Welcome to Retail Therapy—Who What Wear Shopping Director Bobby Schuessler’s digest of everything that matters in shopping. He spends his days uncovering special gems to elevate a wardrobe, and it’s all curated right here for you, dear readers. Think of Bobby as your personal shopper, and this is the exclusive list of items that get a yes from him, period.
Shopping with my mother is one of my favorite activities. I have distinct memories from childhood perusing the racks at the local mall, and we still do this today, but now it also includes texting and DMing things we’re into. In this installment of Retail Therapy, I’m highlighting the 10 items (along with styling pieces) I recently shared with my mom that she liked the most, which runs the gamut from cool linen separates to designer accessories.
Oh, and Mother’s Day is quickly approaching (don’t forget), so you could also use this shopping list to find something special for a leading woman in your life. Keep scrolling for more.
Adidas Sneakers
Just like legit everyone else out there, my mom and I are also gravitating toward Adidas sneakers. The SL 72 is the front-runner for my mom with the retro silhouette and fun colors, including this trend-forward pale-yellow pair. Yes, I told her that wearing these sneakers will make her look like a fashion person.
Styling Pieces
COS
Knitted-Collar Trench Coat
Levi’s
Ribcage High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans
Madewell
The Handwoven Leather Tote
J.Crew Skirt
J.Crew
New Gwen Slip Skirt
I’ve been talking about slip skirts a lot recently—a spring staple that hits on the romantic trend. J.Crew always has strong options, including this gorgeous knee-length style. The sheer lining at the bottom brings a forward twist that sets this skirt apart. It comes in a range of colors, but I suggested the pink to my mom.
Styling Pieces
Open Edit
Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
HOUSE OF CB
Anjou Floral Embroidered Ruffle Wool Cardigan
COACH
Bowery Leather Satchel
H&M Pants
H&M
Straight-Leg Drawstring Pants
The coveted $25 H&M linen-blend pants are back! This style sold out last year, but my mom is thrilled she can order now for this season. Many of my co-editors own the pants (and rave about them) because of the comfort and effortlessly chic silhouette. The versatility is also noteworthy. As I mentioned to my mom, you could dress them up with a button-up shirt and flats or wear them with a swimsuit on vacation.
Styling Pieces
Banana Republic
The Oversized Shirt
Vince
Barcelona Jelly Cage Mule
FERRAGAMO
55mm Shield Sunglasses
Chloé Sandals
Chloé
Women’s Jelly Sandals
It’s the season of the jelly shoe. I repeat: It’s the season of the jelly shoe. I spoke highly about the Vince mules in the last installment of my newsletter (also featured above), and my mom bought them immediately. I showed her these Chloé sandals that the fashion crowd can’t get enough of for a different vibe, and she adored them. She loved the lower heel and ankle strap for an extra level of comfort. Oh, and they also come in beautiful blue and pink hues.
Styling Pieces
Open Edit
The Icon Blazer
Open Edit
Crepe Capri Leggings
THE ROW
’90s Leather Tote
Chanel Ring
This is a dream ring. It’s certainly an investment but a style that can be worn daily. Everything in Chanel’s Coco Crush range is breathtaking, and this ring is no exception with the signature quilted motif. As I mentioned to my mom, it can be worn on its own but also would be pretty stacked with other special pieces.
Styling Pieces
FAITHFULL
Jane Linen Mini Dress
ALAÏA
Click E/w Small Leather Shoulder Bag
GABRIELA HEARST
Delia Appliquéd Leather Slingback Pumps
Reformation Sweater
Reformation
Striped Cashmere-Blend Sweater
I’ve featured this cool Reformation sweater a few times in my content because I enjoy the color combination with the butter yellow (an It hue!) and blue stripes. Style it with jeans and sneakers for an easy look or tie it around your shoulders with a blouse and skirt to switch it up. And yes, this one is in my mom’s cart already.
Styling Pieces
Favorite Daughter
The Mischa Super High Waist Wide Leg Jeans
Jeffrey Campbell
Aleta Sneaker
CELINE
Triomphe 52mm Oval Sunglasses
Zara Cardigan
ZARA
Plain Peplum Cardigan
Get ready. Peplums are coming back. The silhouette dominated the fall runways, and there are already stylish picks in the market now, like this striking cardigan. While $70, it’s quite expensive-looking with the elegant silhouette and gorgeous buttons. I have it styled with a skirt and sandals below, but it can also work flawlessly with jeans or trousers.
Styling Pieces
J.Crew
Contrast-Stitch Midi Skirt in Cotton Poplin
Reformation
Samantha Heeled Sandals
Jennifer Fisher
Small Knot Earrings
Bottega Veneta Bag
Bottega Veneta
Small Andiamo
The Bottega Andiamo continues to be one of my favorite bags. It is literally perfect. My mom dreams about the smaller style in the burgundy color. It’s small enough for everyday use, and as my co-editor who has it said, it fits so much. It’s also eligible for Bottega’s Certificate of Craft, which is a complimentary care service. It’s totally a forever bag.
Styling Pieces
Tory Burch
Jacquard Wide-Leg Pants
Open Edit Vest
Open Edit
Linen Blend Vest
Linen is a must for spring and summer. In addition to the drawstring pants above, this linen-blend vest also tops my list because it’s modern and very chic. It feels high concept with the design but is so easy to style with jeans and your favorite shoes. It’s guaranteed to earn compliments, and the price is right.
Styling Pieces
Mother
The Dodger Sneak High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
Demellier
The Midi New York
Coach Jacket
COACH
Suede Cardigan Jacket
I spotted a friend wearing this Coach piece on Instagram and gasped. It’s unbelievably chic, with its collarless silhouette and statement buttons. I told my mom that this find would make her wardrobe feel even cooler.
Styling Pieces
Madewell
The Darted Barrel-Leg Jean
SPERRY TOP-SIDER
Slim Boat Shoe
POLO RALPH LAUREN
Embroidered Cotton-Twill Baseball Cap