Mama Fashion (Mom Jeans not Included)

At the risk of sounding like a broken record - I'm no fashionista.  I've never particularly had a style, cared about fashion, or what's "in style."  I typically just wear what I like and what's most comfortable.  Translation: I could be the poster woman for fitted jeans and a t-shirt.

I wouldn't go as far as to say that I dress modestly, but I certainly dress within my personal standards for what I think is acceptable for my age and body type.  Translation: I know what I can pull off and what I can't, and when in doubt - I will put on the more conservative choice.

Enter pregnancy and motherhood.  Nothing really changed when it came to my views and approach to my wardrobe.

Then, a funny thing happened earlier this spring.  I was getting Camden and myself dressed to go down to the ball fields to watch my dad's community college softball team play a doubleheader.  It was shockingly warm and sunny for a Pacific Northwest spring day, so I broke out my box of summer clothes that had been stashed away.  I must have tried on five different combinations of tops and bottoms, continuing to strip them off to try something else.  I wasn't feeling too keen on my bod at the time, which didn't help my case, but nothing felt right.  Nothing felt comfortable.  I decided on a purple tank top, khaki shorts, and some flip flops.  It was as good as it was going to get.

Nothing flashy.  Something simple. Just me.

Because this was the first time I was leaving the house with that amount of skin showing (since having a baby), I wanted to get Ryan's thoughts on my little ensemble.  I asked him how I looked (Translation: I needed a little confidence boost) and he flatly said, "You look like a Mom."  I quickly confirmed that he didn't mean that in the best way either.

(If you haven't noticed, Ryan is always very honest with me.  He'll never tell me what I might "want" to hear, but always the hard truth.  Sometimes I dig this, other times - not so much.  This was one of those times were I was looking for what I "wanted" to hear.  Pssht. Thanks, hon.)

I thought, "There's nothing wrong with 'looking like a Mom.'  I am a Mom!"  (Gosh, that's still weird to say).  But I knew I didn't want to "look like the Mom" that has thrown her physical appearance to the wind.

  

Mom Jeans Source

Since that day I've tried to make some conscious changes to my wardrobe, how I dress, and my general appearance.  I'm still springing for pieces that I like and feel comfortable, but trying to push my style-comfort zone.  Also, I've realized not to underestimate how a quick flick of mascara can bring out my eyes... And maybe take the focus off the bags and dark circles. The challenging parts for me have been finding things that I feel are both age/mom-status appropriate and flattering to my body type.  OK, and that don't break the bank.  Let's be honest* here - I love Target and Old Navy.

*While we're being honest, you know I still pull my hair back every chance I get, and love (love, love, love) a good pair of yoga pants.

Trust me when I say that I'm not trying to impress anyone.  Maybe trying to turn my hubby's head a bit, sure - but my real goal was to make myself feel good/better about my physical appearance.  I really have found that my self-confidence has benefited nicely from these little changes.  It feels good to be put together. However superficial that may be.  

I'm feeling good about myself and my newly embraced mama fashion (Mom Jeans not included), and anyone (mama or not) can tell you that's a big deal.

Take Luck,

LP