Trust me. I’ve been there, and it wasn’t pretty. After children come along, your priorities clearly change. Your time management skills, once perfected, are totally shot, because someone else (much smaller than any other boss you’ve had) is telling you what to do and how and when to do it.
You get a 2-3 month pass on wearing pajamas all day, because seriously, if you can just manage to sleep a couple of hours a day, you are a winner in my book! Once you’ve made it through the first few months, it’s time to start putting YOU back into the equation. Just because you have a brand new, gorgeous, cooing, drooling accessory doesn’t mean that he or she has to be your only accessory. Just because you’re “just dropping the kids off at carpool and then running a few errands” doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t feel great about yourself while you’re doing it.
I admit that the time management issue doesn’t magically solve itself after 3 months. I’m here to tell you, though, that it doesn’t have to take a lot of time (or money) to ensure you look put-together and appropriate for any outing. I’ve put together a list below, which I know is pretty basic. It’s probably the advice my grandmother would have given me. I don’t remember her ever leaving the house without following these tips. It’s not rocket science, but based on what I see every, single day running errands, it must not be common sense!
1. Put on some lipstick. Even if you don’t have time for your full makeup routine, a little bit of color on your lips will brighten your appearance and present a more polished look.
2. Lose the yoga pants. Whether or not you’ve lost all of your baby weight, yoga pants are for practicing yoga. That’s all. Just because they are pants and they are black, does not make them “black pants.” Instead, opt for one of the thousands of cute, comfortable, affordable pairs of black TROUSERS.
3. Change your shoes. Trade in your flip-flops and cross-trainers for a pair of cute boots, flats, or sandals. Even a cute little retro, sporty shoe can make it seem as though you actually thought about what went on your feet before you left the house. All of these items are perfectly appropriate for lunch with friends, a play date at the park, or volunteering at your child’s school.
4. Embrace a trend. If your closet is full of basics, it only takes a few amazing extras to look super-stylish. Wear your fun animal print scarf with jeans and white tee. Try the metallic shoe trend with your new black (non-yoga) pants and a chambray top. Why not spruce up a neutral palette with some won’t-break-the-bank neon bangles or necklace?
5. Find a good tailor. I cannot stress this one enough. It may take a little more time and effort than my other suggestions, but once you fit it into your routine, it will be the best thing you’ve ever done for your wardrobe. Most people either won’t buy anything that doesn’t fit them straight off the rack, or they buy it and wear ill-fitting clothing. Either way, it’s a true disservice to yourself and your clothes. Think of all of the options you will have if you accept that the awesome jeans that fit everywhere else, but gap at the waist, will fit PERFECTLY in just a few short days. You’ll never have to say, “I can never find jeans that fit,” again!
I would love to help you make all of these ideas part of your everyday routine. If you want to know more about my personal styling services, I would love to hear from you! Send me an email at Joanna@joannaavant.com.
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