Reader Question: New Mom Basics

Hello!
After recently sorting through my closet I found that I don't have much that I like, or that is user-friendly for my new life as mommy. Plus, tops that once fit perfectly are now a little shorter because I'm nursing (I can't blame it on the dryer for shrinkage any longer). So, my husband and I decided to use some of our tax refund for a clothing fund for me! Typically I've been a Seven/Joe's/James jeans girl with a Gap/Michael Stars shirt girl. Nothing fancy, mostly things on sale.

I am looking for a new put-together look, but that's mommy-friendly (less dry cleaning, ironing). I need help figuring out which items to get. What would you consider staple items? Are there a couple necklaces that you'd recommend to spice up an outfit? Cardigans?

Thank you!

First of all, congratulations on the new baby!

Second of all, congratulations on the new ample bosom! It's definitely a problem a lot of women would kill for :)

Thanks for the great question - it let's me reiterate something I say all the time - it's not hard to look great. I feel a lot of moms play the "mom" card as an excuse to get away with dressing sloppily (sweat pants, flip flops, no makeup. oh the horror!), but having a baby doesn't mean you can't be put together. You just have to adjust a couple things in shopping and you'll be a-ok: 1) stay away from dry clean only clothes. With all the poo, vomit, and other things that will end up on your clothes, you'll be racking up a fortune in dry cleaning bills, as well as ruining some really nice items. 2) Knits are your friend. With the new curves and larger chest, knits will sit the best on your new figure and not pull or gape or be too tight.

So here are my suggestions on putting together your fabulous new mom wardrobe:

1) The Jackie Cardigan

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I LOVE this cardigan. Not only is it a really reasonable price. Not only does it come in a million colors to fit all your needs. But it's also made from cotton - i.e. no dry cleaning necessary cotton. I've worn my Jackie cardigans a million and ten times and they still look great. Okay, I may also dry clean them because I'm a dry clean-aholic, but I promise I've also thrown them in the wash and they're fine.

Why a cardigan? Because cardigans are so functional but so stylish and feminine at the same time. Add a pop of color to your tee or dress. Keep yourself warm but soft. And just add a belt over your cardigan to accentuate your new curvy figure. It's really that simple to be stylish and comfortable at the same time!

J.Crew, $62 @

2) Transition tees

With a limited budget, it's best to buy pieces that are the most versatile, like the cardigan above. But also helpful for the stay at home mom, the transition tee. Dress it up, dress it down. It can take you from shopping at the grocery store to dinner with friends. Pick a nice tee with a little embellishment or detailing to give it a little extra interest. Here are some cute (and on sale!!!) ones I found:

This one I thought could distract from any spitup that might find its way onto your clothes :)

J.Crew, was $45, sale $19.99 @

J.Crew, was $49.50, sale $19.99 @

J.Crew, was $29.50, sale $14.99 @

3) Pair your basic tee with something cute and easy to match

I know you're busy. I know there are a million things on your mind - when did the baby eat? does she seem sick? will I ever sleep again? - so the best way to make sure you wear your new wardrobe if it is super easy to put together. Sure the tees and cardigans are easy, but what on earth will you wear on your bottom??? Jeans are not your only option. How about a cute and simple tulip skirt? Pick a nice neutral - blues, black, white - and you'll never have to worry about matching again. Wearing a nicely structured skirt always makes a person look way put together, but it won't even have taken any effort to throw it on or pick it out! Wow them with the least effort, you'll be the hottest mom on the block.

Banana Republic, was $69.50, sale $39.99-$49.99 @

4) Dark wash jeans

What's easier to throw on than a pair of jeans? Not much (this is a lie, I list all dresses here, especially maxi dresses, but you get what I mean). And talk about washer-friendly! But we don't want dumpy jeans, drab jeans, or grungey jeans. We want a sleek, polished jean that will look adult and hot. When looking for a jean, look for a uniform dark wash jean. What do I mean by uniform? No whiskering, no fading, just one color throughout. A dark jean will look nice and slimming, and can be dressed up for a night out.

