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ofhoneyandrosepetals · 6 years

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We Move Lightly - Chapter 2

Pairing: Modern!Ivar x reader

Description: Y/N moved back in with her parents, after 7 years of taking care of her grandparents in another town. She had no idea how her neighbors would be, or who would they be, or even that she would fall in love with one of them.

Warnings: an usual swear.

Word count: 2.189

A/N: This chapter is a little longer than the first; just a keep up on a normal Sunday. Maybe we will see things in Ivar’s POV in chapter 3? Who knows? Enjoy <3

Read the first chapter here // next chapter // want to be in the taglist? just let me know! // masterlist

“Am I going mad?” you ask to yourself while looking to your ceiling. “I think I might be going mad.”

“Honey?” your mom knocks three times. “Who are you talking to?”

“To God.”

It was a joke between you two. Your grandma, mom of your mom, the one you used to live with, was known to say that, when someone was talking to themselves, the person was actually talking to God, in a hidden pray.

Neither you nor your mother saw much of a sense in that.

“Can I come in?”

“Always.”

Your mom brought with her her sweetest smile and a plate of chocolate chip cookies. You immediately sat and grabbed one cookie.

“That was something with the Lothbroks, don’t you think?”

Biting your cookie, you answer: “the fight?” Your mom nods her head. “Well, their life is based upon screams, so I don’t know,” you clean your hands on your blanket and your mom complains between laughs. You laugh too.

“Sigurd was mad about their, his mother. They were arguing about that.”

“Oh,” that’s all what you say, all you can manage.

“You don’t really care, right sweetie?” You shrug.

“It’s just not of my business.”

“You’ve always been like that,” your mom touches your hair, smiling. “I saw you and Ivar talking. Was he nice?”

“Yeah, why he wouldn’t be?”

“You seemed a bit scared.”

“He appeared all of a sudden, out of nowhere. I was distracted.”

You and your mom chit chatted a little bit more, about your research paper, about when your father would be back and how good the cookies were.

But with various things to dream of, you dreamed about Ivar’s eyes.

It wasn’t a surprise you woke up with Ice-Cream-Desire. You called like that because your father called like that. And your father called like that because it was a family thing; someone one day would have that strong desire of ice cream, and nothing could stop The Journey. The Journey is when you would go get your ice cream.

Your family was silly, you knew, and that’s what made them the best.

It was Sunday and you could feel the smell of barbecue coming from the Lothbroks’ backyard.

That smell gave you courage to get up from the comfort of your bed and pillows and go to The Journey.

You put on the lightest clothes - it was spring, after all -, warned your mom where you were heading and grabbed your little green backpack, placing it between your shoulder blades.

You were walking, feeling and enjoying the hot air, the sun warming your skin, feeling and seeing the light, even with closed eyes, when someone greets you.

“Hey, neighbor!”

Surprised, you open your eyes to look.

It was one of Ragnar’s sons, but you couldn’t tell which, but it wasn’t Ivar.

He had long and dark blonde hair and a playful eyes and smile. He looked at you as if about to undress you.

“Hey,” you manage, trying to pass the message: fuck off.

But you couldn’t help it: you saw he was carrying lots and lots of boxes. Boxes that were full of Legos.

A bowl full of ice cream; that’s what you needed to continue to watch the Lothbroks playing with those Legos.

They were what?, 20 to 25 years old maybe? Why on Earth would they be playing with that?

All of them had Lego swords and were fighting with them, every and each beat making an explosion of Legos, destroying the swords.

They were laughing, pure joy printed on their faces.

All over their yard you could see a fortress which, of course, was built of Legos.

Then you saw Ivar; you haven’t noticed him, at least not yet. He also had a sword and was crawling among the fortress, destroying it, screaming. It was clear it was part of the play, because one of his brothers started to fight with him, laughing.

All of that was too weird and funny, but you’ve had enough.

Even though of Ivar crawling on the ground, you somehow found that cute.

You took the book you’re currently reading outside, along with a glass of lemonade. Summer vacations were close, and nothing better to get in the mood with The Body, by Stephen King. You laid down on the grass of your backyard, belly down, feet wrapped up in the air. At some point, the sprinklers got to their work, leaving water drops marks on the yellowed pages of your book.

The Lothbroks brothers were still engaged in their Lego play and sometimes, besides the birds singing, you could hear their laugh and screams - those you classified as good ones, because they were screams of joy, or as part of the play, or simply because they needed to be overheard over all that mess of a sound.

You were so concentrated in your plot, Gordon running from that dog, trying as hard as he could to keep his balls in place, that you didn’t notice - after all, how could you? - Hvitserk climbing the wood fence that kept your houses separate. You only knew that that had happened when you heard the sound of someone landing on ground, followed by an “ouch”. With that, you look up.

