Shop Talk

After Hours

Issue No. 2 · May 2026

The Mother’s Day Edition. 🌷

If motherhood has taught me anything, it’s that the women holding everything together deserve better than a last minute bouquet and half thought out candle.

So for this Mother’s Day edition of After Hours, I pulled together the things I’d actually want to receive - the thoughtful, pretty, useful, delightful little luxuries that feel like a proper pat on the back for the women doing the most.

A little inspiration for gifting, forwarding, or treating yourself accordingly. Let’s get into it.

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Should Anyone Ask

For the record: these are the things I’d be thrilled to unwrap this Mother’s Day - practical, personal, and a bit more considered than the usual standbys.

01. Jacquemus Aviator Sunglasses

I cannot lie, I own a ridiculous amount of sunglasses, but I wear them all and it’s perhaps my favorite way to amp up a look. This aviator style is a current favorite on my list - the shape is tried and true, and the tinted lens feels cool and new.

02. Donni The Pop Stripe Drawstring Pant

I have talked about Donni before, but must again because new, incredibly fun colors and prints just dropped for spring and I can’t get enough! I already know I’ll have so much fun pairing this pink stripe with graphic tees and button downs, cotton knits too.

03. Perfect White Tee Harley Cotton Boxy Crew Tee

If you ask me, the limit does not exist when it comes to owning multiple white t-shirts. I own the Harley in the grey and can attest, the fit is just right (in my opinion) - fitted without feeling overly snug. I’ll take every color, please.

04. Madewell x Melissa Jelly Thong Sandal

I purchased a jelly thong sandal from another brand last year and it is easily my most worn shoe this time of year, so why not add some new colors to the mix! The Madewell x Melissa collab has some really beautiful hues to choose from.

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For the Mother Figures

Thoughtful, lovely little gift ideas for the women in your life who show up, do the most, and make motherhood look good.

01. Jenni Kayne Basil Glass Candle

These candles are my favorite gifts to give. The Basil scent smells so fresh and honestly yummy too. Not to mention, the burn-life on these babies is significant and will last a nice, long while.

02. Artifact Uprising Custom Scallop Tabletop Frame

A personalized gift is never a bad idea. Artifact Uprising makes it so easy to create an all in one gift with beautiful prints and frame options. I love this sweet scalloped number, a thoughtful gift without feeling over the top.

03. Assouline Pop Art Style

Now this is my kind of reading. Perhaps for the creative mother figure in your life, a coffee table book always makes for an elegant gift idea that can also be tailored to your recipient and their interests. Pop Art Style is a visual treat to both look at and flip through.

04. Rive Droite Celestins 24h Bag

I was recently with some dear friends who noted they were in need of a good tote - this is 100% it. Chic and minimal, the 24h Celestins Bag from Rive Droite is my go-to for all things - daily errands, travel, you name it. I so appreciate the zip top, and love the vibrant seasonal colors like this vert imperial green.

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If We’re Dreaming…

The impractical, more indulgent end of the spectrum - entirely unnecessary, but because a girl can dream.

01. Dries Van Noten Mini Moire Dress

From the moment I saw this dress in Dries Van Noten’s marketing, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. A loud little mini that is so feminine in shape but has such personality.

02. Dehanche Hollyhock Rivet Leather Belt

A very smart, very fashionable friend of mine once said accessories and shoes are where you may want to invest, and that has always stuck with me. Worn often yet rarely considered out of style if you purchase wisely. This belt is one of those things for me, and Dehanche has so many unique styles to choose from.

03. Miu Miu Mesh Ballet Flats

These shoes have been burning a hole in my cart for far too long. I tend to love a pop color shoe, and this color is everything. I can see them being worn with denim casually, or a cute flats option with simple dresses this spring and summer (and even into fall).

04. Mr. Larkin Norma Dress

Mr. Larkin I believe to be a hidden gem, with their namesake pieces always feeling so special.  The cotton organza construction of this beautiful dress feels floaty in the prettiest way, and the sunny dreamsicle color is perfection.  You could layer this so many different ways too, both on top and underneath.  

And there we have it!

I had so much fun putting this one together - and if nothing else, I hope it serves as a reminder to celebrate the moms and mother figures in your life with a little extra thought this year.

And if you happen to be one of them, I hope someone gets it very right.

Happy early Mother’s Day.

Talk soon,
Betsy