So
when it comes time to go out...in public...and I mean out, not just the
mall or to the park...WHAT DO I DO???? I panic! I have nothing to wear!
I don't know dress codes anymore, if there are any at all, times have
changed. So, I have do a little research and eventually figure out
something to wear. But, here are a few items that EVERY Mom should own,
and that will make you feel special, because you ARE special!:
*10: Anti-mom Jeans
Fight the stereotype. Not all moms wear mom jeans, and you shouldn't
either. Instead, coerce yourself into spending a small fortune for a
truly figure-flattering pair of well-fitting dark wash jeans. Your
reputation will thank you for it.
For a sure thing, shop for stretch denim.
Instead of squeezing your post-baby curves into unforgiving jeans, opt
for denim with 2 percent Lycra. These jeans will retain their shape --
and yours -- in a much more flattering way.
Plus, the darker the denim, the more slimming the jean becomes. Truly a
foundational item, you can pair your new jean with a sexy T-shirt
perfect for running errands or a cashmere twin set that's just right for
a ladies' luncheon.
*9: A Stylish Bag
A stylish bag can come in any shape and color, as long as we mention one
must-have caveat: It has to be oh-so-roomy. After all, you're now
carrying more than a debit card and lip gloss, thanks to a never-ending
need for extra diapers, onesies and binkies.
The good news is there's no reason you can't tote a fashionable bag.
It's currently all the rage for designers to create multi-use bags that
travel with ease from office to girls' night out, and double as
incognito diaper bags.
We like bags that offer a sharp pop of sophisticated color with plenty
of interior compartments. When we find a stylish bag that pairs good
looks with insulated compartments and a matching diaper-changing pad
that tucks away inside, we beat a path to the checkout line. We know
we'll be the envy of every mom lugging a clumsy plastic-sheathed diaper
carrier, especially because we'll go on using our chic bag -- even when
baby's out of diapers.
*8: Chic Flats
Yes, we said flats. And chic. In the same sentence.
This switch to high-comfort footwear doesn't mean giving up the ghost of
your former stiletto-sporting self. Today's flats are bejeweled,
sequined real-leather versions of their often pitiful predecessors.
They're (thankfully) a stylish shoe to pair with your sassy new jeans or
perfectly fitted A-line skirt. Plus, if you're wearing flats, the kids
can't outrun you like they could if you were wearing heels.
Far from dowdy, you can find polished flats with a pointed toe or peep
toe -- both of which visually elongate the leg. For a dressier look, opt
for the shine of patent leather or a faux animal print (ostrich is our
new favorite). If you're a logo vixen, you can even find flats
emblazoned with an iconic GG for Gucci or F for Fendi.
If you're in it for comfort, however, be sure to shop for a flat with a
thickly cushioned pad underfoot. Some even offer a memory foam base.
Adequate support will provide keep your feet from aching at the end of a
long day.
*7: Gorgeous Workout Gear
Being a mom means being in constant motion. So, if you go from working
out to running errands to dropping by your girlfriend's house, invest in
some sharp-looking yoga pants with a structured knit jacket. You'll be
comfortable -- despite all your activities -- and still look great if
you run into an old coworker at the grocery store.
Shop for gear that offers the best fit for your curves, from
tummy-flattering yoga pants to body-skimming graphic tees. Top it off
with a hoodie or stylish yoga wrap (like a hoodie, but with a belt).
There are even body-toning pants designed to provide muscle-hugging
resistance all day, but the jury's still out on whether we like working
out with their Spanx-like fit.
The best part is that wearing gorgeous workout gear can breathe new life
into your fitness routine. (We discovered this works much the same way
that a darling new dress will inspire us to accept all the cocktail
party invitations that come our way.) There's probably no scientific
data on whether cute workout gear is physically beneficial. But we
figure that if it gets us to hop on the treadmill more often than simply
wearing a blah old pair of black sweats, we're ahead of the game.
*6: Double-duty Gym Shoes
If new workout gear inspires you to be more physically active, the same
could be true for a new set of sneakers. The best part? Because your new
baby's probably more in control of your schedule than you are, wearing
the right footwear -- all day -- means you can put in a 10-minute exercise session at a moment's notice.
Designers have introduced nearly endless options for gym-to-casual
sneakers, and you should have a couple pair on hand. Why more than one?
