I'm a fashion designer in NYC, and here's what you should be gifting yourself for Mother's Day
We may receive commission from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
If you bought a dress to go to an event in the last 20 years from a known retail store, there’s a chance I designed it! I have worked for a good amount of big brands, creating dresses to make women feel pretty and special. It has been a great joy for me and not a bad way to get a paycheck either.
This year I launched my own collection under my name, Emily Shalant — and we just opened, in time for Mother’s Day! I’m a single mom to two boys so I know the drill. You deserve something lovely to wear on Mother's Day (and every day, mind you). And you might want to treat the mom in your life, too.
Life has changed so much in the past few years, and we need our clothes to have flexibility, now more than ever. I want to be able to go to lunch, pick up my kids from school, head to the office and then throw on a nice pair of shoes for dinner — all in the same outfit. It’s a big ask, but designers are more clued into this than ever. When I design, I want you to wear the item over and over again. And when I shop, I look for items that I know will get plenty of play in my wardrobe.
My 12 fashion picks for spring are versatile pieces from great brands. Together they'd make a fantastic capsule wardrobe. But even just a single item will liven up what you already own.
Let’s get ready to shop!
Nine West Dua Pointed Flats
I have been waiting for someone to make an affordable version of this shoe from Valentino — thank you Nine West — and here it is on sale, just in time for Mother’s Day! I’ll be buying these Dua Pointed Flats and wearing them with white jeans and a linen jacket for a night out or a midi skirt and silk blouse for work.
BB Dakota Women's Stage Presence Top
Embellished tees are trending — and this is a really cute example of one. Trust me: You'll get so much use out of this top. The fringe is fun and has such great movement when you're dancing! Tuck it into a pair of shorts with your new pink sneakers below and it’s errand city. Wear it with high waisted black trousers and those gold flats below and you’re ready for that martini. This spring's monochromatic trend is killer (and takes 5 lbs off in photographs) so try this tee with white jeans too. I think you will be impressed.
Reebok Princess Sneaker
When you're running out the door to do some errands, don’t forget these pink Reebok sneakers that I want to wear every single day forever. They’re just 50 bucks and will instantly make a simple dress or a pair of jeans so cute.
Cece One Shoulder Crinkle Chiffon Blouse
Pink is THE color for spring, be it powdery like a rose-flavored macaron or bright like an electric flamingo. The exposed shoulder on this top is flirty; the delicate ruffle detail keeps it feminine. Loving the easy fit and I may pair it with the white jeans below and the pink sneakers above, and then just change shoes to meet friends for dinner later in the evening.
Emily Shalant Mock Neck Crystal Beaded Top
This mock neck sleeveless tee from my line is hand beaded and embroidered at the neck in crystal stones. It’s pretty fabulous and also comfy in seriously luxurious jersey. Sparkle is everywhere on the runways right now, and this tee keeps the bling clean and sophisticated. And it’s so soft and stretchy. Pair it with white jeans for Mother’s Day brunch or tuck it into a taffeta skirt and you’re off to that engagement party. A bit of a splurge — but you will feel the fabulousness while you’re wearing it for sure.
Emily Shalant Midi Taffeta Skirt
We all need a skirt like this one — it’s a sophisticated way to channel our inner princess. The midi length, which is trending this spring, looks fab with either flats or heels. Wear it to dinner with a cute short sleeve sweater, to brunch with a tee and a jean jacket or try it with one of my hand-beaded tees for a work event.
Vince Camuto Crêpe de Chine Pull-On Pants
Possibly the best spring trend is the cropped pull on pant — perfect for showing off your new shoes! Cute sneakers keep the vibe daytime chic, but add the pointy flats and beaded top above to really elevate the look. With an elastic waist, these pants are a best-of-both-worlds basic and I urge you to try them out.
Marc Fisher LTD Mireya Ankle Strap Sandal
If you’re in the market for a dress up shoe, try a sandal with a squared-off toe, which is all over the spring 2022 runway. The ankle wrap makes this version sexy and the flat sole keeps it practical. This is a great way to freshen up your wardrobe with something trendy but still classic. For a less expensive option, try this similar Steve Madden style for $75 at Zappos.
Tahari ASL Side Knot Jumpsuit
I think we may all need to buy this jumpsuit by Tahari because I can see us wearing it everywhere. I like the tie detail at the waist that creates a shape while hiding any sins. The crop length keeps it modern and will show off any one of the shoes mentioned here.
Reiss Yasmin Embroidered Top
Eyelet is huge this year and I find this top from Reiss to be the perfect dress up / dress down version. It’s not inexpensive — but it doesn’t look it either — and somehow avoids falling into the bohemian category even though it’s eyelet. Wear it to the office with black pants, out at night with white jeans and gold strappy heels or to an event with a party skirt and big sparkly tassel earrings.
Democracy Women's Ab Solution Straight Leg Jean
I think we should all run out immediately and buy a fresh pair of white jeans. I’m loving this season's higher waists and flattering straight-leg fits. This is a great pair to wear with those pink sneakers or gold ankle-wrap sandals mentioned above.
Club Monaco Deconstructed Stripe Double Breasted Notch Lapel Blazer
An oversized blazer is a key item for spring — and this one from Club Monaco is very, well, French! You can throw it over anything, and you'll get the ‘polished by accident’ look that those darn French people are so good at. I’m loving the oversized shape, so it covers the derriere! This one is on sale for 55% off.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.
Want daily pop culture news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Entertainment & Life's newsletter.
