It’s the toughest job you’ll ever love, so they say about motherhood. And let’s admit it, moms don’t have a ton of extra time to spend on themselves. All boymoms, these bloggers make the mom job look easy, and so fashionable. Read on to get to know Lilly E. Beltran of Daily Craving, Carly S. Lee of C. Style and Monica Abney of Classy & Fabulous. These ladies share unique style insights and styling tips for busy moms. ♥Elaine
Lilly of Daily Craving and mom of Evan, 9 and Mason, 5How would you describe your style?
I’ve never put a label on my style because I feel like it doesn’t really fall into just one category, but if I must, I would say that for the most part it’s a mix of casual, cool, tomboy, effortless, minimal and classic.
How has your style changed since becoming a mom?
Well, I became a mother at 20, so all my experimenting with fashion and style as an adult woman has happened while I was a mom. Before children, as in high school days, my style was very casual cool. And that hasn’t really changed much.
What style tip would you give other moms?
If I could give any mom a style tip it would be to wear what makes you feel 100% you. Sometimes easier said than done, but I find that when you feel 100% yourself, you actually look your best and people notice that.
Connect with Lilly:
www.daily-craving.com
@daily_craving
How would you describe your style?
My style is practical. I like classic pieces mixed with trendy pieces. When purchasing something, I look for versatility, quality and cost-per-wear. I enjoy mixing high priced items with lower priced items.
How has your style changed since becoming a mother?
I’m finding my style after becoming a mom. I guess you could say I’m finding my own style and not just adhering to what I think I’m supposed to wear. My style has become a little more daring! For example, I’m not afraid to wear hole-y jeans.
What style tip would you give other moms?
Make sure your clothes fit. I got stuck in a rut after becoming a mom of wearing clothes that were too big. You can buy the cutest top or pants, but if it doesn’t fit, it won’t look nearly as good.
Connect with Carly:
Carly S. Lee
www.cstyleblog.com
@cstyleblog
Monica Abney of Classy and Fabulous and new momHow would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is currently minimal, modern and really trying my best to make whatever I am wearing chic.
How has your style changed since becoming a mother?
Just like in life, I feel like my personal style is constantly evolving, but always keeping the same elements of classic sophistication. Right now I am going a bit more minimalist and even modern than I use to. I think having a baby has been the biggest catalyst to my current simple/minimalist style. I try to choose things that look good but are also easy to wear and, let’s be honest, easy to clean. Also, my baby boy is going throw his ‘grab-anything-shiny’ stage so I try to keep my jewelry minimal, focusing more on my bag or my shoes.
What style tip would you give other new moms?
Just because you become a mom doesn’t mean you have to change your style. Maybe make a few updates here and there just because life is different, such as choosing materials like cotton or jersey that are easy to care for and clean.
Connect with Monica:
www.classandfab.com
@classnfab
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be thrilled if you’d share it. And don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Join the Collective! ♥ Elaine
Friends-
My friend and guest guru Heather Goodwin is back with a piece about parenting. Heather is the Director of the Holistic Behavior Division at Heights of Health, a natural healthcare clinic in Houston. Heather holds a Master’s degree in Education and is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner. At Heights of Health, Heather teaches adults and children research-based practices that utilize the science of neuroplasticity to rewire the brain, biofeedback to balance the nervous system, and numerous powerful techniques that clients easily implement to positively affect daily habits.
Heather is also a mom of two, and my guess is that you can relate to the day she describes. Sometimes our intentions don’t match our reality. Been there. Heather offers some enlightening tips on just how to deal with these days, with the reminder that every day brings a fresh start. Enjoy.
XOXO, Elaine
Every day I wake up with the same goal. TODAY, I will be a perfect parent! Yep, today it is. And then the kids wake up.
6: 45 am. Rise and shine. Time for school. A brand new happy day! I say with a skip in my voice, only to be greeted by grunts and heads buried deeper under the covers.
What would you like for breakfast, my dears? Oh, not hungry again? I see. Your stomach hurts. AGAIN. Because I cut your fingernails too close and the tips hurt, so you can’t pick up your spoon. Uh huh. And because there was a bump on your pillow that was hurting the spot where I made your ponytail too tight. Makes your head hurt so you can’t eat. Got it. Okay.
I pretend to take a deep breath to remind myself I am good at centering in situations like these, but really I am just hyperventilating. Making your lunch, putting a happy love note in there too.
I think in my sing-song Mary Poppins voice that lives in my head. Darlings, let’s brush our hair and teeth. Sweeties, did you brush your hair and teeth? Time for hair and teeth! BRUSH YOUR FLIPPIN’ HAIR AND TEETH!!!!”
Okay, okay, perfect today, perfect today. Two minutes to get in the car, take the fast way to school, run all the stop signs, cut in the drop off line and shove them out the car door crying, but we can still make it!
7:59 ½ am. I’ll try again tomorrow.
Just my house? Please don’t tell me that I’m the only one that understands gerbil mommies most days. Aren’t these animals known for eating their young? Just asking.
Some of you may have noticed I skipped a few steps in our rainbow-laden morning routine. You ask: when do I get dressed? Um, well, yes, many mornings, I throw on the special-forces-pajama-disguising-uniform: black fleece and fake aviator sunglasses, convinced the carpool ladies can’t see my fleece pj bottoms and fuzzy slippers hiding below the window-line.
And, my final special secret weapon: peppermint gum. I learned to add the peppermint gum the day my then five-year-old REFUSED to get out of the car and I had to park, exit (fuzzy slippers and all), bribe/beg/threaten him to walk the plank, I mean the sidewalk, to the school door, sweat rolling down my back at this point, and then it happened. Ms. Perfect Parent suddenly appeared at my car door. Poof. Like a perfume drenched cloud that had just left the makeup counter at Nordstrom. Aaaack! It was then that I learned to add the gum.
If you can relate, hold my hand (if you are up for it, I could use a hug) and let’s dive in to this joyful journey called parenting together.
Clearly, I’m not perfect. But, I am stubborn. And, I won’t give up on trying. So, I read a lot (stuff by those perfect parent authors). And here are some things I have learned:
10: 23 pm. As we all fall into bed and vow that tomorrow we will wake up ready for the Perfect Parent Day, we will remember our three simple rules. Then, let’s gently pat ourselves on the back for NOT being like the gerbil. 😉
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be thrilled if you’d share it. And don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Join the Collective! ♥ Elaine
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