Hey friends! Well, as you can guess by my super-absence, we're still settling into life at our new place, assembling our shambles-of-an-office, catching up on work (summer is the busiest season for New Vintage Media!), and chasing The Caterpillar through her new digs. This is the first time our home has had stairs, so we're up.. and down.. and up.. and down them a lot.
In my hiatus, Katie of Loverly She has graciously put together a super fantastic guest post for you which we've entitled How Not To Be Frumpy (As a Mom). In the throes of wiping banana ("nanna") off my pants and shoulders throughout the day, it's hard not to entirely give in to the temptation of calling fashion quits.
Today, Katie gives us some great ideas on how to stay cute while we chase toddlers. Enjoy!
When Samantha asked me to write a blog post about fashion, I believe she unofficially titled it something like "how not to be frumpy as a mom". So. How not to be frumpy. Well, first of all I should confess that I myself am not a mom - although at the time of writing this post, I am due imminently with my first baby. Also, I'm the oldest of eight kids and grew up with the constant presence of babies (and their messes). So, I'm hoping that qualifies me in the eyes of all you young mummies to write about mummy fashion challenges :)
Let's face it: as a mom, your clothes don't stay clean for long. Before Baby, you can put on your favourite white shirt in the morning without worrying about how long it's going to remain free of vomit/poo/drool/etc. After Baby, different story. I've been poo-ed and pee-ed on enough times by my sibs and other people's babies to know that.
That does NOT mean you're doomed to sweats and yoga pants and ratty old t-shirts.
If I could sum up all of my suggestions in one phrase, it would be this:
look for
BASIC ITEMS
that are
WASHABLE
and
WELL-FITTED
with
A DASH OF TRENDINESS
I think there are a number of basic "easy wear" items that anybody would do well to have, but especially busy moms who just don't have time to obsess over what they're going to wear.
I'm SO all about a good blazer. Even if you're just wearing a tank top and jeans, a nice blazer spruces the whole thing up. Roll up the sleeves and wear it in spring/summer. Look for something with some slight detailing. I love the sheen on the collar of this one from Forever 21.
If it's too hot out for a blazer, a classic black vest will perform the same sort of service. You could go for a variety of styles, fabrics, and textures. I've been digging the look of leather vests lately (although I have yet to buy one), but a lightweight polyester suit vest is a bit more multi-seasonal.
2. TRENDY TEE
If it's too hot out for a blazer, a classic black vest will perform the same sort of service. You could go for a variety of styles, fabrics, and textures. I've been digging the look of leather vests lately (although I have yet to buy one), but a lightweight polyester suit vest is a bit more multi-seasonal.
2. TRENDY TEE
Cotton t-shirts are easily layered, washable, and so practical. Instead of just your plain old crew neck, look for something with a fun print, stripe, or - if you're daring enough - a graphic. I'm super picky about graphics, and have actually started experimenting with making my own using fabric markers! A funky t-shirt and some smart jeans are a great every day pairing.
3. GOOD JEANS
Ok, so. Jeans. There are good jeans, and bad jeans. Bad jeans make you look bad. Good jeans make you look (and feel) good. Get a good pair. If you can't find them cheap, save up some pennies and buy them full price. You will wear them ALL THE TIME. They are WORTH IT.
I haven't included a picture because different retailers tend to suit different body types. I have found that GAP offers the widest range of styles, but my own favourite pair of jeans is from Zara. Shop around and see what suits. Old Navy is worth a look around as well.
3. GOOD JEANS
Ok, so. Jeans. There are good jeans, and bad jeans. Bad jeans make you look bad. Good jeans make you look (and feel) good. Get a good pair. If you can't find them cheap, save up some pennies and buy them full price. You will wear them ALL THE TIME. They are WORTH IT.
I haven't included a picture because different retailers tend to suit different body types. I have found that GAP offers the widest range of styles, but my own favourite pair of jeans is from Zara. Shop around and see what suits. Old Navy is worth a look around as well.
These are trendy right now, and I'm so glad because they come in such a variety of styles, can be layered in colder seasons, and are easily suitable to all body types. Get something comfy but pretty.
5. GOOD BOOTS
I am particularly partial to boots. A good pair of boots has the same sort of effect on a simple outfit as a nice blazer does - it instantly dresses up the whole look. I am very petite so I generally prefer something with a kitten or wedge heel, just to give a wee bit of extra height without sacrificing comfort and ease of movement.
6. CARDIGANS
 |
| ALDO - $62.99 |
I am particularly partial to boots. A good pair of boots has the same sort of effect on a simple outfit as a nice blazer does - it instantly dresses up the whole look. I am very petite so I generally prefer something with a kitten or wedge heel, just to give a wee bit of extra height without sacrificing comfort and ease of movement.
6. CARDIGANS
 |
| FOREVER 21 - $33.80 |
 |
| FOREVER 21 - $29.80 |
I didn't really used to be much of a cardigan person. I thought they were boring. However, I think I was just buying boring cardigans, and then getting sick of them. Cardigan sweaters are actually an extremely useful and functional item. For maximum functionality I would recommend buying something in a black and white mix, or in neutral tones, but with a bold pattern or stripe to make it interesting.
I've had babies yank on my earlobes enough times to know that scarves are often a more ideal accessory for young moms than jewelry. A big, funky, colourful scarf can provide a fantastic pop to any outfit, and they generally come quite cheap. I find great scarves at thrift stores all the time!
If you feel particularly fashion-challenged, something else I would recommend is to have a friend go shopping with you, or have them over for an afternoon to help you go through the pieces you already have and help you think outside of the box. My friend Allie came over to take some pictures of me last fall, and having her help me put together outfits was so fun and made me think more creatively. Another set of eyes can be so helpful. My husband is very picky about clothing, so when I'm out shopping with him I find that I spend a lot less time mulling over a purchase, because he will give me more of a black and white assessment of it than I could give to myself.
I hope that's helpful! I would love to have you drop by my blog with any further thoughts or ideas, or just come by to say hello!
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