You see a guy, about your age, a little older, standing in front of you, wearing a devilish grin. You recognized him as the guy early in the day with the boxes full of Legos. An urge to scream filled your body, but only one thing kept it down: the Lego sword in the guy’s hand. That was too ridiculous to be true. You kept a blank stare.

“Yo, neighbor!” the guy greeted you. Yo? Really?, you think, raising your eyebrows. “Second time today, huh?” you frown your brow, clearly annoyed, but he didn’t seemed to notice it, or prefered to ignore it. “Watcha reading there?”

You close your book, making sure the cover wasn’t visible to his eyes. “You wouldn’t like it,” a playful smile starts to grow in his lips. “Look, I’ll probably break a rule right now-”

“A rule?” he furrowed his brow but you ignore it and continue.

“But,” you get up on your feet. “Since you, basically, invaded my ‘land’, I should at least know who you are.”

“Are you asking my name, neighbor?” it was so clear what his expression meant that you were about to lose your patience - as if by the fact that he landed in your yard wasn’t enough.

“Oh my god,” you roll your eyes; chin ups, hands covering your face, you sigh and adds under your hands: “Just get out. Please.”

“I need to do something first,” what?

“What?” you uncover your face, staring at him.

“I’m Hvitserk, by the way,” he was going to the end of your yard, just by the corner, where you could see a little bunch of scrambled earth.

“By the way? There’s no ‘by the way’ situation here,” you started to lose it.

If, when you first heard they fighting, screaming, you had imagined that this would happen, you would have already built a tall brick wall, replacing that wood fence.

Hvitserk was now on his knees on the grass, starting to dig the spot.

“What are you doing?!” he ignored you, and when he stood up, with something in his hands, you didn’t even bothered to see what it was - actually, you couldn’t give less of a shit -, because you completely lost it. “Oh my fucking god, get out! Get out of my fucking yard!” You were pushing him to the fence, fisting him everywhere you could. He was already climbing the fence.

“Ow, ow, alright,” he laughed a little. When he was about to get into his side, you grabbed his shin and simply pushed him to his side, to make it faster. “Oh, shit,” you heard him swear and then falling heavily.

You turned your back, supporting yourself against the fence, passing your hands through your face. What the hell was that? You could hear the Lothbroks boys celebrating, but one of them sweared, a tone of impatience and anger. Then you heard one simple knock on the wood plank and you turned your head, even though you couldn’t see who was on the other side, of course.

“I’m sorry about that,” you thought it was Ivar’s voice, but you couldn’t be sure, since you had spoken to him only once and it was very quick.

Making a bun, you took a deep breath and your book - left on the ground -, going back inside, calling for your mom.

With the incident that took place in the last week and what had just happened, somehow you couldn’t no longer ignore that family. In fact, it grew some curiosity inside of you about them, even though Hvitserk got in your nerves.

It’s time to make some questions to your mom.

You find her by the kitchen, making pancakes. You didn’t even needed to ask why, because this is a normal thing. Your mom is a big supporter of the cause “Breakfast Food Anytime During the Day.” “What if I want to eat pancakes during the afternoon? What stops me?” she had said once. “Nothing really stops you, mom,” you told her. After that, your mom often would make pancakes at any time. At that moment, that precious woman was making your favorite: chip chocolate pancakes.

You decided to first tell her what happened before asking about the Lothbroks’ life.

“Hey, mom. I just saw Hvitserk, huh… How can I say that?” you mom looked at you. “He climbed our fence and then digged something… in our yard…”

“Oh yeah, Ubbe asked me for permission! It’s for their Sunday thing, it’s part of their game. Like a treasure, something like that. They like to bond.”

“Couldn’t you, I don’t know, tell me that? Hvitserk scared the shit out of me.”

“I’m sorry, honey, I thought you would be out for the whole day. I didn’t expected you to come home any soon, specially with that sun and sky… I thought you would go visit a museum or other thing like that.”

You bit your bottom lip and nodded, staying in silence, watching your mom while she cooked.

“So, mom…” you start again, sitting at the island kitchen.

“I know this voice tone…” she smiles. You laugh.

“What does Ragnar Lothbrok works with?”

“He works in a Maritime companion. Actually, he owns it. It’s a pretty famous one. Importation, exportation… these kind of things.”

“And Aslaug?”

“She takes care of its finances. That’s how they met, actually - Ragnar and Aslaug.”

“But she seems to be always home.”

“After Ivar’s birth she got a home office, to ease things. They are very close.”

“Ivar and Aslaug? Yeah, I can imagine that. Do you know anything about the others?”

“Wow, Y/N, what happened?” Your mom look at you with playful eyes. “Got intrigued by them, huh? They’re all very handsome…”

“Mom.”

“Okay, okay. Ubbe is the oldest. He works with Ragnar and is the most likely to heir the company. And when I say with Ragnar, I mean alongside. In Law talking, Ubbe is a partner; all of his sons work there, but Ubbe got the most important position between them - even won from Ragnar’s first-born. I don’t know much about Hvitserk, but Sigurd studies Music and every two months is in a different band.”

