Ask Christina: Affordable and Realistic Style for Moms

Dear Christina:
I recently decided to stay home with my kids - sometimes I miss dressing up and taking fashion risks. I was wondering what suggestions you have for us that love fashion but are at home. It is unrealistic to wear heels on the playground and comfort is important when you are bending down and moving at top speed chasing a 2 year old. I am looking for budget friendly fashionable ideas - what "outfits" can you suggest for playdates/parks/or a night out with the hubby. Also, what tees are long and flattering?

Answer:
Rachel, I totally get where you are coming from, because I work out of my home most of the time. I do my freelance writing, for the newspaper, and for this blog, and my jewlery business is also run out of my home. Unless I am going to a work-related meeting, or to meet with a client, my other time spent outside of my home during the week, is with my son after school, running errands, or other kid friendly activities. The weekends are reserved for family time, hopefully some date nights with my husband or lunch and dinners with friends.

So, comfort is key for me too. I also know that it does something for my inside to feel and look good on the outside. If I have a day where I am in sweats I begin feeling pretty lame. It actually helps me be more productive to dress and primp to some degree, for my day.

For everyday casual wear, the key would be to have good pairs of jeans and cotton twill pants (or bermudas, shorts, capris, crops or a casual skirt in the summer),that you rotate and wear with durable tees or camis, layered under a pretty top, sweater,cardigan,or blazer. On days I plan to just wear a plain tee, I usually spice it up with a layering or statement necklace, or a great scarf, bag or shoes that are colorful or add interest.

I definitely always layer. I get my long tanks or camis from Old Navy, Gap or Target, and durable longer tees mostly from Ann Taylor Loft. But I bet my readers have other suggestions. I tend to always look for tees that have stretch in them because they hold up better. I get varying necklines but most of them are round neck (also called ballet neck) because I think that silhouette looks good with everything, as oppose to v or crew necks (but that's just me). I mostly wear comfy ballet flats or cute/feminine sneakers to get me through the day (in the summer, thongs/sandals and in the winter, flat boots). I save my heels and feminine skirts/dresses for work meetings or going out with friends or hubby.

Here are my ideas for you, Rachel, all from TARGET!!!!! And remember, these are only ideas. It all depends on your own taste and body type. But, this season look for bright bold colors, stripes and polka dots,metallics, lots of beige, ruffles and florals, measwear influences (vests, boyfriend sweaters, blazers, and jeans) and (ugh) 80's influences, as well as full and pencil skirts, and dresses of all lengths.

#1 Begin with your essentials/basics in various neutral colors. Consider denim, black, grey, beige, browns, and olives to be neutrals (even Clinton and Stacey said so) :

#2 Then add sweaters, blazers, cardigans (short sleeve ones are good for spring and summer) and feminine tops to layer on top of your basics. These would be based on your preferences and what you feel flatters your body type!

Layer over your basics - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

#3 Buy some fun, colorful or patterned accessories to wear when you want to add extra interest, like fun shoes, scarfs, necklaces, belts or bags.


Add colorful accessories to your basics - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

#4 Choose feminine and flirty skirts, dresses and shoes for work or nights out (again based on what you love).


From day to night - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

#5 Put an outfit together!


Put an outfit together - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

put an outfit together II - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Rachel I hope that helps! If you want to go in depth about your own body shape and what flatters you best, Imogen at Inside Out Style does it well! So does Angie at You Look Fab.