Born and raised in a small town in Western Pennsylvania, Tori moved to NYC to attend New York University almost 18 years ago. Many moons and dramatic sagas later, she is the exuberantly proud mom of four year old identical twin girls, Frances Rose (Franny) and Lucy Marguerite (Lou). Currently, she is the Design and Markets Editor for Traditional Home magazine. She’d take a diet coke over a smoothie, and spicy potato chips over kale chips. She has a great passion for engraved stationery, fine china, tassels, and the color pink. She likes her shoes in suede or velvet and prefers her upholstery in floral chintz.

What do you love most about being a mom?

 Every day there is something new. It might be the smallest thing, like my daughter Franny mastering riding her scooter or it might be something monumental, like my daughter Lucy being able to recognize every letter in the alphabet. Something magical happens every single day. I even look back at the “not fun” moments, like public meltdowns, and chuckle. Oh, the joys of motherhood! 

How has motherhood changed you?

I think the question should be, how hasn’t it changed me? I was not a very maternal person before I had children. Now, I am much more organized, responsible, conscientious, and more full of love than I ever thought possible.  Motherhood has completely transformed me.

Did you breastfeed? If so, how did it affect your wardrobe choices? 

Has your personal style changed since becoming a mom? How would you describe your #momstyle?

Yes, there are a lot less stilettos in my life and a lot more Converse. But all kidding aside, I don’t think my personal style has changed all that much. I’ve always been all over the fashion map – it depends on my mood that day. Some days I like to dress very preppy, some days I’m feeling Bohemian, and other days I feel very Sigourney Weaver in Working Girl…it all depends.

Tess Button Down Bow Blouse Fuschia

Double Breasted Wool Coat- Cobalt Blue  (KIDS - SOOOOO CUTE!)

Les Femmes Stretch Panel Dress- Mini (ANOTHER KIDDO ONE!)

Helen Winter Bloom Fairy Dust Crepe Top

Full Fur Mittens

Baby Fabric Fresh

Carter Culotte Pants

Lara Lip Joey Jumper

Couture Fringe Tweed Bolero Burgundy

Obsession Faux Fur Coat

Eyelash Fringe Katie Skirt Burgundy

Elizabeth Winter Bloom Twill

Ombre Floral Print Neoprene Pencil Skirt

Large Beauty Clutch Fusion

Tell us about your company. What’s its story or history?

I started off interning at HomeStyle magazine when I was in college. I was lucky enough to land a job as an assistant at House Beautiful in 2001. There were so many talented people at HB during that time – Marian McEvoy, Senga Mortimer, Elizabeth Mayhew, Miguel Flores-Vianna, Carolyn Sollis, and many others. It was the perfect place to lay the foundation for a deep understanding of good design. From there I went on to Elle Décor and worked for Margaret Russell and Anita Sarsidi – both wildly talented and excellent mentors. In 2004, Conde Nast brought me on board to help create Domino magazine and I stayed until the bitter end. That was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I cherish every memory – the friendships I cultivated while working there will last throughout my lifetime. After Domino folded, I floated around doing some freelance and I worked in television at The Nate Berkus Show, but ultimately, my heart longed for a job at a shelter book. An opportunity came up at Traditional Home and I was lucky enough to get the job. I’ve been at TH for 5 years and I love it.

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

My taste has remained pretty consistent throughout the years – I gravitate to color, pattern, passementerie, and a little bit of fussiness. However, to date, my house looks like a Toys R Us exploded. It’s not in tip-top shape. There seems to be a glaze of syrup and Cheerio remnants on every surface. I scrub my kitchen floors every single night and still I wake up to a sticky film and crumbs. Unreal.

Tell us about your twinning mini squad.

What does Motherly mean to You?

Motherly means constant nurturing, unconditional love, lots and lots of snuggles and a stiff upper lip. Sometimes that unconditional love involves revoked ipad privileges, but my job as their mom is not to be their friend, but it is to teach these two itty-bitty humans how to be responsible, strong, loving, giving, thoughtful adult women.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I run my house like an army barrack! During the week I’m a total drill sargent - up and at ‘em!  WE have a really strict schedule. It takes an hour to get to school in the morning - Brooklyn to midtown – so I have it timed down to a T! I even have “buffer” time built in in case someone has to use the potty or if the subway is running slowly. The girls are pretty used to it by now, but I still struggle with the 6AM wake-up time. I love to sleep in but those days are so long gone!

How do you find a balance? Any special tips you can share?