Fashionable Mother’s Day Gift Ideas That Cost Less Than $100

How did the J.Crew and Christopher John Rogers collaboration come about?

I can't help but get into the juicy details about this collaboration because it's the one thing no one saw on their bingo cards. Yet, it's such a seamless relationship at the same time! Olympia Gayot, J.Crew's creative director of womenswear and kids, says this about the partnership, "The collaboration with Christoper came together naturally, driven by our mutual love for the joy of fashion. I've long admired his work, and there was an undeniable synergy between our brands — J.Crew as a timeless purveyor of joyful, classic American style and Christopher as a trailblazer for the next generation of American designers."

Christopher John Rogers is known for creative bright, bold designs that bring out the color in whoever wears his pieces, making him unafraid to go against the grain in fashion. He most notably won the CFDA Emerging Designer Award in 2020 and the American Womenswear Designer of the Year Award in 2021. Since then, celebs such as Anne Hathaway, Gwyneth Paltrow, Rihanna, and Zendaya have been seen in his designs (via The Zoe Report).

Gayot says, "That mutual respect and shared values made the partnership feel effortless. We worked closely with Christopher at every step, not just blending our creative influences, but also collaborating on styling, photography direction, and artistic inspiration. It was essential to balance our core brand codes with his bold, contemporary vision, resulting in a collection that feels fresh, distinctly Christopher, and yet unmistakably J.Crew"

What makes this collection so unique?

We've seen a plethora of fall collections emerge this year, but none have captured the stylish, yet freeing energy that J.Crew and Christopher John Rogers have tapped into. Gayot says, "The collection is a joyful celebration of vibrant colors and dynamic textures. From striped cashmere sweaters to lamé barn jackets and sequin party dresses, every piece embodies a unique fusion of our two brands."

I say this a lot, but there's truly something for everyone in this collection. You'll still find tailored silhouettes, but you'll also see them in elevated patterns and fabrics. "We've reimagined classic J.Crew staples with a modern twist, encouraging individual expression and creativity while keeping them effortlessly wearable for any wardrobe. The trust we built through our shared creative vision allowed us to take bold design risks—like oversized stripes, new shapes, and unexpected textures—that turned out even better than we imagined," Gayot shares.

However, she says the most exciting thing is they "didn’t just create a holiday capsule; these pieces, though perfect for the season, are designed to be versatile enough to wear year-round.”

We can all agree that the past four years have been unprecedented in ways that have left us haggard at times. However, it seems this collection is touching on the hopeful and joyful nature that seems to be seeping back into society. Not only that, but there seems to be a genuine appreciation for those who are unafraid to mix tradition with modernity.

"Our goal with this collaboration was to create something that speaks to our modern consumer, who has a diverse appetite for style and design – someone who loves their tried-and-true classics, but also can experiment and play with color, unique silhouettes, and bold styling. We wanted it to appeal to both long-time J.Crew fans and those drawn to Christopher’s fearless and trailblazing Ready To Wear," Gayot says.

Based on what I've seen, it's apparent J.Crew and Christopher John Rogers not only understand each other, but their target audience as well. It's not always easy to connect the dots when designing something new, but they've truly hit the nail on the head. With that, Gayot says, "The aim was to push the boundaries of vibrant colors and patterns—hallmarks of Christopher’s work—while blending J.Crew’s classic aesthetic to make statement pieces that feel fun and accessible. By merging high fashion with everyday wearability, the collection elevates personal style and gives everyone a chance to own a special piece of designer magic.”

Shop My Favorite Pieces From The Collection

Pleated Dress In Sequins

Everyone needs a good party dress! This sequined stunner is perfect for the holidays — or a Tuesday when you just wanna get all dolled up! I'd find a nice faux fur stole to drape over it — and probably a pair of chic little kitten heels, so I can dance the night away if I need to.

Topcoat In Red Vinyl

Go bold or go home with this gorgeous red vinyl coat. Though it has a sleek design, the vibrant color is smokin' hot! It comes with a point collar, welted pockets, and is lined so you'll stay warm while looking ultra-stylish during the holidays.

Colorblock Dress In Stretch Viscose Blend

Your winter outfit doesn't have to be boring, so celebrate the end of the year with this gorgeous Colorblock Dress!

Girls' Pleated Mini Dress In Multistripe Stretch Taffeta

And if you want to pick up something for your mini me? The J.Crew and Christopher John Rogers collection has something for the kiddos too! This dress is DARLING!

Lamé Gold Barn Jacket

We tried to tell you: barn and chore jackets are SO in right now. Grab this one to show the world you didn't let the news cycle damned your shine!

Structured Button-Up Shirt In Duchesse Satin

Who said Barbie pink was going anywhere? It's officially here to stay if the J.Crew and Christopher John Rogers holiday collection has a say in things. Despite its vibrant color, this shirt is still tailored to perfection, giving you a put-together, buttoned-up (LOL) look.

