New York - April 30, 2004

Mom's the Word

Mother's Day Guide

Remember when mom meant the apron-clad housewife cranking out tin after tin of muffins with her oven-mitted hands? Um, sure. Mothers come in all shapes and stripes. Whether she’s fancy or homey, modern or retro, your only one or one of several, one thing’s for sure: Mom deserves something nice at least once a year. And so Mother’s Day was created …

The Proud Mama
She treasured every macaroni necklace and clay handprint. Give her the grown-up equivalent: Desori jewelry. It’s pretty stuff you design yourself, right on the Website. If she’s the bragging type (particularly when it comes to your purty face), Wingard makes lovely leather photo albums.

The Perfect Lady
Her debutante days may be over, but she’s still nudging you to keep your elbows off the table. Kate Spade’s new line of bedding will make her feel right at home, as will Queen of the Turtle Derby, Julia Reed’s new book of essays about the South. Tie things together with a springy scarf or a ladylike necklace.

The Outdoor Enthusiast
Around this time of year she takes up permanent residence in the backyard. Make her stylish with a Burberry gardening belt or a box of tulips. Mum’s more of a lounger? Get her a cozy hammock.

The Indoor Enthusiast
For this mom there’s no such thing as too much comfort. A rich cashmere throw, a pair of princess-worthy slippers, and some delish candles will keep her nest well feathered. Toss in Modern Glamour, designer Kelly Wearstler’s new book, and Three of a Kind, a new three-disc compilation of Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin hits, and she’ll never leave the house again.

The Earth Mom
She prefers Birkenstocks to Ferragamos and remembers Woodstock like it was yesterday. An earthy-yet-delicate wooden cuff bracelet is something you can both agree on, and she’ll never stop thanking you for the remastered Jerry Garcia box set. Round things out with a brightly colored aura spray from Aunt Vi’s Garden. She’ll be in hippie heaven.

The Sugar Mama
A woman after your own heart (and ours), she and her sugar lust need to be indulged. One Girl Cookies makes gorgeous treats, while an assortment of fancy honeys from Dean & Deluca will sweeten her outlook for months to come. If she prefers to do the baking herself, a set of heart-shaped measuring spoons will surely please while she whips up yummy treats from The Village Baker’s Wife cookbook.

The Business Mama
Now that the kids have left the nest, she’s thrown herself into her work. Start her morning off right with a cup of tea sipped out of Hermes breakfast cups. Keep her stylish in the workplace with a monogrammed laptop case and a whimsical case for her business cards. For a final touch, a beautiful desk calendar will spruce up the office nicely. (Click on “desktop.”)