I highly recommend these Banana Republic skinny jeans. They're pretty inexpensive as far as jeans go, and they are a skinny jean that can be worn by a girl who isn't actually model skinny. With your new baby curves, these jeans will fit great. And look great, which is what it's all about.

Banana Republic, $89.50

5) Cute flats

While I am the biggest proponent of heels around, and I mean high. Even I would feel uncomfortable lugging a baby in a car seat, a diaper bag, and the groceries while wearing 5 inch heels. But that doesn't mean I give you a free ride to wear flip flops or, even worse, sneakers. No, what you need to arm yourself with are an adorable pair of flats. Imagine how cute these would look peeking out from your skinny jeans, or paired with your new tulip skirt!

Safron, was $40, sale $29.99

Naturalizer, $69 @

6) Dress your best in a dress!

I know so many people who have been like, "ugh, how do you wear dresses all the time?" and then they actually buy one and it changes their life. They come back to me and rave "omg, it is so easy to wear a dress! It's just one item!" It's true. Easier than a transition tee plus jeans, a dress is literally just one piece of clothing and will make your entire outfit! No matching, no coordinating. Just pick up one thing in your closet and you will magically look super cute and well-dressed. And if you pick a nice jersey or cotton dress, you can wash it over and over. How fun and easy is that? Start out with a solid dress so you can make the most of it. A printed dress sticks in people's minds and they'll wonder why you keep wearing the same dress over and over. But take a plain dress and add a long chain one day and a cardigan another, and you can keep switching it up.

J.Crew, was $69.50, sale $49.99





Gianni Bini, $118




Okay, this one isn't plain, but it really makes me feel like an adorable 50s housewife, no?

Jessica Howard, $80






Max and Cleo, $108

M.S.S.P., was $118, sale $70.80

7) Spanx

I would suggest this next item to anyone wearing a dress, but I know if I had a post-pregnancy body, my belly would probably not be something I was super excited about. Well, just throw on some spanx, and worry no more! If you haven't tried them yet, do so immediately. They'll change your life.

Spanx, $36 @

8) Headbands

From there we move on to accessories. First up: headbands. You're a busy mom. Hey, you may not even get a chance to wash your hair everyday (though, actually, no one should wash their hair everyday - strips away essential oils. You should stick to every other day). But anyway, if you want to cover grungey hair, or don't have time to style your hair, all you have to do is throw on a big headband and voila! An adorable, fashionable look with just the addition of an easy accessory. I highly recommend staying away from plastic and any headbands that have those pokey things underneath - ouch city, people!

Anthropologie, $32 @

Forever 21, $4.80

Tasha, $24 @

9) Jewelry

Another quick way to make your look put together, cute, and looking like it took more time than it did is the addition of some well-placed jewelry. How about a long chain over your new dress or transition tee? Maybe spice things up with a big cuff. It's very easy (and can be very cheap!!). But you will look like a million bucks.

Forever 21, $6.80 @

Forever 21, $5.80

Forever 21, $7.80

10) Outerwear

Something people forget to think about in their polished look is outerwear. What's the use of putting on an adorable dress if you throw on a hoodie (AAAH!) when you go outside to run errands? You've just taken 8 steps backwards in your hot mommy look. So arm yourself with a cute jacket. Maybe a nice, belted trench?

Banana Republic, was $198, sale $129.99

11) Diaper Bag

I know we're being budget-rific here, but if there's one thing you'll be carrying around with you everyday, it's your diaper bag. Why not make sure it's the best quality and cutest it can be? Sure you can do cheapy jewelry and even economical jeans, but I would def splurge when it comes to your diaper bag.

Kate Spade, was $475, sale $333 @

@ Available in more colors

And there you have it! Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any more questions, or even just shoot me links of things you like that you might want my opinion on. Happy shopping!