BoomerGirl Diary

I recently entered my mom in a local makeover contest. It was a spontaneous urge that just felt like the thing to do (or I secretly wanted her to win a day of free pampering). Of course I had to smooth the waters for fear she would kill me. Here is the entry form.

Name: Linda (but her twenty something daughter, Katy Ibsen is entering her, unbeknownst of course).

City of residence: Boulder

Age: 60 (my boomer darling).

Gender: Female

Biggest fashion dilemma: Well of course she would say none, but it's a toss up. Either a wardrobe that's recently become too big (but with the vintage trends today, it's aged quite well). Or "wings" as I call them; those fly away hairs that are never the right color and can't seem to fall/style right — far from anything angelic.

Transition in your life: The nest is officially empty, she just turned 60 this year and she is finally remembering what it's like to do things for herself after 30 years of cooking dinners, raising children, watching soccer games and attending piano recitals; all while dodging the other frenetic crap life threw at her.

Why you (Linda) want (deserves) a new look (in 500 words or less): It's safe to say I was appropriately dressing to the seasons by the time I was eight. Still to this day, I have a hard time donning winter white, it just doesn't feel right. This is mostly because I grew up under Linda's thumb.

A steadfast mother and wife, she has always managed to know the quintessential rules to fashion and ensembles. Looking in her closet is similar to taking a tour of the Vogue archives. From an authentic quilt, to cashmere, to original Dr. Scholls, to Ralph Lauren blazers, a hand-made Italian belt, a vintage blue velour jogging suit (easily from the 70s), velvet vests, fur, a tie-dye bikini from the Bahamas and labels I've never heard, but were all the rage decades prior to my existence.

Of course, not all, but much of this repertoire has fallen victim to the three-piece suit (fleece vest, jeans and Birkenstocks — no — replace that with Crocs) worn by many Coloradans. After joining the ranks of Boulderites, she too, hesitantly, traded in the heels for flats, slacks for jeans, and now has many a fleece jacket. It's not worn in vain, but it's also not worn outside of Colorado. For her classic pieces (sans Bahama bikini) find themselves traveling the country on business and rendezvous, so not all is lost.

Regardless, Linda has hit her fashion breaking point. At 60, with a rejuvenated energy (and an empty nest) shopping has once again become a priority. I like to think: "she's back in the game!"

She's still on the hunt for skinny jeans (which is like finding a needle in a haystack for the conservative woman over 60). I've actually seen her try a cardigan on in Forever 21 (which she quickly admitted was a mistake). She finally ditched the John Lennon framed glasses for something more delicate and has even requested to borrow items from my own growing collection of classic pieces (mind you, I live in Kansas).

Beyond the attire, she's aged gracefully (and I am not saying that in a "she has — but hasn't" tone), I am already thanking God for the same genes. She has sported a similar blond bob for years now. It works for her, but change works too. And I've got to hand it to her, Lubriderm has really worked wonders all these years, she needn't any fancy lotions or potions. And while she tries to clue me in on the new shades and cheek tones this season, her eyeliner is still slightly representative of Princess Di(ana); so I reference Chanel instead.

My mother has always kept a classic traditional look and I've never felt she was out of style or poorly dressed. But now, that she's finally living for Linda, she deserves a little star treatment and let's be honest, boomers aren't necessarily known for pampering themselves.