The Money Mom: Stay Stylish
DailyCandy is one of my favorite lifestyle newsletters and blogs, so I was thrilled when Kids Editor and fashion expert Lindsey Gladstone agreed to guest post here for us. I know I’ll be using some of her advice.
Before babies I never had a problem dressing myself – I actually enjoyed putting together an outfit. To be honest, shopping was sport. But after my first daughter it seemed like nothing in my closet worked anymore. This shirt pulled here, those pants wouldn’t button there. Forget about anything with a heel. Dangling earrings were a hazard.
So I had to start from scratch. I had to reinvent. Think comfortable, functional, and stylish, without becoming slave to my Lululemon yoga pants (but you should definitely have at least one pair, they do wonders for your rear).
What every mom needs: Layering tees and tanks without stains. For tees, I find that the American Apparel 50/50 blends hold up well in the wash and hang well without too much cling. For tanks, try Keep Me. They are a mix of 94% modal/6% spandex, which means they hug curves without accentuating any extra fluff. Plus, they are bra friendly.
Save on: Your kids’ clothes. They will outgrow them in one season. Invest instead in your own wardrobe, no matter how hard it is to walk away from that tiny designer dress with ruffles on the tush. Walk. Away.
Splurge on: A great handbag that doesn’t double as a diaper bag. Something that says you’re not coming with me; I’m headed out without diapers and wipes. And get a good haircut. Not one that looks good when you leave the salon (they all do), but one that looks good when you barely tend to it after you shower.
One piece that goes from circle time to wine time: A long boyfriend cardigan. Wear it over a tee and skinny jeans to toddle around with tots. Belt it, layer necklaces, and head out for a little grown-up juice.
Stay comfy without looking sloppy. Since I retired the heels but still wanted and needed the height, I turned to the trusty wedge. And not just sandals in the summer, but also wedge boots in the winter. Even my ballet flats have a teeny tiny little wedge.
The extras: Think about accessories in a new way. Instead of necklaces and earrings that just get yanked and pulled at, stock up on scarves, belts, vests, bracelets, and colorful and patterned tights.
Lindsey Gladstone has been on the trend, style and shopping beat for many years. Joining DailyCandy in 2004, she helped launch the Chicago edition of the popular website serving as its local editor until 2006. Next up for Lindsey was hosting The Shopping Detective, a half-hour show airing nationally on the Fine Living Network. In 2008, Lindsey returned to DailyCandy to oversee DailyCandy Kids. She lives in Chicago with her husband Ben and their two little girls, Nora (2) and Lila (5 months).
