Good thing you helped her our of that style rut. My mom slowly recovered (mostly) from the eighties, too. She lives in such a small, backwards place that fashion is like an alien world to her. She doesn't mind anything I wear (but -- oh god, back in college, she gave me some greif!). When my mom lost a bunch of weight, after her divorce, she had to buy new clothes. See what agood thing divorce can be? LOL

I totally see how the idea about getting stuck in the era you saw yourself as successful would ring true for many cases! The eighties was a decade all about success. So the people who developed their identity then might like to return again and again to it.

Now that the eighties and grunge are back in fashion, I feel like finding a time machine to escape to a more attractive time period! Like the 1930's -- 40's, please. Or Regency era France or England. At least Empire waists are in. I like them, but not when they're cut badly and make me look pregnant. Ugh! I would like a little Empire dress that fits nicely (I should just make one).