What’s in a Portrait

I grew up with framed portraits of my sister and me hanging in the upstairs hallway of my childhood home.

They were in a spot I couldn’t avoid seeing every time I walked from my bedroom to the bathroom.

I hated the way I looked in my portrait. She didn’t look like me at all and, in fact, looked homely compared to my sister’s portrait, which was gorgeous.

Naturally, this would be the case, right? One sister jealous of the other sister’s portrait — a tale as old as time.

But I ain’t lying. Mine looked like a boy to my 12-year-old eye.

Also — my ears were not that big. So rude.

My mom eventually gave me the portrait when she sold her home and I’ve tucked it away in various spots in the couple of houses I’ve lived in with my family.

I decided recently to hang it on the wall again, right in the entryway of my home.

I still don’t think that little girl looks like me (or how I used to), but now when I look at it, I think about my childhood, my sister, and my mom’s love for her kids.

As a mom now too, I totally get wanting portraits of your kids — it feels elegant and more meaningful than a photo in some ways.

I also understand wanting to capture your children at a moment in time so you can cherish it forever. This portrait is now a reminder of that.

Last week’s thrifted ‘fits round-up:

>> WATCH Video Thrift Haul here! <<

Dress – Lands End, Source: Goodwill West Palm Beach; I think it needs a belt, noting this for the next time I wear it!
Vintage blown glass candy earrings from The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival
Love that they are two different shapes.
Shoes – J. Mchlaughlin (brand new!), Source: Goodwill West Palm Beach
Baby girl’s Beauty and the Beast needlepoint onesie (so sweet!) thrifted and gifted from a friend.
Kimono and belt from Goodwill West Palm Beach
Close up of the details!
Shirt – LOFT, Source: Goodwill West Palm Beach
Dress – Old Navy, Source: Goodwill West Palm Beach,
Leather & Silver Belt Source: Community Thrift Store West Palm Beach
Italian leather sandals, Source: Goodwill West Palm Beach