom is stunning.
ReplyDeleteSO COOL. so cool. your mom's got the look !
ReplyDeleteaaaaaand, now i feel like a schlub.
These are such sweet pictures- I love that they are snippets of both special moments and every day life. As a soon-to-be first time momma, the inspiration on realistic but unique mom-style is wonderful. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteI love the photo on the Queen Elizabeth II-- so precious to see two little children laying in her lap together....having twins must be so wonderful!
ReplyDeleteKate
Something Ivory
What great photos! I especially love the first one. You are lucky to have so many!
ReplyDeletebeautiful. My mom is also a tomboy and I was a tomboy growing up and now I dress my girls like tomboys. It's genetic I think.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. Though I just laughed & cringed (simultaneously) when I read "like an old film from the 70s." Ha! I grew up wearing similar (with some flower child stuff thrown in for good measure). the reason this all looks so familiar & stylish is that it's classic. Plus, Joanna's mother is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe "natural" look so many of us had as teenagers/young adults is so much prettier (to me) than the hard-edged, over-groomed stuff of today. I don't think I'm alone in this either from looking at Pinterest boards. I would never have thought, even 5 yrs ago, that so many younger women would aspire to what we took for granted. Thanks! xo/Susan
Your parents are so adorable and stylish! Love the pics of you and Lucy :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat new layout, by the way!
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Also, the resemblance between you and Lucy as babies and Toby is stunning!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Thanks for sharing! Caroline
ReplyDeletegrowing up, my mom was always wearing lace blouses with her bra peeking out and long, tailored skirts and slacks (most of which she would sew herself). but i grew up very tomboyish and still lean towards comfortable, masculine details in my style choices. my mom is turning 60 next year and she still wears more see through clothing and higher heels than i do at 29.
ReplyDeleteyour mom is beautiful and there is so much of her face in yours.
xoxo Susan
3rd photo down, the little blonde child is a dead ringer for Toby!!
ReplyDeleteoh wow, these are incredible! what a treasure! your family resemblance is amazing.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos! Your mom is so effortlessly stylish. And that navy striped hat is so adorable.
ReplyDeletei LOVE this post!
ReplyDeleteTomboy yet still absolutely stunning! I love these photos.
ReplyDeleteI swear, my mom has long been my go-to style guru. She inherited a lot of my grandmother's Swedish sensibilities and coupled it with her Palm Springs upbringing for an end result that's always flawless. I'd say it's kind of effortless cool, though she'd probably tell you she spends a LOT of time achieving that effortlessness!!
ReplyDeleteLove! You look so much like your mama:)
ReplyDeleteMine was (and is) one hot mamma:
ReplyDeletehttp://vimeo.com/35605896
AWW! Your baby pictures look so similar to Toby's I did a double take!
ReplyDeleteIt's so interesting to see how genetics play out. Your little Toby really resembles you as a baby and I can also recognize your dad in his face. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteToby really looks like your dad!
ReplyDeletethese photos make my heart swell! your mother is so beautiful! it's neat to see you in her.
ReplyDeleteOh wow what great photos! And what a good looking family, makes me think of the Kennedys a wee bit. Your right such great style. And the top one reminds of that famous picture of Jane Goodall when she was in her 20's. I have a great picture of parents celebrating the new year in 1970!! I may post it soon. They look very Mad Men!
ReplyDeleteThe baby photos of you and your sister remind me of Toby!
ReplyDeleteThese are some classic photographs, all so natural and warm. You are quite lucky to have them!
ReplyDeleteawww. love this post. the one with the matching snow gear made me smile. so so cute!!
ReplyDeleteAHH! Sixth picture down, whoever is on the left looks JUST like Toby. So cute!
ReplyDeleteyou have your mom's style already. it's more than just wardrobe. It's the way you hold your son, like she held you. It's the way you look at Toby the way she looked at you. It's your mannerism. It's the way you carry yourself and perch your head.
ReplyDeleteYou've nailed it.
She's great and reminds me of you. You are your mothers daughter ! Are you the one in the stripe hat?
