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 or playing a round of tennis with your hubby, then you are certain to be more comfortable in skorts and tank tops. Athletes don't have to sacrifice beauty for their sport; new lines from Athleta, Patagonia, Columbia Sportswear and North Face make it easy to look your best. Turning into a chic athletic mamma is easy with a few essentials.
* Tank tops (strappy and traditional)
* White and khaki skorts
* Pair of Keen sporty sandals or Nike tennis shoe
* Cargo pants/shorts
Website like Altec.com, Northface.com and Athleta.com offer incredible discounts on their merchandise and most stores offer an easy to return policy. Just a word of warning, most online companies no longer offer prepaid returns, so while you may get your money back if you don't like an outfit, you may be stuck paying for shipping!
Sexy Mama:
While you may not feel that sexy these days, chances are, there is an inner tigress just waiting to pounce. If you want to be a sexy mama, the first place to start is what you wear underneath. Invest in a few lacy (maybe even racy) bras and panties. You'd be surprised how wonderful new intimate apparel makes you feel. Toss out those tattered and stretched out Jockeys and hit Victoria Secrets for a little "lingerie makeover". Once you have settled on what to wear underneath, try these sexy items to rev up you next date night.
* Halter or sleeveless evening Dress
* New pair of pumps
* Strappy sandals
* Matching accessories (earrings, necklaces, purses)
* Open backed spaghetti tank top
When you are looking online, try Victoria Secrets.com, asos.com, thelimited.com, or even macys.com. If you are trying to be a sexy mama, remember that how you feel in the clothes is more important than how you look. Even the sexiest outfits will get tossed in the back of the closet if they make your feet hurt, stomach ache or legs feel like they've been tossed through a spandex ringer!
Beachy Mama:
The summer months bring us all closer to the "dreaded" swimsuit season. If that idea has you hyperventilating, fear not. It is easy to look your beachy best with very little effort. Even if your figure is not what you'd hoped it would be this summer, there are plenty of incredible fashion choices designed just for you. If you are hitting the beach, invest in a few essential items to add to your wardrobe.
* A fun and festive beach wrap (to cover your bathing suit when you are not swimming)
* Trendy flip-flops for beach walking
* Strapless cotton summer dress
* Hawaiian print skirt or skorts
* New sunglasses
Just because the weather is getting warmer, doesn't mean you are forced to spend your days in air-conditioned exile. Check out TommyBahama.com, OldNavy.com and BananaRepublic.com for cool deals on this summer's hottest items. Remember that a great pair of new sunglasses and fun flip-flops can work wonders at bringing you out of that mommy rut.
When you decide to update your wardrobe, it may be easier to do from the comfort of your own living room. Trying on new outfits with a screaming toddler throwing Cheerios around the dressing room is a little awkward to say the least. While ordering online may be easier, it is also easier to spend more money than you intended. After all, your purchase is only a click away. Try buying from companies that also have stores in your local area. This way, if something fails to flatter your figure, you can return it easily during your next mall excursion and save a bit of postage.
Also, start small and order only one or two items at a time to make sure that you have the appropriate sizing and are happy with your purchases before buying more. Grab your favorite girlfriend and a tape measurer and swallow your pride. You will need to measure your bust, waist and hips before ordering in order to ensure that you get the right size in the mail. If you are uncertain, check with the website for their specific sizing instructions.
It is easy to get stuck in a fashion rut after you have children. After all, being a mommy commands all of your attention and most of your budget. But this year, make a commitment to break out of that rut and become the Chic Mama you were meant to be!