Your mom did a pause to serve you the pancakes; you waited patiently, since you didn’t want to ask about Ivar - it would get obvious.

“And then there’s Ivar. If I recall well, he studies some kind of Engineering. He makes projects to a close friend of Ragnar, as an internship. This Ragnar’s friend does some gigs for the company, I think.”

“You know a lot about them, mom.”

“You just forgot I’m very close to Aslaug,” she winks.

It was already late at night and you were getting prepared to sleep, looking at your window.

The room that took place right in front of yours got its lights on. You didn’t know to whom the room was, but then you see Ivar coming in, crutch in one hand, Lego sword in another. He yawned and scratched his nape with the tip of the Lego sword.

You took a look on their backyard: it was a mess of colourful blocks.

When you looked back to Ivar’s window, he was looking at you, astonished.

Your heart started to race.

Why?, you thought.

Ivar smiled, shyly, and waved a hand at you. That was the sword’s hand and, when you saw that coloured thing waving at you, you burst out laughing, without even thinking twice.

Ivar’s expression was confused, but soon enough he realized the reason you were laughing, and dropped the toy. He looked around him, embarrassed, but looking back at you in the end.

You smiled gently and closed your curtains, slowly.

The last thing you saw was Ivar smiling, looking down.

Yes, your heartbeat was definitely faster.

Taglist: @mblaqgi @akamaiden @dangerousvikings @oddsnendsfanfics @deepdarkred @irishhiggins @tinypuppysoul @kingbouji3 @loothbrok @capitanostella @artanakin

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fashiontrendin-blog · 6 years

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We Recreated Some of Our Moms’ Most Iconic Outfits

http://fashion-trendin.com/we-recreated-some-of-our-moms-most-iconic-outfits/

We Recreated Some of Our Moms’ Most Iconic Outfits

There’s something about an old photo of a mom that exudes glamour, don’t you think? The mom in question could be wearing denim shorts and a tank top and sitting in a basement full of trash and still look absolutely, positively enchanting. What is that?!?! I’m not sure. Maybe it’s the telltale sepia tone of a bygone era, the visible signs of passé sartorial trends, the gentle revelation that the expanse of this person’s life is so much wider than the juncture at which she became a parent or all of the above.

In honor of Mother’s Day, Team Man Repeller recreated outfits from treasured photos of our moms to pay homage to them, their styles and the impact they’ve had on us. Find them below, and deposit your own favorite mom photos in the comments.

Harling (Me)

How old my mom was in this photo:

32.

A little about her outfit and why she was wearing it:

My mom told me that we were in Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic when this photo was taken. She’s holding my sister Lizzy, who was four months old, and I am the recently minted two-year-old on the floor demanding to take her place. My mom couldn’t remember much about the outfit except that the batik shorts she was wearing came with a matching top that she swapped out for a black tank because “Lizzy spit up on it.” She recalled that the shorts had a comfortable waistband, which she appreciated after recently having a baby. When I asked her how she felt in the outfit at the time, she said, “I was much more focused on yours and Lizzy’s outfits than my own because I had only just discovered the thrill of being able to dress two kids in coordinating ensembles, so I didn’t think about my own clothes that much.”

What it was like to recreate the outfit myself:

Quite easy, in the sense that the outfit was made up of very simple components. I just wish I owned batik shorts!

How my mom has influenced my style:

In countless, profound ways. She typically gravitates towards bright colors and patterns and unusual shapes, and she loves piecing them together into outfits that feel very much her. I was surprised I couldn’t find an old photo in which her maximalist aesthetic was more apparent, but she told me that when my sisters and I were little, she prioritized wearing stuff that was easy to wash and move around in. Her sense of style as I know it didn’t actually take root until I was a teenager. In hindsight, I guess that makes sense; my teens were a seminal time for me in terms of coming into my own style, and I found a lot of inspiration in my mom’s wardrobe and perspective. She is definitely the reason I am who I am when it comes to style, and because of that, the reason I work in the fashion industry, and because of that, the reason I get to wake up every morning and do something I love. I can’t imagine a greater gift besides life itself, which she gave me, too. Moms, man.

Leandra

How old was your mom in this photo?

34.

Tell me about her outfit and why she was wearing it.

We were in Mougins, which is a small town in the South of France that used to be inhabited by and visited by loads of artists. It was also a center that produced florals, and the economy there is still more or less driven by the production and sales of scented soaps and various other things that smell good. We were there for dinner, and my brother Haim (next to me) was being a shithead because he gives zero fucks about soap, so I recall that my mom was trying to get him to smile. She purchased the skirt she was wearing that same day! I actually own it currently.

What was it like to recreate the outfit yourself?

