College is a beast. Chemistry is another language entirely.
Group projects take a lot of effort. These are all among the reasons why I have
been entirely and utterly absent. But, never fear! A really wonderful blogging
buddy from "Is It Hot In Here?" Menopause, Motherhood & More swooped in to the rescue with this blog post. Thank you, L!
Go over to L's social media pages and show her some love for me, as a thank you!
You can also find L on...
Go over to L's social media pages and show her some love for me, as a thank you!
You can also find L on...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/IsItHotInHereMM
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/isithotinheremm
Instagram: http://instagram.com/
The Geek Parent: www.thegeekparent.com
Mom's Crayon: http://momscrayon.blogspot.com
"Is It Hot In Here?" Menopause, Motherhood & More: http://isithotinheremmm.
Without further wait, moms and future mom’s out there, this one is for you!
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| L fixed this stained purse herself! She glued a flower on the purse that had neutral colors in it, to tie the whole thing together. Saved the $75 purse with a $1 craft flower! |
Recently, I admired an acquaintance’s shoes while we were waiting on the
blacktop. “Oh yeah,” she said. “I decided, now that my youngest is in
kindergarten, to finally get 'grown-up' shoes again. It was a lot harder than I
thought.” I immediately understood. Once a mother is past the diaper-bag and
toddler stages of her littlest one's life, she often realizes that that all of
her clothes, shoes, and accessories are utilitarian, rather than fashionable. They're
designed to hide spit stains, are easy on/easy off, are good for wrestling and
chasing children in, and have enough room for diapers, snacks, drinks, extra
clothes, toys, etc.
In Charise's case, not only were her clothes more practical
than pretty, but she had no idea who she is now. We aren't the women we were before we had our
children. We're older and possibly in a
different decade of our lives. We may
not be working while our wardrobes are still predominately business
attire. We often have a better idea of what the other
people in our lives think we should look like (husbands, partners, parents,
friends) rather than knowing what WE like.
So what do you do?
Here are a few suggestions:
1.
Look at magazines and websites. Put down the parenting rags and look at
sources designed for people of your own
age and situation. For example, Charise
is no longer a working , 30-something Wall Street manager; she's now a 40-something
stay-a-home mother whose needs are different than they were before. She wants stylish clothes that fit her daily
life. You'll find a list of helpful
sites at the end of this post.
2.
Take some time to yourself to investigate stores
you like and try on different clothes.
Yes, this is time-consuming and I, for one, find it unpleasant, but it's
necessary. You don't have to buy from
those stores, but trying garments on will give you an idea of what looks good
on you and what you like. Take pictures
with your camera phone. You can always
order styles online, often at a fraction of the cost of store inventory.
3.
Notice women you admire who might be in
situations similar to yours with similar body types. I've admired women on the blacktop, in the grocery store,
and even waiting for my daughter at gymnastics.
I keep watching them to see what pieces they have in their wardrobe that
I like and try to remember for when I do go shopping for myself.
4.
Don't be afraid to shop in the men's or other
departments. Some of the best flannel
shirts I've ever bought, good for hanging out in on snowy days or wearing over
leggings to a friend's house have come from the men's section of a store.
5.
Look for multi-purpose pieces. Large scarves are not only fashionable, but
can be worn as shawls on cold days.
Scarves themselves add a sophisticated touch to any wardrobe.
Intimidated by how to fold them? Here's
a link that will show you 38 ways to tie a scarf.
6.
For hairstyles, again, check out websites or go
to a hair salon you trust and ask what they suggest. Now that you're no longer limited by the
prospect of a baby hanging on to your locks for dear life, you have many more
options.
7.
Find out what a store's return policy is before
you buy those heels. I think fashion
should be practical, so even though you don't have to dash after a toddler
anymore, nor should your feet suffer with blisters just so you can look good.
8.
Don't forget to check your closet for pieces you
can use. I have so many purses that are
still useful. I've glued on flowers or
other decorative pieces to update them and make them coordinate with what I'm
wearing. Here's where you can put your
creative juices to good use!
And again, think about what YOU like! Just because your mother says you should
dress in black because “it looks slimming, Dear” doesn't mean you have to. If your husband wants you to wear heels when
you go out, but they kill your feet, invite him to wear them instead! Your appearance says everything about you,
the real you, not the “box” others have placed you in. Embrace yourself for the person you are NOW,
not the shadow who you once were. The
diaper-bag and toddler years are over – go find yourself!
Here are some resources to find the look you want at any age:
Hairstyles For Fall/Winter 2014. (Hint: variations on the pony tail are
hot this season!)
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