NYC Style Maven Michaela Podolsky Is Endlessly Inspired By Her Mom’s Look

There is just something so special about a unique mother-daughter bond. In literally giving us life, mothers can pass down more to us than we realize. In the case of NYC-based style authority Michaela Podolsky and her mother Carrie Nachmani, one thing that’s been passed down for certain is a great sense of style. Living in SoHo, Podolsky finds inspiration in the street style around her, but her mom’s classic look remains a constant underlying inspiration. Her mother’s knack for creatively working with staple pieces is one stylish trait Podolsky certainly inherited, too, and for both women, fashion is an investment. They naturally opt for timelessness over trends.

We were lucky enough to spend time with this dynamic duo in Lauren Ralph Lauren’s latest collection, now available at Macy’s. What made this shoot even more exciting is that Podolsky is a new mom herself, which means another daughter to carry on the legacy of impeccable fashion sense.

Mama Knows Best

As Podolsky ventures into life as a new mother, she feels grateful to have her family close by. In the summer, she ditches the hustle and bustle of downtown Manhattan to spend quality time with them out in the Hamptons. But no matter the season, Podolsky leans on her mother for sound style advice. “My mother has definitely been a sounding board when it comes to my style,” she muses. “She’s the first person I FaceTime when I need a second opinion!” You can picture Nachmani as the angel on Michaela’s shoulder as she ponders her ideal spring look, guiding her toward crisp tailored shirts, elegant linens, and denim to last decades. But in this family, getting dressed is for more than just looks:

“My mother instilled in me that putting yourself together really makes you feel good,” says Podolsky. “I’ve carried that with me my whole life and truly believe it to the fullest. I’m excited to pass that down to my daughter.”

Very Versatile

When it comes to expanding their wardrobes, Podolsky and Nachmani prioritize versatility. “We both very much appreciate staple pieces that can be worn multiple ways,” Podolsky explains. “We see the value in investing in pieces that we can have forever.” This philosophy shapes both of their approaches to shopping, certainly, but their style differs in execution. “My mother is a bit more feminine than I am and will have some fun with color. I, on the other hand, typically stick to neutrals.” When asked about the Lauren Ralph Lauren capsule shirt collection, however, Podolsky was very much driven toward the colors: “They are perfect for spring and are extremely versatile. You can pair them with just about anything.” Boxes: checked!

The Perfect Gift?

Not only will the collection’s staples carry Podolsky through spring, summer, and beyond, but the pieces serve as the ideal gifts for every birthday and holiday in between. When it comes to gifting stylish pieces, she says, “A great button-down or bag is always a good idea.” Words to live by. As for her own wish list for the season ahead, Podolsky is hoping for any of the Lauren Ralph Lauren high-rise jeans. These are gifts that will outlive whatever’s “in season” at the moment — classic, everyday staples that can be uniquely worn and accessorized by anyone, no matter their fashion sense.

“What makes these pieces even better is that they’d work all year round,” says Podolsky.

They’re fresh, but just neutral enough that they can adapt with the temperamental East Coast weather. No matter where your spring or summer takes you, a classic wardrobe that transcends the trends is always in style.

Photo: Makeda Sandford; Art Direction: Emma Muro; Styling: Laura Pritchard; Hair: Akihisa Yamaguchi; Makeup: Tiffany Patton; Branded Fashion Director: Jenna Wexler; Senior Branded Fashion Editor: Elly Ayres; Production Manager: Kat Fry