The Mom Edit
For Mother’s Day, we connected with a few of our favorite designer and boutique-owning moms to hear about what it’s like to balance motherhood with running a brand. We took a trip down memory lane as they shared their most cherished fashion moments with their kids.
Still need a Mother's Day gift? Lucky for you, these stylish moms also let us in on their personal wishlists.
Christina Sun, Owner of Sunchild
Girl Mom
I'm so proud to show my daughter I can run my own business and provide for her by doing something I love. It also means when the going gets tough, I have an extra reason to push through. I want to show her what I can achieve with hard work and motivation. Owning my own business allows flexibility, like setting my own schedule, which means more time for play dates, cuddles, and giggles with my girl.
Being able to bring my daughter on buying trips is so special. She likes picking out the shiniest and most colorful styles off the rack for me to try on. I love showing her that work can be fun, where our clothing comes from, and meeting the designers behind them. Plus, she loves a good showroom snack.
"This is one of those pieces I debate between wanting to buy it for myself and wanting to give our customers a chance at it. The designer focuses on sustainability and uses a lot of deadstock fabric. This one in particular will be gone forever once it's sold out. It's such a beauty and the fabric shimmers with every move, a showstopper for sure."
"As a mom, I'm usually running from school drop off, to dropping off packages, to running errands, to after school activities, and to play dates—so I love to dress comfortably. This Na Nin set is made with the absolute softest cotton modal and won't slow me down. It also happens to look amazing on all body types."
"We've carried this set for many years and I already have it in a couple of colors. It's always my spring/summer go-to because of its versatility. It's cute on its own, opened up with a crop top underneath, as a swim cover up, and worn as separates."
Kelly McDowell, Co-owner of Clementine's (alongside her mom)
Son: Raf, almost 2!
Becoming a mom has really impacted how I value my business relationship with my own mom - I feel so lucky to get to work with her! Since coming back from my mat leave, I have forced myself to prioritize efficiency - finding ways to work smarter means I can get home to Raf sooner!
My boy has been raised in the shop - he has slept here, played here, eaten here (yikes!), and even come on buying appointments - I love that I will always have these memories of him growing up in my second home.
"It's a blend of luxury and utility - throw over any outfit and you look put together!"
"Always in my bag. Lip and blush touch-up throughout the day—it's my go-to!"
"Easy access, can carry everything you need for the day, and looks great!"
"My best buddy! I want luxurious Italian cashmere wrapped around me at all times!"
Annika Inez, Founder and Designer
One daughter, 18
Being a mom has taught me to be more flexible and open to employees’ desires and needs to find a good life/work balance. Part of the reason I’ve chosen to remain a business owner is the flexibility it has given me.
My daughter, at 3 years old, pulled out my drawer of beaded necklaces and bangles, turned it upside down on the floor, and styled herself in front of the mirror with layers and layers of pieces. I have a picture where she looks up into the camera, very satisfied and beaming. She still layers a lot of jewelry today!
"I pair this with the Tube Bangle in silver. I love the simple, long strand. Having the clasp, you can also wear it doubled or tripled up. It's casual yet refined."
"You can wear it with everything, it is always stylish, and will last forever. A piece to pass on for sure."
"Very feminine as they dangle right under the lobe. Easy every day, that is still a little more than a basic hoop."
Mosey Me
Eliza O'Sullivan, Founder and Creative Director
Peach, 4 | Rudi, 6 months
I’m a textile designer by training, and basically look after all things creative— design, marketing and styling. I also take a lot of photos for both ecommerce and lifestyle. Before Jessie came on board, I did literally everything!
Jessie Metz, Co-owner and Commercial Director
I look after sales, operations, finance…all the not-so-sexy stuff! I’ve also got two kids who are very similar in age to Eliza’s—a girl named Charlie and a boy named Micah. It means we are really in the same stage of life and get what the other is going through, which is nice.
E: I think [being a mom] has brought another purpose into my realm. I've always been super passionate about wanting to create this brand, and I honestly thought about it every day for years before I actually launched. However, it was always for me and my own fulfillment. It still is, but there is a huge part of it that is now for them. I want them to see me choosing to stay true to myself and back myself no matter what the outcome.
J: [Motherhood] helps remind me of what’s important, and not to sweat the small stuff. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and I pour my heart and soul into Mosey Me—so I can sometimes let business challenges affect me too much. My kids remind me that if it all goes up in flames tomorrow, I will be fine as long as I have my family.
E: Peach recently found a barely worn old pair of Sophia Webster shoes of mine, which are a super high jellybaby style shoe with a pineapple print wrap on the heel! She was in awe as soon as she saw them, and a few days later, I noticed them in her wardrobe and asked what they were doing there. She replied, "They are mine for when I'm a big girl like you." I remember buying them and justifying to myself that I would hold onto them forever due to the pricetag, now I know I actually will!
J: Charlie is obsessed with my clothes and jewelry. Not that I have an amazing collection, but she’s just in that phase where she thinks everything I have is “beautiful.” If she likes something I’m wearing, she’ll ask me if she can have it when she’s older. I’ve asked her, “What will Mummy wear if I give you all my clothes?” And she said, “You can get new ones!” I thought that was hilarious.
E: "I would love a bedroom refresh for Mother’s Day, and the Carnival Stripe bedding is my favorite from the new collection. The colour palette feels soft without being too feminine, and the woven cotton is just so nice to sleep on."
J: "Our Shapes Terry Robe is so soft and warm. Feels perfect for a spa day at home (which is what I’m hoping my kids will gift me for Mother's Day!)."
E: "Perfect for the winter months ahead here in Australia, and I love the two-tone panelling in the design."
J: "I’ve also got my eye on the Tulip Long Pyjama Set. I love the color and the crisp cotton percale; I’d definitely wear it out of the house, especially the shirt."
Whitney Bickers, Owner and Designer at Myrtle
Two boys, 5 & 9
My lifestyle needs define the curation of the shop and the design of our house line. I always want to feel put together, but not precious about my outfit—so I'm looking for designs that are polished but okay to sit on the floor or survive a surprise spill. On the balance end, it's just not possible to do everything, and for me, that's actually been a good thing. It has forced me to prioritize both family and work relationships over the small stuff.
I love seeing my kids find their own style; they both had opinions about their clothing earlier than I ever would have believed possible prior to becoming a parent. Before they could even talk, they would gesture to get something off and what they liked! Instead of me trying to get them to be mini-mes, it's fun when they let me match them. My older son and I have been having fun this spring in neon green hoodies, something I never would have put in my rotation!
"For summer vacations. The cotton tapestries wash and pack so well, and the prints always make me happy."
"This was in our first house line collection as my go-to 't-shirt' for an easy, nice outfit, and it's still one of my favorites! I'm planning our next summer fabric release, but white eyelet is always perfect."