I thought it would be a cop-out to use the same skirt but don’t have another in the same silhouette, so I went the route of approximating colors for the base look and actual products for the accessories — cue fanny pack and summery-ass closed-toe shoes. I’m pretty comfortable with how it turned out, to the extent that I actually ended up wearing the outfit for the rest of the day.

How has your mom influenced your style?

More than I give her credit for. I spent years combing through her closet when I was a kid and was always so surprised by how the clothes looked on their hangers or folded in the closet vs. how they looked when she wore them — like completely different garments! She taught me everything I know about building a sense of personal style. I can already tell that I will regret saying that on record! She won’t let me live it down. But it’s true, Mama.

Amelia

How old was your mom in this photo?

31 (which means I was a year old!).

Tell me about her outfit and why she was wearing it.

We were at a park in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, visiting family friends. It was spring. My mom was wearing her favorite high-waist jeans (“which had zipper ankles, by the way”), a white ribbed tank top and a boxy peach cotton knit cable with a hat, of course; my mom wore a hat every single day until we moved to San Francisco. She was barefoot in this photo but owned a pair of white huaraches that she wore to their death — they were likely paired with this outfit earlier in the day.

What was it like to recreate the outfit yourself?

I already had one of the two most important pieces of this outfit (not including the baby): the sweater. I’d call my version “close-enough”; I got it recently after a friend who works at J.Crew sent it to me, but I had been searching for an equivalent of my mom’s sweater in this photo my whole life. (She doesn’t have it anymore.) The hat was the second most important part, because when I think of my mom, I think of big, big curls (although at this time in her life she had super short hair and a braided “rat’s tail” down her back; very ’80s) and a wide-brimmed straw hat. I borrowed this one from the Man Repeller fashion closet and tucked my hair into it — something I wouldn’t mind doing again in the future. I had no idea I’d like how this looks on me! I also really like how much it makes me look like my mom.

How has your mom influenced your style?

My mom’s style sways far more “bohemian”/vintage than mine. I tend to lean more “preppy,” like my mom in the top half of this photo, and her mom’s mom/my grandmother, Mimi. There’s a clear and direct line between my mom’s style and my own love for white button-downs, black one-piece swimsuits and anything “cozy,” but I’d say my mom’s greatest influence on my personal style has always been in her limitless support of my “sartorial self-expression.” With every phase I went through, she wasn’t just on board, but a full accomplice: She made me custom bell bottoms when I was in the sixth grade and the ’60s and ’70s were back among the Limited Too set. She took me to dip-dye my hair pink and helped source a multitude of spikes during my “punk” phase. The list goes on. Today, it translates a little more literally into home decor (she’s my interior decorator/consultant/treasure hunter), but she’s still without a doubt my favorite person to go shopping for clothes with!

Crystal

How old was your mom in this photo?

28.

Tell me about her outfit and why she was wearing it.

First, hi Mama, happy Mother’s Day, I love you endlessly! Mom says that this photo was taken Christmas day, when we were all on our way to my grandma’s house for dinner. She says she felt incredibly happy because she was on her way to her mom’s house. The outfit she’s wearing pretty much sums up my mom’s overall aesthetic. She’s incredibly put-together and buttoned-up, but always manages to maintain a little bit of an edge.

What was it like to recreate the outfit yourself?

Well it wasn’t super easy, because much to the chagrin of Lydia (my mom), I do not own a cable-knit sweater or slacks. BUT I was able to style an outfit that honored her original look while also staying true to my personal style. I would toootalllyyyyy wear this again, even though I probably wouldn’t have put these pieces together in the first place had I not been trying to recreate her look.

How has your mom influenced your style?

I always say that “I am because she is” and “she is because Ella Mae (my grandma/her mom) was.” My grandma had impeccable style, and my mom passed down her style rules to me. We have VERY different tastes, but I do follow some of her style rules word-for-word:

1. Spend money on good shoes. 2. If you see a thrift store, don’t pass it by. 3. Save your money for quality pieces instead of investing in cheap garments that won’t last.

Louisiana

How old was your mom in this photo?

She says she was 29!

Tell me about her outfit and why she was wearing it.

It was her “Saturday outfit.” She remembers that because she was wearing jeans, which she wouldn’t wear to work during the week. I think it is kind of representative of her taste and style now. She still wears a lot of minimal, classic pieces.

What was it like to recreate the outfit yourself?

It was actually really easy for me to recreate this outfit since it consisted of two really basic items (black long-sleeved top and medium-wash jeans) that I already had in my wardrobe. I’ve definitely worn this outfit before, and more than once! The only thing I didn’t have were the peep-toe shoes, but other than that, it was so cool to see how her outfit withstood the test of time.

Elizabeth

How old was your mom in this photo?

25, a year younger than I am now.

Tell me about her outfit and why she was wearing it.

My mom was on her honeymoon in London in this photograph. She says she chose the outfit because “it was the ’80s” — touché, Mom. It was kind of a combination of clothes she would wear to downtown clubs and more conservative stuff. She had just taken the bar exam and was about to start practicing law. Gotta dress the part! The skirt was from Fiorucci and the jacket was Levi’s.

