Must Haves In the Closet For Any Mommy

I hate to be late. I think it’s rude when others are late and therefore, I make every effort to be early or on time. Since being a mom, I find it more and more difficult to be on time. Typically I make it, but I’m stressed out, sweating profusely, and driving like a bat out of hell to get where I’m going. There are several ways to make the routine of getting out of the house a little bit easier, but today I’m going to focus on FASHION!

Half the battle of getting out of the house, is figuring out what to wear. You may think you’re in the mood for jeans, but then you put them on, realize you have a muffin top, instantly feel chubby, put on a different pair of pants, feel chubbier, and ultimately, end up walking out the door in the original pair of jeans you started with feeling cranky, annoyed, hot, and still chubby. By my standards I am not chubby, but I think the majority of women who carried a 6-8 lb human inside of them feel chubby from time to time.

By no means am I a fashion “expert” per say, but I do appreciate fashion more than the average bear. So here’s a list I’ve compiled of my favorite must haves in the closet to make my “getting ready” experience a bit more delightful.

Shoes:

• 1970s style Zodiac Vintage Cowboy Boots- I get compliments on these bad boys wherever I go and I got them for $20 off Ebay. They’re tall, they have a heel, which makes me feel fashion forward and less dumpy all at the same time. Boots like these are great for a night out with the girls, a date night with the hubs, work, the grocery store, you name it!                                         Photographs by Sara

• Ugg Style Boots- These are the best boots to have for grocery shopping on a cold day, running errands, a trip to the zoo, etc. Basically these boots are great for any activity excluding the rain. They are so comfortable, go with just about anything, and are fashionable all at the same time.
• Tory Burch flats- I think every woman should have at least one pair of Tory Burch flats in her closet. Are they cheap? Hell no! They have a price tag of about $195, but they are worth every penny! They’re adorable, they’re comfortable, they look great in the summer or winter, they can be professional or the perfect stay at home mom shoe (like me),they’re an extremely “popular” shoe right now (aka fashionable), and they go with just about any outfit! If $195 is completely out of your budget I totally understand and they make gorgeous alternatives at Steve Madden as well… BUT remember, I make my own laundry detergent, diaper wipes, and dishwasher detergent so I deserve a splurge every once and a while. Don’t judge.

Bottoms:

• Leggings- My closet has no shortage of leggings. I have them in navy, black, black with stones at the ankle, white, grey, the list goes on and on. Leggings are slimming, perfect for a quick trip to the post office, paired with a tunic or dress for work, look great on just about every body type, can be dressed up with a pair of heels for a night on the town, don’t give you muffin top, make you feel sexier, and UBER comfortable!!! You can squat down to pick up your tot and not worry about exposing your backside crackside, they stay tight all day, and they’re just an easy thing to throw on if you aren’t in the mood to “think” about what to wear.
• Skinny Jeans- Again, I think every woman should have a pair of skinny jeans. You can pair them with a shirt tucked in to show off your figure, a looser top to take on a bohemian style, a skinny belt to prep it up, your Tory Burch flats, Uggs, or Vintage Cowboy boots. In fact, skinny jeans are so much easier to stuff into your boots than regular jeans. Skinny jeans go with anything and everything, are still very much in style, and look great on everyone! Seriously, give them a try if you’re still into your boot cut jeans… it takes some getting used to, but you’ll love them!         

Tops:

• Tunics- Let’s face it, after a baby most moms aren’t over the moon to show off their midriff, right? Tunics look great over a pair of leggings and skinny jeans. They’re can be tighter so they show off your curves or loose to hide any problem areas, but regardless, they are a great alternative to a t-shirt. Tunics are comfortable, come in a wide array of choices, colors, and styles, and the best part is you don’t have to worry about reaching for the mayonnaise on a shelf and exposing your post baby belly button. Why are they so sad looking after a baby? I can’t be alone on this one! Ha! Look, here’s Jenna Elfman with her son, obviously pregnant, in a tunic, Uggs, and leggings! She’s an all in one!

• Free People– Okay Free People is really a brand and not just a top, but I love everything Free People. Their prices aren’t Target, but for the most part everything is priced decently. Free People at the Domain and Downtown is always having stellar sales so you can find great deals. Thanks to my sister, I have at least 20-30 Free People shirts in my closet. You can’t go wrong with any of them. They have sweaters, tunics, anything bohemian, lace, cotton, a tight look, a loose look, seriously, they have it all!

Accessories:

• Kendra Scott– I pair every single outfit with something Kendra Scott. I literally don’t leave home without her. Kendra Scott is one of the hottest local jewelers (not so local anymore :)) and every piece is unique, recognizable, and very fashion forward. I highly recommend a pair of her Danielle earrings for your must have piece of jewelry! Be on the lookout for her sample sale where you can pick up some steals! Yes, I’m fully aware that I’m sunburned… I was in Maui sporting my Kendra Scott earrings!

There you have it ladies! A list of a few must haves that should help your “getting out of the house” experience a little less stressful and a lot more fashionable!

What did I leave off? What’s your must have closet item?