Sculpted Skirt In Duchesse Satin

Pair your Structured Button-Up Shirt with this Sculpted Skirt for an adorable matching set. Or, you can absolutely pair this with a knit sweater for a more toned down look.

Topcoat In Herringbone Bouclé

Want to go for something a little more muted that's still sure to cause a scene? Fall in love with this J.Crew and Christopher John Rogers herringbone coat. It has a bouclé texture that's perfect for winter date nights or grabbing a late dinner with your friends.

Relaxed Blazer In Duchesse Satin

Everyone needs a classic black blazer in their wardrobe. It's one of those capsule pieces that works every season! And of COURSE Christopher John Rogers took this classic and made it cuter than ever!

Cotton Poplin Shirtdress

I swear, this shirtdress was designed just for me because I've been searching high and low for the perfect one to wear during colder months. Leave it to the J.Crew and Christopher John Rogers collection to know just what you and I need.

Sculpted Dress In Duchesse Satin

Want to turn heads at your company's holiday party without ending up with a note from the HR department the following morning? Wear this stunning Sculpted Dress In Duchesse Satin!

Stemon Three Tone Block Heel Boots

Post-fall shoe haul, it's likely you already have some classic black booties — and that's where these babies come in! I absolutely love this tri-toned pair of block heels to add a dash of fun to any look. The metallic accents are super on-trend right now, and the shiny vibes are perfect for these more twinkly months. They also come in a black variation, if you're looking for something different!

Wheedle Croc High Heeled Calf Boots

We've made it explicitly known that red is our color, through and through. So obviously I had to add these tall boots to the roundup! This pair is sexy and chic, elevating your style to the next level with the croc-embossed faux leather. Not feeling the red? You can choose from two other colors — plus, they're on sale for $59!

Women's Shelby Slingback Ballet Flats with Memory Foam Insole

Now these? These are absolutely darling! Ballet flats are back and truly better than ever right now — as exhibited by this bow-embellished pair from Target. The slight shimmer adds just enough sparkle without being too much, and the bow could go with everything from a pair of jeans and a sweater to your fave holiday look! These $35 shoes also come in red if you're feeling bold!

Women's Taylor Jet Studded Kitten Heel Ankle Boots with Memory Foam Insole

IDK how to explain it, but I just know Emily would slay these in Paris. She'd likely dress them in an unexpected way — I'm envisioning sweats and a beret? IDK? — and I'd immediately try to recreate the look. And while studs can make a statement, these are also just neutral enough that you can get away with a more subdued style as well. At $43, these are a total steal!

Struter Embroidered Platform Fur Classic Slip-On

Uggs duuuupe! These platform slip-ons are perfect for those days when you're out and about with your Starbucks in one hand, pushing the Target cart with the other. These also come in three other colors, and they're currently on sale for $42

Harness Buckle Ankle Boots

Some days require an edgier look that's even...dare I say, borderline grunge? It's our favorite way to dress when we're in a mellow mood, so if this sounds like you, slip on these cute ankle boots. The round, closed toe and cushioned footbed make them way more comfortable than they look.

Women's Elsa Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Metallics are perfect for the holiday season — and throughout the rest of winter, for that matter. These are great for the days you have to double up on a day at the office and make it to the holiday party by 7. Plus, at just $30, what more could you ask for?!

Ball Heel Stretch Ankle Boots

Keep it stylish with these glam boots! They heel height is only 2.25 inches, so the soles of your feet won't be under a ton of pressure as you strut through town. You get all the fun of a unique look without all the typical struggle of a unique shoe.

Slip On Mule Flats With Memory Foam Insole

These flats are so gaudy, but we're mesmerized by them. They take studs to the next level — and yes, I'm thinking about Emily in Parisagain. The round closed upper won't crush your precious toes, while the backless feature will make you happy as you pad around Target looking for new things to buy.

Women's Pippa Chunky Heel Ankle Boots

Love the first pair I shared, but wanna commit to the all-metallic vibe? These booties are here for you. At only $40, you'll shine bright like Eve from Life-Size. And with that block heel, you'll definitely be able to shine far while you're at it.

Women's Sage Slide Slippers

You obviously need plenty of shoes to strut your stuff around the town, but you also deserve a little something chic for the house! These stylish slippers are only $15, so you can comfortably make your way from the couch to the tea kettle — and look cute while you do it!

Ivette Tru Comfort Foam Pull On Boots

Normally we'd save a pair of boots like this for apple mazes and pumpkin patches, but there's no rule against wearing them during winter. They're a universal must-have in our book because of how sturdy they are, not to mention their gorgeous brown color!

Junie Tall Boots

We know you'll still be wearing sweater dresses during winter because we will too! They're not complete without a pair of tall boots though. You'll love how versatile these suede pair are and may want to wear them with all of your winter OOTDS.