What was it like to recreate the outfit yourself?

A little tricky — most of my mom’s photos are in storage sadly. Also I will not wear a skirt this length ever again because I don’t like the length on me. I wish I’d been able to find a navy or black polo like hers because I love how she wore it.

Has your mom influenced your style?

Yes, of course she has — she is an icon. 🙂 But I think I’ve influenced hers, too!

Nora

How old was your mom in this photo?

33 (she’s the brunette in the front in the overalls).

Tell me about her outfit and why she was wearing it.

My mom was an actress/model for a bit in her youth, and this was backstage at the western-themed dinner theater show she did.

What was it like to recreate the outfit yourself?

Easy, I basically wear this outfit all the time.

How has your mom influenced your style?

The older I get, the more I dress like my mother: in low-key outfits that prioritize comfort, with some sort of statement accessory.

Haley

How old was your mom in this photo?

24!

Tell me about her outfit and why she was wearing it.

From my mom: “I totally know where I was: Waimea Canyon, Kauai, on my honeymoon in August 1984. I remember the moment well because as we stood there, we watched clouds approach, rain all over us, and then move on. I’d never experienced something like that. But I don’t remember the outfit specifically or the tube sock (?!) situation. From all the other photos from that trip, it does seem to be pretty standard dress for me though. I laugh about those rolled up sleeves — that had just become a thing. I remember we all suddenly started doing it because it made our T-shirts look more stylish and feminine. And of course I had on large cheap sunglasses — very me. I now find it hard to imagine I wore such short shorts. I would never remember that about myself! I do remember the honeymoon was so fun though. We were from Colorado, so Hawaii seemed like another land.”

What was it like to recreate the outfit yourself?

I purposely chose this photo because I love it and immediately recognized how easy it would be to replicate it with my own clothes. I draw a lot of inspiration from the ’80s when I dress casually like this, so it was a perfect fit. How cool does she look?! My mom has been perpetually tan her whole life (something she did not pass on to me), so I look considerably less carefree and sun-kissed than she does. Also less relaxed, but I’ll blame that on my living in New York and her vacationing in Hawaii. Either way though, I felt great and ready to jog at a moment’s notice. I didn’t want to take it off (and didn’t).

How has your mom influenced your style?

My mom always claims she has little interest in fashion, but her incredible backlog of stylish photographs says otherwise! Looking back, I can see the distinct thread of ’80s influence in her style throughout her 20s, 30s and 40s. The fun jackets and oversize blazers and big hair — all things I associated with making a woman look grown-up — were really just things my mom loved. Those are the things that make me feel grown-up now, too. I even have a couple of her old blazers for special occasions. Today, my mom’s not much into material things, but I still relish the times we get ready together. There’s something uniquely comforting to me about keeping her company while she blows her hair dry and helping her pick out a necklace. It reminds me of sitting in her bathroom as a kid, watching her “freshen up” with a keen, unwavering interest.

Matt

How old was your mom in this photo?

27.

Tell me about her outfit and why she was wearing it.

This photo was snapped at my dad’s med school graduation party. When asked about the inspo for this particular look, my mom said it was a simple time and she prioritized function over aesthetic — especially since budgets were tight and “her world revolved around me” or whatever (thanks, Mom!).

What was it like to recreate the outfit yourself?

It was difficult in the sense that I was hopeful this assignment would provide an excuse for me to purchase the denim onesie of my dreams, but alas I couldn’t find one in time. It was fun putting this together (full transparency: the pieces are mine, but the styling was fully my boyfriend’s) and I was feeling it! 10/10 would wear again.

Has your mom influenced your style?

Umm…I stole one of her cropped denim jackets from the basement last time I was home and now wear it regularly, so if by “influenced” you mean “unwittingly contributed to” — YES!

Patty

How old was your mom in this photo?

26!

Tell me about her outfit and why she was wearing it.

Mary Anne is in her element here: hanging poolside on a sunny day in a breezy outfit with a brand-spanking new human — me! This outfit is pretty indicative of her style; my mom looks beautiful in color and she keeps it radically simple. Example: my brother was two years old when this was taken, and my mom’s solution to him constantly pulling her hair was to cut it into this pixie.

What was it like to recreate the outfit yourself?

It made me realize that I don’t really own ANY yellow tops. I ordered this T-shirt from Amazon, settled for wearing white denim shorts and jazzed it up with some fun earrings and red slides in lieu of my mom’s cool red plaid. This T-shirt probably won’t get that much action, but I am soooo very into the idea of summer plaid. Eyes peeled!

How has your mom influenced your style?

My mom has always been supportive and endlessly patient with my style choices. I wanted to chop my hair off? Cool, let’s do it. I wanted to wear pink leggings with a (slightly different shade of) pink top covered with rainbow beads? Okay then! My mom influenced my style mostly by being a determined ally in fueling my independence.

