Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for You & Your Mom
A few Sunday Favorites today that would make lovely Mother’s Day gifts. I often buy my own gifts just to make sure I get exactly what I want. Haha, maybe you do that too? Here’s what I bought or will be buying for Mother’s Day this year!
A Summer Straw Bag
A straw bag for summer is not a new idea — but it is a timeless one. A straw bag or tote instantly makes every outfit look pulled together. There are so many beautiful options out there, and nearly every shop has its own version.
Sézane Basket Bags
Every brand calls them something a little different. At Sézane, they’re called basket bags, and they must have at least 15 or 20 styles and colors to choose from. I chose the Justine Bag, which feels like one of their signature styles — one they seem to carry season after season. The Justine comes in several variations, but all of them share a feature that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: a cotton lining. It’s an attached liner with a simple drawstring that keeps your bag’s contents safe and secure. It also has arm handles and a shoulder strap.
Alex Mill
My favorite pants — which I own in three colors — are from Alex Mill, as are my most-loved jeans. So when I spotted their straw totes, I knew they’d be lovely. Alex Mill always gets the proportions, colors, and style just right. They’re still a small brand with only two stores in New York City, so definitely stop by if you’re in SoHo or on Madison Avenue between East 86th and 87th. They also carry beautiful canvas totes and canvas pouches that can be monogrammed — a perfect size for tucking inside a larger tote.
More Practical Straw Tote Options
The Raffia Traveler Bag from Anthropologie has a built-in strap that looks like it’s part of the design — but it’s actually meant to hold your hat. Such a clever detail. Then there’s the woven slouchy tote, which has a certain appeal for trips to the beach or the market. Or this one.
One thing worth knowing about raffia and straw bags: the texture can be a little rough and may snag a lightweight cashmere sweater if you toss one inside. Since I always carry a sweater, I keep mine tucked inside a lightweight Baggu tote. Baggu bags take up no space, add no weight, and are endlessly useful — from protecting a cashmere layer to carrying a carton of strawberries home from the market. They wash and reuse beautifully.
Oufit of the Week
A shirt from Sézane makes wearing jeans and loafers feel like an outfit. I ordered three, and now I have to choose which one, or maybe two! I’m deciding between the Maxy Shirt in pink stripe with embroidered flowers, the Herbarium Embroidery, and the Max Shirt in blue and ecru. Which one would you choose?
Denim left to right: Alex Mill Jeans // AYR Secret Sauce Jeans // GAP Wide Leg Jeans Shoes: Gucci Jordaan Bit Loafers Bag: Sézane Justine Basket Bag
Spring Nursery Plants & a Footed Compote
Last week I needed a hostess gift. I went to Terrain thinking I would find a candle, but then as I walked through the outdoor garden area, I decided on a few plants. I already had several containers I could use at home. I added a few rocks in the bottom and then added the plants with a little preserved sheet moss on top. It’s a little centerpiece that can be used on top of a stack of books on a coffee table or maybe on someone’s desk. After a week or so, the plants can be planted in the garden. I used a black viola, dusty miller and a purple sage plant.
The container I used is no longer in stock at Terrain, but maybe you have something at home you can use. Even a flat bowl or basket would work. I did find three that are similar in size to the container I’m showing. ( 1//2//3)
Warby Parker Sunglasses
I wear both regular glasses and sunglasses from Warby Parker. I love my rosemary crystal matte frames with gray lenses, and the quality is so good that I often forget I’m wearing sunglasses. I wear progressive lenses, and Warby Parker gets it right every time!
Time to Order Your Peaches!
The Peach Truck has the best peaches! I never even liked peaches until I started getting them from the Peach Truck. You can order them here. This salad is one of our favorites; we made it using them last year. You can get the recipe in this post.
Well, Annie…I think you need to keep all three. So pretty.
Good morning, Annie,
I choose the stripe flower shirt in a small size for it’s refreshing play on stripes. And, you look fantastic in it.
Your hostess gift is so much more personal than a bottle of wine. I’m filing the idea!
It’s 39 in our neighborhood with sunny skies. I’ll be playing in the garden this afternoon.
Hugs from Mercer Island,
Diney