Mom Knows Best: Tailor Your Pants or Look Like a Slob

While walking down Sixth Avenue, after a pleasant preview of the latest jewelry from Whiting & Davis, I was appalled to see a woman with extra long pants. Did she think the sidewalk needed extra sweeping? Ah, so maybe she was performing a sanitation mitzvah? But, probably not! She clearly was never taught the value of good tailoring.

I can't tell you how many hours I spent in an apartment on Brighton Beach, waiting for my mother, grandmother, sister and eventually myself to get our pants marked up by Edita, a magical seamstress. The ladies in my family are short, about 5'1 on average; there are very few pants we own that aren't tailored. In fact, not only do we hem pants, we take them in all over when the style is unique and the price is right (ex: Versace pants from Loehmann's for $50 + $15 for alterations!). For several extra dollars, it's worth having perfectly fit pants. That's the gem of wisdom my mom and grandma instilled in me from an early age. 

Lady on the street, if you're reading this, please spend $5-$10 so that we don't have to see your sad looking, extra long pant legs again. All I want is for you to look good and feel great. There is NO way you are feeling confident walking around like this. 

Mom Knows Best: Looking Good Equals Feeling Good

Me and Mom aka Style Icon/Mamager/Banana-bread Baker

Growing up, we didn't have a lot of money, but my mother instilled in us the need to always look put together, irregardless of budget. My sister, Michelle, and I had no excuses, and no point of destination that didn't require a well-thought-out ensemble. We learned that when we look good, it helped us feel good, which in turn bred confidence and helped us fight through whatever life threw our way.  

Yes, style isn't just about the must-haves of the season. Style and personal grooming are tools I use to smile through even the darkest of days with confidence, grace and panache. 

Three years ago, my motto, looking good equals feeling good, was put to the test when my father passed away from a rare vasculitis disease. Days after his  funeral, I vividly remember my mother telling us, "Nobody should feel sorry for you. Always look your best." It may sound trivial to get your hair done or put on a nice shirt, after such a monumental lose, but we did it, as we always had, to forge ahead.  

Here's to always looking good, feeling great, respecting ourselves and getting through anything, one sassy stiletto at a time. 

And remember, no excuses. Always be your best you!