We all have a moment when we spy That Mom. She's the one who looks like she knows something we don't. It's the way she belts her sweater, or the way her ballet-flat-and-skinny-jean combo radically upgrades the drop-off uniform. Lucky for us, these fashion mavens aren't stingy with their secrets. We invited Rachel Roy, fashion designer and mother of Ava, 9, and Tallulah, 10 months, to let us copy the trends and tricks she swears by.
Roy's Style Tips
Beauty Trick
"I recently cut my hair into a bob, and I absolutely love it. It's low maintenance yet so clean and chic. I'd recommend it to anyone. It's flattering on a lot of face shapes."
Key Pieces
"I design blouses with special tucking or fabric in all my collections—they stand out, but you still look crisp, not like you're trying too hard. They look great with men's-cut trousers."
From $595 for similar styles, Saks Fifth Avenue.
"If I have to go out at the last minute, a trench dress is my go-to. It's so easy." Tili trench, $3,495, RachelRoy.com for stores.
Final Touch
"I'm a big jewelry girl, especially costume jewelry—so I'm happy that statement earrings are back for spring. I buy mine in New York's Little India."
From $130 for similar styles, Ben-Amun.com for stores.
Girl Style
"Dressing my girls is more fun than dressing myself. Ava and I shop together for her at ShopJustice.com. It has great prices. Tallulah has adorable vintage T-shirt dresses from Rowdy Sprout." Blondie dress, $46, RowdySprout.com.
Kid Staples
"I love my daughter's J Brand skinny jeans [$117, Saks Fifth Avenue]. Ava's so tall and slim, it's hard to find pants that fit her, so they were a great find—as were her year-round moccasins. They make all Ava's outfits feel more modern, in a rustic way." Zipper boots, $29, Moccasin House.
Color Palette
"I'm big on mixing and matching unlikely colors, like nude with charcoal or eggplant (left). By the way, nude is replacing black for spring."
Splurge-O-Meter
What does Roy spend (and save) the big bucks on?
• Crystal Heart handbag, $3,600, RachelRoy.com for stores
• Manolo Blahnik heels, $685, Neiman Marcus, (800) 937-9146
• Men's V-neck tees, $66 for three, AmericanApparel.net
• Levi's 501s, $37, Kohls.com
• Ballet slippers (for around the house), $18, CapezioDance.com
• Girls' camisoles, $10, Target.com