Imani

Vintage shorts, belt, top, bag

How old was your mom in this photo?

19.

Tell me about her outfit and why she was wearing it.

This photograph was actually taken on my mom’s college campus. She was dolled up just for a regular day of class (I truly am my mother’s child). She was taking #OOTD pics before social media even existed! From what she remembers, she felt pretty cool — my mom was a New York City girl on an upstate campus, so she had a leg up in the style department.

What was it like to recreate the outfit yourself?

Recreating my mom’s outfit was quite easy, as many ’80s/’90s silhouettes have persisted through today. The twist was the styling; without this photo, I probably never would have paired my oversize jorts with an equally oversized button-down. Now that I’ve given it a try, I’ll probably be repeating this look all summer — you’ve been warned.

How has your mom influenced your style?

My mom has never let me leave the house without a pair of earrings, which I believe spawned my obsession for huge ones.

Starling

How old was your mom in this photo?

23 (my age!).

Tell me about her outfit and why she was wearing it.

Her older sister Polly took it while visiting my mom in Paris. She says it was right before ripping up sweatshirts became trendy due to Dirty Dancing.

What was it like to recreate the outfit yourself?

Adding a chambray romper to my wishlist as we speak. Sadly, a dress had to do for my recreation due to this wardrobe limitation.

Has your mom influenced your style?

Heck. Yes. In the fashion sense but also in her style of speaking, collaborating and creating. I’ve always admired her ability to see the value in people’s differences. I credit that skill for empowering her to found an elementary school in my hometown called Touchstone Academy, which gives kids a chance to learn in their own unique ways in a hands-on, supportive environment. I was a student there, and she was my principal!

Edith

How old was your mom in this photo?

I’d guess 27.

Tell me about her outfit and why she was wearing it.

I didn’t ask her because I wanted it to be a surprise, so this is mostly speculation — sound off in the comments, Mom! (JK!) Though I do know that this photo was taken by a friend whom we still know. I’m pretty sure the coffee is from a Korean deli they used to go to together. They’re in Central Park, it’s a quintessential autumn day and she’s nothing if not dressed for practicality with the heavy jacket and the fancifully tied scarf. That’s my dad’s hand — he painted a portrait of the full photo, too! Did I answer your question here? Not really! Thanks for playing!

What was it like to recreate the outfit yourself?

I definitely ended up feeling more like an impersonator. To my disappointment, the Anthora coffee cup did not function as a time-travel device. I subbed in my favorite light bomber jacket from Equipment, though I ended up regretting my own lapse in judgment re: not finding a leather jacket to perfectly replicate her autumnal Central Park look. I totally fumbled on the side part. My mom and I are sharing the neck scarf I’m wearing (designed by the illustrious Happy Menocal for Moda Operandi) after going to the showcase together, so I was happy to have a chance to include it/have the outfit recreation come full circle in a funny way.

How has your mom influenced your style?

My mom’s style continues to be more refined and tasteful than my own, so I’m still trying to keep up and learn from her. The best wisdom she is slowly imparting upon me is how to dress practically with personality (her sense of color is divine). I definitely wish we still had this chic leather jacket!

Jasmin

How old was your mom in this photo?

38.

Tell me about her outfit, and why she was wearing it.

She was on holiday in Israel in the Negev desert. They had just been on a drive and here she’s sitting down to have some tea (of course). Given the activity she wanted to wear something light and comfortable but also needed a jumper on her shoulders as the temperature in the desert can suddenly drop in the evenings. And a hat because sun protection is a must – she likes to say it’s primarily for function but we all know it’s more than that. Side note: my mum and my dad had his and hers versions of these shoes and matching jackets in the same color suede. Both were worn regularly in my formative years. She felt comfortable and appropriate for the activity – it’s a very her look, similar to her style now too.

What was it like to recreate the outfit yourself?

I initially had a different outfit in mind, one that included high-waisted LIME GREEN jeans with matching loafers. However, we could find the photo so opted for this one. For the most part it was pretty simple to re-create, but I couldn’t of done it without Eliz’s help! I kind of love it, felt very chic and put together. May add to my roster of summer outfits.

How has your mom influenced your style?

I like that she always swings between simple and chic to colorful and fun – growing up sometimes she’d be in a crisp white shirt and checked waistcoat and then other days in lime green jeans or bright red kaftans. I think I’m definitely in a similar mindset with my style at the moment where I don’t feel confined to just one type of look. Looking through old photos for this shoot was definitely an inspiration booster!

Ashley

How old was your mom in this photo?

She was fresh out of college so probably 22.

Tell me about her outfit, and why she was wearing it.

This photo was taken the week of college graduation. She had graduated early but went back to school to walk in the big ceremony so it was her first time seeing a lot of her college friends in months. She wore a blazer and a sweater to let the world know she was grown-up and sophisticated but she was also still fun and Debbie so she kept it chill with her favorite clothing item: shorts.

