Q&A | My Mom


Photo of my mom in Bermuda hot off a Vespa in 1977.

This Mother’s Day, I’m turning to the mother of Tomboy Style, literally...my mom. There’s so much I could tell you about how she’s inspired me—from her courageous return to college in her early 40s, to running for office as an unknown underdog in her late 40s. But most importantly, she taught me that if you want something, you have to go out and pound the pavement to get it.

If not in Lake Forest, I would live in... Southern California. I love how health is a big part of the culture on the West Coast.
    
My current obsessions are...
looking for vacation rentals on VRBO, drinking 2007 Shafer Chardonnay (which my wonderful son-in-law introduced me to) and listening to Joni Mitchell and Stan Getz.
 
I channel my childhood self when I...sit at my desk. As a kid I always imagined myself working. When I was in 2nd grade I got a desk for Christmas, by far my favorite gift of all time, and I’d sit at it and keep myself busy pretending I was doing all sorts of important professional things.

The fictional characters I most relate to are...Nancy Drew—because she ran the show, and Jordan Baker because, like her, I’m very competitive, and of course I move my ball strategically on the golf course from time to time.

If I had to be outdoors all day I would...
be tan.

My favorite quality in a man is...
accountability.
  
My favorite quality in a woman is...a strong personality.
 
I'm terrified of...being idle.

My dream car is a...1970 red Fiat 850 Spider, which I bought in my 20s for $550. It was sporty and totally impractical. I love driving stick because it makes me feel in sync with the movement of the car.

My cocktail of choice is...I don’t drink anything but wine, but I used to like Stingers, an after-dinner drink that men used to order in Chicago after eating steaks. I recently saw the Mad Men character Peggy Olson order one in an episode set in 1963, I loved that.
 
My celebrity crushes are...The greats: Elvis, Liz Taylor, Princess Diana, Jackie O., and of course her late son John.
 
My friends and I like to...go out to dinner and debate current events.

If I could go back in time for one decade it would be...1960s. There was so much going on. Everyone was experimenting with different ideas and lifestyles. It was such a creative time. People felt comfortable and encouraged to go out on a limb.

As a teenager I was totally into...dancing the Hucklebuck and The Twist to British Pop in my friend’s basements (and secretly doing nerdy things like stamp collecting).

I tend to splurge on...watches, red meat and vacations.

I hold my own in a male-dominated profession...and that's what makes me have Tomboy Style.

Comments

Anonymous said…
What a cool mom!!!
Cyd said…
Great post. Your mom rules. I think I'll do a mother's day post about my own mom on my blog, thanks for a terrific idea. We are lucky to have such smart, fashionable, and iconic moms!!
Joy said…
Your mom is so cool. No wonder you got so much style!
HeatherI said…
Wow, I've met your mom, she's my state senator and IS very cool with great style. And I've also followed your blog for awhile but I've never "put" the two of you together. Happy mothers day to her and all moms out there.
melly said…
now it totally makes sense why you have such a cool and unique view on things.
FromTheOzarks said…
Love this, Lizzie!
Sen. Jeff Schoenberg said…
She's a remarkable woman -- I've spent every minute of her career as an elected official sitting next to her, first on the floor of the Illinois House and then in the Illinois Senate-- including the infamous Blagojevich impeachment trial. She's fiercely independent and the best friend and ally you could hope for. Wish her a special Happy Mother's Day, Aunt Lizzie!
Max said…
Wow! What a mum, what a blog! I feel quite at home here :0)
Linda Hawker said…
I was pleased, but not surpised, to see your comments about your mom. She is a truly good, strong woman.
Lexie said…
what a fantastic entry! your mom is an inspiration, and as an IL resident, it's good to know we have one honest politician working for us! :D

also, what a great answer for her favorite trait in a man.
Unknown said…
Very cool Mom's Day post!
Unknown said…
I seem to be living your mom's life... going back to school in my late 30's to change the world, bought a great (and impractical) convertible in my 20's (that I ended getting back less than 5 years later!) and has that internal "spunk" I was born with. What a great mentor!

I only hope my boys can appreciate their mother the way you do when their older! Not all strong women get recognized as being worthy role-models.
Karen Malka said…
Reading your post is making me miss the two of you so much. Hugs to the 2 coolest Garrett girls out there! Hope to see you soon.
Anonymous said…
AMAZING. The photo is epic—as is the woman and her daughter.
julia wheeler said…
how amazing is your mom?! a GNR concert with parental supervision... super duper amazing... i'm jealous!
The Trad said…
The Fred Perrys take me back and that has to be Front Street in Hamilton. Almost Dark & Stormy time.

Lived in Lake Bluff for years and miss the Hooterville nature of the place. Is there any truth to the rumor women have to dye their hair blonde to be allowed within Lake Forest city limits?
Julia Wheeler said…
how amazing is your mom?! a GNR concert with parental supervision... super duper amazing... i'm jealous!
The Trad said…
The Fred Perrys take me back and that has to be Front Street in Hamilton. Almost Dark & Stormy time.

Lived in Lake Bluff for years and miss the Hooterville nature of the place. Is there any truth to the rumor women have to dye their hair blonde to be allowed within Lake Forest city limits?
Lizzie said…
The Trad: I love Lake Bluff, and definitely get nostalgic for the Hooterville-ness of that area now and again, especially living in Los Angeles. I'm not sure about the blond hair, my mom's is fully gray now—I think that might mean she's breaking some sort of city ordinance. Thanks for stopping by.
Unknown said…
I've been meaning to come back to this awesome post for an entire week now! I had to comment on how great your Mom sounds/is. I see where you get it:) Although I would love to see what the "hucklebuck" looks like.
Jess said…
I grew up in Highland Park, IL and have often admired the style of Lake Forest gals. I've fond memories of hanging out there and visiting its beautiful shoreline! :)

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