By Paige Morrow Kimball

I think of those Blue Tuxedo Pants, and I find comfort in the memory of myself in them. Because when I wore them, I was most myself. Those were the moments I was able to live exquisitely and fully, letting go of the rules that truly don’t define me. And I’m reminded to live that way now. To appreciate each stage of my life and be who I truly am.

This Mother’s Day, we share with you the gifts we gave our mothers that, often to our great surprise (and relief), lit up their world. These gifts—some frivolous, some extravagant, some well-planned, others whimsically chosen—would turn out to create lasting memories of our relationships with our mothers.

In this week’s Wednesday 5: Afghan Journalist Najiba Ayubi wins a ‘Courage in Journalism’ Award; a father’s well-intentioned letter to his young daughter about keeping a “man’s interest” turns controversial; the “Great Gatsby” film unearths a myriad of misrepresentations and stereotypes about the 1920s flapper; “Scandal,” as ridiculous as the plots are, works because of cast chemistry; and a poignant video re-imagines a world where hate crimes don’t exist.

A hat is the perfect embellishment: it can create an entire look by dramatizing an ensemble; it can disguise a mood in a way that’s more personal and creative than donning a pair of dark shades. And a hat with a brim can serve a more pedestrian need—UV protection!

In this week’s Wednesday 5: Women behind the lens at the recent Tribeca Film Festival; TV shows that hired no women writers in 2011-12; Jenna Lyons takes J.Crew from “ugly duckling to fashion arbiter”; a centenarian, Kathryn Wasserman Davis, dazzles us; and Saudi Arabia launches its first anti-domestic-violence campaign.

The definition of the “modern woman” is constantly shifting. Here at Women’s Voices, we are often asked by our readers what the 40-, 50-, 60 (etc.)-year-old “modern woman” might wear.

Spring is here, and that means it’s time to pack away the winter boots and booties and step into some comfy spring flats. We know many of you are wedded to your heels—no matter what the season—but once in a while it’s nice to feel grounded.

By Stefania Amfitheatrof

Here in the Northeast, temperatures have suddenly surpassed spring to plunge us all into summer-like days. If your wardrobe is feeling jittery and you are not quite accustomed to reconfiguring to the whims of the weather, accessories are the perfect solution to revive your wardrobe and an easy way to make a statement, however subdued.

Fashion has broadened its curtain to encompass minimalist trends with the romance and whimsy of bygone eras. The Victorian age meets the future, only to recognize itself in the new millennials. What is a lady to do? Have fun with it!

By Stefania Amfitheatrof

Today’s trench coat is easily considered a woman’s secret outer weapon. It has the power to impart sexuality and danger without losing any of the irony the stars of the Hollywood classic films projected on the silver screen.

The objectification of women in men’s magazines infuriates us—but how about looking critically at magazines supposedly meant for the female gaze?

Nothing says “spring” more than a coat inspired by flowers. As we welcome the new season, we share some serious flower power with you.

By Stacey Bewkes

An exclusive peek at the looks from designers featured in the Mercedes-Benz Fall Fashion Week whose creations will be serving as inspiration for many of the more reasonably priced lines. Spoiler alert: the timeless marriage of black and white is back.

Fashion in the Impressionist era shunned the old adage that less is more. Instead, it was a period of exaggerated silhouettes, volume, exuberance, vibrancy, and, yes, lots of excess. For those of you who relish a 19th-century French feast full of pleats, petticoats, corsets, muslins, gloves, laces, ruches, ball gowns, and oh yes, parasols.

By Alexandra MacAaron

On Sunday night, it wasn’t just that the inmates were running the asylum. Pre-adolescent boys had taken over the world—or at least an international television event that’s second only to the Super Bowl in viewership.