What was it like to recreate the outfit yourself?

My mom and I are complete opposites style-wise. I suspect it’s because she’s very short so she gravitates towards patterns in order to stand out. She sent me a slew of photos that I couldn’t even begin to fathom recreating using my own wardrobe. We are both big shorts people, though, which made that part easy.

How has your mom influenced your style?

A few years ago my mom did a mega wardrobe clean-out and I started going through a lot of old things that I’d never even seen her in. I kept some of her cool T-shirts and random jewelry. A few years ago, when I stopped wearing only jeans and plain tanks, I realized how fun it was to use her random pieces to dress up my otherwise boring wardrobe. I’ve also adopted her mantra that you can never have too many shoes, which stresses out my New York closet.

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yesterdaysdreams · 6 years

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40 Fabulous Graduation Gift Ideas

Graduation Gift Ideas

With my baby brother graduating this year, I was stumped for gift ideas. Although I tried to remember my favorite graduation gifts, let’s just say my memory was a bit rusty. Plus, my one of my favorite gifts was a camera that took actual film (ah, the good old days)! Times have definitely changed.

So I turned to YOU! We {heart} our Facebook fans; you are a plethora of creativity! I asked for the best graduation gifts ideas you’ve ever given or received, and boy did you respond. So with your help, here are 40 fabulous graduation gift ideas that are gender neutral and perfect for every grad in your life!

Money/Gift Cards for Graduation Gift Ideas

Although impersonal, money and gift cards can be exactly what a poor new grad needs to tackle the big world. On the other hand, if you’d like to be a little more creative than just a bill tucked in a card, check out these creative ideas!

1. Money rolled in a tissue box

Take out the tissues in a tissue box and roll up bills instead. Then add a cute saying and you will quickly alleviate any homesickness.

2. Write a check for their graduation year

While a check written for $20.17 might get an initial quizzical look, it will be followed by a good laugh. You definitely get points for being creative. Bonus points if the check is for $2017.00.

3. Dave Ramsey’s “Graduate’s Survival Guide”

So many of you raved about this gift set that I am tempted to get it for myself! In a world ruled by credit and over-spending, many new grads can find themselves drowning quickly. Give them a head start by learning about credit cards, part-time jobs, and student loans.

4. Shell Silverstein’s “The Giving Tree” with a surprise inside

Once there was a tree…and she loved a little boy. If you’re tearing up already, this poem turned into a book about friendship, sacrifice, and generosity is the perfect gift for your special grad. Stick a few surprise bills inside and they have a gift to treasure forever.

5. Gift cards to local restaurants

One of a mother’s significant worries, among many, are “Will my child starve?” Give your grad a few gift cards to local eateries where they will be going to college or settling down.

6. Grocery store gift cards

Just enter any college town grocery store and they are milling with malnourished students hovering around the ramen noodles. When living on a tight budget, a grocery store gift card can be a lifesaver.

7. Gas cards

Another necessity for every new grad. Give them a gas card with the expectations that they are to visit home often!

8. Gift card to the college store

If you know where they are going to college, help a new grad buy those over-priced textbooks, or get some fresh new collegiate gear to wear on game day.

9. Movie tickets

The post-high school dating scene can be tough when you have about $5 to your name. Give your grad a slight advantage with two movie tickets for a special date night.

10. Stock shares

A creative and smart investment, buy your new grad shares in a company of their choice. They will love having ownership and watching their money grow.

Practical Gifts for Graduation Gift Ideas

They may not be the most exciting or glamorous gifts but guaranteed your grad will appreciate those gifts looong after the tassels are turned and the caps tossed in the air.

11. Luggage

Our Facebook fans’ number top gift recommendation, so many of you share the tradition of gifting luggage for graduation.

12. Toolset

This gift was one of my personal favorites and many of you agreed. Getting a toolset, although lackluster at first, has come in “handy” throughout life.

13. A car kit with jumper cables:

This gift, plus a free lesson in basic car maintenance, is perfect for both guys and girls headed out on their own.

14. First aid kit with medicine

We all want our mommies when the slightest sign of the sniffles hit. But when mom’s not there, what better than a first aid kit loaded with medicine to treat every ailment.

15. Cookbooks

Don’t let them use “I don’t know how to cook” as an excuse for fast food three meals a day.

16. Cooking lessons

If you combine this gift with #15 above they will {hopefully} avoid that freshman fifteen.

17. The Pampered Chef Micro-Cooker

Many of you raved about this little cooking beauty that made dorm cooking so much easier. For $20, a novice chef can cook a gourmet meal right in the microwave.

18. Scentsy warmer and scent packs

Dorm rooms literally stink. Mask the musk with a plug-in warmer filled with delicious fragrances that will smell like home sweet home.