ReplyDeleteL
Your mom is lovely! It's amazing how timeless she looks. More than that, she exudes beauty and serenity.
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh! 6th picture down, baby on the left looks SO MUCH like Toby! These pictures are beautiful
ReplyDeleteSomething about her essence reminds of Annie Hall. Just lovely!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree! I thought that instantly. I suppose the same casual charm?
DeleteCheryl
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your mom is so beautiful and her style was absolutely lovely.
ReplyDeletei just love the last two photos--everything about them! I agree that the photos are wonderfully "caught in the moment", and her style in the last two is so casual and around the house.. yet still stylish.
ReplyDeleteCheryl
www.thestylistquo.com
I love all the candid photos. I feel like I am a deer in headlights smiling in every photo I've ever taken, but I love the "sneak peek" feel of these candid shots! Gorgeous. I was born in the wrong decade...
ReplyDeletesuch sweet photos! You're mom looks gorgeous!
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How precious! Your mom is so beautiful. I love her style!
ReplyDeleteYour Mom is one fashionable, beautiful lady! :) After she got married, my Mom used to wear a signature big, round Bindi...and she had big eyes...so when she was angry, one look from her was enough to convey that. :)
ReplyDeleteYour mom is so beautiful! And you are also very lucky to have these pictures of her when she was younger :) I love when I stumble upon old photos of my parents... it just touches my heart!
ReplyDeleteWow. What a beauty. A little bit Diane Keaton and a little bit Ali Macgraw?
ReplyDeleteVery cute babies!This is just great! I do really enjoy this kind of articles.Regularly visit your blog.Keep on good work on the blog.
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Would be interesting to see pics of your mum at present time. Did she preserve the tomboy style
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeousness photo of you and your mom! Really! I also really believe that this would be a perfect style for you.
ReplyDeleteOh I just love this! Thank you for posting... x Hana
ReplyDeleteaww joanna these photos are so precious!
ReplyDeletemy mum wore indigo denim flares with a nice wool sweater and a low wedge tan lace up. her hair is curly and she always wore it short. and she looked amazing in short shorts on the beach - alas i have not inherited her legginess. x
ReplyDeleteAm I the only one who thinks Alex looks just like Joanna's dad??? (imagine a beard on her dad, et voila!)
ReplyDeleteWow, these photos are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMy mom's style was more of a "I take what I get" - in the GDR there wasn't much of a choice and much time to shop for an average income woman with a full time job and two kids. Regardless there are still some photos of my mama where she looks soooo similar to Berlin hipsters right now with her floral polyester tops and high waisted pants, it's stunning! So in my book, she's a real trend-setter. :-)
With the new creations you make the wedding of your best friend or your brother determines a good figure.
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I don't know if anyone said this already, but in the picture with your mom holding you(your sis?) wearing a striped hat, you look just like Toby!! :)
ReplyDeleteShe looks so relaxed and still effortlessly chic.
ReplyDeleteAnd you can totally tell that she's your mom : )
That pictures are so climatic, really good :)
ReplyDeleteJo, these pictures are so great! Your mom is beautiful and you look so much like her.
ReplyDeleteMy mom had a very similar style and I am now inspired to go look through some old pics, too!
xo
It's always fun looking at old photos from this era- and I love that unique fuzzy quality to them that only film can give :)
ReplyDeleteMy mom had a great old pair of bellbottom overalls that I used to wear in middle school. Unfortunately for the most part, I used to be embarrassed by her clothes- and only appreciate them now, once she's gotten rid of most of them!
wow. i think toby looks just like the two of you.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much you in Toby's little face. And your mom is darling. I remember my mom wearing a lot of polyester. And a really big perm. She was styling, but definitely not a tomboy. . .
ReplyDeleteI'm loving your mom's classic style! My mom wore a lot of cowboy boots and fringe back in the late 80's to early 90's.
ReplyDeleteMarissa
treetopnest.blogspot.com
You're mom is seriously so beautiful! with her long straight hair parted down the middle, she had such a sweet style!
ReplyDelete*your....whoops!
ReplyDeleteTobby looks like you when you were a baby, it's incredible !!!
