photo aboutframe_zpsec607629.png                   photo contactframe_zps7210164c.png                 photo pressframe1_zpse96fd1d2.png                  photo blogrollbutton_zps07da44d3.png

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Festival Mama


Greetings from not Coachella! To pay homage to the festival I'm not attending, I put together a 90s-inspired look that gives a nod to concert style in this #ootd!

But that's not what this post is about...

A year into motherhood, I am discovering that the perception of what others think being a mom means, and what I as a woman define it to be are completely different. While we all can name attributes of what a mother is, I'm often surprised at some of the comments I hear in regards to my personal appearance and motherhood.

Since it's assumed I'm a mom that I'm tired (and, not going to lie, I am beyond tired), I guess that means I would just let myself go, throw my hair in a ponytail and rock sweatpants for the rest of my life. Case in point, I took the boys for their first haircuts over the weekend. I wore this outfit. Nothing too crazy, but by my standards it's put together, presentable, represents me and has a 90s vibe I was going for. The hairdresser said to me, "Wow, you're so stylish for being a mother of twins." I said "Thank you. This is just who I am - I like taking care of myself." 

Another instance, someone at a doctor's office commented that I had lipstick on to take my sons for a checkup, and quipped, "You have time to get dressed like that?"

Really?!?

For some reason, being a new mom has this rather old stigma of not caring about yourself anymore, or your own appearance. Granted, I might not whip together a blog-worthy outfit everyday, but on the off chance that I don't leave the house and therefore don't need to be as done-up as I normally am, I can, will and want to take pride in my appearance. Motherhood or not. Although my getting ready routine has changed to adapt to my sons' needs, you will never, EVER, find me out in public looking like I was just released from a psychiatric ward - no matter how chaotic my life as a parent is.

90s style, as worn by NJ Fashion Blogger Jen Jeffery of House Of Jeffers

#ootd: 90s style, as worn by NJ Fashion Blogger Jen Jeffery of House Of Jeffers

The point is, if your a parent or not, you have the right to be who you want to be. Things in life will change, priorities shift, adulting happens... But no matter what the scenario, I'm going to keep taking time to invest in myself and my well-being. If that means I put together an awesome outfit so I can feel good about myself, I'm doing it. If I want to cut my hair (BTW, do you like the new do), then so be it. New changes don't have to signal bad changes. Motherhood doesn't mean that I have to never wear heels again, and stop doing my hair. Please. I'm setting an example for my kids that you can be what you want, look how you want... regardless of what life throws at you. I'm no expert, I'm just me.

Coachella-inspired style: Fringe crossbody bags and babydoll dresses | www.houseofjeffers.com

What to wear to Coachella | www.houseofjeffers.com

Outfit:

Denim Shirt - Gap (It's actually a maternity shirt) / Flower Print Dress - Forever 21 /
 Metallic Heel Shoes - Forever 21 / Fringe Handbag - Steve Madden


Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Plaid with Purpose


You know the feeling you get when you're sick of wearing sweaters and layers, so you start transitioning those spring wardrobe pieces that you have eagerly anticipating wearing for months? Welcome to my life. I refuse to wear chunky knits and heavy overcoats from this point on. Okay... so the shoes might be a stretch, but any sign of spring on a warm day means lacing up those new gladiator sandals and taking them for a walk. Sorry, but I'm over wearing black, over static in my hair and done trying to look pulled together on days where it's sleeting.



And while I'm saying no to heavy coats, I am still in favor of wearing plaid. This gorgeous swing coat from Chic Wish gives me just enough coverage on a chilly day, but is definitely feminine with the large bow at the high neck. The plaid reminds me of a kilt - very royal and regal (Hey, I'll never be queen but one can dream, ya know?) .I've also worn this coat as a dress with simple leggings and it looked just as pretty. 

I'm beyond tired of boots, scarves and cold hands... I'm protesting against Mother Nature until she gets her act together. This year, I'm hoping to do something different in terms of my style aesthetic. I'm thinking more gypsy... still edgy, but mixing soft and hard pieces together for rocker chic look. Can't wait to make the investment in new pieces this year!




Outfit:

Jacket - Chic Wish / Acid Wash Jeans - Three Bird's Nest (via Instagram) /
 Lace-Up Gladiator Heels - LuLu*s / Bag - Forever 21