Monday: Don't be a Frumpy Mom!

Sometimes I see women without children -makeup perfectly applied, hair expertly styled, manicured toes, dressed stylishly with coordinating accessories- and I envy them. I remember when I was once stylish and well put together, but being a 'well put together mom' feels like an oxymoron now. If I can get out the door with my baby wearing something clean and my own teeth brushed, I feel like I've accomplished something.

Much as I want to spend an hour (perhaps two?) getting ready each morning and look impeccable when I leave my home, with a baby, it's really not possible (not to mention a bout of morning sickness to add to my woes).

BUT.

That DOES NOT mean that I, NOR YOU, need to be a frumpy mom.

Frumpy Momˈfrəm-pē ˈməm: Someone who uses the excuse of being a busy mother to justify lazy and poorly put together outfits. Some examples include 'mom jeans', sweats with flip flops, and the eternal ponytail.

Fortunately, keeping yourself away from being a frumpy mom doesn't have to take hours to do! In fact, while you may never be quite as stylish and fashionable as you were as a single 20's something, you CAN maintain style without compromising your limited time.

Frumpy Mom

Chic Mom

Flip Flops You throw on any old pair because they are comfortable and easy

Flats As easy and comfortable to wear as flip flops, a pair of flats can make your outfit look more thought out (even if it wasn’t!)

Pony Tails Yes, they are easy to do- but don’t show any real style (though it is better than not doing anything with your hair…)

Buns Use a few bobby pins or an extra pony tail holder to transform your pony tail into a bun. Only a few seconds longer to get ready, but it will make a world of difference in how you feel looking into the mirror. Hats A bolo or wide floppy brimmed hat are easy ways to cover your ridiculous hair and, rather than take away from your style, ADD to your suave-ness.

T-shirt and Jeans It’s a classic- and can look amazing- but too often, we moms (I’m guilty, too!) wear any old shirt and jeans KNOWING it does nothing for your figure

Hanging Necklace and Sweater Add a light sweater and a long necklace to your t-shirt and jeans and suddenly, you have an adorable coordinated outfit. With minimal effort!

Sweats/Pajamas Eeek! You’ll only feel comfortable as Wal Mart past midnight in something like this….

Maxi Skirt/Dress So, play it up in a maxi skirt or dress instead! Just as comfortable (if not MORE comfy) than your jammies, you can do all of your mom duties in a maxi dress but look perfectly stylish the whole time.



The options!

Shapeless Dresses The lack of shape makes them comfy to wear and easy to pull on, but trust me: Doing you NO favors. Instead?

Long Necklace and Mini Belt Throw on the shapeless dress- but add a long necklace to draw the eye up and a mini belt around your natural waist to break up the dress and give you’re a more slender figure.

No Makeup? We’ve all done it. Perhaps more than we’d like to admit.

The Basics The basic-basics take less than 30 seconds but absolutely changes the way you look and feel. *apply blush lightly to cheekbones and then brush over eyelids *one light, swift coating of mascara on the top lashes only *lip gloss Will it look as amazing as a fully done face of makeup? No. But is it a vast improvement over nothing? Hands down.

NOTHING to Wear! This is my biggest challenge personally. I wake up, have a crazy morning, need to run out the door, and have just no idea of what to wear.

Treat Yourself Like a Kid How often have you set out clothing for your child for the next day? Or set together outfits for vacation all read to go? Maybe even in a Ziploc bag? Make your OWN life easier- the night before, put together an outfit on your dresser, so that the next morning, all you have to do is put it on. You can even do a week’s worth of outfits and lay them out so everyday, it’s as easy to wear a stylish outfit as it would be to just roll out in your scrubs. Just pretend you're your own Pinterest and actually SET OUT those outfits you're always pinning...

In the end, it just takes a few moments of preparation before you walk out the door- and I feel like it is totally worth it. I never want my husband to even THINK that I've "let myself go" since getting married... Plus, you don't want to run into an ex looking like a frumpy mom, am I right?

New to mom-ing? Check out 5 Tips for First Time Moms.