Marianne McDonald knows a thing or two about what makes a good product. In fact, as the creative director of cult-followed brand Citizens of Humanity, many would say she’s figured out how to create the perfect pair of jeans (several times over, season after season). Today the busy mother of four (Henry, 10, Alexander, 8, Charlie, 6, and Lily, 2) shares a dozen products that pass her test and that she considers her current Mother Essentials—from her signature scent to the sweatpants she swears by!

Lisa Marie Fernandez Bikinis. “I’ve been a huge fan of Lisa Marie Fernandez bikinis ever since I bought my first one on a family trip to Tulum. I love that she combines classic silhouettes with a sophisticated, sexy, sport element.” Lisa Marie Fernandez Poppy Bikini, $239, Intermix.

Farmgirl Flowers. “I oftentimes find ordering flowers to be a little daunting. Will they look amazing? Is the floral styling beautiful? These are some of the questions I’ve asked myself when looking for a florist that ships nation-wide. Luckily, Farmgirl Flowers has you covered and their flowers make the perfect thank you gift for any special occasion.” Flower Delivery, $48 and up, Farmgirl Flowers.

Loewe Tote. “I bought this Loewe basket tote last summer and couldn’t wait for this summer to begin to start carrying it again. It makes beach trips and weekday errands feel infinitely more chic.” Loewe Small Leather Trimmed Woved Raffia Tote, $420, Net-A-Porter.

Entireworld Sweats. “I’ve been living in Scott Sternberg’s light blue sweatpants and matching sweatshirt for the past few weeks. I love the loop-back terry and the calming color brings a sense of happiness into my life.” Entireworld Sweatpants, $88, and Sweatshirt, $88, Entireworld.

Water Bottle With A Twist. “I’ve never been excited about a water bottle until my husband bought me one of these. It helps you stay hydrated by reminding you how much water you should drink throughout the day. Plus, it has a fruit infusion filter that helps make the water taste amazing.” Cactaki 32oz Water Bottle with Time Marker, $18.95, Amazon.

Chic Straw Hat. “Protecting one’s skin from sun damage when living in Southern California becomes a part of everyday life. Sensi Studio makes the best straw hats and you’ll have yours forever.” Sensi Studio Lady Ibiza Dorado Straw Hat, $395, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Veggie Cookbook. “I was first introduced to Madhur-Jaffrey when having dinner for the first time at my then, soon-to-be in-law’s home. My husband’s parents had followed her recipes to create the most memorable and delicious candlelit meal. The author’s ability to layer flavor and vibrance into her recipes will absolutely blow your mind and I feel like it’s always a good thing to know how to sneak more vegetables into your life.” Madhur Jaffrey’s World of the East Vegetarian Cooking by Madhur Jaffrey, $27.90, Bookshop and Amazon.

Citizens of Humanity Tee + Cut-Offs. “I have our white Jordana tee on constant rotation. I pair mine back with the Annabelle short in Honeymoon for a look that feels easy and summery. In fact, that’s what I’m wearing right now.” Jordana Rolled-Sleeve Tee, $118, Citizens of Humanity; Annabel Shorts in Honeymoon, $198, Citizens of Humanity. 

Playful Jewelry. “A friend of mine was wearing one of Roxanne Assoulin’s brightly colored necklaces when I met her in Paris for coffee during fashion week earlier this year. I was instantly smitten and I’ve been drawn to the designer’s ability to marry childlike charm with chicness in her jewelry collection ever since.” Roxanne Assoulin Bahamas Enamel Necklace, $176, Net-A-Porter.

Signature Scent. “Any of Byredo’s incredible scents can transport you to another world, or simply make the one you’re in a little more magical.” Byredo Bal d’Afrique Eau de Parfum, $180, Nordstrom.

Nike Cortez Running Shoes. “These are perfect for running around in and I love the way they look fresh out of the box.” Nike Cortez Basic, $75, Nike.

Citizens of Humanity Mask. “I wear our masks every time I leave my home. In addition to the health and safety precautions it provides, the masks reminds me of how proud I am to work for a company that believes in fighting injustice, whether it is racial injustice or gender injustice or sexual preference injustice or whether it is the injustices in our judicial and health care systems. During the entire month of June, Citizens of Humanity donated 100% of the retail selling price from our e-commerce sales of these masks on our site. The following organizations received our donations: Black Lives Matter, ACLU, Color of Change, Rebuild Foundation, Planned Parenthood, Southern Poverty Law Center, Los Angeles LGBT Center, National Women’s Law Center, Children’s Defense Fund, and Real Justice.” Cotton Mask (5-Pack), $25, Citizens of Humanity.

For more Mother Essentials, peep our past columns with Curasalve founder Kelley Williams, Trade Street Jam Co. founder Ashley Rouse, Weelicious and One Potato founder Catherine McCord, Milky Mama’s Krystal Nicole Duhaney, mega-influencer Chriselle Lim, Matana Organics founder Gabriela Babila, interior designer Susan Work, author Tiffany Dufu, Les Gamins founder Veronique Nguyen, Lonny editor Angela Tafoya, Wiley Body founder Vanessa Wade, DockATot’s Roma Patel, designers Anna Wallack, Cynthia Rowley, Rebecca Atwood, and Dana Haim, Olympian Alysia Montano, cookbook author Hetal Vasavada, model and muse Slick Woods, children’s author Serena Minott, clean living expert Kristian Henderson, Oakland retail queen Sherri McMullen, wellness influencer Joanne Encarnacion, author LaTonya Yvette, and many, many more!