Mother's Day is right around the corner, and we have so many beautiful Kilim Shoes, Silk Loafers, and Velvet Slides on the site right now that would make the perfect gift! We took this opportunity to interview our own moms for our latest Journal feature.

Caroline (Kai) B. Armstrong, Milicent's Mom 

What is your favorite pair of Artemis shoes from our Spring Collection and why?
My favorite is the Carson Velvet Slide…because I love blue and I love the faded softness of the fabric.

Who was your style icon of your youth, and who is your style icon now? 
My favorite style icon has to be Twiggy. I loved the whole London Carnaby Street scene and I loved the way she painted on her bottom lashes.
 
What is your most cherished item of clothing now? And what was your most memorable piece of clothing in your youth? 
I would say for sheer absolute comfort, that I would be sad to lose is my grey cashmere nightgown. When I was a teenager I had a suede mini skirt that had a hem to waist zipper in the front.
 
What room in your house resonates the most with you, and why? 
My bedroom in South Dartmouth. I just had it painted a warm melon color and as it faces west the setting sun makes the whole room glow. On the wall are paintings that have very special memories for me.

 What is your favorite book, and why? 
When I was about 10 years old I was given a book and the name of it was “How To Be Kind”. It was a book basically on kindness to animals and focused on a few people of that time who were world wide saviors of mistreated creatures. I love a lot of books so I’m using this book as my favorite because it had a big effect on me and is the only book that has made the journey with me so far.

What can you not live without?
My children, love, and food

Dream trip? 
Anywhere with my children…sorry but that’s how this Momma rolls.

Cliffy Shiner, McNeill's Mom

What can you not live without?
I always have a small spiral-bound notebook with me that I journal in, jot ideas, make lists, plan spending, etc. I have bunches that have been filled and I can’t resist buying new ones when I find colors and patterns that I like.

Dream trip?
A European river cruise – almost doesn’t matter which one. I traveled in Europe when I was only 21, but my husband has never been, and I can’t wait to share it with him. 

Who was your style icon when you were in your 20s/30s, and who is your style icon now? 
I’ve never really followed celebrities or fashion, but I love movies. My style icon from my 20s is Barbara Streisand in What’s Up Doc? My more current style icon is Diane Keaton’s character in Something’s Gotta Give.

What is your most cherished item of clothing now? And what was your most memorable piece of clothing in your 20s/30s?
In my 20s/30s as a mom, I loved matching my girls; if not that I was wearing classic pieces in black. Right now, I’m loving skinny jeans that accentuate a pair of tan short boots or lacy ballet flats. And I’m all about color…I do not wear black any more.

What is your favorite pair of Artemis shoes from our Spring Collection and why?
My favorite pair is the Stella Silk Loafers – they look fabulously comfortable and I love the colors. 

What room in your house resonates the most with you, and why? 
In our current house (and we’ve only been there a few months) we used a small room for a library. It has a great comfortable chair, bookcases on several walls, and a desk for writing notes or journaling. The atmosphere is quiet and contemplative, and it’s a room I love to spend time in.

What is your favorite book, and why?
My favorite book is "The Child from the Sea" by Elizabeth Goudge. It is a beautifully written story with a spiritual thread woven through it that filled me up and broke my heart.

Mary Voghel, Lena's Mom

What is your favorite pair of Artemis shoes from our Spring Collection and why?
The Primrose Velvet Slides, because it looks like you're wearing a beautiful flower on you're feet.

Who was your style icon when you were in your 20s/30s, and who is your style icon now? 
My style icon(s) of my youth were Madonna and Alex from Flashdance.  At this point in my life, I don't really follow any particular person. I admire when a woman is well-dressed but I'm more about what I'm doing than what I'm wearing. I like when someone looks good in jeans and a T-shirt.

What is your most cherished item of clothing now? And what was your most memorable piece of clothing in your 20s/30s?
My most cherished item of clothing is my Artemis shoes, of course! The piece of clothing that comes to mind from my youth is an "I ️heart Paris" shirt that I think I got in Boston.  

What room in your house resonates the most with you, and why? 
I really can't pick one room. I love our whole house. We've lived in every room. I think of our house as The Weasley's from Harry Potter. It's quirky, eclectic, very old, full of our family, our animals, and the the silly little treasures you pick up along the way.

