Just say no to mom jeans

Today's another fun day for A Month 4 Moms! We're talking about fashion folks!! Just like with the 5 Minute Face post, I totally think that motherhood doesn't have to equal wearing t-shirts and yoga pants everywhere. Of course, if you asked my husband, he'd probably tell you that's my official uniform these days. Hanging around the house all day often equals pajamas for me and onesies for the boy. I'd love to say that getting fixed up everyday is a must, but honestly it's just not a priority when the only person I'm looking at all day is my reflection in the mirror.

Going out? Church? Running Errands? Totally different story.

Initially, I was going to include a M4M blog about postpartum weight loss... until I realized that I know nothing about losing weight after baby since I'm currently still holding onto, ohhhhh, about a dozen extra pounds. Putting together some new outfits to fit a postpartum body? GOT IT. I've learned a few things about getting this squishy, pudgy body dressed for the day with a baby in tow. Check out my short list of do's and dont's.

1. Don't wear black. Black might be slimming, but invariably, this will happen:

That's dried spit up folks and there's no hiding it on black. 

I can't tell you how many times I've gotten dressed [[wearing black]] and while walking out the door, I  get a little baby barf on one or both shoulders. Never Fails. Light colors and prints equal wipe off and keep going, but with black (Lets just go ahead & lump navy in this category too... dark colors just aren't forgiving when it comes to curdled milk baby spit up), it's a change-your-entire-outfit kinda thing. Save yourself some of that valuable time and just say no to black.

2. Do light layers. This also helps with the unexpected baby contributions. Peel off top layer and voila! You're still good. Having a stockpile of mix and match layers makes it easy to pick and go super fast. Also, layers are key when being discreet while nursing. Totally honest here: I sometimes wear 2 camis underneath a top for extra boob coverage. One cami comes up, one cami comes down, belly's covered, cleavage is covered... you get the picture, right? Layering it up folks!

Top/Cardi: Gap Outlet, Jeans: True Religion, Flats: Gap, Earrings: My Splash of Color

Layers done right will help to camouflage some pudgy parts, but don't get sucked into spending a ton of money buying new clothes. You can get some great deals on those basic "stockpile" kinda pieces. Old Navy and Target have cami's and tanks for a steal. I've signed up for email notifications with Gap and Loft and literally EVERY WEEK they've got stuff on sale. Tonight, I got an email that Loft is having a 60% off sale-- and when their cardigans are a bargain, I'll get a few in different colors, which are perfect for layering up. Finally, when creating a layered look, I like to remember the Stacy & Clinton/What Not To Wear mantra: Color, Texture, Pattern, Shine. In the photo: mint cardi (color- check!), embroidered top (texture- check!), cheetah flats (pattern- check!), sparklicious earrings (shine- check!). Easy enough!

3. Do the skinny jean/full blouse look. This is another postpartum body ensemble score. The flowy top plus the skinny jean equals smaller appearance with the fluffy bits all hidden away. The #2 and #3 looks have become my daily go-to outfits. Add some boots and give yourself 10 extra points

Top: Gap outlet, Jeans: Loft, Boots: Frye

Getting a fantastic pair of jeans will make you feel like a million bucks every time you wear them. I have worn the same three pricey but awesome pairs of jeans for going on five years now, which for me, makes the extra money spent upfront totally worth it. Having a problem fitting back into those pre-baby jeans? *whispers* Use the old hair-tie/button trick. It'll give you an extra inch with a little stretch too. I may or may not know someone who does this.

4. Do a dress. Light. Airy. Feminine... the perfect pick-me-up for those days where being a mom has drained you of all lady-likeness. Plus, dresses can cover a multitude of sins. You really can't go wrong with a great wrap dress. A t-shirt dress plus a belt is simple and cute without looking stuffy or formal.

Dress: Gap Outlet, Belt: Francesca's, Shoes: Gap

There's just nothing easier and more put together looking than throwing on a dress. One piece and you're done! Plus, living on the coast, it's cool and breezy to kick around in a dress and sandals. One drawback to the dress in the picture? It's not very nursing-friendly, but Isaac won't be breastfeeding forever, and I'll have this great dress to wear for years!

5. Do rock some fun accessories

Scarves and fun belts, necklaces, earrings, bracelets... it's all going to give that outfit a little extra polish. Investing in a few multi-use statement pieces will really go a long way and add a little pop to everyday life.  I don't know if you noticed the fabulously sparkl-icious earrings, but they definitely fit the bill... and guess what?! Some lucky reader will win their own pair!!!! High Five sister friend! Adrienne from My Splash of Color is graciously giving away a pair of earrings -- and she sent me a pair too! How's that for customer service!?

One lucky gal will get these awesome earrings!

This is the easiest giveaway ever! A Facebook "like" and you're in like flint (just make sure to use the Rafflecopter widget!). Here's what Adrienne has to say about her business: Where can you find that one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry and add a "Splash of Color" to your wardrobe, all in the comfort of your own home?? That's what My Splash of Color offers. Visit My Splash of Color, "like" the page and visit every other Tuesday for some great deals on great jewelry. Visit throughout each week to get sneak previews of upcoming shows along with chances to win great pieces. Get excited, this is going to be fun!!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway