A Mother Bad Creation

Hey pumpkins,
I'm sooo late with my third annual Mother's Day gift guide...but I just couldn't figure out what to do! I was wracking my overworked brain, trying to think of what an SYB Babe's mom would like, and then I had a serious "well, duh" moment. Why not offer up some favorites of the ULTIMATE SYB Babe's mom...Mrs. Andrea Chevalier Williams (there she is, sandwiched between me and my sister Devon/Brownie, circa 1980. Not a stitch of makeup and look at that skin)! I figured that, since her child is a beauty junk lady, my mom's opinion of what's hot and fabulous and perfect for Mother's Day is probably dead-on. So here, I present to you...some of Andi's most favorite things.

If her daughter's anything like me--and I have a feeling she is--your mom will looove this stuff, too.

love,
Tia


TIA'S MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE, AKA "WHAT SHE KNOWS HER MOM WOULD KILL FOR"

Island Michael Kors, $60: My mom is OBSESSED with Michael Kors' fragrance and all it's glam accoutrements (ie, the Leg Shine, the Glimmer Body Creme, the Shower Gel, etc.). Why? Because it's NOT Chanel #5 or Youth Dew or Beautiful. Don't get me wrong, these perfumes are terribly lovely and undeniably classic--but they're sort of expected. Cliche. Not unlike the scent version of Blair Underwood. Instead of the old standby, surprise your mom with a fragrance from one of the New Guard! She'll love this new one from Kors...it's called Island for all the right reasons. Even though it's simple and clean, there's just the slightest, chicest hint of tropicality (I made up that word, but this is MY blog, Brooke) and humid, Hawaii-ish flowers like tiare. Perfect for spring/summer! On a budget? Spring for the Island Shower Gel...it's only $40.


Ojon Shine and Protect Hair Ritual Kit, $50: I posted about Ojon six months ago, and since then, you ladies have been testifying about how Ojon's deeply moisturizing, shine-enhancing products (made from ingredients the glossy-haired Honduran rainforest natives have been using for centuries) have saved your chemically overwhelmed hair from certain death. Guess what? My MOM put me on to Ojon! She uses it faithfully. And so will your mom, when you bless her with this exhaustive, fabulously-priced-for-what-you're-getting gift set. It comes with: Restorative Hair Treatment, Shine & Protect Shampoo, Shine & Protect Conditioner, Shine & Protect Glossing Mist, and Leave-in Glossing Cream.


Black and White Cookies, $30: Every time my mom comes to New York--before she even gets to my apartment--she has to stop somewhere for NYC's famous oversized black-and-white cookies. I'm an ice cream person, so I don't get it...but oodles of Manhattanites can't be wrong. With their cake-like consistency and rich chocolate and vanilla icing, these cookies drive people wild with sugar-desire. The moral of the story is, if your mom lives far away, don't send her flowers. Anyone can send her flowers. Try these cookies instead, and she might just send you a thank-you note with a check in it. It happened to me!


Origins Totally Ginger, $49.50: My mom is INSANE for Origins' Ginger collection. You have no idea. I don't even bother darkening her doorstop anymore without bringing her their shower gels or lotions, or something. I don't blame her...Origins' addictive ginger scent is clean and citrusy with just a hint of spiciness. Very sexy, but in a warm, not-overpowering way. Gift your mom with this fabulous starter set, which comes with Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream, Ginger Body Smoother, Ginger Bar Savory Bath Soap, Ginger Essence Intensified Fragrance, and a waffled weave bath mit.


Ore Earrings, $28: Andrea Chevalier Williams was the mommy that pierced her daughters' ears when they were 2.5 seconds old. From the beginning of time, me and my two sisters wore tiny, delicate gold hoops. They were sort of the mini-me version of hers--huge, gypsy-chic hoops that always looked so HOT with her big, flippy hair. Because of this woman, I am addicted to hoops. I happen to think that, kind of like false lashes, they instantly make you look a zillion times sexier. I have a feeling your mom will love these irresistably delicate, hand-hammered gold earrings from Anthropologie. And then, when she's not looking, you can smuggle them out in your Kooba bag.


Oscar's Black Odyssey, from Hattie to Hallie, $9.98: Me and my sisters are obsessed with movies--but really, like obsessed. Meaning, we not only know who won the Best Oscar in 1939, we know the runners-up. And this is ALL my mom. And you know what? I tend to think that my having such extensive movie knowledge helped me become a better writer. You learn references, you learn tone, you learn what works in a scene (okay sorry, this isn't about me). The point is, I know my mom would DIE for this incredible documentary about the Academy Awards and Us. The doc's chock full of exquisite rare footage, long-unseen trailers from Oscar-recognized movies starring towering black talents, and interviews from nominated actresses, writers and actors from movies like "Gone With the Wind," "Lady Sings the Blues," "A Soldier's Story," "Carmen Jones" and "Imitation of Life." Honestly, this DVD is mecca for the film-buff mom. And on the low, I sort of think it's required viewing for all of us.


Lancome Sensational Effects Eyeshadow, $50: Ever since I became a beauty editor waaayy back in 1998, Mommy has really enjoyed it when I give her fancy, expensive-looking limited edition items (a fancy millenium Estee Lauder gold compact, a special Chanel anniversary sterling silver lipstick). Of course she never uses these things--just sits them up on her dresser--but I think it makes her feel glamorous just having them. Lancome's limited edition five-pan pallette is right up that alley. The shadows are a warm mix of romatic, soft, neutrals that flatter any skin tone--but the real stunner is the packaging, itself. The shadows are nestled in an incredibly heavy, incredibly sensuous sterling silver case fitted with a tiny, dangling charm. Flossy McFlossy!