When Baby Turns 1: Getting “Me” Back
SONY DSC
My daughter recently turned one, which resulted in me doing quite a bit of reflecting. That first year is hard, long, and fast – all at the same time! Before you know it, poof – it’s over and gone. I thought about how far Alexa has come over the year, and then I started to think about where I am a year later.
While chatting with other friends who are also new moms with kids around a year old, there seemed to be a common theme: a need to “take me back.” On a recent play date, my friend Katie, whose daughter Ansley is one week older than Alexa, and I talked about the fact that we wear gym clothes, no make-up, and a ponytail every single day. And those that see me on a regular basis can confirm.
I used to say that I’d never be one of “those moms” – who doesn’t put her make-up on, or ever get dressed for the day, or even, heaven forbid, skip a shower…
Well, let me tell you what I’ve really learned this past year. Never say never. Priorities shift and that’s ok. You become last on your list. Your baby, husband, home, business, or work all come first. But, I think after a year it’s a good time to take back control. Luckily we live in a great town, full of many capable and talented ladies to help make this happen. So I grabbed my friend Katie, and Stylebook came to the rescue.
The Process
Elizabeth | Bellacara
Alexander and Katie’s request for a fast, finished look is not an uncommon one for me. Both women work in the professional world, and both women spend a fair bit of time playing with their sweet babies, so looking great while not taking 45 years to get ready is very important for their morning routines to run smoothly. I tried to keep product to a minimum, using only items that would be multi-use (like The Brow Gal’s Highlight 02 pencil, used all over Alexander’s eye area) or really have a positive impact on the longevity of their finished looks (like the Smashbox face and eyelid primers used on both ladies). I also really relied on beautyblender for both looks — this handy little sponge applied foundation, concealer, blush, and even blended their eyeshadows. I think both ladies left feeling good about a finished, five-minute face…but with such great canvases to start with, they made my job pretty easy!
Christen | The Hive & The Shoe Hive
As soon as Alexander and Katie left our clothing store, I remarked to my colleague how easy it was to dress them. Both of them were so easy-going and have worked hard post-baby to look and feel their best. I wanted to be cognizant of their personalities, comfort zones, and lifestyles in dressing them. Complicated outfits with too many metaphorical bells and whistles would not do. So I kept it simple for Alexander with an Ulla Johnson dress, statement earrings and a block heeled sandal. To contrast with Alexander’s feminine look, I put Katie in a new silk Veronica Beard blouse and dark skinny jeans to show off her toned legs. I made sure both women felt good in what they were wearing and they both seem pleased!
The Results
2 Comments
What brand are the shoes Katie is wearing and do you have them in stock in a 6.5? Thanks ?
They are by Dee Keller and we do have them in a 6.5!