19. A nice set of clothes

For job interviews, work, or formal engagements that require a professional look.

20. A quality backpack

A person could count toting around college books as their daily workout. Those things can be heavy! Therefore a quality backpack is a must for any college-bound grad.

21. Global Positioning System (GPS)

Many smartphones already have them, but a GPS is a great idea for anyone heading out for adventures of their own.

Gift Baskets for a Graduate Gift Ideas

Gift baskets are fun to give and fun to receive. Plus they are loaded with really useful stuff!

22. Laundry gift basket with quarters

There is a reason why this is one of the most popular grad gifts. It is packed with every laundry supply you could imagine–towels, detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, bleach, stain removal, and especially rolls of quarters for those laundry machines. (Many schools now use student cards as payment, so check with the school first. You could also load money on the card for laundry.

23. Food essentials kit

Because moving out on your own can be overwhelming. So make the transition easier by stocking that new grad up with all of the food essentials he or she may need.

24. Kitchen essentials kit

Dish towels, dish cloths, scrub brushes, dish detergent, utensils, plastic plates, bowls, glasses, etc., and maybe the caution: don’t put dish soap in the dishwasher (not that anyone ever does that!).

25. Bathroom essentials kit

Towels, washcloths, bathroom cleaners, *shower sandals (for those nasty dorm showers), shaving gear, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup for girls, etc.

26. College supplies kit

Notebooks, a planner, pens, gum, study snacks, energy bars/drinks (for procrastinating studiers), stapler, three-hole punch, calculator, white-out, etc.

27. Themed gift baskets

“Things that stick” (3M hangers, super glue, gum, etc.), sports themed baskets (golf, basketball, football, wrestling, track, motocross, swimming, tennis, dance, etc.), state themed baskets (based on where they are moving to or going to college), beach themed baskets (flip flops, beach towel, sunscreen, frisbee, sunglasses, etc.), candy bar basket with sayings (“You are a real Starburst!”, etc.), fan themed baskets (favorite professional or college teams), fruit themed basket (everything strawberry: soap, lotion, drinks, treats, etc.), Starbucks themed basket, Movie themed basket (favorite DVDs, popcorn, soda, movie treats), hair themed basket (great if going to Cosmetology school), picnic themed basket, and much, much more. The possibilities are endless!

College themed basket: includes apparel and gear from their new school

Sentimental Gifts for Graduation Gift Ideas

These gifts come from the heart and are treasured forever.

28. Special quilt or afghan

Because everyone needs something to snuggle in while they are far from home. Many of you agreed that a handmade quilt was and is one of your greatest graduation treasures.

My dear grandma made this for my graduation. She cut out blocks from some of the shirts my dad wore when he was a boy. It is one of my prized possessions.

Even if you don’t have the time or know-how to make a quilt, a nice, comfy blanket is a gift everyone can appreciate. Love this Graduation Gift Idea!

29. Photo books

Include pictures and personal messages that document just how far they’ve come.

30. Keepsake boxes

If you are the sentimental type that saves everything from their first kindergarten watercolor painting to newspaper clippings that even mention their name, then give them a keepsake box. We LOVE these memory boxes.

31. “The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Suess

Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to great places! You’re off and away! Best graduation book. Ever.

32. Monogrammed gifts

Including towels, pillow cases, money clips, etc.

33. Digital picture frames or memory books:

Then load them with pictures that will remind them of friends, family, and all of the great times.

34. Letters from friends and family

Have close friends and family write a special letter to the graduate that he or she can read throughout life. Put them in a special book or memory box.

35. Postcards addressed to you, redeemable for homemade cookies

When I went off to college, I dearly missed my grandma’s homemade cookies. Send your grad off with postcards that they can mail back to you anytime they need a little home baked goodness.

Splurge Gifts for Graduation Gift Ideas

Life is too short not to spoil them just a little, right?

36. Travel

Take them on a special trip to Europe, DC, or a destination of their choice. The memories made will last a lot longer than any physical gift will.

37. iPad/laptop

38. A nice watch

39. Special lessons

Maybe there is something they have always wanted to try…flying lessons, culinary arts classes, professional golf lessons, etc.

40. A special valuable coin

One reader’s grandfather gave him a special gold coin that has multiplied in value today. However, he will never spend it because it is too special.

Graduation Gift Ideas Perfect for Any Graduate

Hopefully, you’ll find something on this list perfect for your special grad with these 40 Graduation Gift Ideas. And feel free to share any other brilliant ideas for the perfect graduation gift!

If your graduate is leaving the nest, make one of these awesome message boards out of a pair of old shutters for them to display cards/letters from home.

You can also help your grad stock his/her dorm room with some great stuff from the dollar store. See our tips for what is actually worth buying at a dollar store, and what to avoid.

Another really meaningful gift for your grad – whatever their age – is a “Box of Love” filled with cards and letters from loved ones. Find out how to make one here:

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