MOMS RULE//

Part of what I do with my company is helping moms get their style and mojo back.  Being a mom of a 2 and a half year old and with one on the way (8 weeks to go!!) I know how difficult it is to be a mom and feel attractive, cool, and sexy.  It is far too easy to let your appearance and style go, but doing so is a mistake and can make you feel old, worn out, and frankly depressed.  There is nothing vain about wanting to look good - it is amazing how your confidence and attitude towards life in general changes when you can walk into your closet, effortlessly pick out a simple and chic outfit (even if it is to run errands) and go into the world looking like you care about yourself (everyone around you will also be grateful that you aren't in a worn out, unflattering, velour sweatsuit made by that one brand, oh what's it called...Juicy something??!!) 
 
The fact is, if you don't have a well stocked wardrobe filled with classic essentials, it is close to impossible for busy moms (or anyone for that matter) to feel good about what they wear.  A wardrobe needs to be updated seasonally - this doesn't mean going on a spending spree, but in the fall and the spring, you should do some homework (consult an expert, read a fashion magazine, etc.) and see what colors, shapes, and pieces are current and see what you are missing.  While you are updating, get rid of things that are past their prime so you are constantly infusing your wardrobe with updated classics and getting rid of outdated trends.  Moms get into ruts with their wardrobe because the focus is elsewhere and the time to shop or clean out your closet just isn't there.  I want all moms out there to know that letting your style and confidence in your appearance go is NOT okay.  Of all people, you need to find a way (hire a consultant!) to make this a priority.  Just because you have stretch marks from pregnancy and haven't lost all all that weight and things hang in ways you never would have imagined doesn't mean you can't walk tall, look hot, feel great about yourself, and set an example for your kids and others about what is means to be a powerful woman.  I have done posts in the past about essentials that all women need (review if necessary) and some of those essentials include accessories - a great shoe, piece of jewelry, or handbag.  I believe that money should be spent on these things more than certain pieces of clothing - cheap leather looks cheap, cheap jewelry looks cheap and knock offs are not an option - so spend your money where it matters most and invest in well-made, beautiful accessories.  

I am currently 8 months pregnant and have had to get creative with how to maintain a sense of style as I grow and grow and grow and feel tired and gross most of the time.  Just because you are pregnant or have just had a baby and still feel like you are in an alternate universe physically and mentally doesn't mean you can't accessorize, or plan for the future.  Nothing boosts motivation to get your old self back like having new pieces hanging in the closet waiting for you.  Here are some of the ways I have invested my money while pregnant - most of these things I can wear now and love (except the Dries van Noten blazer!) so as to maintain my style mojo.  Whether you are a mom-to-be, a stay at home mom, or a mom with a family and a career, these are the kinds of things you can buy that will start to put you back on the style map.  

Celine riding boot/Dries van Noten blazer/Natalia Brilli gold leather cuff/Isabel Marant two-toned bootie/Ann Taylor scarf

 photos by E. O'Mahony