Our Mother Daughter Style

Our mother daughter style was quite different. Aside from the difference in our height (she was five feet two inches and I am five feet seven inches), skin and hair coloring ( check out my post Why Don’t You Look More Like Your Mother?, for more on that), my mother, Eartha Kitt, was attracted to a more classic , streamlined look and colors that were earth tones. I, on the other hand, preferred to blend the classics with a little edginess, adding a leather jacket, a stack of bracelets or oversized watches (yes, I said watches, as I often wore two at once. Not sure why), to a sleek black dress.

 

Eartha Kitt and Kitt Shapiro in Good Housekeeping magazine October 2000

                               Eartha Kitt and Kitt Shapiro in Good Housekeeping magazine October 2000

 

Yet, my mother always encouraged my unique style (not always easy to do as a mother). She would often compliment me in front of others for an outfit I had put together (and believe me, I put together some interesting looks).

I remember her telling people how much she admired my fashion sense and how I always seemed to know what worked, on me. What’s interesting about this, is that these comments began when I was a pre-teen and continued right up through my adult years. I know, as a mother myself, the many times I have wanted to make my kids turn around, march back to their rooms and re-dress because I thought their fashion choices were not particularly flattering.

But, instead, I would remind myself that mother’s understanding of how important it is for each of us to discover our own uniqueness through trial and error, allowed me to learn to embrace Who I Was, instilling in me a strong sense of self. And, so I tried, and I think mostly succeeded, to hold my tongue and encourage my children to develop their own looks and to appreciate what makes them unique

My mother’s style was also very much her own. From her voice and her choice of song repertoire to her home and personal fashion style. She liked simple color palettes and classic, timeless designs. She felt that because she was petite, monochromatic pieces made her appear taller and saved the more daring and risqué looking costumes for the stage.

Eartha Kitt holding her young daughter KittAlthough she was not a huge lover of jewelry ( that was definitely more ‘my thing’), her bangle cuff and big charm bracelets that I remember her wearing throughout my childhood, have been a huge inspiration for my jewelry designs. Many of my pieces incorporate my mother’s words of wisdom, giving them a peek into ‘life with mother Eartha’.

My mother loved the art of conversation. Sitting, listening, haring ideas, feelings and opinions, sometimes controversial, with people, close friends and casual acquaintances alike. I have said that it is now my turn to give voice to her words, which I do with great joy, respect, admiration and love, for the woman who was the greatest role model I know and even though she is no longer physically present, who continues to inspire me every day.

 

Remember ~ Treasure ~Love ~Kitt

 

Here are a couple of my jewelry designs. 🙂 Made in USA (just as my mother would want)

 

Simply eartha gold bead bracelet with heart charm

                  Here’s To Life Bracelet

My Flaws Make Me Who I Am bracelet

       My Flaws Make Me Who I Am Bracelet

 

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8 Response Comments

  • Sharon  January 25, 2018 at 1:11 PM

    I loved reading this! I especially appreciate how your mom complimented you “in front of others”! That says so much about her character, her love and respect for her daughter’s originality. That she took a moment to put the spotlight onto you, shows how much she wanted the world to notice her pride and joy…YOU! Thanks for sharing all the lovely photos and special moments of your beloved mother!!

    Reply
  • Emma Hollowell  January 26, 2018 at 10:02 AM

    I was a big fan of your mother.
    Love your story about her.
    Love your jewelry as well.
    Stay bless!????

    Reply
    • Kitt Shapiro  January 26, 2018 at 11:36 AM

      Thank you Emma, that’s so kind. 🙂
      xxKitt

      Reply
  • Monica  January 26, 2018 at 10:55 AM

    I love this. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  • Rhea  January 27, 2018 at 12:03 AM

    I so enjoyed your Mother as a singer,actress and a woman with her own ideas. Thanks for keeping up this web site about you and your Mother,Eartha Kitt.
    I thought she was so beautiful and feminine. You my dear Kitt are also very lovely. Mother and daughter,2 beautiful Goddesses.

    Reply
  • Randal Bridges  February 6, 2018 at 3:46 AM

    Dear Kitt, I have loved your mother since I saw her as Catwoman as a child. I then got reacquainted with her in the 80’s when her songs “Where Is My Man?” & “I Love Men” , etc, played in the clubs I used to go to. Love reading about your love & experiences with Miss Eartha. Much Love!

    Reply

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