Shaina Mote, a beautiful slow-fashion brand that I love to support and have worn for years, reached out to me with some thoughtful Mother’s Day Qs. It was such a nice chance to sit down with a cup of tea and reflect on the past 6+ years… what Rex and Willow have taught me along the way… and what I’ve learned about myself.
It’s been a happy blur, going by way too quickly as everyone says. I’ve had my highs and lows on this journey of motherhood for sure. I never want to sugarcoat it or paint a picture that I have everything all-together because most days I absolutely don’t… but I’m just trying my best and hopefully, having as much fun with them as I can along the way!
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the incredible women in my life!
The Look | Sweater (jeans are vintage reworked Levi’s)
Shaina Mote is a timeless line of beautifully made basics. The pieces you truly want to live in season after season. Some of my most-worn SM pieces over the years have been their sweaters. The Saatchi Sweater seen here, and the Mare Sweater are both the ideal any-season knits. The Mare is that perfect chunky knit for slightly cooler weather… I pack it every time we’re headed to the Bay / West Marin.
And I’ve collected a handful of Shaina Mote’s knit tanks over the years. It includes the Rosa Camisole and the Chunky Bralette. I just love a knit tank as a dressier. Still, it’s casual cool in-between option to wear with a skirt or denim.
On Motherhood with Shaina Mote |
How has your relationship with yourself transformed since becoming a mother?
As a mother to a now 6 and 4 year old, I can see where my answers would have been different during those earlier years. There’s a lot of solitude in motherhood… which can be lonely at times but also a chance to better understand yourself / what you need to fill your cup up. Now having come out of those early baby years, I’d say my relationship with myself is much stronger. I’m more aware of my own needs and what I need to do for myself to be able to show up as the mom I want to be for them.
In the words of Anne Morrow Lindbergh in “Gift from the Sea”, “Women need solitude in order to find again the true essence of themselves.” Are there any rituals that bring you back to yourself, and offer time and space to reconnect and recenter, even when solitude is not available?
Wow, I wrote the above answer before reading this quote! Love that.
I’ve realized especially in the past few years how important it is for me to carve out time to do the things that make me feel like me. Everything from my work that keeps me excited and motivated. And connects me to an amazing community of women. Including day trips in wine country and San Francisco, travel in general… New York, going to art galleries, time with girlfriends, getting dressed up, reading. Also, trying new restaurants… all of the things I loved before kids. And including them in these activities fills me up just as much.
Is there a physical space that has become sacred, where you find inspiration lately? Share a photo and a sentence about how it makes you feel.
I love to be home when it’s quiet and no one is around. I love listening to music and getting lost in inspiration (whether in books or online). Also, New York… when I can get there! I feel most myself in a bigger city and NY will forever have my heart. As well as my days spent in SF.
What have you learned about yourself so far through your motherhood journey? What are you most grateful for?
I’m a better mom when I fill my own cup up (and get lots of sleep, ha!). As mentioned previously, which as everyone knows is easier said than done. And I’m most grateful for my girlfriends (who I can complain about all the things to… and are there for you during the highs and lows).
