Revisiting the Closet – Remembering Susie’s Style

In 2021, I lost my mum to an aggressive brain tumour.

It’s still hard to believe she’s gone. She was given just three weeks to live. She lasted sixteen. I managed to be with her for the last two, and below, you’ll read why it was only two.

Mum was effortlessly cool, stylish, and full of life, a woman whose fashion sense was as beautiful as her spirit.

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Finding the Strength to Start

Last year, during a visit back to the UK, I finally found the strength to revisit her closet. It had taken me almost three years to even begin, as the thought of going through her things felt heavy. However, I needed to just at least start. 

Dad hadn’t been ready either, but he agreed and left me to it, checking on me frequently and bringing Tea. Everything remained exactly as it was since the day she passed in November 2021. 

The Sun was shining through the bedroom window, the room felt calm, and it was a pleasant and reflective experience. 

(And yes - with great difficulty and emotional trauma, I managed to leave Australia during the border lockdown to return to the UK. That, in itself, is a whole other story that’s still hard to relive.) Thats why I only got 2 weeks with mum. But I am so grateful for that time and that I was there with her when she passed. 

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Piece by Piece

Over three days, I slowly and tenderly went through her wardrobe, piece by piece. Her drawers, under the bed… to my surprise, there were more cases and boxes of clothes tucked away than i had envisaged. There was so much! It bought a smile to my face. 

Mum loved clothes. Each item held a memory, a whisper of who she was, and moments from her life.

The biggest indulgence were colourful beach and summer outfits, bright swimwear she’d never worn, probably because it reminded her of sunshine and holidays, her favourite time. And of course, it probably was also purchased because it was on sale at Marks and Spencer! 

Mum and Dad loved a bargain! They rarely paid full price for their clothes. 

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A Shared Life in Colour

With Dad having worked in the fashion industry for much of his career, they both embraced fashion - and colour. Lots of colour! Hot pinks, stripes, lots of stripes for Dad, he has a few iconic Paul Smith striped items. Being a bit of a tomboy, I resonate with Dads outfits just as much if not more.

Dad’s legacy to me will include his own incredible sense of style, and yet another large wardrobe to go through one day. He always dressed well for Mum, but now mostly chooses comfort. Although at 84, he can still ramp it up when heading out. He still looks dapper. 

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Mum the Icon

Mum’s style was iconic, especially in the ’60s and ’70s. Looking back at old photos, she looked like a model. Always rocking the latest haircuts and outfits that turned heads. Maybe it was her slim legs too that caught the eyes. I love that so much care and effort was taken in the styling. This was also something I noticed when clearing the closet. Everything was so well kept, neat, folded, ironed and hung in clothes bags. So much respect for items that represented her daily. She cared for her clothes as she cared for us and everyone she knew, with kindness and love.

Fashion ran in the family. My grandfather and great aunts, of Jewish descent, had a business in “the rag trade” in the UK, making childrenswear. I still have an old "Jones" sewing machine that I believe belonged to my Aunt Dot. So really, fashion was in our blood. I think I've maybe let the side down a touch as I've been in my jeans and tee era for 3 decades now... whoops. 

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Her Gentle Strength

Mum worked in childcare from a young age. She was a natural listener, deeply caring and always calm. Over time, she took on leadership roles in welfare services like Parent Line UK and council-run organisations that supported families doing it tough.

She was my rock through every hard moment, always offering advice that was calm, practical, and wise. There’s a big gap in my life now without that female connection. But bless him, Dad really does come close. His support and zest for life amaze me daily, even though his best friend is no longer here physically. We talk daily. 

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A Life Well Travelled

Mum retired at 59, and for the next 14 years, until she was 73, she and Dad travelled often. Annual holidays with “The Sixties Gang,” their lifelong friends, were filled with fun and mischief (somewhat alcohol-fuelled, I suspect, but always good-natured).

They visited Australia many times after I moved here - around seven trips, plus New Zealand. We also went to Fiji together twice, staying at Lomani Island Resort (adults-only and highly recommended).

Despite the distance, those holidays gave us precious quality time together.

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Back to the Closet

Among her treasures, I found the dress Mum wore in Fiji in 2017 when she and Dad renewed their wedding vows for their 50th anniversary. A celebration of love, friendship, and resilience.

Other pieces brought back memories of family parties, holidays, and all the occasions Mum and Dad dressed up for fun. Let’s just say there were a few quirky outfits in the mix!

I carefully chose some pieces to keep. Many went to charity (Mum loved op shops), and others I gave to my aunty, cousin, and dear friend Kirsty. Most of her costume jewellery went to the RNLI stall my Uncle David runs. A few special items came home with me in my suitcase.

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What Remains

Now, every time I return to the UK, I revisit the closet. I look at the pieces I couldn’t let go. They’re more than just clothes - they’re stories, connections, and fragments of her spirit.

They remind me of the woman who shaped so much of who I am.

If I can be even half the woman she was, I’d be proud.
She set the bar high.
Kindness was everything to her.

I hope you enjoy the photos of her below. 

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💬 Have you ever revisited a loved one’s wardrobe or special collection?

I’d love to hear your story too. Feel free to share your memories or thoughts in the comments below or simply take a quiet moment to reflect on someone who helped shape your life.