From our readers: Mother's Day style points

Sometimes, the lessons stuck around. Other times, not so much.

We still want to express gratitude for taking the time to instruct, even if sometimes we forged our own style paths instead. Even if we didn't follow your hints, we still remember what you said (a few of us have shared our stories below). That counts for something, right?

Maybe, someday, we'll pass what we've learned from you on to our own daughters and keep the tradition alive.

We hope they're listening that day.

Happy Mother's Day.

Love,

Us

Elizabeth Williams, Lima

I have a wonderful mom. Shirley Joan Zumkehr has never been a fashionista, but she certainly knew the things that truly mattered. Mom did have a few tips, one which proved to be valuable when I was in an accident. Mom told me to always wear clean underwear without holes. Thanks, Mom! My mom focused on the inner beauty, as outward beauty is genetic and fades with time. My mom is physically beautiful (I envied those natural curls) but she knew the life lessons I would need as a young lady. Mom always taught me to always be a lady, to always be modest and behave myself in a mannerly fashion. She gave the gift and example of how to be a godly young lady. There aren't too many mothers that understand the importance of true inner beauty. Beauty tips come and go. They change yearly, if not each season. Nude lip/red lip. Straight leg/bell bottoms. Length of the skirt. Bangs. Even the fullness of the eyebrow changes. But to be a godly young lady with inner beauty is always in style! Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you.

Sandra Gorby, Lima

My mother, Helen (Mrs. Victor R.) Stephens, always had the most beautiful face, so when I was young I learned the witch hazel and mineral oil she bought over the years was not for medicinal purposes - the witch hazel tightened the pores and the mineral oil was the moisturizer. My dad's brother-in-law was a POW in World War II, so (his) sister Bea joined the Army as a nurse and requested to be stationed in Europe so she could locate where he was being held. Bea told my mother that because cosmetics were unavailable at her base, she had to use these two items.

Cynthia McCluer, Lima

My Aunt Betty recently shared photos of her mother, my Grandma Minnie Mills Dew. I somehow never thought of Grandma Minnie as being fashionable, but throughout the pictures a young fashionable girl with her fashionable friends kept gazing out. Big hats, dresses, trench coats, leather gloves, heels - the works! My Grandmother Minnie was a fashion icon. Who would have guessed? That being said, here goes the tip she swore by: It may sound humorous but the thing that sticks in my mind is her saying to always carry a good, clean pair of underwear with you in case you are in an accident. I'm not quite sure what kind of an accident she meant, but I do know she carried an extra good pair with her always. Does this not sound like something a grandmother or mother might say in a different era? And just to set the record straight, no, I do not carry extra underwear with me. In closing, I would like to say "smile," it's Mother's Day.

Jean Cinardo, Lima

My mother, Hazel Schott, taught sixth grade at Bath schools until she was 72. Paying attention to hair, make-up and clothes was always important to her. She said that as she aged, she had to work harder because her students had to look at her every school day. Many years after her retirement, former students would see her in restaurants and tell her what a great influence she was in their lives. My sister and I agree that she was a wonderful influence and also a great mother. My father thought that her cosmetics were rather expensive, but he said that he couldn't argue with success.

Jo-Ann Mack, Wapakoneta

My mother, Wandah Jane Thompson, left us as at the young age of 47, as she was killed in an auto accident in 1955. Still, I remember well what she told us as we were growing up, and like most young people, wanted the fashionable things of the day - pea coats, Glenn Plaids, ballerina slippers, angora sweaters and socks, etc. (Oops, I'm dating myself.) Her advice: Set your own fashion. You don't have to be like everybody else. In retrospect, I believe she truly meant that, but now I realize that there was another more important reason she said it. There simply wasn't enough money for a family with five children to have the latest fads, and she didn't want us to feel less significant than those who could afford them. So although I want to look nice, I don't have to be a fashion plate in order to feel good about myself. I have learned from her advice that neatness, cleanliness and a cheerful attitude are always in fashion - and a smile is the best cosmetic a face can wear. It also makes others feel good at the same time! They hardly notice what you are wearing when they are busy returning a friendly smile.

Rachael Koltak, 27, Sidney

My mom made me wear pantyhose the first time I went to prom. I was 15. (The dress) came to my knees, so you could actually see the pantyhose. I thought it was ridiculous, but I wore them anyway, because she wasn't going to leave me alone.

Sarah Bethel, 27, Celina

My mom always told me to wear sunscreen because I'm so fair. I did most of the time, and still do sometimes when I think about it.

Jan Kerrigan, 64, Bend, Ore.

My mother told me that no one over 40 should have long hair. I probably agreed with her at the time, but I let it grow now. I'm 64, and I still wear a pony tail.

Traci Miller, 24, Lima

Always dress appropriate for what you are doing. If you're going to work, you should wear nice clothes, although it depends on where you work. (When out to dinner), you should always dress up a little bit.

Jessica Hayes, 25, Lima

My mother didn't let me shave my legs until I was in eighth grade, and I was completely embarrassed by the situation. I was too afraid to shave them on my own, because she would have been very upset with me. I was the last of my group (of friends) to shave her legs. And she wouldn't let me until she was home in the bathroom with me.

Lolette Webb, Lima

When you go out, make sure your hair is combed. First impressions are always important. You never know who you're going to run into, you never know who that person might be or if you will see them again down the road. And she told me don't frown, because it gives you wrinkles on your forehead.

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