I have been thinking less and less about what I wear each day and more and more about how I smell. Sure, I practice living in the moment and making the most of everyday but my overall look seems to take a back seat to my ever-growing daily to-do list.
I am finding it hard to step out of my husband’s boxer briefs.
No, this is not a zesty visual for our romantic life. I am literally struggling with going back to my basic cotton bikinis after wearing my husband’s drawers during the last months of my recent pregnancy.
Why?
Because of comfort.
Please do not judge. I am far from “letting myself go”, but in a world of daily chaotic adventures, I yearn for comfort. A variety of fashionable pieces that I will not mind being spit up on. Attire that is comfortable enough for me to sit on the floor to play Jenga. Garments that can be ruined by paint splatter and accidental swipes of Sharpie marker.
Yes, yes. I clean up well and I have an arsenal of investment pieces that keep the old “snazzy and stylish” Elizabeth still breathing.
But my daily look is becoming quite messy and my closet seems to be full of clothes I never wear.
Why?
Most of the time I put too much pressure on myself when purchasing clothes. I have unrealistic expectations about making a statement, searching for hours in boutiques, and pinning my perfect wardrobe on Pinterest. Most of these “statement pieces” are usually out of my budget, so I end up not buying anything to boost my wardrobe.
I realized I was being foolish and shouted, “reinvention!” instead of “intervention!”, arriving at the conclusion that I needed to take a new approach to stocking my current wardrobe:
Start with a basic canvas and highlight my assets.
- (I gave myself permission to) purchase my daytime attire in black, white, and gray.
- Focus on accessorizing rather than putting together a knockout outfit. I have snappy accessories and a solid shoe wardrobe which I can use to make a fashion statement.
- Enhance my natural beauty. I invested in some new cosmetics and found a different fragrance. Nothing gives me a new found pep in my step like a fresh scent.
- Introduce an original element to make a statement – like glasses or over sized rings or flowery hair clips.
- Buy a smashing apron to wear at home while painting with the kids.
I want to look my best during the day, full of light and radiating the energy I have inside me. By changing my mindset about the “perfect outfit”, I removed the pressure of being complete and can breathe again, worry-free about the styling aspect of my life. When you are the parent of small children, naturally your needs take a backseat to everyday responsibilities and any added stress adds unnecessary negativity into your life.
Remember yourself. Find quick and easy ways to embrace contentment and exude a brilliance amid the hours that are not your own.
What simple styling tips work for you?
I am so with you there, sister! I found myself staring at a closet BURSTING with clothing & thinking “I don’t have anything cute to wear…” ALL the time, so I revamped with accessories. The simple addition of a headband, belt, cute shoes or a necklace revives any plain jersey dress. Ironically, today I’m wearing a jersey dress I nabbed from Goodwill for $6. It’s just a plain eggplant-colored jersey knit dress, but with polka dot wedges, a summery belt & a polka dot camisole peeking through the neckline I feel cute as a button!! Feeling great is all about the details.
I completely agree, Jess! I am finding the accessories so much more fun than the actual outfit! Your frock today sounds lovely! :) -elizabeth
It is so easy to fall in love with those comfort pieces! And hard to get back out of them. Especially when you’re a busy mom. I like your approach. Nothing crazy or drastic. Start small. And what girl doesn’t love to accessorize?
Yes, Roxanne. My life is crazy, so I must introduce some sanity where I can. Something that I can control, you know! :) -elizabeth
Thanks for the reminder Elizabeth – it doesn’t have to be comfort vs. style – maybe I can manage both!! I will try!
In my chaotic world, it is all about trying! Baby steps, right? -elizabeth
I’m a huge fan of khaki and black for shorts in the summer and bringing color into my wardrobe with brighter tops: reds, greens, and blues. Its a far cry from my heels and suits from my consulting days in DC. But. I’m discovering that both styles are still me. Just different facets of me.
Thank you, Debra, for reminding me that there are different facets to myself! And each one of those “girls” has a different style!
-elizabeth
I am an artist by day and bartender by night. I spend my days in vintage aprons, hair pulled back in a messy bun, no make up, praying that no one stops by my house. I usually have paint splattered on me, flour everywhere from my obsession with baking, and whatever the kids decide to wipe on my apron when they get dirty. Fashion for me seems to be the domestic grunge look most of the week. I still think it is important to sometimes dress up and feel pretty…but never fault yourself for being comfortable! Sometimes people think we are most attractive dressed down and smiling and as much as I love heels and hair bows, I like to go out in simple pieces, neutral colors and with the attitude of a super model. ;)
Jody, I LOVE the phrase “domestic grunge”!! I have been calling my style “old world French bohemian” lately, trying to sound artsy and eccentric. I always think it is important to dress up and feel pretty and for the evenings out with the partner or time with my friends, I have no problem getting all dolled up. I am just lacking in the day-to-day, you know? Thank you for your thoughts!
-elizabeth