20 Lessons We Learned From Our Moms
Mother’s Day is not only a day to shower mom with gifts, it’s also a day to honor the lady that raised you. After all, she taught you how to share, walk in heels and match your clothes (or purposefully NOT match them). Regardless, we’re sure she had at least a few nuggets of life advice to share with you. Like my mom — she always said that you should wear whatever makes you feel good even if it’s outlandish because choosing an outfit is a great creative outlet and it’s not hurting anyone. So she let me wear anything (including that pair of flip flops that were six sizes too big but I insisted they looked “high fashion”).
Today we’re teaming up with JCPenney to share life, style and career advice from the moms of B+C employees. These ladies are on point so listen up! Mom’s advice is #SoWorthIt. Furthermore, we’ve got gift inspirations for you here and on our Snapchat Discover Mother’s Day Channel, so hop over there to find the perfect present that will show mom how much you appreciate her (and her life lessons). Speaking of lessons, read on for 20 tips from moms you should start following now.
1.“My mom’s catch phrase for us growing up was, ‘Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.’ She always encouraged us to be thoughtful about when to say yes or no, how we spend our money and how to make sure we weren’t taking advantage of others.” — Cecelia Cox, Head of Marketing
Grab one of these colorful wallets ($20) for mom and put a note inside to thank her for her sage advice on being moneywise.
2. “My mom always started with ‘no’ so we would have to negotiate our way to ‘yes’. She told us that if we stopped at no we really didn’t want the yes to begin with. I have taken that advice with me on every deal I have ever negotiated.” — Nicole Emanuel, CFO
3. “‘The shoes make the outfit.’ Good advice, even though she and I have VASTLY different opinions on what kinds of shoes should make that outfit ;) — Kelli Korducki, Sr. News Editor
We’re sure mom would love a pair of teal heels ($75) to spice up her wardrobe.
4. “Make sure that what you are doing is fun because when the work becomes demanding, you want to know at your core that on the whole you are having a good time.” — Cameron Rivinus, VP of Commerce
5. “My mom (along with Catherine Zeta Jones) says, ‘You never know when you’ll meet the Queen.’ Meaning, when you leave the house, always try to look nice because you never know who you might run into.” — Alex Plante, Brand Partnerships Manager
6. “Never leave the house with chipped nails. It’ll make you look careless no matter how cute the rest of the outfit is.” — Jillienne Grant, Brand Partnerships Manager
Grab mom some nail polish ($8.50) and then treat her to a manicure this Mother’s Day.
7. “My mom’s life anthem is basically ‘Everything in Moderation.’ She’s been saying it my whole life!” — Michaela Friedman, Brand Partnership Planner
8. “Always keep a cardigan or shawl on your chair at work for when it gets cold!” — Annie Kubena, Designer
9. “My momma always told me to try everything and anything my heart was called to. When I wanted to be a fashion designer, she bought me a sewing machine. When I wanted to be a photographer, she helped me get a camera. When I wanted to become a makeup artist, she sent me to beauty school. The true unconditional support and love for any path, no matter what I desired, she encouraged me to find my truth even if I didn’t follow through all the way on everything. It allowed me to get to where I am today :) And I’m happy.” — Misty Spinney, Beauty Editor + Stylist
10. “My mom always told me to be comfortable in my skin and my clothes and I’ll look my best!” — Terri Hintz, Brand Partnerships Director – West
11. “My mom always told me to go above and beyond because almost everyone meets standard expectations. Meeting expectations is a C in school. To get an A you have to take that extra step. It’s that certain something — a sparkle, a drive, a passion — that allows people to remember you and sets you apart from the rest.” — Ashley Perlman, Sr. Brand Partnership Planner
12. “Wear classics and add flair with your accessories.” — Paige Sager, Brand Partnership Planner
Like what you see? Grab this scarf ($35) and clutch ($20) from JCPenney.
13. “It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed!” — Caitlin Silva, Customer Service Specialist
14. “I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was eight years old, but when I was a junior in college, I had a quarter-life crisis as an English major because I didn’t think I would ever be able to support myself. I considered becoming a lawyer instead, but my mom told me, ‘You always wanted to be a writer, so that’s what you should be. There will always be a way to make money.’” — Kimberly Wang, News Editor
15. “My mom is a big fan of color in her wardrobe. She always encouraged me and my sister to ‘dress bright’ because it can easily lift your mood if you’re in something bright and cheery versus dark and gloomy (though I do have a ton of slimming black in my closet)! Case in point: I rocked a bright yellow dress and yellow rain boots on a dreadfully rainy spring day in Chicago a few weeks ago. Everyone I encountered gave me a big smile as I trudged around the city. (Even folks at airport security couldn’t help but smile and comment on my sunny ensemble later that day!)” — Tammy Evrard, Brand Partnerships Manager
16. “Read to your child everyday, go to the park, museum or library and model good eating habits and manners. Also, hug your child!” — Kelly Bryden, DIY Designer
17. “Show respect, work hard and always be kind. Create the job you want and invest in shoes and makeup.” — Casey Richards, Assistant Buyer and Operations
18. “Always stay hydrated.” — Marisa Kumtong, Designer