While I was never a "fashionista" and was proud to shop the clearance racks through middle and high school, I found favorite stores in college and in my early career that kept my wardrobe on track. The now defunct B. Moss offered classic, quality styles that were more "grown up" than teen clothes but weren't things my mother's generation would wear. Deeper into my career I fell in love with the quality pants of Ann Taylor, upscale casual of Banana Republic and the reliable standby's of Gap.
Pregnancy brought the maternity clothes, to which my response was kinda "eh - no one looks good pregnant" but secretly I loved the excuse to wear comfy clothes and not worry about my belly "pouch." Two babies was a great reason to let it all hang out!
My struggle with my wardrobe really began when the babies were born, and here we are 18 months later, still facing an uphill battle.
After delivery, I was down 20 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight coming home from the hospital, and lost another ten breastfeeding. Although my body had changed with my weight distribution, my shorts could still zipper and my tops fit fine. A new fashion plague was upon me - reflux. Brayden threw up so often (leaving oily stains in his path) that I could barely justify new clothes and stocked my closet full of solid colored crew necks from Kohl's. Along with yoga pants, these became staples of my new Mommy Uniform, and remain my most commonly worn outfit to this day. I even joke with my friends that my style is Yoga Homeless, as explained in The Naked Redhead's fabulous video.
But there's so many days I now want more. Joining Dan for his ten year reunion, I became so frustrated with my lack of appropriate attire that I spent a whole evening crying. The pounds had crept back on since I put away my breast pump, and my "real clothes" were again hard to button and I certainly didn't look good in them.
I have the best husband in the world, who has blessed me with the command to "get out there and shop" - no limits, do whatever I need to do to feel better. I started with a subscription to weight watchers, and now 15 pounds lighter, I'm sitting comfortably in new eating habits and more comfortably fitting clothes.
But the problem remains that Ann Taylor is no longer appropriate for my day to day, but Yoga Homeless is not cutting it either. I'm ashamed to say it, but I have a terrible fashion secret that I need to "get off my chest" (literally).
I am still wearing my nursing bras - 17 months after my kids failed to nurse.
Yep, you'll have to bust out the magnifying glass to read that one. Seriously though, I wish Stacy and Clinton from What Not to Wear could sweep me off my feet and into some magical dressing room with piles of clothes that fit and look good.
My sad reality though is that after spending a whole day looking at stores in Grove City, and a good hour of shopping at TJ Maxx, I couldn't find a single garment that interested me. It's that rough spot where you have no idea what you're looking for, but lots of ideas what you're not looking for. So how about you? Where are your favorite "mom friendly" places to shop for casual yet fashion forward clothes? Somebody's got to fill this girl in!
I so here you, lady! The "Mom" wardrobe is super tricky. My go-to's now are LOFT (still AT but their casual stuff is awesome) and Old Navy. Seriously my fav. Takes hunting sometimes but I always find alot.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the ideas Jacquie! I used to be a major Old Navy shopper in my college years but have forgotten about them for casual staples. Sounds like it's time I revisit!
DeleteHeather, I totally understand what you're going through! I used to wear a different Anthropologie dress every day of the week. Now I just look at them in my closet and think, "I don't want to iron or dry clean that!" I strongly recommend Athleta. You spoke about loving Gap and Banana Republic, and Athleta is part of the same company. In fact, if you sign up, you'll get their discounts via e-mail. They aren't as often as Gap/ON/BR's e-mail sales, but they do have sales, a good clearance section, and occasional "additional off sale" coupons. Plus, they're part of the that same parent company, so the same shipping deal applies. Since we had the girls, I've been living in my Athleta knit dresses. They're quality enough to last through multiple washes a week, and they have very flattering designs. They also have yoga pants that don't 'look' like yoga pants. Strongly recommend!
ReplyDeleteHi Heather,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I can totally relate. I used to wear a different Anthropologie dress every day. Now I just look at them and think, "I don't want to iron or dry clean that!"
So, given your love of both Gap and Banana, I strongly recommend Athleta. I don't know if you've ever bought anything from there, but it's a Gap company. So, the same shipping deals apply, and there are similar e-mail sales and discounts available. Since having our girls (currently 9 months), I live in my Athleta dresses. They're knit, comfortable, but quality enough to hold up to several washes a week. It's a little more pricey, but you can shop the sales, and everything I have from there has held up for a long time - swimsuits, yoga pants, tanks, coverups, dresses, etc...
You'll get there again! :)
Athleta is a great idea and one that I would have never considered! I always saw them at the top of the gap/br website, but assumed they were just athletic gear (and I am a FAR cry from athletic!) I just did a quick browse though and you are so right! Their tops actually have some style to them which is something I've been struggling with, and they have super cute dresses and skirts. Thanks so much for the tip!
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