Setting an Example

I just wanted to post some pictures of what I was referring to the last post. Now this is neither a blazer or an embellished tee but they follow the same rules. Let me explain:

The tshirt is a cotton slub (material that adds texture and depth) v-neck. Its super comfortable but gives shape and shows that I care about myself and my kids since I can play all I want with them in it.

The jacket is something that I got when I went on a weekend away with my husband. Now this jacket shows that I have other interests and its a very feminine fit. It also reminds me of who I am when I am just me and my hubby. I'm me! The Revolution is something that Josiah and I love. For 90 minutes (well usually a little more) we can eat crazy expensive food and watch a game that we are both into. And it gives us something to talk about. Its just always so much fun hanging out with my best friend at those games. So, when I wear this jacket, it not only flatters my figure in a comfy way, I am reminded of all the fun I had the night I bought it. It reminds me of ME, not so much "Mommy".

And comfort doesn't have to be expensive:

Jeans from Old Navy $25

Tee from Banana Republic $6.99

Revs jacket from Gillette Stadium $70

OK so I splurged a little on the jacket but it was a weekend getaway and it was fun! We all need that sometimes!

Hopefully, this will help you see what I've been talking about.

the mom that missed the bus

So I was driving through town yesterday and saw a woman waiting for the bus. My heart suddenly sank. When did she stop caring? When did she lose her identity? Does having kids mean losing style and self respect? She looked how she probably felt. I will give her one credit...she showered. There is a step in the right direction. But that was the only step.

I don't know what's going on in her life but it just represents so many moms that just stop. You are still a person. You are not a package deal with your children. I'm all for investing in your kids but not to the point of totally forgetting your own identity. You are not just a mom!

I wonder if her husband misses his beautiful beaming bride. Where is she? All he has now is a tired mom in an oversized tshirt with her back slumped over. Did she stand tall at the alter? Or on dates? Do they date anymore? Every woman needs a reason to "get ready". And the husband deserves a wife that will do so.

If you are the role model for your children, what message are you sending them? "Its ok to be sloppy and lazy as long as you give your all to someone else..." If you are not taking care of yourself they will see that its ok to let everything go and not take responsibility. No wonder kids are so lazy and disrespectful these days. Remember way back when moms wore dresses and an apron? They stood tall. It was beautiful.

Now I realize we are not in the 50s so here are some tips...

If you have kids but want to look like you care then wear something nice in cotton. Cotton can still be nice...and its washable. Invest in OXI. Instead of a sweatshirt wear a blazer. Doesn't have to be a suit blazer either. There are cord, denim, twill...pick one that will work for your outfits. Wear jeans or chinos that flatter your body instead of sweats. (Though some sweats can be cute if you do it right. I'm all about a lazy day here and there but you need to make it once in awhile and make it a special creative day not just lazy!) Sneakers: not gym ones, flat converse kinds.

Instead of an oversized tshirt that you found or won, wear a fitted tee with some design or embellishment on it. Thats comfort with style.

Lastly, add studs. Jewelry can be annoying if your a mom. It can be overdone. Simply state you care with studs.

I wish this mom knew who she could be. When I think beauty I think confidence and respect. Take a little time and remind yourself that you are beautiful and you deserve to look and feel like it. You are still a woman afterall...

Seasons

Fall. Probably the most fashionable season of all. Warm colors and layers for the crisp fall air. Most people think of spring as a fresh new start...but for me its fall. To me, fall fashion is what we wait all year for. Its the start of the fashion year...where I invest the most money. My favorite fashion piece- a scarf. I love it. Its a year round piece but I love them the most during fall.

Now, with investing in a new wardrobe and fall being my favorite, what can I buy now that will take me through the whole year? This is a shopping mistake I always used to make! Do you try to buy clothes and/or accessories that might work for all seasons to get your money's worth? You might be surprised to find out that most things cannot work like that.

Remember the post about buying cheap items? That you should go ahead and invest in a few outfits that might cost more instead of hundreds of random pieces that you don't end up wearing? Well, guess what? Same deal. When buying during a season, buy for that season. For this fall I have invested in 3 fall outfits. They can of course mix and match with other things but initially that are from that original outfit....and they are all fall. I suggest doing that with every season. Buy a few outfits for that season. If they work for another season then great. But DO NOT buy something only because you'll wear it for more than one season that year. Things aren't typically meant for multiple seasons.

What are the seasons in fashion?

(months vary, and are approximate)

TRANSITION: (starting end of July/August) wearing summer and fall pieces together since weather is not as predictable

FALL: (September, October) warmer pieces, lots of layering

HOLIDAY: (November, December) once a year special pieces for all your holiday gatherings

WINTER: (Decemberish) Cold weather pieces

SPRING: (that yes starts in January and goes to Mayish) lighter pieces, colors, florals, lighter layering with some bright colors

SUMMER: (May, June, July) Nautical, light, bright, less is more clothing

COLOR and MATERIAL

While the color might work for two or more seasons, does the material? And vice versa. Scarves are year round pieces. BUT there are specific scarves for each season. Light colored wool for winter, pastel silk for spring, jersey for summer and transition, and plaid wool for fall. Now, those are only some of the tons they sell. But its to give you an idea. And it goes for all clothes. And to make it more complicated, there are different wools for different seasons and there aren't really any color rules anymore.Yeah. But to try to keep it simple...if it looks summery- its not gonna work for winter.

WHITE

not just a summer color. Remember the rule: no white after labor day until memorial day? Not really a rule. Just think of the materials you are using and you should be fine.

A tip from my personal shopper friend: Only a few pieces can take you through all seasons, and some are only for two seasons. Buy mostly for the season and grab one or two things that will work otherwise.

EXAMPLE of a piece for multiple seasons:

Grey silk tank

Summer: wear it with white pants

Fall: wear with warm colors, reds and browns and golds

Winter: wear with black cardigan

Spring: wear with a floral scarf

Good luck and please dress for the season you are currently in.