My Mom and the Velvet Blazer
In my office hangs a brown velvet blazer. The Brand is ACT III. My mom bought this blazer for me at a vintage shop in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Coincidentally, that vintage shop still exists and I consider the owner and shop’s namesake, Malena, a friend. But in 2006, I didn’t know her. I knew I loved vintage though. I also loved this incredibly quaint and charming town I would call home for the next four and a half years of my college career.
Malena’s Vintage Boutique was originally in a different location. The shop was smaller than its current location but to me it was like an intimate treasure trove of vintage goodies. My only experience with vintage prior to this was through thrifting. I had never been in a store completely dedicated to my hobby which would develop into a passion over the next 16 years.
This day was a special one as we had a freshman preview with our families. Money was tight at the time. It always was. My mom, however, felt I needed something to mark the special day. I honestly don’t remember why I picked that blazer? I think it felt very West Chester to me: posh and refined. Very collegiate and very far from where I had come.
I remember carrying around the paper shopping bag with the blazer, feeling special. A shopping bag that wasn’t plastic. We didn't have boutiques where I grew up.
From where I sit, I am 2,809 miles away from West Chester. But that blazer is still on my wall after all these years.
I could never sell something that represents the selfless human being that was my mom. She wanted nothing for the best for me, wanted me to have everything she didn’t, and wanted me to be the best me.
So on a bad day I look at that blazer and say, thank you mom…and I love you.
I dedicate this post to my mom, Noel Terese Marie de Lourdes Marowski and to all mothers.