do you have any rituals or routines that make you feel confident and empowered as a mother?

L: Watching something that you love grow is a wonderful thing in itself. The daily, mildly chaotic routines—the endless poop cleaning and fighting my bird when it comes to baths—are just surreal reminders that I am actually capable of looking after something that is alive and fragile.

what is something you hope to pass down to your children?

L: If I had kids, hopefully, nothing. Maybe some things I've learned along the way, but I'd like them to be their own person, make their own mistakes, and figure out who they'd like to be. And if we are talking about Nugie... just some basic survival instincts would be great.

 
Lauren wears the bow tie brocade top in black paired with the relaxed fit pleated trousers in butter

looking back, is there any piece of advice you received about motherhood that has stayed with you?

L: "You do you." Obviously, there is a world of difference between having a pet and raising a child. But being a mum of anything inexplicably puts you in a position where you receive a lot of strange and unsolicited advice... and I kid you not, this applies to birds as well. It's important to remember that motherhood in every form is your own experience and no one else’s.

in what ways do you think motherhood has changed since you became a mother, and how do you see it evolving in the future?

L: The thing about having a pet is that your motherhood style doesn't really have to evolve. My bird is essentially an eternal toddler. But even then, it changes you. It teaches you to come to terms with chaos, to let go of things you cannot control, to be patient. I am able to multitask so much better now... so I cannot even imagine what mothers with kids are capable of.

how do you celebrate mother's day, and has the way you celebrate evolved as your children have grown?

L: I celebrate my mother and grandmother, who are the women who brought me up and are faceted, interesting people in their own ways. I don't know if I am a 'mother', but I pat myself on the back for keeping my bird alive for 3 years - and counting.

how do you define your personal style, and how has it evolved over the years?

L: I wear anything that’s comfortable and practical—our weather is too unforgiving for anything else. But over the years, I’ve come to really appreciate versatile investment pieces, anything with mileage really.

can you share a fashion moment or trend from your youth that you're glad has made a comeback?

L: Clunky, classic Birks. I was forced to wear them as a kid, and now I wear them in my 30s for my back ailments.