Fashion
This PR Maven and Mother of Two Knows Her Cashmere and Her Coloring Books
“Creating Motherhood” is a collection of stories focused on the intersection of family and creativity and how to live an artful life as a parent.
When you become a mom, your needs change, but your personal style doesn’t have to. In “Mom Brain,” parents with great taste tell us what they’re buying—for their kids and for themselves.
A public relations powerhouse, Sara Larson seems to be everywhere and to know everyone. Under her namesake agency, the Larson Project, she represents a diverse roster of clients (Hunting Season, the Ben Shoppe, and Nina Runsdorf, to name a few), meaning that on any given day, you have just as good a chance of spotting her in a sleek evening gown accessorized with chunky gold jewelry as in a brightly checkered two-piece set and high-top sneakers.
The mother of two is constantly on the move, but the bond Larson shares with her kids is unshakable. “When I first became a mother, I felt I had no idea what I was doing,” she tells Bazaar. “I was scared, to be honest. Between late-night pumping and sleepless nights, I would stare at the beautiful soul that grew in my body, and whisper all the love and adoration in my heart. These moments carried me—they wove me and my children together in a way I can’t describe.”
Below, Larson shares her favorite kid-friendly clothing, the water filter she swears by, and the only cashmere she wants to slip on when it’s time to relax.
What’s one thing you wear when you want to feel comfortable?
Cashmere. I love the Éterne Brady cashmere sweater, JW Anderson cropped cashmere sweater, or this oversize men’s Dries Van Noten black cashmere sweater. Oversize is definitely in my wardrobe vocabulary, and nothing makes me feel more comfortable yet put-together at the same time.
What’s one thing you wear when you want to feel powerful?
Statement jewelry. Some important everyday pieces I wear are Nina Runsdorf round brilliant-cut diamond earrings, a Jamie Wolf diamond edged ring with pavé diamonds, the Ben Shoppe Karma Vault, and Méga’s Omega 8 necklace.
What’s one thing you wear when you want to feel hot?
A black bodycon dress—any event, any time of day, this dress makes me feel my hottest. The Galvan Beaded Atalanta dress and Cult Gaia Grecia gown are both divine options. Amir Taghi’s Sterling Coat is a must with either look.
What gadgets or items do you find most useful for parenting?
Honestly, a really good water bottle is key for my kids right now. I love the ones from Clearly Filtered, because they have a water filter included. The kids are always on the move, and especially in the summer months, it’s what we use the most. That and a magnificently protective helmet. We live in Brooklyn and are either on the bike or scooter—so the helmets from Nutcase and from Thousand are incredible.
What things did you find essential when you first became a parent?
Sleep, sleep, sleep! [Laughs.] Which doesn’t exist. A close second is really good skin prep. I love Lesse and wish I’d had it when my kids were born. The essential travel set has everything you need. That and also the Artipoppe baby carrier. Truly the best carrier I’ve ever had. Makes you feel just like baby is still in the womb. So cozy and perfect for skin-to-skin. They have toddler sizes, too, which are perfect as well.
In your opinion, what are the best gifts for kids?
I love giving kids a really great pop-up book and glow-in-the-dark silly putty. Also, the David Bowie Color the Starman coloring book is always a hit.
What are your favorite places to buy children’s clothing?
An.Mé Shop in the East Village is a forever fave of mine. They have the best assortment in New York, so thought-of and intentional. I could spend hours there. Some of my favorite pieces from the store are this quilted bomber with dinosaurs and a spaceship—my son Royal loves dinos—and these Victory track pants. My all-time favorite kids’ store is Mini Rodini. Every time I’m in London, I pick up a piece or two to add to my kids’ collection. Their long-sleeved swimsuit with UV protection is the best for my daughter, Ihlen.
What’s one kids’ book your family loves?
Roberto: The Insect Architect. We love reading about how Roberto the termite finds the courage to follow his dream of moving to the big city to create a community of friends and spaces that he loves to live in and share with all those around him.
Where do you go for kid room decor or furniture? Are there any pieces in particular you’d recommend?
My husband is an interior designer and has taught me a lot about decor and furniture choices for our kids! He’s the best and knows how to blend the perfect mix of high/low while being space-efficient. Blu Dot, Rebel Walls, and RH Baby & Child really have an incredible assortment to choose from, and to make all of your design dreams come true.
What shoes do you wear when you’re in mom mode? What shoes do you love for decidedly not mom mode?
I’m a sneakerhead tried and true. I have a special pair of denim Nike AF1 high-tops I found in Montreal, and love wearing those with all denim. Van’s Old Skool sneakers are also a particular fave. Otherwise, I’m in a Bottega Chelsea boot. They are incredible and perfect for “from mom to an event” if need be.
Not mom mode: I recently discovered the Alaïa Openwork Wood Heel sandals, a very fun staple for summer!
What about bags?
I found a vintage LV backpack on Vestiaire that has been amazing for on the go with the kids in the city or at the beach. For evening, I rotate the Hunting Season Square Trunk with tassels or their Compact Case in black satin. Sometimes I want to take one of each because I love them so much, haha.
In your opinion, what’s the best gift for a new parent?
Organizing a night out for them with their partner or spa day. Time to themselves or with their significant other is priceless, especially when first in the whirlwind of being a new parent.
What beauty products that you rely on in your life as a mom?
Fara Homidi Red 1 for the days I need more oomph, and FH Nude 1 for the days I feel at ease. Eauso Vert Boozy Patchouli for a fragrant pick-me-up, Monastery Made matte body oil for hydration, Crown Affair hair oil for my sharper-than-sharp edged bob cut—thanks to my hair guru, Kenna—and Gezeiten Ampoules, perfect for throwing a few in your bag for hydration midday or right before an evening event.
What’s the best vacation you’ve ever taken with kids?
Australia. My son was nine months and fit perfectly in the bassinet for the long flight. My daughter was five and a pro traveler by this point. It was incredible from start to finish. We kept our gear as minimal as possible, and took a compact stroller, Artipoppe, and a couple of suitcases. We explored three different areas of New South Wales between the beach and mountains. When I say the most magical, it truly was! I want to go back, like, yesterday. Kids are resilient travelers, and any age is the right age to start.
What’s your best advice to anyone who’s about to become a parent?
Go with the flow, don’t overthink it. And trust your boobs—the milk will come!
What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you about parenting?
Your kids will choose a favorite parent, but don’t freak out, because it will come back around—it will always ebb and flow between the two of you. This is honestly the sign of an emotionally healthy child, who feels love and protection from both parents.
Michella Oré is the fashion commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar. Previously, she was the style commerce writer at GQ and associate producer at Vogue. Her writing has been published in i-D, 10 Magazine, and WWD.