What is your favorite book, and why?
My favorite book is the good book (the Bible) because it helps me be a better person.

What can you not live without?
I can't live without my family and coffee.

Dream trip?
Dream trip is to visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya. They rescue and care for orphaned elephants, eventually releasing them back into the wild. I'd like to sleep next to a baby elephant.

Susan Corcoran, Jenna's Mom

What can you not live without?
Can not live without: My family, especially my three children, Jenna, Ryan and Caroline.

Dream Trip?
 Italy (where my family is from!) 

Who was your style icon when you were in your 20s/30s, and who is your style icon now? 
Style Icon in my 20’s/30’s - Sarah Jessica Parker/ Carrie Bradshaw, Sex in the CityNow : My mother, Anne, who has always dressed well and stylish

What is your most cherished item of clothing now? And what was your most memorable piece of clothing in your 20s/30s?
Cherished item of clothing now -- Missoni gown
20's, 30's -- Karl Lagerfeld Suit
 
What is your favorite pair of Artemis shoes from our Spring Collection and why?
The Charlotte Silk Loafers, because I love the colors! They remind me of a beautiful spring day!

What room in your house resonates the most with you, and why? 
My living room resonates the most with me because it is decorated in colors I love the most -- soft pastels. I also love when we have company, people love to gather in this room.

What is your favorite book, and why?
"The Glass Castle", by Jeannette Walls. I love this book because it's message is so uplifting. It gives everyone hope that you can overcome anything in your life, despite many hardships and obstacles placed before you.

Jane LaGreca, Carson’s Mom

Who was your style icon when you were in your 20s/30s, and who is your style icon now? 
When I was in my early 20’s my style icon was definitely Madonna.  Now I admire Melanie Kobayashi for her mix of vintage, bohemian and chic style.
 
What is your most cherished item of clothing now? And what was your most memorable piece of clothing in your 20s/30s? 
My most cherished item of clothing now is any item that has a peter pan collar and ¾ sleeves.  In my 20’s, I finished every outfit off with my oversized black blazer and aviator sunglasses.
 
What is your favorite pair of Artemis shoes from our Spring Collection and why?  
Well, the name (Carson Velvet Slides) certainly attracted me but I also like the ease and sleekness of mules. They can be worn with pretty much anything from my closet.
 
What room in your house resonates the most with you, and why? 
Our Family Room.  It has everything I love: music, a fireplace, artwork, a cocktail cart and comfy sofas and chairs for the whole family to gather.

 What is your favorite book, and why? 
My favorite book is "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson because it makes me laugh no matter how many times I have read it. I’ve always wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail (still on my bucket list). 

What can you not live without?
Probably a dog!  We currently have 3 and I like them better than most people.
 
Dream trip? 
Backpacking across Europe. 

Teresa Dobbins, Alexandra's Mom 

Who was your style icon when you were in your 20s/30s, and who is your style icon now? 
I was always taken with the Lady Diana Spencer's style.  Simple and elegant.  Now it would be Michelle Obama.  Again simple and elegant.

What is your most cherished item of clothing now? And what was your most memorable piece of clothing in your 20s/30s?   
Now: A pair of black pants that travel well in a suitcase. 
20s/30s: Oversized jacket with shoulder pads. 

Why did you pick this pair of Artemis shoes from Spring Collection. 
Jane Silk Loafers -- love all things blue and this shade of blue, in particular.  The design of the cream and blue together make a perfect combination.

What room in your house resonates the most with you and why? 
I love my dining room and the view it affords overlooking the mountains.  I've moved my office out of my office space and into the dining room to enjoy that view more.

What is your favorite book and why? 
I am on a good thriller kick right now and at the moment its a tie between my two favorite Maine authors Tess Gerritsen's "I Know a Secret" and Stephen King's "Mr. Mercedes Trilogy".  Both had me hooked to the last word. 

What can you not live without?  
My French Press.  I carry it and my favorite roast with me whenever I travel. 

Dream Trip
I have thoroughly enjoyed traveling outside the country a bit, but my next adventure I would like to be traveling around the U.S. visiting the National Parks in a well-equipped RV.  With my French Press.