The Fashionable Mommy — Sally Butan

As a mother of two soon to be three, I know some days the last thing on our minds, as mothers, is fashion. With the daily pressures of motherhood and the constant tug of a needy toddler sometimes it's hard to even think about getting dressed in anything fashionable. So we (myself included) opt for the over sized t-shirt and leggings, because it's easy. However, taking these few steps can help you look and feel your best while crushing this thing called motherhood.

Tip 1: Prepare the Night before

Let's face it. If we're looking for the perfect outfit in the morning while the kids are eating breakfast, it's not going to happen. If you're anything like me, as soon as my children are up they demand one hundred percent of my attention. I'm lucky if I can break away for two minutes to get dressed and put something clean on. In those two minutes the last thing I'm thinking about is fashion.

All that can be solved with a little preparation. After the kids go down for bed schedule at least 10 minutes to put something cute together before you head to bed. You'll find it's much easier to mix and match colors and even set aside matching accessories at night than in the morning. You'll be surprised what a little preparation will do for your fashion. After a few times you'll find that early preparation is actually fun and even therapeutic.

Bonus Tip: If you're finding it hard to stay up late to do this, schedule this step during your kids' nap time. You can even dedicate one day in the week to "Fashion Prep" by putting together and labeling an outfit for each day of the week.

Motherhood and Fashion

Tip 2: Wake up before the Kids

For the most part, toddlers will wake up the same time every morning no matter what time they go to bed. So I recommend waking up at least 30-45 minute before they're up to shower, fix your hair and maybe, just maybe wear a little make up. Again once my children are up it's impossible for me to even think about doing hair and makeup. Since you already chose your clothes the night before, that's one less thing you have to worry about.

Bonus Tip: If you can prepare your hair routine the night before. Maybe put rollers in before you head to bed. If you can wash and condition your hair the night before, that's another step cut out of your morning prep routine.

Motherhood and Fashion

Tip 3: Donate all your Homely Clothes

This may not be a popular tip, but it helped me out big time. If you're having a hard time staying up late or waking up early in the morning to dedicate time to anything fashion-related, eliminating the problem (over-sized t-shirts and leggings) will help. I know this is going to be hard, but set aside a day to go through your whole wardrobe and get rid of anything that's in bad condition, too big, and outdated. Organize your clothes to where every article of clothing is fashionable, fits well, and in mint condition. Doing this will ensure that no matter how much time you have to get ready before you head out the door the clothing you choose will be in style.

Bonus Tip: For every old or outdated article of clothing you get rid of replace it with a new up-to-date item.