Dress. Hat. Shoes. Bag. Lipstick. (color: snob)
Ava’s romper. Similar shoes here and here.
I brought Ava along for a shoot yesterday, and do you know what I love most about these pictures? How they completely capture my love for motherhood. I’m not saying it’s easy, or there aren’t days when I don’t want to hide in my closet with a box of thin mints and pretend I’m single and without responsibility again. But there’s also no stronger feeling than the love I have for my kids. No joy like watching them succeed, watching them fail, watching them become someone. It’s magic. And this little spunky four-year-old is the apple of my eye.
She’s been my constant side-kick for the last 4 years and this morning we went and toured the preschool she’ll start this fall. Why-oh-why did she have to get big so fast? All I wanted was for her to stay little forever… is that too much to ask?
One of the questions I get asked most often is how to maintain your style once you become a mom. And I get it, it’s hard! I mean, just the process of getting the kid here is a big upset to the way you dress. You’re body completely changes over the course of 9 months, and then, if you’re breastfeeding, well that’s a whole other pandora’s box in the dressing department.
But, I’m a big advocate for mom’s maintaining their style once they have kids. I know there’s a lot of guilt out there for women, about spending any time on yourself once you become a mother. But it’s really such a bunch of baloney. If you feel good about yourself, you be a better mom. And that’s good for everyone, especially your kids. So how to you maintain your style as a mom? It’s all about picking pieces that you love, but are also practical and work for the needs of your life. Your clothes should serve you, otherwise what are they there for. (You know, other than avoiding nakedness.)
Here are a few of my tips for maintaining your style as a mom.
Fall in love with denim. I’ve said it a thousand times, but jeans are a mother’s best friend. A great pair of jeans is the perfect foundation for a stylish mom outfit so learn to love your denim, and find a great pair that fit you like a dream. I recommend jeans with some stretch so it’s easy to squat down to pick up your little ones, and they’ll be more comfortable throughout the day. Extra points for some cute distressing, and boyfriend jeans are always a good idea.
Invest in stylish flats. While I do occasionally step out in heels with my kids in tow, most of the time I stick to cute flats. When my kids were all very small, I lived in flats. Luckily there are so many cute flats out there, you never have to sacrifice style for shoes that are kid-friendly. Also, athleisure is BIG right now and sneakers are a huge trend. Lucky for us moms. I love ballet flats, and cute slides, loafers and booties, of course. In the fall/winter you know I’m all about those boots.
Buy washable fabrics. Just steer clear of dry-clean only tag when your kids are small. You’re going to get smudged. Make sure your clothes are easily washable. There are plenty of pretty pieces out there that are 100% washable.
Buy versatile pieces that work for the stage you’re in. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style though. This dress for instance, I am obsessed with the fit and fabric, it’s on trend with the ruffle sleeves and trim, but it also would be perfect postpartum for instance, because the drawstring waist is adjustable and the button front provides easy access for breastfeeding. It’s also a very flattering dress and easy to wash, and it makes me feel fabulous even if we’re just heading to the grocery store or the park. You could pair it with heels for a night out, but it looks just as cute with sneakers or sandals.
Embrace hats. Putting a hat on is a good way to hide that “I’m a busy mom and didn’t have time to get ready” hair. It also finishes off an outfit, makes everything look chic, and protects your skin from the sun. (i.e. keeps you looking younger.) This is my favorite summer hat and it’s beautiful and a great price.
Come up with a momiform. Figure out an outfit pairing that works for you in a pinch. Something that is quick, easy and makes you feel great. So those days when you’re in a hurry you don’t fall into the yoga pants trap. In the summer, my go-to is skinny jeans and a cute top with some pretty flats, or a casual dress and some sandals with a hat.
Buy a stylish mom bag. Who needs a diaper bag? There are so many great totes out there big enough to fit all the stuff you need for your kids, but still look great and make a statement. You can even buy inserts that make them more diaper friendly. This is my favorite summer mom bag (plus straw bags are huge this year!)
So there you have it. My tips for maintaining your style as a mom! Are you a mom? How have you maintained your style?
