by Bonnie Ferrar

Created on: February 14, 2009   Last Updated: March 02, 2009

It happens. Sooner or later it happens. Maybe it gets a little worse after your first child, but by the time your second child arrives, chances are, it will happen. You will look in the mirror at the over-sized T-shirt and baggy jeans and wonder, "Who is this?".

After our children are born, our bodies are not exactly the same (to say the least). We swear that under no circumstances will we invest any real money in our wardrobe since we will certainly not be "this size" for much longer. Besides, who needs fashion when your days are spent covered in spit-up and strained peas? As days turn into weeks and weeks into months, you find yourself in a true fashion rut.

Chances are, you dress your baby head to toe in adorable baby outfits, matching bibs and booties, all the while hiding your "not so perfect" post-baby belly in frumpy fleece pullovers and K-mart specials. But by the time they hit preschool, you can no longer afford to be outdone by your 3-year-old daughter and her matching pink ensemble. Something has to be done. You need to give yourself a much needed mommy makeover, but where do you begin?

For starters, formulate a plan and make a commitment to become a chic mamma this summer. The hot summer days make it easy to look fashionable, but first you need to determine what kind of Chic Mama are you?

The Preppy Mama:

If the idea of dressing preppy conjures up images of pastel sweaters tied around shoulders, then you are in for a real surprise this season. Today's preppy mamas can choose from a variety Capri pants, linen summer dresses and casual sandals. Online versions of Talbots, Ralph Lauren, Polo, J Crew and Brooks Brothers make it easy to find just the right outfit for any occasion. Just a few preppy staples need to be added to your wardrobe to get you on your way.

* A pair of khaki Capri pants

* Short linen skirts or cotton skirts

* Fitted polo shirts that accentuate your new motherly curves

* A cool sleeveless linen dress

When you are considering purchasing preppy chic clothing, think cool summer colors like white, khakis and pinks and greens. If Polo and Ralph Lauren are a bit out of your budget, don't worry! You don't have to give up the desire to be a preppy mama. Sarah Jessica Parker's clothing line carries some great pieces at incredibly cheap prices. You can find them at Dave and Barry's. Lands End.com also carries some great skirts and sleeveless linen shirts for a fraction of the name brand labels.

Athletic Mama:

If you are happiest mountain biking the Cascades

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