As the great granddaughter of the fervent media mogul William Randolph Hearst, it's no surprise that Gillian Hearst Simonds has a similar passion for life. Constantly traveling and writing as the Society Editor for Town & Country, a Hearst magazine, she's always on the go. Although most of what she covers for the magazine takes place in the evening, she has recently become a morning person due to the light of her life: her daughter, Harper. Read Hearst's Q & A below to find out what motherhood means to her and how she balances this new role with work, travel, and family. 

BR: What do you love most about being a mom?

GHS: I love that every day is new and exciting. It’s so much fun watching as Harper learns something new. I wake up, and I cannot wait to see her and spend time with her.

BR: What is the number one way in which motherhood has changed you?

GHS: I’m a morning person now. I wake up bright and early, and I cannot wait to see Harper’s smiling face. 

BR: Did you choose to breast-feed your child? Why or why not?

GHS: I was not able to so I had to use formula. I was disappointed, but I have a healthy, happy baby, who is eating well.

BR: What is it like being the Society Editor of Town & Country? What exactly do you do and how do you balance that with being a mother and wife?

GHS: As the society editor, I cover weddings and events for the magazine. A lot of the event coverage happens in the evening, but because Harper goes to sleep around 7 most evenings I am still able to give her a bath, bottle and put her down before I have to head out.

BR: During and post-pregnancy, what was your day-to-day style? Did you ever wear maternity clothes during or after either pregnancy?

GHS: I wore lot of dresses from Isabella Oliver Maternity and Hatch collection. Mostly dresses, and I stayed in heels for as long as I could, but there came a point where it just wasn’t comfortable anymore.

BR: You travel quite a bit for Town & Country and for personal excursions. What are your packing essentials when traveling with your child?

GHS: For long trips, I bring the baby bjorn travel crib light 2, it’s lightweight and great.  I also have a sound machine that plays white noise, the baby loves it.  For other trips, I received a bespoke Khirma Eliazov diaper bag, which has tons of pockets, that goes everywhere with me. I always have two extra onesies easily accessible because you just never know when you’ll need them, too.  

BR: Are there any places you’ve traveled to that are particularly family-friendly? Where are they and why are they family friendly?

GHS: Calistoga Ranch [in California] was incredibly family-friendly. We arrived at the hotel, and they had a crib completely set up, baby monitors, and a Johnson & Johnson baby welcome set! I believe they also had diapers too. It was really great. 

BR: Between family and work, do you ever find time for yourself? How do you unwind?

GHS: I enjoy reading and taking a bath. If I can get 30 minutes to put some eucalyptus AHAVA bath salts into the tub and relax for a bit it recharges the battery.

BR: What are your favorite pieces from your Bu Ru Tastemaker’s Sale and why do they work in your mommy lifestyle? 

GHS:

1. Twenty 8 Twelve Black Boucle Snap Front Jumper Dress

2. LBND Byron Lars Stretch Ponte Snap Front Dress

3. Sweet Pea by Stacy Frati Washable Wrapdress

4. Yoana Baraschi Black & White Dot Stretch Pant

I personally love dresses. They can take you from work to dinners, and you can really do a lot with accessories that. I also tend to stick with blacks, whites and grays so they can mix and match. 

BR: How do you and your husband make time for one another? What do you do?

GHS: We try to have dinner together every night after the baby has gone to bed. 

BR: What’s the number one Bu Ru accessory every mom needs?

GHS: Boulevard Leather Clutch/Diaper Bag. Being able to keep yourself organized is so helpful. And/or the Rebecca Minkoff Knocked Up Baby Bag - All Leather.

BR: What is your favorite book? Why?

GHS: Pride & Prejudice. It’s a classic– beautifully written and romantic.

BR: What is the one thing you wish you would have known before becoming a mom?

GHS: I couldn’t have guessed how amazing it is! Harper is just the light of my life, and she’s changed everything for the better. I melt every time I see her interacting with her daddy. It’s amazing.

Thank you so much, Gillian Hearst-Shaw!

Shop her Tastemaker Sale HERE!