As much as I'd love to create a homemade gift for my mom this Mother's Day, my artistic skills don't cut it like they did in elementary school. Of course, she would appreciate the gesture, but I can't say she would feel inclined to frame it and put it on display like she use to. (Can you blame her?) The gifts she would love today range from self-care essentials to home décor I know she wouldn't buy for herself. At the risk of spoiling the surprise, she has graciously reviewed the following items and given them her stamp of approval. She made sure to note she was especially approving of the feathered Sleeper pajamas, Osea beauty trio, and floral Le Creuset cocotte. The hints have been noted, so join me in shopping these Mother's Day gifts that are fit for any maternal figure in your life. Yes, dog moms count, too.
A timeless knit that will have lasting power in anyone's wardrobe. My jaw dropped when I saw this $50 bag. I may also need to gift myself a pair of these ballet flats. The ideal breezy summer dress. I'd definitely "borrow" this gift. The aforementioned approved pj's. I should note this cozy cardigan also comes in black. Give the gift of an on-trend skirt this season. Another great dress option for those warm summer days coming up. Are you sensing a theme here?Gifting stylish sunnies is always a good idea. Comfy, cute, and wearable all summer long. Osea's body products are some of the best on the market. They feel so luxe and nourishing you'll want to buy a second trio for yourself. Dermatologists and estheticians alike rave about the benefits of red-light therapy. This small wand is the easiest way to firm and lift the skin from the comfort of your own home. Pair these hydrating sheet masks with a gift card to a favorite spa for an easy, self-care-themed gift. With a blend of fig, bergamot, jasmine, and vanilla, this is a joy-inducing scent anyone will be excited to wear. This gel mask is formulated to soften the signs of aging, eliminate impurities, nourish the skin, and prevent future damage. This smells (and feels) heavenly on the skin. This daily glow serum is a powerhouse of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, glycolic acid, and niacinamide to promote a smoother skin texture, improve cell turnover, and maintain that youthful glow. An easy-to-apply makeup set in the most universally flattering shade Tower 28 has to offer. Not only does this hand cream smell divine, it looks beautiful on a nightstand. Leave the painting to the professionals this year. Adorable is an understatement. Celebrate every woman in your life with this pretty, pink throw. I smelled this set, and I can confirm it's delicious. Sometimes, a beautiful vase with fresh flowers is really all you need. Now this is a chic teapot.
As a born and raised California girl, I've always been able to spot brands that represent the true West Coast aesthetic. It's practically in my DNA. The foundation of any California-based brand lies in its denim. Classic styles such as light-wash wide-leg jeans and high-rise boyfriend shorts are some of the wardrobe staples I reach for year after year. If the brand also happens to utilize sustainable practices to produce its clothing, well, then that's even better. Cali girls like myself are very eco-conscious, so wearing high-quality clothing that's been made from recycled fabrics and organic cotton is super important.
One brand that's sustainably minded, has insanely good denim, and achieves that effortless California-cool vibe is AG. Its new spring collection, which features everything from denim to cute tops to on-trend utility jackets, ticks all the boxes. Keep scrolling to shop the 16 items I'm eyeing.
I love a good trip to the mountains, but being near a beach, laying out in the sun with a frozen cocktail in hand is where I really thrive. The spring and summer vacation season is also coincidentally when my wardrobe thrives; thinking up outfits when coats are in the picture is not my forte, so when the time comes I relish in coordinating two-piece linen sets and breezy maxi dresses. Plus, breaking out the crochet, raffia, and juicy, saturated colors just does something to my senses. All this is to say, that when it comes to resort wear-focused brands, I know most from A to Z. When Louisa Ballou made big waves with her graphic tropical prints, it was something that caught my attention pretty early on. In a similar vein, other indie brands with a vacation focus are also emerging as names to know ahead of the summer season. But it it's always nice to shake things up too—so if you're looking to add some zest to your warm weather looks, these brands should be priority on your shopping list. From New York to Bali, these 5 brands are proving to be heavy hitters in my vacation wardrobe for 2023. Keep scrolling for an introduction to them all.Nia Thomas is a master of cool crochet, but she's also one designer that I'm most excited about this year. Her palette consists mostly of flattering neutrals, but where the colors are muted, the designs take flight with statement details and eye-catching construction. Each of the pieces are easily coordinated, and mix and matched so its perfect if you don't like to think too hard about looking sophisticated.Boasting radical prints and endorphin-boosting colors, Siedres was founded by Ceylin Türkkan Bilge and Emir Bilge in 2019. Still relatively new on the scene, the brand has already emerged as a fashion-girl favorite with its printed two-piece sets a particular favorite. Everything about Siedres makes me feel happy when I'm wearing it—from its flower-shaped crochet bras to its soft ruffle dresses, the pieces are so cheerful and light-hearted.Summer is when crochet truly shines, and Akoia Swim does it best. While Akoia serves up netted cover-ups and dresses, crochet bikinis are the brand's signature. All of its garments are made by artisans in Bali with organic, renewable fabrics, and in the future Akoia aims to cut out chemical dyes and further reduce its carbon footprint.It seems like Asta Resort popped out of nowhere to be the go-to brand for it-girls jetting out to tropical locations. Asta Resort is a complete brand in the sense that you can go from the pool with its vibrant bikinis to a fancy dinner in its elegant sequin dresses. Releasing two resort ready-to-wear and two swim collections each year, Asta Resort prides itself as a " summer all-year-round" type of brand. And it's true, Asta Resort's shimmering sequin dresses and high-intensity palettes make it hard to its pieces away come winter. The brainchild from Jamaican-born designer Rachel Scott, Diotima is a rising star especially among editors worldwide. Inspired by the Caribbean and its culture, Diotima makes use of crochet in elaborate designs and details along with crisp tailoring. This year Scott was announced as an LVMH Prize finalist, so the brand it just getting started.
