The Golden Age

Vintage Neiman Marcus- closetrich.com

I really and truly think that this is the best time in history to have a baby....Not because of technology, new mom support, or our endless options of help.  No, I think this simply because backpacks are "in style" right now.

Seriously, is there an easier way to lug around all your baby's needs?  I think not. 

I have the backpack pictured above.  While it's cute, it's still not big enough to throw everything into.  However, it's still nice not to have straps slipping of one shoulder while trying to hold my baby with the other.  I am still contemplating a larger backpack for an everyday diaper bag.  Look at what these women have done to make backpacks look chic.

lookbook.nu

Vanessa Jackman

Vanessa Jackman

Nursing bras: the foundation of an outfit (or so I'm told)

Who says nursing bras have to be ugly?  Well, history, I suppose.  When our moms were nursing, from what I've heard, their options were pretty hideous.

I would definitely recommend going to a store to buy your nursing bras in order to get them properly fitted (To show you my point- one bra I have is a 34D, while another is a 34F).  However, for your inspiration, here are some adorable and even sexy options (all under $75).

You Nursing Bras- by far the sexiest I've found.  Not the most comfortable, though.

Vintage Lace from a UK company (pictured above)

Leading Lady makes mostly practical nursing bras, but I thought this one was really pretty.

Lastly, although more expensive, the customer service you get in the Nordstrom lingerie department- being measured, fitted, and brought bra after bra to try on- is priceless.  Also, this Le Mystere bra is pretty hot.

Beauty Thursdays- My 90 second facial

My baby is almost 4 weeks old already!  For me, it has felt like one loooong day.  As a new mom it's very easy to lose track of time, so it's easy to understand how sometimes it's 5pm and you haven't even brushed your teeth let alone showered or put on makeup.  I have found a wonderful little beauty routine that I call my "90 second facial" to be just the thing I need sometimes.  It makes my face glow and ready for a little concealer and blush (which is vital when you look like death walking and, say, you realized that your husband is going to be home in 10 minutes or a friend has just called and said they are going to stop by.) 

thecompanystore.com

Step 1, 30 Seconds: Get your water as hot as you can possibly handle.  Wet a washcloth and wring it out, then cover your face and steam.  When you are done, wipe off all undereye makeup or other residue on your face.

target.com

Step 2, 30 Seconds: Dry your face and wipe with a Yes to Cucumbers facial towelette.  These are so nice and refreshing, I can't say enough about them.  Don't forget your neck and decolletage, as well!

Thalgo Energizing Vitality Cream

Step 3, 30 seconds: Take the time to rub your moisturizer in slowly and methodically, massaging your face and improving your circulation.  If your baby is crying, she can wait long enough for you to finish this part.

If you have time, cover your dark circles, put on some blush and lip gloss, and twist your hair into a "Parisian bun!"*

haironthebrain.com

*That's French for "dirty, messy bun"

Shopping Wednesday: Caslon Oversized Cardigan

The Caslon Oversized Cardigan from Nordstrom isn't the sexiest top out there, but with skinny jeans and boots or wide leg jeans and chunky heels it just seemed....easy without being sloppy. Not to mention it covers a pooch pretty well. I bought both colors, because I needed a new black cardigan, and because that taupey/ mauve color looks really good on me.

Red Pants For Fall

I fell in love with red skinnies when they came out on the Isabel Marant runway last fall.  While I admired them from afar, I would never wear leather pants.  Luckily, over the past year many cotton options have popped up from cord to twill to denim.  It has taken me a while to really want to commit to this look, so yeah, I'm about a year behind the European fashions. Ah, well.

My apprehension was based on the fact that I didn't want to invest in something that I may or may not be able to figure out how to work into my mom wardrobe.  I found this pair on knockout clearance at Victoria's Secret (thanks to love Maegan) (they may be sold out), and ordered them so that I could try it out *almost* risk free.  The second hurdle is figuring out how to wear them with more than just black, white or gray.  Here are some of my favorite "mom friendly" looks:

closetrich.com

lovemaegan.com

emersonmade.com

 This is my favorite look for mom style.   It looks comfy, easy, machine washable, and like something I could create out of what I already own.  Here it is styled for colder days:

Lastly, let's remember that red pants, bold as they are, can be done oh, so wrong.  Shudder.

Some good looking red skinnies I've found:

J Crew (corduroy $79.50)

J Brand (denim, $176)

Urban Outfitters (twill, $29)

Style My Mom

About me:

I am a new mother. A brand new mother.  A brand new mother who still cares about how she looks.

While I was pregnant, I was desperate to find fashion blogs dedicated to pregnancy fashion and how to dress with young kids.  My search results found surprisingly little, so I am starting my own "mom fashion blog" with 2 purposes:

1.  To keep myself in check, knowing that what I wear will be publicized to a certain extent.  This should keep me from yoga pants and hoodies.

2. To build fashion inspiration for myself and give fashion inspiration to others.

(Also, in hopes that one day I might be popular enough to get freebies!)

I am starting nearly from day 1 of being a mom.  My baby is just a couple of weeks old, and while I love her more than I thought I could love anyone or anything, this blog will not be about her.  It will not be about the trials of motherhood, diapering, or cute baby fashion.

This blog is solely dedicated to dressing and looking well while raising young kids.

I love shopping, clothes, and getting dressed, and I am totally confused at what it is going to be like to do this as a mother of an infant...while on a single income family budget.  While I was pregnant, most days I wore some variation of this outfit:



-Comfy sandals
-Solid ribbed Old Navy tank (that I stock up on once a year at the $2 tank sale)
-Stretchy knit maxi skirt
-A statement necklace to prove that I was still trying

The world definitely has a sense of grace for the appearance of an obviously very pregnant woman with a "basketbelly." Now, I have give myself a 4 week, post partum sort of "grace period" to wear whatever I throw on in the morning while I heal from birth and get used to this baby thing (usually yoga, athletic, or stretch pants, flip flops, and a tee).  When I am "normal" again, I will be expected by the world (and by myself, as well) to look presentable.  And I want to.

Let the adventure begin!