Style Icons: Our Moms
Did We Get Our Style From Each Other’s Moms?
As you may have read, the founders of The Daisy Edit were college roommates and have known each other’s families for decades. It’s something they’ve often wondered: were they swapped at birth? Daisy’s mom, Susan (on the right), was a free-spirited hippie, while Rossell’s mom, Bettie (on the left), was the picture of polished society style. Daisy and Bettie share a love of pearls and skirts, while Rossell and Susan gravitate toward comfort with an easy, boho vibe.
We thought it would be fun to honor Bettie and Susan by telling you more about these two very different, but equally impressive women (and, of course, take a little style inspiration from both).
Bettie
Raised in Alabama and educated in Washington, DC and New York, Bettie brought a distinctly East Coast polish with her when she moved to San Francisco in 1965. A former student at Juilliard School, she later channeled her creativity into building a catering business and authoring two cookbooks. She has that rare combination of Southern charm and sharp wit, and is an incredible, often hysterical storyteller. Whether she’s hosting a dinner or getting dressed, she makes everything feel special. She loves to entertain, laugh, and travel, and has never met a scarf she couldn’t style.
“Pay attention: a scarf makes a very nice belt.” —Bettie
Get the look:
Bettie’s beautiful skirt is definitely the hero of this outfit. We found one nearly identical. What a great addition to anyone’s wardrobe for travel like she’s done here, or with something dressier for an event. Her dark silk blouse is of course a capsule item (she knew the importance of having basics way before we did) PS - this one is a great low-budget option.
We love how she strategically layered her pearl necklaces. This fun pile of pearls would be cute dressed up or over a denim shirt or tee.
Let’s assume she’s wearing black sling back kitten heels - very Parisian.
Susan
Raised in Los Angeles, Susan grew up dressing for her mother’s audience of fancy friends, think Beverly Hills brat pack, but quickly found her own point of view. After graduating from University of California, Berkeley, she spent time in New York in the 1960s before returning to the Bay Area in 1969. She worked as a freelance photographer, later earning her master’s in social work and building a career at the VA. Long before it was mainstream in California, Susan explored macrobiotic and healthy eating, along with yoga and meditation. She has always followed her instincts, whether in style or life and looks natural and fabulous, with a relaxed, unfussy approach that feels completely her own. She loves art, books, gardening, and is a passionate collector of buttons.
“I don’t want to iron or dry-clean anything.” —Susan
Get the look:
Susan highlights her small waist by belting a burgundy top. This stunning one from Brochu Walker is more modern (and they even show it belted with this perfect thin belt.)
Her bag was probably made by her artisan friend who also hand-crafted a pair of leather jeans for Charlie (Daisy’s dad). This might actually be Susan’s on eBay! Here’s a more modern take.
Her dark jeans must be Levi’s (love the cute little rolled cuff).
Susan was always ahead of trends when it came to health food and apparently footwear. Back in the 1980’s Birkenstocks were largely viewed as functional, orthopedic, or "health" footwear rather than high fashion, like we see today. Love the color of her’s and it looks like they are back in style - check these out!
Susan is probably wearing a pair of big, sterling Navajo earrings like these - gorgeous.
Swapped at birth or not, we’ll take our style cues from both. This Mother’s Day, we’re especially grateful for these creative, inspiring, supportive women who shaped not just how we get dressed, but how we see the world. Their point of view, humor, and confidence are woven into everything we do.
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Beautiful post. Absolutely loved this story and how you pointed out how much happier they look now. So stylish and I was along the ride the whole time. Thank you.
What a sweet way to honor your moms - love this!