No matter the event, my mother‘s first question would be what are you going to wear? She would follow it up with a giggle because she knew I had no idea. My answer became, I’ll figure that out the morning of, but I appreciate you checking in on it. That’s because my mom had a closet full of amazing and wild clothing. While our tastes differed, I always shopped her closet in a pinch.
She had sparkles on everything. Her jackets and dresses dripped of gemstones for when she was accompanying my dad at events or band performances, but her every day apparel was all about being practical. Being a listener, a friend, a mom and grandmother, the person you wanted to know more about as soon as you met her. Her closet was indicative of her personality. She was bright and fun and colorful and real.
It was such an honor to have my dear friend Alayna Gallagher from Vintage 416 in Millvale visit and sort through her closet that I once ransacked for something in a pinch even though I called her, my gypsy mom. She sorted through for some vintage finds for her store, and she compiled an assortment for other local and impactful sustainable stores, as well as Planet Aide, to be sure my mom’s clothing stays local.
Today is one month since I saw her wearing one of her famous Nonna sweatshirts. But her personality and that silent strength will live on in the city that I love. I’m still finding out how this all works, and how to deal with the most painful thing I’ve ever encountered in my life, but spreading her personality through her clothing is one way that I could continue to tell people about the amazing soul who was my mom. One month down and forever to go, one day at a time.
Rachael Rennebeck is half of the jagoff duo behind the award winning YaJagoff Podcast and co-owner of YaJagoff Media, LLC. specializing in marketing, PR and content management. Married for over two decades with three amazing kids, Rachael appreciates a dark roast cup of joe, a throwback song to the New Edition days, Stitch Fix for simplifying shopping, and a good walk that doesn’t leave you glistening.
