DON’T TELL ME I CAN’T... ...raid my daughter’s wardrobe! p
Louise Smith is thrilled her girl has inherited her eye for fashion...
ulling on a pair of skinny jeans and a lacy top, I scan myself in the floor-length mirror.
That’s when I hear a sigh from the doorway. ‘I was going to wear that top today!’ Ellie says, shaking her head.
‘You can wear this, you look great in it,’ I reply, chucking her one of my dresses.
It might sound like Ellie is my flatmate, or my best friend – but actually, she’s my daughter.
Ellie, 23, and I are always swapping clothes – the truth is, I see her wardrobe as an extension of mine!
Although, there is a height difference – she’s 5ft 7in and I’m just 5ft 2in – so I can’t always get into her jeans. We’re both a size 10, so I think nothing of borrowing her body-con dresses, leather skirts and slogan T-shirts.
Yes, we’re 20 years apart in age, but who says we can’t have the same fashion sense?
I’ve always loved trying different styles. As a teenager, I spent years modelling myself on Kylie Minogue (think crop tops and puffy sleeves) before trying Madonna (albeit toned down!) with fishnet tights and thigh-high boots.
Aged 18, I got married, and my husband Phil grew used to me changing my style on a whim – even after Ellie was born in July 1995, followed by George two years later.
Running my own hair salon, I’d wear fitted trouser suits and flats, but I was always keen to try out new looks, from block colours to tartan or gingham.
Over the years, my wardrobe only got bigger. And when Ellie reached her teens, she’d beg to borrow my clothes.
After Ellie finished school, she trained to be a hair stylist. In 2013, she began work at my salon.
Soon, with her own income, Ellie had a wardrobe to rival mine.
Suddenly, our roles were reversed – it was me who was rummaging through her clothes!
Although we had the same taste, Ellie would shop in stores I’d never thought of going in. And she’d come home with gorgeous shoes and daring hemlines. I couldn’t resist trying some of them on.
I loved her little black dress so much – and wore it so often – that in the end I had to buy my own.
Phil, then 49, and George, 20, thought it was hysterical when they saw us in the same outfit.
I know some daughters would cringe at the thought of their mums in their clothes, but Ellie doesn’t mind. And we’re both honest with each other. She’ll tell me if something doesn’t look right (I made a mistake trying on her tiny denim hot pants!). But I’ll also – very quickly – inform her if she’s wearing something too skimpy!
The fact is, ageing doesn’t mean you can’t try new trends. It just means you have the confidence and experience not to follow them blindly.
Ellie has a good eye, and I’m proud she’s inherited my passion for fashion.
Now, she’s saving up for a deposit on her own house.
When she moves out, I’ll be devastated. Though she jokes that she’s not sure what I’ll miss more – her, or her wardrobe!
‘i had to try them on!’