Here in Young Mommy Land, I’m all about budgets. I shop on Sundays after the weeklong sales have been announced and I never buy something if I think it might be marked down sometime in the near future.
But as I have embarked on my first job, I realize that this “if it costs less, all the better” approach isn’t cutting it for me anymore. Since I no longer have the “I’m a broke college student” excuse to fall back on, I have to actually look like I am a proud owner of a college diploma. (Damn.) I’m also just trying to look cuter on the weekends. I’m not talking heels and a wrap sweater at the grocery store but some sexy flats and a fitted tee wouldn’t kill me.
It’s not easy, especially because I’m working with a body that’s seen two kids in two years and nary a workout in between. But by stocking my wardrobe with affordable classic, quality pieces little by little (goodbye Wet Seal, hello Macy’s) I’ll be able to fake it til I make it!
Read on for the first installment of 10 items I think every fab young mom should have in her closet and add your own in the comments:
Oooh, one day, I'll have this on my arm. Just you wait...
1) A Fabulous Tote: In preparation for my college graduation, my grandma took me shopping for a briefcase or a large purse to wear to work. We settled on a cute Liz Claiborne design but couldn’t decide between the black, red, or tan color. I bought the red one, if only to give my outfit some “pop” and make people take notice. Try this wine-colored Alfani “Hudson” tote:
2) Killer black pumps: I like to wear brown shoes, just a way to be different, but every gal should have a pair (or two or three) of shoes that just make you feel an increase in your swagger. Nine West is my go-to brand for now, if only because there’s no way I’m on the Charles David level just yet. These Nine West Mary Janes would be hot and are always in style. Nine West, $79.99
3) Classic black pant: Maybe it’s the journalist in me, but I love Express’ Editor Pant. It seems like one day I was minding my business, then the next day – boom! – I discovered that Express pants fit me perfectly. I’ve been a true believer ever since. These pants just scream, “Promotion!”
4) White button-down shirts that have one unique detail. There’s nothing I love more than a crisp white shirt. It’s just so damn sexy – on men and women. The only thing I hate about it is that lack of originality. Every other white shirt seems to look just like yours. So I began the search for white business shirts that kept that professional edge, but didn’t make me feel as if I was a clone. Lo and behold, I found some at Target, of all places. Check ‘em out and let me know what you think.
5) A Signature Fragrance: Okay, okay, you’ve got me on this one. I confess, I don’t actually have a signature fragrance yet. But I’m working on it. Right now, it’s between Chanel’s Allure or Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy. I’m leaning toward Chanel, although it definitely screams “I have two kids and a husband and a house in the burbs!” But I love when people find just the right perfume for themselves and you begin to associate that scent with the person. That’s one of the most powerful statements you can make.
Tune in tomorrow for part 2: Items 6-10.
So spill it: What’s on your list? What did I miss? What do you think will be #6-10?
For parenting blog
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this post! Yes, Honey, two kids in less than 3 years is my story, and I have the tummy and a few other “jigglies” to prove it! I agree with you on the black pumps, but I like mine a bit higher
. Also on my list of youngmommy must-haves are:
– Short dresses: No better way to hide a tummy than to distract ‘em with the chasing-rowdy-kids-in-the-park legs.
– 5lb weights: free weights are a girl’s best friend! SICK arms are also a great distraction from belly fat…LOL!
– Eye shadow. It’s so easy to lose track of time when you have children to get “presentable” when you’re leaving the house. But there’s nothing like a bit of brown eye shadow (very subtle, but serves me well) and a bit of Mac lip glass to say “Hey! I’m still on my game, don’t get it twisted!”)
Looking forward to Items 6-10!