Big Mama is taking a break over the summer from Fashion Friday, so I figured it doesn’t matter when I post my fashion questions for now. So here you are. Fashion talk on Wednesday!
Becky says:
Here’s my quandary. I am progressing in my weight loss
after having 3 kids in 3 1/2 years, but I’m not there yet. I want clothes that fit, are fun, practical, and affordable! I just can’t see spending a lot when I’m bound to end up with spit-up, ketchup, or other shall we say, unmentionables on me by the end of the day. How do I make it through the day, feel good about how I look, feel good about what I’ve spent, oh, and make sure it’s washable???? I must also confess, I’ve never really found my style. I got married young (18) and it was just never a priority for me or in my family. I so want to look cute (in my eyes, and at least my husband’s) but I don’t know where to start. I guess I would say my style now is jeans and “dressy” t-shirts. I’m pretty laid back, classic, easy. How do I figure it all out, not spend a fortune and not cry when the baby spits up on me? Need help!
I say: First of all, 3 kids in 3 and 1/2 years, WOAH. That is some serious pro-creating you’ve got going on there. Seriously, though, congratulations. I’m sure you’re having a lot of fun, if not a lot of sleep!
As far as finding a personal style, that’s harder for some of us than others. I know that personally, I like a lot of different styles, so I’ve had to learn how to weed out the ones that don’t work for me. Unfortunately there has been a lot of trial and error along the way — emphasis on ERROR. And I’m STILL learning. So my advice, for what it’s worth, is to go for what you like, but also be sure to try things on and look at yourself from all angles and make sure it’s flattering as well.
You definitely don’t want to spend a lot if you’re still losing weight and caring for small children. And I think jeans and T-shirts are just FINE (it is, after all, my preferred daily uniform.) The nice thing about sticking to a few simple wardrobe basics is that you can add interest with accessories for not a lot of investment. Here are a few ideas to consider.
1) If you like T-shirts, choose ones that have some embellishment or a subtle print to them. This way, you don’t feel like you’re wearing the same boring T-shirt every day. At the very least, have a variety of colors that look great on you.
Like, look at this adorable Ruffled V-neck T-shirt for $15 at Old Navy.
Or this floral T at American Eagle.
Oooh, I love this crinkle flower tee from JCrew. Also notice how she adds bracelets to dress up a casual outfit. (See #2.)
These Crocheted Hem Jersey Tees at the Loft have the comfort of a T-shirt, while giving you some extra wiggle room in the waist and tummy area if that’s an area you struggle with.
2) Purchase some inexpensive accessories to dress up the outfit for going out. I realize you don’t want to be all bejeweled and bedazzled around the house, but taking the time to throw on a colorful set of bracelets or a pair of fun, dangly earrings can make a world of difference to a plain old tee and jeans for going to a play date or meeting a friend at the mall.
I get a lot of cute things at Target. I prefer their stretch bracelets. They usually have a great selection of colors, and a stretch bracelet is more comfortable (I think) than a bangle. Of course when I went to their website to find pictures, I couldn’t find a single one that is what I have in mind. Like this, but more colorful.
3) Layer. Instead of just throwing on a single T-shirt, try putting a short-sleeved T over a long-sleeved one. Or wear a contrasting color cami under a V-neck so there is a complementary color at the neck (this also provides a larger-chested woman with some extra coverage) and at the hem.
Even layering two tank-tops adds interest without looking fussy.
Or try a tank top under a short-sleeved cardigan for a different look.
4) Invest in some cute shoes. They don’t have to be pricey unless you have the extra funds and want to invest. Target and Payless have a lot of cute styles. The nice thing about shoes during a weight loss journey is that they won’t get baggy on you when you lose a few pounds. As far as determining your style, I say just go for what you like and what you feel good in. I like these sandals from Payless. I LOVE metallics. They are actually MORE versatile than boring black or brown and they really add some extra oomph to an outfit.
Even a cute flip-flop like this pink plaid one from Target helps liven up a basic T-shirt and a jean shirt or cropped jeans for summer.
Or, if you’re not into flip-flops and want something cute and practical to run around in, I know I’ve linked to these 150 times in the last few months, but I absolutely love my Privos.
5) Get a snazzy handbag. (You HAD to know THAT was coming!) This morning I threw on a brown V-neck tee and my typical cropped jeans. As I grabbed the T-shirt, it occurred to me that brown and denim is possibly THE most boring color combination in the history of the world, but then I threw on my green Privos and a pair of large silver hoop earrings and picked up a colorful handbag that pulled everything together, and when I walked out the door, I felt like I looked cute and pulled together. And that, quite possibly, could be the most ridiculous run-on sentence I have ever strung together. My high school English teacher is now rolling over in her grave.
But seriously, a handbag in a bright color or a fun pattern can add a lot of oomph to an outfit. Try to choose something that will go with the colors you normally wear. Green goes with most everything, as does yellow.
For example, how cute is this bag from Kohls for $20?