Fur Mule Loafers

Gucci stole our hearts with their 2015 Re-Edition Women's Princetown mules, but the price tag reminded us of the budgets we've been living on. We're willing to bet you're not interested in spending over $1000 for mules, but now you don't have to! These stylish loafers are only $35 at Target, but hurry because they're selling out!

What Are Boo Baskets?

Boo baskets are Halloween or fall-themed gift baskets typically filled with candy, seasonal decorations, and fun crafts that you can surprise your significant other with to celebrate the season. While videos of this trend usually show people giving their baskets to their “boo” (pun intended), it’s not limited to just your partner. You can also make one for your friends, your parents, your kids, or even your pets if you wanted to!

What Do You Put In a Boo Basket?

Just about anything can go in a boo basket! If you’re creating a basket that’s specific to your loved one’s interests, the possibilities of what you can include are endless. But based on countless TikTok videos and Instagram reels posted about this trend, the general formula for a basket that I’ve noticed includes a cozy item, a mug, a fall-themed drink mix, snacks or candy, a stuffed animal, and (of course) a basket big enough to fit everything!

First, The Basket

Technically, any big basket or container could be used to hold your boo basket items. However, if you’re the kind of person that likes to go all out when gift-giving, I would recommend a Halloween-themed basket like the Andemie Halloween Collapsible Organizer from Amazon. Not only does this basket come in multiple colors and patterns, you can easily flatten the basket and store it anywhere you want, so you can reuse it next fall.

Candles, Body Care, Sweaters & More … A Cozy Girl’s Galore!

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to getting all relaxed and comfortable, especially on a chilly, rainy fall day. Personally, there are three essential elements to my lazy days – an oversized sweater, some gourmand scented body care, and a candle that makes my entire apartment smell like walking into a bakery. If this sounds like you, here are some of my favorites.

This sweater from the LoveStitchesCo shop on Etsy has quickly become a staple to my “lounging around” outfits this season, and for a good reason. For only $26, this sweater is made out of 100 percent cotton, has a wide size range available (S to 3XL), and can be customized to whatever color you’d like. Plus, the embroidered design is absolutely adorable; who doesn’t love ghost kittens?

As the weather gets colder, many people (like myself) opt to swap their perfumes and scented lotions from fruity and tropical notes to warm and edible notes like vanilla, caramel, honey and chocolate. If you’re looking to spoil your boo basket recipient who likes these kinds of scents, Sol de Janeiro recently released a limited edition body cream in one of their best-sellers, Cheirosa 71. Fragrance notes of caramelized vanilla, white chocolate and toasted macadamia nut will have you smelling like a snack (literally), while moisturizing ingredients like macadamia seed oil and tucumã butter will keep your skin feeling silky smooth.

If you’re a candle lover, then you already know that the best place to find candles for every season is at none other than Bath & Body Works. Sure, there are plenty of pumpkin scented candles to try, but if you’re looking to include something in a boo basket that screams fall, Autumn Chai is the perfect option. This three-wick candle has notes of cinnamon chai, French vanilla, and caramel – a great combination if you’re looking for something cozy, but not too overwhelming.

Drink Mixes

Hot chocolate is one of the quintessential cold weather beverages, but if you want to be more creative with your drink choice, Target’s Favorite Day brand has a spooky-themed hot cocoa mix that would be a great addition to your boo basket. One box comes with two cocoa mixes and a marshmallow confetti mix shaped like beakers you can find in a science laboratory, and when combined with warm milk, changes to an orange or green color. How cool is that?

And Of Course, A Mug To Match

You got the perfect fall drink for your boo, but what mug would go with it the best? At this stage, I think this is where you get something that is the most personable to your boo basket recipient. You could include a mug that matches their career or their favorite hobbies and interests. If you want to play it safe and stick with a Halloween theme, this 15 oz ghost mug from Target is spook-tacular!

Plushies Make Everything Better

Who says that stuffed animals are just for kids? Not only are they fluffy and come in all shapes and sizes, giving a stuffed animal to your loved one is one of the best ways to show that you care about them. As a plushie connoisseur, my go-to pick for a boo basket would be any plush, like this pink llama from Warmies. Each cuddly buddy is lavender-scented and also serves as a microwaveable heating pad that can be used to relieve stress or soothe muscle aches and pains.

Don’t Forget the Candy

No Halloween basket would be complete without candy! From chocolates to gummy worms and sour WarHeads, there are so many options to choose from that it can seem overwhelming to pick just one. And if your boo basket recipient has any dietary restrictions, it can be even more difficult to find something that fits that person’s needs. My twin sister has been vegan for almost five years, and before we both moved out from our parents’ house, these dark chocolate coconut bars from Unreal were a staple snack for the whole family. Not only are these bars certified vegan and gluten-free, each bar only contains three grams of sugar and three ingredients – coconut, cassava syrup and dark chocolate. As someone who isn’t vegan, trust me when I say that when you try these, you won’t want to go back to the name-brand chocolate.