A few months back we received an email from a reader in Kansas City named Kelly. She wrote to us saying that her mother (and longtime reader of our site) Mary Lou Fickel would be turning 77 years old on Monday, October 30th. Mary Lou has always loved our Mono Monday series and she even sends Kelly a special “MM alert” each time a new one is published. Kelly wanted to know, would we be willing to create a special Mono Monday in tribute to her mother? The answer was an obvious YES, and I couldn’t wait to get started building a board of all the things that inspire Mary Lou. Kelly sent us a long list of things like gardenias, L’Air Du Temps perfume, Tuscany, certain couture fashion designers and titled it “The Essence of Mary Lou”. Lucky for us, it turns out Mary Lou has incredible taste. She loves ballet and and even once worked as the Wardrobe Mistress for the Kansas City Ballet. She’s always been interested in fashion and couture, and counts Carolina Herrera, Carolyn Roehm, and Audrey Hepburn among her style icons. Her children admire her attention to detail and ability to make occasions special, like adding just the right ribbon to a package or having your favorite magazine on your bedside table when you come home for the weekend. In fact, in the 48 years since Kelly was born, not one of the five Fickels have ever missed Mary Lou’s favorite family holiday — Christmas Eve. Mary Lou, we thank you for being a longtime reader of our site and for inspiring those around you with your amazing style and dedication to finding the beauty in every day life. We wish you the happiest of birthdays this year!
image sources: large and small gardenia photos via pinterest, passport photo of mary lou fickel, black couture dress by dior, l’air du temps by nina ricci, lemon cake by cakelets and doilies, floral dress via 100layercake, botanical drawing via pinterest, photo of mary lou fickel, carolyn murphy via vogue, road in tuscany via discover tuscany, photo of mary lou and her sister, photo of veronika part by nyc dance project
Such an elegant woman.
http://www.underaytedray.co.uk
Jenn Rose, thank you for the most wonderful Mono Monday! I was so surprised and touched when I saw “The Essence of Mary Lou” on the blog today. What a fabulous birthday gift! I am blessed to have the most special and best daughter ever.
Mary Lou it was my pleasure to create this Mono Monday. You and Kelly are inspiring to us! We wish you a very happy birthday – and many more!
Always have thought of my wonderful friend Mary Lou as a classy and special lady! Kelly, her daughter could not have prepared a better gift for her. A few more things I’ve just learned about ML and am thrilled to know the little tidbits. Huggers to my special friend and much love!
Wow…finally a story about a mature woman on this side. Love it. You know, women around those ages have class and fun as well?
<3
Loved this! Happy birthday, Mary Lou!
so sweet and special. love knowing this lady is from the same town i reside! cheers, miss mary lou!
Happy Birthday, Mary Lou! I lo
What a very special tribute to an elegant lady. Happy Birthday!
What a beautiful tribute to a Sweet and Classy Lady I am proud to call Friend.
Kelly, You are the sweetest daughter.