6) Make the effort to take a shower every day and put on some makeup. This is DEFINITELY a case of “do as I say and not as I do,” as those who see me on a daily basis can attest, but even if it’s just lip gloss and mascara, I find that taking the time to do my face goes a long way towards making me feel better about myself and about how I appear to my husband when he gets home from work. And also, when losing baby weight, I always figured if I spent enough time on my hair and makeup and threw on some cute earrings, maybe no one would look any lower than my neck. 
What do YOU say: I know you, dear readers, will have some fabulous suggestions for Becky. Give it your best shot!
Love it! I’m not quite here yet….five days postpartum means maternity clothes for a bit longer for me
But I agree with adding simple, affordable pieces as your weight loss progresses. Then splurging once you reach your goal.
Good advice! Have I mentioned that I LURVE my new Coach handbag I bought last week? I never thought I’d go for anything with white leather but with the blue fabric it works for summer and it happens to match several of my favorite sandals and flip flops.
I absolutely agree! Wonderful advice! I also love scarves to dress up a plain tee! You can get great scarves for cheap right now and you will never grow out of them! Try OldNavy.com or Target for some good deals there. Also, I love ShadeClothing.com’s tees – really reasonable and stretchy. You won’t break the bank there.
Great tips & great picks! I’ve never even looked at Target jewelry before,but I lurve me some stretchy bracelets! I’ll have to check them out.
I love finding t-shirts that are a bit more. The ruffled one from Old Navy I have and love it. It fits great.
Just bought those silver sandals from Payless on Sunday. Have the perfect outfit to wear them with on Saturday night! Also, found some cute white sandals that look a lot like Tory Burch (for hundreds less!!). Great tips!
http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=18513&N=1200257&categoryId=211&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_211&loc=LN&defaultColorNameFromCategory=Pomegranate&defaultSizeTypeFromCategory=Misses
I bought this dress at Loft last week – got it on sale for $25. It is super comfy and I have already worn it more than one day chasing my toddler around. It may even make an appearance at this weekend’s picnic
Also, TJ Maxx has some cute, cheap tees with fun bold floral prints on them that would be cute with denim capris or a khaki skirt.
Love your ideas! Sometimes I think we just need to hear that the things we are doing on a whim, should be more deliberate??? Like when an outfit really comes together…take note of why and whether you can repeat it with other choices.
Hope that made sense….Lovelovelove the green bag!!!
Susan
I have been where your reader is! Your tips are great Jo-Lynne. I would only add that she should try a few things outside of her comfort zone, because she might be surprised. Buy washable clothes, and just try not to worry about the inevitable messes that come with kids. Reward yourself for the hard work you are doing to lose weight. Of course you don’t want to spend a ton of money on clothes that you will (hopefully) be too small to wear in a few months, but that doesn’t mean you should continue to wear things that are too big either. Looking good and feeling good about yourself will go a long way towards motivating you to keep going in the right direction. And cute shoes are essential. A just okay outfit can go to fabulous with the right pair of shoes. Good luck!
Nicole, you are so right. I bought transitional clothes because I wanted to feel good at every stage. I just tried not to buy a ton of things or pay too much.
Also, light colors don’t show spit up as badly.
I would try the thrift stores, too. You have to be choosy and make sure they are long enough (you’ll find lots of “shrunken in the wash” things.) I have found many many jeans and tops for $3-7 each.
These are all excellent tips. I love the idea of dressing up basic t-shirts with cute bracelets or fun earrings. This summer I’m trying my skirt experiment again as a sort of Level 2 casual.
You are so right about getting ready for the day putting a spring in your step, yet I don’t always follow that rule. Blech.
I have those plaid flip flops from Target and LOVE them. They go with half my summer t-shirts and I get compliments every time I wear them! Great suggestions.
I wonder if something with a wrap or belt at the waist might be good. Then as you lose weight, you can tighten the wrap and then not have to buy all new clothes as often.
But I also agree that if you focus on doing your hair a bit and wearing a bit of makeup it does make a difference!
GREAT advice!
The only thing I can think to add is that if you’re into flip-flops, I just bought the cutest pair from LL Bean. They were pricey ($20) for flip-flops, but they are so incredibly comfy, I know I’m going to live in them this summer.
I may have to go buy some bracelets now. And that JCrew t? LOVE IT.
Wow! I am so grateful for all the advice! I can’t wait to get that ruffle t and those metallic flip flops from payless are too cute. Oh, and I love privos . . . I need a spring/summer pair!
Thanks for the help, and keep it coming!
I have a comment on the J Crew t-shirts – I have a problem with the “tissue t’s”. They are cute and super soft but for some reason, they snag (for me) very easily. I’m always picking up and putting down a toddler and all of his various assorted messes (plus running around with the seven and ten year old and a dog) so I would not opt for that. I have had to return shirts back to J Crew because they get snagged so easily and develop holes in them.
I LOVE them, but they’re just not practical for me, and they’re really more of a “splurge with birthday money” type place for me also. Apparently I’m not “careful” enough with my clothes or they’re not meant for people with children. I would go with one of their thicker tshirts, not the tissue t’s!
Sari, that’s helpful. I haven’t bought any tissue tees because they are so thin, they are see-through, and that annoys me.