Tack Shop: Cate Kulcsar's Top 10 NYC Hot-Mom Holy Grails
Including: New Balance sneakers, a perfect $78 white tee, and a red-light mask
Hi! Substack has informed me that this post is “too long for email,” which means you may need to click “expand” to read all the way to the end. Enjoy!
Welcome to Tack Shop, a shopping column where I (or friends of Clotheshorse) curate a mélange of interesting, fun, delightful things you can invest in.
In the interest of pursuing my goal of exploring more hot-mom content, I’m so excited to introduce you to Cate Kulcsar — a TikTok delight (if I do say so myself), fellow mom of two little humans, dedicated nurse, and full-time “hot mom” with a self-assuredness that’s impossible to ignore and easy to admire. Now three-plus years into motherhood myself, I’ve found immense value in the community of women — both in person and online — that shares our hills and valleys and every path in between. Platforms like Substack have connected us in ways I never expected, offering support and inspiration when we need it most.
Cate is a perfect example — someone I followed on TikTok, then reached out to on Instagram years ago when I saw we had kids close in age. I discovered she used to live here in Chicago (where I still do) and met her husband in the same city. It’s been a pleasure to follow her journey from afar, cheering her on every step of the way.
Obviously, I had to level-up our friendship by asking her to share some of her hot-mom Holy Grail products, and I was thrilled when she said yes.
Other posts you might like:
What does being a “hot mom” mean to you?
Being a “hot mom” is definitely an energy. It’s when I have a fresh spray tan; I don’t have the most perfect outfit on, but I feel comfortable. I’m wearing all of my jewelry. I’m well-caffeinated, no one is throwing a tantrum, and we got out of the house on time!
What's your go-to hot-mom outfit these days?
I always joke that I have the most basic style, but I love it and I always feel like me. Let’s work head-to-toe. I live in downtown New York City, which is a much more relaxed style, so if I’m doing drop-off, I usually have a Yankees hat on (sun protection always), Leset Margo Tee, Offline by Aerie Joggers, Sézane Emile Cardigan if it’s chilly, and New Balance 9060s. I’m always wearing my diamond tennis necklace and diamond earrings; this is an easy way to elevate an outfit. If I want to elevate even more, I’ll throw on my favorite Agolde Valen Jeans and Gucci loafers — still comfortable.
From L-R (Top): '47 Brand MLB New York Yankees Classic Clean Up Hat ($29), Leset The Margo Tee ($78), Offline By Aerie OTT Fleece Jogger ($41.21, from $54.95)
From L-R (Bottom): Sézane Emile Cardigan ($170), New Balance 9060 Unisex Sneakers ($149.99), Agolde Valen Mid Rise Vintage Straight Jeans ($238)
How has your approach to personal style changed since becoming a mom?
Since becoming a mom, my personal style focuses much more on classic pieces and purchasing good-quality options that I can build multiple outfits around. For Mother’s Day last year, I asked for a closet organizer and we did a large purge where we donated and recycled a lot of things from my past life. Decreasing the amount of options made it a lot quicker and easier for me to get ready in the morning! I focus more on cleaner, simpler looks.
Are there any specific brands or styles you love to wear now that you're a hot mom?
I’m loving Gap — they’ve been putting out great pieces. LESET, Sézane, Éterne, J.Crew, and Hill House have been my go-tos recently. I have a Rent the Runway membership which I’ve used for years. It’s great for sustainability, of course, but also saving money. It allows me to participate in certain trends without having to overload my closet with things I might not wear over and over again.
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Are there any beauty products or wellness rituals you've adopted as part of your routine?
I’ve become the most discipled version of myself since becoming a mom, so I love my routines these days. I have a simple morning and night routine that I always follow, and making it more intense depending on my energy. I always do a gentle cleanse, use vitamin C and then follow with SPF in the morning. I like the Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum and EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF. At night, I cleanse, then I use the Omnilux Contour Face red-light mask at least four times a week; I’ve found it takes consistent use to notice a difference, so I’m diligent. My other must-do at night is to use prescription tretinoin about three times a week.
From L-R: Innisfree Green Tea Enzyme Vitamin C Brightening Serum ($32), EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF ($44), Omnilux Contour Face ($395)
Are there any habits or routines that help you feel balanced and refreshed before, during, or after a long day of momming?
Something that gets me ready to start the day is always putting my jewelry on. It elevates my outfit, makes me feel more put together, and I feel ready to take on the day. I try to pick up the apartment before I leave — granted, my area to clean is essentially one giant room, which is easier compared to those that live in houses.
During the day if I need a little refresh, it’s brushing my hair and brushing my teeth. Especially when I was in the trenches of newborn life, brushing my hair reminded me that I was human.
At night, I love a bath or an everything shower. I don’t do this every night, though, and there are plenty of nights my face is just getting some moisturizer and I’m going straight to bed after brushing my teeth.
Other things I do to help me feel refreshed include, but are not limited to: getting a spray tan, putting witch hazel on a cotton pad on my underarms after a shower, using dry shampoo in my hair at night if I didn’t wash, dying my eyebrows, adding baby powder before a workout under my sports bra straps and socks to preserve my spray tan, having very limited alcohol intake, and doing couples therapy!
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Any favorite workouts or fitness routines?
I swear by The Sculpt Society; those videos changed my body after I had my first baby — I was in better shape than both high school and college. I wasn’t sure what to expect entering postpartum for the second time, and I think because of those videos laying such amazing ground work, I was able to fall back into my routine fairly easily.
I also love SLT and TERA Studio for Pilates. Living in New York, I walk everywher — walking is such an incredible form of exercise. If I want a little more cardio, I’ll hit the occasional Barry's or I’ll do the 45-minute Blogilates treadmill workout I’ve been doing since 2012.
What's the best advice you've received about embracing your confidence and femininity as a mom?
Everything is a phase and you can handle anything for three months. Motherhood is full of joy, but not always happiness. This advice made me feel better when I didn't “love” it 24/7. Women can do literally anything. We grew kidneys and eyeballs and lungs. We are incredible. We can also look good doing it. We deserve to take time to ourselves — I never feel bad about that. My children deserve a mother who takes care of her mind, body and spirit.
A note to readers: Clotheshorse may occasionally include affiliate links if I’m recommending a product I love, but I’ll never promote anything I don’t use and/or enjoy myself!
Wow Cate’s last answer 🔥🔥🔥. Loved this interview, Maura!
So many amazing recommendations in here! I love the new balance sneakers (wear them all the time) and need to try the Omnilux!