Because then you'll have the willpower it takes to throw out your
tread-worn shoes when the time comes (without taking a break from your
fitness routine for some power shopping).
Look for gym shoes that offer a cushioned heel and arch-hugging support.
There are a few sneakers with rocker-like bottoms touted as "toning"
shoes. But there are differing opinions on whether you'll see any real
benefit from the increased muscle engagement they require for simply
walking around.
*5: Positively A-line
One of the biggest things that changed when we became moms was an
aversion to uncomfortable clothing. Although we admit to occasionally
wearing a toe-aching heel just because it's super sexy, we're just not
in the mood to squeeze ourselves into uncomfortable dresses (which, by
the way, aren't at all practical for breastfeeding). An A-line skirt,
however, is the best of both worlds. The modern lines are so fetching,
you'll feel -- and look -- like a million polished silver dollars.
As you're shopping for the perfect fit, avoid an exaggerated A-line. No
one ever looked her best wearing a triangle. Instead, search for a
slightly tapered A-line (too tapered, and it might as well be a pencil
skirt) in a non-clinging fabric, such as a lightweight any-season wool.
Pair it with a cashmere twin set for an upscale event or with a jacket
and graphic T-shirt for deconstructed appeal.
*4: Twin Set, So Sophisticated
We're not talking any ol' twin set here. Forget the budget fabrics that
eventually roll up at the seams and sag into misshapen blocks. A
classic, cashmere twin set is the perfect solution. You can wear it to
everything from a ladies' luncheon to a cocktail party, and can dress it
up or down accordingly.
Shop for a single ply cashmere; it's comfortable to wear in cooler
temperatures, but not too wooly for late spring or early fall. Plus,
we'll let you in on a little secret: It's beyond comfortable. A cashmere
pairing may whisper "sophistication" to the world, but you can revel in
a comfort that's akin to wearing your old college sweatshirt.
*3: A 'Best Bet' Blazer
Every mom needs a go-to blazer, one that she can pair with jeans or a
skirt. Finding one that fits properly can accentuate your new mom curves
in a most pleasant way. But it's not always easy. There are varying
lengths and accoutrements, such as peplums, to consider. (A peplum is
excess material attached to the waist or hemline that creates a flared
appearance.)
Plus, it's nearly impossible to judge a blazer while its still on the
rack, so catalog shopping is probably out. Instead, spend an afternoon
trying on different styles. Where to start? We suggest looking for a
one-button lightweight wool blazer. It will keep its shape and can be
layered for wear in a variety of seasons.
*2: Dress Up (or Down) Dress
Forget all those little black dress clichés. It really is important to
own a perfectly fitting, stylish dress you can pull out of your closet
at a moment's notice. Look for a dress with casual appeal for the
office. And one that can dressed to the nines with drop-dead accessories
for a social event. Not only should your little black (or red) dress
offer this kind of duality, but it should help you look good, too.
If you're shaped a bit more like a circle than you'd like to be, thanks
to a few post-baby pounds, search for a dress with an empire waist
(pronounced uhm-peer). The seam will cinch right below the bosom,
allowing the dress to skim the midsection. When properly fitted, it will
emphasize your curves in all the right places -- a fait accompli that
doesn't require months at the gym. Structured dresses like this with a
fine foundational fit can go from day to evening -- and from season to
season -- with just a few quick updates.
*1: A Trendy Trench
An impossibly polished trench coat can cover a lot of fashion
transgressions. Let's say you're working around the house in your oldest
sweatshirt (you know, the one you wore in your college track-and-field
days) and you discover you have 10 minutes to get to the bank before it
closes. Slip on those stylish flats (surely you own them by now),
conceal your sweatshirt debacle with a deftly sophisticate trench and
voilà: A trench coat that doesn't blow your cover.
Your trench coat also is the perfect topping for everything from jeans
to work attire. Don't think you're a khaki trench coat kind of girl?
You're in luck. Today's designers are creating versions in sassy reds,
classic tartan plaids and deliciously unexpected hues of blueberry and
pomegranate.
Plus, it's the perfect ending to your post-baby wardrobe search. Armed
with a lightweight coat and several items to take you season-to-season,
you'll be in good stead. Now if only we had a surefire way to remove
spit-up stains.
There you
have it! When the time is right, make your way to your favorite store
and have a blast! These fashion items will never go out of style!~
*courtesy of TLC.
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