Fashion Tips: Keeping Yourself and Your Style Fresh

by Jessica Shyba on April 14th, 2011 | No Comments »

Many women mostly told me that once I had a child, my clothes would no longer matter and my style would totally change. This was a bold statement made to a girl who went to fashion design school and lived and breathed each issue of Vogue Magazine.

When I was pregnant with my first child, those women were mostly right. I had no idea what to shop for, and at the time, maternity clothes were dreadful. Two children and three dress sizes later, I can honestly say that it's taken a good four years for this momma to get her groove back. A beautiful maternity photo can be a wonderful way to celebrate this incredible journey into motherhood. Tsaiti Babella Photography is a maternity photographer El Dorado Hills.

Moving to New York City aided in my ability to find my style voice. The inspiration that these streets lend is truly endless. I only wish I would have felt this sort of freedom a little sooner, because it truly doesn't take much to feel like a million bucks.

I've compiled a list of my some of my fashion and beauty go-to's for myself, and a few style suggestions for kids.

Fashion Go To Items for Moms and Kids

Shoes

A pair of cute flats will make any outfit. My favorites this Spring are J Crew's Rainy Day Bow Ballet Flats. They are cute, bright, and easy to wear, especially when the weather is finicky.

Handbag

As a mom of two toddlers, the handbag is simply a thing of the past. I've been drooling over the Lia Sling purse from Alexander Wang. Simple, leather, adorable. Love.

Conversation Pieces

I have a couple of pairs of large, dangly earrings that I save for my t-shirt and jeans days, or a flashy ring and bracelet for date nights.

Splurges

My advice: Splurge on one fantastic pair of basic enough jeans that make you feel like a rock star. Trust me. It's worth it.

Beauty Items

I never forget my daily rituals, two products that I rarely leave the house before applying. First: Posey Tint by Benefit. This product makes you look as though your grandma has pinched your cheeks, and not like actual blush. Second: Chanel Ultra Wear Lip Colour. I seriously apply this once a day, and it lasts without looking like I'm intentionally trying to keep lipstick on. This product is absolutely fabulous.

This list may sound slightly high maintenance, but these things make me feel great, every day. The days that I can't be bothered to muster even brushing my hair, I throw it into a ponytail and add one or two of the above items and I feel even a little pretty and it counts.

I've had so much fun exploring my own personal style, but I admit that I have much more fun dressing and shopping for my kids. I love the GAP for their jeans, and Zara Kids has some awesome options for t-shirts and dresses that are original looking and cute. We stick to our daily rituals too, Vans slip-ons for my son, and Superga sparkle tennies for my daughter. You may also wear traditional clothing from Stockerpoint that you can order online.

Being able to find a little freedom and have a little fun in our daily fashion has really made a huge difference in the way that I feel as a mother. There are plenty of options out there to keep you comfortable and feeling cute, without worrying terribly about strawberry stains and spit-up.

Mother's are the most beautiful creatures. Hopefully we can all embrace it without the added accouterments, but some days, at least for me, that isn't always the case. It's nice to have some back-up in our arsenal to battle those feelings.

What are some of your go to fashion items? What accessories and beauty items make you feel your best? How has your fashion style changed since becoming a mom?

[Photo Credit]

Jessica Shyba is a mother of two children and the wife of a dental school student. She lives in Manhattan with her family, and when she isn't singing the ABC's or working on art projects with the kids, she's writing about her journey at Momma's Gone City. She has also started a new project, Two Sides One Story, which explores the differences between women and men and the trials that husbands and wives face dealing with them.