Shopping

From our friends at thefind.com:

It’s lucky for us not-so-coordinated fashionistas that purposeful mismatching happens to be very cool when it comes to effortlessly chic summer style. However, as many of us learn the hard way, there’s a fine line between stylish mismatching and just looking like you couldn’t find a matching bikini set in your messy closet (which is sometimes the case).Giejo Swimwear’s Summer 2012 collection helps less skilled swimsuit shoppers take the pain out of choosing the perfect contrasting patterns and pieces with a bevy of bikini tops and bottoms in stripes, tribal, and coordinating shades – all meant to mix and match effortlessly without looking like you picked out your suit in the dark! With sexy printed details that help tie the whole look together and a simple yet chic color palette that pops without clashing, you probably could literally could go shopping with your eyes closed and still end up with a covetable contrasting bikini… but we recommend keeping your eyes open while you browse this bikini eye candy, just for the fun of it!

– Alexandra Gambardella

[Image via J.Crew.com]

[Altuzarra for J.Crew Patricia Dress]

Mother’s Day is May 13th, giving you plenty of time to still buy mom that perfect gift. Here at FPD, we encourage you to think beyond the standard bouquet of flowers and buy mom something that caters to her likes and needs. Check out our Mother’s Day 2012 Gift Guide for some innovative ideas that still pay tribute to all that mom does:

For the Mom Who Will Always Be Fashion-Forward

Bright pants are right on trend, especially in this fabulous fuchsia hue. J.Crew nailed it for Spring 2012 with the Cafe Capri ($89.50, pictured above), perfect for work, play and everything in between. It’s a classic that will anchor mom’s spring wardrobe. While you’re at it, browse the limited edition Joseph Altuzarra for J.Crew collection. It’s the perfect mash up of fresh and seductive, as evidenced by the irresistible Patricia Dress at $145!

[Jonathan Adler Carnaby Nesting Trays]

For the Hostess

If she’s always serving others, these are the perfect trays for entertaining. Jonathan Adler’s Carnaby Nesting Trays ($98) truly offer the perfect pop of color. The geometric patterns are just wild enough to spice things up, but not overpower the hostess herself.

[Youthberry White Tea $12]

[Perfectea Tea Maker, both images via Teavana.com]

For the Mom Who Needs a Break

We’ve all heard of book clubs, but Tea of the Month Club anyone? That’s right. Teavana offers either a 6 or 12 month membership offer ($160) with new teas every month leading mom on the path to a healthier, more zen lifestyle. Too pricey? Give mom the Teavana Perfectea Tea Maker ($19.95) and let her brew her own perfect cup every time. Paired with a fruity tea, like the Youthberry White Tea ($12) pictured above, let mom reap all the health benefits.

[Angel Food Cake Apron, $38]

[Dotty Match Pot Holders $12, both via Anthropologie.com]

For the Chef, or Wannabe Kitchen Enthusiast

These adorable smocks make the perfect gift for the mom who lives in the kitchen. Stepford wife meets NYC loft with Anthropologie’s patterned aprons. Mix and match with the pot holders for a combination that is as creative as cooking itself.

[Kate Spade Photo Album, image via Giggle.com]

For the New Mom

“And baby makes three…” is inscribed on this treasure of a photo album by Kate Spade, ($55), ideal for a mom’s first Mother’s Day. The sterling silver album holds up to 15 photos, but will also hold an immense place in mom’s heart — for a lifetime.

[Image via MetMuseum.org]

For The Fashionable Intellectual

Take Mom to see the Met’s Spring 2012 Costume Institute exhibition: Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations, explores the astonishing compatibility between Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, two female Italian designers from different eras. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, “the exhibition features orchestrated conversations between these iconic women to suggest new readings of their most innovative work.” See highlights here! The exhibit ($25 suggested donation per adult) will run from May 10th-August 19th, 2012.

[Image via Clarisonic.com]

For the Product Junkie

She may have every lipstick, concealer and cream, but does she have the Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing system? Her modern day active lifestyles can take a toll on her skin. Unfortunately, not all basic cleansers remove the impurities building up on our skin. The Clarisonic System ($119) has received rave reviews for working with skin’s natural elasticity to massage away makeup, dirt, etc. In 60 seconds, according to the company, the Clarisonic Mia cleanses skin six times better than hands alone! The cute color selection is also an added plus.

[Classic Kurta Elsa Purple, $85]

[Oversized Beach Bag Cleo Blue, $110]

For the Beach Bum

Summer is quickly approaching, and so are those lazy days where mom can cozy up with her Kindle for a full day on the beach. Any of the Roberta Freymann cover ups ($85) will have mom lounging in breezy, beautiful fashion. The beach totes ($75-$110) are equally as covetable!

[Lululemon’s Pace Setter Skirt, Athleta Boogie Board Skirt]

For the Workout Queen

If she lives for her morning runs, yoga/pilates classes, tennis lessons, or swimming, then Lululemon or Athleta is a no brainer. Get mom this Lululemon Running Pace Setter Skirt ($58) with built in shorts for extra comfort. She’d equally like the Athleta Boogie Board Skirt ($59), which magically transforms from a board short into a pull-on skirt to wear over a bathing suit.

If She’s a Techno-phile

Is your mom addicted to her iPad/iPhone? It’s funny how moms go from anti-technology to technology’s biggest fan! (Yep, I’m talking about you, mom!). If she seems to j’adore her gadgets, amuse her with an accessory for the tech she can’t seem to live without. Apple offers plenty of options like the iPad Smart Cover ($39) in dynamic shades. iPromise you she will love it.

-Alana Quagliariello

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