Amanda Lamb: She wore it well

One thing my mother will always be remembered for is her impeccable style. She was one of those women who was always, without exception, "put together." She was a lover of clothing, shoes, purses and costume jewelry. To her, the world was a stage and every day was opening night.

So, when I cleaned out her house in order to sell it several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to put aside items for myself and my daughters, things to help us remember her on a daily basis. Unfortunately, we were different sizes, so most of her clothing went to very worthy charities aimed at helping low-income women get back into the workforce. But we were still able to glean shoes, purses, scarves, costume jewelry, and other accessories that might be unremarkable to some, but to me, they are important daily reminders of my mother's vibrant style.

As we were walking into a meeting at school the other night, my youngest commented on how she liked my boots. I told her they were her grandmother's. A short time later, I turned around and noticed she was crying.

While my younger daughter dresses up in her grandmother's jewelry and scarves and my older daughter puts her grandmother's keepsakes in a drawer for another day, I try to wear something of my mother's each and every day. At first is was unconscious. Now, it is deliberate.

"What's wrong, Sweetie?" I asked my daughter.

"I miss Maddie so much," she said in between sobs.

"I do too," I said pulling her in for a bear hug. "But somehow wearing things that remind me of her help me get through the day."

And it does. So, if you notice me wearing something new these days, just chalk it up to my fashion angel ...