ReplyDeleteso beautiful . i love this style . . so lovely blog /.
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That first picture? I could have sworn that was you!
ReplyDeleteMy mom had awesome style when she was in high school, first got married and when my brother and I were little. Really, she has only started dressing "older" in the past 10 years. She still isn't old though, she just says she is age appropriate. :)
So beautiful. I love the first one and the one on the boat. You should try to recreate that one with Toby :)
ReplyDeletewhich one is you on the 6th picture from the top? the one on the right?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous photos! Your mom is beautiful. I love looking through old photos of my mom as well. Her style was impeccable and I always wish she had kept those clothes so I could wear them now! I should take your suggestion and try to shop my closet to recreate them.
ReplyDeleteUm is it weird if I want to Pin these photos of your mom and use them for style inspiration? These are amazing and I know just what you mean about her style. Also, can we talk about that hair flip? These are great!
ReplyDeleteYour mom was so beautiful when she was young! And you really look so much like her, it's amazing!
ReplyDeletealso, Joanna, this is a weird question, but would you mind if I drew or painted a version of that first photo? I just love it. it would not be for sale or anything, just for me...
ReplyDeleteHi Joanna
ReplyDeleteI love how you put your personal life on the blog and I've been wondering why you never talked about your parents break up/divorce. Since it's a very personal thing, speacially for your parents, maybe you could say how it felt from your point of view, etc. You're so good talking about life events and I think it's a great topÃc. Anyway, just a suggestion.
OMG fifth picture of you and Lucy, you guys look so much like Toby!
ReplyDeleteI love tomboy style!
ReplyDeleteI just noticed the QEII photo...I was on that boat as a baby too, when my family was moving back from Paris. I think you should definitely try to emulate that style, it's classic and emphasizes your mom's natural beauty
ReplyDeleteLooking at the pictures of you as a baby, I realized how much Toby looks like you! Your mum is beautiful! My own mum passed away when I was young, so one of the only ways I have to remember her is to look at pictures of her back in the 80s. She had a very classic style. :)
ReplyDeleteAgree with others! The first thing I thought was how much Toby looks like you!
ReplyDeleteYou look so very much like your mother and your baby photos look exactly like your son!
ReplyDeleteVive la family!!
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these are beautiful! this has inspired me to post pics of my mother's style. i always remember my mother's peep toe heels. i'm excited to look through her old photos and do an exact post.
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I love old photos! It's crazy to think that someday our photos will look vintage and akward
ReplyDeleteYour mother is lovely!
thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteThose yellow suits are awesome!
ReplyDeleteShe really shines, what a beautiful woman.
ReplyDeletei love it. and it makes me feel better about not wanting to dress girly. i like pants! but i'm not as fancy as katherine hepburn. i'm an adult tomboy! and that's okay. :)
ReplyDeleteOh man, that first picture is amazing. Love the style and love being tomboyish.
ReplyDeletethe pic of you and your sis in striped hats looks just like toby! the both of them!
ReplyDeleteONE OF MY FAVORITE POSTS EVER!
ReplyDeleteMy mom and aunt are twins too and I loved their style. I wrote about it on my blog once. ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://redletterdayact.blogspot.com/2010/08/back-in-old-days.html
Joanna, these photos are amazing. Some of them look like styled catalog shoots.
ReplyDeleteYou're right! She does look incredibly beautiful in these tomboy looks! My mum is stylish, but remembers to dress her age too, which I
ReplyDeleteThink is equally important
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These photos are amazing! Your family seems way cool. Such an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos. I hope that we look just as stylish to our daughters and sons on day!
ReplyDeleteI love the collared, button-down, sleeves rolled with a sweater over top look! So glad it's making a comeback and your mom looked super stylish! -jb.
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Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMy mom is my style/life/love inspiration as well.
http://herworldlyaspires.tumblr.com/post/12576211159/my-hot-hot-mama
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I love the tomboy look-- especially since it is so comfortable. My kids also tend to go for the tomboy look. We found some great summer clothes at Burlington Coat Factory that had that feminine touch with a tomboy appeal. We got great prices on some designer brand name clothes.
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