Growing up, I remember going to my parents' room and watching my mom pick out her outfits for the day. Because she worked a government job, she kept it pretty modest with a pencil skirt and a nice blouse. But her tights were always impeccable, and her shoes were free of any scuff marks. She would complement each outfit with stunning necklaces, cocktail rings, and dangly earrings that I dreamed of wearing when I was older. Her hair was always curled just right, and her makeup skills were so amazing — she was known to do her coworkers' makeup in the bathroom before clocking in. And she never left the house without spritzing her favorite fragrances on her neck and the inside of her wrists. Watching her get ready each day, I was in awe. She was everything I wanted to be — and have become.

Through the years, my mom would talk to me about her 20s when she first began her job and was going out with my dad.

"You know, Sophia, you have to be more atrevida," she'd tell me. "When I was first starting out, I'd wear a brand-new outfit every single Friday. I'd go to the boutique downstairs — they knew me — and I'd spend a portion of my paycheck on new clothes. That's what I was known for: good style and always looking impeccable."

I can't begin to count the number of times I heard the same advice, so whether it's rocking new earrings or shoes or layering on a signature scent, I channel my mom daily.

This upcoming Mother's Day, because I can't be by her side, I'm throwing it back and gifting my mom products inspired by the four rules of accessorizing I learned from her — though I might keep a few for myself.

You Need a Signature Scent

One of the things I love the most about my mom is how great she smells all the time. Ever since I was little, I would cling to her and just smell her perfume because it brought me so much comfort. It's also one of the things I miss the most about her, and whenever I hug her, I always cling a little tighter. She'd tell me that just like me, she'd do the same thing with her mom. "Las mamas huelen diferente," she'd say.

So when I first came across the Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb perfume and its delicate blend of soft florals with addictive patchouli, it triggered memories of my mom's hugs, so I knew I had to get one for both my mom and myself. The scent is elegant and sweet, and it smells different on everybody. It's comforting yet original — just like my mom. I'm going to get her the Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum Gift Set ($175) since it comes with the perfume, body lotion, and body cream, the perfect trilogy of products you can layer for maximum payoff.

Accessorizing Should Be Fun

My mom never misses the opportunity to accessorize. She isn't someone who lets a statement earring or a chic clutch collect dust, which is why I know a good accessory is always a great gift idea. When shopping for gifts, I have to remind myself that she lives in Puerto Rico where the temperature runs between 70 and 95 degrees, so everything she wears has to be practical enough for really hot days.

A Statement Beauty Routine Goes a Long Way

My mom taught me from a very young age that I should always look and feel my best, and that involved teaching me how to use makeup to express myself. And it wasn't just makeup either; it was also skin care as a self-care ritual. As a teenager, I struggled with acne, and she knew how tough that was for me at my age. That's why she'd always spoil me with whatever would help me get my confidence back. Now, it's like the tables have turned, and I'm the one who does her makeup and help her feel her best.

Your Style Should Be Sophisticated

My mom is anything but simple, but that doesn't mean her style wasn't sophisticated and timeless. Not only did she pass on her fashion sense to me, but she also always taught me that very important balance between trends and taste. Every occasion was an opportunity to dress up — maybe even overdress — and celebrate. That's why this year I'm prioritizing giving back to my mom with pieces I know will make her look and feel her best.