Today’s post is written by Suzanne Colmer, the Owner and Creator of Your Shop Girl Image Consulting. She focuses on helping everyday people identify their ideal style by teaching men and women how to look and feel amazing in their clothes. Amongst other publications she has been featured in the National Post, Toronto Star and on CBC radio. Thank you so much for this awesome post, Suzanne!!!
How to look like that Mom who has herself totally together
(even though we don’t)
First, let’s point out that the Mom who has it all together is a mythical animal. She doesn’t exist. Nevertheless, that shouldn’t stop us from gaining some great inspiration from this legendary creature. So, how do we fake it until we make it?
Find a coat you love
Not just any coat, a coat in an amazing neutral that hugs you in all the right places. I use the word invest, because you should not cheap out on a coat. I’m not saying it shouldn’t be within your budget, I’m saying I would rather you buy an expensive coat on sale than an inexpensive coat that you got cheap. Think about the cost per wear on it. In other words divide the price by how many times you are going to wear it, then decide if it is worth the investment.
Depending on where you live, I recommend buying one for Spring and Fall. The reason we start with a coat is that it can hide our onesies at drop off and make us look instantly put together.
(The coat to the left is from Soia & Kyo)
Add some bling
You may actually have to take off that coat and when you do I want you to be ready. This is where the accessories come in. Wear one non-essential accessory a day. Non-essential means that you did not sleep in it and it is not holding up your p
ants. Make sure it is something that adds personality to your outfit. Whether it is a scarf or a necklace, it doesn’t matter, you just have to love it and wear it. A t-shirt and jeans is
great, but a tee, jeans a belt and a necklace is even better.
(This necklace to the right is from Simons, and is a beautiful steal at $19.00!)
Ruby Slippers
If I had to come up with a must have list for everyday shoes I would say boots, ankle boots, flats, runners and sandals. If you are only going to have one pair of e
ach of these shoes choose a neutral. Make sure you have your basics first. You can’t make cupcakes without flour and sugar, your sprinkles can come later. If you wear pumps on a daily basis (virtual bow down) try to have a black, nude and a colour that you love.
(These classy but comfy washed leather ballet flats are from Gravity Pope)
Layer up
Close your eyes and picture yourself in a blouse and pants (or any other top and bottoms combo you wear), now add a blazer or cardigan or a vest and now a scarf. Bibbity bobby boo, you are an instagrammable momma. Layering makes all the difference. You don’t have to wear a 3 piece suit, just throw on
a great cardigan.
(This piece to the left is from Aritzia)
Stop buying stuff
Don’t get me wrong, I am not telling you that you are only allowed to have 30 items in your closet, I am just saying that if you had slightly higher standards for what you brought home you may actually like more of your clothes. Go in to your closet now and ask yourself how many pieces you really love. In other words you would fight someone if they wanted to take them away from you. If that number is less than 50% of your closet then you need to do a serious closet cleanse. If you fill your closet with pieces you love, you will look and feel totally put together. Unfortunately I can’t help you with the other areas in your life, but at least now you will look and feel great tackling them.
Double take
Lastly before you leave the house imagine that you are going to bump into an old nemesis or fling. I promise it will make you think twice about wearing the jogging pants 😉
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It is amazing how much a scarf or a piece of jewelry can make your outfit feel completely different!
Vicki @ Babies to Bookworms recently posted…Mixing it Up with the Mixed Up Chameleon!
I know, it’s the little things, right?!
Great tips! Thanks for sharing this, Meredith!
Alina recently posted…Galentine’s Day in a Little Red Dress
Thanks girl!
I finally bought myself a coat I love last year and it actually makes me look forward to winter…a little!
Leah | Five for the Road recently posted…Ultimate Family Guide to Myrtle Beach
Awesome! Ugh I feel so frumpy in the winter…it gets so cold here that no coat I have will save my style! hahaha
This is how I go from comfy at home to public presentable everyday! 😁 I wear my comfy leggings, and whatever top I have clean at the moment then wear a nice coat, add a cute necklace and comfortable but chic shoes!
Love it!! The shoes really can make it or break it too I think!
This post is so great! I totally agree with the coat tip.. My coat hides everyyyyyyything lol!
Yep, love me some nice coats to hide that 1) I’m not wearing a nice shirt and 2) I may or may not have a bra on HAHAHA (ok this is only applicable to when I’m working from home and dropping my kid off at daycare in the winter….I swear!
These are such great tips! I agree that a nice coat and pretty jewelries make that much of a difference in your look!
Belle | http://www.OneAwesomeMomma.com
Belle recently posted…Off The Shoulder Sweater + Faux Leather Leggings
It so does!!!
I totally feel you on the closet cleanse! I literally feel like I don’t wear 80% of the clothes in my closet. Going to do some serious inventory this spring when I do my annual cleaning! those Shoes are super adorable btw.
I just got rid of tons of stuff, and I STILL feel like I need to get rid of more! Like where did this crap come from?!!?!
I love how she personalized it! What a great idea!!
She is super awesome!
I needed this post… I was a fashion designer prior to having kids, so I used to be ALL about style. Then my kids came… You know that meme about ‘my kids are wearing name brands and I look like I’m homeless’? Yup. That’s me. Thanks for the tips and inspiration!
Kate AL recently posted…Random Acts Of Kindness Day As A Bereaved Mother
Awww yes!! That is so cool that you were a fashion designer! I swear I need all the help I can get…it’s bad!!!! I’ve got the WORST fashion sense of anyone I know (sad) LOL!
Great tips and I especially need to remember that double take! I always see someone I know when I’ve got a big coffee stain on my shirt LOL!!
Yes that literally ALWAYS happens to me!!!