style tips: new mama syle
Photo credit: Emma McAlary
I am well past the diaper/nursing/up-all-night stage of parenting. But boy do I remember those days when I looked up and all of the sudden the morning was night and I HAD NOT SHOWERED…for three days in a row. I remember wandering kind of zombie-like through a grocery store wondering if I would ever sleep again. Ever.
And then I looked in the mirror: bedraggled with greasy hair with my nursing bra askew under a stained tank top. Pajama pants. The same ones. For days. And days.
I work with many new moms who are just emerging from the first year of Life With Baby. Their bodies are in transition. They may or may not have gotten back to pre-baby weight, but the weight is settling in different areas than it was before. The pre-baby clothing doesn’t fit or work like it used to. I am usually the first step new moms take to doing a little something for themselves.
When I read Megan Podolsky of 529 Kids Consign’s post from a couple of weeks ago, I decided to give my wonderful friend Stuart Brierre Rawlings and her sweet baby Adelaide a call. Stuart is a personal yoga instructor (she did prenatal yoga training at our very own Mind the Mat) and health coach. I wanted to give her a few looks that
– were machine washable;
– have give and can stretch/move with a new mom’s transitioning body;
– provided easy access for a nursing mom;
– felt soft, easy and comfortable;
– could easily be mixed and matched with other pieces in her wardrobe.
Jersey is a new mom’s best friend. It is comfortable, easy to wear and machine washable. When I owned a boutique in DC, we carried Lilla P, and I still wear some key pieces by the brand. The jersey drapes beautifully and is easy to wear. We added a very simple necklace that looked nearly impossible to grab – jewelry is usually is a no-no for new moms. Those little hands will grab anything and everything! I also always kept a cute patterned scarf handy in case of spills down the front of my shirt. Tie that scarf on for an easy, temporary stain coverup!
Kiskadee: Orange tank, lilla P. Blue skirt, bcbgmaxazria.
The Shoe Hive: Gold slides, DVF.
Denim leggings are also a mom essential. This pair from Coco Blanca has just the right amount of give, but also has a good amount of weight. The key is you don’t want your denim leggings to be too thin and actually look like leggings — you want them to have the stretch but to still look like jeans.
Coco Blanca: Black jeans, Joe’s.
The Shoe Hive: White top, Sundry. Black jacket, Finley. Black sandals, Vince. Glasses, Kate Spade.
A shirt dress is another easy new mama essential. The buttons provide easy nursing access. The chambray is light, comfortable and forgiving. Adding a little shine in her shoe dresses up her look but the fact that they are slides makes them perfectly easy to throw on when she needs to get out the door with baby carrier in one hand and baby bag in the other.
The Shoe Hive: Dress, Finley. Slides, Rachel Zoe. Orange bag, Aquatalia. Necklace, Nashelle.
Bellacara: Lip color, Vincent Longo.
- About the company
DC Style Factory is a personal shopping and styling service for men and women looking to add polish and individuality to their wardrobes. We believe personal style is for anyone who wants it — regardless of age, size or budget.
