This one is for the mommas doing school runs, walking to the bus stop, hauling butt in the minivan, however you get it done… Now that my own little munchkins are back in school, I’ve seen a lot of moms that are frazzled, hurried, not exactly on their A game, and yeah, I’ve been one of them. It’s been a few weeks and I’m being kind to myself here, but I think I’ve only had a day or two each week that was one of those, “I just can’t care what I look like!” days. Everyone who knows me knows that I love getting dressed, I love wearing makeup, and I love to look my best simply because it’s how I’m comfortably happy. I am a stylist after all! ;)
So yes, most mornings I do look ready for the day at my 8am drop off. With two cute, well-dressed kids in tow. And yes, I’ve gotten some annoyed comments along the lines of “why do you always look so cute?! (insert accusing tone)”. Because I love this stuff, NOT because I’m Super Woman. So how do moms looks their best who don’t “love this stuff”??? Here’s some tips for styling up your mornings – even if you’re in work-out wear! Starting from top to bottom…
1. Hair: I know it’s hard – I’ve got a lot of very difficult, crazy hair and a daughter with almost as much difficult, crazy hair that I have to do as well. My best trick is DRY SHAMPOO. I NEVER have time to shower before school runs, so dry shampoo saves the day, several days a week. If you take the time to really style your hair 2-3 times a week, you can make it last and just refresh it instead of rewashing and drying. I sleep on my right side and I honestly plug in my curling iron most mornings and curl 3-4 pieces of hair on the right side where it’s gone flat, spray some dry shampoo and I’m out the door. Oh, and please no scrunchies.
2. Face: If you don’t wear makeup and you love your face – God bless America!!! That is WONDERFUL!!! If you need a little color and to bring out your best features, a 5 minute face is an easy habit to get into. If all you do is swipe on some mascara and lip gloss or tinted chapstick, you’ll feel so much prettier, and yes, that matters and can change your day.
3. Body: If you’re a working mom (I admire you so much) you probably have to be prepped for a long day and are already done up. If you’re a stay-at-home mom, you probably lack some incentive to get dressed in something other than sweatpants. I get it. I do. BUT, if you commit for one week to do a little makeup, get dressed as though you’re meeting a fun friend for coffee somewhere nice, you’ll get so many compliments and feel so good that you’ll never stop. You’re worth it. You are, you are, you are!!! If I’m heading to the gym I don’t try to hide it, I just wear nice work out clothes – I care that it’s obvious and not just what people think I wear everyday for “casual wear”. Gym clothes should be just as well-fitting and make you feel as good as your regular clothes. And I don’t think you should wear Uggs with sweatpants. Refer to past blogs if you must. :) WORK IT: http://www.commoncouturestyle.com/blog/?p=557 and UGH, UGGS: http://www.commoncouturestyle.com/blog/?p=237
4. Feet: Now I wear my Rainbows quiiiiite a bit, yes I do. But there are super cute and easy to wear sandals besides flip flops (or Tevas, Birkenstocks, etc.) that we moms can wear. Some simple shoes that are stylish and easy are ballet flats, or if those are too cutesy, pick up a pair of TOMS! I’m not asking moms to wear heels or even wedges, just give your feet a treat of style and fun!
5. Overall: On a bad hair day (sometimes you just can’t save it!), leave the ball cap at home unless you’re heading to a game or out for a run and put on a cute fedora or other fun hat that expresses your personality. If your outfit feels plain jane, add a colorful or printed scarf. If your dress or oversize top feels/looks shapeless, add a belt. I bet many of you have some amazing jewelry and accessories hiding in little drawers or boxes that don’t get opened often enough – it’s time to get those pieces out and let them see the light of day!
Other non-style tips that simply give me more time for style are making lunches at night, setting out clothes for my kids, (I’m way too much of an emotional dresser to do that for myself), having backpacks ready, and oh yeah, I’m lucky enough (or smart enough?) to have a Keurig on my nightstand. And have you heard? Starbucks is putting out K-Cups in November. HALLELUJAH.
And as always, if you look at your closet and just sigh with despair, give me a call. I’d love to do a wardrobe consult or go personal shopping with you!
Jill
Oh, and Fireside mom who rides her kid’s razor scooter to school to pick him up? You’re my hero.
photo of the beautiful Kate Winslet from babble.com – Thanks!
