Going Out In Style

Melinda Gipson | March, 2026

My mom was a certifiable fashionista. She rose, with only an 8th grade education, to become the top-grossing Haute Couture buyer of the May Co. She was the first North American buyer to buy Escada, and introduced me to Perry Ellis when I was myself in 8th grade.

So, you can imagine that, when she died, after a lifetime of investing in well-made and iconic fashion, that her closet was full to bursting with really amazing clothes. But true “style” isn’t what your closet sports – it’s what you wear in your everyday life! Understanding this, and that every person had the capacity to demonstrate their own iconic style in the way they meet the world, is what has inspired me to carry on a living memorial to her impact on my life. 

Every year, typically around her birthday in February, I give away her scarves. Usually, the occasion will be a brunch or business meeting, something for the Chamber of Commerce or a planning meeting for a non-profit cause we are putting together to support our community. It honestly carries even more impact if no one is dressed up for the get-together. The reminder conveys with it a bygone era’s adherence to maxims like, “a lady never leaves the house without her lipstick.”

I’m sure your eyes are rolling ;-). But I share this little memento because people will remember you for how you lived, not how you died (unless of course you haven’t made any plans at all and your departure is chaotic). I’m of the opinion that every obituary should include at least one thing that everybody remembers about you, but also one thing that virtually nobody may know about you. Can you continue to be surprised? To instruct? To convey truth long after you’ve gone to your heavenly reward? 

Sure you can. It only takes a little bit of planning and maybe an AI nudge. At Clozure we’re determined to keep memories alive for those people who mattered.

Check out our app and see how you can become a lasting inspiration to those who will always love you!