What am I going to wear today?

11/26/2011

Some days I stand in front of my closet and think, “With all these clothes, why do I feel like I have nothing to wear?”

Moms have a lot to consider when getting dressed for the day. Moms’ bodies go through such major changes in a short time that it feels like a waste of money to buy something that can be worn for only one stage of our new bodies. Consider these challenges I faced:

Pregnancy – How do I wear clothes that fit properly through most of my pregnancy without buying expensive maternity clothes every few months? How do I still look fashionable and also proud of my pregnant body…but remain comfortable?

Post-partum – Just when I thought I was sick of my pregnancy wardrobe, I fell into this awkward post-partum stage. I couldn’t wait to get back into a pair of jeans but I didn’t realize that my hips wouldn’t allow that. I also had to consider comfort but still wanted to look pulled together for visitors.

Breastfeeding – Wow! I wish somebody had told me how to prepare my closet for breastfeeding. I didn’t realize all the things I needed to consider. I learned that dark colors and patterns hide wet spots, deep v-necks are essential for easy access, layering tanks make non-nursing shirts functional (and protect your tummy and back from cold baby hands in the winter), and that button up shirts can look good, even if I had avoided them like the plague before baby.

So, what are my solutions? The main solution is stretchy fabrics. I’m proud to say that I only purchased two items of maternity clothing and still managed to look pulled together most of the time (while in public anyway!). Actually, the two maternity items I did buy were probably the least fashionable of my entire pregnancy wardrobe.

It’s important to have staples such as stretchy jeans/leggings that look like casual-wear rather than gym clothes. This type of pant paired with a colorful top, scarf, and cute flats is comfortable, changes with your body, and you get to be the cute pregnant lady or new mom instead of that pregnant lady or new mom in sweats we all dread becoming. On a more casual day, stylish athletic wear can look great and show off your curves while still functional for whatever stage of mommy-hood you are in right now.

In honor of “Shop Local Saturday” I want to encourage you to look for companies based in your own community to purchase your new wardrobe. While writing this blog, I thought of one store in particular that is a great source of stylish, comfortable clothes that will get you through all of the changes motherhood brings. Key-Lime Athletic Wear in Sherwood Park, AB has its own line of great (and stretchy!) clothing along with samplings from other figure-flattering brands such as C’est Moi, Yoga Jeans, and PrAna Active Wear. Key-Lime carries a wide variety of sizes for every body and they have products that are made right here in Edmonton!

Mommy Connections is celebrating the launch of our new Sherwood Park location by hosting a shopping party at Key-Lime Athletic Wear. Shoppers will receive a group discount; so if you’re in the market for an updated wardrobe, join us on December 1, from 6-9pm. Even if you just come by to look, you can still enter to win door prizes or take home a swag bag.

Here are some other stores that will help you shop local this Saturday: